Goldman Sachs upgraded the energy exploration/production firm to buy from sell. Earlier this week, it signed a two-year letter of intent with Noble Corp. for the use of a drilling unit. Last month, Marathon opened Kentucky’s first biodiesel storage facility. P/E Ratio: 7

The Pittsburgh-based maker of tubular steel products reported its second straight quarter of triple-digit earnings growth in late January. Mutual fund ownership has risen to 290 funds from 254 three quarters ago. Group mate Nucor recently offered a positive first-quarter guidance, boosting the Steel-Producers group. P/E Ratio: 8

The petroleum refiner/marketer has bucked recent weakness and hovers near all-time highs. Its board recently approved the purchase of a Los Angeles-area refinery from a division of Royal Dutch Shell for $1.63 billion. Tesoro is the top stock by Overall Rating in IBD’s Oil & Gas-Refining/Marketing group. P/E Ratio: 8

China’s biggest aluminum producer and second largest in the world has a three-year earnings growth rate of 47% and a three-year sales growth rate of 33%. The stock has been fluctuating near its 50-day moving average for nearly three weeks. P/E Ratio: 8

The steel/metal products maker has been on a shopping spree. Last week, it agreed to buy the assets of Nicholas J. Bouras and affiliates for about $63 million. In late February, the company submitted a bid for a Croatian steel mill. And in January, Commercial completed its purchase of a German fabrication facility. P/E Ratio: 9

The California-based firm is one of the biggest metals service companies in the U.S. Last month, it guided first-quarter earnings between $1.25 and $1.35 vs. consensus estimates of $1.32. While optimistic about 2007, the company sees slower growth. P/E Ratio: 9

Russia’s Mechel mines coal, iron ore, and nickel. It also produces steel and carbon products. The stock’s Accumulation/Distribution Rating has improved to A from C in mid-January. Year-to-date, the stock has gained about 20% vs. 8% for its group. P/E Ratio: 9

The engine maker reiterated its full-year profit outlook of $11 to $11.50 a share, above analysts’ views of $10.70. It also declared a 2-for-1 stock split. Earlier in the month, it bought the remaining stake in Tata Holset Ltd, a joint venture with India’s Tata Group. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. P/E Ratio: 10