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DKL vs MPLX
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Delek Logistics Partners (DKL) vs. MPLX LP (MPLX) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both DKL and MPLX are midstream energy master limited partnerships (MLPs), a structure that prioritizes cash distributions to unitholders.
- MPLX is a diversified large-cap operator with roughly $60 billion in market value, while DKL is a smaller, Permian-focused partnership valued near $3.3 billion.
- Both raised distributions recently, but MPLX delivered a 12.5% increase with a 1.3x coverage ratio, whereas DKL carries higher leverage and more concentrated basin exposure.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: MPLX is the favored ticker in this comparison, reflecting its scale, diversification, steadier trend, and stronger balance-sheet positioning relative to DKL.
- For deeper context on each name, explore DKL Major News, DKL Today's Price Move, MPLX Major News, and MPLX Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI-driven strategies are trading this market, browse the curated Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Income-oriented investors and energy-sector traders often weigh midstream MLPs against one another when seeking steady cash distributions paired with long-term infrastructure exposure. Comparing DKL and MPLX is instructive because the two partnerships occupy different ends of the midstream spectrum: one is a smaller, basin-concentrated operator with a high yield, while the other is a diversified large-cap with a broad asset footprint. This stock comparison examines recent performance, growth drivers, balance-sheet quality, and market positioning to help investors assess relative performance and risk. Both names appeal to those seeking income, but their risk profiles and catalysts differ meaningfully, making the contrast valuable for anyone building or rebalancing an energy allocation.
DKL Overview and Recent Performance
DKL, or Delek Logistics Partners, LP, is a midstream MLP headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee. It provides gathering, processing, transportation, storage, and water-services infrastructure concentrated primarily in the Permian and Delaware basins, with its general partner and a majority of its units owned by Delek US Holdings, which is also a significant customer. This relationship supports fee-based volumes but also ties DKL closely to its sponsor's refining operations.
In recent weeks, the partnership has shown notable price momentum, with its year-to-date return rising into the upper-20% range and its unit price climbing toward the upper portion of its 52-week range. Recent market activity has been shaped by a quarterly distribution increase, analyst price-target raises, and the commissioning of growth projects such as the Libby 2 gas processing plant in the Delaware Basin. However, the same period brought a follow-on equity offering priced below the prevailing unit price, which introduced dilution concerns, and several analysts continue to flag elevated leverage and concentrated Permian exposure as key risks. The stock's roughly 8% distribution yield reflects both its income appeal and the market's caution around those risks.
MPLX Overview and Recent Performance
MPLX (MPLX LP) is a diversified, large-cap MLP based in Findlay, Ohio, sponsored by Marathon Petroleum. Its operations span crude oil and refined-product logistics, an inland marine business, terminals, storage, and a growing natural gas and NGL (natural gas liquids) processing and fractionation platform across the Permian and Marcellus basins. This diversification reduces reliance on any single commodity or region.
Recent market activity has been constructive for MPLX, with a double-digit year-to-date gain and continued momentum into the fall. The partnership raised its quarterly distribution by 12.5%, reflecting a stated target of 12.5% annual distribution growth through 2027, while maintaining a coverage ratio of about 1.3x distributable cash flow. Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) has held near $1.8 billion per quarter, supported by project completions and volume growth in natural gas and NGL services. The balance sheet remains comparatively strong, with leverage around 3.7x, well within management's stated comfort range. A slate of new pipeline and processing projects is expected to support cash-flow growth into the back half of the year.
Trending AI Robots
For traders who prefer a data-driven approach to these comparisons, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page offers a curated view of the platform's most relevant automated strategies. Tickeron hosts hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and target universe. Rather than listing every available bot, the page highlights only those best suited to current market conditions, helping users identify strategies that align with prevailing trends and volatility. Whether you are focused on energy MLPs like DKL and MPLX or a broader basket of securities, exploring the Trending AI Robots can provide a useful, systematic complement to manual research.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two partnerships is scale and diversification. MPLX operates a broad, multi-basin network with roughly twenty times the market capitalization of DKL, which is heavily concentrated in the Permian and tied to a single sponsor's refining system. On income, DKL offers a modestly higher yield, but that premium reflects its higher leverage and narrower asset base. MPLX compensates with faster distribution growth, a stronger coverage ratio, and a lower leverage profile.
Growth drivers also diverge. MPLX is funding a deep pipeline of gas processing, NGL, and export projects, while DKL leans on acquisitions, equity issuance, and a smaller set of basin-level expansions. From a risk standpoint, DKL faces dilution and concentration concerns, whereas MPLX faces the execution risk of a heavy capital-spending cycle. Market sentiment has favored both names, but MPLX carries a more balanced analyst consensus and a steadier relative-performance profile.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, balance-sheet strength, diversification, and forward cash-flow visibility, Tickeron's AI framework would likely lean toward MPLX in this comparison. The partnership's combination of 12.5% distribution growth, a 1.3x coverage ratio, moderate leverage, and a broad multi-basin asset base suggests more stable and durable positioning than DKL's higher-yield but higher-leverage, basin-concentrated profile. While DKL offers compelling income and recent momentum, its elevated debt and sponsor concentration introduce greater variability. The AI verdict is expressed in probabilistic terms and reflects current positioning rather than a guarantee of future performance.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is DKL is a Buy and MPLX is a Hold.
