ARKO Corp. Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

RICHMOND, Va., May 07, 2024 (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 first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

First Quarter 2024 Key Highlights (vs. Year-Ago Quarter)1,2

  • Net loss for the quarter was $0.6 million compared to $2.5 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $36.6 million compared to $47.5 million, with the variance driven by lower fuel contribution, regulatory state-wide elimination of Virginia gaming income, and increases in same store operating expenses.
  • Merchandise revenue increased 3.6% to $414.7 million.
  • Merchandise contribution increased by 9.7% to $134.9 million.  Merchandise margin expanded approximately 180 basis points to 32.5%, supported by key marketing and merchandising initiatives.
  • Retail fuel contribution increased 5.5% to $92.9 million, with margin increasing to 36.4 cents per gallon from 35.4.  Retail same store fuel gallons sold decreased 6.7% compared to a decrease in national OPIS average same-station fuel gallon volume of approximately 5.9%.

Other Key Highlights

  • As part of the Company’s focus on accelerating organic growth, it is in the process of developing a multi-year transformation plan, including the following elements: 
    • More aggressive and targeted capital allocation toward strategic sub-segments of its retail stores to drive traffic and improve profitability. 
    • Continued development and execution of a pilot program to improve customer experience and value proposition, in partnership with a nationally renowned consulting firm, with plans to expand refined offering across larger store network.
    • Fully leveraging the Company’s unique, multi-segment operating model through more active conversion of retail stores to dealer sites within its wholesale segment to improve profitability.
  • Additional details will be provided in further investor communications and will be detailed in full at the Company’s investor day that will take place later this year.
  • Continuation of the Company’s enhanced food program rollout, including its January 2024 new pizza program launch and the upcoming re-launch of its hot dog and roller grill program anchored by Nathan’s Famous as its new supplier of quality, 100% all beef hot dogs.
  • ARKO’s Board of Directors (“Board”) approved the expansion of the Company’s stock repurchase program from $100 million to $125 million.
  • The Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share of common stock to be paid on May 31, 2024 to stockholders of record as of May 20, 2024.

1 See Use of Non-GAAP Measures below.
2 All figures for fuel contribution and fuel margin per gallon exclude the estimated fixed margin or fixed fee paid to the Company’s wholesale fuel distribution subsidiary, GPM Petroleum LP (“GPMP”) for the cost of fuel (intercompany charges by GPMP).

“Our first quarter results reflect our ongoing efforts to navigate the current macroeconomic environment, while aggressively positioning ARKO for future organic growth and improved profitability,” said Arie Kotler, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARKO. “Over the past decade, we have gained significant scale through acquisitions and believe there is meaningful value embedded within our network of retail stores. We have a strong balance sheet and substantial available liquidity, which we plan to use to selectively and methodically increase our investments in our retail store base to drive traffic and improve profitability."

Mr. Kotler continued:  “We firmly believe our current valuation does not fully reflect the underlying value of our business, which has grown to become one of the largest convenience store operators in the United States and a Fortune 500 company. Given this disconnect, I am pleased to announce that the Board has approved an expansion of our share repurchase program to $125 million, which we believe will support long-term value creation for our valued stockholders.” 

First Quarter 2024 Segment Highlights

Retail

  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2024     2023  
  (in thousands)  
Fuel gallons sold   255,464       248,906  
Same store fuel gallons sold decrease (%)1   (6.7 %)     (5.8 %)
Fuel contribution2 $ 92,933     $ 88,096  
Fuel margin, cents per gallon3   36.4       35.4  
Same store fuel contribution1,2 $ 82,048     $ 84,832  
Same store merchandise sales (decrease) increase (%)1   (4.1 %)     3.8 %
Same store merchandise sales excluding cigarettes (decrease)increase (%)1   (3.0 %)     7.6 %
Merchandise revenue $ 414,655     $ 400,408  
Merchandise contribution4 $ 134,918     $ 122,965  
Merchandise margin5   32.5 %     30.7 %
Same store merchandise contribution1,4 $ 118,676     $ 117,814  
Same store site operating expenses1 $ 172,619     $ 167,112  
           
1Same store is a common metric used in the convenience store industry. We consider a store a same store beginning in the first quarter in which the store had a full quarter of activity in the prior year. Refer toUse of Non-GAAP Measuresbelow for discussion of this measure.  
           
2Calculated as fuel revenue less fuel costs; excludes the estimated fixed margin or fixed fee paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.  
           
