Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA) Upgraded to "Hold" at Zacks Research

Key Points

• Murphy USA has been upgraded from a "strong sell" to a "hold" rating by Zacks Research, signaling a more optimistic outlook for the company.
• Analysts project FY2025 earnings at $23.21 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $25.38 EPS, indicating growth potential.
• Recent insider purchases include Director Robert Madison Murphy acquiring 5,000 shares at an average of $367.01 per share, reflecting confidence in the company's future performance.

Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA - Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at Zacks Research from a "strong sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a report issued on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Murphy USA's FY2025 earnings at $23.21 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $3.33 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $7.60 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $25.38 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $3.06 EPS and Q2 2027 earnings at $8.89 EPS.

MUSA has been the topic of several other research reports. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of Murphy USA from $520.00 to $440.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 1st. Stephens decreased their price target on Murphy USA from $530.00 to $475.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered Murphy USA from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating and set a $350.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Friday, August 1st. Raymond James Financial downgraded Murphy USA from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Finally, KeyCorp dropped their target price on shares of Murphy USA from $500.00 to $480.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Murphy USA has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $476.29.

Murphy USA Price Performance

Murphy USA stock opened at $383.4880 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $7.40 billion, a PE ratio of 15.88 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. The stock's fifty day moving average price is $404.91 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $445.02. Murphy USA has a one year low of $345.23 and a one year high of $561.08.

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

Insider Transactions at Murphy USA

In other news, Director Robert Madison Murphy purchased 5,000 shares of Murphy USA stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 5th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $367.01 per share, for a total transaction of $1,835,050.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 389,172 shares in the company, valued at approximately $142,830,015.72. This trade represents a 1.30% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director David C. Haley bought 1,000 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 27th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $435.58 per share, for a total transaction of $435,580.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 1,000 shares in the company, valued at $435,580. This trade represents a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 9.04% of the company's stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. GW&K Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Murphy USA during the first quarter worth about $27,000. TCTC Holdings LLC increased its position in Murphy USA by 116.7% during the 1st 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. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Murphy USA by 423.1% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 68 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Murphy USA in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Golden State Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Murphy USA by 1,925.0% in the 2nd quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 81 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 77 shares during the period. 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.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest and most accurate reporting. This story was reviewed by MarketBeat's editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to contact@marketbeat.com.