RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) (“ARKO” or the “Company”), a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest convenience store operators in the United States, today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Third Quarter 2022 Key Highlights:

• Operating income was $65.7 million for the quarter, an increase of 20.1% compared to $54.7 million in Q3 2021
• Net income for the third quarter was $25.0 million, which includes a one-time, non-cash tax expense of approximately $8.7 million in connection with an internal entity realignment and streamlining, compared to net income of $35.6 million in Q3 2021, which included a tax benefit the Company recorded of approximately $5.5 million
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 24.1% to $99.5 million, the Company’s strongest to date, compared to $80.2million in Q3 2021
• Merchandise revenue of $445.8 million for the third quarter compared to $434.7 million in Q3 2021; total merchandise contribution increased $5.8 million, or 4.3%, to $138.9 million, compared to Q3 2021
• Merchandise margin reached all-time high, increased 60 basis points to 31.2% compared to 30.6% in Q3 2021
• Third quarter same store merchandise sales excluding cigarettes increased 4.3% compared to Q3 2021, or 6.1% on a two-year stack*
• Fuel profitability increased 28.5%, to $155.1 million for the quarter compared to $120.7 million in Q3 2021
• ARKO Corp.’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by 50%
• Acquired Quarles Petroleum’s fleet fueling and dealer business; ARKO’s 21st acquisition in less than 10 years, including 121 proprietary Quarles-branded cardlock sites, 63 third-party cardlock sites for fleet fueling operations, and 46 independent dealer locations
  

“ARKO delivered excellent results and performance across our business this quarter,” said Arie Kotler, President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ARKO. “In addition, following the acquisition in July of the Quarles fleet fueling and dealer business, since the end of the second quarter we also announced agreements to complete two more strategic and accretive acquisitions. This quarter’s significant dividend increase reflects our record of strong results, confidence in the business, and desire to enhance returns for stockholders.”

“We continued to execute our long-term growth strategy with an agreement signed in the third quarter to acquire Transit Energy Group’s approximately 150 company-operated convenience stores and large dealer business, as well as an agreement signed in the fourth quarter to acquire the 31-convenience store chain Pride Convenience Holdings. Performance in our core convenience store business was very strong. The Company increased its market share, excluding cigarettes, underscoring how our multiple initiatives, favorable assortment, and loyalty and marketing programs are resonating with customers. With our record of solid cash flow and strong balance sheet, we will continue to pursue growth opportunities. Our emphasis is on efficient use of capital and staying focused on long-term fundamentals.”

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*Same store merchandise sales increase on a two-year stack basis is the same store merchandise sales increase in the current year added to the same store merchandise sales increase in the prior year period. This measure may be helpful to improve the understanding of trends in periods that are affected by variations in prior year growth rates. See also “Use of Non-GAAP Measures” below.

Third Quarter 2022 Segment Highlights

Retail

For the third quarter, retail fuel profitability (excluding intercompany charges by ARKO’s wholesale fuel distribution subsidiary, GPM Petroleum LP (“GPMP”)) increased approximately $20.8 million compared to the prior year period to $117.5 million. Strong fuel margin capture of 44.8 cents per gallon in the third quarter of 2022 increased 29.9% compared to Q3 2021. There was an increase in same store fuel profit of $17.8 million compared to Q3 2021 (excluding intercompany charges by GPMP).

Same store merchandise sales, excluding cigarettes, increased 4.3% for the quarter and increased 6.1% on a two-year stack basis for the quarter. Merchandise margin increased 60 basis points, and total merchandise contribution increased $5.8 million, or 4.3% to $138.9 million from $133.1 million, both compared to Q3 2021.

Wholesale

Wholesale fuel profitability for the quarter (excluding intercompany charges by GPMP) increased approximately $2.6 million compared to the prior year quarter, of which approximately $1.0 million was attributable to the Quarles Acquisition. Contribution from fuel supply locations grew by $0.9 million (excluding intercompany charges by GPMP) compared to Q3 2021, primarily due to contribution from the Quarles Acquisition, greater prompt pay discounts related to higher fuel costs and greater fuel rebates.

Contribution from consignment agent locations increased by $1.7 million (excluding intercompany charges by GPMP) compared to the prior year quarter. Fuel margin also increased during the third quarter of 2022 primarily due to contribution from the Quarles Acquisition, greater prompt pay discounts related to higher fuel costs, greater fuel rebates and improved rack-to-retail margins.

Fleet Fueling

The Quarles Acquisition, completed on July 22, 2022, and the Company’s 21^st acquisition in less than ten years, resulted in ARKO’s addition of the fleet fueling segment. The Company is pleased with the speed at which Quarles has integrated with ARKO and its performance to date.

For the portion of the third quarter since closing, fuel revenue was positively impacted by a high average price of diesel fuel. Fuel contribution for the fleet fueling segment (excluding intercompany charges by GPMP) was approximately $11.0 million, which was positively impacted by a historically high rack-to-retail margins.