3Calculated as fuel contribution divided by fuel gallons sold.  
           
4Calculated as merchandise revenue less merchandise costs.  
           
5Calculated as merchandise contribution divided by merchandise revenue.  


Same store merchandise sales, excluding cigarettes, decreased 3.0% for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. Same store merchandise sales decreased 4.1% for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year period.

Total merchandise contribution for the first quarter of 2024 increased $12.0 million, or 9.7%, compared to the first quarter of 2023, due to $11.3 million of incremental merchandise contribution from acquisitions closed in 2023, as well as an increase in merchandise contribution at same stores of approximately $0.9 million.

Merchandise contribution at same stores increased in the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to higher contribution from other tobacco products and franchises partially offset by lower contribution from the Company’s core destination categories. Merchandise margin increased 180 basis points to 32.5% for the first quarter of 2024, supported by key marketing and merchandising initiatives.

For the first quarter of 2024, retail fuel contribution increased $4.8 million to $92.9 million compared to the prior year period, with resilient fuel margin capture of 36.4 cents per gallon, an increase of 1.0 cent per gallon for the first quarter of 2024 as compared to the first quarter of 2023. Same store fuel contribution was $82.0 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $84.8 million for the prior year quarter. This decrease in same store fuel contribution was offset by approximately $7.8 million of incremental fuel contribution from acquisitions closed in 2023.

Wholesale

  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2024     2023  
  (in thousands)  
Fuel gallons sold – fuel supply locations   186,731       182,427  
Fuel gallons sold – consignment agent locations   37,504       37,962  
Fuel contribution1– fuel supply locations $ 11,562     $ 11,156  
Fuel contribution1– consignment locations $ 9,168     $ 10,039  
Fuel margin, cents per gallon2– fuel supply locations   6.2       6.1  
Fuel margin, cents per gallon2– consignment agent locations   24.4       26.4  
           
1Calculated as fuel revenue less fuel costs; excludes the estimated fixed margin or fixed fee paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.  
           
2Calculated as fuel contribution divided by fuel gallons sold.  


In wholesale, total fuel contribution was approximately $20.7 million for the first quarter of 2024. Fuel contribution from fuel supply locations increased by $0.4 million for the quarter compared to the prior year period, and fuel margin increased, primarily due to incremental contribution from acquisitions closed in 2023, which was partially offset by decreased prompt pay discounts related to lower fuel costs and lower volumes at comparable wholesale sites.

Fuel contribution from consignment agent locations decreased by $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year period. Fuel margin also decreased for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 compared to the prior year period, primarily due to lower rack-to-retail margins and decreased prompt pay discounts related to lower fuel costs, which was partially offset by the incremental contribution from acquisitions closed in 2023.

Fleet Fueling

  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2024     2023  
  (in thousands)  
Fuel gallons sold – proprietary cardlock locations   33,449       31,016  
Fuel gallons sold – third-party cardlock locations   3,199       1,610  
Fuel contribution1– proprietary cardlock locations $ 13,669     $ 13,813  
Fuel contribution1– third-party cardlock locations $ 247     $ 22  
Fuel margin, cents per gallon2– proprietary cardlock locations   40.9       44.5  
Fuel margin, cents per gallon2– third-party cardlock locations   7.7       1.3  
           
1Calculated as fuel revenue less fuel costs; excludes the estimated fixed fee paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.  
           
2Calculated as fuel contribution divided by fuel gallons sold.  


Fuel contribution increased $0.1 million to approximately $13.9 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year period. At proprietary cardlocks, fuel margin decreased by 3.6 cents per gallon as compared to the first quarter of 2023, when diesel margins were at significantly elevated levels. At third-party cardlock locations, fuel margin per gallon increased by 6.4 cents per gallon for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. These changes were primarily due to higher volumes and the cardlocks acquired in the WTG Acquisition.

Site Operating Expenses

For the quarter ended March 31, 2024, convenience store operating expenses increased $22.5 million, or 12.8% as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to $18.5 million of incremental expenses related to acquisitions closed in 2023. Same store expenses were up $5.5 million from the prior year period, or 3.3%, with the increase related to hourly wage rate growth, accelerated repair and maintenance, and elevated worker’s compensation claims related to first quarter events.  The increase in site operating expenses was partially offset by underperforming retail stores that were closed or converted to dealers.

