Company Overview - Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. is a global leader in convenience and mobility, operating in 29 countries and territories with nearly 17,000 stores, of which approximately 13,000 offer road transportation fuel [4] - The company operates under well-known banners such as Couche-Tard and Circle K, making it one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the United States and a leader in the convenience store industry and road transportation fuel retail in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics, Belgium, and Ireland [4] - Couche-Tard employs approximately 146,000 people across its network [4] Upcoming Financial Results - The company will release its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 on September 2, 2025, after the close of the TSX [1] - A conference call to discuss these results will take place on September 3, 2025, at 8:00 A.M. (EDT), featuring the President and CEO Alex Miller and CFO Filipe Da Silva [1][2] - Interested parties can join the webcast on September 3, which will include a presentation with slides detailing the quarterly results [2]

Core Insights - ARKO Corp. has opened its second fas craves location in Mechanicsville, Virginia, as part of its initiative to enhance customer experience through remodeled stores featuring a food-first concept [2][5] - The new store offers a menu of hot and cold grab-n-go items aimed at busy consumers, with a grand opening celebration planned from September 17–30, 2025 [3][6] Company Expansion - The Mechanicsville location opened on August 6, 2025, and follows the recent opening of a Handy Mart in Kinston, NC, on July 31, 2025, which also features the fas craves concept [6] - The fas craves menu includes items such as crispy chicken biscuits, zesty potato wedges, and various beverages, catering to diverse consumer preferences [4][6] Customer Engagement - To celebrate the opening, the store is offering exclusive food deals, including two crispy Ultimate Chicken Tenders and a small side of potato wedges for $4.99, and fountain drinks for 99 cents [6] - Customers can also participate in the Fueling America's Future promotion, which allows savings of up to $2 off per gallon of gas through the fas REWARDS loyalty program [7] Company Overview - ARKO Corp. is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest convenience store operators in the U.S., owning 100% of GPM Investments, LLC [10] - The company operates in four segments: retail, wholesale, fleet fueling, and GPM Petroleum, providing a wide range of products including prepared foods, beverages, and fuel [10]

'An escape from feeling lonely': The Seoul 'convenience stores' fighting isolation https://t.co/Z4UC7sQfRF ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $76.9 million, down from $80.1 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to lower retail merchandise contribution [18] - Net income for the quarter increased to $20.1 million from $14.1 million year-over-year, driven by a non-cash gain related to the expiration of a purchase option [22] - Same store merchandise sales excluding cigarettes decreased by 3% year-over-year, while total same store merchandise sales were down 4.2% [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail segment operating income was approximately $80.4 million, down from $87.9 million in the prior year [18] - Wholesale segment operating income increased to $23.2 million from $21.3 million year-over-year, with gallons up 3.9% driven by the channel optimization program [20] - Fleet segment operating income was $13.1 million, slightly down from $13.7 million in the previous year, with total gallons down 6.8% [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - National retail fuel volumes were down approximately 4% in Q2, reflecting a broader industry trend [16] - Same store fuel contribution decreased by approximately $800,000, with a 6.5% decline in gallons, offset by an increase in fuel margin to $0.45 per gallon [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a core transformation strategy, including advancing the dealerization program and investing in new store formats [7][9] - The dealerization program aims to convert select company-operated stores to dealer locations, with over 300 stores converted to date and an expected annualized operating income benefit of more than $20 million [8] - The introduction of new store formats aims to enhance customer experience and foodservice offerings, with the first new format store opened in June 2025 [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing challenges from geopolitical events, inflation, and mixed consumer sentiment, but expressed optimism about improving trends in July [5][6] - The company expects total adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 to be in the range of $70 million to $80 million, with cautious expectations for same store sales performance [24][25] - Management emphasized the importance of customer engagement and loyalty programs in driving sales and improving margins [12][13] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 2.2 million shares in Q2 2025 as part of its disciplined capital allocation strategy [17] - Total capital expenditures for the quarter were $45.3 million, including the purchase of 22 fee properties [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the notable change in July's performance? - Management noted improvements in July driven by strong promotions and customer engagement initiatives, particularly the Fueling America campaign [30] Question: Are more stores being identified for dealerization compared to six months ago? - Management confirmed that the pace of dealerization is consistent with expectations, with ongoing identification of additional stores [35][36] Question: What is the expected impact of the new store format on labor and complexity? - The new store format does not significantly increase square footage but adds food service capabilities, requiring minimal additional labor [78] Question: How are wages trending this summer compared to last summer? - Wages have trended up approximately 3%, consistent with inflationary pressures, but operating expenses have decreased due to reduced hours [47] Question: What constitutes success for the store conversions? - Success is measured by increased traffic and higher inside margins, particularly from food service offerings [87]

Core Insights - ARKO Corp. reported solid financial results for Q2 2025, with adjusted EBITDA exceeding guidance and merchandise margin expanding year-over-year despite macroeconomic challenges [4][6][24] - The company is focused on enhancing customer experience and executing its transformation strategy, which includes converting retail stores to dealer sites and opening new format stores [4][6][24] Financial Performance - Net income for Q2 2025 was $20.1 million, up from $14.1 million in Q2 2024 [6] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $76.9 million, compared to $80.1 million in the same quarter last year [6] - Merchandise margin increased to 33.6% from 32.8% year-over-year [6] - Retail fuel margin rose to 44.9 cents per gallon, up from 41.6 cents per gallon in Q2 2024 [6] Segment Highlights - The company converted 70 retail stores to dealer sites in Q2 2025, totaling 282 conversions since mid-2024 [6] - Merchandise revenue for Q2 2025 was $400.1 million, down from $474.2 million in Q2 2024 [6][9] - Fuel contribution decreased by $10.1 million, or 8.6%, compared to Q2 2024, primarily due to store closures and reduced gallon demand [10][14] Capital Allocation - The Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share, payable on August 29, 2025 [19] - The company repurchased 2.2 million shares for approximately $9.2 million during the quarter, reflecting confidence in long-term value [20] Liquidity and Capital Expenditures - As of June 30, 2025, total liquidity was approximately $875 million, with $294 million in cash and cash equivalents [18] - Capital expenditures for Q2 2025 were approximately $45.3 million, including investments in new stores and upgrades [18] Guidance - The company expects Q3 2025 adjusted EBITDA to range between $70 million and $80 million, maintaining its full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $233 million to $253 million [24]

