Murphy Oil Upgraded to Overweight by Piper Sandler with $41 Price Target
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 12 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MUR?
Source: seekingalpha
- Rating Upgrade: Piper Sandler upgraded Murphy Oil (MUR) from Neutral to Overweight with a price target increase from $33 to $41, reflecting optimism about future oil prices and expected tight crude balances that could drive stock price appreciation.
- Market Outlook: Analyst Mark Lear noted that despite disappointing Q3 2025 results, further appraisal work at the Hai Su Vang project in Vietnam could serve as a catalyst for stock performance in H1 2026, highlighting the company's long-term resource potential.
- Industry Comparison: Murphy Oil exhibits some of the best operating leverage among the stocks covered, and while FY 2026 guidance fell short of expectations, the company's proactive market education efforts may enhance investor recognition of its long-term resource potential.
- Peer Analysis: In addition to Murphy, Piper Sandler raised price targets for several other oil and gas companies, including Chord Energy and Devon Energy, indicating a positive trend across the industry that could further bolster Murphy's market performance.
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Analyst Views on MUR
Wall Street analysts forecast MUR stock price to fall
11 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
9 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 37.100
Low
22.00
Averages
28.40
High
34.00
Current: 37.100
Low
22.00
Averages
28.40
High
34.00
About MUR
Murphy Oil Corporation is a global oil and natural gas exploration and production company, with both onshore and offshore operations and properties. The Company produces crude oil and condensate (collectively, crude oil), natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) primarily in the United States and Canada and explores for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs in targeted areas worldwide. In the United States, it produces crude oil, natural gas and NGLs primarily from fields in the Gulf of America and in the Eagle Ford Shale area of South Texas. In Canada, the Company holds working interests in Tupper Montney (100% working interest), Kaybob Duvernay and two non-operated offshore assets - the Hibernia and Terra Nova fields, located offshore Newfoundland and Labrador in the Jeanne d’Arc Basin. In Vietnam, the Company holds an interest in approximately 7.3 million gross acres, consisting of 65% working interest in Blocks 144 & 145, and a 40% interest in Block 15-1/05 and Block 15-2/17.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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Trump's Expectations: Former U.S. President Trump mentioned that U.S.-Iran negotiation representatives may meet this weekend, anticipating a final agreement to end the war.
Timeline for Agreement: Trump expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached within one or two days.
Context of Negotiations: The discussions are part of ongoing efforts to resolve tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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- Investor Relations Link: The company will post a webcast link and related presentation materials on its Investor Relations page, ensuring that investors can access the latest information promptly, thereby enhancing transparency and communication efficiency.
- Company Background: Murphy Oil Corporation is an independent oil and natural gas company with a multi-basin onshore and offshore portfolio, committed to value creation through innovative full-cycle development capabilities that drive shareholder returns.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The news release includes forward-looking statements that highlight the risks and uncertainties surrounding the company's future operating results and activities, reminding investors to consider macroeconomic factors and industry dynamics that may impact performance.
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- Quarterly Cash Dividend: The Board of Directors of Murphy Oil Corporation has declared a cash dividend of $0.35 per share, translating to an annualized dividend of $1.40, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to stable cash flow and shareholder returns.
- Dividend Payment Date: This dividend will be payable on June 1, 2026, to stockholders of record as of May 18, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and enhancing their confidence in the company's financial health.
- Company Background: Murphy Oil is an independent oil and natural gas company with a multi-basin onshore and offshore portfolio, focused on value creation through innovative, full-cycle development capabilities that drive shareholder returns.
- Future Outlook: The company's offshore exploration and development projects in the Gulf of America, Vietnam, and Côte d'Ivoire indicate a strategic expansion in global markets, aiming to enhance long-term shareholder value through diversified investments.
See More
Murphy Oil Declares $0.35 Quarterly Dividend, Maintains Yield
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Murphy Oil Corporation declares a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and shareholder return strategy.
- Yield Information: The forward yield of 3.45% reflects the company's attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially drawing more investor interest.
- Shareholder Arrangement: The dividend is payable on June 1, with a record date of May 18 and an ex-dividend date also set for May 18, ensuring shareholders receive their returns promptly.