Store Operating Expenses

For the third quarter of 2022, convenience store operating expenses increased $20.1 million, or 12.9%, compared to Q3 2021, primarily due to $6.8 million of incremental expenses related to the 2021 Handy Mart acquisition and an increase in expenses at same stores, including a 17.4% increase, or $10.3 million, in personnel costs, and a 13.9% increase, or $2.8 million, in credit card fees due to higher retail prices.

Acquisitions and Long-Term Growth Strategy

The Company continued to execute its systematic growth strategy intended to create long-term shareholder value with two acquisitions announced since the end of the second quarter. Since 2013, ARKO significantly increased cash flow and adjusted EBITDA and has grown its convenience store footprint from approximately 200 stores in seven states into one of the largest convenience store operators in the United States, with approximately 1,380 company-operated stores in 33 states and the District of Columbia during the course of 21 successful acquisitions.

Transit Energy Group Acquisition

On September 12, 2022, the Company announced that GPM Investments, LLC (“GPM”) a wholly owned subsidiary of ARKO, and certain of GPM’s subsidiaries agreed to acquire from Transit Energy Group (“TEG”) approximately 150 company-operated convenience stores, fuel supply rights to approximately 200 dealers, commercial, government, and industrial customers, as well as TEG’s bulk storage, distribution, and transportation assets, all in the Southeastern United States. This acquisition would expand ARKO’s retail footprint into Alabama and Mississippi.

Using estimated forward-looking non-GAAP measures, the Company expects that this acquisition will add approximately $18 million of Adjusted EBITDA on an annualized basis, which is expected to be $27 million on an annual run rate including synergies, after incremental rent of approximately $16 million to be paid to Oak Street Real Estate Capital, a Division of Blue Owl Capital (“Oak Street”).ⁱ

The purchase price is approximately $375 million plus the value of inventory, of which $50 million is deferred and payable in two annual payments of $25 million, which ARKO may elect to pay in either cash or, subject to certain conditions, shares of ARKO’s common stock, on the first and second anniversaries of the closing. At closing, ARKO intends to finance from its own sources approximately $60.0 million of the cash consideration plus the value of inventory and other closing adjustments. The remaining approximately $265 million is expected to be funded by Oak Street.

Pride Convenience Holdings Acquisition

On October 24, 2022, the Company announced that GPM agreed to acquire Pride Convenience Holdings LLC, which operates 31 convenience stores and a new-to-industry store under construction. This acquisition would expand ARKO’s convenience store footprint into Massachusetts.

Using estimated forward-looking non-GAAP measures, the Company expects that this acquisition will result in approximately $12.2 million of Adjusted EBITDA on an annual run rate including synergies, after incremental annual rent of approximately $12.2 million to be paid to Oak Street.ⁱⁱ

The total purchase price is approximately $230 million plus the value of inventory. At closing, ARKO intends to finance from its own sources approximately $28.0 million of the cash consideration plus the value of inventory and other closing adjustments. The remaining approximately $202 million is expected to be funded by Oak Street.

Consummation of the TEG and Pride acquisitions are subject to customary conditions, including the absence of legal restraints and, for the TEG acquisition, the termination or expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

Other Strategic Initiatives

The Company is currently continuing to work on expanding pizza offerings through Sbarro, the Original New York Pizza, and other potential opportunities. This quarter, the Company opened five Sbarro pizzas in remodeled deli areas. Year to date, 13 Sbarro locations have opened, with plans for an additional five locations this quarter.

The Company’s high-quality, on-demand bean-to-cup coffee initiative continues to be a priority. The Company is pleased by customer’s response to the new coffee and receptiveness to marketing efforts that are building consumer awareness of its high-quality coffee. The number of enrolled loyal customers who made their first recorded coffee purchase increased 55.6% in the third quarter compared to Q3 2021. Unique coffee purchases by enrolled loyal customers increased 57.1%, and net total coffee spend by enrolled loyal customers increased approximately 51%, both in the third quarter compared to Q3 2021.
   
On August 29, 2022, level 3 fast chargers were opened to customers at a Village Pantry in Marysville, Ohio. Deployed by ChargePoint, these chargers support all types of EVs. The Company previously announced that chargers will be installed at two stores in Colorado, with the goal of continually growing its EV charging footprint and capabilities.

Quarterly Dividend and Share Repurchase Program

The Company’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by 50%, to $0.03 per share, to be paid on December 6, 2022, to stockholders of record as of November 22, 2022.

This is the Company’s fourth consecutive quarterly dividend and first quarterly dividend increase. The Company’s continued ability to return cash to its stockholders through a quarterly cash dividend program and a share repurchase program is consistent with its capital allocation framework and reflects the Company’s confidence in the strength of its cash generation ability and strong financial position.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company repurchased approximately 4.5 million shares of common stock under its previously announced repurchase program for approximately $39.0 million, or an average share price of $8.60. Approximately $11 million remained available in the Company’s previously announced original $50 million share repurchase program. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had approximately 120.1 million shares of common stock outstanding.

