Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA) CEO Malynda West sold 3,967 shares of the company’s stock on February 4, 2024, for an approximate total of $1,785,150. The shares were sold at an average price of $450.00 each. Following the transaction, West retains ownership of 117,389 shares, valued at around $52,825,050. This sale represents a 3.27% decrease in her overall position in the company, as disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The stock of Murphy USA saw a decline of 4.8% during trading on February 7, 2024, dropping to $378.50. On that day, trading volume reached 719,982 shares compared to the average volume of 334,727 shares. Over the past year, Murphy USA’s stock has fluctuated, with a 12-month low of $345.23 and a high of $523.09. The company reports a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.07, a quick ratio of 0.40, and a current ratio of 0.81.
Recent Financial Performance
Murphy USA recently posted its quarterly earnings on the same day as the stock sale. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $7.53, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $6.67 by $0.86. Despite a net margin of 2.43% and a return on equity of 75.34%, the company’s revenue for the quarter was $4.74 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $4.88 billion. This marks an increase of 0.7% compared to the same period last year, where the company earned $6.96 per share.
Analysts project that Murphy USA will achieve an EPS of 26.45 for the current fiscal year, reflecting confidence in the company’s performance amid market fluctuations.
Institutional Investor Activity
Recent movements among institutional investors indicate growing interest in Murphy USA. Notably, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB increased its holdings in the company by 82.4% in the fourth quarter, acquiring a total of 62 shares valued at approximately $25,000. Other firms, such as Ameriflex Group Inc., have also initiated new positions in the company, with investments totaling around $26,000.
Overall, institutional investors hold 80.81% of Murphy USA’s stock, reflecting significant confidence in the company’s future prospects.
Murphy USA, headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas, is a leading retailer of gasoline, diesel, and convenience store products in the United States. Originally established as part of Murphy Oil Corporation, it became an independent public entity in 2013 and has since focused on providing retail fueling services and convenience offerings to consumers.
As the market evolves, investors and analysts will continue to monitor Murphy USA’s performance, especially in light of recent executive stock sales and quarterly results.
