Insights Ahead: Murphy USA's Quarterly Earnings
Murphy USA, Inc. MUSA | 502.41 | +1.53% |
Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA) will release its quarterly earnings report on Wednesday, 2026-02-04. Here's a brief overview for investors ahead of the announcement.
Analysts anticipate Murphy USA to report an earnings per share (EPS) of $6.70.
The announcement from Murphy USA is eagerly anticipated, with investors seeking news of surpassing estimates and favorable guidance for the next quarter.
It's worth noting for new investors that guidance can be a key determinant of stock price movements.
Overview of Past Earnings
In the previous earnings release, the company beat EPS by $0.44, leading to a 7.34% drop in the share price the following trading session.
Here's a look at Murphy USA's past performance and the resulting price change:
| Quarter | Q3 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPS Estimate | 6.81 | 6.74 | 3.82 | 6.68 |
| EPS Actual | 7.25 | 7.36 | 2.63 | 6.96 |
| Price Change % | -7.00 | -11.00 | -12.00 | -3.00 |

Market Performance of Murphy USA's Stock
Shares of Murphy USA were trading at $427.58 as of February 02. Over the last 52-week period, shares are down 15.61%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are likely bearish going into this earnings release.
Analysts' Take on Murphy USA
For investors, staying informed about market sentiments and expectations in the industry is paramount. This analysis provides an exploration of the latest insights on Murphy USA.
The consensus rating for Murphy USA is Neutral, derived from 2 analyst ratings. An average one-year price target of $442.5 implies a potential 3.49% upside.
Comparing Ratings Among Industry Peers
The following analysis focuses on the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of Lithia Motors, AutoNation and CarMax, three prominent industry players, providing insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning.
- Analysts currently favor an Outperform trajectory for Lithia Motors, with an average 1-year price target of $402.6, suggesting a potential 5.84% downside.
- Analysts currently favor an Outperform trajectory for AutoNation, with an average 1-year price target of $243.12, suggesting a potential 43.14% downside.
- Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for CarMax, with an average 1-year price target of $33.72, suggesting a potential 92.11% downside.
Overview of Peer Analysis
The peer analysis summary offers a detailed examination of key metrics for Lithia Motors, AutoNation and CarMax, providing valuable insights into their respective standings within the industry and their market positions and comparative performance.
| Company | Consensus | Revenue Growth | Gross Profit | Return on Equity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murphy USA | Neutral | -2.45% | $626.30M | 21.79% |
| Lithia Motors | Outperform | 4.93% | $1.47B | 3.16% |
| AutoNation | Outperform | 6.85% | $1.24B | 8.64% |
| CarMax | Neutral | -6.90% | $590.05M | 1.01% |
Key Takeaway:
Murphy USA ranks at the bottom for Revenue Growth and Gross Profit, with negative growth rates and lower profit figures compared to its peers. However, it leads in terms of Return on Equity, showcasing a higher percentage than the others. Overall, Murphy USA's performance is mixed when compared to its peers in the analysis.
All You Need to Know About Murphy USA
Murphy USA operates more than 1,700 fueling stations and convenience stores primarily across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. The firm owns about 75% of its locations, with most stores situated in high-traffic areas near Walmart supercenters. Murphy's stores typically range from 1,400-2,800 square feet, with most of its in-store sales derived from tobacco and nicotine products. The company acquired about 150 QuickChek stores in 2021, boosting its presence in grocery and foodservice. Murphy generates about two thirds of its profit from fuel retailing, with the remaining third coming from in-store sales.
A Deep Dive into Murphy USA's Financials
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Murphy USA's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 30 September, 2025, the company experienced a decline of approximately -2.45% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Discretionary sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Murphy USA's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 2.54%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Murphy USA's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 21.79% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Murphy USA's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 2.79%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 5.04, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.
To track all earnings releases for Murphy USA visit their earnings calendar on our site.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.
