The following is a summary of the Arko Corp. (ARKO) Q1 2024 Earnings Call Transcript:

Financial Performance:

• Arko Corp's Q1 2024 adjusted EBITDA was $36.6 million, surpassing their prior forecast.

• Despite a decrease in same-store merchandise sales compared to the previous year, they achieved a 4.6% upswing over two years when excluding cigarettes.

• The expanded merchandise margin rate, driven by an enhanced assortment mix, counterbalanced the plunge in same-store merchandise sales.

• The range projected for the Q2 2024 EBITDA is $70 - $77 million, while the full-year 2024 EBITDA estimate remains between $250 - $290 million.

• Projections indicate lower fuel sales and retail CPG in Q1 2024 in comparison to the same period in previous fiscal year.

• Inside margins attained a record high in Q1 2024 but are not expected to maintain the same level in the coming quarters.

Business Progress:

• After a decade of being acquisition-focused, Arko Corp intends to leverage strategic investments to reinforce organic growth, chiefly by enhancing its retail store offerings.

• The company's common stock repurchase program has been extended for the buyback of up to $125 million worth of shares.

• They are working on three new stores and have plans to convert many of their retail stores into dealer sites in the wholesale division.

• To stimulate organic growth and profitability, less successful stores are being converted into dealer stores while further investments are targeted at top-performing stores.

• Arko Corp is stepping up promotional activities for its pizza program, expecting it to notably impact Q2 and Q3 results.

• Plans are in place to commence trials of a new store format, principally financed by operating cash flow.

More details: ARKO Corp IR

Tips: For more comprehensive details, please refer to the IR website. The article is only for investors' reference without any guidance or recommendation suggestions.