Q3 2026 Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc Earnings Call
Speaker #1: I will now introduce Mr. Mathieu Brunet, Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasury at Alimentation Couche-Tard. Je vais maintenant passer la parole à M.
Operator 2: I will now introduce Mr. Mathieu Brunet, Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasury at Alimentation Couche-Tard.
Operator 2: Je vais maintenant passer la parole à Monsieur Mathieu Brunet, vice-président, Relations investisseurs et trésorerie pour Alimentation Couche-Tard.
Speaker #1: Mathieu Investisseurs et Trésorerie, pour Alimentation Couche-Tard. English will follow. Bonjour. J'aimerais d'abord vous souhaiter la bienvenue à la téléconférence qui porte sur la diffusion des résultats financiers du troisième trimestre de l'exercice 2026 d'Alimentation Couche-Tard.
Mathieu Brunet: English will follow. Bonjour, j'aimerais d'abord vous souhaiter la bienvenue à la téléconférence qui porte sur la diffusion des résultats financiers du Q3 de l'exercice 2026 d'Alimentation Couche-Tard. Toutes les lignes seront placées en mode discrétion afin d'éviter tout bruit inutile. À la suite de la présentation, nous répondrons aux questions des analystes. Nous souhaitons vous rappeler que cette web diffusion sera disponible sur notre site Internet pour une période de 90 jours. De plus, prenez note que certains des sujets discutés au cours de cette web diffusion pourraient consister en des déclarations prospectives qui sont fournies par la société avec les avertissements habituels. Ces avertissements ou risques ainsi que ses incertitudes sont décrits dans nos rapports financiers. Il est donc possible que nos résultats futurs puissent différer des informations présentées aujourd'hui.
Speaker #1: Toutes les lignes seront placées en mode discrétion afin d'éviter tout bruit inutile. À la suite de la présentation, nous répondrons aux questions des analystes.
Speaker #1: Nous souhaitons vous rappeler que cette webdiffusion sera disponible sur notre site Internet pour une période de 90 jours. De plus, prenez note que certains des sujets discutés au cours de cette webdiffusion pourraient consister en des déclarations prospectives qui sont fournies par la société, avec les avertissements habituels.
Speaker #1: Ces avertissements ou risques, ainsi que ces incertitudes, sont décrits dans nos rapports financiers. Il est donc possible que nos résultats futurs puissent différer des informations présentées aujourd'hui.
Speaker #1: Les résultats financiers seront présentés par M. Alex Miller, président et chef de la direction, et M. Felipe Da Silva, chef de la direction financière.
Mathieu Brunet: Les résultats financiers seront présentés par Monsieur Alex Miller, président et chef de la direction, et Monsieur Felipe Da Silva, chef de la direction financière. Good morning. I would like to welcome everyone to this web conference presenting Alimentation Couche-Tard's financial results for the Q3 of fiscal year 2026. All lines will be kept on mute to prevent any background noise. After the presentation, we will answer questions from analysts during the web conference. We would like to remind everyone that this webcast presentation will be available on our website for a 90-day period. Also, please remember that some of the issues discussed during this webcast might be forward-looking statements which are provided by the corporation with its usual caveats. These caveats or risks and uncertainties are outlined in our financial reporting. Therefore, our future results could differ from the information discussed today.
Speaker #1: Good morning. I would like to welcome everyone to this web conference presenting Alimentation Couche-Tard's financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026.
Speaker #1: All lines will be kept on mute to prevent any background noise. After the presentation, we will answer questions from analysts during the web conference.
Speaker #1: We would like to remind everyone that this webcast presentation will be available on our website for a 90-day period. Also, please remember that some of the issues discussed during this webcast may be forward-looking statements, which are provided by the corporation with its usual caveats.
Speaker #1: These caveats, or risks and uncertainties, are outlined in our financial reporting. Therefore, our future results could differ from the information discussed today. Our financial results will be presented by Mr. Alex Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Felipe Da Silva, Chief Financial Officer.
Mathieu Brunet: Our financial results will be presented by Mr. Alex Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Felipe Da Silva, Chief Financial Officer. Alex, you may begin your conference.
Speaker #1: Alex, you may begin your conference. Thank you, Matthew, and good morning, everyone. I appreciate you joining us today. I want to start by saying how energized our team is following our strategic update last month in Toronto.
Alex Miller: Thank you, Mathieu, and good morning, everyone. I appreciate you joining us today. I want to start by saying how energized our team is following our strategic update last month in Toronto. We were grateful for the engagement from many of you, and I hope today gave you a clear picture of our Core + More strategy and where it will take us over the next five years. It is a simplified, focused, and customer-centric approach built around our priorities, which are supported by value-driving enablers. It's important to note that these initiatives are already well underway and producing measurable results across the business that are increasingly visible in our performance. Our teams are executing these priorities today, and we are beginning to see the benefits in customer engagement, store performance, and operational momentum across the network.
Speaker #1: We were grateful for the engagement from many of you, and I hope the day gave you a clearer picture of our refreshed Core Plus More strategy and where it will take us over the next five years.
Speaker #1: It is a simplified focused and customer-centric approach built around our priorities which are supported by value driving enablers. It's important to note that these initiatives are already well underway and producing measurable results across the business that are increasingly visible in our performance.
Speaker #1: Our teams are executing these priorities today and we are beginning to see the benefits in customer engagement, store performance, and operational momentum across the network.
Speaker #1: More importantly, this focus is driving traffic by delivering on our customer promise of being fast, friendly, customer-ready, and offering compelling value. And at the center of it all, making our customers' lives a little easier every day.
Alex Miller: More importantly, this focus is driving traffic by delivering on our customer promise of being fast, friendly, customer ready, and offering compelling value. At the center of it all, making our customers' lives a little easier every day. It all starts with our people. Earlier this month, Couche-Tard was recognized for the fifth straight year as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner, highlighting the world's most engaged workplace cultures. This year, we have added recognition of being a winner with distinction, joining only a handful of companies worldwide who have made significant strides to implement workplace initiatives that sustain engagement and help employees thrive. This is helping us beat industry averages and turnover and is showing up in our performance.
Speaker #1: But it all starts with our people. Earlier this month, Couche-Tard was recognized for the fifth straight year as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner, highlighting the world's most engaged workplace cultures.
Speaker #1: This year, we have added recognition of being a winner with distinction. Joining only a handful of companies worldwide, who have made significant strides to implement workplace initiatives that sustain engagement and help employees thrive.
Speaker #1: This is helping us beat industry averages in turnover and is showing up in our performance. As we sharpen our execution and focus on delivering a consistent customer experience across our network, we are also extending our reach through organic growth to bring that experience to new customers and communities.
Alex Miller: As we sharpen our execution and focus on delivering a consistent customer experience across our network, we are also extending our reach through organic growth to bring that experience to new customers and communities. In Q3, we completed the construction of 37 stores, reaching a total of 80 stores since the beginning of fiscal 2026. We have another 58 stores under construction, and we are well on our way to reaching our goal of 100 new sites this fiscal year. As outlined during our strategic update, we are now accelerating the network expansion to add at least 750 new sites by 2030. As we grow and optimize our network, we are equally focused on building the capabilities to support it. We are strengthening our supply chain as well as investing in best-in-class inventory management, which Filipe will cover a little later.
Speaker #1: In the third quarter, we completed the construction of 37 stores, reaching a total of 80 stores since the beginning of fiscal 2026. We have another 58 stores under construction, and we are well on our way to reaching our goal of 100 new sites this fiscal year.
Speaker #1: And as outlined during our strategic update, we are now accelerating the network expansion to add at least 750 new sites by 2030. As we grow and optimize our network, we are equally focused on building the capabilities to support it.
Speaker #1: We are strengthening our supply chain as well as investing in best-in-class inventory management, which Felipe will cover a little later. With three newly opened distribution centers this past quarter, we are now supporting approximately 3,200 stores across North America with self-distribution from six facilities.
Alex Miller: With three newly opened distribution centers this past Q3, we are now supporting approximately 3,200 stores across North America with self-distribution from six facilities. As outlined during our strategic update, taking greater control of our supply chain and dealing directly with manufacturers creates opportunities to capture margin, with benefits flowing through to better cost of goods, improved product availability, and a broader assortment for our customers. With that, let's take a look at our convenience business. I'm very pleased with how our teams performed this Q3, particularly in an environment where many consumers remain stretched. For the third consecutive quarter, same-store sales were positive across all three of our operating regions. We finished the Q3 at 2.0% on a consolidated basis, in line with the growth algorithm we shared during our business strategy update.
Speaker #1: As outlined during our strategic update, taking greater control of our supply chain and dealing directly with manufacturers creates opportunities to capture margin, with benefits flowing through to better cost of goods, improved product availability, and a broader assortment for our customers.
Speaker #1: With that, let's take a look at our convenience business. I'm very pleased with how our teams performed this quarter, particularly in an environment where many consumers remain stretched.
