Ingles Markets (NASDAQ: IMKTA) boosts Q2 2026 profit despite softer sales
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Ingles Markets, Incorporated reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 net sales of $1.31 billion, down 1.8% from $1.33 billion a year earlier, but with much stronger profitability. Gross profit rose to $325.3 million, or 24.9% of sales, compared with $311.0 million, or 23.4% of sales, in the prior-year quarter, while operating and administrative expenses stayed relatively flat.
Net income for the quarter increased to $24.3 million from $15.1 million, and Class A basic earnings per share grew to $1.31 from $0.81. For the first six months of fiscal 2026, net sales were $2.68 billion versus $2.62 billion, with net income rising to $52.4 million from $31.7 million and Class A basic earnings per share increasing to $2.82 from $1.70. Total debt as of March 28, 2026, was $503.8 million compared with $521.6 million a year earlier, and capital expenditures for the first half declined to $53.0 million from $62.0 million.
Positive
- Substantial earnings growth: Net income rose to $24.3 million in Q2 2026 from $15.1 million, and to $52.4 million for the first half from $31.7 million, with higher gross margins and relatively flat operating expenses.
- Strengthening balance sheet: Total debt decreased to $503.8 million as of March 28, 2026, from $521.6 million a year earlier, while first-half capital expenditures declined to $53.0 million from $62.0 million.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Ingles delivered higher earnings and margins despite slightly lower quarterly sales.
Ingles Markets showed notable margin expansion in Q2 2026. Net sales dipped to $1.31 billion, but gross profit improved to $325.3 million, or 24.9% of sales, versus 23.4% a year earlier, while operating expenses were nearly flat.
Profitability improved sharply: quarterly net income increased to $24.3 million from $15.1 million, and first-half net income rose to $52.4 million from $31.7 million. Earnings per share for Class A stock followed the same pattern, with both basic and diluted measures significantly higher.
Leverage trends were favorable, with total debt at $503.8 million as of March 28, 2026, down from $521.6 million a year earlier. Capital expenditures also declined to $53.0 million in the first half from $62.0 million, which, alongside stronger earnings, supports improved financial flexibility if similar performance continues in subsequent periods.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
Gross profit financial
Operating and administrative expenses financial
Capital expenditures financial
forward-looking statements regulatory
Net sales financial
Earnings Snapshot
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
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| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibit | |
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99.1
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Press release issued May 7, 2026
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INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED
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Date: May 7, 2026
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By:
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/s/ Patricia E. Jackson
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Patricia E. Jackson
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Chief Financial Officer
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Exhibit 99.1
PRESS RELEASE
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Ingles Markets, Inc. Contact: Pat Jackson, Chief Financial Officer pjackson@ingles-markets.com (828) 669-2941 (Ext. 223) |
May 7, 2026 For Immediate Release |
Ingles Markets, Incorporated Reports Results
for Second Quarter and First Six Months of Fiscal 2026
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Ingles Markets, Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMKTA) today reported its financial results for the three and six months ended March 28, 2026.
Robert P. Ingle II, Chairman of the Board, stated, “We are pleased to announce our financial results that are made possible by our associates’ commitment and dedication to our customers and communities in which we serve.”
Second Quarter 2026 Results
Net sales totaled $1.31 billion for the quarter ended March 28, 2026, a decrease of 1.8% compared with $1.33 billion for the quarter ended March 29, 2025.
Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 increased to $325.3 million, or 24.9% of sales, as compared to $311.0 million, or 23.4% of sales, for the second quarter of fiscal 2025.
Operating and administrative expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was relatively flat at $291.2 million, as compared with $289.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025.
Interest expense totaled $4.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, as compared with $4.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025.
Net income increased to $24.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, as compared with $15.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A Common Stock increased to $1.31 and $1.28, respectively, for the quarter ended March 28, 2026, as compared with $0.81 and $0.80, respectively, for the quarter ended March 29, 2025.
First Half Fiscal 2026 Results
First half fiscal 2026 net sales totaled $2.68 billion, an increase of 2.4% compared with $2.62 billion for the first half of fiscal 2025.
Gross profit for the six months ended March 28, 2026, increased to $659.8 million, as compared with $612.1 million for the first six months of fiscal 2025. Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, was 24.6% for the first half of fiscal 2026, compared with 23.4% for the first half of fiscal 2025.