DKL in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on November 02, 2026
DKL may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 24 of 35 cases where DKL's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
The 10-day moving average for DKL crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
Following a +0.86% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where DKL advanced for three days, in 216 of 328 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 178 of 304 cases where DKL Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 59%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 30, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on DKL as a result. In 43 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 51%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for DKL turned negative on October 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 25 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 57%.
DKL moved below its 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where DKL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 50%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 6 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: DKL's P/B Ratio (-45.994) is very low in comparison to the industry average of (4.885). P/E Ratio (19.080) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.281). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.520) is also within normal values, averaging (1.079). Dividend Yield (0.082) settles around the average of (0.062) among similar stocks. DKL's P/S Ratio (2.509) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (0.549).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 8 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 38, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. DKL’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
MPLX in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026
MPLX moved above its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 26 of 41 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MPLX as a result. In 45 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MPLX just turned positive on October 14, 2026. Looking at past instances where MPLX's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 52 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The 10-day moving average for MPLX crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Following a +2.09% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MPLX advanced for three days, in 175 of 350 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 165 of 404 cases where MPLX Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 41%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 11 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MPLX declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 32%.
MPLX broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 2 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 42, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 30 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. MPLX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 80 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.260) is normal, around the industry mean (160.809). P/E Ratio (12.675) is within average values for comparable stocks, (7.393). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.029) is also within normal values, averaging (13.660). Dividend Yield (0.073) settles around the average of (149858533376.000) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.038) is also within normal values, averaging (4.657).
DKL | MPLX | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 77 | 32 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 6 Undervalued | 80 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 28 | 2 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 8 | 30 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 17 | 35 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
DKL's Valuation (6) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry is significantly better than the same rating for MPLX (80). This means that DKL’s stock grew significantly faster than MPLX’s over the last 12 months.
MPLX's Profit vs Risk Rating (2) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry is in the same range as DKL (28). This means that MPLX’s stock grew similarly to DKL’s over the last 12 months.
DKL's SMR Rating (8) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry is in the same range as MPLX (30). This means that DKL’s stock grew similarly to MPLX’s over the last 12 months.
MPLX's Price Growth Rating (43) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry is in the same range as DKL (45). This means that MPLX’s stock grew similarly to DKL’s over the last 12 months.
DKL's P/E Growth Rating (17) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry is in the same range as MPLX (35). This means that DKL’s stock grew similarly to MPLX’s over the last 12 months.
| DKL | MPLX | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 30% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 51% | 2 days ago 52% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 62% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 51% | 2 days ago 49% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 45% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 66% | 5 days ago 50% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 8 days ago 32% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 24% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 41% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
DKL’s FA Score shows that 4 FA rating(s) are green while MPLX’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- DKL’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
- MPLX’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
DKL’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MPLX’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DKL’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- MPLX’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
DKL (@Oil Refining/Marketing) experienced а -3.94% price change this week, while MPLX (@Oil & Gas Pipelines) price change was +0.49% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Oil Refining/Marketing industry was -3.01%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.35%, and the average quarterly price growth was +23.35%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Oil & Gas Pipelines industry was -2.61%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.07%, and the average quarterly price growth was +0.35%.
Reported Earning Dates
DKL is expected to report earnings on Nov 06, 2026.
MPLX is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Oil Refining/Marketing (-3.01% weekly)The Oil Refining/Marketing segment includes companies that refine crude oil into a number of petroleum products, including gasoline, jet fuel and diesel, and then sell the usable products to the end users. These companies are involved in what’s called downstream operations in the oil business. They also engage in the marketing and distribution of crude oil and natural gas products. In other words, the downstream oil and gas business is focused on post-production processes of crude oil and natural gas. When oil prices slump, downstream businesses are hurt less or in some cases even benefit, since their purchase cost of crude oil goes down. Some of the biggest U.S. oil refining/marketing companies include Phillips 66, Marathon Petroleum Corporation and Valero Energy Corp.
@Oil & Gas Pipelines (-2.61% weekly)Oil & Gas Pipelines industry includes companies that transport natural gas and crude oil through pipelines. These companies also collect and market the fuels. The pipeline segment could be considered as a midstream operation – functioning as a link between the upstream and downstream operations in the oil and gas industry. Some of the largest U.S. pipeline players include Enterprise Products Partners L.P, TC Energy Corporation and Energy Transfer, L.P.
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DKL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DKL has been loosely correlated with EPD. These tickers have moved in lockstep 57% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if DKL jumps, then EPD could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To DKL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKL | 100% | -1.68% | ||
| EPD - DKL | 57% Loosely correlated | -2.04% | ||
| KMI - DKL | 52% Loosely correlated | -2.57% | ||
| MPLX - DKL | 52% Loosely correlated | -2.03% | ||
| AM - DKL | 51% Loosely correlated | -2.79% | ||
| TRGP - DKL | 51% Loosely correlated | -6.43% | ||
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MPLX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MPLX has been loosely correlated with DKL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 52% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if MPLX jumps, then DKL could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To MPLX | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPLX | 100% | -2.03% | ||
| DKL - MPLX | 52% Loosely correlated | -1.68% | ||
| EPD - MPLX | 47% Loosely correlated | -2.04% | ||
| AM - MPLX | 47% Loosely correlated | -2.79% | ||
| ET - MPLX | 47% Loosely correlated | -2.73% | ||
| PBA - MPLX | 47% Loosely correlated | -1.93% | ||
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