Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In the 'long' context, investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.Even though momentum is a popular stock char ...

Murphy USA (MUSA) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.Shares of this gasoline station operator have returned +0.6% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -3% change. The Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry, to which Murphy USA belongs, has gained 1.6% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the n ...

Murphy USA (MUSA) ended the recent trading session at $412.85, demonstrating a -1.96% swing from the preceding day's closing price. This change lagged the S&P 500's 0.22% loss on the day. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 0.06%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 0.52%.Prior to today's trading, shares of the gasoline station operator had gained 1.7% over the past month. This has lagged the Oils-Energy sector's gain of 3.38% and outpaced the S&P 500's loss of 1.66% in that time.The investment comm ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark one) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 200 Peach Street El Dorado, Arkansas 71730-5836 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (870) 875-7600 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Securities registered ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q4 2023 was $5.1 billion, down from $5.4 billion in Q4 2022, while full-year revenue was $21.5 billion compared to $23.4 billion in the previous year [38] - Net income for Q4 2023 was $150 million, up from $118 million in Q4 2022, resulting in earnings per share of $7 versus $5.21 in the year-ago period [15] - EBITDA for Q4 2023 was $275 million, compared to $230 million in the same period last year, while full-year EBITDA was $1.06 billion, down from $1.2 billion [15][38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total merchandise sales per store per month reached approximately $205,000, about 15% higher than the Murphy network average [8] - Nontobacco growth accelerated in Q4 2023, with food and beverage sales and margin up 5.4% and 5.7% respectively on a per-store month basis [14] - The 74 new Murphy banner stores added over the last three years averaged about 290,000 gallons per store per month in 2023, nearly 20% higher than the network average [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total volumes were up 1.1% in 2023 versus 2022, with per-store volumes of 242,000 gallons per month, finishing within the guided range [13] - The company captured roughly 12% of market share from competitors, with a 5.6% increase in per-store month volumes compared to a 7% decline in OPUS data [13] - Cigarette market share grew to 20%, with smokeless tobacco reaching 15% share of market [37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on organic growth, targeting between 30 and 35 new stores in 2024, alongside 30 to 40 raise-and-rebuild opportunities [18][41] - Investments in digital transformation and personalized offers are expected to drive in-store sales and margin improvements [31][40] - The company aims to maintain its low-cost operator position while expanding its larger-format stores, ensuring operational efficiency [54][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining higher margins and capturing more market share despite a challenging macroeconomic environment [49][50] - The company anticipates a slight increase in fuel volumes in 2024, offsetting flat to slightly declining legacy stores [63] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining affordability for customers, especially in the current economic climate [28][131] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for Q4 2023 was 23.6%, with full-year rates at 24.2% [16] - The company repurchased 442,000 shares during Q4 and over 1 million shares for the full year, resulting in a cash balance of $118 million at year-end [42] - Capital expenditures for 2023 totaled $344 million, with a significant portion earmarked for growth projects [65] Q&A Session Summary Question: Position as a low-cost operator and larger-format stores - Management confirmed that they can maintain low-cost discipline while expanding larger-format stores, focusing on fuel margin requirements and coverage ratios [54][56] Question: Visibility into merchandise contribution growth - Management indicated that tobacco sales continue to lead, with significant growth in food and beverage contributions, particularly in the QuickChek brand [58] Question: Sustainability of fuel margins and inside store EBITDA growth - Management emphasized that while fuel margins are important, the merchandise side of the business has also seen substantial growth, contributing to overall EBITDA [61][87] Question: Fuel volume guidance and competitive pricing - Management expects fuel volumes to remain flat to slightly up, leveraging their low-cost pricing strategy to maintain competitiveness [63][112] Question: Capital allocation and share buybacks - Management plans to continue share buybacks while ensuring that capital expenditures are funded through operating cash flows [115][116]