Liquidity and Capital Expenditures

As of March 31, 2024, the Company’s total liquidity was approximately $764 million, consisting of approximately $184 million of cash and cash equivalents and approximately $579 million of availability under lines of credit. Outstanding debt was $885 million, resulting in net debt, excluding lease related financing liabilities, of approximately $700 million. The Company’s program agreement with affiliates of Oak Street, a division of Blue Owl Capital, provides for an aggregate up to $1.5 billion of capacity, almost all of which is currently available to the Company through September 30, 2024. Capital expenditures were approximately $29.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, including the purchase of certain fee properties, upgrades to fuel dispensers and other investments in stores.

Quarterly Dividend and Share Repurchase Program

The Company’s ability to return cash to its stockholders through its cash dividend program and 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 financial position and its belief that the Company’s current share price does not fully reflect the underlying value of its business.

The Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share of common stock to be paid on May 31, 2024 to stockholders of record as of May 20, 2024.

During the quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 4.8 million shares of common stock under the repurchase program for approximately $28.3 million, or an average share price of $5.89. Repurchases during the quarter included the repurchase of shares originally issued to the sellers in the Company’s TEG acquisition.  There was approximately $0.7 million remaining under the share repurchase program as of March 31, 2024. 

Subsequent to quarter-end, the Board approved the expansion of the Company’s share repurchase program to $125 million, up from $100 million.

Company-Operated Retail Store Count and Segment Update

The following tables present certain information regarding changes in the retail, wholesale and fleet fueling segments for the periods presented:

  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
Retail Segment 2024     2023  
Number of sites at beginning of period   1,543       1,404  
Acquired sites         135  
Newly opened or reopened sites   1       1  
Company-controlled sites converted to consignment or fuel supply locations, net         (5 )
Closed, relocated or divested sites   (4 )     (4 )
Number of sites at end of period   1,540       1,531  


  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
Wholesale Segment1 2024     2023  
Number of sites at beginning of period   1,825       1,674  
Acquired sites         192  
Newly opened or reopened sites2   9       7  
Consignment or fuel supply locations converted from Company-controlled or fleet fueling sites, net         5  
Closed, relocated or divested sites   (18 )     (26 )
Number of sites at end of period   1,816       1,852  
           
1Excludes bulk and spot purchasers.  
2Includes all signed fuel supply agreements irrespective of fuel distribution commencement date.  


  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
Fleet Fueling Segment 2024     2023  
Number of sites at beginning of period   298       183  
Closed, relocated or divested sites   (2 )      
Number of sites at end of period   296       183  


Full Year and Second Quarter 2024 Guidance Range

The Company currently expects second quarter 2024 Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $70 to $77 million, with an assumed range of average retail fuel margin from 37 to 40 cents per gallon. The Company is maintaining its full year total Company Adjusted EBITDA range of $250 to $290 million, with an assumed range of average retail fuel margin from 36 to 40 cents per gallon. 

The Company is not providing guidance on net income at this time due to the volatility of certain required inputs that are not available without unreasonable efforts, including future fair value adjustments associated with its stock price, as well as depreciation and amortization related to its capital allocation as part of its focus on accelerating organic growth.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 7, 2024. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the live call can dial 800-267-6316 or 203-518-9783.

A simultaneous, live webcast will also be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.arkocorp.com/news-events/ir-calendar. The webcast will be archived for 30 days.

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, we operate A Family of Community Brands that offer 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 merchandise and fuel products 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 charges a fixed fee, primarily to our fleet fueling 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,” “guidance,” “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; 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 Operating Income, as adjusted, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.

At the segment level, the Company defines Operating Income, as adjusted as operating income excluding the estimated fixed margin or fixed fee paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.

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. Additionally, the Company believes Operating Income, as adjusted provides greater comparability regarding its ongoing segment operating performance by eliminating intercompany charges at the segment level. 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.

Operating Income, as adjusted, 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, Operating Income, as adjusted, 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.