Speaker #1: For the third consecutive quarter, same-store sales were positive across all three of our operating regions. We finished the quarter at 2.0% on a consolidated basis, in line with the growth algorithm we shared during our business strategy update.
Speaker #1: In the United States, same-store sales increased by 2.8%, marking our strongest performance in more than two years, driven by solid growth in several of our core categories including energy, nicotine, and continued progress in our food journey.
Alex Miller: In the United States, same-store sales increased by 2.8%, marking our strongest performance in more than two years. Driven by solid growth in several of our core categories, including energy, nicotine, and continued progress in our food journey. While the quarter began at a slower pace following the government shutdown in November, performance strengthened across the network as the weeks progressed, with nearly all of our business units posting positive same-store sales. I also want to highlight the traffic was up in almost half of the BUs as customers continued to respond to the value and convenience of our offer, whether in our stores, on our forecourts, or through our loyalty and digital platforms. The consistent execution by our teams across the network is helping strengthen our position in the market.
Speaker #1: While the quarter began at a slower pace following the government shutdown in November, performance strengthened across the network as the weeks progressed, with nearly all of our business units posting positive same-store sales.
Speaker #1: I also want to highlight that traffic was up in almost half of the BUs, as customers continued to respond to the value and convenience of our offer, whether in our stores, on our forecourts, or through our loyalty and digital platforms.
Speaker #1: The consistent execution by our teams across the network is helping strengthen our position in the market. And as you heard me say in Toronto, we are winning in retail and widening the gap versus the convenience channel.
Alex Miller: As you heard me say in Toronto, we are winning in retail and widening the gap versus the convenience channel. Turning over to Canada, growth moderated as expected, but remained positive at 0.3%, with alcohol continuing to perform well even after cycling the full year impact of the Ontario beer legislation. This reflects the strength of our product selection and the growing appeal of our stores as a destination for customers. Europe and other regions were up 0.4%, supported by our price and assortment and by the continued progress in food, where our offer is increasingly making our stores a go-to destination in several markets. Growth was moderated by lapping the earlier benefit from the tobacco legislation in the Netherlands.
Speaker #1: Turning over to Canada, growth moderated as expected but remained positive at 0.3%, with alcohol continuing to perform well even after cycling the full-year impact of the Ontario beer legislation.
Speaker #1: This reflects the strength of our product selection and the growing appeal of our stores as a destination for customers. Europe and other regions were up 0.4%, supported by our price and assortment and by the offer is increasingly making our stores a go-to destination in several markets.
Speaker #1: Growth was moderated by lapping the earlier benefit from the tobacco legislation in the Netherlands. Excluding Asia, where results declined in the mid-single digits due to continued soft consumer sentiment, Europe delivered growth of approximately 1.4% for the quarter.
Alex Miller: Excluding Asia, where results declined in the mid-single digits due to continued soft consumer sentiment, Europe delivered growth of approximately 1.4% for the quarter. Food continues to be one of the most important growth levers within Core + More, and we are seeing strong momentum as execution improves across the network. In the US, food same-store sales grew in the mid to high single digits as our hot food offer and value proposition continues to gain traction with customers. The results also reflect the investments we have been making in the category and the strength of our scale and procurement capabilities, which allow us to deliver compelling food offers at price points very few others can match. Meal Deals remain a key anchor of that performance, supported by better availability, a simpler assortment, and more consistent execution across our stores.
Speaker #1: Food continues to be one of the most important growth levers within Core Plus More, and we are seeing strong momentum as execution improves across the network.
Speaker #1: In the U.S., food same-store sales grew in the mid- to high-single digits as our hot food offer and value proposition continue to gain traction with customers.
Speaker #1: The results also reflect the investments we have been making in the category and the strength of our scale and procurement capabilities, which allow us to deliver compelling food offers at price points very few others can match.
Speaker #1: Meal deals remain a key anchor of that performance, supported by better availability, a simpler assortment, and more consistent execution across our stores. We sold 13.3 million meal deal bundles this quarter, and roller grill and breakfast sandwiches continue to lead the mix, with the $3 price point representing more than half of transactions.
Alex Miller: We sold 13.3 million Meal Deal bundles this quarter, and Roller Grill and breakfast sandwiches continue to lead the mix, with the $3 price point representing more than half of transactions. More broadly, our progress in food extends beyond Meal Deals as we continue to invest and build the category through innovation, stronger execution, and targeted marketing, including through our digital platforms. Beyond the US, food also delivered mid-single digit results in Canada, supported by Meal Deal promotions. In Europe, where food has remained a consistent contributor, we are now preparing to introduce a more unified platform built around breakfast, lunch, and dinner occasions, supported by a broader campaign launching in May across 12 countries with the ambition of building a best-in-class burger strategy across the region. Turning to thirst, energy delivered solid mid-teens growth across all three regions.
Speaker #1: More broadly, our progress in food extends beyond meal deals, as we continue to invest and build the category through innovation, stronger execution, and targeted marketing, including through our digital platforms.
Speaker #1: Beyond the US, food also delivered mid-single-digit results in Canada, supported by meal deal promotions. In Europe, where food has remained a consistent contributor, we are now preparing to introduce a more unified platform built around breakfast, lunch, and dinner occasions.
Speaker #1: Supported by a broader campaign launching in May across 12 countries, with the ambition of building a best-in-class burger strategy across the region. Turning to thirst, energy delivered solid mid-teens growth across all three regions.
Speaker #1: In the US, packaged beverages delivered another strong quarter, supported by the depth of our assortment and larger baskets. Even as adult beverages stayed under pressure, energy remained the primary growth driver with both leading brands and emerging players contributing and helping us gain share versus the broader convenience channel.
Alex Miller: In the US, packaged beverages delivered another strong quarter, supported by the depth of our assortment and larger baskets, even as adult beverages stayed under pressure. Energy remained the primary growth driver, with both leading brands and emerging players contributing and helping us gain share versus the broader convenience channel. In Canada, energy also contributed to category growth, while alcohol performed well despite cycling last year's regulatory change in Ontario, driven by beer and strong gains in wine. In Europe, energy drinks continued to outperform the market, particularly in sugar-free variants, with functional beverages and sports drinks also contributing. Nicotine was another area of strength in the US. Same-store sales grew in the mid to high single digits. Modern oral nicotine was again a standout category, substantially outperforming the broader market, while age-verified digital membership is nearing 3 million, up almost 75% year-over-year.
Speaker #1: In Canada, energy also contributed to category growth, while alcohol performed well despite cycling last year's regulatory change in Ontario, driven by beer and strong gains in wine.
Speaker #1: In Europe, energy drinks continued to outperform the market, particularly Lē and sugar-free variants, with functional beverages and sports drinks also contributing. Nicotine was another area of strength in the US.
Speaker #1: Same-store sales grew in the mid- to high-single digits. Modern oral nicotine was again a standout category, substantially outperforming the broader market. Meanwhile, age-verified digital membership is nearing 3 million, up almost 75% year over year.
Speaker #1: Cigarettes also returned to growth during the quarter, supported by continued share gains and disciplined pricing. Though, that mix did weigh somewhat on margins. In Canada, nicotine trends continued to face regulatory and illicit market headwinds.
Alex Miller: Cigarettes also returned to growth during the quarter, supported by continued share gains and disciplined pricing, though that mix did weigh somewhat on margins. In Canada, nicotine trends continued to face regulatory and illicit market headwinds, though we continued to perform better than the broader market. In Europe, value and margin growth remained solid, with strength in pouches and e-cigarettes helping offset volume pressure, even as we lapped the earlier benefit from the change in legislation in the Netherlands. Turning to loyalty. In the US, Inner Circle added another 1.2 million members in the quarter, bringing total membership to 13.7 million. With the program now available at more than 5,000 stores, engagement continues to build, supported by more relevant and timely communication at key moments across fuel, car wash, and in the store.
Speaker #1: Though we continued to perform better than the broader market, in Europe, value and margin growth remained solid, with strength in pouches and e-cigarettes helping offset volume pressure.
Speaker #1: Even as we lapped the earlier benefit from the change in legislation in the Netherlands. Turning to loyalty, in the US, inner circle added another 1.2 million members in the quarter, bringing total membership to 13.7 million.
Speaker #1: With the program now available at more than 5,000 stores, engagement continues to build. Supported by more relevant and timely communication at key moments across fuel, car wash, and in the store, our redesigned mobile app is also gaining traction, with monthly active users up nearly 50% year over year.
Alex Miller: Our redesigned mobile app is also gaining traction, with monthly active users up nearly 50% year-over-year. Ease of use matters, and we are seeing that come through more clearly as our digital experience continues to improve and deliver more value for customers. In Europe, our enhanced Extra program continues to scale ahead of expectations, with average visits per member, loyalty traffic, and new member sign-ups all increasing versus last year. The redesigned mobile app will launch in Europe later this fiscal year, bringing customers a simpler and more relevant experience with a stronger value focus. Shifting to our fuel business, performance remained steady and resilient across our markets. In the US, fuel volume slightly declined at 0.4% year-over-year, but improved sequentially versus the prior quarter.