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Revenue for Q3 2023 was $5.8 billion, down from $6.2 billion in the year-ago period [21] - Adjusted EBITDA was $306 million, compared to $367 million in Q3 2022 [21] - Net income was $167.7 million, or $7.69 per share, versus $219.5 million, or $9.28 per share, in the prior year [21] - Average retail gasoline prices were $3.41 per gallon, down from $3.67 per gallon in Q3 2022 [21] - Total debt as of September 30 was approximately $1.8 billion, with $125 million in cash and cash equivalents [21] Business Line Performance - Same-store fuel volumes were down 4.7% YoY, but the 2-year stack remained strong at 4.3% [11] - Food and beverage sales grew by 6.1%, with contribution dollars up 5.7% [15] - Nicotine business outperformed, gaining share in all key categories [16] - Merchandise business has seen high single-digit growth rates in sales and margin dollars over the past 4 years, a trend expected to continue into 2024 [16] Market Performance - The Northeast region saw improved margins and traffic, driven by promotional activities and innovative food and beverage concepts [62] - Diesel fuel supply tightness had a marginal impact on the business, with no significant negative effects [55] Strategic Direction and Industry Competition - The company is focusing on sustainable growth through fuel volatility, in-store performance optimization, and customer-centric investments [9] - New stores are accretive to the network average, delivering higher volumes, merchandise sales, and margins [14] - The company is investing in digital transformation and in-store experience campaigns to extend its competitive advantage [19] - Plans include renovating up to 50 stores in 2024 and building new "store of tomorrow" formats [25][59] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the resilience of the business model, with a tenfold increase in shareholder value since the spin-off [19] - The company expects 2023 full-year results to be below 2022 levels but remains optimistic about sustainable growth and momentum heading into 2024 [8][28] - Fuel margins are expected to remain rational, with potential for higher equilibrium margins in 2024 [12] Other Key Information - The company closed 4 Quick Tech stores during the quarter, with plans to build new stores in strong markets [22] - Capital spending for 2023 is expected to be between $325 million and $375 million, below the guided range due to delays in new store construction [22] - The company repurchased $65 million worth of shares during the quarter [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: PS&W Margin Contribution - The margin contribution was driven by low volatility and inventory gains, contrasting with the prior year's price declines [32] Question: Tobacco Market Dynamics - The company is gaining share in traditional combustible and noncombustible tobacco categories, while marginal players face challenges from illicit products [34] Question: Fuel Volume Stickiness - Despite a 4% YoY decline in same-store fuel volumes, the company attributes stickiness to its value proposition and customer loyalty programs [43][44] Question: Fuel Margin Equilibrium - Management plans to provide a suggested range for fuel margins in 2024 but will avoid specific guidance to focus on long-term sustainability [45] Question: Non-Cigarette Merchandise Performance - The company is focusing on improving food and beverage offerings, with early results from pilot stores showing strong customer uptake [47][48] Question: GLP-1 Drug Impact - Management believes it is too early to assess the potential impact of GLP-1 drugs on consumer behavior [51] Question: Diesel Fuel Supply Impact - Diesel supply tightness had a marginal impact, with no significant effect on the business [53][55] Question: Redesigned Store Performance - Early feedback from pilot stores with redesigned interiors and improved food and beverage layouts has been positive [57][58] Question: Northeast Market Improvement - The Northeast region saw improved margins and traffic due to promotional activities and innovative food and beverage concepts [62]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q MURPHY USA INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 46-2279221 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 200 Peach Street El Dorado, Arkansas 71730-5836 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (Mark one) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended Septemb ...

Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA) Q2 2023 Earnings Conference Call August 3, 2023 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Christian Pikul - Vice President of Investor Relations Andrew Clyde - President and Chief Executive Officer Mindy West - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Anthony Bonadio - Wells Fargo Securities Benjamin Bienvenu - Stephens Inc. Bobby Griffin - Raymond James Bonnie Herzog - Goldman Sachs Operator Good morning, and welcome to the Murphy USA Second Quart ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark one) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _______________ to _______________ Commission File Number 001-35914 MURPHY USA INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 46-2279221 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2023 was $5.1 billion, consistent with the previous year [67] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $220 million from $277 million in 2022 [67] - Net income fell to $106.3 million or $4.80 per share, down from $152.4 million or $6.08 per share in Q1 2022 [67] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail fuel margins remained stable, averaging around $0.29 per gallon, with same-store gallons increasing by 1.4% year-over-year [32][33] - Merchandise sales and margins increased by 6% and 5% respectively, driven by strong performance in non-tobacco categories [33] - QuickChek's fuel gallons were down 0.4% on an APSM basis, while merchandise sales increased by 2.4% [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average retail prices were $3.15 per gallon compared to $3.43 in the same period last year [38] - Same-store sales and margins at QuickChek faced challenges but showed mid-single-digit growth due to product innovation and price increases [62] - Customer traffic remained robust, contributing to strong merchandise performance despite lower fuel prices [114] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a new share repurchase authorization of up to $1.5 billion through 2028, aligning with long-term shareholder return expectations [23][66] - Investments in new stores and capabilities are expected to drive sustainable earnings growth and free cash flow generation over the next decade [23] - The company is focused on maintaining an everyday low-price strategy to attract and retain customers, especially in a potentially weaker consumer backdrop [49][78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current quarter's results reflect strong fundamentals despite being a historically shoulder quarter [24] - The company is optimistic about future performance, citing ongoing investments and improvements in operational capabilities [41][42] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation and commodity price volatility but emphasized the company's resilience and strategic positioning [60][116] Other Important Information - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $102 million as of March 31, up about $40 million since year-end [39] - The company plans to open 35 to 40 new stores in 2023, including six new QuickChek stores [36] - The integration of QuickChek is largely complete, with synergies being captured and innovations being leveraged across both brands [80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Q1 fuel margins and market dynamics - Management explained that the stability in retail margins was due to a lack of volatility compared to the previous year, which saw significant price fluctuations [45][46] Question: Impact of a potential recession on the business - Management highlighted that their focus on affordability positions them well to attract customers who feel the effects of economic downturns [49][78] Question: Integration progress of QuickChek and its impact - Management noted that the integration is in the later stages, with significant learnings and innovations being shared between the two brands [80] Question: RIN sales performance and its impact on margins - Management clarified that RIN sales were up due to higher pricing, with a significant increase in average sale price compared to the previous year [92] Question: Guidance outlook in light of strong Q1 results - Management emphasized the importance of focusing on long-term growth potential rather than making short-term adjustments based on quarterly performance [88][116]