Dividends are always an important aspect to consider when investing. However, it is necessary to make sure that your investment is wisely balancing its free cash flow between dividend payments and capital expenditures. Marathon Oil (MRO -1.04%) is one energy company that has been keenly aware of focusing on striking the optimal balance. Its yield is a close match for the majority of its competition, and management has been improving the solvency of the company's balance sheet to ensure growth initiatives will have the necessary capital to be explored. Tune in to the video below, where Fool energy analyst, Taylor Muckerman, provides a broader perspective on how Marathon is accomplishing this goal, and what it means for total returns and future prospects for shareholders.