Core Insights - Arko Corp. is expected to report a decline in revenues for Q3 2025, with estimates at $1.98 billion, reflecting a 13.1% decrease from the previous year [1][8] - The earnings consensus remains stable at 12 cents per share, indicating a significant growth of 71.4% year-over-year [1] - The company has experienced a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise averaging 42.1% [1] Revenue and Earnings Outlook - Arko is navigating a challenging environment characterized by macroeconomic pressures and changing consumer behavior, impacting same-store merchandise sales and retail fuel volumes [2] - The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA between $70 million and $80 million, down from $78.8 million in the same period last year [3][8] - Fuel margins have normalized, with retail fuel margins fluctuating between 42.5 and 44.5 cents per gallon [3] Sales Performance - Early signs of stabilization were noted in Q3, with July same-store sales (excluding cigarettes) showing slight year-over-year improvement, marking the best performance in nearly 18 months [4] - Both inside sales and fuel volumes are improving sequentially, suggesting that targeted promotions and loyalty initiatives are positively influencing sales [4] Earnings Prediction - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Arko, with a Zacks Rank of 3 and an Earnings ESP of 0.00% [5]

Core Insights - Murphy USA Inc. (MUSA) reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of $7.25, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.60 and slightly up from $7.20 in the previous year, driven by stronger merchandise results [1][10] - Operating revenues for Murphy USA were $5.1 billion, a decrease of 2.5% year over year, missing the consensus estimate by $104 million due to lower petroleum product sales [1][10] Revenue Breakdown - Revenues from petroleum product sales totaled $3.9 billion, falling short of the estimated $4.2 billion and down 4.8% from the third quarter of 2024 [2] - Merchandise sales reached $1.1 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.7% [2] Fuel Contribution Analysis - Total fuel contribution decreased by 4.8% year over year to $384.8 million, attributed to lower retail contributions and margin contraction [3] - Retail fuel contribution fell 10.4% year over year to $354.5 million, with margins narrowing to 28.3 cents per gallon from 31.9 cents in the same period of 2024 [4] Merchandise Performance - Contribution from merchandise increased by 11.2% to $241.2 million, supported by higher sales and improved unit margins, which rose to 21.5% from 20% a year ago [5] - On a same-store sales (SSS) basis, total merchandise contribution improved by 8.3% year over year, primarily due to an 18% increase in nicotine margins [5] Operational Metrics - Monthly fuel gallons sold decreased by 1.8% compared to the prior year, while merchandise sales increased by 1% on an average per-store monthly basis [6] - Retail gallons sold improved by 1.2% year over year to 1,254.3 million, surpassing the estimate of 1,233 million [4] Financial Position - As of September 30, Murphy USA had cash and cash equivalents of $42.8 million and long-term debt of $2.2 billion, resulting in a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 80.3% [7] - The company repurchased shares worth $221.4 million during the quarter [7] Shareholder Returns - The board authorized a new $2 billion share repurchase program, effective after the completion of the current $1.5 billion plan [8] - A quarterly dividend of 63 cents per share was declared, marking a 19% increase from the previous quarter's dividend [8]

Core Viewpoint - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) is entering exclusive negotiations to divest its controlling interest in Esso Société Anonyme Française SA and 100% of ExxonMobil Chemical France SAS to North Atlantic France SAS, with the transaction expected to close in Q4 2025, pending regulatory approvals and financial arrangements [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - The deal includes the Gravenchon refinery and related assets [1] - Approximately 1,350 employees affected by the transaction will remain employed under their current terms and conditions, ensuring workforce stability during the transition [4] - The divestment aligns with ExxonMobil's strategy to optimize its global portfolio while maintaining safe operations and meeting supply obligations during the transition [6] Group 2: Retained Operations - ExxonMobil will retain a significant commercial presence in France, operating around 750 Esso-branded retail fuel stations and continuing to supply finished lubricants, base stocks, and specialty products [2][3] - The company considers France a key market and intends to support its customers through the Esso brand [3] Group 3: Strategic Implications - North Atlantic views the acquisition as a strategic enhancement of its transatlantic operations, aiming to establish Gravenchon as a central hub for France's energy and industrial sectors [5] - ExxonMobil's exit from certain French operations does not indicate a broader retreat from Europe, as the continent remains important for its energy and specialty product business [7]