Murphy USA (MUSA)2023-11-04 17:39Financial 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]