Murphy USA Inc

Previous wording

Our leverage may increase the overall cost of debt funding and decrease the overall debt capacity and commercial credit available to us. Our leverage could increase with additional borrowings on our shelf registration statement. We have below investment-grade ratings on our notes from Moody’s and S&P while our credit facilities are rated investment grade. Our credit ratings could be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a ratings agency if, in its judgment, the circumstances warrant. If our existing ratings are lowered, or otherwise we do not obtain an investment grade rating in the future for the notes, or if we do and a rating agency were to downgrade us again to below investment grade, our borrowing costs would increase and our funding sources could decrease. Actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under review for a downgrade, could adversely affect our business, cash flows, financial condition and operating results.

Current wording

Our leverage may increase the overall cost of debt funding and decrease the overall debt capacity and commercial credit available to us. Our leverage could increase with additional borrowings on our shelf registration statement or increases in the size of our revolving credit facility or term loan. We have below investment-grade ratings on our notes from Moody’s and S&P while our credit facilities are rated investment grade. Our credit ratings could be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a ratings agency if, in its judgment, the circumstances warrant. If our existing ratings are lowered, or otherwise we do not obtain an investment grade rating in the future for the notes, or if we do and a rating agency were to downgrade us again to below investment grade, our borrowing costs would increase and our funding sources could decrease. Actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under review for a downgrade, could adversely affect our business, cash flows, financial condition and operating results.

Previous wording

We have balances of goodwill and intangible assets as a result of the QuickChek acquisition. We are required to test goodwill and any other intangible assets with an indefinite life for possible impairment on the same date each year and on an interim basis if there are indicators of a possible impairment. We are also required to evaluate amortizable intangible assets and fixed assets for impairment if there are indicators of a possible impairment.

Current wording

We have balances of goodwill and intangible assets as a result of the QuickChek acquisition. We are required to test goodwill and any other intangible assets with an indefinite life for possible impairment on the same date each year and on an interim basis if there are indicators of a possible impairment. We are also required to evaluate amortizable intangible assets and fixed assets for impairment if there are indicators of a possible impairment. In 2024, we recorded an impairment charge related to fixed assets of $8.2 million that was largely attributable to competitive pressures in a few Northeast markets. We may have additional impairment charges in future periods in connection with our periodic evaluation of our goodwill and intangible assets.

Previous wording

Except in limited cases, we typically do not seek to hedge any significant portion of our exposure to the effects of changing prices of commodities. Dramatic increases in oil prices reduce retail gasoline gross margins, because wholesale gasoline costs typically increase faster than retailers are able to pass them along to customers. We purchase refined products, particularly gasoline, needed to supply our retail stores. Therefore, our most significant costs are subject to volatility of prices for these commodities. Our ability to successfully manage operating costs is important because we have little or no influence on the sales prices or regional and worldwide consumer demand for oil and gasoline. Furthermore, oil prices, wholesale motor fuel costs, motor fuel sales volumes, motor fuel gross margins and merchandise sales can be subject to seasonal fluctuations. For example, consumer demand for motor fuel typically increases during the summer driving season, and typically falls during the winter months. Travel, recreation and construction are typically higher in these months in the geographic areas in which we operate, increasing the demand for motor fuel and merchandise that we sell. Therefore, our revenues and/or sales volumes are typically higher in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year. A significant change in any of these factors, including a significant decrease in consumer demand (other than typical seasonal variations), could materially affect our motor fuel and merchandise volumes, motor fuel gross profit and overall customer traffic, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

Except in limited cases, we typically do not seek to hedge any significant portion of our exposure to the effects of changing prices of commodities. Dramatic increases in oil prices reduce retail gasoline gross margins, because wholesale gasoline costs typically increase faster than retailers are able to pass them along to customers. We purchase refined products, particularly gasoline, needed to supply our retail stores. Therefore, our most significant costs are subject to volatility of prices for these commodities. Our ability to successfully manage operating costs is important because we have little or no influence on the sales prices or regional and worldwide consumer demand for oil and gasoline. Furthermore, oil prices, wholesale fuel costs, fuel sales volumes, fuel gross margins and merchandise sales can be subject to seasonal fluctuations. For example, consumer demand for fuel typically increases during the summer driving season, and typically falls during the winter months. Travel, recreation and construction are typically higher in these months in the geographic areas in which we operate, increasing the demand for fuel and merchandise that we sell. Therefore, our revenues and/or sales volumes are typically higher in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year. A significant change in any of these factors, including a significant decrease in consumer demand (other than typical seasonal variations), could materially affect our fuel and merchandise volumes, fuel gross profit and overall customer traffic, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

