Compare Marathon Petroleum Corp (MPC) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Marathon Petroleum Corp vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Marathon Petroleum Corp trades at $400 (market cap $111.70B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $114.78 (market cap $43.33B). The key difference: Marathon Petroleum Corp is far larger — about 2.6× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.91%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MPC | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $111.70B | $43.33B |
Sector | Energy | Industrials |
52-Week High | $399.44 | $135.46 |
52-Week Low | $162.63 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $138.23B | $46.81B |
Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.91% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Marathon Petroleum (MPC) trades at $397.77, up 2.28% today and near its 52-week high, with a bullish technical outlook from moving averages and strong momentum. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with Q2 2026 EPS of $17.73 surpassing the $14.27 forecast. Valuation ratios appear attractive with a P/E of 13.79 and P/S of 0.77, while profitability metrics like a 47.9% ROE highlight efficient capital use. Recent news emphasizes refinery investments and benefits from geopolitical energy risks.
The outlook for MPC is positive, driven by robust earnings performance, favorable refining margins, and strong analyst support with 26 buy ratings. Key opportunities include high-return projects and cash flow growth, with 2026 net income projected at $8.6B. Risks involve exposure to oil price volatility, cyclical demand, and rising debt-to-asset ratios, which increased to 42.59% in 2025. Investors should weigh solid fundamentals against sector-specific headwinds.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $116.93, down 3.93% over the past day, near the consensus price target of $118.17. The stock shows strong profitability with a 27.03% net income margin and 44.77% ROE, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 24.89 and P/S of 6.73 are elevated. Recent quarters have consistently beaten EPS estimates, and the company is advancing its AI-driven WISE platform to enhance payroll efficiency. Technical indicators are mixed, with a bearish moving average signal but an oversold RSI suggesting potential near-term support.
The outlook for PAYX is cautiously optimistic, supported by steady earnings beats and strategic AI integration, but high valuation and mixed analyst sentiment pose risks. Investment opportunity lies in continued execution on margin expansion and market share gains in HR solutions, while key risks include competitive pressures and economic sensitivity affecting small business clients.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Marathon Petroleum Corp
Marathon Petroleum is an independent refiner with 13 refineries in the midcontinent, West Coast, and Gulf Coast of the United States with total throughput capacity of 2.9 million barrels per day. Its Dickinson, ND, facility produces 184 million gallons a year of renewable diesel. Its Martinez, CA, facility will have the ability to produce 730 million gallons a year of renewable diesel once converted. The firm also owns and operates midstream assets primarily through its listed MLP, MPLX.
Read more on MPC →About Paychex, Inc.
Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →
