MQS Management LLC Makes New $511,000 Investment in Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA)

MQS Management LLC acquired a new position in Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA - Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 1,088 shares of the specialty retailer's stock, valued at approximately $511,000.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Proficio Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Murphy USA during the 4th quarter worth approximately $5,042,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank lifted its position in shares of Murphy USA by 11.1% during the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 4,812 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $2,414,000 after buying an additional 480 shares during the period. Independent Advisor Alliance bought a new position in shares of Murphy USA during the 4th quarter worth approximately $234,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Murphy USA during the 4th quarter worth approximately $234,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Murphy USA by 17.2% in the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 348 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $175,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.81% of the company's stock.

Murphy USA Trading Up 0.9%

Shares of NYSE MUSA traded up $3.72 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $421.73. The stock had a trading volume of 212,543 shares, compared to its average volume of 231,396. The company's 50-day simple moving average is $424.72 and its 200 day simple moving average is $461.51. The firm has a market cap of $8.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.79 and a beta of 0.48. Murphy USA Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $385.44 and a fifty-two week high of $561.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.74, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.39.

Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, May 7th. The specialty retailer reported $2.63 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.87 by ($1.24). The firm had revenue of $4.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.79 billion. Murphy USA had a net margin of 2.46% and a return on equity of 61.19%. The firm's quarterly revenue was down 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.12 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Murphy USA Inc. will post 26.45 EPS for the current year.

Murphy USA Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, May 12th were paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 12th. This is a boost from Murphy USA's previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.47%. Murphy USA's payout ratio is 8.44%.

Insider Activity at Murphy USA

In related news, Director David C. Haley acquired 1,000 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 27th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $435.58 per share, with a total value of $435,580.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 1,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $435,580. This trade represents a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 9.04% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Raymond James Financial downgraded Murphy USA from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating in a research report on Friday, May 9th. Stephens cut their price objective on Murphy USA from $530.00 to $475.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 9th. KeyCorp cut their price objective on Murphy USA from $550.00 to $525.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 9th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded Murphy USA from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Friday, May 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $526.29.

Murphy USA Company Profile

Murphy USA Inc engages in marketing of retail motor fuel products and convenience merchandise. The company operates retail stores under the Murphy USA, Murphy Express, and QuickChek brands, as well as operates non-fuel convenience stores. It operates retail gasoline stores principally in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest United States.