Ingles Markets, Incorporated Reports Results for First Quarter Fiscal 2024

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

Insights

Market Research Analyst

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.

Financial Analyst

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.

Economist

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

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240208054781/en/

Patricia E. Jackson, Chief Financial Officer

pjackson@ingles-markets.com

(828) 669-2941 (Ext. 223)

Source: Ingles Markets, Inc.

FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for Ingles Markets, Incorporated?

The ticker symbol for Ingles Markets, Incorporated is IMKTA.

What were the net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2024?

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

What were the basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A Common Stock for the quarter ended December 30, 2023?

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

What were the total debt and capital expenditures for the first quarter of fiscal 2024?

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