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Risk Factors - MUR
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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
Murphy engages cybersecurity assessors, consultants, our internal auditors, and other third parties both periodically and as appropriate when cyber threats are identified. Murphy utilizes these consultants to perform forensic analysis of data published by threat actors, to monitor and scan Murphy’s systems for threat vectors, and to consult on emerging cybersecurity environment topics. To our knowledge, Murphy has not experienced any cybersecurity incidents that have had, or are likely to have, material impacts to our business, operations, finances, or reputation .
The Company faces risks in the normal course of business and through global, regional and local events that could have an adverse impact on its reputation, operations, and financial performance. The Board exercises oversight of the Company’s enterprise risk management program, which includes strategic, operational and financial matters, as well as compliance and legal risks. The Board receives updates annually on the risk management processes.
The following are some important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. If any of the events or circumstances described in any of the following risk factors occurs, our business, results of operations and/or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected, and our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements we make in any public disclosures.
Price Risk Factors
Volatility in the global prices of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs can significantly affect the Company’s operating results, cash flows and financial condition.
Among the most significant variable factors impacting the Company’s results of operations are the sales prices for crude oil and natural gas that it produces. Many of the factors influencing prices of crude oil and natural gas are beyond our control. These factors include:
•worldwide and domestic supplies of, and demand for, crude oil, natural gas and NGLs;
•the ability of the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and certain non-OPEC members, for example, Russia, to agree to maintain or adjust production levels;
•the production levels of non-OPEC countries, including, amongst others, production levels in the shale plays in the U.S.;
•political instability or armed conflict in oil and natural gas producing regions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israeli-Palestinian conflict;
•the level of drilling, completion and production activities by other exploration and production companies, and variability therein, in response to market conditions;
•changes in weather patterns and climate, including those that may result from climate change;
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•natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes, including those that may result from climate change;
•the price, availability and the demand for and of alternative and competing forms of energy, such as nuclear, hydroelectric, wind or solar;
•the effect of conservation efforts and focus on climate-change;
•technological advances affecting energy consumption and energy supply;
•increased activism against, or change in public sentiment for, oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production activities and considerations including climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy;
•the occurrence or threat of epidemics or pandemics, such as the outbreak of COVID-19, or any government response to such occurrence or threat which may lower the demand for hydrocarbon fuels;
•domestic and foreign governmental regulations, taxes and other actions, including tariffs, economic sanctions and further legislation requiring, subsidizing or providing tax benefits for the use or generation of alternative energy sources and fuels; and
•general economic conditions worldwide, including inflationary conditions and related governmental policies and interventions.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices averaged $75.72 per BBL in 2024, compared to $77.62 in 2023 and $94.23 in 2022. Certain U.S. and Canadian crude oils are priced from oil indices other than WTI, and these indices are influenced by different supply and demand forces than those that affect WTI prices. The most common crude oil indices used to price the Company’s crude include Mars, WTI Houston (MEH), Heavy Louisiana Sweet (HLS) and Brent. Risk Factors - Continuedcommon crude oil indices used to price the Company’s crude include Mars, WTI Houston (MEH), Heavy Louisiana Sweet (HLS) and Brent.
The average New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) natural gas sales price was $2.24 per million British Thermal Units (MMBTU) in 2024, compared to $2.53 in 2023 and $6.38 in 2022. The Company also has exposure to the Canadian benchmark natural gas price, Alberta Energy Company (AECO), which averaged C$1.46 per MCF in 2024, compared to C$2.64 in 2023 and C$5.31 in 2022. The Company has entered into certain forward fixed price contracts as detailed in the “Outlook” section beginning on page 51 and spot contracts providing exposure to other market prices at specific sales points such as Malin (Oregon, U.S.) and Dawn (Ontario, Canada).
Lower prices, should they occur, will materially and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Lower oil and natural gas prices could reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that the Company can economically produce, resulting in a reduction in the proved oil and natural gas reserves we could recognize, which could impact the recoverability and carrying value of our assets. The Company cannot predict how changes in the sales prices of oil and natural gas will affect the results of operations in future periods.
Lower oil and natural gas prices adversely affect the Company in several ways:
•Lower sales value for the Company’s oil and natural gas production reduces cash flows and net income.
•Lower cash flows may cause the Company to reduce its capital expenditure program, thereby potentially restricting its ability to grow production and add proved reserves.
•Lower oil and natural gas prices could lead to impairment charges in future periods, therefore reducing net income.
•Reductions in oil and natural gas prices could lead to reductions in the Company’s proved reserves in future years. Low prices could make a portion of the Company’s proved reserves uneconomic, which in turn could lead to the removal of certain of the Company’s year-end reported proved oil reserves in future periods. These reserve reductions could be significant.
•Lower oil and natural gas prices could lead to an inability to access, renew, or replace credit facilities, and could also impair access to other sources of funding as these mature, potentially negatively impacting our liquidity.
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•Lower prices for oil and natural gas could cause the Company to lower its dividend because of lower cash flows.
See Note K for additional information on the derivative instruments used to manage certain risks related to commodity prices.
Murphy’s commodity price risk management may limit the Company’s ability to fully benefit from potential future price increases for oil and natural gas.
The Company, from time to time, enters into various contracts to protect its cash flows against lower oil and natural gas prices. To the extent that the Company enters into these contracts and in the event that prices for oil and natural gas increase in future periods, the Company will not fully benefit from the price improvement on all production. See Note K for additional information on the derivative instruments used to manage certain risks related to commodity prices.
Operational Risk Factors
Murphy operates in highly competitive environments which could adversely affect it in many ways, including its profitability, cash flows and its ability to grow.
Murphy operates in the oil and natural gas industry and experiences competition from other oil and natural gas companies, which include major integrated oil companies, independent producers of oil and natural gas, and state-owned foreign oil companies.Murphy operates in the oil and gas industry and experiences competition from other oil and gas companies, which include major integrated oil companies, independent producers of oil and gas, and state-owned foreign oil companies. Many of the major integrated and state-owned oil companies and some of the independent producers that compete with the Company have substantially greater resources than Murphy.
In addition, the oil industry as a whole competes with other industries in supplying energy requirements around the world. Within the industry, Murphy competes for, among other things, valuable acreage positions, exploration licenses, drilling equipment and talent.
Exploration drilling results can significantly affect the Company’s operating results.
