Skip to main content

Murphy USA Inc.

For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Feb 18, 2026.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2025 · Filed Feb 18, 2026

MUSA$521.89+1.4%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-20.

0001573516-25-000010

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-02-18.

0001573516-26-000090

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 111 previous paragraphs and 108 current paragraphs.

87 unchanged; 21 reworded; 0 added; 3 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Removed paragraphs (3)

Previous report

The anticipated benefits of the QuickChek acquisition may not be realized or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected.

Previous report

The long-term success of the QuickChek acquisition will depend on our ability to realize the forecasted benefits and cost savings from our acquisition of QuickChek. We may not be able to maintain the growth rate, levels of revenue, earnings, or operating efficiency that we and QuickChek have achieved to-date, or might have achieved separately.

Previous report

Many factors affecting our ability to realize anticipated benefits are outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues, and could materially impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, even upon fully integrating QuickChek into our operations, the full benefits of our acquisition may not be realized, including the synergies, cost savings, or sales or growth opportunities as originally anticipated. An inability to realize the full extent of, or any of, the anticipated benefits of the QuickChek acquisition could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Reworded paragraphs (21)

Previous wording

As we continue to focus on enhancing our food and beverage offerings, concerns regarding the quality or safety of our food products or our food supply chain, even if factually incorrect or based on isolated incidents, could hurt our sales of prepared food products and possibly lead to product liability and personal injury claims, litigation, government agency investigations and damages.

Current wording

As we continue to focus on enhancing our food and beverage offerings, concerns regarding the quality or safety of our food products or our food supply chain, even if factually incorrect or based on isolated incidents, could hurt our sales of prepared food products and possibly lead to product liability and personal injury claims, litigation, governmental agency investigations and damages.

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. 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.

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 2025 and 2024, we recorded impairment charges related to fixed assets of $5.3 million and $8.2 million, respectively, that were largely attributable to competitive pressures in certain 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

There is significant judgement required in the analysis of a potential impairment of goodwill, identified intangible assets and fixed assets. If, as a result of a general economic slowdown, deterioration in one or more of the markets in which we operate or impairment in our financial performance and/or future outlook, the estimated fair value of our long–lived assets decreases, we may determine that one or more of our long–lived assets is impaired. An impairment charge would be determined based on the estimated fair value of the assets and any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

There is significant judgment required in the analysis of a potential impairment of goodwill, identified intangible assets and fixed assets. If, as a result of a general economic slowdown, deterioration in one or more of the markets in which we operate or impairment in our financial performance and/or future outlook, the estimated fair value of our long–lived assets decreases, we may determine that one or more of our long–lived assets is impaired. An impairment charge would be determined based on the estimated fair value of the assets and any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We utilize key product supply and wholesale assets, including our pipeline positions and product distribution terminals, to supply our retail fueling stores. Much of our competitive advantage arises out of these proprietary arrangements which, when disrupted, have in the past and could in the future adversely affect us, and such effects could be material. In addition to our own operational risks discussed above, we could experience interruptions of supply or increases in costs to deliver refined products to market if the ability of the pipelines or vessels to transport petroleum or refined products is disrupted because of weather events, accidents, governmental regulations or third-party actions. Furthermore, at some of our locations there are very few suppliers for fuel in that market.

Current wording

We utilize key product supply and wholesale assets, including our pipeline positions and product distribution terminals, to supply our retail fueling stores. Much of our competitive advantage arises out of these arrangements which, when disrupted, have in the past and could in the future adversely affect us, and such effects could be material. In addition to our own operational risks discussed above, we could experience interruptions of supply or increases in costs to deliver refined products to market if the ability of the pipelines or vessels to transport petroleum or refined products is disrupted because of weather events, accidents, governmental regulations or third-party actions.

Previous 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.

Current wording

Our ability to grow by 45 to 55 new stores and up to 30 raze-and-rebuild stores in 2026 and by 50-plus NTI stores and up to 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 governmental 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

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.

Current wording

In 2025, over 78% of our merchandise, including most nicotine products and grocery items, was purchased from a single wholesale grocer, Core-Mark. In November 2025, we renewed and extended for another five years a supply contract with Core-Mark through the year 2031. 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

Changes in credit card expenses could reduce our profitability, especially on gasoline.

Current wording

Changes in credit card expenses could reduce our profitability, especially on fuel transactions.

