Contrasting Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR) and Rock Energy Resources (OTCMKTS:RCKE)

Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR) and Rock Energy Resources (OTCMKTS:RCKE) are both energy companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, risk, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and valuation.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

78.3% of Murphy Oil shares are held by institutional investors. 6.5% of Murphy Oil shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 88.0% of Rock Energy Resources shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Murphy Oil and Rock Energy Resources’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Murphy Oil	5.16%	4.30%	2.34%
Rock Energy Resources	N/A	N/A	N/A

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Murphy Oil and Rock Energy Resources”s gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Murphy Oil	$3.03 billion	1.52	$407.17 million	$0.98	32.81
Rock Energy Resources	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Murphy Oil has higher revenue and earnings than Rock Energy Resources.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Murphy Oil and Rock Energy Resources, as provided by MarketBeat.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Murphy Oil	2	13	0	0	1.87
Rock Energy Resources	0	0	0	0	0.00

Murphy Oil presently has a consensus target price of $29.58, suggesting a potential downside of 8.00%. Given Murphy Oil’s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Murphy Oil is more favorable than Rock Energy Resources.

Summary

Murphy Oil beats Rock Energy Resources on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Murphy Oil

Murphy Oil Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an oil and gas exploration and production company in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company was formerly known as Murphy Corporation and changed its name to Murphy Oil Corporation in 1964. The company was incorporated in 1950 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

About Rock Energy Resources

Rock Energy Resources, Inc., through its subsidiary, engages in the development of gold and associated mineral assets. It holds interests in the Red Arrow mine. The company was founded on April 16, 2004 and is headquartered in Houston, TX.