The Company drills exploratory wells which subject its exploration and production operating results to exposure to dry hole expense, which has in the past, and may in the future, adversely affect our results of operations.The Company drills exploratory wells which subjects its exploration and production operating results to exposure to dry hole expense, which has in the past, and may in the future, adversely affect our results of operations. The Company plans to continue assessing exploration activities as part of its overall strategy. In 2024, the Company participated in four exploration wells. In 2023, the Company participated in three exploration wells. The Hai Su Vang-1X (Golden Sea Lion), Block 15/2-17 exploration well, located in offshore Vietnam, and the non-operated Ocotillo #1 (Mississippi Canyon 40) exploration well, located in the Gulf of America, resulted in commercial discoveries while the Sebastian #1 (Mississippi Canyon 387) and non-operated Orange #1 (Mississippi Canyon 216) wells, located in the Gulf of America, did not encounter commercial hydrocarbons. Additionally, the Company expensed previously suspended costs associated with the Hoffe Park #1 (Mississippi Canyon 166) well which was determined to be non-commercial. Additionally, the Company expensed previously suspended costs associated with the 2019 Cholula-1EXP well which was determined to be non-commercial. The Company has budgeted $145 million for its 2025 exploration program, which includes drilling two wells in Vietnam, two wells in the Gulf of America, and one well in Côte d’Ivoire. The Company has budgeted $120 million for its 2024 exploration program, which includes drilling two operated wells in Vietnam and two non-operated wells in the Gulf of Mexico.
If Murphy cannot replace its oil and natural gas reserves, it may not be able to sustain or grow its business.
Murphy continually depletes its oil and natural gas reserves as production occurs. To sustain and grow its business, the Company must successfully replace the oil and natural gas it produces with additional reserves. Therefore, it must create and maintain a portfolio of good prospects for future reserves additions and production. The Company must find, acquire or develop, and produce reserves at a competitive cost to be successful in the long-term. Murphy’s ability to operate profitably in the exploration and production business, therefore, is dependent on its ability to find (and/or acquire), develop and produce oil and natural gas reserves at costs that are less than the realized sales price for these products.
Murphy’s proved reserves are based on the professional judgment of its engineers and may be subject to revision.
Proved reserves of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs included in this report on pages 106 through 115 have been prepared according to the SEC guidelines by qualified company personnel or qualified independent engineers based on an unweighted average of crude oil, natural gas and NGL prices in effect at the beginning of each month of the respective year as well as other conditions and information available at the time the estimates were prepared. Estimation of reserves is a subjective process that involves professional judgment by engineers about volumes to be recovered in future periods from underground oil and natural gas reservoirs. Estimates of economically
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recoverable crude oil, natural gas and NGL reserves and future net cash flows depend upon a number of variable factors and assumptions, and consequently, different engineers could arrive at different estimates of reserves and future net cash flows based on the same available data and using industry accepted engineering practices and scientific methods. In 2024, 71.6% of the proved reserves were audited by third-party auditors.
Murphy’s actual future oil and natural gas production may vary substantially from its reported quantity of proved reserves due to a number of factors, including:
•Oil and natural gas prices which are materially different from prices used to compute proved reserves;
•Operating and/or capital costs which are materially different from those assumed to compute proved reserves;
•Future reservoir performance which is materially different from models used to compute proved reserves; and
•Governmental regulations or actions which materially impact operations of a field.
The Company’s proved undeveloped reserves represent significant portions of total proved reserves. As of December 31, 2024, and including noncontrolling interests, approximately 33% of the Company’s crude oil proved reserves, 38% of NGL proved reserves and 45% of natural gas proved reserves are undeveloped. As of December 31, 2023, and including noncontrolling interests, approximately 32% of the Company’s crude oil and condensate proved reserves, 31% of natural gas liquids proved reserves and 50% of natural gas proved reserves are undeveloped. The ability of the Company to reclassify these undeveloped proved reserves to the proved developed classification is generally dependent on the successful completion of one or more operations, which might include further development drilling, construction of facilities or pipelines and well workovers.
The discounted future net revenues from our proved reserves as reported on pages 119 and 120 should not be considered as the market value of the reserves attributable to our properties. As required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the estimated discounted future net revenues from our proved reserves are based on an unweighted average of the oil and natural gas prices in effect at the beginning of each month during the year. Actual future prices and costs may be materially higher or lower than those used in the reserves computations.
In addition, the 10% discount factor that is required to be used to calculate discounted future net revenues for reporting purposes under GAAP is not necessarily the most appropriate discount factor based on our cost of capital, the risks associated with our business and the risk associated with the industry in general.
Murphy is reliant on certain third party infrastructure to develop projects and operations.
The Company relies on the availability and capacity of infrastructure, such as transportation and processing facilities, and equipment that are often owned and operated by others. These third-party systems, facilities, and equipment may not always be available to the Company and, if available, may not be available at a price that is acceptable to the Company. The unavailability or high cost of such equipment or infrastructure could adversely affect our ability to establish and execute exploration and development plans within budget and on a timely basis, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our inability to access appropriate equipment and infrastructure in a timely manner and on acceptable terms may hinder our access to oil and natural gas markets or delay our oil and natural gas production.
Murphy is sometimes reliant on joint venture partners for operating assets, and/or funding development projects and operations.
Certain of the Company’s major oil and natural gas producing properties are operated by others. Therefore, Murphy does not fully control all activities at certain of its revenue generating properties. During 2024, approximately 21% of the Company’s total production was at fields operated by others, while at December 31, 2024, approximately 14% of the Company’s total proved reserves were at fields operated by others.
Some of Murphy’s development projects entail significant capital expenditures and have long development cycle times. As a result, the Company’s partners must be able to fund their share of investment costs through the development cycle, through cash flow from operations, external credit facilities, or other sources, including financing arrangements. Murphy’s partners are also susceptible to certain of the risk factors noted herein,
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including, but not limited to, commodity prices, fiscal regime changes, government project approval delays, regulatory changes, credit downgrades and regional conflict. If one or more of these factors negatively impacts a project operator’s or partners’ cash flows or ability to obtain adequate financing, or if an operator of our projects fails to adequately perform operations or fulfill its obligations under the applicable agreements, it could result in a delay or cancellation of a project, resulting in a reduction of the Company’s reserves and production, which negatively impacts the timing and receipt of planned cash flows and expected profitability.
Murphy’s business is subject to operational hazards, severe weather events, physical security risks and risks normally associated with the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, which could become more significant as a result of climate change. Risk Factors - ContinuedMurphy’s business is subject to operational hazards, severe weather events, physical security risks and risks normally associated with the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, which could become more significant as a result of climate change.
