Amalgamated Bank Sells Shares of Murphy USA Inc. as Analysts Predict Potential Growth for the Specialty Retailer

July 27, 2023 – Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA), a specialty retailer in the United States, experienced a reduction in its position by Amalgamated Bank during the first quarter of this year. According to a Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Amalgamated Bank sold 1,272 shares of MUSA, resulting in an 8.6% decrease in its holdings. As of the most recent SEC filing, Amalgamated Bank owned 13,481 shares of Murphy USA’s stock, valued at $3,479,000.

This news comes after Murphy USA recently released its earnings results on May 2nd. The company reported an EPS (earnings per share) of $4.80 for the quarter, surpassing analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.18 by $0.62. Additionally, Murphy USA boasted a notable return on equity of 86.87% and a net margin of 2.68%. The company generated revenue amounting to $5.08 billion during the quarter compared to the consensus estimate of $4.95 billion.

However, it is worth mentioning that despite these impressive figures, Murphy USA’s revenue saw a decline of 0.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During that period, the company had posted earnings per share of $6.08.

In light of these recent developments at Murphy USA Inc., several equities analysts have weighed in on the company’s prospects and performance in their reports. StockNews.com released a research note stating an upgrade from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating for MUSA shares on May 12th.

Wells Fargo & Company also chimed in with their analysis and subsequently raised their price target for Murphy USA from $325.00 to $330.00 on May 4th.

Overall sentiment among analysts regarding Murphy USA is positive, as the company currently holds a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” according to Bloomberg.com. The analysts have also set a consensus target price of $315.60 for the stock.

Looking ahead, Murphy USA Inc. is expected to post earnings per share of 20.83 for the current fiscal year, based on forecasts made by equities analysts.

As investors and market observers navigate the ever-changing landscape of the financial sector, these developments and insights into Murphy USA’s performance provide valuable information to stakeholders. While Amalgamated Bank has reduced its holdings in MUSA, analysts’ ratings and projections indicate potential growth and opportunities for this specialty retailer in the future. It will be interesting to see how Murphy USA navigates these dynamics and builds upon its recent positive earnings results.

Shifting Positions of Institutional Investors in Murphy USA Reflect Confidence and Growth Potential

July 27, 2023 – In recent times, there have been notable changes in the positions of various institutional investors and hedge funds in Murphy USA (MUSA). BlackRock Inc., one of the world’s leading asset management firms, increased its stake in the specialty retailer by 1.4% during the first quarter. This move resulted in BlackRock Inc. now owning a staggering 2,670,297 shares of MUSA stock valued at $533,953,000.

Following suit, Renaissance Technologies LLC, a prominent hedge fund firm known for utilizing quantitative models and algorithms for investment decisions, expanded its position in Murphy USA by 4.2% during the fourth quarter. This resulted in Renaissance Technologies LLC now holding 538,200 shares valued at $150,448,000.

Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc., an investment management firm focused on behavioral finance strategies, also saw growth in its stake in Murphy USA. During the same period as Renaissance Technologies LLC’s move, Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. increased its position by a significant 18.1%. As a result, they now own 462,016 shares of MUSA stock worth $129,152,000.

Additionally, River Road Asset Management LLC experienced a substantial increase of 49.1% in its stake during the first quarter. The firm now holds 441,007 shares with a value of $113,802,000.

Notably increasing their position was Morgan Stanley with a rise of over 76.4% during the fourth quarter. With this move came ownership of 379989 representshows that Morgan Stanley interests0 showstmomof vis-a-vis strategic positioning.

It is crucial to note that collectively these institutional investors now own approximately 85.01% of Murphy USA’s stock.

Shares of MUSA started trading on Thursday at $308.02 showing remarkable stability after an initial boost during pre-market hours. This consistent performance aligns with the company’s strong financial standing, including a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.50 and both quick and current ratios that indicate a robust liquidity position.

Over the past year, Murphy USA has seen its stock price fluctuate between lows of $231.65 and highs of $323.40. The market capitalization of the specialty retailer currently stands at an impressive $6.71 billion, with a favorable price-to-earnings ratio of 11.48 and a beta value of 0.82.

Analysts have been closely monitoring MUSA’s progress, with many expressing optimistic sentiments about its potential for growth and attractiveness as an investment opportunity. StockNews.com recently upgraded the stock’s rating from “hold” to “buy” in a research note released on May 12th. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target for MUSA from $325 to $330 in another research note published on May 4th.

With these factors considered, Bloomberg.com reports that Murphy USA presently holds a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” among analysts, with a consensus target price of $315.60.

In terms of corporate actions, Murphy USA has announced an increase in its quarterly dividend payment. Shareholders as of Monday, May 15th received a dividend amounting to $0.38 per share—a slight upgrade from the company’s previous payout rate of $0.37 per share.

Considering this revised dividend payment schedule, investors can expect an annualized payout ratio of 5.67% and a dividend yield of 0.49%.

Turning attention towards insider activities within the company, Director Jeanne Linder Phillips conducted a notable stock sale transaction on Wednesday, May 10th—selling off 550 shares at an average price of $283.97 each—for a total value reaching $156,183.50.

SVP Robert J. Chumley also participated in a stock sale transaction on Friday, May 19th by divesting 1,075 shares at an average price of $277.72 each, amounting to a total transaction value of $298,549.

These insider transactions were disclosed by the Securities & Exchange Commission and are seen as potential indicators of the company’s internal sentiment and financial outlook.

Notably, these are not isolated incidents as there have been several similar insider sales within the past ninety days. In total, insiders have sold 1,628 shares valued at $455,611—resulting in approximately 9.04% ownership by company insiders.

As Murphy USA continues to attract attention from institutional investors, analyze market trends through various metrics, and adapt to changing consumer demands in the specialty retail industry, its stock remains an intriguing prospect for investors seeking stable returns with long-term growth potential.