Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) vs Shell plc (SHEL)

A side-by-side comparison of Marathon Petroleum Corporation and Shell plc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — MPC vs SHEL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MPC +1121.9% (+28.4%/yr)SHEL +209.8% (+12.0%/yr)MPC compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,222$310
MPC SHEL

MPC vs SHEL: by the numbers

  • •SHEL is the larger company ($268.97B vs $113.69B market cap).
  • •SHEL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.65 vs 13.41 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •SHEL converts more revenue to profit (8.76% vs 5.56% net margin).
  • •MPC grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.91% vs 7.75% CAGR).
  • •SHEL pays the higher dividend yield (3.12% vs 1.01%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMPCSHEL
P/E ratio13.4110.65
Forward P/E7.388.56
P/S ratio0.740.91
P/B ratio5.961.49
EV / EBITDA9.015.24
FCF yield11.35%11.73%

Profitability

MetricMPCSHEL
Gross margin11.62%17.12%
Operating margin7.95%12.28%
Net margin5.56%8.76%
ROE44.84%14.37%
ROIC14.33%7.87%

Dividends

MetricMPCSHEL
Dividend yield1.01%3.12%
Payout ratio13.77%33.36%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMPCSHEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.91%7.75%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.12%7.44%
FCF CAGR (5Y)35.87%8.90%
Total return CAGR (5Y)50.73%24.37%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MPC or SHEL?
SHEL has the lower trailing P/E: MPC trades at 13.41 and SHEL at 10.65. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, MPC or SHEL?
Over the past five years, MPC grew revenue faster — MPC at a 11.91% CAGR versus SHEL at 7.75%.
Does MPC or SHEL pay a bigger dividend?
MPC yields 1.01% and SHEL yields 3.12% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MPC or SHEL more profitable?
SHEL runs the higher net margin — MPC at 5.56% versus SHEL at 8.76%.
How have MPC and SHEL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MPC delivered 28.88% and SHEL delivered 12.12% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.