Murphy Oil (MUR): Can This Quiet Cash Machine Beat Big Oil in 2026?
Murphy Oil (MUR) is positioned as a mid-cap U.S. exploration and production company with strong ties to North American crude prices, focusing on capital discipline, shareholder returns, and oil-weighted production. While analysts offer a mixed but generally constructive outlook, investors view MUR as a tactical play on the energy market, offering potential for income and diversification but subject to commodity price volatility. The stock's performance is closely linked to WTI and Brent prices, with conservative leverage and a base dividend policy aiming for shareholder-friendly returns.
Murphy Oil (MUR): Can This Quiet Cash Machine Beat Big Oil in 2026?
Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR) is presented as a mid-cap U.S. exploration and production company generating significant cash, increasing dividends, and executing stock buybacks. The article explores how MUR's performance is tied to North American crude prices and management's capital allocation strategy, posing the question of whether its upside justifies the inherent risk. It delves into analyst perspectives, social sentiment, and key drivers U.S. investors should consider when evaluating MUR for their portfolios.
Murphy Oil Corp (MUR) Trading Down 4.94% on Feb 17
Murphy Oil Corp (MUR) shares experienced a 4.94% drop on Feb 17, trading down to $31.96 from its previous close of $33.62. Despite this, the stock remains significantly above its 52-week low. Analyst forecasts suggest a potential downside from its current price, with an average target of $30.16 and a "Hold" recommendation from brokerage firms.
Murphy Oil Surpasses Q2 Earnings Expectations, Repurchases $56M Of Stock
Murphy Oil Corp reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 81 cents, exceeding the consensus estimate of 74 cents, though revenues of $802.77 million were slightly below expectations. The company achieved record gross production at Tupper Montney and maintained strong onshore output. Murphy Oil also announced a quarterly cash dividend of 30 cents per share and repurchased $100 million worth of stock in Q2, with a future goal of increasing shareholder returns and reducing long-term debt to $1 billion.
Murphy Oil (MUR): Goldman Sachs Raises Price Target to $29 | MUR Stock News
Goldman Sachs has reaffirmed its neutral rating for Murphy Oil (MUR) and increased its price target from $26.00 to $29.00, an 11.54% rise. This adjustment signals a more positive outlook on the stock's value, though the firm's overall neutral stance remains unchanged. Investors are anticipated to monitor whether the stock's price will align with this revised target.
BMO Capital Cuts Murphy Oil (MUR) Price Target to $35, Cites Softer 2026 Production Outlook
BMO Capital has reduced its price target for Murphy Oil (MUR) to $35 from $37, maintaining a Market Perform rating, primarily due to a softer production outlook for 2026. This adjustment follows Murphy Oil's Q4 results, which met expectations, and despite the company reporting strong Q4 2025 production and cost efficiencies. The firm noted Murphy Oil's strong free cash flow breakeven metrics and modest leverage.
BMO Capital Cuts Murphy Oil (MUR) Price Target to $35, Cites Softer 2026 Production Outlook
BMO Capital has reduced its price target for Murphy Oil (MUR) from $37 to $35, maintaining a Market Perform rating, following Q4 results that met expectations but highlighted a softer 2026 production outlook. The firm cited pressures from Montney royalties and the Gulf of America. Despite this, Murphy Oil demonstrated strong Q4 performance, exceeding production guidance and reducing costs, with positive exploration outcomes in Vietnam although one well in Côte d’Ivoire was unsuccessful.
Murphy Oil shifts heavy exploration workflows to Leostream-powered cloud
Leostream, creator of the Leostream Remote Desktop Access Platform, is gaining traction in high-performance computing (HPC) environments due to its improved GPU orchestration and faster session performance. Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE: MUR) has signed a multi-year agreement to migrate its exploration and subsurface workflows to the GeoComputing platform, which is powered by Leostream, highlighting the platform's ability to handle demanding geoscience workflows. Other clients like Agora and Siemens Energy also leverage Leostream for cloud-based GPU workstations and seamless integration with Azure resources, demonstrating the platform's versatility and effectiveness in various data-intensive applications.
