FINDLAY, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) announced today that its annual meeting of shareholders will take place April 29, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET in a virtual-only format via live webcast. Shareholders of record as of March 3, 2026, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. The company's proxy statement will include additional information regarding how shareholders may access and participate in the virtual annual meeting. About Marathon Petroleum Cor ...

Core Viewpoint - The United Steelworkers union has rejected a comprehensive contract offer from Marathon Petroleum during negotiations for a national pattern agreement affecting U.S. refinery and chemical plant workers [1] Group 1 - The rejection of the contract offer indicates ongoing labor negotiations and potential unrest within the industry [1] - The union's decision may impact future negotiations and labor relations in the refinery and chemical sectors [1]

Core Viewpoint - Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is expected to report fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on February 3, 2026, with a consensus estimate of $2.71 per share and revenues of $29.6 billion [1][10]. Group 1: Recent Performance - In the third quarter, MPC's adjusted earnings were $3.01 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.11 due to a $56 million charge from performance-based stock compensation [2]. - Revenues for the third quarter were $35.8 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $30.8 billion and reflecting a 1.3% year-over-year increase [2]. Group 2: Earnings Surprise History - MPC has beaten the consensus estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 316.3% [3]. Group 3: Estimate Revisions - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fourth-quarter earnings has been revised downward by 31% in the past 60 days, indicating a projected 252% year-over-year increase, while the revenue estimate suggests an 11.5% decrease from the previous year [4]. Group 4: Business Segments - MPC operates primarily through two segments: Refining & Marketing, which refines crude oil and distributes refined products, and Midstream, which transports and markets crude oil and refined products [5]. Group 5: Factors Affecting Q4 Performance - Weaker margin capture, which fell to 96% in Q3 due to various market pressures, may negatively impact earnings in the upcoming quarter [6]. - Higher costs and lower utilization guidance, with expected utilization dropping to about 90% and turnaround expenses projected at $420 million, are likely to compress margins and cash flow [7]. - The renewable diesel segment continues to face challenges, including softer margins and ongoing start-up losses [8].

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates Marathon Petroleum (MPC) will report a year-over-year increase in earnings despite lower revenues for the quarter ending December 2025, with actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The consensus EPS estimate for Marathon Petroleum is $2.75 per share, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase of +257.1%. However, revenues are projected to decline by 11.5% to $29.61 billion compared to the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 56.59%, indicating a bearish sentiment among analysts regarding the company's earnings prospects [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Most Accurate Estimate for Marathon Petroleum is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -2.05%. The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5, making it challenging to predict an earnings beat [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Marathon Petroleum was expected to post earnings of $3.11 per share but delivered $3.01, resulting in a surprise of -3.22%. Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [13][14]. Industry Comparison - In the same industry, Valero Energy (VLO) is expected to report earnings of $3.12 per share for the quarter ending December 2025, with a year-over-year change of +387.5%. Valero's revenues are projected to decline by 7.8% to $28.35 billion, but it has an Earnings ESP of +0.30% and a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a higher likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [18][19][20].

Core Viewpoint - The United Steelworkers union and Marathon Petroleum have initiated negotiations for a new multi-year contract for U.S. refinery and chemical plant workers, with the current contract set to expire in one week [1] Group 1 - The negotiations began on Friday, indicating a timely response to the impending contract expiration [1] - The focus of the negotiations is on U.S. refinery and chemical plant workers, highlighting the importance of labor relations in the energy sector [1]

Group 1 - Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC) is considered one of the best large-cap value stocks to buy in 2026 [1] - Scotiabank analyst Paul Cheng lowered the price target for Marathon Petroleum to $174 from $189 while maintaining an Outperform rating, indicating a shift in focus to 2026 guidance and cost-saving measures [1] - Citi also lowered its price target for Marathon Petroleum to $182 from $185, maintaining a Neutral rating, as part of a Q4 2025 preview [2] Group 2 - Mizuho increased its price target for Marathon Petroleum to $205 from $198 with a Neutral rating, anticipating strong Q4 results but expressing caution regarding high market consensus estimates for 2026 [3] - Marathon Petroleum operates as an integrated downstream energy company in the US, with three segments: Refining & Marketing, Midstream, and Renewable Diesel [4]