Speaker #1: Ease of use matters, and we are seeing that come through more clearly as our digital experience continues to improve and deliver more value for customers.
Speaker #1: In Europe, our enhanced Extra program continues to scale ahead of expectations. With average visits per member, loyalty traffic, and new member sign-ups all increasing versus last year, the redesigned mobile app will launch in Europe later this fiscal year, bringing customers a simpler and more relevant experience with a stronger value focus.
Speaker #1: Shifting to our fuel business, performance remained steady and resilient across our markets. In the US, fuel volume slightly declined by 0.4% year over year, but improved sequentially versus the prior quarter.
Speaker #1: We continued to gain share and outperform industry peers, supported by the size and scale of our network, and greater control over our fuel supply chain.
Alex Miller: We continued to gain share and outperform industry peers, supported by the size and scale of our network and greater control over our fuel supply chain. That is helping us capture lower cost sourcing opportunities, respond more effectively to market volatility, and support margins. Inner Circle also continues to support engagement around fuel, with our January fuel day driving nearly 70,000 new member enrollments and nearly 80,000 reactivations. In Canada, volumes remain positive, up a solid 4.2%, driven by promotional activity and demand growth alongside continued share gains and maintaining pricing discipline. That performance is especially notable against a softer economic backdrop and speaks to the strength of our fuel offer. In Europe, volumes were down 1.6%, reflecting the broader macro backdrop and extreme weather in parts of the region.
Speaker #1: That is helping us capture lower-cost sourcing opportunities, respond more effectively to market volatility, and support margins. Inner circle also continues to support engagement around fuel with our January fuel day driving nearly 70,000 new member enrollments and nearly 80,000 reactivations.
Speaker #1: In Canada, volumes remain positive, up a solid 4.2%, driven by promotional activity and demand growth alongside continued share gains and maintaining pricing discipline. That performance is especially notable against a softer economic backdrop and speaks to the strength of our fuel offer.
Speaker #1: In Europe, volumes were down 1.6%, reflecting the broader macro backdrop and extreme weather in parts of the region. Even so, margins remained healthy, supported by favorable supply conditions, disciplined execution, and continued progress in expanding supply pathways across the network.
Alex Miller: Even so, margins remained healthy, supported by favorable supply conditions, disciplined execution, and continued progress in expanding supply pathways across the network. Shifting to B2B, our European business delivered solid performance in Q3. Like, while card volumes were slightly below last year's results, they were more than offset by strong margins. Growing non-fuel income also remains an important priority, with transit charging continuing to build as part of the broader offer. In the US, B2B fuel share continued to grow quarter-over-quarter, leveraging the national scale and strength of the Circle K brand. We are deepening relationships across fleets of all sizes with a deliberate focus on commercial diesel growth and executing new strategic partnerships. Large national accounts are increasing. Our proprietary card programs are demonstrating strong retention and usage within our network, and Inner Circle membership among B2B customers continues to rise.
Speaker #1: Shifting to B2B, our European business delivered solid performance in Q3. While card volumes were slightly below last year's results, they were more than offset by strong margins.
Speaker #1: Growing non-fuel income also remains an important priority with transit charging continuing to build as part of the broader offer. In the US, B2B fuel share continued to grow quarter over quarter, leveraging the national scale and strength of the Circle K brand.
Speaker #1: We are deepening relationships across fleets of all sizes, with a deliberate focus on commercial diesel growth and executing new strategic partnerships. Large national accounts are increasing, our proprietary card programs are demonstrating strong retention, and usage within our network, and inner circle membership among B2B customers continues to rise.
Alex Miller: Finally, in e-mobility, we deployed over 430 DC ultra-fast Circle K branded charge points across Europe in Q3. This included hitting a milestone in Sweden, where we activated our 1,000th charge point 5 years ahead of plan. Overall, we added EV charging to 48 new locations in the network and now have 675 locations with Circle K branded chargers at the end of Q3, bringing more customers to our integrated convenience and charging offer. The European fast-charging network is now over 4,300 charge points, up 31% versus last year. Out of these, nearly 3,700 are Circle K branded charge points. Utilization reached all-time highs across Europe, with nearly 3 million charging transactions on Circle K branded transit chargers.
Speaker #1: Finally, in e-mobility, we deployed over 430 DC ultra-fast Circle K branded charge points across Europe in Q3. This included hitting a milestone in Sweden where we activated our 1,000 charge point five years ahead of plan.
Speaker #1: Overall, we added EV charging to 48 new locations in the network and now have 675 locations with Circle K-branded chargers at the end of Q3, bringing more customers to our integrated convenience and charging offer.
Speaker #1: The European fast charging network is now over 4,300 charge points, up 31% versus last year. Out of these, nearly 3,700 are Circle K branded charge points.
Speaker #1: Utilization reached all-time highs across Europe, with nearly 3 million charging transactions on Circle K branded transit chargers. With that, I'll now turn the discussion over to Felipe, who will provide further details on our financial performance this quarter.
Alex Miller: With that, I'll now turn the discussion over to Filipe Da Silva, who will provide further details on our financial performance this quarter.
Filipe Da Silva: Thank you, Alex, and good morning, everyone. We delivered one of our best quarterly performance in over two years, with same-store sales accelerating as the quarter progressed and contributing to solid growth in both adjusted EBITDA and earnings per share. These results validate that the actions outlined in our business strategy update are translating into measurable outcomes. Continued focus on traffic, customer value, and operational execution is strengthening our growth algorithm and driving long-term value creation. As Alex mentioned earlier, in the United States, same-store sales were positive for the third consecutive quarter. The improvement reflects continued progress in growing basket size and reinforcing our value proposition for customers. It also highlights the positive impact of our initiatives implemented across our network, which are helping us outperform broader market trends and capture incremental share. As we have signaled in previous quarters, growth in Canada moderated as expected, but remained positive.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Alex, and good morning, everyone. We delivered one of our best quarterly performances in over two years, with same-store sales accelerating as the quarter progressed and contributing to solid growth in both adjusted EBITDA and earnings per share.
Speaker #2: These results validate that the actions outlined in our business strategy update are translating into measurable outcomes. Continued focus on traffic, customer value, and operational execution is strengthening our growth algorithm and driving long-term value creation.
Speaker #2: As Alex mentioned earlier, in the United States, same-store sales were positive for the third consecutive quarter. The improvement reflects continued progress in growing basket size and reinforcing our value proposition for customers.
Speaker #2: It also highlights the positive impact of our initiatives implemented across our network, which are helping us outperform broader market trends and capture incremental share.
Speaker #2: As we have signaled in previous quarters, growth in Canada moderated as expected, but remained positive. Europe and other regions also posted positive same-store sales, supported primarily by company offers whose price and assortment continue to resonate well with customers across our markets.
Filipe Da Silva: Europe and other regions also posted positive same-store sales, supported primarily by compelling offers, group price, and assortment, which continue to resonate well with customers across our markets. For Q3 of fiscal 2026, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the corporation stood at CAD 757 million or CAD 0.82 per share on a diluted basis. Excluding certain items described in more details in our MD&A, adjusted net earnings were approximately CAD 751 million or CAD 0.81 per share on an adjusted diluted basis, representing an increase of 19.1% compared to the corresponding quarter of last year. Now let's review in detail each of our business segments on an FX-adjusted basis.
Speaker #2: For the third quarter of fiscal 2026, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the corporations stood at $757 million or 82 cents per share on the diluted basis.
Speaker #2: Excluding certain items described in more detail in our MD&A, adjusted net earnings were approximately $751 million, or $0.81 per share on an adjusted diluted basis.
Speaker #2: Representing an increase of 19.1% compared to the corresponding quarter of last year. Now, let's review in detail each of our business segments on an FX-adjusted basis.
Filipe Da Silva: Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 of fiscal 2026 increased by approximately CAD 196 million or 11.9% year-over-year, mainly due to a higher road transportation fuel gross margin, the contribution from acquisition of approximately CAD 79 million, as well as organic growth in our convenience activities, partly offset by the impact of regulatory divestiture related to the GetGo acquisition, which amounted to approximately CAD 9 million.
Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 increased by approximately $196 million, or 11.9% year over year, mainly due to a higher raw transportation fuel gross margin, the contribution from acquisition of approximately $79 million, as well as organic growth in our convenience activities, partly offset by the impact of regulatory divestiture related to the GetGo acquisition, which amounted to approximately $9 million.