Company Contact
Jordan Mann
ARKO Corp.
investors@gpminvestments.com

Investor Contact
Sean Mansouri, CFA or James Bonifer
Elevate IR
(720) 330-2829
ARKO@elevate-ir.com


  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  
     
  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2024     2023  
  (in thousands)  
Revenues:          
Fuel revenue $ 1,631,332     $ 1,661,664  
Merchandise revenue   414,655       400,408  
Other revenues, net   26,467       26,424  
Total revenues   2,072,454       2,088,496  
Operating expenses:          
Fuel costs   1,502,302       1,537,882  
Merchandise costs   279,737       277,443  
Site operating expenses   218,931       192,683  
General and administrative expenses   42,158       40,416  
Depreciation and amortization   31,716       28,399  
Total operating expenses   2,074,844       2,076,823  
Other expenses, net   2,476       2,720  
Operating (loss) income   (4,866 )     8,953  
Interest and other financial income   22,014       7,210  
Interest and other financial expenses   (24,471 )     (20,812 )
Loss before income taxes   (7,323 )     (4,649 )
Income tax benefit   6,707       2,158  
Income (loss) from equity investment   22       (36 )
Net loss $ (594 )   $ (2,527 )
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests         53  
Net loss attributable to ARKO Corp. $ (594 )   $ (2,580 )
Series A redeemable preferred stock dividends   (1,414 )     (1,418 )
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $ (2,008 )   $ (3,998 )
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders – basic and diluted $ (0.02 )   $ (0.03 )
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic and diluted   117,275       120,253  


  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  
           
  March 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
  (in thousands)  
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents $ 184,480     $ 218,120  
Restricted cash   21,234       23,301  
Short-term investments   4,588       3,892  
Trade receivables, net   158,712       134,735  
Inventory   250,405       250,593  
Other current assets   116,144       118,472  
Total current assets   735,563       749,113  
Non-current assets:          
Property and equipment, net   743,394       742,610  
Right-of-use assets under operating leases   1,365,200       1,384,693  
Right-of-use assets under financing leases, net   160,357       162,668  
Goodwill   292,173       292,173  
Intangible assets, net   207,416       214,552  
Equity investment   2,907       2,885  
Deferred tax asset   62,368       52,293  
Other non-current assets   51,505       49,377  
Total assets $ 3,620,883     $ 3,650,364  
Liabilities          
Current liabilities:          
Long-term debt, current portion $ 17,297     $ 16,792  
Accounts payable   233,960       213,657  
Other current liabilities   150,569       179,536  
Operating leases, current portion   68,403       67,053  
Financing leases, current portion   9,392       9,186  
Total current liabilities   479,621       486,224  
Non-current liabilities:          
Long-term debt, net   867,661       828,647  
Asset retirement obligation   85,063       84,710  
Operating leases   1,378,302       1,395,032  
Financing leases   212,174       213,032  
Other non-current liabilities   236,822       266,602  
Total liabilities   3,259,643       3,274,247  
           
Series A redeemable preferred stock   100,000       100,000  
           
Shareholders' equity:          
Common stock   12       12  
Treasury stock   (106,055 )     (74,134 )
Additional paid-in capital   267,671       245,007  
Accumulated other comprehensive income   9,119       9,119  
Retained earnings   90,493       96,097  
Total shareholders' equity   261,240       276,101  
Non-controlling interest         16  
Total equity   261,240       276,117  
Total liabilities, redeemable preferred stock and equity $ 3,620,883     $ 3,650,364  


  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
           
  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2024     2023  
  (in thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net loss $ (594 )   $ (2,527 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   31,716       28,399  
Deferred income taxes   (10,075 )     (10,230 )
Loss on disposal of assets and impairment charges   2,664       287  
Foreign currency loss   27       34  
Gain from issuance of shares as payment of deferred consideration related to business acquisition   (2,681 )      
Gain from settlement related to business acquisition   (6,356 )      
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount   664       592  
Amortization of deferred income   (1,946 )     (1,860 )
Accretion of asset retirement obligation   616       491  
Non-cash rent   3,484       2,798  
Charges to allowance for credit losses   327       283  
(Income) loss from equity investment   (22 )     36  
Share-based compensation   3,329       4,069  
Fair value adjustment of financial assets and liabilities   (10,772 )     (4,228 )
Other operating activities, net   624       329  
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
Increase in trade receivables   (24,304 )     (11,182 )
Decrease (increase) in inventory   188       (2,845 )
Decrease in other assets   5,095       3,545  
Increase in accounts payable   21,347       5,940  
Decrease in other current liabilities   (4,152 )     (127 )
(Decrease) increase in asset retirement obligation   (55 )     67  
Increase in non-current liabilities   3,631       2,012  
Net cash provided by operating activities   12,755       15,883  
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchase of property and equipment   (29,228 )     (23,380 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment   2,039       208,436  
Business acquisitions, net of cash         (338,342 )
Prepayment for acquisition   (1,000 )      
Loans to equity investment, net   14        
Net cash used in investing activities   (28,175 )     (153,286 )
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Receipt of long-term debt, net   41,588       55,000  
Repayment of debt   (6,635 )     (5,592 )
Principal payments on financing leases   (1,135 )     (1,418 )
Early settlement of deferred consideration related to business acquisition   (17,155 )      
Proceeds from sale-leaseback         51,604  
Common stock repurchased   (31,921 )     (2,310 )
Dividends paid on common stock   (3,596 )     (3,609 )
Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock   (1,414 )     (1,418 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (20,268 )     92,257  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash   (35,688 )     (45,146 )
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash   (19 )     (21 )
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   241,421       316,769  
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 205,714     $ 271,602  