Allianz Asset Management GmbH Buys 365,011 Shares of Murphy Oil Corporation $MUR
Allianz Asset Management GmbH significantly increased its stake in Murphy Oil Corporation by 255.3% in Q3, acquiring an additional 365,011 shares to hold a total of 508,012 shares valued at $14.43 million. Despite an EPS beat of $0.14, Murphy Oil missed revenue estimates and maintains a "Reduce" consensus rating with a $29.17 target price, primarily due to a high payout ratio of 180.56% and a P/E of 44.64. The company recently increased its quarterly dividend to $0.35, resulting in an annualized dividend of $1.40 and a 4.4% yield.
BMO Capital Lowers Murphy Oil (MUR) Price Target to $35.00 | MUR Stock News
BMO Capital has lowered its price target for Murphy Oil (MUR) to $35.00 from $37.00, while maintaining a "Market Perform" rating. This adjustment reflects a 5.41% decrease from the prior target. Other analysts have also recently adjusted their price targets for MUR, with the average target price from 15 analysts standing at $29.96, suggesting a slight downside from the current price.
Murphy Oil (MUR) Reports Results for Q4 2025
Murphy Oil (MUR) reported mixed results for Q4 2025, with adjusted EPS beating expectations but revenue missing forecasts and declining year-over-year. The company's output exceeded guidance, and it increased its quarterly dividend. However, Barclays lowered its price target due to forecasted lower net production for FY 2026.
Murphy Oil (MUR) Reports Results for Q4 2025
Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR) reported mixed results for Q4 2025, with adjusted EPS beating expectations but revenue missing forecasts due to a nearly 7% year-over-year decline. Despite exceeding production guidance for both the quarter and the full year, the company projects a lower net production for FY 2026. Barclays subsequently lowered its price target on MUR while maintaining an 'Underweight' rating.
Murphy Oil Corp. (MUR) PT Lowered to $35 at BMO Capital
BMO Capital analyst Phillip Jungwirth has lowered the price target for Murphy Oil Corp. (NYSE: MUR) to $35.00 from $37.00. This adjustment was reported on February 3, 2026, at 9:15 AM EST. The complete details of this analysis are available only to premium subscribers.
Murphy Oil stock price target lowered to $32 by Piper Sandler on muted outlook
Piper Sandler has lowered its price target for Murphy Oil Corp. (NYSE:MUR) to $32 from $34 while maintaining a Neutral rating, citing less capital-efficient FY26 guidance and a flat volume trajectory into FY27. Despite the muted outlook and a 10.89% revenue decline, Murphy Oil has sustained dividend payments for 56 consecutive years, offering a 4.65% yield. The company recently surpassed EPS expectations for Q4 2025, but its revenue fell short.
Murphy Oil stock price target lowered to $32 by Piper Sandler on muted outlook
Piper Sandler has reduced its price target for Murphy Oil Corp. (NYSE:MUR) to $32 from $34, maintaining a Neutral rating due to a muted outlook. This adjustment follows Murphy Oil's less capital-efficient FY26 guidance and relatively flat volume trajectory for FY27, despite strong Q4 2025 results and a consistent 56-year dividend payment history. The stock is currently trading near its Fair Value, facing revenue decline challenges.
Breaking Down Murphy Oil: 13 Analysts Share Their Views
Thirteen analysts have shared their views on Murphy Oil (NYSE: MUR) over the past three months, with most holding an "indifferent" or "somewhat bearish" stance. The average target price from these analysts is $30.38, reflecting a 4.76% increase from the previous average. Key financial indicators show Murphy Oil facing challenges with below-industry-average market capitalization, declining revenue, and lower net margin, ROE, and ROA compared to its peers, though its debt-to-equity ratio is favorable.