Previous wording

A significant portion of our retail sales involve payment using credit cards. We are assessed credit card fees as a percentage of transaction amounts and not as a fixed dollar amount or percentage of our gross margins. Higher gasoline prices result in higher credit card expenses, and an increase in credit card use or an increase in credit card fees would have a similar effect. Therefore, credit card fees charged on gasoline purchases that are more expensive as a result of higher gasoline prices are not necessarily accompanied by higher gross margins. In fact, such fees may cause lower profitability. Lower income on gasoline sales caused by higher credit card fees may decrease our overall profitability and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

A significant portion of our retail sales involve payment using credit cards. We are assessed credit card fees as a percentage of transaction amounts and not as a fixed dollar amount or percentage of our gross margins. Higher fuel prices result in higher credit card expenses, and an increase in credit card use or an increase in credit card fees would have a similar effect. Therefore, credit card fees charged on fuel related purchases that are more expensive as a result of higher fuel prices are not necessarily accompanied by higher gross margins. In fact, such fees may cause lower profitability. Lower income on fuel sales caused by higher credit card fees may decrease our overall profitability and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

Murphy USA's business is impacted by its ability to generate revenues from capturing and subsequently selling Renewable Identification Numbers ("RINs"), a practice enabled through the blending of petroleum-based fuels with renewable fuels. The market price for RINs fluctuates based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to governmental and regulatory action and market dynamics. In 2024, the market price continued to fluctuate but was lower on average than the prior year. Variations in the market price of RINs can also have an impact on our cost of goods sold for petroleum products, which can be positive or negative depending on the movement of the market prices of RINs. Although a decline in the market prices could have a material impact on the Company's revenues, Murphy USA's business model is not dependent on its ability to generate revenues from this portion of other operating income.

Current wording

Murphy USA's business generates revenues from capturing and subsequently selling Renewable Identification Numbers ("RINs"), a practice enabled through the blending of petroleum-based fuels with renewable fuels. The market price for RINs fluctuates based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to governmental and regulatory action and market dynamics. In 2025, the market price continued to fluctuate but was higher on average than the prior year. Variations in the market price of RINs can also have an impact on our cost of goods sold for petroleum products, which can be positive or negative depending on the movement of the market prices of RINs. Although a decline in the market prices could have a material impact on the Company's revenues, Murphy USA's business model is not dependent on its ability to generate revenues from this portion of other operating income.

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. If so, the number 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 RINs to satisfy their individual obligations.

Previous 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.

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. Conversely, failure to enforce laws on the books of certain jurisdictions related to vapor products can have a negative impact on our sales and margin for those products.

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” 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.

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) could 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 lower- or zero-emission 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 lower- or zero-emission 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

Many governments, including those that are members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”), unilaterally intervene at times in the orderly market of petroleum and natural gas produced in their countries through such actions as setting prices, determining rates of production, and controlling who may buy and sell the production. In addition, prices and availability of petroleum, natural gas and refined products could be influenced by political unrest and by various governmental policies to restrict or increase petroleum usage and supply. Other governmental actions that could affect our operations and earnings include tax changes, royalty increases and regulations concerning: currency fluctuations, protection and remediation of the environment, concerns over the possibility of global warming being affected by human activity including the production and use of hydrocarbon energy, restraints and controls on imports and exports, safety, and relationships between employers and employees. As a retail gasoline marketing company, we are significantly affected by these factors. Because these and other factors are subject to changes caused by governmental and political considerations and are often made in response to changing internal and worldwide economic conditions and to actions of other governments or specific events, it is not practical to attempt to predict the effects of such factors on our future operations and earnings.

Current wording

Many governments, including those that are members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”), unilaterally intervene at times in the orderly market of petroleum and natural gas produced in their countries through such actions as setting prices, determining rates of production, and controlling who may buy and sell the production. In addition, prices and availability of petroleum, natural gas and refined products could be influenced by political unrest and by various governmental policies to restrict or increase petroleum usage and supply. Other governmental actions that could affect our operations and earnings include tax changes, royalty increases and regulations concerning: currency fluctuations, protection and remediation of the environment, concerns over the possibility of global warming being affected by human activity including the production and use of hydrocarbon energy, restraints and controls on imports and exports, safety, and relationships between employers and employees. As a retail motor fuel marketing company, we are significantly affected by these factors. Because these and other factors are subject to changes caused by governmental and political considerations and are often made in response to changing internal and worldwide economic conditions and to actions of other governments or specific events, it is not practical to attempt to predict the effects of such factors on our future operations and earnings.

Previous wording

We are subject to stringent federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of petroleum products and hazardous materials; the emission and discharge of such substances into the environment; the content and characteristics of fuel products; the process safety of our facilities; and human health and safety. Pursuant to such environmental laws and regulations, we are also required to obtain permits from governmental authorities for certain of our operations. While we strive to abide by these requirements, we cannot assure you that we have been or will be at all times in compliance with such laws, regulations and permits. If we violate or fail to comply with these requirements, we could be subject to litigation, costs, fines or other sanctions. Environmental requirements, and the enforcement and interpretation thereof, change frequently and have generally become more stringent over time. Compliance with existing and future environmental laws, regulations and permits may require significant expenditures. In addition, to the extent fuel content and characteristic standards increase our wholesale purchase costs, we may be adversely affected if we are unable to recover such costs in our pricing.

