RBC Capital initiated coverage on Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA) with a Sector Perform rating and a $360 price target. In the analysts’ view, the Murphy USA investment proposition is clear, effective and compelling: (1) leverage downstream and midstream capabilities to simultaneously sustain price leadership, drive volume and grow share, and (2) favor a capital allocation strategy that balances measured investments to broaden penetration of convenience and fuel offering and, importantly, returns a significant proportion of free cash flow to shareholders.

According to the analysts, a Sector Perform rating reflects sensitivity to gas margins and buyback magnitude and price, relative positioning and greater exposure to, and contribution from, fuel and tobacco.