Filipe Da Silva: During Q3, merchandise and service revenues increased by approximately CAD 351 million or 6.6%, primarily driven by the contribution from acquisitions of approximately CAD 205 million and organic growth, partly offset by the impact of regulatory divestiture related to the GetGo acquisition of approximately CAD 23 million. Merchandise and service gross profit increased by approximately CAD 150 million, or 6.2%. This is primarily due to the contribution from acquisitions of approximately CAD 71 million as well as the organic growth, partly offset by the impact of regulatory divestiture related to the GetGo acquisition of approximately CAD 8 million.
Speaker #2: During the third quarter, merchandise and service revenues, increased by approximately 351 million dollars or 6.6%, primarily driven by the contribution from acquisitions of approximately 205 million dollars and organic growth, partly offset by the impact of regulatory divestiture related to the get-go acquisition of approximately 23 million dollars.
Speaker #2: Merchandise and service gross profit increased by approximately $115 million, or 6.2%. This is primarily due to the contribution from acquisitions of approximately $71 million, as well as by the organic growth, partly offset by the impact of regulatory divestiture related to the GetGo acquisition of approximately $8 million.
Filipe Da Silva: Our merchandise and service gross margin in the United States was largely in line with prior year at 33.9%, down slightly by 0.1%, mainly reflecting change in sales mix from higher cigarette sales, along with temporary pre-operating costs related to the new distribution centers as we continue to invest in strengthening our supply chain capabilities. Margins slightly decreased by 0.1% in Europe and other regions to 38.9%, mainly driven by change in sales mix, and increased by 0.1% in Canada to 32.5%. Moving on to the fuel side of our business.
Speaker #2: Our merchandise and service gross margin in the United States was largely in line with the prior year at 33.9%, down slightly by 0.1%, mainly reflecting a change in sales mix from higher cigarette sales along with temporary pre-operating costs related to the new distribution centers, as we continue to invest in strengthening our supply chain capabilities.
Speaker #2: Margins slightly decreased by 0.1% in Europe and other regions, to 38.9%, mainly driven by a change in sales mix, and increased by 0.1% in Canada to 32.5%.
Speaker #2: Moving on to the fuel side of our business, our raw transportation fuel gross margin was 47.71 US cents per gallon in the United States, an increase of 3.43 cents, while in Europe and other regions, it was 10.87 US cents per liter, an increase of 1.58 cents.
Filipe Da Silva: Our road transportation fuel gross margin was $0.4771 per gallon in the United States, an increase of $0.0343, while in Europe and other regions it was $0.1087 per liter, an increase of $0.0158. Finally, in Canada, fuel margins continued to post an increase of CAD 0.1582 per liter, reflecting an increase of CAD 0.0228. As we discussed during our business strategy update, fuel margins across our network remain healthy and continue to reflect the strength of our supply chain capabilities and in-store execution. Our scale, disciplined pricing approach, and ongoing optimization of the supply chain allow us to consistently perform at the high end of the industry, and we remain well-positioned in a challenging retail environment. Turning to SG&A.
Speaker #2: Finally, in Canada, fuel margins continue to post an impressive 15.82 Canadian cents per liter, reflecting an increase of 2.28 cents. As we discussed during our business strategy update, fuel margins across our network remain healthy and continue to reflect the strength of our supply chain capabilities and in-store execution.
Speaker #2: Our scale disciplined pricing approach and ongoing optimization of the supply chain allow us to consistently perform at the high end of the industry and we remain well positioned in a challenging retail environment.
Speaker #2: Turning to SG&A, normalized expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 increased by 4% year over year, primarily reflecting inflationary pressures and targeted investments supporting our strategic initiatives.
Filipe Da Silva: Normalized expenses for Q3 of fiscal 2026 increased by 4% year-over-year, primarily reflecting inflationary pressures and targeted investments supporting our strategic initiatives, as well as investment to support the acceleration of our food service program and ensure our stores remain customer ready. The increase also includes some pre-opening pre-operating costs associated with the opening of new distribution centers as we continue to strengthen our supply chain infrastructure. We continue to see measurable gains in workforce efficiency. In the US, regular labor hours were slightly down year-over-year, while overtime hours declined at a high single-digit rate. As a result, overtime as a percentage of regular hours improved 50 basis points versus prior year, reflecting continued progress in labor scheduling and store-level tools that are helping our teams operate more effectively.
Speaker #2: As well as investment to support the acceleration of our food service program and ensure our stores remain customer ready. The increase also includes some pre-opening costs associated with the opening of new distribution centers as we continue to strengthen our supply chain infrastructure.
Speaker #2: We continue to see measurable gains in workforce efficiency. In the U.S., regular labor hours were slightly down year over year, while overtime hours declined at a high single-digit rate.
Speaker #2: As a result, overtime as a percentage of regular hours improved 50 basis points versus prior year, reflecting continued progress in labor scheduling and store-level tools that are helping our teams operate more effectively.
Filipe Da Silva: More importantly, on a year-to-date basis, normalized expenses growth of 3.3% remains broadly aligned with inflation, reflecting our continuous focus on efficiency while supporting key investments in the business. This builds on the strong track record we have established in managing costs across the organization. Following more than CAD 800 million in savings delivered under our Fit-to-Serve program, our Corporate SMART plan has identified an additional CAD 850 million in opportunities at the EBITDA level across store operations, merchandise cost of goods, general and administrative, goods not for resale, and other controllable expenses. Lastly, we are also continuing to advance the rollout of our RELEX platform. Early results from the pilot phase show encouraging improvement in product availability, and the insights gathered are being incorporated as we prepare for broader deployment.
Speaker #2: More importantly, on a year-to-date basis, normalized expenses growth of 3.3% remains broadly aligned with inflation, reflecting our continued focus on efficiency, while supporting key investments in the business.
Speaker #2: This builds on the strong but track record we have established in managing costs across the organization. Following the more than 800 million dollars in savings delivered under our FIT2SUB program, our corpus small plan has identified an additional 850 million in opportunities at the EBITDA level across store operations, merchandise cost of goods, general and administrative, goods not for resale and other controllable expenses.
Speaker #2: Lastly, we are also continuing to advance the rollout of our relax platform, early result from the pilot phase show encouraging improvement in product availability and the insights gathered are being incorporated as we prepare for broader deployment.
Filipe Da Silva: As the platform scales, RELEX is expected to help further reduce spoilage, enhance inventory efficiency, support margin resilience, and strengthen collaboration with our vendor partners, while also streamlining in-store operations through simpler ordering and more optimized shelf layout. For Q1 of fiscal 2026, our depreciation expense increased by approximately CAD 46 million, or 7% year-over-year. The increase was mainly driven by the impact from acquisitions, along with ongoing investments across the network, including equipment upgrades, store remodel program, new store opening, network optimization initiatives, technology enhancements, and mobility solutions. From a tax perspective, the income tax rate for Q3 of fiscal 2026 was 21.8%, compared with 21% for the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2025.
Speaker #2: As the platform scales, relax is expected to help further reduce spoilage and enhance inventory efficiency support margin resilience and strengthen collaboration with our vendor partners.
Speaker #2: While also streamlining in-store operations through simple ordering and a more optimized shelf layout. For the third quarter of fiscal 2026, our depreciation expense increased by approximately $46 million, or 7% year over year.
Speaker #2: The increase was mainly driven by the impact from acquisitions, along with ongoing investments across the network, including equipment upgrades, story model program, new store opening, network optimization initiatives, technology enhancements, and mobility solutions.
Speaker #2: From a tax perspective, the income tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 was 21.8% compared with 21% for the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2025.
Filipe Da Silva: The increase is mainly stemming from the impact of a different mix in our earnings across the various jurisdiction in which we operate. As at 1 February 2026, we recorded a return on equity at 18.3%, and our return on capital employed stood at 12.4%. We are also seeing a positive shift in our return profiles, supported by disciplined capital allocation, recent acquisitions performing as expected, improving overall profitability, and continued progress on working capital. During the fiscal year, our leverage ratio stood at 2.25. We also had strong balance sheet liquidity with $1.5 billion in cash and an additional $3 billion available through our revolving unsecured operating credit facility. During the quarter, we repurchased 12.9 million shares for an amount of $684.4 million.
Speaker #2: The increase is mainly stemming from the impact of a different mix in our earnings across the various jurisdictions in which we operate. As of February 1st, 2026, we recorded a return on equity at 18.3%, and our return on capital employed stood at 12.4%.
Speaker #2: We are also seeing a positive shift in our return profiles, supported by disciplined capital allocation, a recent acquisition performing as expected, improving overall profitability, and continued progress on working capital.
Speaker #2: During the fiscal year, our leverage ratios stood at 2.25. We also had strong balance sheet liquidity, with $1.5 billion in cash and an additional $3 billion available through our revolving and secured operating credit facility.
Speaker #2: During the quarter, we repurchased 12.9 million shares for an amount of 684.4 million dollars, subsequent to the end of the quarter, 0.4 million shares were repurchased for an amount of 21.6 million dollars.