Supplemental Disclosure of Non-GAAP Financial Information

  Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA  
           
  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2024     2023  
  (in thousands)  
Net loss $ (594 )   $ (2,527 )
Interest and other financing expenses, net   2,457       13,602  
Income tax benefit   (6,707 )     (2,158 )
Depreciation and amortization   31,716       28,399  
EBITDA   26,872       37,316  
Non-cash rent expense (a)   3,484       2,798  
Acquisition costs (b)   680       3,576  
Loss on disposal of assets and impairment charges (c)   2,664       287  
Share-based compensation expense (d)   3,329       4,069  
(Income) loss from equity investment (e)   (22 )     36  
Fuel taxes received in arrears (f)   (565 )      
Adjustment to contingent consideration (g)   18       (702 )
Other (h)   189       104  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 36,649     $ 47,484  
           
(a) Eliminates the non-cash portion of rent, which reflects the extent to which our GAAP rent expense recognized exceeded (or was less than) our cash rent payments. The GAAP rent expense adjustment can vary depending on the terms of our lease portfolio, which has been impacted by our recent acquisitions. For newer leases, our rent expense recognized typically exceeds our cash rent payments, whereas, for more mature leases, rent expense recognized is typically less than our cash rent payments.  
           
(b) Eliminates costs incurred that are directly attributable to business acquisitions and salaries of employees whose primary job function is to execute our acquisition strategy and facilitate integration of acquired operations.  
           
(c) Eliminates the non-cash loss from the sale of property and equipment, the loss recognized upon the sale of related leased assets, and impairment charges on property and equipment and right-of-use assets related to closed and non-performing sites.  
           
(d) Eliminates non-cash share-based compensation expense related to the equity incentive program in place to incentivize, retain, and motivate our employees, certain non-employees and members of the Board.  
           
(e) Eliminates our share of (income) loss attributable to our unconsolidated equity investment.  
           
(f) Eliminates the receipt of historical fuel tax amounts for multiple prior periods.  
           
(g) Eliminates fair value adjustments to the contingent consideration owed to the seller for the 2020 Empire acquisition.  
           
(h) Eliminates other unusual or non-recurring items that we do not consider to be meaningful in assessing operating performance.  


Supplemental Disclosures of Segment Information

Retail Segment

  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2024     2023  
  (in thousands)  
Revenues:          
Fuel revenue $ 824,428     $ 843,473  
Merchandise revenue   414,655       400,408  
Other revenues, net   16,679       18,555  
Total revenues   1,255,762       1,262,436  
Operating expenses:          
Fuel costs   744,241       767,808  
Merchandise costs   279,737       277,443  
Site operating expenses   198,017       175,554  
Total operating expenses   1,221,995       1,220,805  
Operating income   33,767       41,631  
Intercompany charges by GPMP1   12,746       12,431  
Operating income, as adjusted $ 46,513     $ 54,062  
           
1Represents the estimated fixed margin or fixed fee paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.  


The tables below shows financial information and certain key metrics of recent acquisitions in the Retail Segment that do not have (or have only partial) comparable information for the prior period.