Murphy Oil (MUR) Receives Updated Price Target from Piper Sandle
Piper Sandler has updated its price target for Murphy Oil (MUR) to $32.00, down from $34.00, while maintaining a 'Neutral' rating. This adjustment reflects recent analyst activities, with other firms also adjusting their ratings and price targets for the oil and gas exploration company. The average 16-analyst target price is $30.15, implying a slight upside from the current price, though GuruFocus estimates a slight downside based on its GF Value.
Murphy Oil stock price target lowered to $32 by Piper Sandler on muted outlook
Piper Sandler has reduced its price target for Murphy Oil Corp. (NYSE:MUR) from $34.00 to $32.00, maintaining a Neutral rating. The adjustment reflects Murphy Oil's less capital-efficient fiscal year 2026 guidance and a relatively flat volume trajectory into fiscal year 2027, despite strong Q4 2025 results and a long history of dividend payments. This new target aligns with InvestingPro data suggesting the stock is trading near its Fair Value amidst revenue challenges.
Murphy Q4 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Reserve Replacement Is 103%
Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR) reported Q4 2025 adjusted net earnings of 14 cents per share, significantly beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a 7-cent loss, despite a year-over-year decrease. The company's revenues also surpassed estimates, reaching $624.6 million. Murphy Oil achieved a 103% reserve replacement ratio in 2025 and announced an increase in its quarterly dividend, while providing 2026 production and investment guidance.
Murphy Q4 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Reserve Replacement Is 103%
Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted net earnings of 14 cents per share, significantly beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a 7-cent loss. Despite the earnings beat, the bottom line decreased 60% year-over-year, and total revenues were also down. The company achieved a reserve replacement ratio of 103% in 2025 and approved an increase in its quarterly dividend rate.
Murphy Oil Corp. (MUR) PT Lowered at Piper Sandler on 'FY26 Guide and Muted LT Outlook'
Piper Sandler analyst Mark Lear has lowered the price target for Murphy Oil Corp. (NYSE: MUR) from $34.00 to $32.00. This adjustment is due to the company's FY26 guide and a less optimistic long-term outlook. The full details of this analysis are available to premium subscribers.
Murphy Oil Raises Dividend
Murphy Oil Corp increased its quarterly dividend per share by eight percent to $0.35, or $1.4 per share annualized for 2026, despite projecting a fall in production for the year. The company expects 167,000-175,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in net output for 2026, down from 182,294 boepd in 2025, primarily due to lower natural gas volumes from Tupper Montney. Additionally, Murphy Oil announced its entry into Morocco by securing a 75 percent operating stake in the deepwater block Gharb Deep.
Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE:MUR) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE:MUR) held its Q4 2025 earnings call, discussing strong execution in 2025 despite challenging commodity prices, with production exceeding guidance and significant cost reductions. The company highlighted successful exploration and appraisal results, particularly in Vietnam where a discovery could surpass current Eagle Ford Shale operations in scale. For 2026, Murphy plans strategic investments for future growth, anticipating a slight dip in net production due to higher natural gas royalties, but aiming for long-term shareholder value creation.
KeyBanc maintains Sector Weight on Murphy Oil stock amid production concerns
KeyBanc Capital Markets has maintained its Sector Weight rating on Murphy Oil Corp. despite the company beating Q4 earnings expectations. The decision is driven by concerns over Murphy's 2026 production outlook and a decline in year-end 2025 reserves, which analysts anticipate will pressure the stock. While Murphy Oil reported higher-than-expected earnings per share, its revenue fell short due to production challenges, further solidifying KeyBanc's neutral stance.
Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE:MUR) Plans Quarterly Dividend of $0.35
Murphy Oil Corporation announced a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share, representing a 7.7% increase and an annualized yield of 4.4%. The company also reported quarterly EPS of $0.14, beating estimates, though revenue of $613.1 million missed expectations and was down 6.9% year-over-year. Analysts currently hold a "Reduce" rating on the stock with a consensus target price of $29.85.