Filipe Da Silva: Subsequent to the end of the quarter, 0.4 million shares were repurchased for an amount of CAD 21.6 million. Turning to the dividend, the board of directors declared yesterday a quarterly dividend of CAD 0.215 per share for Q3 of fiscal 2026 to shareholders on record as of 20 March 2026, and approve its payment effective 9 April 2026. In closing, this quarter represents an important step forward for the business, delivering one of our best quarterly performance in over two years, provide encouraging evidence that the initiative outlined in our business strategy update are gaining traction and producing measurable results. Our continued focus on traffic, customer value, and operational execution is strengthening the foundations of our growth algorithm.
Speaker #2: Turning to the dividend, the Board of Directors declared yesterday a quarterly dividend of 21.5 cents Canadian per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 to shareholders on record as of March 2026, and approved its payment effective April 9, 2026.
Speaker #2: In closing, this quarter represents an important step forward for the business, delivering one of our best quarterly performances in over two years. This provides encouraging evidence that the initiatives outlined in our business strategy update are gaining traction and producing measurable results.
Speaker #2: Our continued focus on traffic, customer value, and operational execution is strengthening the foundations of our growth algorithm. While we remain mindful of the broader consumer environment, the progress we are seeing across our network reinforces our confidence in our ability to drive sustainable growth and long-term value creation.
Filipe Da Silva: While we remain mindful of the broader consumer environment, the progress we are seeing across our network reinforces our confidence in our ability to drive sustainable growth and long-term value creation. I thank you all for your attention. I will turn the call over again to our President and CEO, Alex Miller.
Speaker #2: I thank you all for your attention. I will turn the call over again to our president and CEO, Alex Miller.
Alex Miller: Thank you, Philippe. As we look ahead, we remain focused on executing against Core + More and on delivering for our customers in ways that are meaningful and consistent. We are seeing positive outcomes across the business, from customer engagement and category performance to continued gains in share. While the consumer and geopolitical backdrop continues to be dynamic, we remain cautiously optimistic. It's still early, but the trends we are seeing so far in Q4 are encouraging. The work our teams are doing every day across the network and their focus on being fast, friendly, and customer-ready while delivering value for our customers gives me confidence Core + More is driving results. I'm proud of what we have accomplished so far this year and excited about the opportunities ahead. With that, let's turn it over to the operator for questions.
Speaker #1: Thank you, Felipe. As we look ahead, we remain focused on executing against Core Plus More, and on delivering for our customers in ways that are meaningful and consistent.
Speaker #1: We are seeing positive outcomes across the business, from customer engagement and category performance to continued gains in share. While the consumer and geopolitical backdrop continues to be dynamic, we remain cautiously optimistic.
Speaker #1: It's still early, but the trends we are seeing so far in Q4 are encouraging. The work our teams are doing every day across the network and their focus on being fast, friendly, and customer-ready, while delivering value for our customers, gives me confidence core plus more is driving results.
Speaker #1: I'm proud of what we have accomplished so far this year, and excited about the opportunities ahead. With that, let's turn it over to the operator for questions.
Operator 2: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question-and-answer session. Should you have a question, please press star followed by the one on your touch tone phone. You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. Should you wish to decline from the polling process, please press star followed by the two. If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any keys. One moment, please, for your first question. Your first question comes from John Zamparo with Scotiabank. Your line is now open.
Speaker #3: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Jude, do you have a question? Please press star, followed by the one-on-one touchstone phone.
Speaker #3: You will hear a prompt if your hand has been raised. Jude, do you wish to decline from the polling process? Please press star, followed by the two.
Speaker #3: If you are using a speakerphone, please lift your hands up before pressing any keys. One moment, please, for your first question. Your first question comes from John Zampero, Wisconsin Bank.
Speaker #3: Your line is now open.
John Zamparo: Thank you very much. Good morning. It's a broader question about the current environment for oil prices and fuel. I wonder when you look back at the history of the industry, can you give a sense of at what price point on fuel you tend to see some level of demand destruction, both on in-store purchases and on fuel volumes? Thank you.
Speaker #4: Thank you very much. Good morning. It's a broader question about the current environment for oil prices and fuel. And I wonder, when you look back at the history of the industry, can you give a sense of at what price point on fuel you tend to see some level of demand destruction, both on in-store purchases and on fuel volumes?
Speaker #4: Thank you.
Alex Miller: Yeah, thanks for the question, John. Clear trends always follow through for us as price goes up, unit purchases, average unit purchase comes down. It doesn't necessarily mean the demand destruction, and it actually drives additional trips to our sites. I don't know that we have an exact dollar amount that we say demand destruction occurs. A lot of driving is obviously needed or is something that consumers must do. Clearly, when we get over $4 up to $5 a gallon, that puts additional stress on consumers that are already stretched and have so much money to spend. I don't think we see direct correlation between higher fuel price and in-store traffic or in-store performance. We don't see those correlations in our data.
Speaker #5: Yeah, thanks for the John. Clear trends always fall through for us as price goes up. Unit purchases average unit purchase comes down. It doesn't necessarily mean the demand destruction, and it actually drives additional trips to our sites.
Speaker #5: I don't know that we have an exact dollar amount where we say demand destruction occurs. A lot of driving is obviously needed or is something that consumers must do.
Speaker #5: Clearly, when we get over for up to $5 a gallon, that puts additional stress on consumers. That are already stretched and have so much money to spend.
Speaker #5: I don't think we see a direct correlation between higher fuel prices and in-store traffic or in-store performance. We don't see those correlations in our data.
Alex Miller: I can tell you thus far during this event, our in-store and our merch is performing quite well.
Speaker #5: So I can tell you, thus far during this event, our in-store and our merch is performing quite well.
Filipe Da Silva: Yeah, just to complement what Alex is saying, John, I believe that, you know, in this environment, we have demonstrated a consistency that we are able to outperform. We have this, you know, integrated supply chain on the fuel side that help us, you know, to really have a different optionality in terms of sourcing, pricing capabilities as well. You know, we believe that there is no doubt that it will put further, you know, stretch on the consumer, but we are well-positioned to continue to outperform the market.
Speaker #6: Yeah, just to complement what Alex is saying, John, I believe that in this environment, we have demonstrated a consistency that we are able to outperform.
Speaker #6: We have this integrated supply chain on the fuel side that helps us to really have different optionality in terms of sourcing, pricing capabilities as well. So, yeah, we believe that there is no doubt that it will put further stretch on the consumer, but we are well positioned to continue to outperform the market.
Alex Miller: Yeah, I think that's a great point, Philippe. You know, times of volatility historically have almost always been positive, net positive for us over the cycle, where we capture additional margin over the cycle of that volatile period. I think as Philippe referenced, our capabilities in our fuel supply, trading, and logistics teams in Houston and in Geneva, we have a lot of confidence in their capability. They have a dual mandate, first and foremost, to keep our stores wet or supplied with product. Secondly, to use the optionality that we purposely build, to capture additional margin. Volatility generally leads to that optionality leading to greater margin capture.
Speaker #5: Yeah, I think that's a great point, Felipe. Times of volatility historically have almost always been positive—net positive for us over the cycle—where we capture additional margin over the cycle of that volatile period.
Speaker #5: I think, as Felipe referenced, our capabilities and our fuel supply trading and logistics teams in Houston and in Geneva—we have a lot of confidence in their capability.
Speaker #5: They have a dual mandate. First and foremost, to keep our stores wet, or supplied with product. Secondly, to use the optionality that we purposely build to capture additional margin.
Speaker #5: And volatility generally leads to that optionality leading to greater margin capture.
John Zamparo: Okay, that's great. You covered my follow-up, so I'll get back in the queue. Thank you.
Speaker #4: Okay, that's great. You covered my follow-up, so I'll get back in the queue. Thank you.
Operator 2: Your next question comes from Irene Nattel with RBC Capital Markets. Your line is now open.
Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Irene Natel with RBC Capital Markets. Your line is now open.
Irene Nattel: Thanks, and good morning, everyone. Just following up on your last comments, Alex, just around acceleration and performance. When you talked about the quarter, it started negative in US merch same-store sales. Can you talk about the exit rate and then more specifically, what you've seen in inside store behavior, both pre-28 February and post-28 February? You know, give us all some comfort around all of that as fuel prices have gone up.
Speaker #7: Thanks, and good morning, everyone. Just following up on your last comments, Alex, just around the acceleration in performance. So when you talked about the quarter you started negative in US merch, same-store sales, so can you talk about the exit rate and then more specifically what you've seen in inside-store behavior both pre-February 28th and post-February 28th?
Speaker #7: So give us all some comfort
Speaker #1: For around all of that as fuel prices have gone up
Alex Miller: Yeah, thanks for the question, Irene. I think as we said in Toronto, you know, the first period of the quarter, this past period in the US, we were actually negative 0.1%. That gives you an indication of the strength for the remaining portion of the quarter. I think also just what I'm so pleased about is the breadth of that. In our core categories of nicotine, thirst. Obviously, this is a very strong performance quarter in fuel, but in nicotine and thirst, you know, just solidly positive. 5% positive in packaged beverages. I referenced that energy was, you know, mid-teens growth, positive in cigarettes, high single digits positive in other nicotine products. Just really executing in the core space. It's also broad-based across our BUs.
