MPC Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

MPC - MARATHON PETROLEUM CORPORATION

PETROLEUM REFINING
$362.88
4.65 (1.30%) ▲
5d: +2.1%
30d: +16.21%
90d: +46.07%
WAIT
LOW Confidence
Protect Your MPC Gains
Analysis Updated: Aug 20, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Aug 04, 2026 0d
Smart Money Distribution

Options positioning is turning defensive after a sharp run-up - a pattern consistent with institutional profit-taking. View Scanner →

Signal fired Aug 6, 2026 at $312.56 · last confirmed Aug 19, 2026

Strength: 6.9/10

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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)

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💡
Bottom Line:
📊 MIXED SIGNALS: MPC shows conflicting indicators. Wait for confirmation before entering.
See Forward Earnings Fair Value & Price Prediction →

Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)

Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation

0% (Stagnation) 50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$158.34
Based on -15.9% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$98.32
Trading above historical range

How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 12.6x Exit PE.

In-depth Analysis How we analyze

Valuation Analysis: MPC is currently trading at $362.88, which is considered extended relative to its 30-day fair value range of $299.46 to $343.50. From a valuation perspective, the stock is trading at a discount (Forward PE: 11.1) compared to its historical average (12.6). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 4.1% over the next few years. This pessimistic expectation contrasts with the company's recent 348.0% earnings growth, suggesting potential undervaluation if the company simply maintains stability.

Technical Outlook: Technically, MPC is in a strong uptrend. The price is approaching resistance at $367.60. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation.

Market Sentiment: MPC scores 0/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge. Note this measures entry quality, not trend direction — a low score can mean the chart is extended after a strong run (don't chase) or still falling without stabilization; better entries typically come after a pullback toward the 20-day average. However, the stock is trading significantly above the average Wall Street target of $320.22. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.

Quick Decision Summary

Current Position EXTENDED
Historical Trading Range $299.46 - $343.50
Company Quality Score 38/100 (SELL)
Volume Confirmation HIGH
Confidence Score 14.3%

Protect Your Profits

MPC is technically overbought (RSI 71). Consider hedging now to protect against a potential pullback while keeping your upside.

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All Signals

  • BEARISH: Price extended above range (+5.6% above its trading range)
  • BEARISH: Weak technical setup (0/100)
  • BULLISH: High volume confirmation
  • BEARISH: Trading 10.6% above Wall St target ($320.22)
  • WARNING: Composite score 38/100 in the bottom quintile — this cohort historically lags the market

Trading Range Analysis

30-Day Trading Range $299.46 - $343.50
Current vs Trading Range EXTENDED

Support & Resistance Levels

Support Level $290.36
Resistance Level $367.60
Current Trend Strong Uptrend
Technical data as of Aug 20, 2026

Fundamental Context

Forward P/E (Next Year Est.) 11.12
Wall Street Target $320.22 (-10.6%)
Revenue Growth (YoY) 53.7%
Earnings Growth (YoY) 348.0%
Profit Margin 5.5%
Valuation Discount vs History -4.1% cheaper
PE vs Historical 11.1 vs 12.6 CHEAP
Market-Implied Price Targets If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY): -4.1% (market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target $343.54 (-4%)
2-Year Target $329.46 (-8%)
3-Year Target $315.95 (-12%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes) (PE: 11→13) $357.85 (0%)
3-Year Scenarios Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull: (PE: 20.1, Growth: -35.9%) $471.15 (+32%)
Base: (SPY PE: 11.1, Growth: -35.9%) $261.15 (-27%)
Bear: (PE: 9.5, Growth: -35.9%) $221.98 (-38%)
📈 Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (13x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (11x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 12.69 | Current EPS (TTM): $28.43
Bull Case $449.47 (+26%)
Analyst growth 13.3%, PE expands to 14.0
Base Case $408.61 (+14%)
Market implied 13.3%, PE stable at 12.7
Bear Case $245.31 (-32%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 10.8
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
💡 Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 11.1 to 12.6
Stabilization Target: $405.74 (+13.3%)
PE Expansion Potential: +13.3%
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Last updated: August 21, 2026 11:14 AM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 12:14 PM
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Ticker Score Recommendation Change %
Insider Activity (6 Months)
0
Buys
5
Sells
Net
INSIDERS SELLING
Recent Transactions
Ricky D Hessling SELL 1626 shares 2026-03-13
Ricky D Hessling SELL 1037 shares 2026-03-12
Ricky D Hessling SELL 1810 shares 2026-03-11

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Advanced MPC Option Strategies

Professional options setups generated by AI based on today's MPC price and gamma walls.

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