Core Insights - Marathon Petroleum's stock has achieved a 20% return over the past year, indicating strong performance relative to the market [2] - The company exhibits strong operating and free cash flow margins, alongside impressive revenue resilience, despite a projected decrease in U.S. refining capacity [2] - MPC's operating margin stands at 3.6%, the highest among its peers, showcasing operational efficiency [2] - Although MPC's last twelve months (LTM) revenue growth is -6.1%, it remains better than that of its competitors, reflecting relative resilience [2] - The stock's 20.3% increase and a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 18.5 are lower than those of its peers, suggesting potential valuation gaps or lower investor confidence [2] Revenue Growth Comparison - MPC's revenue growth is currently negative at -6.1%, yet it outperforms its peers in a challenging market environment [2][3] Operating Margin Comparison - The company's operating margin of 3.6% is the highest in its sector, indicating superior operational efficiency compared to competitors [2][3] PE Ratio Comparison - MPC's PE ratio of 18.5 is lower than that of its peers, which may indicate a valuation gap or reduced investor confidence in the stock [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses President Trump's encouragement for U.S. oil companies to invest in Venezuela, promising them "full security guarantees" while emphasizing direct dealings with the U.S. government rather than the Venezuelan authorities [1][4][7]. Group 1: Trump's Meeting with Oil Executives - Trump met with executives from 17 major oil companies, including Chevron and ExxonMobil, urging them to invest in Venezuela's oil sector [2][4]. - He assured the executives that they would receive comprehensive security guarantees for their investments, which would be achieved through cooperation with Venezuelan leadership and its people, rather than military intervention [4][6]. Group 2: Investment Projections and Security - Trump stated that U.S. oil companies could invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela, using their own funds rather than government money, but requiring government protection [4][10]. - He mentioned that the U.S. would refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil as part of the new arrangements [7][9]. Group 3: Oil Executives' Responses - Despite Trump's assurances, oil executives expressed caution regarding investments in Venezuela, with ExxonMobil's CEO highlighting the lack of current investment value due to the country's legal and business framework [10][11]. - Analysts noted that Venezuela's significant oil reserves do not equate to quick and profitable production due to outdated infrastructure, ongoing political instability, and high extraction costs [10][11].

Core Insights - President Trump is encouraging U.S. energy companies to participate in rebuilding Venezuela's energy infrastructure, emphasizing the potential for increased oil production and wealth generation [1][3] - Trump highlighted the significant oil reserves in both Venezuela and the U.S., claiming they together account for 55% of the world's oil [3] - Major companies, including Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Exxon Mobil, are showing interest in the Venezuelan market, with Exxon planning to send a technical team to assess the situation [2][4] Industry Participation - The meeting included major industry players such as Marathon Petroleum and Valero Energy, which are well-equipped to process Venezuela's heavy crude [5] - Trump assured executives that U.S. security guarantees would be provided for their operations in Venezuela, although details were not specified [3] Economic Implications - Trump stated that U.S. involvement in Venezuela could lead to lower oil prices for Americans and help combat drug trafficking [6] - The energy sector is poised for potential growth, with companies eager to capitalize on the opportunity to invest in Venezuela's oil production [3][4]

Group 1 - The U.S. government under President Trump is set to adjust policies to allow American oil companies to operate in Venezuela [1][2] - Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that investments in Venezuelan oil will primarily be funded by corporate capital, with no requests for government financial support from oil companies at this time [2] - A meeting at the White House will include President Trump and over a dozen oil industry executives to discuss investment opportunities in Venezuela's oil infrastructure [2] Group 2 - The meeting will feature key officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum [2] - This discussion follows Trump's announcement of a "historic energy agreement" with Venezuela, focusing on the potential for U.S. oil companies to invest [2] - Companies represented at the White House include Chevron, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Valero Energy, Marathon Oil, and Shell [2]