Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal year 2025 saw diluted earnings per share increase by 9% to $14.64, with net income reaching a record $547 million and EBITDA at $1.2 billion, up 13% from the previous year [8][19] - Total inside sales grew by 10.9%, with same-store sales up 2.6%, while prepared food and dispensed beverage sales increased by 10.3% [9][13] - Inside margin expanded by 50 basis points year-over-year to 41.5%, driven by effective vendor partnerships [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total prepared food and dispensed beverage sales rose by 9.7% to $392 million, while grocery and general merchandise sales increased by 13.5% to $1.02 billion [13][14] - Same-store prepared food and beverage sales were up 1.5%, with an average margin of 57.8%, despite a 30 basis point decline from the previous year [14] - Same-store grocery and general merchandise sales increased by 1.8%, with an average margin of 34.8%, up 40 basis points year-over-year [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fuel gross profit increased by 11%, with total fuel gallons sold up 13% and an average fuel margin of 38.7 cents per gallon [10][19] - Retail fuel sales rose by $162 million, primarily due to a 17.8% increase in total gallons sold, despite a 9% decline in average retail price [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasized a two-pronged approach of building and acquiring stores, achieving the largest store growth year in its history with 35 new builds and 235 units acquired [7][8] - The strategic plan focuses on accelerating food business, growing unit numbers, and enhancing operational efficiency, with a target of opening at least 80 stores in fiscal year 2026 [24][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business model's strength and durability, anticipating EBITDA growth of 10% to 12% in fiscal year 2026 [21] - The company expects same-store sales growth of 2% to 5% and operating expenses to increase by approximately 8% to 10% [21][22] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 23%, compared to 22.4% in the prior year, with net interest expense rising to $27.9 million due to financing associated with acquisitions [19][18] - The company plans to allocate approximately $125 million for share repurchases in fiscal year 2026, funded entirely by operating cash flow [21][85] Q&A Session Summary Question: Fuel margins performance and synergies - Management noted that fuel margins exceeded expectations due to effective pricing management and improved procurement capabilities [31][32] Question: Same-store sales outlook for fiscal year 2026 - Management expressed comfort with the guidance range, attributing conservatism to current economic conditions and customer behavior [42][43] Question: Impact of illicit vape on sales - Management acknowledged a negative impact from illicit vape but noted strong growth in nicotine alternatives [52][53] Question: Operating expenses guidance - Management indicated that operating expenses would see mid-teen increases in the first half of fiscal year 2026, primarily due to the integration of acquired stores [60][62] Question: Share buyback strategy - Management clarified that the $125 million share buyback would be funded by operating cash flow, with no debt draw required [81][85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal year 2025 saw diluted earnings per share reach $14.64, a 9% increase from the prior year [9] - The company generated a record $547 million in net income and $1.2 billion in EBITDA, marking a 13% increase from the previous year [9] - Total inside sales grew by 10.9% during the year, with inside same-store sales up 2.6% [10] - Total operating expenses increased by 14.5% or $84 million in the fourth quarter, with approximately 12% attributed to unit growth [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total prepared food and dispensed beverage sales grew by 10.3%, with same-store sales up 3.5% [10] - Total grocery and general merchandise sales increased by 11.2%, with same-store sales up 2.3% [10] - Fuel gross profit rose by 11%, with total fuel gallons sold up 13% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store fuel gallons sold increased by 0.1% with a fuel margin of 37.6¢ per gallon [17] - Retail fuel sales rose by $162 million in the fourth quarter, primarily due to a 17.8% increase in total gallons sold [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to open at least 80 stores in fiscal year 2026, contributing to a total of approximately 500 stores over a three-year strategic plan [24] - The strategic plan focuses on accelerating the food business, growing the number of units, and enhancing operational efficiency [27] - The company is committed to improving operating expense management and generating more free cash flow [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business model's strength and durability, indicating the ability to succeed in various economic climates [12] - The company expects EBITDA to increase between 10% to 12% in fiscal year 2026, with inside same-store sales projected to rise by 2% to 5% [23] - Management acknowledged the impact of external factors, including inflation and consumer behavior, on sales outlook [46][62] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 