KeyBanc maintains Sector Weight on Murphy Oil stock amid production concerns By Investing.com
KeyBanc Capital Markets has maintained its Sector Weight rating on Murphy Oil Corp. despite the company beating Q4 earnings expectations. Analyst Tim Rezvan raised concerns about Murphy's 2026 production outlook and a decline in year-end 2025 reserves, which could pressure the stock. The company faces lower-than-expected oil and natural gas production forecasts and rising capital expenditures, although it has a strong dividend track record.
Murphy Oil Corp: Can This Mid-Cap Driller Turn A Quiet Pullback Into Its Next Breakout?
Murphy Oil Corp stock has experienced a quiet pullback recently, trading below its recent peak but still significantly above its 12-month lows. Despite the short-term dip, Wall Street analysts maintain a bullish outlook, with price targets implying an upside of 10-20%. The company's strategy of disciplined capital allocation and focus on returning cash to shareholders is seen as a key factor supporting its long-term performance.
KeyBanc maintains Sector Weight on Murphy Oil stock amid production concerns
KeyBanc Capital Markets maintained its Sector Weight rating on Murphy Oil Corp. (NYSE:MUR) despite the company beating Q4 earnings expectations. Analyst Tim Rezvan expressed concerns about Murphy's 2026 production outlook and year-end 2025 reserves figures, expecting lower oil and natural gas production and a decline in proved developed reserves. Despite these challenges, Murphy Oil has an impressive dividend track record, maintaining payments for 55 consecutive years.
Quarterly Stockholder Update by Murphy Oil Corporation
Murphy Oil Corporation provides a detailed update on its 2025 performance, highlighting strong operational execution, significant exploration successes in Vietnam and the Gulf of America, and disciplined capital allocation. The company also outlines its 2026 outlook, emphasizing continued strategic investments in development and exploration while maintaining a strong balance sheet and commitment to shareholder returns amidst anticipated market volatility.
Murphy Oil to pay $0.35 quarterly dividend on March 2 to investors
Murphy Oil Corporation has announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share, totaling $1.40 annually. This dividend is payable on March 2, 2026, to shareholders recorded as of February 17, 2026. The independent oil and natural gas company highlights its focus on value creation and shareholder returns across its diverse onshore and offshore portfolio.
Murphy Oil (MUR) Reports Q4 Revenue Below Expectations
Murphy Oil (MUR) reported Q4 revenue of $624.56 million, falling short of the anticipated $637.88 million, though the company remained focused on strategic objectives and disciplined capital allocation throughout 2025. Despite mixed financial performance and valuation concerns, successful exploration projects in Vietnam and a low beta provide a foundation for future growth and market stability. Investors are advised to consider the company's valuation metrics and financial health when assessing its investment potential.
Murphy Oil: Q4 Earnings Snapshot
Murphy Oil Corp. reported fourth-quarter earnings of $11.9 million, or 8 cents per share, which beat Wall Street expectations. Adjusted earnings were 14 cents per share, surpassing the average analyst estimate for a loss of 7 cents per share. The company also exceeded revenue forecasts, posting $624.6 million for the quarter.
Murphy Oil: Fourth Quarter Earnings Overview
Murphy Oil Corp. reported a net profit of $11.9 million, or 8 cents per share, for the fourth quarter, exceeding analyst expectations. Adjusted earnings were 14 cents per share. The company's fourth-quarter revenue reached $624.6 million, slightly above forecasts. For the full year, Murphy Oil recorded a total profit of $104.2 million on revenues of $2.72 billion.
Murphy Oil Corporation Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results, Preliminary Year-End 2025 Reserves, 2026 Capital Expenditure and Production Guidance
Murphy Oil Corporation announced its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, highlighting strategic achievements such as strong production, successful exploration and appraisal wells in Vietnam and the Gulf of America, and increased shareholder returns. The company also provided preliminary year-end 2025 proved reserves of 715 MMBOE and outlined its 2026 capital expenditure and production guidance, along with details on its new country entry into Morocco.