The Company operates in a variety of locales, including urban, remote, and sometimes inhospitable, areas around the world. The occurrence of an event, including but not limited to acts of nature such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes (and other forms of severe weather), mechanical equipment failures, industrial accidents, fires, explosions, acts of war, civil unrest, piracy and acts of terrorism could result in the loss of hydrocarbons and associated revenues, environmental pollution or contamination, personal injury (including death), and property damages for which the Company could be deemed to be liable and which could subject the Company to substantial fines and/or claims for punitive damages. This risk extends to actions and operational hazards of other operators in the industry, which may also impact the Company.
The location of many of Murphy’s key assets causes the Company to be vulnerable to severe weather, including hurricanes, tropical storms and extreme temperatures. Many of the Company’s offshore fields are in the Gulf of America, where hurricanes and tropical storms can lead to shutdowns and damages. Many of the Company’s offshore fields are in the US Gulf of Mexico, where hurricanes and tropical storms can lead to shutdowns and damages. The U.S. hurricane season runs from June through November. Moreover, scientists have predicted that increasing concentrations of GHG in the earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes that increase significant weather events, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods and other climatic events. If such effects were to occur, our operations could be adversely affected. Although the Company maintains insurance for such risks, due to policy deductibles and possible coverage limits, weather-related risks to our operations are not fully insured. In addition, the physical effects of climate change may generally result in reduced availability of relevant insurance coverage on the market. For additional details on insurance, see “Risk Factors - General Risk Factors – Murphy’s insurance may not be adequate to offset costs associated with certain events, and there can be no assurance that insurance coverage will continue to be available in the future on terms that justify its purchase. Risk Factors - ContinuedMurphy’s insurance may not be adequate to offset costs associated with certain events, and there can be no assurance that insurance coverage will continue to be available in the future on terms that justify its purchase. For additional details on insurance, see Risk Factors, “General Risk Factors – Murphy’s insurance may not be adequate to offset costs associated with certain events, and there can be no assurance that insurance coverage will continue to be available in the future on terms that justify its purchase. Risk Factors - ContinuedMurphy’s insurance may not be adequate to offset costs associated with certain events, and there can be no assurance that insurance coverage will continue to be available in the future on terms that justify its purchase. ”
In addition, certain customer and supplier assets, such as storage terminals, processing facilities, refineries and pipelines, are located in areas that may be prone to severe weather events, including hurricanes, winter storms, floods and major tropical storms, all of which may be exacerbated by climate change. Severe weather events that significantly affect facilities belonging to such customers or suppliers may reduce demand for our products and interrupt our ability to bring products to market and may therefore materially and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, even if our own facilities escape significant damage.
Hydraulic fracturing operations subject the Company to operational risks inherent in the drilling and production of oil and natural gas.
The Company’s onshore North America oil and natural gas production is dependent on a technique known as hydraulic fracturing whereby water, sand and certain chemicals are injected into deep oil and natural gas bearing reservoirs in North America. This process occurs thousands of feet below the surface and creates fractures in the rock formation within the reservoir which enhances migration of oil and natural gas to the wellbore.
The risks associated with hydraulic fracturing operations include, but are not limited to, underground migration or surface spillage due to releases of oil, natural gas, formation water or well fluids, as well as any related surface or groundwater contamination, including from petroleum constituents or hydraulic fracturing chemical additives. Ineffective containment of surface spillage and surface or groundwater contamination resulting from hydraulic fracturing operations, including from petroleum constituents or hydraulic fracturing chemical additives, could result in environmental pollution, remediation expenses, and third-party claims alleging damages, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. In addition, hydraulic fracturing requires significant quantities of water; the wastewater from oil and natural gas operations is often disposed of through underground injection. Certain increased seismic activities have been linked to underground water injection. Any diminished access to water for use in the hydraulic fracturing process, any inability to properly
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dispose of wastewater, or any further restrictions placed on wastewater, could curtail the Company’s operations due to regulatory initiatives or natural constraints such as drought or otherwise result in operational delays or increased costs.
Murphy is subject to numerous environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, and such existing and any potential future laws and regulations may result in material liabilities and costs.
The Company’s operations are subject to various international, foreign, national, state, provincial and local environmental, health and safety laws, regulations, governmental actions and permit requirements, including related to the generation, storage, handling, use, disposal and remediation of petroleum products, wastewater and hazardous materials; the emission and discharge of such materials to the environment, including methane and other GHG emissions; wildlife, habitat and water protection; water access, use and disposal; the placement, operation and decommissioning of production equipment; the health and safety of our employees, contractors and communities where our operations are located, including indigenous communities; and the causes and impacts of climate change. The laws, regulations, governmental actions and permit requirements are subject to frequent change and have tended to become stricter over time and at times may be motivated by political considerations. They can impose permitting and financial assurance obligations, as well as operational controls and/or siting constraints on our business, and can result in additional capital and operating expenditures. For example, in March 2024, the U.S. EPA published its final rule regulating methane and volatile organic compounds emissions in the oil and gas industry which, among other things, requires periodic inspections to detect leaks (and subsequent repairs), places stringent restrictions on venting and flaring of methane, and establishes a program whereby third parties can monitor and report large methane emissions to the U.S. EPA. In November 2024, the U.S. EPA published its final rule implementing a charge on large emitters of waste methane from the oil and gas sector. The charge, referred to as the WEC, is a component of the Biden Administration’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program to limit methane emissions from the oil and gas industry under the IRA of 2022. In addition, it is possible in the future that certain regulatory bodies such as the Railroad Commission of Texas may enact regulation that bans or reduces flaring for U.S. Onshore operations, and certain regulatory bodies in Canada may decide to revoke permits or pause the issuance of permits as a result of non-compliance with, or litigation related to, environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. Compliance with such regulations could result in capital investment or operating costs which would reduce the Company’s net cash flows and profitability. Compliance with such regulations could result in capital investment which would reduce the Company’s net cash flows and profitability.
Murphy also could be subject to strict liability for environmental contamination in various jurisdictions where it operates, including with respect to its current or former properties, operations and waste disposal sites, or those of its predecessors. Contamination has been identified at some locations, and the Company has been required, and in the future may be required, to investigate, remove or remediate previously disposed wastes; or otherwise clean up contaminated soil, surface water or groundwater, address spills and leaks from pipelines and production equipment, and perform remedial plugging operations. In addition to significant investigation and remediation costs, such matters can result in fines and also give rise to third-party claims for personal injury and property or other environmental damage.
The Company primarily uses hydraulic fracturing in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas and in Kaybob Duvernay and Tupper Montney in Western Canada. Texas law imposes permitting, disclosure, disposal and well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing operations, as well as public disclosure of certain information regarding the components used in the hydraulic fracturing process. Regulations in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta also govern various aspects of hydraulic fracturing activities under their jurisdictions. It is possible that Texas, other states in which we may conduct fracturing in the future, the U.S., Canadian provinces and certain municipalities may adopt further laws or regulations which could render the process unlawful, less effective or drive up its costs. If any such action is taken in the future, the Company’s production levels could be adversely affected, or its costs of drilling and completion could be increased. Once new laws and/or regulations have been enacted and adopted, the costs of compliance are appraised.
In addition, the BOEM and the BSEE have regulations applicable to lessees in federal waters that impose various safety, permitting and certification requirements applicable to exploration, development and production activities in the Gulf of America, and also require lessees to have substantial U.S. assets and net worth or post bonds or other acceptable financial assurance that the regulatory obligations will be met. These include, in the Gulf of America, well design, well control, casing, cementing, real-time monitoring, and subsea containment, among other items. These include, in the Gulf of Mexico, well design, well control, casing, cementing, real-time monitoring, and subsea containment, among other items. Under applicable requirements, BOEM evaluates the financial strength and reliability of
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lessees and operators active on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. If the BOEM determines that a company does not have the financial ability to meet its decommissioning and other obligations, that company will be required to post additional financial security as assurance.
In addition, various executive orders by the Biden Administration and the Department of Interior over the course of 2021 regarding a temporary suspension of normal-course issuance of permits for fossil fuel development on federal lands and a pause on new oil and natural gas leases on public lands and offshore waters, and the Secretary of the Interior’s overhaul of permitting and leasing regulations and rates, finalized in April 2024, could adversely impact Murphy’s operations.In addition, various executive orders by the current presidential administration and the Department of Interior over the course of 2021 regarding a temporary suspension of normal-course issuance of permits for fossil fuel development on federal lands and a pause on new oil and gas leases on public lands and offshore waters, and the Secretary of Interior’s related review of permitting and leasing practices, could adversely impact Murphy’s operations. These developments demonstrate the uncertainty regarding the regulation of oil and natural gas related to shifts in political power in the U.S. For further details, see “Risk Factors – General Risk Factors – Murphy’s operations and earnings have been and will continue to be affected by domestic and worldwide political developments. Murphy’s operations and earnings have been and will continue to be affected by domestic and worldwide political developments. ”
We face various risks associated with increased activism against, or change in public sentiment for, oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production activities and sustainability considerations, including climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy.
Opposition toward oil and natural gas drilling, development, and production activity has been growing globally.Opposition toward oil and gas drilling, development, and production activity has been growing globally. Companies in the oil and natural gas industry are often the target of activist efforts from both individuals and nongovernmental organizations and other stakeholders regarding safety, human rights, climate change, environmental matters, sustainability, and business practices. Companies in the oil and gas industry are often the target of activist efforts from both individuals and nongovernmental organizations and other stakeholders regarding safety, human rights, climate change, environmental matters, sustainability, and business practices. Anti‑development activists are working to, among other things, delay or cancel certain operations such as offshore drilling and development or onshore hydraulic fracking.
Activism may continue to increase regardless of the U.S. Administration’s environmental and climate change executive orders described earlier in this Form 10-K report. Our need to incur costs associated with responding to these initiatives or complying with any new legal requirements resulting from these activities that are substantial and not adequately provided for could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our need to incur costs associated with responding to these initiatives or complying with any resulting new legal or regulatory requirements resulting from these activities that are substantial and not adequately provided for, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, a change in public sentiment regarding the oil and natural gas industry could result in a reduction in the demand for our products or otherwise affect our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, a change in public sentiment regarding the oil and gas industry could result in a reduction in the demand for our products or otherwise affect our results of operations or financial condition.
We may face increased scrutiny from investors and other stakeholders related to our sustainability activities, including the goals, targets and objectives we announce, our methodologies and timelines for pursuing them and related disclosures. If our sustainability practices do not meet investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards, which continue to evolve, our reputation, our ability to attract or retain employees and our attractiveness as an investment or business partner could be negatively affected. Similarly, our failure or perceived failure to pursue or fulfill our sustainability-focused goals, targets and objectives, to comply with ethical, environmental or other standards, regulations or expectations or to satisfy various reporting standards with respect to these matters, within the timelines we announce, or at all, could adversely affect our business or reputation, as well as expose us to government enforcement actions and private litigation.
While the Company has been named a co-defendant with other oil and natural gas companies in lawsuits related to climate change, these lawsuits have not resulted in, and are not currently expected to result in, material liability for the Company.While the Company has been named a co-defendant with other oil and gas companies in lawsuits related to climate change, these lawsuits have not resulted in, and are not currently expected to result in, material liability for the Company. Depending on the evolution of laws, regulations and litigation outcomes relating to climate change, there can be no guarantee that climate change litigation will not in the future materially adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. For further details on risks related to legal proceedings more generally, see “Risk Factors - General Risk Factors - Lawsuits against Murphy and its subsidiaries could adversely affect its operating results.”
Financial Risk Factors
Capital financing may not always be available to fund Murphy’s activities; and interest rates could impact cash flows.
Murphy usually must spend and risk a significant amount of capital to find and develop reserves before revenue is generated from production. Although most capital needs are funded from operating cash flow, the timing of cash flows from operations and capital funding requirements may not always coincide, and the levels of cash flow generated by operations may not fully cover capital funding requirements, especially in periods of low commodity prices. Therefore, the Company maintains financing arrangements with lending institutions to meet
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certain funding needs. The Company periodically renews these financing arrangements based on foreseeable financing needs or as they expire. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company entered into a credit agreement governing a $1.35 billion revolving credit facility (RCF). The RCF is a senior unsecured guaranteed facility and will expire in October 2029. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the RCF. See Note F for further details on the RCF.
The Company’s ability to obtain additional financing is affected by a number of factors, including the market environment, our operating and financial performance, investor sentiment, our ability to incur additional debt in compliance with agreements governing our outstanding debt, and the Company’s credit ratings. A ratings downgrade could materially and adversely impact the Company’s ability to access debt markets, increase the borrowing cost under the Company’s credit facility and the cost of any additional indebtedness we incur, and potentially require the Company to post additional letters of credit or other forms of collateral for certain obligations. Murphy partially manages this risk through borrowing at fixed rates wherever possible; however, rates when refinancing or raising new capital are determined by factors outside of the Company’s control.
Further, changes in investors’ sentiment or view of risk of the exploration and production industry, including as a result of concerns over climate change, could adversely impact the availability of future financing. Risk Factors - ContinuedFurther, changes in investors’ sentiment or view of risk of the exploration and production industry, including as a result of concerns over climate change, could adversely impact the availability of future financing. Specifically, certain financial institutions (including certain investment advisors and sovereign wealth, pension and endowment funds), in response to concerns related to climate change and the requests and other influence of environmental groups and similar stakeholders, have elected to shift some or all of their investments away from fossil fuel-related sectors, and additional financial institutions and other investors may elect to do likewise in the future. As a result, fewer financial institutions and other investors may be willing to invest in, and provide capital to, companies in the oil and natural gas sector, which, in turn, could adversely impact our cost of capital.
Since 2022, the Company undertook several actions to reduce overall debt. Murphy plans to continue with the Company’s deleveraging initiatives, but there can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful and, if not, the Company’s financial conditions and prospects could be adversely affected. See Note F for information regarding the Company’s outstanding debt as of December 31, 2024.
We may be unable to meet our capital allocation framework of returning a percentage of adjusted free cash flow to shareholders through share repurchases and potential dividend increases, which could decrease expected returns on an investment in our common stock.
Our capital allocation framework includes returning a percentage of adjusted free cash flow to shareholders through share repurchases and potential dividend increases. We may, from time to time, redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire our outstanding debt through privately negotiated transactions, open market purchases, redemptions, tender offers or otherwise, but we are under no obligation to do so. There can be no assurance that we will seek to do any of the foregoing or that we will be able to do any of the foregoing on terms acceptable to us or at all.
In connection with our capital allocation framework, the Board authorized a share repurchase program, as described in this Form 10-K report. Share repurchases and dividends are authorized and determined by the Board at its sole discretion and depend upon a number of factors, including available liquidity, market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. We can provide no assurance that we will make share repurchases or pay dividends in accordance with our capital allocation framework, or at all. Any elimination of, or downward revision in, our share repurchase program, dividend payment plans, or capital allocation framework could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Meeting our capital allocation framework strategy requires us to generate consistent adjusted free cash flow and have available capital in the years ahead in an amount sufficient to enable us to maintain a conservative capital structure and liquidity position and invest in organic and inorganic growth, as well as to return a significant portion of the cash generated to shareholders through share repurchases and potential dividend increases. The amount of adjusted free cash flow returned in any quarter during the year may vary and may be more or less than our capital allocation framework. We may not meet this goal if we use our available cash to satisfy other priorities, if we have insufficient funds available to repurchase shares or pay dividends, or if the Board determines to change or discontinue share repurchases or dividend payments.
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Murphy’s operations could be adversely affected by changes in foreign exchange rates.
The Company’s worldwide operational scope exposes it to risks associated with foreign currencies. Most of the Company’s business is transacted in U.S. dollars, and therefore the Company and most of its subsidiaries are U.S. dollar functional entities for accounting purposes. However, the Canadian dollar is the functional currency for all Canadian operations. This exposure to currencies other than the U.S. dollar functional currency can lead to impacts on consolidated financial results from foreign currency translation. On occasions, the Canadian business may hold assets or incur liabilities denominated in a currency which is not Canadian dollars which could lead to exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations. The Company operates in various regions around the world which inherently introduces exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates when transacting in local currencies. See also Note K for additional information on derivative contracts.
The costs and funding requirements related to the Company’s retirement plans are affected by several factors.
A number of actuarial assumptions impact funding requirements for the Company’s retirement plans. The most significant of these assumptions include return on assets, long-term interest rates and mortality. If the actual results for the plans vary significantly from the actuarial assumptions used, or if laws regulating such retirement plans are changed, Murphy could be required to make more significant funding payments to one or more of its retirement plans in the future and/or it could be required to record a larger liability for future obligations in its Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Murphy has limited control over supply chain costs.
The Company often experiences pressure on its operating and capital expenditures in periods of strong crude oil and natural gas prices because an increase in exploration and production activities due to high oil and natural gas sales prices generally leads to higher demand for, and consequently higher costs for, goods and services in the oil and natural gas industry. In addition, periods of inflationary pressure in the wider economy, as seen during 2022, can also lead to a similar increase in the cost of goods and services for the Company. Murphy has a dedicated department focused on managing supply chain and input costs. Murphy has a dedicated procurement department focused on managing supply chain and input costs. Murphy also has certain transportation, processing and production handling services costs fixed through long-term contracts and commitments and therefore is partly protected from the increasing price of services. However, from time to time, Murphy will seek to enter new commitments, exercise options to extend contracts and retender contracts for rigs and other industry services which could expose Murphy to the impact of higher prices.
The Company is exposed to credit risks associated with (i) sales of certain of its products to customers, (ii) joint venture partners and (iii) other counterparties. Risk Factors - ContinuedThe Company is exposed to credit risks associated with (i) sales of certain of its products to customers, (ii) joint venture partners and (iii) other counterparties.
Murphy is exposed to credit risk in three principal areas:
•Accounts receivable credit risk from selling its produced commodity to customers;
•Joint venture partners related to certain oil and natural gas properties operated by the Company that may not be able to meet their financial obligation to pay for their share of capital and operating costs as they become due; and
•Counterparty credit risk related to forward price commodity hedge contracts to protect the Company’s cash flows against lower oil and natural gas prices.
The inability of a purchaser of the Company’s produced commodity, a joint venture partner of the Company, or counterparty in a forward price commodity hedge to meet their respective payment obligations to the Company could have an adverse effect on Murphy’s future earnings and cash flows.
General Risk Factors
We face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, which may have material adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
The future impact of any health epidemic, pandemic (such as COVID-19) or similar outbreak cannot be predicted, and any resurgence of disease may cause additional volatility in commodity prices.The future impact of COVID-19, or that of any other pandemic, cannot be predicted and any resurgence of disease may cause additional volatility in commodity prices. See “Risk Factors - Price Risk Factors – Volatility in the global prices of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs can significantly affect the Company’s operating results. See Risk Factors, “Price Risk Factors – Volatility in the global prices of crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas can significantly affect the Company’s operating results. ”
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If significant portions of our workforce are unable to work effectively, including because of illness, quarantines, government actions, facility closures or other restrictions in connection with an epidemic, pandemic or similar outbreak, our operations will likely be impacted and our ability to produce oil, natural gas and NGLs will likely decrease. We may be unable to perform fully on our commitments, and our costs may increase as a result of such epidemic, pandemic or similar outbreak. We may be unable to perform fully on our commitments and our costs may increase as a result of the COVID-19 or other outbreak. These cost increases may not be fully recoverable or adequately covered by insurance.
