UPDATE: J.P. Morgan Initiates Coverage on Murphy USA as Industry Trends Towards Non-Fuel Margin Growth

In a report published Monday, J.P. Morgan analyst Katherine Lucas Minyard initiated coverage on Murphy USA (NYSE: MUSA) with a Neutral rating and $45.00 price target.

In the report, J.P. Morgan noted, “We are initiating coverage of two independent convenience store operators, CST Brands and Murphy USA. Against a backdrop of stagnant gasoline demand and volatile fuel margins, the industry appears to be focused on growing higher-margin, in-store convenience merchandise through larger store formats. We launch with an OW rating on CST, with 19% upside to our YE14 PT and a N rating on MUSA, with current price levels largely reflecting fair value, in our view. We prefer CST's growth story, with new format stores driving margin growth over time and reducing the company's dependence on fuel margins. Although MUSA offers a relatively low-risk expansion story and continued dependence on fuel margins, we believe this outlook is largely priced into the stock.”

Murphy USA closed on Friday at $46.31.