  For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024  
  TEG1     Uncle's
(WTG)2
    Speedy's3     Total  
  (in thousands)  
Date of Acquisition: Mar 1, 2023     Jun 6, 2023     Aug 15, 2023        
Revenues:                      
Fuel revenue $ 80,249     $ 19,769     $ 4,268     $ 104,286  
Merchandise revenue   34,127       9,147       2,265       45,539  
Other revenues, net   1,293       228       52       1,573  
Total revenues   115,669       29,144       6,585       151,398  
Operating expenses:                      
Fuel costs   74,431       17,064       3,895       95,390  
Merchandise costs   22,896       5,873       1,442       30,211  
Site operating expenses   18,112       4,690       1,190       23,992  
Total operating expenses   115,439       27,627       6,527       149,593  
Operating income   230       1,517       58       1,805  
Intercompany charges by GPMP4   1,281       291       71       1,643  
Operating income, as adjusted $ 1,511     $ 1,808     $ 129     $ 3,448  
Fuel gallons sold   25,616       5,821       1,416       32,853  
Fuel contribution5 $ 7,099     $ 2,996     $ 444     $ 10,539  
Merchandise contribution6 $ 11,231     $ 3,274     $ 823     $ 15,328  
Merchandise margin7   32.9 %     35.8 %     36.3 %      
                       
1Acquisition from Transit Energy Group and affiliates ("TEG"); includes only the retail stores acquired in the TEG acquisition.  
                       
2Acquisition from WTG Fuels Holdings, LLC ("WTG"); includes only the retail stores acquired in the WTG acquisition.  
                       
3Acquisition of seven Speedy's retail stores.  
                       
4Represents the estimated fixed margin paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.  
                       
5Calculated as fuel revenue less fuel costs; excludes the estimated fixed margin paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.  
                       
6Calculated as merchandise revenue less merchandise costs.  
                       
7Calculated as merchandise contribution divided by merchandise revenue.  


Wholesale Segment

  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2024     2023  
  (in thousands)  
Revenues:          
Fuel revenue $ 664,514     $ 684,848  
Other revenues, net   6,858       6,491  
Total revenues   671,372       691,339  
Operating expenses:          
Fuel costs   655,113       674,691  
Site operating expenses   9,299       9,098  
Total operating expenses   664,412       683,789  
Operating income   6,960     $ 7,550  
Intercompany charges by GPMP1   11,329       11,038  
Operating income, as adjusted $ 18,289     $ 18,588  
           
1Represents the estimated fixed margin or fixed fee paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.  


The tables below shows financial information and certain key metrics of recent acquisitions in the Wholesale Segment that do not have (or have only partial) comparable information for prior period.

  For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024  
  TEG1     WTG2     Total  
  (in thousands)  
Date of Acquisition: Mar 1, 2023     Jun 6, 2023        
Revenues:                
Fuel revenue $ 80,952     $ 3,084     $ 84,036  
Other revenues, net   758       15       773  
Total revenues   81,710       3,099       84,809  
Operating expenses:                
Fuel costs   80,424       2,959       83,383  
Site operating expenses   874       68       942  
Total operating expenses   81,298       3,027       84,325  
Operating income   412       72       484  
Intercompany charges by GPMP3   1,363       44       1,407  
Operating income, as adjusted $ 1,775     $ 116     $ 1,891  
Fuel gallons sold   27,448       871       28,319  
                 
1Includes only the wholesale business acquired in the TEG acquisition.  
                 
2Includes only the wholesale business acquired in the WTG acquisition.  
   
3Represents the estimated fixed margin paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.  


Fleet Fueling Segment

  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
  2024     2023  
  (in thousands)  
Revenues:          
Fuel revenue $ 132,193     $ 127,494  
Other revenues, net   2,385       951  
Total revenues   134,578       128,445  
Operating expenses:          
Fuel costs   120,058       115,231  
Site operating expenses   6,543       4,790  
Total operating expenses   126,601       120,021  
Operating income   7,977       8,424  
Intercompany charges by GPMP1   1,781       1,572  
Operating income, as adjusted $ 9,758     $ 9,996  
           
1Represents the estimated fixed fee paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.  


The table below shows financial information and certain key metrics of recent acquisitions in the Fleet Fueling Segment that do not have comparable information for the prior period.

  For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2024
 
  WTG1  
  (in thousands)  
Date of Acquisition: Jun 6, 2023  
Revenues:    
Fuel revenue $ 16,235  
Other revenues, net   1,170  
Total revenues   17,405  
Operating expenses:    
Fuel costs   14,738  
Site operating expenses   1,111  
Total operating expenses   15,849  
Operating income   1,556  
Intercompany charges by GPMP2   232  
Operating income, as adjusted $ 1,788  
Fuel gallons sold   4,556  
     
1Includes only the fleet fueling business acquired in the WTG acquisition.  
     
2Represents the estimated fixed fee paid to GPMP for the cost of fuel.  

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Source: ARKO CORP.