In addition, an epidemic, pandemic or similar outbreak could also cause disruption in our supply chain; cause delay or limit the ability of vendors and customers to perform, including in making timely payments to us; and cause other unpredictable events.
We cannot predict the impact of an epidemic, pandemic or similar outbreak. The extent to which any such epidemics, pandemics or similar outbreaks may impact our results will depend on future developments, including, among other factors, the duration and spread of the virus and its variants, availability, acceptance and effectiveness of vaccines along with related travel advisories, quarantines and restrictions, the recovery time of the disrupted supply chains and industries, the impact of labor market interruptions, and the impact of government interventions. The extent to which the COVID-19 or other health pandemics or epidemics may impact our results will depend on future developments, including, among other factors, the duration and spread of the virus and its variants, availability, acceptance and effectiveness of vaccines along with related travel advisories, quarantines and restrictions, the recovery time of the disrupted supply chains and industries, the impact of labor market interruptions, and the impact of government interventions.
Changes in U.S. and international tax rules and regulations, or interpretations thereof, may materially and adversely affect our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to income- and non-income-based taxes in the U.S. under federal, state and local jurisdictions and in the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation, and administrative practices in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change, with or without advance notice, due to economic, political and other conditions, and significant judgment is required in evaluating and estimating our provision and accruals for these taxes. Tax laws, regulations and administrative practices in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change, with or without advance notice, due to economic, political and other conditions, and significant judgment is required in evaluating and estimating our provision and accruals for these taxes. Our tax liabilities could be affected by numerous factors, such as changes in tax, accounting and other laws, regulations, administrative practices, principles and interpretations, the mix and level of earnings in a given taxing jurisdiction or our ownership or capital structure. In recent years, multiple domestic and international tax proposals have been introduced that, if enacted into law would impose greater tax burdens on certain multinational enterprises. For example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) continues to advance proposals or guidance in international taxation, including the establishment of model rules for a new 15% global minimum tax on certain multinational enterprises, also known as Pillar Two. Many countries have implemented or are in the process of implementing these model rules. While we do not currently expect that Pillar Two will have a material impact on our results of operations, we continue to monitor the impact as countries implement legislation and the OECD provides additional guidance. In addition, the IRA, enacted in the U.S. on August 16, 2022, imposes several new taxes that were effective in 2023, including, but not limited to, a 15% corporate book minimum tax for taxpayers with adjusted financial statement income exceeding an average of $1 billion over a three-year testing period and a 1% excise tax on certain stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. We continue to analyze the potential impact of the IRA on our consolidated financial statements and to monitor guidance issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It is possible that further changes may be enacted to U.S. and international tax rules and regulations, including the U.S. corporate tax system, which could have a material effect on our consolidated cash taxes in the future.
We face continued competition for talent to support our operations.
The success of our operations is dependent upon our ability to hire, develop, and retain qualified and experienced personnel.The success of our operations is dependent upon our ability to hire and retain qualified and experienced personnel. The oil and natural gas industry has experienced increased merger and acquisition activity, causing Murphy and industry peers to face heightened competition from other industries for highly sought after and transferable skill sets. In addition, changes in public sentiment towards oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production activities, along with considerations such as climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy, may make it more difficult for us to attract such qualified personnel. Changes in public sentiment for oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities and considerations including climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy may make it more difficult for us to attract such qualified personnel.
Due to significant shifts in demographics impacting the industry, such as an aging workforce and decreased enrollment in relevant fields, Murphy and industry peers are experiencing challenges in sourcing and developing a pipeline of talent for the foreseeable future, which could place our oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production activities at risk. Furthermore, the cost to attract and retain technical talent has increased in recent years due to competition and may continue to increase if the pool of available talent
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continues to shrink due to these demographic shifts. If there is a significant decrease in the availability of qualified talent, our operations, cash flows, and financial condition may be materially and adversely impacted. If there is a decrease in the availability of qualified personnel, this may materially and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Murphy’s sensitive information, operational technology systems and critical data may be exposed to cyber threats. Murphy’s sensitive information and operational technology systems and critical data may be exposed to cyber threats.
The oil and natural gas industry has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct exploration, development, and production activities.The oil and gas industry has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct exploration, development, and production activities. We are no exception to this trend. As a company, we depend on these technologies to estimate quantities of oil and natural gas reserves, process and record financial and operating data, analyze seismic and drilling information, communicate internally and externally, and conduct many other business activities.
Maintaining the security of our technology and data and preventing breaches is critical to our business operation. We rely on our information systems, and our cybersecurity training and policies, to protect and secure intellectual property, strategic plans, customer information, and personally identifiable information of both our employees and our customers.
A digital infrastructure failure or a successfully executed, undetected cyberattack could significantly disrupt business operations. For example, it might lead to downtime, revenue loss, diversion of management or work force attention, and increased costs for remediation. Additionally, the compromise, theft, or unauthorized release of critical data could damage our reputation, weaken our competitive edge, negatively impact our financial stability and expose us to legal risk in multiple jurisdictions. Additionally, the compromise, theft, or unauthorized release of critical data could damage our reputation, weaken our competitive edge, and negatively impact our financial stability. Due to the nature of cyberattacks, breaches to our systems could go undetected for a prolonged period of time. Nevertheless, even if we successfully defend our own digital infrastructure, we also rely on our customers and suppliers, with whom we may share data and services, to protect their digital infrastructure and services from cybersecurity incidents.
As the sophistication of cyber threats continues to evolve, including through the use of artificial intelligence, we may be required to dedicate additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our security measures, or to investigate and remediate any discovered vulnerabilities to cyberattacks.As the sophistication of cyber threats continues to evolve, we may be required to dedicate additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our security measures, or to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks. In addition, laws and regulations governing, or proposed to govern, cybersecurity, data privacy and protection and the unauthorized disclosure of confidential or protected information, including legislation in domestic and international jurisdictions, pose increasingly complex compliance challenges and potentially elevate costs, and any failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in significant penalties and legal liability. Additionally, new regulations or legislation may affect our current uses of protected information and require us to modify how we collect, protect, process or disclose such information.