Operating and administrative expenses totaled $586.6 million for the six months ended March 28, 2026, as compared to $569.9 million for the six months ended March 29, 2025.
PRESS RELEASE
Interest expense decreased to $9.1 million for the six-month period ended March 28, 2026, as compared with $9.9 million for the six-month period ended March 29, 2025. Total debt as of March 28, 2026, was $503.8 million compared with $521.6 million as of March 29, 2025.
Net income increased to $52.4 million for the six months ended March 28, 2026, as compared with $31.7 million for the six months ended March 29, 2025. Basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A Common Stock increased to $2.82 and $2.76, respectively, for the six months ended March 28, 2026, as compared to $1.70 and $1.67, respectively, for the six months ended March 29, 2025.
Capital expenditures for the first half of fiscal 2026 totaled $53.0 million compared with $62.0 million for the first half of fiscal 2025.
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 194 supermarkets, excluding three stores that remain temporarily closed due to damage sustained in Hurricane Helene but which are expected to reopen at various times during 2026 and 2027. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the Company operates neighborhood shopping centers, most of which contain Ingles supermarkets. 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.
PRESS RELEASE
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INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED |
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(Amounts in thousands except per share data) |
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Unaudited Financial Highlights |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) |
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Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
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March 28, |
March 29, |
March 28, |
March 29, |
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2026 |
2025 |
2026 |
2025 |
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Net sales |
$ | 1,307,863 | $ | 1,331,273 | $ | 2,680,841 | $ | 2,619,388 | ||||||||
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Gross profit |
325,259 | 310,977 | 659,816 | 612,111 | ||||||||||||
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Operating and administrative expenses |
291,152 | 289,144 | 586,568 | 569,853 | ||||||||||||
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Gain (loss) from sale or disposal of assets |
364 | (192 | ) | 358 | 2,954 | |||||||||||
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Income from operations |
34,471 | 21,641 | 73,606 | 45,212 | ||||||||||||
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Other income, net |
2,765 | 2,842 | 5,683 | 6,140 | ||||||||||||
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Interest expense |
4,495 | 4,879 | 9,102 | 9,890 | ||||||||||||
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Income tax expense |
8,474 | 4,498 | 17,791 | 9,768 | ||||||||||||
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Net income |
$ | 24,267 | $ | 15,106 | $ | 52,396 | $ | 31,694 | ||||||||
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Basic earnings per common share – Class A |
$ | 1.31 | $ | 0.81 | $ | 2.82 | $ | 1.70 | ||||||||
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Diluted earnings per common share – Class A |
$ | 1.28 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 2.76 | $ | 1.67 | ||||||||
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Basic earnings per common share – Class B |
$ | 1.19 | $ | 0.74 | $ | 2.56 | $ | 1.55 | ||||||||
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Diluted earnings per common share – Class B |
$ | 1.19 | $ | 0.74 | $ | 2.56 | $ | 1.55 | ||||||||
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Additional selected information: |
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Depreciation and amortization expense |
$ | 30,073 | $ | 30,597 | $ | 60,366 | $ | 61,536 | ||||||||
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Rent expense |
$ | 1,822 | $ | 1,993 | $ | 3,462 | $ | 3,728 | ||||||||
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) |
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March 28, |
Sept. 27, |
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2026 |
2025 |
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ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 418,002 | $ | 366,246 | ||||
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Receivables-net |
101,218 | 106,355 | ||||||
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Inventories |
479,406 | 482,979 | ||||||
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Other current assets |
20,211 | 19,976 | ||||||
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Property and equipment-net |
1,503,038 | 1,515,070 | ||||||
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Other assets |
73,041 | 75,429 | ||||||
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TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 2,594,916 | $ | 2,566,055 | ||||
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
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Current maturities of long-term debt |
$ | 17,480 | $ | 17,477 | ||||
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Accounts payable, accrued expenses and current portion of other long-term liabilities |
287,456 | 285,426 | ||||||
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Deferred income taxes |
59,950 | 65,040 | ||||||
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Long-term debt |
486,284 | 497,289 | ||||||
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Other long-term liabilities |
81,744 | 84,891 | ||||||
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Total Liabilities |
932,914 | 950,123 | ||||||
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Stockholders' equity |
1,662,002 | 1,615,932 | ||||||
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
$ | 2,594,916 | $ | 2,566,055 | ||||