Murphy USA Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Analysis

Murphy USA has been analyzed by 4 analysts in the last three months, with a total of 4 ratings. The recent ratings are somewhat bullish, with an average 12-month price target of $480.0. Analysts have lowered their ratings, with Wells Fargo, Keybanc, Stephens & Co., and Keybanc lowering their ratings and price targets. The firm operates more than 1,700 fueling stations and convenience stores across the Midwest and Southeastern United States.

Title: Murphy USA: Analysts Lower Ratings Amid Mixed Performance

Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE: MUSA) has seen a mixed reception from analysts in the last three months, with a total of four ratings issued. Despite the recent ratings being somewhat bullish, with an average 12-month price target of $480.0, several analysts have lowered their ratings and price targets. Wells Fargo, Keybanc, Stephens & Co., and Keybanc are among the firms that have downgraded their outlook on the company [2].

The company operates more than 1,700 fueling stations and convenience stores across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. Despite the recent downgrades, Murphy USA reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $7.36 for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates by $0.54. However, the company's revenue fell short of expectations, posting a year-over-year decline of 8.2% [1].

Analysts have cited several reasons for their downgrades, including reduced fuel volumes and muted in-store trends. Jefferies, for instance, downgraded Murphy USA to "Hold" from "Buy," citing weaker fuel volumes, muted in-store trends, and a lowered long-term growth outlook. The firm expects 2024–2028 EBITDA to reach $1.2 billion, down from a prior forecast of $1.3 billion [2].

Moreover, the company's stock has been on a downward trend, reaching a new 52-week low of $380.51. The stock has seen a decline from a previous close of $408.03, and several research firms have downgraded their ratings. Raymond James and Wall Street Zen have both lowered their ratings recently, while the average price target remains at $519.86 [1].

Despite the mixed performance and analyst downgrades, the company continues to expand its store base, with a plan to open 40 stores in 2025. This expansion offers long-term potential but may not offset current volume and cost headwinds [2].

Institutional investors have also shown interest in Murphy USA, with several hedge funds and other institutional investors buying and selling shares of the company. GAMMA Investing LLC, for example, boosted its holdings in Murphy USA by 53,469.2% during the first quarter [1].

Overall, while Murphy USA has shown mixed performance and received downgrades from several analysts, the company continues to operate in a competitive market and faces challenges in the coming quarters.

# References
[1] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/murphy-usa-nysemusa-reaches-new-1-year-low-heres-why-2025-07-31/
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/jefferies-downgrades-murphy-usa-on-reduced-growth-outlook-volume-concerns-4166453