We are incorporating artificial intelligence technologies into our processes and these technologies may present business, compliance, and reputational risks.
Our business increasingly utilizes artificial intelligence (“AI”), machine learning, and automated decision making to improve our internal processes. Issues in the development and use of AI, combined with an uncertain regulatory environment, may result in new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, confidentiality or security risks, reputational harm, liability or other adverse consequences to our business operations, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The use of AI can lead to unintended consequences, including the unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential and proprietary information, or generating content that appears correct but is factually inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise flawed, which could expose us to risks related to inaccuracies or errors in the output of such technologies. It is not possible to predict all of the risks related to the use of AI, machine learning and automated decision making, and developments in the regulatory frameworks governing the use of such technologies and in related stakeholder expectations may adversely affect our ability to develop and use such technologies or subject us to liability.
Murphy’s operations and earnings have been and will continue to be affected by domestic and worldwide political developments. Murphy’s operations and earnings have been and will continue to be affected by domestic and worldwide political developments.
From time to time, some governments intervene in the market for crude oil 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.
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Murphy is exposed to regulation, legislation and policies enacted by policy makers, regulators or other parties to delay or deny necessary licenses and permits to produce or transport crude oil and natural gas. As an example, the Biden Administration pursued initiatives related to environmental, health and safety standards applicable to the oil and natural gas industry. These included an executive order in January 2021 that directed the Secretary of the Interior to halt indefinitely new oil and natural gas leases on federal lands and offshore waters pending a since-completed review by the Secretary of the Interior of federal oil and natural gas permitting and leasing practices; however, a June 2021 preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana barred the implementation of the pause in new federal oil and natural gas leases. This executive order also set forth other initiatives and goals, including procurement of carbon pollution-free electricity, elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions U.S. economy by 2050. Another executive order from January 2021 called for a climate change-focused review of regulations and other executive actions promulgated, issued or adopted during the prior presidential administration. In August 2022, the IRA of 2022 was passed by the U.S. Congress and included provisions which required the Department of Interior to hold previously announced offshore lease sales in the Gulf of America and Alaska within two years. However, on December 14, 2023, the Secretary of the Interior approved the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which contemplates only three potential oil and natural gas lease sales in the Gulf of America through 2029. These developments demonstrate the uncertainty that can arise from the U.S. Administration’s approach to oil and natural gas leasing and permitting.
In March 2024, the SEC adopted rules requiring disclosure of a wide range of climate change-related information, including, among other things, companies’ climate change risk management; short-, medium-, and long-term climate-related financial risks; and disclosure of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.In March 2022, the SEC proposed rules requiring disclosure of a range of climate change-related information, including, among other things, companies’ climate change risk management; short- medium- and long-term climate-related financial risks; and disclosure of Scope 1, Scope 2 and (for certain companies) Scope 3 emissions. Similar laws and regulations regarding climate change-related disclosures have been proposed or enacted in other jurisdictions, including California and the European Union. The SEC’s climate disclosure rules have been stayed pending legal challenges, but implementation of the rules as finalized could be costly and time consuming. The SEC’s proposed climate disclosure rules have not yet been finalized, but implementation of the rules as proposed could be costly and time consuming. On February 11, 2025, the SEC notified the U.S. Court of Appeals of a statement issued by the SEC’s Acting Chairman regarding, among other things, the fact that the majority of current SEC Commissioners had previously voted against adopting the rules, and requested that the U.S. Court of Appeals not schedule the case for argument to provide time for the SEC to deliberate and determine the appropriate next steps in the cases.
These actions and any future changes to applicable environmental, health and safety, regulatory and legal requirements promulgated by the U.S. Administration and Congress may restrict our access to additional acreage and new leases in the Gulf of America or lead to limitations or delays on our ability to secure additional permits to drill and develop our acreage and leases or otherwise lead to limitations on the scope of our operations, or may lead to increases to our compliance costs. The potential impacts of these changes on our future financial condition, results of operations or cash flows cannot be predicted. The potential impacts of these changes on our future consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows cannot be predicted.
Prices and availability of crude oil, natural gas and refined products could be influenced by political factors and by various governmental policies to restrict or increase petroleum usage and supply. Other governmental actions that could affect Murphy’s operations and earnings include expropriation, tax law changes, royalty increases, redefinition of international boundaries, preferential and discriminatory awarding of oil and natural gas leases, restrictions on drilling and/or production, tariffs, restraints and controls on imports and exports, safety, and relationships between employers and employees. Other governmental actions that could affect Murphy’s operations and earnings include expropriation, tax law changes, royalty increases, redefinition of international boundaries, preferential and discriminatory awarding of oil and gas leases, restrictions on drilling and/or production, restraints and controls on imports and exports, safety, and relationships between employers and employees. For example, the Trump Administration has proposed additional tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Such tariffs may put upwards pressure on the prices of goods and services across the jurisdictions in which we operate, which could reduce our ability to offer competitive pricing to potential customers. We cannot predict what changes to trade policy will be made by the Trump Administration, the U.S. Congress or other governments, including whether existing tariff policies will be maintained or modified or whether the entry into new bilateral or multilateral trade agreements will occur, nor can we predict the effects that any such changes would have on our business. Changes in trade policy have resulted and could again result in reactions from trading partners, including adopting responsive trade policies making it more difficult or costly for us to conduct business across the jurisdictions in which we operate. Texas law imposes permitting, disclosure, disposal and well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing operations, as well as public disclosure of certain information regarding the components used in the hydraulic fracturing process. Such changes in trade policy or in laws and policies governing foreign trade, and any resulting negative sentiments as a result of such changes, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Governments could also initiate regulations concerning matters such as currency fluctuations, currency conversion, protection and remediation of the environment, and concerns over the possibility of global warming caused by the production and use of hydrocarbon energy. As of December 31, 2024, 1.7% of the Company’s proved reserves, as defined by the SEC, were located in countries other than the U.S. and Canada.
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A number of non-governmental entities routinely attempt to influence industry members and government energy policy in an effort to limit industry activities, such as hydrocarbon production, drilling and hydraulic fracturing with the desire to minimize the emission of GHGs such as carbon dioxide, which may harm air quality, and to restrict hydrocarbon spills, which may harm land and/or groundwater.
Additionally, because of the numerous countries in which the Company operates, certain other risks exist, including the application of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other similar anti-corruption compliance statutes in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
It is not possible to predict the actions of governments, including the U.S. Administration, and hence the impact on Murphy’s future operations and earnings.