23%, compared to 22.4% in the prior year [21] - The company plans to allocate approximately $125 million for share repurchases in fiscal year 2026 [23][88] Q&A Session Summary Question: Fuel margins performance and expectations - Management noted that fuel margins exceeded expectations due to effective pricing management and improved procurement capabilities [34] Question: Guidance and synergies from acquisitions - Management discussed the expected headwinds from acquisitions and the anticipated synergies, particularly in fuel pricing and overhead rationalization [36] Question: Inside sales performance and drivers - Management acknowledged that inside sales fell slightly short of expectations due to a softer start in the fiscal year and adverse weather conditions [54] Question: Impact of illicit vape on sales - Management confirmed that illicit vape has negatively impacted the vape category, but noted growth in nicotine alternatives [59] Question: Consumer behavior and promotional strategies - Management indicated that consumer traffic remains stable, with targeted promotions aimed at different income cohorts [61][63] Question: Operating expenses guidance - Management provided insights into the expected cadence of operating expenses, highlighting the impact of acquisitions on the first half of fiscal year 2026 [66] Question: Share buyback strategy - Management clarified that the planned share buybacks would be funded through operating cash flow, with no additional debt drawn [88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record adjusted EBITDA of nearly $77 million for Q1 2025, a 2.6% increase compared to Q1 2024's adjusted EBITDA of $74.9 million [6][21] - Consolidated net sales increased by 3.7% to over $2.9 billion compared to $2.8 billion in Q1 2024 [7][20] - Gross profit for the quarter rose to $481 million, representing 16.5% of net sales, up from 15.7% in the prior year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail segment sales grew by 19.6% to $947.2 million, driven by recent acquisitions and a 1.6% increase in comparable store sales [23] - Wholesale segment net sales were nearly $2 billion, with military channel sales growing for 13 consecutive quarters, although there was softness in national accounts [9][22] - Retail adjusted EBITDA decreased to $15.1 million from $17.3 million in the prior year due to higher labor and occupancy costs [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced an 80 basis point headwind in comparable store sales due to temporary store closures from an ice storm [8][50] - Food at home inflation expectations were revised to 2% for the fiscal year, up from a previous expectation of 1% [28][72] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a cost leadership program expected to deliver $50 million in annual benefits, with $20 million anticipated in the current year [11][19] - The strategic plan aims to unlock the potential of the retail business, with initiatives improving execution and enhancing the shopper experience [12][30] - Expansion plans include increasing capital deployment into store remodels, convenience store sector growth, and expanding the Hispanic food market footprint [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 targets despite challenging market conditions, reaffirming yearly guidance [16][25] - The company noted that inflationary pressures are stable, with a slight upward trend in food prices [72] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to consumer trends, including a focus on health and value [80][82] Other Important Information - The company generated $25.8 million in cash from operating activities during the quarter, down from $36.5 million in Q1 2024 [24] - Liquidity at the end of the quarter was approximately $270 million, providing capacity for strategic growth plans [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expansion of Hispanic store format - The company currently has four Super Mercado stores in Omaha and plans to open two to three more in the Midwest this year [33][34] Question: Performance of newly acquired stores - Newly acquired Hispanic stores have shown strong performance, leading in both top and bottom line metrics [38] Question: Cost leadership program details - The cost leadership program is expected to deliver $20 million in benefits this year, with most impacts seen in the second half [45][46] Question: Retail profitability pressures in Q1 - The ice storm and pharmacy-related pressures significantly impacted profitability, with losses estimated between $1 million to $2 million due to spoilage [52][54] Question: Competitive environment differences - The company noted similar promotional activities in both wholesale and retail segments, with a strong military business performance [58][61] Question: Food at home inflation expectations - The increase to a 2% inflation expectation reflects a gradual upward trend in the marketplace [72][73] Question: Impact of food stamp changes - The impact from changes in food stamps was slightly negative in Q1, but not significantly amplified due to a low proportion of shoppers using SNAP [85] Question: M&A activity outlook - The company remains open to acquisition opportunities, actively seeking both smaller tuck-in acquisitions and larger opportunities [87]