This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: 7-Eleven’s transformation plan, which includes the rollout of large-format, food-focused convenience stores in the U.S., is “delivering tangible results” even as the retailer faces revenue declines amid economic headwinds, Stephen Dacus, president and CEO of parent company Seven & i Holdings, said during the company’s fiscal-second-quarter earnings pres ...

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a decline on October 9, 2025, as major stock indices fell due to investor uncertainty regarding AI-led growth and recession fears, despite Delta Air Lines exceeding expectations [1][10] Investment Recommendations - Recommended low-leverage stocks include ResMed Inc. (RMD), Safran (SAFRY), Pentair (PNR), Casey's General Stores (CASY), and Leonardo DRS, Inc. (DRS), which are considered safer options during market volatility [2][10] Significance of Low-Leverage Stocks - Low-leverage stocks are preferred as they are less risky, especially in volatile markets, and are characterized by lower debt-to-equity ratios [4][6] Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric indicating a company's financial risk, with lower ratios reflecting better solvency [7] Company Profiles - **ResMed**: Focuses on sleep-disordered breathing and respiratory disorders, with a projected revenue increase of 7.8% for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 13.8% [15][16] - **Safran**: Engaged in aerospace and defense, with a sales growth estimate of 36.3% for 2025, supported by a recent contract with Singapore Airlines [17][18] - **Pentair**: Provides sustainable water solutions, with a sales growth estimate of 1.5% for 2025 following a strategic acquisition for $290 million [19][20] - **Casey's General Stores**: Reports a 4.3% increase in same-store sales and a 19.5% growth in earnings, with a sales improvement estimate of 10.6% for fiscal 2026 [20][21] - **Leonardo DRS**: Develops advanced defense products, with a sales growth estimate of 10.9% for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 17.3% [22][23]

Core Insights - 7-Eleven is implementing a "transformation" strategy to enhance its business in North America by focusing on larger, food-centric stores and fresh food offerings [4][5] - The company has closed 445 underperforming stores between August 2024 and 2025, with a net reduction of 125 stores this summer [3][7] - Early indicators suggest the strategy is effective, with new locations generating 45% higher sales per store compared to traditional locations [5] Financial Performance - Revenue from operations in North America decreased by 18% in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, dropping from approximately 2.4 trillion yen ($15.8 billion) to about 1.9 trillion yen ($13 billion) [7] - Despite the revenue decline, operating income remained steady, increasing by about $13 million year-over-year [5][7] Store Development - The new standard stores, launched in October 2024, are 5,000 square feet and include quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and fresh grab-and-go food options [6]

Group 1 - Arko Corp. has appointed Jordan Mann as interim chief financial officer effective October 10, following the resignation of Rob Giammatteo [1][2] - Mann has been with Arko for over two years, serving as senior vice president of corporate strategy, capital markets, and investor relations, and has played a key role in strategic initiatives and investor engagement [2][4] - The company will provide Mann with a salary increase and an enhanced equity package, and he will continue to report to CEO Arie Kotler during the search for a permanent CFO [3] Group 2 - Arie Kotler, chairman and CEO of Arko, emphasized Mann's integral role in the leadership team and his familiarity with the business, which positions him well for a smooth transition [4] - Mann has a background in investment banking with 12 years of experience, including roles at Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, and Berkshire Capital Securities, focusing on the retail and consumer sectors [4] - Mann expressed his commitment to driving progress and building long-term value for shareholders during this important period for Arko [5]

Market Trends - Major indices closed lower on Thursday, indicating a bearish trend in the stock market [1] - Consumer spending has reportedly increased over the past three months, with early holiday spending expectations looking positive [3][6] Consumer Confidence - Financial confidence among consumers has improved to its highest level since Q2 2021, driven by stock market performance and optimism around Federal Reserve rate cuts [4][5] - 47% of consumers expect to increase their spending this holiday season compared to the previous year, marking the strongest sentiment in three years [6][8] Spending Categories - There is a notable increase in discretionary spending, particularly in consumer electronics and home-related categories, which had been weak post-pandemic [9] - The survey indicates a shift towards shopping at dollar stores, reflecting challenges faced by lower-income consumers due to inflation [14] Investment Opportunities - Key investment picks include Walmart, Ali's Bargain Outlet, and Lowe's, categorized into "all-weather" and discretionary spending buckets [15][18] - The "all-weather" category includes companies with specific tailwinds that can perform well in various consumer conditions [16] AI and Technology Sector - The AI sector is perceived to be in the early stages of a bubble, driven by significant spending from major companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft [20][24] - OpenAI is highlighted as a pivotal player in the AI trade, despite lacking cash flow, and is aggressively signing deals to expand its capabilities [26][28] Planet Labs and Satellite Imaging - Planet Labs is launching a new satellite constellation called "Owl," which will provide AI-analyzed images within one hour, enhancing its competitive edge in Earth imaging [35][37] - The company claims to have the largest Earth imaging satellite fleet, enabling daily scans of the entire landmass at high resolution [48][50] - Partnerships with countries like Japan and Germany are expected to generate significant revenue, with contracts exceeding $200 million [42][46]