Murphy Oil Corporation Announces Quarterly Dividend
Murphy Oil Corporation announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share, or $1.40 annually, on its common stock. The dividend will be payable on March 2, 2026, to stockholders of record as of February 17, 2026. This announcement highlights the company's commitment to shareholder returns and outlines its business operations as an independent oil and natural gas company.
SummerHaven Investment Management LLC Takes $920,000 Position in Murphy Oil Corporation $MUR
SummerHaven Investment Management LLC has acquired a new position in Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE:MUR) during Q3, purchasing 32,376 shares valued at approximately $920,000. This move contributes to the company's significant institutional ownership of 78.31%. Despite recently beating earnings estimates, Murphy Oil's revenue was down 3.3% year-over-year, and analysts currently have a "Reduce" rating with a consensus price target of $29.85.
Here is Why Murphy Oil (MUR) Fell This Week
Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE: MUR) experienced a 6.87% stock price decline between January 16 and January 23, 2026. This drop followed the announcement that its first exploration well offshore Côte d’Ivoire encountered noncommercial quantities of hydrocarbons. Further impacting the stock, Morgan Stanley reduced its price target for Murphy Oil from $27 to $25 and maintained an ‘Underweight’ rating.
Here is Why Murphy Oil (MUR) Fell This Week
Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR) saw its share price fall by 6.87% after announcing noncommercial quantities of hydrocarbons in its Civette-1X exploration well offshore Côte d’Ivoire. Adding to the decline, Morgan Stanley reduced its price target for MUR from $27 to $25, maintaining an 'Underweight' rating. Despite the setback in Côte d’Ivoire, the company's CEO noted that the well provided valuable insights for future exploration in the basin.
Murphy Oil (MUR) Analyst Rating Update: Morgan Stanley Lowers Price Target
Morgan Stanley has lowered its price target for Murphy Oil (MUR) from $27.00 to $25.00, maintaining an "Underweight" rating. This adjustment is part of several recent analyst updates, with other firms like Goldman Sachs, Barclays, and Mizuho also revising their price targets and ratings for MUR. The average analyst target price for Murphy Oil is $30.02, with an average "Hold" recommendation, while GuruFocus estimates a fair value of $29.56 for the stock.
What Murphy Oil learned when a 13,950-foot Côte d’Ivoire well came up short
Murphy Oil Corporation announced that its Civette-1X exploration well in Block CI-502 offshore Côte d’Ivoire encountered non-commercial hydrocarbons. Despite this, the company gained valuable insights into the basin's potential. Murphy will continue its exploration program in Côte d’Ivoire, targeting Caracal and Bubale prospects.
Earnings Preview: Murphy Oil (MUR) Q4 Earnings Expected to Decline
Murphy Oil (MUR) is expected to report a year-over-year decline in Q4 earnings and revenues for the quarter ended December 2025, with analysts forecasting a loss of $0.07 per share and revenues of $628.51 million. The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 15.97% lower over the last 30 days, and the company's Zacks Earnings ESP of -110.45% combined with a Zacks Rank #5 suggests it may not beat earnings estimates despite a history of beating expectations in three out of the last four quarters. Investors are advised to consider other factors alongside the Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank.
Murphy Oil (MUR) Shares Drop After Offshore Côte d'Ivoire Well Disappoints
Murphy Oil's stock declined by 10.4% after its Civette-1X exploration well offshore Côte d’Ivoire found non-commercial hydrocarbons. The company, which holds a 90% stake in Block CI-502, plans to continue exploration at the Caracal and Bubale prospects. Despite strong EBITDA margins, Murphy Oil shows mixed financial signals with a gray-area Altman Z-Score, while valuation metrics are near historical highs.