Polish convenience store chain Zabka has raised its guidance for new store openings in its home market and Romania as consumer demand remains robust https://t.co/VQ8sTTuVrz ...

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO), a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest convenience store operators in the United States, proudly announces the opening of its new Handy Mart location in Kinston, North Carolina, located at 2227 Highway 11N, featuring its new fas craves branding and menu offering. This site is a New-to-Industry (NTI) build and is among the first to feature ARKO's innovative food-forward concept, fas craves. This new store is centered around a c ...

Pilot leverages localized digital signage to reduce environmental impact and enhance customer engagement, setting the stage for potential nationwide rolloutMEXICO CITY, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Creative Realities, Inc. (NASDAQ: CREX), a leading provider of digital signage and media solutions, announced today the successful deployment of a proof-of-concept (PoC) digital signage system at Circle K Mexico. The initiative, launched at a select location, includes four promotional screens showcasing loca ...

2024年冬夜，深圳白领林女士在加班时发现手机充电器坏了，她随即打开手机搜索"数据线"，在距离她工位800米的闪电仓显示有货，下单后19 分钟，骑手便将数据线送到了公司楼下。 这种场景在十年前难以想象。 2014年，北京中关村的程序员小李就曾因为在深夜找不到便利店，穿着睡衣步行两公里买电池。"当时附近唯一的24小时超市在3公里外，走过 去花了半小时，冻得直哆嗦。"他讲到。 如今，小李手机里的闪电仓将距离缩短到1.5公里以内，SKU也从几百个暴增至上万个，从数据线到宠物用品，从应急药品到露营装备，几乎能 满足所有日常需求。 2018年，美团闪购事业部成立，初期主要通过接入线下便利店拓展线上业务。但很快观察到，个体便利店在统筹线上线下库存方面存在困难， 并且对小众需求备货意愿较低。这导致当用户深夜搜索"搬家纸箱"时，系统显示周边3公里内无货。 随着这类需求未被满足的情况不断出现，2021年，美团闪购创设了闪电仓。 2022年，美团闪电仓数量从约2000家快速增长至5000家；2024年10月，这一数字突破了3万家，其中综合类闪电仓达1.1万个，日均订单量1200 万单，年销售额达2500亿元。 据规划，到2027 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, same store fuel volumes decreased by 3.2%, but July volumes rebounded to 100% of prior year levels [6][14] - The company expects to be at or slightly below the low end of its annual guidance range of 240,000 to 245,000 average per store month for fuel volumes [14] - Merchandise contribution margin is projected to be within the low end of the guided range of $855 million to $875 million, with Q2 merchandising contribution at Murphy USA branded stores up 8.9% excluding cigarettes and lottery [15][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-combustible nicotine categories are growing at a rate that offsets the decline in cigarette margins, which represent only 30% of total nicotine margin contribution [7] - Average per store month food and beverage sales at QuickChek have been positive for three consecutive quarters, indicating strong performance despite industry challenges [8] - Merchandise contribution increased by 8.9% for the quarter, driven by strength in candy and packaged beverages [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail fuel margins improved by 50 basis points in 2024 and are seeing an 80 basis point improvement year-to-date in 2025 [11] - The company outpaced OPUS volumes in each of its markets for the full quarter, indicating a competitive position despite overall market challenges [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining store profitability through operational cost improvements and is excited about the quality of its new store pipeline, with plans to deliver 50 new stores over the next twelve months [12][19] - The capital allocation strategy remains a fifty-fifty approach, balancing growth investments and shareholder returns, with a commitment to share repurchases [20][91] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term potential of the business, particularly in connection with a $1.3 billion EBITDA target for 2028, despite some metrics being slower than anticipated [21][22] - The company is managing costs effectively in a challenging demand environment, with a focus on maintaining a low-cost operating model [54] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 471,000 shares in Q2, bringing year-to-date repurchases to nearly 900,000 shares, indicating a strong commitment to returning value to shareholders [20] - The effective tax rate for the first half was 22%, with expectations for the second half to be within the guided range of 24% to 26% [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in gallons and market share - Management noted that trends worsened partly due to a different same store base and that margins improved despite lower volumes [30][31] Question: Guidance reiteration - Management confirmed that while they do not provide EBITDA guidance, they are managing offsets between merchandise pressure and operational expenses effectively [34] Question: Store build confidence - Management highlighted that bottlenecks have been addressed, and the pipeline for new stores is robust, with confidence in meeting the target of 40 new stores in 2025 [38][42] Question: Demand environment and cost flexibility - Management discussed the importance of consumer price sensitivity and the ability to optimize costs in response to lower demand [46][49] Question: Merchandise contribution growth - Management expressed confidence in achieving growth in merchandise contribution, driven by strong performance in specific categories and initiatives to increase customer loyalty [58][60] Question: Fuel volume trends and competitive landscape - Management indicated no significant differences in customer behavior between Walmart and non-Walmart locations and noted competitive pressures in certain markets [96][98]