November 21, 2025 a 08:38 am
MPC: Analysts Ratings - Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) has been experiencing varied sentiment from analysts in recent months. While the company operates effectively in the integrated downstream energy sector, the market's view on its future performance shows notable fluctuations. Understanding the underlying reasons in analyst ratings can potentially offer insights into the company's strategic positioning and future market performance.
Historical Stock Grades
The latest analyst ratings for MPC as of November 1, 2025, reflect a more cautious sentiment towards the stock with some analysts advocating a "Hold" position. The absence of "Sell" or "Strong Sell" recommendations indicates that while there is no significant bearish sentiment, several analysts are exercising caution.
| Rating | Quantity | Score Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Buy | 4 | |
| Buy | 6 | |
| Hold | 10 | |
| Sell | 0 | |
| Strong Sell | 0 |
Sentiment Development
Over recent months, there has been a discernible shift in analyst sentiment towards MPC. The number of "Strong Buy" ratings has decreased slightly while "Hold" ratings have become more prevalent. The total number of ratings has remained relatively stable, suggesting a pause in bullish enthusiasm but not a significant bearish pivot.
- Stability in the number of ratings with no significant new entries into the "Sell" or "Strong Sell" categories.
- A slight reduction in "Strong Buy" ratings over the past months.
- An increase in "Hold" ratings, indicating cautious optimism or uncertainty.
Percentage Trends
The percentage distribution of analyst ratings for MPC reveals a subtle shift away from strong buy recommendations towards more conservative positions over the past year. The data suggest a growing inclination towards maintaining positions and waiting for further market clarity.
- The percentage of "Strong Buy" ratings has steadily decreased from around 35% to approximately 20%.
- "Hold" ratings have increased from about 20% to 50%, indicating a rise in analyst caution.
- No significant increase in "Sell" or "Strong Sell" ratings, maintaining a neutral to positive outlook.
- The trend towards "Hold" ratings may reflect expectations for market stability or strategic reassessment.
Latest Analyst Recommendations
Recent analyst recommendations for MPC show a predominant trend of maintaining existing views, with no significant upgrades or downgrades. This steady sentiment aligns with the observed hold pattern in overall ratings.
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-17 | Overweight | Overweight | Barclays |
| 2025-11-14 | Neutral | Neutral | Piper Sandler |
| 2025-11-05 | Overweight | Overweight | Wells Fargo |
| 2025-10-17 | Outperform | Outperform | Raymond James |
| 2025-10-13 | Overweight | Overweight | Barclays |
Analyst Recommendations with Change of Opinion
Data on changes in opinion among analysts reveal a mixed bag, with both downgrades and upgrades occurring in the past. This indicates a fluctuating sentiment as analysts reassess their projections amidst evolving market conditions.
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-15 | Outperform | Strong Buy | Raymond James |
| 2025-07-14 | Peer Perform | Outperform | Wolfe Research |
| 2023-12-14 | Overweight | Equal Weight | Wells Fargo |
| 2023-08-16 | Neutral | Buy | Mizuho |
| 2023-08-15 | Neutral | Buy | Mizuho |
Interpretation
The fluctuating analyst sentiment towards Marathon Petroleum Corporation suggests a mixed outlook. The increase in "Hold" ratings and the absence of significant upgrades or downgrades may indicate a prevailing sense of caution amid uncertain market conditions. However, with no significant "Sell" recommendations, there remains some level of confidence in the company's fundamentals. These insights can help in assessing the company's strategic responses and market adaptability.
Conclusion
Overall, Marathon Petroleum Corporation is experiencing a phase of strategic assessment by analysts, who appear to be cautiously optimistic yet wary of potential market fluctuations. The significant proportion of "Hold" ratings suggests analysts are adopting a wait-and-see approach, while the lack of strong sell signals indicates confidence in the company's stability. Investors should watch for potential shifts in global energy trends, which could impact the stock's trajectory. As MPC's strategic initiatives unfold, these ratings will be critical in understanding market positioning and future growth potential.