Marathon Oil Corporation

NYSE: MRO

Updated Mar 30, 2026

Profile compiled and reviewed by the Houston Oil Companies Data Team from public filings and company sources.

Upstream · Independent E&P

Marathon Oil Corporation

MRO

Marathon Oil is a Houston-based independent exploration and production company with operations in key US shale basins.

Founded: 2011 (heritage from 1887)
Employees: 1,800+
Revenue: $6.6 billion (2023)
HQ: Houston, TX

Eagle Ford ShaleBakken ShalePermian BasinUnconventional Resources

Marathon Oil Corporation is an independent exploration and production company headquartered in Houston. The company focuses on US resource plays, with operations in the Eagle Ford (Texas), the Bakken (North Dakota), the STACK/SCOOP (Oklahoma), and the Permian Basin. Marathon Oil was acquired by ConocoPhillips in 2024.

Headquarters

Houston, TX

Founded

2011 (heritage from 1887)

Employees

1,800+

Revenue

$6.6 billion (2023)

CEO

Acquired by ConocoPhillips (2024)

Website

marathonoil.com

History of Marathon Oil Corporation

Marathon Oil's history dates back to 1887 when it was founded as The Ohio Oil Company. It became part of the Standard Oil Trust and later operated independently. In 2011, Marathon Oil separated from Marathon Petroleum Corporation, becoming a pure-play E&P company. In 2024, ConocoPhillips announced the acquisition of Marathon Oil.

Operations & Business Segments

Marathon Oil's operations are concentrated in four key US resource plays: the Eagle Ford in South Texas, the Bakken in North Dakota, the STACK/SCOOP in Oklahoma, and the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico. The company also held international assets in Equatorial Guinea.

Headquarters Location

Houston, TX

Key Specialties & Capabilities

Eagle Ford ShaleBakken ShalePermian BasinUnconventional ResourcesSTACK/SCOOPUS Onshore

Frequently Asked Questions About Marathon Oil Corporation

Is Marathon Oil the same as Marathon Petroleum?▾

No. Marathon Oil and Marathon Petroleum were separated in 2011. Marathon Oil focuses on exploration and production, while Marathon Petroleum handles refining and fuel marketing. Both were headquartered in different cities.

Did ConocoPhillips acquire Marathon Oil?▾

Yes. ConocoPhillips announced the acquisition of Marathon Oil in 2024, adding Marathon's significant Eagle Ford, Bakken, and Permian Basin assets to its portfolio.

Where does Marathon Oil operate?▾

Marathon Oil operates primarily in four US shale basins: Eagle Ford (Texas), Bakken (North Dakota), STACK/SCOOP (Oklahoma), and the Permian Basin (Texas/New Mexico).

What does Marathon Oil Corporation do in Houston?▾

Marathon Oil Corporation is a upstream company based in Houston, TX. Marathon Oil is a Houston-based independent exploration and production company with operations in key US shale basins.

Where is Marathon Oil Corporation headquartered?▾

Marathon Oil Corporation is headquartered in Houston, TX, founded in 2011 (heritage from 1887). The company operates in Houston's energy corridor as part of the upstream sector.