Murphy Oil Corporation Announces Results of Civette Exploration Well in Côte d’Ivoire
Murphy Oil Corporation announced that its Civette-1X exploration well in Block CI-502 offshore Côte d’Ivoire encountered non-commercial hydrocarbons, although it confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in the frontier play. Despite not meeting commercial thresholds, the well provided valuable subsurface insights, and Murphy will continue its exploration program in the region with partners, targeting other prospects like Caracal and Bubale. Murphy holds a 90% working interest in Block CI-502.
Murphy Oil Corp (MUR) Shares Gap Down to $31.545 on Jan 20
Shares of Murphy Oil Corp (MUR) fell 7.00% in mid-day trading on January 20th, reaching an intraday low of $31.07 before settling at $31.55. This decline puts MUR 10.35% below its 52-week high, while still 66.51% above its 52-week low. Wall Street analysts have an average target price of $29.40, implying a potential downside of 6.81%, and GuruFocus estimates a fair value (GF Value) of $30.01, suggesting a 4.87% downside.
Murphy Oil (MUR) Shares Drop 8.5% Amid Market Fluctuations
Murphy Oil (MUR) experienced an 8.5% stock price decline, reflecting broader market trends. Despite strong EBITDA margins, the company faces declining earnings growth, liquidity constraints, and potential overvaluation based on its P/E, P/S, and P/B ratios. Analysts recommend a "hold" position, and investors should consider these factors and sector-specific risks.
Murphy Oil Makes Noncommercial Find in Ivorian Frontier Campaign
Murphy Oil Corp announced a noncommercial hydrocarbon find in the Civette well offshore Côte d'Ivoire, the first in a three-well exploration campaign. Despite the lack of commercial viability, the well confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons and provided valuable subsurface insights, strengthening understanding of the Tano basin. Murphy Oil plans to continue with two other prospects, Bubale and Caracal, targeting independent plays with significant resource potential, and also reported positive appraisal results for its Hai Su Vang oil discovery in Vietnam.
Murphy Oil Corporation Announces Results of Civette Exploration Well in Côte d’Ivoire
Murphy Oil Corporation announced that its Civette exploration well in Block CI-502 offshore Côte d’Ivoire encountered non-commercial hydrocarbons. While the well confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons and provided valuable subsurface insights, it did not meet commercial thresholds. Murphy Oil plans to continue its exploration program in Côte d’Ivoire with its partner Société Nationale d’Opérations Pétrolières de la Côte d’Ivoire (PETROCI), targeting other prospects with significant resource potential.
Murphy Oil Corporation Announces Results of Civette Exploration Well in Côte d’Ivoire
Murphy Oil Corporation announced that its Civette exploration well in Block CI-502 offshore Côte d’Ivoire encountered non-commercial hydrocarbons. While the well didn't meet commercial thresholds, it provided valuable insights into the basin's potential, and Murphy plans to continue its exploration program in Côte d’Ivoire with the Caracal and Bubale prospects. Murphy holds a 90% working interest and operates Block CI-502, with PETROCI holding the remaining 10%.
Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC Buys 58,521 Shares of Murphy Oil Corporation $MUR
Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC significantly increased its stake in Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE:MUR) by 512.1% in the third quarter, purchasing 58,521 additional shares to hold a total of 69,948 shares valued at approximately $1.99 million. This move is part of broader institutional interest, with other funds also adjusting their positions, leading to institutional investors owning 78.31% of the company. Despite beating Q3 earnings and revenue estimates, Murphy Oil saw a year-over-year revenue decline of 3.3%, and analysts currently maintain a "Reduce" rating with an average price target of $29.75.
Murphy Oil (MUR) Gains Following Significant Oil Discovery Offshore Vietnam
Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE: MUR) saw its share price surge by 14.61% after announcing a significant oil discovery offshore Vietnam. The Hai Su Vang-2X (HSV-2X) appraisal well confirmed a major oil find, encountering 332 feet of net oil pay in the primary reservoir and 97 feet in a shallow reservoir, with the primary reservoir flow testing at 6,000 barrels of oil per day. This discovery has led the company to increase its recoverable resources estimate and plan further appraisal wells.
