Core Insights - Apollo Global Management is divesting its Hispanic grocery chain Heritage Grocers Group for approximately $1.5 billion, amid concerns that immigration raids may impact consumer demand in Latino communities across the US [1][2]. Financial Performance - Heritage Grocers Group reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $150 million and generated over $2 billion in revenue [3]. Market Context - The divestment is taking place as the grocery chain faces pressure from weak consumer spending, leading to a downgrade in its credit rating by rating agencies [3]. Apollo has engaged investment bank UBS to maximize the value from the sale [2].

Core Insights - Apollo Global Management is considering the sale of its Hispanic grocery chain, Heritage Grocers Group, due to declining consumer demand among its core Hispanic customers influenced by concerns over mass deportations and ICE raids [1][2] Financial Overview - The potential sale could yield $1.5 billion for Apollo, with Heritage Grocers generating $150 million in EBITDA and over $2 billion in annual revenue [2] Operational Details - Heritage Grocers operates several Hispanic-focused grocery banners, including El Rancho Supermercado, Cardenas Markets, and Tony's Fresh Market, with a total of 115 stores across multiple states [3] Investment Background - Apollo has previously invested in various grocery sector companies, including The Fresh Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Smart & Final, and Albertsons [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $1.1 billion, operating income of $195 million, adjusted EBITDA of $245 million, and adjusted earnings per share of $3.62, with revenue growth below expectations due to macroeconomic factors [2][3] - Consolidated operating margins expanded by approximately 40 basis points year over year [2] - Adjusted earnings per share grew 19% year over year, maintaining a trajectory for 12% to 16% earnings growth for 2025 [11][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The EFT segment saw revenue growth of 5%, with operating income and adjusted EBITDA each growing 4%, driven by expansion in developing markets [3][4] - The epay segment experienced a revenue decline of approximately 5%, while operating income increased by 4% and adjusted EBITDA by 2%, primarily due to a shift in the wholesale mobile top-up business [5][6] - Money transfer revenue grew 1% year over year, with a 32% increase in direct-to-consumer digital transactions, although operating income and adjusted EBITDA decreased by 2% and 1% respectively [6][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, tourism grew approximately 3.3% year over year, but spending patterns became more selective, impacting overall consumer spending [4][5] - Remittances to Mexico declined more than 12% year over year, highlighting the impact of immigration policy changes on transaction volumes [7][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on two key revenue pillars: payment and transaction processing, and cross-border and foreign exchange, with ongoing investments in digital initiatives and partnerships [15][16] - The Dandelion platform is positioned as a leader in real-time cross-border payments, with new partnerships enhancing its capabilities [16][27] - The company plans to launch stablecoin-enabled use cases in early 2026, integrating digital assets into its payment network [18][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that global economic uncertainty and immigration policy changes have created transitory headwinds but expressed confidence in the underlying fundamentals of the business [13][14] - The company expects to finish the year with earnings growth similar to the third quarter, reaffirming its guidance of 12% to 16% year-over-year earnings growth [8][31] Other Important Information - The company ended the third quarter with $1.2 billion in unrestricted cash and $2.3 billion in debt, having completed a $1 billion convertible bond offering to strengthen financial flexibility [9][30] - Share repurchases have returned approximately 85% of annual earnings to shareholders over the past four years, with $130 million repurchased in the third quarter [10][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the slight softness in the EFT segment? - Management noted that consumers are being cautious with spending due to increased costs in travel and economic uncertainty, impacting ATM transactions more than merchant acquiring [34][35] Question: What changed in the money transfer segment? - Management observed a choppy trend in transaction volumes, with October showing stronger performance compared to September, indicating potential recovery [36][37] Question: Can you discuss pricing trends in money transfer? - Pricing remained consistent overall, with some regional variations, particularly in the Middle East, but did not adversely impact third-quarter results [41][43] Question: What is the outlook for digital transaction penetration in money transfer? - The company aims to increase digital transaction penetration from 16% to higher levels, with a focus on omnichannel strategies to cater to customer preferences [44][46] Question: How does the company view future growth amidst macro challenges? - Management expressed confidence in achieving double-digit EPS growth in 2026, citing numerous growth opportunities and the strength of their asset base [80][81]

Core Viewpoint - Apollo Global Management is considering the sale of its struggling Hispanic grocery chain, Heritage Grocers Group, with an estimated deal value of approximately $1.5 billion [4] Company Summary - Apollo Global Management is a private equity firm actively engaged in the sale process of Heritage Grocers Group [4] - Heritage Grocers Group is identified as a cash-strapped grocery chain, indicating financial challenges that may have prompted the sale [4] Financial Implications - The potential sale of Heritage Grocers Group could yield around $1.5 billion, reflecting the firm's strategy to divest from underperforming assets [4]

This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Heritage Grocers Group has promoted Justin Besyk to the role of interim vice president of grocery, the Hispanic food retailer announced Monday. In his new role, Besyk oversees grocery merchandising strategies for all of Heritage’s banners, which encompass 115 stores across six states. Besyk’s appointment continues a busy period for Heritage, which ...