STOCK TITAN

Ingles Markets, Incorporated Reports Results for First Quarter Fiscal 2024

Rhea-AI Impact
(Neutral)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary
Ingles Markets, Incorporated (IMKTA) reported a decrease in net sales to $1.48 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to $1.49 billion for the same period in 2023. Gross profit also decreased to $348.8 million, with operating and administrative expenses increasing to $289.8 million. Net income dropped to $43.4 million, resulting in basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A Common Stock of $2.33 and $2.28, respectively. Despite the decrease in financial figures, the company remains confident in its financial resources to meet future requirements.
Positive
  • None.
Negative
  • Decrease in net sales compared to the same period in the previous year
  • Decrease in gross profit and net income
  • Reduction in basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A Common Stock

Ingles Markets' recent financial report indicates a marginal decrease in net sales by 0.8% year-over-year. Although seemingly minimal, this contraction may be symptomatic of broader challenges within the retail grocery sector, such as increased competition or shifting consumer behaviors. The reduction in gross profit margin from 24.9% to 23.6% suggests a potential rise in cost of goods sold or other operational inefficiencies. It's important for stakeholders to monitor whether this trend is an outlier or part of a consistent pattern, as it could impact profitability and market share.

In contrast, the company's efforts to manage its debt are evident, with a slight reduction in total debt. This prudent financial management can be seen as a positive signal to investors, indicating a focus on long-term financial health. However, the increase in capital expenditures signals ongoing investments in the business, which could either be a strategic move to stimulate future growth or a response to necessary maintenance and upgrades. The lack of borrowings under the line of credit is a strong liquidity position indicator, suggesting that the company has sufficient internal funds to support its operations without resorting to additional debt.

The decrease in net income from $69.4 million to $43.4 million represents a significant year-over-year decline of approximately 37.5%. This substantial drop in profitability could be a red flag for investors and analysts, as it may reflect underlying issues beyond mere seasonal fluctuations. The corresponding decline in earnings per share for Class A Common Stock further emphasizes the need for a deeper analysis into the company's operational efficiency and cost management strategies.

It is also imperative to consider the broader economic context, such as inflationary pressures or supply chain disruptions, which could have contributed to these results. Evaluating the company's performance relative to its peers could provide additional insights into its competitive position and the effectiveness of its business strategy. The short-term implications for stakeholders include potential stock price volatility and the need for reassurance regarding the company's future growth prospects.

The report from Ingles Markets provides a snapshot of the company's financial health in a period that is often marked by post-holiday season adjustments. The marginal decrease in net sales and the reduction in gross profit margin could be indicative of macroeconomic factors at play, such as consumer spending shifts or inflationary pressures affecting purchasing power. These factors often lead to tighter margins for retailers.

Furthermore, the increase in operating and administrative expenses, as well as a slight uptick in interest expenses, could be reflective of broader economic trends that are increasing operational costs across the industry. The company's ability to manage these expenses in the long term will be crucial for maintaining profitability and shareholder value. The proactive debt management and sufficient liquidity position the company to be resilient in the face of economic headwinds, but continued vigilance will be necessary to navigate potential market uncertainties.

ASHEVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ingles Markets, Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMKTA) today reported results for the three months ended December 30, 2023.

Robert P. Ingle II, Chairman of the Board, stated, “During the quarter, we remained focused on providing service and value to our customers. We are grateful to our associates for their continued dedication and service.”

First Quarter 2024 Results

Net sales totaled $1.48 billion for the quarter ended December 30, 2023, a decrease of 0.8% compared with $1.49 billion for the quarter ended December 24, 2022.

Gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 totaled $348.8 million, or 23.6% of sales. Gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2023 was $371.2 million, or 24.9% of sales.

Operating and administrative expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 totaled $289.8 million compared with $276.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2023.

Interest expense totaled $5.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 compared with $5.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Total debt at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2024 was $546.9 million compared with $564.5 million at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2023.

Net income totaled $43.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 compared with $69.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A Common Stock were $2.33 and $2.28, respectively, for the quarter ended December 30, 2023, compared with $3.73 and $3.65, respectively, for the quarter ended December 24, 2022.

Capital expenditures for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 totaled $63.2 million compared with $59.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2023.

