Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA) Rating Increased 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 note issued to investors on Wednesday, August 20th,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 reports. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Murphy USA from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Friday, May 9th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Murphy USA from $520.00 to $440.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 1st. KeyCorp reduced 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 report on Friday, July 25th. Stephens lowered their target price on shares of Murphy USA from $530.00 to $475.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of Murphy USA from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating and set a $350.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Friday, August 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Murphy USA has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $476.29.

Murphy USA Stock Up 1.1%

MUSA traded up $4.00 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $381.79. 82,502 shares of the company's stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 294,034. The stock has a market cap of $7.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.80 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a quick ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.20. The stock's 50-day moving average is $403.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $442.02. Murphy USA has a 1-year low of $345.23 and a 1-year high of $561.08.

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

Insider Buying and Selling at Murphy USA

In other Murphy USA news, COO Malynda K. West sold 1,859 shares of the company's stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $386.22, for a total value of $717,982.98. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 117,389 shares of the company's stock, valued at $45,337,979.58. This represents a 1.56% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Robert Madison Murphy purchased 5,000 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 5th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $367.01 per share, for a total transaction of $1,835,050.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 389,172 shares in the company, valued at approximately $142,830,015.72. This represents a 1.30% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Corporate insiders own 10.12% of the company's stock.

Institutional Trading of Murphy USA

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in MUSA. MML Investors Services LLC lifted its stake in shares of Murphy USA by 10.3% in the 4th quarter. MML Investors Services LLC now owns 8,071 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $4,050,000 after purchasing an additional 753 shares during the last quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. grew its stake in Murphy USA by 21.2% during the 4th quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 326 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $163,000 after buying an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC purchased a new position in Murphy USA during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,800,000. Pinebridge Investments L.P. grew its stake in shares of Murphy USA by 42.7% in the 4th quarter. Pinebridge Investments L.P. now owns 6,180 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $3,101,000 after purchasing an additional 1,849 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Boothbay Fund Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Murphy USA in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $400,000. 80.81% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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.