We recently published a list of 14 Most Expensive Stocks Insiders Are Buying In March. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC) stands against other most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March.
President Donald Trump is preparing to announce “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2, introducing so-called reciprocal tariffs as retaliation for tariffs imposed by other countries. While the announcement would represent a significant expansion of U.S. tariffs, experts familiar with the matter indicate it is expected to be more targeted than the broad, global approach, writes Bloomberg.
The stock market is reacting to these reports with the broader market gaining 1.5%, blue-chip companies advancing around 1.2% and the NASDAQ Composite being up more than 2%.
As investors digest daily developments, uncertainty continues to weigh on the market. During such times, insider trading often draws attention, as executive stock purchases may signal confidence in a company’s future. However, insider selling doesn’t always indicate doubt—it could reflect personal financial needs or diversification strategies. Executives often use pre-set plans like 10b5-1 to ensure transparency. While insider trading offers valuable clues, it should be considered alongside financial health, market trends, and industry shifts.
A fast-paced trading floor with brokers in motion with the Hong Kong stock exchange in the backdrop.
Which stocks are insiders buying at the highest prices this month? To find out, we used Insider Monkey’s insider trading stock screener, focusing only on stocks where at least two insiders had purchased shares in March. From there, we ranked the 14 stocks with the highest average price per share.
Our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds, focusing on insider trading and stock picks from hedge fund investor newsletters and conferences. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
With each stock, we note the average price per share of these purchases and the stock’s market capitalization.
An oil pipeline stretching for miles, signifying the transportation of fuels for the market.
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC)
Market Capitalization: $46.44 billion
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC) is a major American company in petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation. The Findlay, Ohio-based company operates through three segments: Refining & Marketing, Midstream, and Renewable Diesel, providing fuels, asphalt, petrochemicals, and renewable diesel across the United States and internationally. Founded in 1887, Marathon Petroleum became an independent company in 2011 after spinning off from Marathon Oil.
For the full year 2024, Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC) reported net income for 2024 was $3.4 billion ($10.08 per diluted share), down from $9.7 billion ($23.63 per share) in 2023. Adjusted net income was $3.3 billion ($9.51 per share), compared to $9.7 billion ($23.63 per share) in 2023.
“In 2024, we generated net cash from operations of $8.7 billion, which enabled peer-leading capital return to shareholders of $10.2 billion,” stated president and chief executive officer Maryann Mannen. “Our strong cash flow generation was driven by our commitments to peer-leading operational excellence, commercial performance, and profitability per barrel in each of the regions in which we operate. Execution of our Midstream strategy delivered segment adjusted EBITDA growth of 6%. We expect distributions from MPLX in 2025 will cover MPC’s dividends and standalone capital outlook, further supporting our commitment to peer-leading capital return.”
In March, two insiders, including the company’s CCO, bought a total of $403,140 worth of Marathon Petroleum shares at an average price of $134.21 per share. The stock now trades at $149.96 per share, up 7.50% since the beginning of the year. Over the past 12 months, Marathon Petroleum shares have declined 24.96%.
According to 13 analysts, Marathon Petroleum (NYSE:MPC) is rated a “Moderate Buy” with a price target of $170.92 per share, writes TipRank. The average price target indicates a 13.98% upside from the last price.
Marathon Petroleum (NYSE:MPC) is also one of the billionaire’s 15 favorite oil and gas stocks right now.
Overall, MPC ranks 4th on our list of the most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March. While we acknowledge the potential of MPC our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MPC but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