The Company has no outstanding borrowings under its $150.0 million line of credit. The Company believes its financial resources, including the line of credit and other internal and anticipated external sources of funds, will be sufficient to meet planned capital expenditures, debt service and working capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

About Ingles Markets, Incorporated

Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading grocer with operations in six southeastern states. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Company operates 198 supermarkets. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the Company operates neighborhood shopping centers, most of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The Company also owns a fluid dairy facility that supplies Ingles supermarkets and unaffiliated customers. To learn more about Ingles Markets visit ingles-markets.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may address, among other things, our expected financial and operational results and the related assumptions underlying our expected results. These forward-looking statements are distinguished by use of words such as “anticipate,” “aim,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and the negative of these terms, and similar references to future periods. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to, among other things: business and economic conditions generally in the Company’s operating area, including inflation or deflation; shortages of labor, distribution capacity, and some product shortages; inflation in food, labor and gasoline prices; the Company’s ability to successfully implement our expansion and operating strategies; pricing pressures and other competitive factors, including online-based procurement of products the Company sells; sudden or significant changes in the availability of gasoline and retail gasoline prices; the maturation of new and expanded stores; general concerns about food safety; the Company’s ability to manage technology and data security; the availability and terms of financing; and increases in costs, including food, utilities, labor and other goods and services significant to the Company’s operations. Detailed information about these factors and additional important factors can be found in the documents that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update forward-looking information, except to the extent required by applicable law.

 

INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED

(Amounts in thousands except per share data)

 

Unaudited Financial Highlights

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

December 30,

 

December 24,

 

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

Net sales

 

$

1,481,062

 

$

1,493,314

 

Gross profit

 

 

348,801

 

 

371,155

 

Operating and administrative expenses

 

 

289,827

 

 

276,179

 

Gain (loss) from sale or disposal of assets

 

 

653

 

 

780

 

Income from operations

 

 

59,627

 

 

95,756

 

Other income, net

 

 

3,607

 

 

1,441

 

Interest expense

 

 

5,706

 

 

5,347

 

Pretax income

 

 

57,528

 

 

91,850

 

Income tax expense

 

 

14,134

 

 

22,479

 

Net income

 

$

43,394

 

$

69,371

 

Basic earnings per common share – Class A

 

$

2.33

 

$

3.73

 

Diluted earnings per common share – Class A

 

$

2.28

 

$

3.65

 

Basic earnings per common share – Class B

 

$

2.12

 

$

3.40

 

Diluted earnings per common share – Class B

 

$

2.12

 

$

3.40

 

Additional selected information:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

$

28,774

 

$

29,106

 

Rent expense

 

$

2,393

 

$

2,589

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

 

 

 

December 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2023

 

2023

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

275,034

 

$

328,540

 

Receivables-net

 

 

116,748

 

 

107,571

 

Inventories

 

 

501,047

 

 

493,860

 

Other current assets

 

 

18,163

 

 

22,586

 

Property and equipment-net

 

 

1,462,362

 

 

1,431,872

 

Other assets

 

 

85,503

 

 

89,417

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

2,458,857

 

$

2,473,846

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

$

17,521

 

$

17,527

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and current portion of other long-term liabilities

 

 

265,471

 

 

313,007

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

64,570

 

 

67,187

 

Long-term debt

 

 

529,375

 

 

532,632

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

86,450

 

 

84,521

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

963,387

 

 

1,014,874

 

Stockholders' equity

 

 

1,495,470

 

 

1,458,972

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

$

2,458,857

 

$

2,473,846

 

 

Patricia E. Jackson, Chief Financial Officer

pjackson@ingles-markets.com

(828) 669-2941 (Ext. 223)

Source: Ingles Markets, Inc.

The ticker symbol for Ingles Markets, Incorporated is IMKTA.

The net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 were $1.48 billion.

The basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A Common Stock were $2.33 and $2.28, respectively.

The total debt was $546.9 million, and the capital expenditures were $63.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
Ingles Markets, Inc.

NASDAQ:IMKTA

IMKTA Rankings

IMKTA Latest News

IMKTA Stock Data

Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores
Retail Trade
Link
Retail Trade, Food Retail, Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores
US
Asheville

About IMKTA

since 1963, ingles markets, inc. has been western north carolina's leading local supermarket. ingles is a publicly held, locally owned company with over 200 retail locations operating in 6 southeastern states including alabama, georgia, tennessee, virginia, and the carolinas. mr. ingle’s commitment to our associates, customers, and communities has been our guiding force. our dedicated workforce has risen to the challenge of meeting our goals, today, and as we proceed into the future. our company standard couples old-fashioned values with progressive vision.