Speaker #2: Yeah . Thanks for the question , Irene . Yeah , I think as we said in Toronto , you know , the first period of the quarter this past period in the US , we were -0.1 .
Speaker #2: So that gives you an indication of the strength for the remaining portion of the quarter. I think also, just what I'm so pleased about is the breadth of that win in our core categories of nicotine, thirst.
Speaker #2: Obviously , this is a very strong performance quarter in fuel , but in nicotine and thirst , you know , just solidly positive , 5% positive impact .
Speaker #2: Bev , I referenced that energy was , you know , mid-teens growth positive in cigarettes , high single digits positive in other nicotine products .
Speaker #2: So just really executing in the core space . It's also broad based across our views . All of our views this past quarter , except for one in the US were positive .
Alex Miller: All of our BUs this past quarter, except for one in the US, were positive same-store sales. Texas, Arizona, Florida, our southern states that had experienced some challenge, they were all solidly positive in the quarter. The Midwest continues to perform very strongly, with mid single digits positive. Those trends have continued, in this quarter to answer your question, Irene. We've actually run more than two straight periods of positive traffic across the US. We haven't done that in a long time, Irene. And the broad base of the strength continues, and food continues to accelerate as well, where we're approaching double-digit growth now. I am encouraged by the progress that we're seeing, and, post-28 February, we have not seen a change in those trends.
Speaker #2: Same store sales , Texas , Arizona , Florida , our southern states that had experienced some challenge . They were all solidly positive in the quarter .
Speaker #2: The Midwest continues to perform very strongly with mid-single digits positive . So . And those trends have continued in this quarter . To answer your question , Irene , we're we've actually run more than two straight periods of positive traffic across the US .
Speaker #2: We haven't done that in a long time . Irene . And the broad base of the strength continues . And and food continues to accelerate as well .
Speaker #2: Where we're we're approaching double digit growth now . So I am encouraged by the progress that we're we're seeing and post February 28th , we have not seen a change in those trends
Irene Nattel: That's really helpful. Thank you. Just, as a follow-up, you noted in your remarks that, in the BUs where you've rolled out Inner Circle, you're seeing, I think you said, like, you know, double the strength, whatever it is. Can you give us an idea of the timeline to roll Inner Circle out across all the BUs in the US?
Speaker #1: That's really helpful . Thank you . And just as a follow up , you noted in your remarks that in the bus where you've rolled out inner circle , you're seeing , I think you said like , you know , double the strength , whatever it is .
Speaker #1: Can you give us an idea of the timeline to roll Inner Circle out across all the booze in the U.S.?
Alex Miller: Inner Circle is rolled out across all of our BUs in the US now, Irene. They are in every one of our BUs across the entire network. You know, we continue to refresh the program, add capability that you heard in my remarks. Extra is rolled out across all of our BUs in Europe, except for our new Mid-Europe BUs, and we're working on the backbone of technology capability to be able to do that in the future.
Speaker #2: Inner circle is rolled out across all of our B use in the US . Now . Irene . So they are in every one of our B across the entire network .
Speaker #2: And you know we continue to refresh the program , add capability that you heard in my remarks . Extra is rolled out across all of our views in Europe , except for our new mid Europe .
Speaker #2: B, and we're working on the backbone of tech, technology capability to be able to do that in the future.
Filipe Da Silva: What you may be referencing also, Irene, it's this pilot that we have launched, you know, in Europe about putting in place a reward program based on the visit. We are very excited by that, you know. The first results are promising there. Yeah, that's something that we believe that will, as we'll be rolling out, make a huge difference as well.
Speaker #3: Which may be a referencing also , Irene , it's this new , this pilot that we have launched , you know , in , in Europe about the putting in place a reward program based on the visit .
Speaker #3: So we are very excited by that . You know , the more you come , the more the rewards you get . The the first results are promising there .
Speaker #3: And yeah, that's something that we believe that will be rolling out, will make a huge difference as well.
Alex Miller: Yeah. Irene, let me give you a few facts of kinda how it's performing, right? Active monthly users on our Inner Circle is up 46%. Average visits per member is up 7% in Inner Circle. It's up 9% for Extra in Europe. Merchandise visits per member is up 13%. You know, we continue to be very encouraged by our digital platforms and the engagement from customers and consumers.
Speaker #2: Yeah . And Irene , let me give you a few facts of kind of how the , how it's performing , right . So active monthly users on our inner circle is up 46% average visits per member is up 7% .
Speaker #2: In inner circle , it's up 9% for extra in Europe , merchandise visits per member is up 13% . So , you know , we continue to be very encouraged by our digital platforms and the engagement from from customers and consumers
Irene Nattel: Thank you.
Speaker #1: Thank you
Operator 2: Your next question comes from Mark Petrie with CIBC. Your line is now open.
Speaker #4: Your next question comes from Mark Petrie with CIBC . Your line is now open
Mark Petrie: Hey, good morning. Thank you. I wanted to ask about the US merchandise gross margin rate, and just sort of the puts and takes there, the impact of prepared food. I think in general, food is viewed as a tailwind to gross margin. Is that the right way to think about it, as you guys are sort of in an investment phase to grow that business?
Speaker #5: Hey , good morning . Thank you . I wanted to ask about the the US merchandise gross margin rate and just sort of the puts and takes there .
Speaker #5: The impact of prepared food. I think, in general, food is viewed as a tailwind to gross margin. But is that the right way to think about it as you guys are sort of in an investment phase to grow that business?
Filipe Da Silva: Yeah. Thanks, Mark, for the question. Yes, food, there is no doubt that food, you know, as we mentioned during our business strategy update, in the long run will be accretive to the category. We are building that, you know, today. There's no doubt that we still have some, you know, opportunities to improve the spoilage execution at store level. But we are improving sequentially, you know, our performance there.
Speaker #3: Yeah , thanks . Thanks for the question . Yeah . Food there is no doubt that , Huda , you know , as we mentioned during our business strategy update on the on the will be accretive to the category .
Speaker #3: We are well , we are building that , you know , today , there's no doubt that we still have some , you know , opportunities to , to improve the spoilage execution at at store level .
Speaker #3: But but we are , we are improving sequentially , you know , our performance there as well . When you look at the gross profit margin performance of us , this quarter , actually , this slide , you know , decreased compared to last year , it's more actually linked to the mix and the strong results .
Filipe Da Silva: As a whole, when you look at the gross profit margin performance of US this quarter, actually this slight, you know, decrease compared to last year, it's more actually linked to the mix and the strong results, you know, linked to cigarettes. Cigarettes have been posting a positive growth during the quarter and, you know, with a lower margin, so that impacted negatively the overall performance of the GP rate. The second impact on the quarter is, you know, as I mentioned earlier, linked to the impact of our, you know, of the opening of the new DCs, okay? We are very excited by, you know, this new strategy that we are having, you know, to go deeper on the supply chain.
Speaker #3: You know , linked to CRM . Cigarettes have been posting a positive growth during the quarter . And , you know , with a lower margin .
Speaker #3: So that impacted the the overall performance of the GP rate . The second impact on the quarter is , you know , as I mentioned earlier , linked to the the impact of our , you know , of the opening of the of the new DCS .
Speaker #3: Okay . We are very excited by , you know , this new strategy that we're having , you know , to go deeper on the supply chain .
Filipe Da Silva: There is no doubt that, you know, at the early days, you have some impact, pre-opening cost, maturing, you know, the operations there. That has an impact compared to last year. I reiterate here that, you know, on the long run, like, supply chain will be accretive to the gross profit as well. Confident, you know, when we look at the quarters ahead, we believe that, yeah, we'll be able to showcase a gross profit with a better profile.
Speaker #3: But there is no doubt that , you know , at at the early , you know , days , you have some impact , pre-opening costs maturing , you know , the operations there .
Speaker #3: So that's , that has an impact compared to last year . But again , I reiterate here that , you know , on the long run , supply chain will be accretive to to the gross profit as well .
Speaker #3: So confident , you know , when we look at at the , quarters ahead with that . Yeah , we'll we'll be able to , to , to showcase a gross profit with a better profile
Mark Petrie: Okay, thanks. Could you just help us understand how long do you think those DCs end up as a pressure on gross margin? Like, is that something we should expect to sustain for a couple quarters or is it more isolated to Q3 in terms of materiality?
Speaker #5: Okay . Thanks . Could you just help us understand how long do you think those DCS end up as a pressure on on gross margin ?
Speaker #5: Like, is that something we should expect to sustain for a couple of quarters, or is it more isolated to Q3 in terms of materiality?