Core Viewpoint - ARKO Corp. has appointed Jordan Mann as Interim Chief Financial Officer, effective October 10, 2025, succeeding Robb Giammatteo [1][3] Company Overview - ARKO Corp. is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest convenience store operators in the United States, owning 100% of GPM Investments, LLC [5] - The company operates in four reportable segments: retail, wholesale, fleet fueling, and GPM Petroleum [5] Leadership Transition - Jordan Mann has over a decade of experience in finance and capital markets, previously holding senior positions at Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse [2] - Mann has been a key part of ARKO's leadership team, contributing to strategic initiatives and investor engagement [3] - Mann expressed commitment to supporting the company's strategic vision and long-term growth during this transition [3] Educational Background - Jordan Mann holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Duke University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School [4]

Core Insights - Kwik Trip has emerged as the leader in the convenience store sector, topping the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) rankings with a score of 84, a six-point improvement from the previous year [1][2] - The competition includes Sheetz and Wawa, both tied at 82, followed by QuikTrip at 80 and Buc-ee's at 79 [2] Customer Preferences - Survey respondents prioritize mobile apps, store hours, staff helpfulness, and food and beverage quality when evaluating convenience stores [3] - The trend indicates a shift in convenience stores from basic pit stops to establishments focusing on enhanced food offerings, service quality, and customer rewards [3] Loyalty Programs - Nearly two-thirds of rewards program members visit their preferred convenience store at least once a week, compared to less than half of non-members [8] - The emphasis on loyalty rewards is seen as a significant driver for brands that successfully implement these programs [8] Industry Evolution - Convenience stores are increasingly viewed as dining destinations rather than mere stops for fuel or snacks, reflecting a significant change in consumer perception over the past two decades [9]

Core Insights - Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores has launched a proprietary retail media network, Love's Media Group, aimed at professional drivers, a unique audience in the retail media landscape [3][7] - The network integrates loyalty programs, mobile presence, in-store media, and pump screens across 664 locations in 42 states, providing advertisers with direct access to a high-volume audience [3][4][7] - Tommy Greenberg has been appointed as the senior director of Love's Media Group, bringing over eight years of retail media experience [7] Industry Context - Love's Media Group is positioned as the first retail media network focused on professional drivers at scale, joining other c-store operators like 7-Eleven and Wawa in the retail media space [7] - The launch follows a trend in the industry, as seen with Weigel's recent introduction of its Milk Crate Retail Media Network, which also targets a diverse media inventory [5][7] - The competitive landscape is intensifying as more companies explore retail media opportunities, highlighting the growing importance of targeted advertising in the convenience store sector [5][7]

Core Insights - 7-Eleven is undergoing a significant transformation due to its underwhelming performance in the U.S. market, which constitutes nearly 70% of parent company Seven & i's total revenue [1] - The company's net income in North America dropped approximately 17% in fiscal year 2024, leading to the closure of 444 underperforming stores [2] - A new leadership under CEO Stephen Dacus has been established to address complacency and redefine the company's strategy [3] Business Strategy - A major focus of the transformation is revamping the food business in North America, including healthier ready-to-eat meal options and introducing popular items from Japanese locations [4] - The company plans to add more proprietary restaurants to existing locations, such as Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost, with a goal of opening 1,300 food-focused "new large format stores" by 2030 [5] - Revamped locations have shown a 45% increase in sales per store, indicating potential for higher traffic through restaurant offerings, despite additional costs [5] Future Outlook - Seven & i is preparing for a potential IPO of the 7-Eleven North America business in 2026 while planning to remain a majority shareholder [6] - The company is also dealing with the aftermath of a failed $47 billion takeover attempt by rival Alimentation Couche-Tard [6]

Core Insights - NRSInsights reported a 5.8% year-over-year increase in same-store sales for September 2025, following an 8.3% increase in August 2025 [5][6][10] - The NRS retail network includes approximately 37,400 active terminals across 32,400 independent retailers, primarily serving urban consumers [2][16] - The total sales processed through NRS terminals in September 2025 reached $2.1 billion, representing a 17% year-over-year increase [16] Sales Performance - Same-store sales decreased by 2.5% compared to August 2025, while units sold increased by 2.5% year-over-year [6][10] - The average price of the top 500 items purchased rose by 2.9% year-over-year, slightly lower than the 3.0% increase recorded in August 2025 [6] - Baskets per store increased by 1.9% year-over-year but decreased by 1.1% compared to the previous month [6] Market Trends - Growth was driven by prepared cocktails, sparkling water, and coffee, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [11] - There was also a notable increase in sales of cold and flu remedies, reflecting seasonal demand [11] - The three-month rolling average increase of 5.8% is the highest since 2023, suggesting a positive trend in retail performance [10] Transaction Data - Same-store data comparisons for September 2025 were based on approximately 224 million transactions across 23,400 stores [13] - The three-month data comparisons were derived from around 662 million transactions processed through stores that scanned transactions in both periods [14] Company Overview - National Retail Solutions operates a leading POS terminal-based platform for independent retailers, facilitating transaction processing and business management [17] - The company serves a diverse, predominantly urban, multi-cultural shopper base, providing valuable transaction data for consumer packaged goods suppliers and advertisers [17]