Current wording

We are subject to stringent federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of petroleum products and hazardous materials; the emission and discharge of such substances into the environment; the content and characteristics of fuel products; the process safety of our facilities; and human health and safety. Pursuant to such environmental laws and regulations, we are also required to obtain permits from governmental authorities for certain of our operations. While we strive to abide by these requirements, we cannot provide any assurance that we have been or will be at all times in compliance with such laws, regulations and permits. If we violate or fail to comply with these requirements, we could be subject to litigation, costs, fines or other sanctions. Environmental requirements, and the enforcement and interpretation thereof, change frequently and have generally become more stringent over time. Compliance with existing and future environmental laws, regulations and permits may require significant expenditures. In addition, to the extent fuel content and characteristic standards increase our wholesale purchase costs, we may be adversely affected if we are unable to recover such costs in our pricing.

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 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.

Current wording

Our business is also affected by fuel economy standards and GHG vehicle emission reduction measures. To the extent 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.

Previous wording

Our retail operations are subject to extensive government laws and regulations, and the cost of compliance with such laws and regulations can be material.

Current wording

Our retail operations are subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations, and the cost of compliance with such laws and regulations can be material.

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, 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.

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 (including loss of licenses, eligibility to accept certain governmental benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP") benefits or significant fines) and costs that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, restrictions on product eligibility under SNAP could negatively impact our sales in future periods.

Previous wording

Our retail operations are characterized by a high volume of customer traffic and by transactions involving a wide array of product selections. These operations carry a higher exposure to consumer litigation risk when compared to the operations of companies operating in many other industries. Consequently, we have been, and may in the future be from time to time, involved in lawsuits seeking cash settlements for alleged personal injuries, property damages and other business-related matters, as well as energy content, off-specification gasoline, products liability and other legal actions in the ordinary course of our business. While these actions are generally routine in nature and incidental to the operation of our business, if our assessment of any action or actions should prove inaccurate, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. For more information about our legal matters, see Note 19 “Contingencies” to the consolidated historical financial statements for the three years ended December 31, 2024 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Further, adverse publicity about consumer or other litigation may negatively affect us, regardless of whether the allegations are true, by discouraging customers from purchasing gasoline or merchandise at our retail stores.

Current wording

Our retail operations are characterized by a high volume of customer traffic and by transactions involving a wide array of product selections. These operations carry a higher exposure to consumer litigation risk when compared to the operations of companies operating in many other industries. Consequently, we have been, and may in the future be from time to time, involved in lawsuits seeking cash settlements for alleged personal injuries, property damages and other business-related matters, as well as energy content, off-specification gasoline, products liability and other legal actions in the ordinary course of our business. While these actions are generally routine in nature and incidental to the operation of our business, if our assessment of any action or actions should prove inaccurate, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. For more information about our legal matters, see Note 19 “Contingencies” to the audited consolidated financial statements for the three years ended December 31, 2025 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Further, adverse publicity about consumer or other litigation may negatively affect us, regardless of whether the allegations are true, by discouraging customers from purchasing fuel or merchandise at our retail stores.

Previous wording

Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, may disrupt consumption and trade patterns, supply chains and normal business activities, which could materially affect our operations and results of operations.

Current wording

Pandemics or disease outbreaks, may disrupt consumption and trade patterns, supply chains and normal business activities, which could materially affect our operations and results of operations.

Previous wording

Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, have in the past and may in the future cause depressed demand for our fuel and convenience merchandise products because quarantines may inhibit the ability or need for our customers to shop with us. We also may experience disruptions of logistics necessary to obtain and deliver products to our stores and our customers as we rely on third parties to perform these vital functions to our business.

Current wording

Pandemics or disease outbreaks, have in the past and may in the future cause depressed demand for our fuel and convenience merchandise products because quarantines may inhibit the ability or need for our customers to shop with us. We also may experience disruptions of logistics necessary to obtain and deliver products to our stores and our customers as we rely on third parties to perform these vital functions to our business.

Previous wording

In addition, we could again experience issues with our workforce that limit our ability to continue to operate our stores at their normal hours of operations or experience government intervention that requires us to reduce hours or close certain locations. If a significant percentage of our workforce is unable to work, including because of illness or travel or government restrictions in connection with pandemics or disease outbreaks, our operations may be negatively impacted. In addition, pandemics or disease outbreaks could result in an economic downturn that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets, resulting in an economic downturn that could affect customers' demand for our products and services. We have had to reduce hours of operation in some stores temporarily, but this has not had a material impact on our financial results.

Current wording

In addition, we could experience issues with our workforce that limit our ability to continue to operate our stores at their normal hours of operations or experience governmental intervention that requires us to reduce hours or close certain locations. If a significant percentage of our workforce is unable to work, including because of illness or travel or governmental restrictions in connection with pandemics or disease outbreaks, our operations may be negatively impacted. In addition, pandemics or disease outbreaks could result in an economic downturn that could adversely affect the economy and financial markets, resulting in an economic downturn that could affect customers' demand for our products and services.