Filipe Da Silva: I think it's fair to say that, you know, there will be some, as you can see on when you open a new store, you know, you have a couple of quarters that you are ramping up and, you know, just fine-tuning the operation. Yeah, I think it's fair to expect that, some impact on Q4, potentially Q1.
Speaker #3: I think I think it's fair to say that , you know , there will be some some , as you can see on on when you open a new store , you know , you have , you have a couple of quarters that you are ramping up and , you know , just fine tuning the operation .
Speaker #3: So yeah , I think it's fair to expect that some impact on , on , on , on Q4 , and potentially Q1 .
Mark Petrie: Okay. Thanks very much. All the best.
Speaker #5: Okay. Thanks very much. All the best.
Operator 2: Thank you. We request that our callers limit their questions to one main question, please. Your next question comes from Chris Lee with Desjardins. Your line is now open.
Speaker #4: Thank you . We request that our callers limit their questions to one main question , please . Your next question comes from Chris Lee with your line is now open .
Chris Lee: Hi, good morning, everyone. Just maybe a first question on fuel margins. When we look at some of the industry data from OPIS, the margins are a bit softer versus the average. Based on your remarks that, you know, in a volatile environment, you do get some outsized outperformance. Is that the case currently right now and versus your historical outperformance? Are you getting better results during this volatile period?
Speaker #6: Hi . Good morning everyone . Just maybe a first question on few margins . When we look at some of the industry data from opus , the margins are a bit softer versus the average .
Speaker #6: But based on your remarks that , you know , in a volatile environment , you do get some outsized outperformance . Is that the case currently ?
Speaker #6: Right now ? And versus your historical outperformance ? Are you getting better results during this volatile period
Alex Miller: Yeah, thanks for the question, Chris. What I said was that over the cycle, we realize higher margins. We're in the what we would say is more the front end of the cycle. With that said, margins are fine so far this quarter. I would say they're in line with what we've delivered year to date, thus far. That's the answer I can give you.
Speaker #2: Yeah . Thanks for the question , Chris . I think we certainly get what I said . Was that over the cycle , we realized higher margins , we're in the what we would say is more the front end of the cycle .
Speaker #2: With that said , margins are fine so far this quarter . I would say they're in line with what we've delivered year to date .
Speaker #2: Thus far. So that's the answer I can give you.
Chris Lee: Okay. That's helpful. Thanks, Alex.
Speaker #6: Okay. That's helpful. Thanks, Alex.
Operator 2: Your next question comes from Martin Landry with BofA. Your line is now open.
Speaker #4: Your next question comes from Martin Landry with Stifel. Your line is now open.
Martin Landry: Good morning, guys. I was wondering if you can give us a bit of an update on the M&A landscape. Last quarter, you had mentioned that your pipeline was active, so any color on that would be helpful.
Speaker #7: Hi . Good morning guys . I was wondering if you can give us a bit of an update on the M&A landscape last quarter , you had mentioned that your pipeline was active , so any color on that would be helpful
Alex Miller: Yeah, thank you for the question. We remain very active on multiple opportunities across all three of our primary regions. We are deploying the same capital discipline, the same models that our founders taught us and that we've deployed for the past four-plus decades. There remains a lot of deal flow, a lot of deal activity, and we are highly engaged in that, and our decentralized models enable us to manage multiple files at the same time, and that is what we're doing right now.
Speaker #2: Yeah . Thank you for the question . We remain very active multiple opportunities across all three of our primary regions . And we are deploying the same capital discipline , the same models that our founders taught us and that we've deployed for the past four plus decades .
Speaker #2: But we remain there remains a lot of deal flow , a lot of deal activity , and we are highly engaged in that .
Speaker #2: And our decentralized models enable us to manage multiple files at the same time . And that is what we're doing right now .
Filipe Da Silva: You can see on the quarter, you know, we have announced, you know, that we have acquired 24 stores during the quarter. Again, we discussed that, you know, in Toronto, in our Core + More strategy. The single store, you know, operator acquisition, that's something that we are focusing more and more, and you can see the acceleration of that, quarter after quarter.
Speaker #3: And you can see on the quarter , you know , we we have we have announced , you know , that we we have acquired 24 stores during the quarter .
Speaker #3: Again , we discussed that in Toronto in our strategy , the single store , you know , operator acquisition , that's something that we are focusing more and more .
Speaker #3: And you can see the acceleration of that quarter after quarter.
Martin Landry: Superb. Thank you, and best of luck.
Speaker #7: Superb . Thank you and best of luck .
Filipe Da Silva: Thank you.
Speaker #2: Thank you .
Operator 2: Your next question comes from Michael Van Aelst with TD Cowen. Your line is now open.
Speaker #4: Your next question comes from Michael Van Nuys, TD Cowen. Your line is now open.
Michael Van Aelst: Hi. Thank you. I'd like to turn my attention to Europe for a bit. Can you give us an idea of what the growth was excluding cigarettes on a same-store sales basis and kinda how we should expect that drag from lapping the regulatory change to, I guess, continue over the next few quarters?
Speaker #8: Hi . Thank you . I'd like to turn the my attention to Europe for a bit . The . Can you give us an idea of what the growth was excluding cigarettes on a same store sales basis and how we should expect that drag from the lapping the .
Speaker #8: The regulatory change will, I guess, continue over the next few quarters?
Alex Miller: Yeah. I think growth in Europe would have been 3.2%, excluding cigarettes, Michael, and thank you for the question. I think it's also, you know, legacy Europe was up 2.7%. The month of January in Europe was one of the coldest ever in Europe. It really impacted our 4 new mid-Europe countries, Poland, the Baltics, where we had a week to more than a week of really just people at home. It drove costs, it drove electricity prices, and it really impacted sales. You know, we're delivering 6% growth on food. We're driving strong energy growth. Packaged beverages is up 5.8%, and 6.5% in mid-Europe.
Speaker #2: Yeah , I think growth in Europe would have been 3.2% . Excluding cigarettes . Michael , and thank you for the question . I think it's also , you know , Legacy Europe was up 2.7% .
Speaker #2: And the month of January in Europe was one of the coldest ever in in Europe . So it really impacted our for new Mid Europe countries , Poland , the Baltics , where we had a week to more than a week of really just .
Speaker #2: People at home . So it drove cost , drove electricity price . And it really impacted sales . So , you know , we were delivering 6% growth on food .
Speaker #2: We're , we're driving strong energy growth pack beverages up 5.8% and 6.5% in mid Europe . So , you know , the same trends of core plus more and executing against food .
Alex Miller: You know, the same trends of Core + More and executing against food. We do think the weather impact in January, specifically, really did negatively impact us in the period. You know, we feel good about our European business, as you heard us say in Toronto. We're quite confident that we will continue to deliver merchandise same-store merchandise growth in Europe.
Speaker #2: And we do think the weather impact in January specifically , it really did negatively impact us in the period . So , you know , we're we feel good about our European business .
Speaker #2: As you heard us say in Toronto and , and we're quite confident that we will continue to deliver merchandise . Same store merchandise growth in Europe .
Michael Van Aelst: Okay. Just to follow up on that. From the cigarette drag, do you expect that to be less in future quarters? Because I know when the regulations change, I know you were very prepared for it. I'm just wondering if you guys got more market share right off the bat and then you saw that ease as the year went on as others kinda.
Speaker #8: Okay. And just to follow up on that, so from the cigarette drag, do you expect that to be less in future quarters?
Speaker #8: Because I know when when the regulatory regulations change , I know you were very prepared for it . I'm just wondering if you guys got more market share right off the bat .
Speaker #8: And then you saw that ease as the year went on, as others kind of got their act together.
Alex Miller: Yeah.
Michael Van Aelst: Got their act together.
Alex Miller: Yes. I mean, cigarettes in mid-Europe were down 2.6% from that drag on the Netherlands specifically. You know, there's also border traffic into Luxembourg, where there's a lot of things happening around border traffic, specifically from Germany into Luxembourg, that's impacting negatively some cigarette sales. We don't know how long that will continue, but so, you know, that basis stays there. You know, across Europe as a whole, we continue to take share. In other nicotine, we believe, as we said in Toronto, we can more than offset the cigarette declines across Europe.
Speaker #2: I mean , cigarettes and mid Europe were down 2.6% for the that drag on Netherlands specifically . And then , you know , there's also border traffic into Luxembourg where there's a lot of things happening around border traffic , specifically from Germany into Luxembourg .
Speaker #2: That's impacting negatively . Some cigarette sales . We don't know how long that will continue , but but again , so , you know , that basis stays there .
Speaker #2: But you know , across Europe as a whole , we continue to take share . And in other nicotine , we believe , as we said in Toronto , we can more than offset the cigarette declines across Europe .
Michael Van Aelst: Great. Thank you.
Speaker #8: Great . Thank you
Operator 2: Your next question comes from Bobby Griffin with Raymond James. Your line is now open.
Speaker #4: Your next question comes from Bobby Griffin with Raymond James. Your line is now open.