Our ability to grow by at least 30 to 35 new stores and at least 35 raze-and-rebuild stores in 2024 and by at least 45 NTI stores and at least 35 raze-and-rebuild stores in future years relies on the continued growth of our project pipeline and the building material supply chain. We have a very active Asset Development group that works to focus on our key target areas to locate suitable traffic count locations for this future growth. If the Asset Development group is unable to locate suitable locations or is unable to close the purchase for those locations in a timely fashion, the Company could find that it does not have sufficient land to fulfill its pipeline. Further, permitting delays due to local government agency ability to timely respond to our requests or construction delays from supply chain or labor constraints could also negatively impact our project pipeline.

Current wording

Our ability to grow by up to 50 new stores and up to 30 raze-and-rebuild stores in 2025 and by at least 50 NTI stores and at least 30 raze-and-rebuild stores in future years relies on the continued growth of our project pipeline and the building material supply chain. We have a very active Asset Development group that works to focus on our key target areas to locate suitable traffic count locations for this future growth. If the Asset Development group is unable to locate suitable locations or is unable to close the acquisition of those locations in a timely fashion, the Company could find that it does not have sufficient land to fulfill its pipeline. Further, permitting delays due to local government agency ability to timely respond to our requests or construction delays from supply chain or labor constraints could also negatively impact our project pipeline.

Previous wording

We currently have one primary supplier for over 77% of our merchandise. A disruption in supply could have a material effect on our business.

Current wording

We currently have one primary supplier for over 78% of our merchandise. A disruption in supply could have a material effect on our business.

Previous wording

In 2023, over 77% of our merchandise, including most tobacco products and grocery items, was purchased from a single wholesale grocer, Core-Mark. In January 2021, we renewed and extended for another five years a supply contract with Core-Mark. If Core-Mark is unable to fulfill its obligations under our contract, alternative suppliers that we could use in the event of a disruption may not be immediately available or offer merchandise on similar commercial terms. A disruption in supply could have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

In 2024, over 78% of our merchandise, including most nicotine products and grocery items, was purchased from a single wholesale grocer, Core-Mark. In January 2021, we renewed and extended for another five years a supply contract with Core-Mark. If Core-Mark is unable to fulfill its obligations under our contract, alternative suppliers that we could use in the event of a disruption may not be immediately available or offer merchandise on similar commercial terms. A disruption in supply could have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, most of our Murphy branded stores were located in close proximity to Walmart Supercenter stores and we participate with the Walmart+ program. Therefore, our relationship with Walmart, the continued goodwill of Walmart and the integrity of Walmart’s brand name in the retail marketplace are all important drivers for our business. Any deterioration in our relationship with Walmart could have an adverse effect on operations of the stores that are branded Murphy USA and participate in a discount. In addition, our competitive posture could be weakened by negative changes at Walmart. Many of our Company stores benefit from customer traffic generated by Walmart retail stores, and if the customer traffic through these host stores decreases due to the economy or for any other reason, our sales could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, most of our Murphy branded stores were located in close proximity to Walmart Supercenter stores and we participate in the Walmart+ program. Therefore, our relationship with Walmart, the continued goodwill of Walmart and the integrity of Walmart’s brand name in the retail marketplace are all important drivers for our business. Any deterioration in our relationship with Walmart could have an adverse effect on operations of the stores that are branded Murphy USA and participate in a discount. In addition, our competitive posture could be weakened by negative changes at Walmart. Many of our Company stores benefit from customer traffic generated by Walmart retail stores, and if the customer traffic through these host stores decreases due to the economy or for any other reason, our sales could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

Current litigation and future rule making could impact the Renewable Fuel Standard ("RFS") program. The RFS program is the regulatory means by which the federal government requires the introduction of an increasing amount of renewable fuel into the fuel supply. As it is, refiners are obligated to obtain—either by blending biofuels into petroleum-based fuels or through purchase on the open market—and then retire with the federal government RINs to satisfy their individual obligations. On June 21, 2023, the EPA announced a final rule to establish biofuel volume requirement and associated percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel for 2023-2025. The rule includes steady growth of biofuels for use in the United States' fuel supply for 2023, 2024, and 2025, however the projected growth of Renewable Diesel production could outstrip the statutory mandated biofuel blending requirements. As a result, the amount of renewable credits available could outpace the demand, resulting in lower prices.

