Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR) posted earnings from continuing operations of 98 cents per share in the third quarter, almost in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 97 cents. However, results were significantly below earnings of $3.04 reported last year, largely driven by lower commodity prices in the Exploration & Production (E&P) segment accompanied by lower earnings from the Refining & Marketing (R&M) operations.  Earnings from Murphy’s E&P business declined 65% from a year ago, primarily based on lower oil and gas prices, higher production costs and depreciation. Exploration expenses improved 55% to $37.9 million in the quarter versus $83.4 million last year, primarily attributable to lower dry hole costs in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Malaysia, and lower undeveloped lease amortization expense for the Tupper properties. R&M earnings also fell by 57% from last year due to weaker U.S. retail marketing margins and U.K. refining ...

Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR) announced the acquisition of a corn-based ethanol plant in Hankinson, North Dakota, on Oct 1, 2009, through its subsidiary. The purchase price was $92 million, which will be financed through non-recourse debt offered via the sellers. The company plans to invest approximately $15 million in working capital into the facility.  The acquired plant had started production in July 2008 and has remained idle since October 2008. The annual capacity of the plant is 110 million gallons.  The acquisition marks Murphy’s first venture into the manufacture of bio-fuels and is expected to supplement the company’s growing North American fuels business. Given the current ethanol mandates and the company’s subsequent blending needs, a comprehensive presence in the supply chain better balances the company’s business. Production at the plant, which is located near feedstock supply and rail service for carrying the finished product, is expected ...

Arkansas is the birthplace of Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States. Arkansas’ subtropical weather sounds very inviting for those who live in regions of extreme temperatures. The state has usually mild winters, but that is not the reason why some world renowned companies call Arkansas home. Here are some interesting facts about the state:1. Arkansas main agricultural products are chicken, rice, soybeans, and cattle and calves.2. The north west part of the state is rich in natural gas, which is the most important mined product in the state.3. In 2007 tourism contributed a total of $5.4 billion to the state economy.4. Agriculture employs 275,000 in Arkansas5. Agriculture’s contribution to the state gross domestic product is the largest of any state, 12% of Arkansas’ GDP comes directly from agricultural activities.6. Arkansas ranks 4th for timber ...

Murphy OilÂ’s (MUR) share price has experienced volatility along with the price of crude. However, its chart and fundamentals reflect stronger growth than its competitors. The company recently hiked its annual dividend from 75 cents per share to $1.00.

Company Description

Murphy Oil Corporation is an international oil and gas player, operating through various subsidiaries in oil and natural gas production the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Ecuador. MUR conducts exploration activities worldwide.

The company owns refining and marketing operations in the United States and the United Kingdom. Murphy USA Marketing Co. (Murphy Oil USA, Inc.) operates retail gasoline stations under the Murphy USA® brand across 20 states in the U.S. These are high-volume, low-cost retail gasoline stations, primarily in the parking areas of Wal-Mart Supercenters.

Murphy Oil USA, Inc. also operates a network of 12 Company-owned terminals. The terminals, along with numerous third-party terminals, provide

...