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See More
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- Impact of Global Events: The ongoing war in Iran is expected to further accelerate the search for resources in distant regions.
See More
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Trump's Expectations: Former U.S. President Trump mentioned that U.S.-Iran negotiation representatives may meet this weekend, anticipating a final agreement to end the war.
Timeline for Agreement: Trump expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached within one or two days.
Context of Negotiations: The discussions are part of ongoing efforts to resolve tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
See More
Murphy Oil Corporation to Host Q1 2026 Earnings Call
- Earnings Release Schedule: Murphy Oil Corporation plans to release its Q1 2026 financial and operational results after market close on May 6, 2026, followed by a conference call on May 7 at 9:00 AM ET to provide detailed insights into its performance.
- Investor Relations Link: The company will post a webcast link and related presentation materials on its Investor Relations page, ensuring that investors can access the latest information promptly, thereby enhancing transparency and communication efficiency.
- Company Background: Murphy Oil Corporation is an independent oil and natural gas company with a multi-basin onshore and offshore portfolio, committed to value creation through innovative full-cycle development capabilities that drive shareholder returns.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The news release includes forward-looking statements that highlight the risks and uncertainties surrounding the company's future operating results and activities, reminding investors to consider macroeconomic factors and industry dynamics that may impact performance.
See More
Watsco Announces 10% Increase in Quarterly Cash Dividend
- Watsco Dividend Increase: Watsco's Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $3.30 per share, reflecting a 10% increase, marking 52 consecutive years of dividend payments, which underscores the company's strong financial performance and commitment to shareholders.
- Murphy Oil Dividend Announcement: Murphy Oil declared a cash dividend of $0.35 per share, or $1.40 annualized, payable on June 1, 2026, demonstrating the company's ongoing efforts in maintaining stable cash flow and shareholder returns.
- Lamb Weston Dividend Declaration: Lamb Weston announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share, payable on June 5, 2026, indicating the company's commitment to profitability and shareholder returns.
- RPM International Dividend Growth: RPM International declared a cash dividend of $0.54 per share, marking its 52nd consecutive year of increased dividends, showcasing the company's exceptional performance in shareholder returns, with less than 0.5% of publicly traded U.S. companies achieving this milestone.
See More
Murphy Oil Corporation Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
- Quarterly Cash Dividend: The Board of Directors of Murphy Oil Corporation has declared a cash dividend of $0.35 per share, translating to an annualized dividend of $1.40, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to stable cash flow and shareholder returns.
- Dividend Payment Date: This dividend will be payable on June 1, 2026, to stockholders of record as of May 18, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and enhancing their confidence in the company's financial health.
- Company Background: Murphy Oil is an independent oil and natural gas company with a multi-basin onshore and offshore portfolio, focused on value creation through innovative, full-cycle development capabilities that drive shareholder returns.
- Future Outlook: The company's offshore exploration and development projects in the Gulf of America, Vietnam, and Côte d'Ivoire indicate a strategic expansion in global markets, aiming to enhance long-term shareholder value through diversified investments.
See More
Murphy Oil Declares $0.35 Quarterly Dividend, Maintains Yield
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Murphy Oil Corporation declares a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and shareholder return strategy.
- Yield Information: The forward yield of 3.45% reflects the company's attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially drawing more investor interest.
- Shareholder Arrangement: The dividend is payable on June 1, with a record date of May 18 and an ex-dividend date also set for May 18, ensuring shareholders receive their returns promptly.
- Market Analysis Upgrade: Piper Sandler has upgraded Murphy Oil to a “Buy” rating, highlighting the long-term resource potential in Vietnam, which may drive stock price appreciation and bolster market confidence.
See More
Iran Conflict and U.S. Shale Production Surge Prompt Oil Giants to Explore Distant Markets
- Oil and Gas Companies' Strategy: Companies in the oil and gas sector are increasingly looking for new opportunities beyond the U.S. market.
- Impact of Global Events: The ongoing war in Iran is expected to further accelerate the search for resources in distant regions.
See More