Current wording

Current litigation and future rule making could impact the Renewable Fuel Standard ("RFS") program. The RFS program is the regulatory means by which the federal government requires the introduction of an increasing amount of renewable fuel into the fuel supply. As it is, refiners are obligated to obtain—either by blending biofuels into petroleum-based fuels or through purchase on the open market—and then retire with the federal government RINs to satisfy their individual obligations. On June 21, 2023, the EPA announced a final rule to establish biofuel volume requirement and associated percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel for 2023-2025. The rule includes steady growth of biofuels for use in the United States' fuel supply for 2023, 2024, and 2025, however the projected growth of Renewable Diesel production could outstrip the statutory mandated biofuel blending requirements. If so, the number of renewable credits available could outpace the demand, resulting in lower prices.

Previous wording

Future tobacco legislation and/or regulation, potential court rulings affecting the tobacco industry, campaigns to discourage smoking, increases in tobacco taxes and wholesale cost increases of tobacco products could have a material adverse impact on our retail operating revenues and gross margin.

Current wording

Future nicotine legislation and/or regulation, potential court rulings affecting the nicotine industry, campaigns to discourage smoking, increases in nicotine taxes and wholesale cost increases of nicotine products could have a material adverse impact on our retail operating revenues and gross margin.

Previous wording

Sales of tobacco products have historically accounted for an important portion of our total sales of convenience store merchandise. Significant increases in wholesale cigarette costs and tax increases on tobacco products, as well as future legislation and/or regulation, potential rulings in court cases impacting the tobacco industry, and national and local campaigns to discourage smoking in the United States, may have an adverse effect on the demand for tobacco products, and therefore reduce our revenues and profits. Also, increasing regulations, including those for e-cigarettes, vapor products, and new tobacco products could offset some of the recent gains we have experienced from selling these products. Governing bodies continue to consider banning flavored tobacco products and have done so in some instances. If such efforts continue to be successful, it could have a further negative impact on our tobacco sales. These factors could materially and adversely affect our retail price of cigarettes, tobacco unit volume and sales, merchandise gross margin and overall customer traffic. Reduced sales of tobacco products or smaller gross margins on the sales we make could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

Sales of nicotine products have historically accounted for an important portion of our total sales of convenience store merchandise. Significant increases in wholesale costs and tax increases on nicotine products, as well as future legislation and/or regulation, potential rulings in court cases impacting the nicotine industry, and national and local campaigns to discourage the use of nicotine products in the United States, may have an adverse effect on the demand for nicotine products, and therefore reduce our revenues and profits. Also, increasing regulations, including those for e-cigarettes, vapor products, and new nicotine products could offset some of the recent gains we have experienced from selling these products. Local governing bodies continue to consider banning specific nicotine products and have done so in some instances. If such efforts continue to be successful, it could have a further negative impact on our nicotine sales.

Previous wording

Currently, major cigarette manufacturers offer substantial rebates to retailers unless prohibited by state or local laws. We include these rebates as a component of our gross margin. In the event these rebates are no longer offered, or decreased, our profit from cigarette sales will decrease accordingly. In addition, reduced retail display allowances on cigarettes offered by cigarette manufacturers would negatively affect gross margins. These factors could materially affect our retail price of cigarettes, cigarette unit volume and revenues, merchandise gross margin and overall customer traffic, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

Likewise, major cigarette manufacturers currently offer substantial rebates to retailers unless prohibited by state or local laws. We include these rebates as a component of our gross margin. In the event these rebates are no longer offered, or decreased, our profit from cigarette sales will decrease accordingly. These factors could materially and adversely affect our retail price of nicotine products, unit volume and sales, merchandise gross margin and overall customer traffic. Reduced sales of nicotine products or smaller gross margins on the sales we make could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

Similarly, advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency and increased use of “green” automobiles (e.g., those automobiles that do not use gasoline or that are powered by hybrid engines) will reduce demand for gasoline and could otherwise change our customers' shopping habits or lead to new forms of fueling destinations or new competitive pressures. Developments regarding climate change and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change and the environment have led to increased use of “green”

