Marathon Petroleum Corp vs Yum China Holdings Inc — how do they compare? Marathon Petroleum Corp trades at $400.25 (market cap $111.70B), while Yum China Holdings Inc trades at $42.36 (market cap $14.74B). The key difference: Marathon Petroleum Corp is far larger — about 7.6× Yum China Holdings Inc's market cap, and Yum China Holdings Inc pays the higher dividend (2.68%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MPC | YUMC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $111.70B | $14.74B |
Sector | Energy | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $399.44 | $57.95 |
52-Week Low | $162.63 | $40.18 |
Enterprise Value | $138.23B | $15.65B |
Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.68% |
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.
YUMC trades at $43.34, down 0.6% today, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The company shows steady revenue growth, reaching $11.8B in 2025, with a net income margin of 7.84%. Recent developments include the acquisition of Pizza Hut brand ownership in Mainland China and expansion of Pizza Hut Burger Bars to 300 locations.
The outlook is positive with strong analyst support—14 buy ratings and a projected 25.6% upside. Risks include competitive pressures and market volatility, but solid fundamentals and growth initiatives provide a compelling case for long-term investors.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →With almost 10,600 units and USD 9.5 billion in systemwide sales in 2020, Yum China is the largest restaurant chain in China. It generates revenue through its own restaurants and franchise fees. Key concepts include KFC (7,166 units) and Pizza Hut (2,355), but the company's portfolio also includes other brands such as Little Sheep, East Dawning, Taco Bell, Huang Ji Huang, COFFii & Joy, and Lavazza (collectively representing about 985 units). Yum China is a trademark licensee of Yum Brands, paying 3% of total systemwide sales to the company it separated from in October 2016.
Read more on YUMC →