Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA) Reaches New 52-Week Low - Time to Sell?

Key Points

• Murphy USA shares hit a new 52-week low of $380.51, with a recent trading price of $382.28, marking a decline from a previous close of $408.03.
• Several research firms have downgraded Murphy USA's ratings, with Raymond James and Wall Street Zen both lowering their ratings recently, while the average price target remains at $519.86.
• Despite the stock's poor performance, the company reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $7.36, exceeding analyst estimates, but its revenue fell short of expectations, posting down 8.2% year-over-year.

Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA - Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $380.51 and last traded at $382.28, with a volume of 385820 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $408.03.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on MUSA. Raymond James Financial downgraded shares of Murphy USA from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Stephens decreased their price target on shares of Murphy USA from $530.00 to $475.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Murphy USA from $520.00 to $440.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research note on Friday. KeyCorp decreased their price target on shares of Murphy USA from $500.00 to $480.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 25th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Murphy USA from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating and set a $350.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Murphy USA currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $476.29.

Murphy USA Price Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average price of $416.84 and a 200 day moving average price of $454.80. The company has a market capitalization of $7.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.96 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.20, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.39.

Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 30th. The specialty retailer reported $7.36 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $6.82 by $0.54. Murphy USA had a return on equity of 64.63% and a net margin of 2.52%. The business had revenue of $5.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.17 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $6.92 EPS. Murphy USA's revenue for the quarter was down 8.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Murphy USA Inc. will post 26.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Murphy USA

In related news, Director David C. Haley acquired 1,000 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 27th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $435.58 per share, with a total value of $435,580.00. Following the purchase, the director owned 1,000 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $435,580. The trade was a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 10.12% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. GW&K Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Murphy USA in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of Murphy USA during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. TCTC Holdings LLC increased its position in shares of Murphy USA by 116.7% during the first quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC now owns 65 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares during the period. Golden State Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Murphy USA during the first quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Finally, Costello Asset Management INC bought a new stake in shares of Murphy USA during the first quarter valued at approximately $47,000. 80.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Murphy USA

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.