Internal Entity Realignment and Streamlining

The Company executed an internal realignment of certain direct and indirect subsidiaries intended to streamline business operations and provide long term synergies and other cost savings, occurring in a series of steps, the majority of which were completed by the end of the third quarter of 2022. As a result of this realignment, the Company recorded a one-time, non-cash tax expense in the amount of approximately $8.7 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Formal Adoption of Environmental, Social and Governance Policy

ARKO is committed to creating long-term value for its stockholders, employees, and communities. As a leading convenience store and gas station operator, ARKO is focused on integrating environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance (ESG) principles that are aligned with its long-term business strategy. On July 9, 2022, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of ARKO’s Board of Directors formally adopted the Company’s ESG policy, which is available online: arkocorp.com/company-information/responsibility.

Liquidity and Capital Expenditures

As of September 30, 2022, the Company’s total liquidity was approximately $678 million, consisting of cash and cash equivalents of approximately $283 million and approximately $395 million available under various lines of credit.

Outstanding debt excluding capital leases was approximately $734 million, resulting in net debt of approximately $451 million. In the third quarter of 2022, the Company spent $27.7 million on capital expenditures, including the purchase of certain fee properties, deli renovations for Sbarro pizza, bean-to-cup coffee equipment, upgrades to fuel dispensers and other investments in stores.

Store Network Update

The following tables present certain information regarding changes in the store network for the periods presented.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on November 8, 2022. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the live call can dial 877-605-1792 or 201-689-8728. A simultaneous, live webcast will also be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://www.arkocorp.com/news-events/ir-calendar. The webcast will be archived for 30 days.

A telephone replay will be available approximately three hours after the call concludes through November 22, 2022, by dialing 877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415 and entering access code 13733722.

About ARKO Corp.

ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) is a Fortune 500 company that owns 100% of GPM Investments, LLC and is one of the largest operators of convenience stores and wholesalers of fuel in the United States. Based in Richmond, VA, our highly recognizable family of community brands offers delicious prepared foods, beer, snacks, candy, hot and cold beverages, and multiple popular quick serve restaurant brands. Our high value fas REWARDS® loyalty program offers exclusive savings on merchandise and gas. We operate in four reportable segments: retail, which includes convenience stores selling fuel products and other merchandise to retail customers; wholesale, which supplies fuel to independent dealers and consignment agents; GPM Petroleum, which sells and supplies fuel to our retail and wholesale sites; and fleet fueling, which includes the operation of proprietary and third-party cardlock locations, and issuance of proprietary fuel cards that provide customers access to a nationwide network of fueling sites. To learn more about GPM stores, visit: www.gpminvestments.com. To learn more about ARKO, visit: www.arkocorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document 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, the Company’s expected financial and operational results and the related assumptions underlying its 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, changes in economic, business and market conditions; the Company’s ability to maintain the listing of its common stock and warrants on the Nasdaq Stock Market; changes in its strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans; expansion plans and opportunities; changes in the markets in which it competes; changes in applicable laws or regulations, including those relating to environmental matters; market conditions and global and economic factors beyond its control, including the potential adverse effects of the ongoing global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on capital markets (including with respect to new variants of the virus), general economic conditions, unemployment and its liquidity, operations and personnel; and the outcome of any known or unknown litigation and regulatory proceedings. 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.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

The Company discloses certain measures on a “same store basis,” which is a non-GAAP measure. Information disclosed on a “same store basis” excludes the results of any store that is not a “same store” for the applicable period. A store is considered a same store beginning in the first quarter in which the store had a full quarter of activity in the prior year. The Company believes that this information provides greater comparability regarding its ongoing operating performance. Neither this measure nor those described below should be considered an alternative to measurements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”).

The Company defines EBITDA as net income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA further adjusts EBITDA by excluding the gain or loss on disposal of assets, impairment charges, acquisition costs, other non-cash items, and other unusual or non-recurring charges. Each of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.

The Company uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for operational and financial decision-making and believe these measures are useful in evaluating its performance because they eliminate certain items that it does not consider indicators of its operating performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are also used by many of its investors, securities analysts, and other interested parties in evaluating its operational and financial performance across reporting periods. The Company believes that the presentation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors by allowing an understanding of key measures that it uses internally for operational decision-making, budgeting, evaluating acquisition targets, and assessing its operating performance.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized terms under GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for net income or any other financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of its results as reported under GAAP. The Company strongly encourages investors to review its financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, same store measures, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as defined by the Company, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. It therefore may not be possible to compare the Company’s use of these non-GAAP financial measures with those used by other companies.

Media Contact

Andrew Petro
Matter on behalf of ARKO
(978) 518-4531
apetro@matternow.com

Investor Contact

Ross Parman
ARKO Corp.
investors@gpminvestments.com 

The following table contains a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

ⁱ At this time, ARKO is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of estimated forward-looking non-GAAP performance measures without unreasonable efforts due to the fact that the acquired business includes multiple recently acquired stores and business segments without full-year historical financial statements within a consolidated entity.

ⁱⁱ At this time, ARKO is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of estimated forward-looking non-GAAP performance measures without unreasonable efforts due to the fact that the acquired business does not currently have systems in place to produce complete and comparable financial statements showing the business based on current performance.