Current wording

Similarly, advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency and increased use of “green” automobiles (e.g., those automobiles that do not use gasoline or that are powered by hybrid engines) will reduce demand for gasoline and could otherwise change our customers' shopping habits or lead to new forms of fueling destinations or new competitive pressures. Developments regarding climate change and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change and the environment have led to increased use of “green” automobiles. Other market and social initiatives such as public and private initiatives that aim to subsidize the development of non-fossil fuel energy sources may also reduce the competitiveness of gasoline. Consequently, the increased adoption of "green" automobiles and general attitudes toward gasoline and its relationship to the environment may significantly affect our sales and ability to market our products. Reduced consumer demand for gasoline could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

We operate in many different locations around the United States. The occurrence of an event, including but not limited to acts of nature such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and other forms of severe weather, and mechanical equipment failures, industrial accidents, fires, explosions, acts of war and intentional terrorist attacks could result in damage to our facilities, and the resulting interruption and loss of associated revenues; environmental pollution or contamination; and personal injury, including death, for which we could be deemed to be liable, and which could subject us to substantial fines and/or claims for punitive damages.

Current wording

We operate in many different locations around the United States. The occurrence of an event, including but not limited to acts of nature such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and other forms of severe weather, and mechanical equipment failures, industrial accidents, fires, explosions, acts of war and terrorist attacks could result in damage to our facilities, and the resulting interruption and loss of associated revenues; environmental pollution or contamination; and personal injury, including death, for which we could be deemed to be liable, and which could subject us to substantial fines and/or claims for punitive damages.

Previous wording

Our business is also affected by fuel economy standards and GHG vehicle emission reduction measures. As such fuel economy and GHG reduction requirements become more stringent over time, demand for our products may be adversely affected. In addition, some of our facilities are subject to GHG regulation. We are currently required to report annual GHG emissions from certain of our operations, and additional GHG emission-related requirements that may affect our business have been finalized or are in various phases of discussion or implementation. Any existing or future GHG emission requirements could result in increased operating costs and additional compliance expenses.

Current wording

Our business is also affected by fuel economy standards and GHG vehicle emission reduction measures. As such fuel economy and GHG reduction requirements have tended to become more stringent over time, demand for our products may be adversely affected. In addition, some of our facilities are subject to GHG regulation. We are currently required to report annual GHG emissions from certain of our operations, and additional GHG emission-related requirements that may affect our business have been finalized or are in various phases of discussion or implementation. Any existing or future GHG emission requirements could result in increased operating costs and additional compliance expenses.

Previous wording

Our retail operations are subject to extensive local, state and federal governmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things, the sale of alcohol, tobacco, lottery and lotto, employment conditions, including minimum wage requirements, and public accessibility requirements. The cost of compliance with these laws and regulations can have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, failure to comply with local, state and federal laws and regulations to which our operations are subject may result in penalties and costs that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

Our retail operations are subject to extensive local, state and federal governmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things, the sale of alcohol, nicotine, lottery and lotto, employment conditions, including minimum wage requirements, and public accessibility requirements. The cost of compliance with these laws and regulations can have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, failure to comply with local, state and federal laws and regulations to which our operations are subject may result in penalties and costs that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

In certain areas where our retail stores are located, state or local laws limit the retail stores’ hours of operation or sale of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, possible inhalants and lottery tickets, in particular to minors. Failure to comply with these laws could adversely affect our revenues and results of operations because these state and local regulatory agencies have the power to revoke, suspend or deny applications for and renewals of permits and licenses relating to the sale of these products or to seek other remedies, such as the imposition of fines or other penalties.

Current wording

In certain areas where our retail stores are located, state or local laws limit the retail stores’ hours of operation or sale of alcoholic beverages, nicotine products, possible inhalants and lottery tickets, in particular to minors. Failure to comply with these laws could adversely affect our revenues and results of operations because these state and local regulatory agencies have the power to revoke, suspend or deny applications for and renewals of permits and licenses relating to the sale of these products or to seek other remedies, such as the imposition of fines or other penalties.

Previous wording

In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by our board of directors, including discouraging takeover attempts that could have resulted in a premium over the market price for shares of our common stock.

Current wording

In addition, Certificate of Incorporation includes provisions that are similar to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, and may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by our board of directors, including discouraging takeover attempts that could have resulted in a premium over the market price for shares of our common stock.