Murphy’s insurance may not be adequate to offset costs associated with certain events, and there can be no assurance that insurance coverage will continue to be available in the future on terms that justify its purchase. Risk Factors - ContinuedMurphy’s insurance may not be adequate to offset costs associated with certain events, and there can be no assurance that insurance coverage will continue to be available in the future on terms that justify its purchase.
Murphy maintains insurance against certain, but not all, hazards that could arise from its operations. The Company maintains liability insurance sufficient to cover its share of gross insured claim costs up to approximately $500 million per occurrence and in the annual aggregate. Generally, this insurance covers various types of third-party claims related to personal injury, death and property damage, including claims arising from “sudden and accidental” pollution events. The Company also maintains insurance coverage for property damage and well control with a limit of $450 million per occurrence ($850 million for Gulf of America claims), all or part of which could apply to certain sudden and accidental pollution events. The Company also maintains insurance coverage for property damage and well control with an additional limit of $450 million per occurrence ($850 million for US Gulf of Mexico claims), all or part of which could apply to certain sudden and accidental pollution events. These policies have deductibles ranging from $10 million to $25 million. The occurrence of an event that is not insured or not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in the future.
Murphy could face long-term challenges to the fossil fuels business model reducing demand and price for hydrocarbon fuels.
Murphy’s business model may come under more pressure from changing environmental and social trends and the related global demands for non-fossil fuel energy sources. This demand in alternative forms of energy may cause the price of our products to become more volatile and decline. Further, a reduction in demand for fossil fuels could adversely impact the availability of future financing. As part of Murphy’s strategy review process, the Company reviews hydrocarbon demand forecasts and assesses the impact on its business model, plans and future estimates of reserves. In addition, the Company evaluates other lower-carbon technologies that could complement our existing assets, strategy and competencies as part of its long-term capital allocation strategy. The Company also has significant natural gas reserves which emit lower carbon compared to crude oil and NGLs.
The issue of climate change has caused considerable attention to be directed towards initiatives to reduce global GHG emissions. International agreements such as the Paris Agreement and subsequent yearly “conferences of the parties” have resulted in commitments from many countries to reduce GHG emissions and have called for parties to eliminate certain fossil fuel subsidies and pursue further action on non-carbon dioxide GHGs, in addition to calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels and a pledge to achieve near-zero methane emissions by a specified future date. In addition, presidential administrations could issue various executive orders that may result in additional laws, rules and regulations in the area of climate change.
It is possible that international agreements, presidential executive orders, and other such initiatives, including foreign, federal, and state laws, rules, or regulations related to GHG emissions and climate change, may reduce the demand for crude oil and natural gas globally. In addition to regulatory risk, other market and social initiatives such as public and private efforts that aim to subsidize the development of non-fossil fuel energy sources, may reduce the competitiveness of carbon-based fuels, such as oil and natural gas. In addition to regulatory risk, other market and social initiatives such as public and private initiatives that aim to subsidize the development of non-fossil fuel energy sources, may reduce the competitiveness of carbon-based fuels, such as oil and natural gas. While the magnitude of any reduction in hydrocarbon demand is difficult to predict, such a development could adversely impact the Company and other companies engaged in the exploration and production business. With or without renewable-energy subsidies, the unknown pace and strength of technological advancement of non-fossil-fuel energy sources creates uncertainty about the timing and pace of effects on our business model. The Company continually monitors global climate change initiatives and plans accordingly based on its assessment of the effects of such initiatives on its business. The Company continually monitors the global climate change agenda initiatives and plans accordingly based on its assessment of such initiatives on its business.
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Lawsuits against Murphy and its subsidiaries could adversely affect its operating results.
The Company or certain of its consolidated subsidiaries are involved in numerous legal proceedings, including lawsuits for alleged personal injuries, environmental and/or property damages, climate change and other business-related matters. Certain of these claims may take many years to resolve through court and arbitration proceedings or negotiated settlements. In the opinion of management and based upon currently known facts and circumstances, the currently pending legal proceedings are not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s operations or financial condition.
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
The Company had no unresolved comments from the staff of the SEC as of December 31, 2024.
Item 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Murphy’s cybersecurity environment and risk strategy is broadly managed by the Company’s Information Technology (IT) group, which oversees the Company’s IT and Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure. Within the IT group, the Murphy Cybersecurity Team (MCT) is specifically responsible for monitoring and managing security of the enterprise IT and OT network and systems, including developing and deploying administrative policies, technical controls, and safety protocols necessary to prevent unauthorized access, theft, damage, or loss of Company data or systems. All members of the MCT hold globally-recognized security certifications and have wide-ranging experience in cybersecurity matters. The Incident Management Team (IMT) is responsible for responding to active security threats and incidents as they occur. The Chief Information Officer oversees the IT group and is a member of the IMT, and provides briefings to the CEO, the executive leadership team, and the Audit Committee of the Board regarding cybersecurity risks, strategy, and management at least annually . The Audit Committee is ultimately responsible for overseeing cybersecurity strategy and ensuring that management has sufficient resources, programs, and processes in place to identify, evaluate, manage, and mitigate relevant cybersecurity risks to which Murphy is exposed and to implement processes and programs to manage cybersecurity risks and mitigate any incidents. The Audit Committee also reports material cybersecurity risks to the Board as appropriate. We believe this visibility and oversight structure allows the Board and executive leadership team to make timely, data-driven decisions ensuring that Murphy, its employees, investors, and partners are adequately protected.
Murphy considers its cybersecurity risk management framework to be a core component of its overall enterprise risk management system. The cybersecurity risk management framework directly aligns with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework and involves regular review and update of security policies and procedures; leverage of industry-leading technologies focused on continuously monitoring, analyzing, and defending against intrusions; regular testing of such technologies and other controls; periodic simulations of security incidents; and constant monitoring of the broader cybersecurity environment for new and emerging threats. The Company also requires employees to attend regular cybersecurity training and education to mitigate cybersecurity risks. The Company also requires employees to receive regular cybersecurity training and education to mitigate cybersecurity risks. To remain informed of the cybersecurity landscape, the Company collaborates with peers, third-party advisors, industry groups and policymakers.
In addition to monitoring its own IT systems, Murphy also has processes in place to identify cybersecurity risks and threats associated with third party service providers and partners. These processes include conducting vendor due diligence and risk assessments, participating in industry information sharing groups, subscribing to cybersecurity notification services, and maintaining ongoing collaboration with federal agencies.
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PART I
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