Murphy (MUR) was down 20% in the year after an 11% decline in the fourth quarter. CEO Roger Jenkins took actions to recognize value including selling a 30% stake in Malaysian assets at a price above our appraisal. Murphy also bought back shares in 2014 and has authorization for more. The sharp decline in oil prices most heavily affected Murphy’s ownership in Syncrude’s Canadian oil sands, which represented less than 15% of our appraisal before oil’s drop and less today.
From Mason Hawkins (Trades, Portfolio)’ Longleaf Partners Fund Q4 2014 Management Discussion.
