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 August 14, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnMPC vs SHEL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MPC +1036.6% (+27.5%/yr)SHEL +187.3% (+11.1%/yr)MPC compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,137$287
MPC SHEL

MPC vs SHEL: by the numbers

  • SHEL is the larger company ($252.24B vs $103.76B market cap).
  • SHEL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (9.92 vs 12.27 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 (4.16% vs 1.10%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMPCSHEL
P/E ratio12.279.92
Forward P/E7.778.32
P/S ratio0.670.85
P/B ratio5.441.40
EV / EBITDA8.374.98
FCF yield12.44%12.45%

Profitability

MetricMPCSHEL
Gross margin11.62%17.12%
Operating margin7.95%12.28%
Net margin5.56%8.76%
ROE44.84%14.37%
ROIC7.03%5.65%

Dividends

MetricMPCSHEL
Dividend yield1.10%4.16%
Payout ratio29.46%61.69%

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)46.68%21.76%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MPC or SHEL?
SHEL has the lower trailing P/E: MPC trades at 12.27 and SHEL at 9.92. 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 1.10% and SHEL yields 4.16% 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 27.77% and SHEL delivered 11.15% 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 August 14, 2026.