Marathon Petroleum

While much of the energy sector struggled with faltering oil prices, the U.S.’s largest independent refiner eked out gains by processing crude into industrial products.That pushed up revenue 28.4% in 2019 even as net income remained flat. Still, the Ohio-based business had a tumultuous year. It purchased Andeavor, a move that expanded its reach as a refiner, but failed to live up to Marathon's expectations. Activist investors, meanwhile, renewed demands for a management shakeup. They also pushed for a review of the company's pipeline and storage operations, as well as the planned spin-off of its retail Speedway business. Amid the turmoil, the company’s long-time CEO plans to retire this year.