Bobby Griffin: Good morning, guys. Thanks for taking the question. Alex, just wanted to go back to your comments about the self-distribution journey. With 3,200 stores now receiving products, are you starting to see some of those savings flow through the P&L today? Or is this program more where it has to be at full scale before you get the unlock, so we're just kinda not yet seeing anything actually move the P&L and that's still to come?
Speaker #9: Good morning guys . Thanks for taking the question . Alex , I just wanted to go back to your comments about the self journey with 3200 stores .
Speaker #9: Now receiving products , are you starting to see some of those savings flow through the P and L today , or is this program more where it has to be at full scale before you get the unlock ?
Speaker #9: So we're just kind of not yet seeing anything actually move the P&L, and that's still to come.
Alex Miller: Yeah, that's. Thanks for the question. That's still to come. I think as you heard, you know, our first and foremost, you know, getting these DCs open, getting product into them, and making sure that our stores have product is our primary goal right now. We are starting to work on and we have done a couple commercial deals for supplies into the DC. We will continue to do that over the coming quarters. This is really the long game for us, right? This isn't about a short-term win. This is a fundamental belief that supplying our stores ourselves ultimately will enable us to capture additional margin, lower working capital, provide our stores products when they need them at the times that best suit them and our customers.
Speaker #2: Yeah , that's thanks for the question . And that's still to come . I think as you heard , you know , our first and foremost , you know , getting these DCS open , getting product into them and making sure that our stores have product is our primary goal right now .
Speaker #2: We are starting to work on and we have done a couple commercial deals for supplies into the DC and , and , and we will continue to do that over the coming quarters .
Speaker #2: But this is really the long game for us , right ? This isn't about a short term win . This is a fundamental belief that supplying our stores ourselves , ultimately will , will enable us to capture additional margin , lower working capital , provide our stores , products when they need them .
Speaker #2: At the times that best suit them and our customers . So this is the long game for us and , and we , we're , we're very convinced that this is the right strategy for us , but we're not really focused on next quarter of seeing a giant commercial win here .
Alex Miller: This is the long game for us. We're very convinced that this is the right strategy for us, but we're not really focused on next quarter of seeing a giant commercial win here.
Bobby Griffin: Thank you. Best of luck.
Speaker #9: Thank you . Best of luck .
Alex Miller: Thank you.
Speaker #2: Thank you .
Operator 2: Your next question comes from Corey Tarlowe with Jefferies. Your line is now open.
Speaker #4: Your next question comes from Corey Tarlowe with Jefferies . Your line is now open .
David Brown: Great. Thanks, and good morning. I was wondering if you could touch on the monthly cadence of comps and then anything you're seeing quarter to date. Then secondarily, Philippe, could you just comment on what we're expecting for SG&A in Q4, and how we should expect and when we should expect normalized expense growth to converge with what you've steered us toward for the Investor Day, i.e., less than inflation? Thanks so much.
Speaker #10: Great , thanks and good morning . I was wondering if you could touch on the monthly cadence of comps and then anything you're seeing quarter to date and then secondarily , Felipe , could you just comment on what we're expecting for S , G and A in Q4 and how we should expect and when we should expect normalized expense growth to converge with what you've steered us toward .
Speaker #10: For the Investor Day, i.e., less than inflation. Thanks so much.
Alex Miller: I guess I'll take the first part, Philippe, and you can take the second part. Again, as we shared with our strategy, we're focused on Core + More. We're focused on fuel, nicotine, and thirst, and then our enablers of growing food and our digital products. We believe that's working. The trends in our business, on the back end of this, the quarter we're reporting now, and as I shared earlier with Irene's questions, the trend that we're seeing is quite positive. Traffic is positive. It's broad-based across categories. You know, we remain you know optimistic around our delivery on same-store merch. We're just focused on continuing the trends we're seeing in our business.
Speaker #2: I guess I'll take the first part , Felipe , and you can take the second part . Yeah . Again , as we shared with our strategy , we're focused on core plus more .
Speaker #2: We're focused on fuel , nicotine , and thirst . And then our enablers of growing food in our digital products . And we believe that's working .
Speaker #2: So the trends in our business on the back end of this , the quarter we're reporting now , and as I shared earlier with Irene's questions , the trend that we're seeing is , is quite positive .
Speaker #2: Traffic is positive . It's broad based across categories . So , you know , we we remain , you know , optimistic around our delivery on same store merch .
Speaker #2: So we're just focused on continuing the trends we're seeing in our business . Philippe , I'll hand it to you on the cost question .
Alex Miller: Philippe, I'll hand it to you on the cost question.
Filipe Da Silva: Yeah. No, thanks, Alex. Hi, Corey. On the OpEx, you know, when you look at Q3 again here, when you look at the underlying, you know, performance, we feel good actually about what's happening. Teams are really doing a great thing in terms of, you know, store productivity, the procurement, centralized procurement on the GNFR is delivering also good results. At the same time, as we mentioned, you know, in Toronto, there are some investments. On this quarter, you had the DC. We continue to, you know, to take care of our food program and making sure that, you know, we are helping the store to execute this food ambition.
Speaker #3: Yeah , thanks . Thanks , Alex . Hi , Corey . So , so on the opex , you know , when you look at Q3 again here , when you look at the underlying , you know , performance , we feel good actually about what's happening .
Speaker #3: Teams are are really doing a great things in terms of , you know , sort productivity . The , the procurement , centralized procurement on the GFR is delivering also good results .
Speaker #3: But at the same time , as we mentioned , you know , in Toronto , there are some investments . So on this quarter , you had the DC , we continue to , you know , to take care of our food program and making sure that , you know , we are we are helping the store to , to execute this food ambition .
Filipe Da Silva: Having said that, we remain very confident on this, you know, ambition that we said that normalized expenses will be growing at inflation. When you look at year to date, Corey, we are at 3.3%, so we are not that far there. When we look at the next coming quarters, we will be there. Q4, you will see, very likely, a better performance on the normalized expense. That's what we're seeing. Again here, similar to what Alex said on the DC, we're here for the long run, confident in our ability to deliver this ambition of 3%, roughly in line with inflation.
Speaker #3: But and having said that , so we remain very confident on this , you know , ambition that we said that , you know , more or less expenses will be growing at inflation .
Speaker #3: When you look at at year to date , Corey , we are at 3.3% . So we are not that far . There .
Speaker #3: And , and yeah , when we look at the next quarter's , we will be , we will be there . Q4 you will see very likely a better performance on the on the normalized expense .
Speaker #3: That's what we're seeing again here . Similar to what Alex said on the on the DC , we're here for the long run .
Speaker #3: Confidence in our ability to deliver this ambition of 3% , roughly in line with with inflation , we we have the the actions , the fit to soft program is there to , to help us to , to fund these strategic investment .
Filipe Da Silva: We have the actions. The Fit-to-Serve program is there to help us to fund this strategic investment.
David Brown: Great. Thanks so much, and best of luck.
Speaker #10: Great. Thanks so much, and best of luck.
Filipe Da Silva: Thank you.
Speaker #3: Thank you .
Operator 2: Your next question comes from Luke Hannan with Canaccord Genuity. Your line is now open.
Speaker #4: Your next question comes from Luke Hannon with Canaccord Genuity . Your line is now open .
Bobby Griffin: Thanks. Good morning. I was just wondering if we could get an update on the partnership with Guy Fieri, and how rolled out is that across your network today. I imagine that those sales are occurring at higher ASPs when compared to the Meal Deal assortment that you have in the US. Alex, you talked about the distribution of sales there. Does the success of that partnership help give you any thought, I guess, to updating the price point architecture for the Meal Deals?
Speaker #11: Thanks. Good morning. I was just wondering if we could get an update on the partnership with Guy Fieri and how rolled out is that across your network today?
Speaker #11: And I imagine that those sales are occurring at higher ASPs when compared to the meal deal assortment that you have in the U.S.
Speaker #11: And Alex , you talked about the distribution of of sales there . Does the success of that partnership help give you any thought ?
Speaker #11: I guess, to updating the price point architecture for the meal deals.
Alex Miller: Yeah. Thank you for the question. I think as I've shared with you with food, that the one thing we're gonna do is be very deliberate about what we're doing and when we're doing it and making sure that we're fully prepared, and that anything we're rolling out or expanding, we have tested and really proven that it's ready. Guy Fieri is still in only Northern Tier at this stage, and that's largely a result of some ongoing supply chain issues regarding these products that we need confidence to build out, that if we're gonna launch these products in additional business units, the supply chain is robust and that we will have those products. They are at a higher ASP, or sales point.
Speaker #2: Yeah . Thank you for the question . I think as I've shared with you , with food , that the one thing we're going to do is be very deliberate about what we're doing .
Speaker #2: And when we're doing it, and making sure that we're fully prepared and that anything we're rolling out or expanding, we have tested and really proofed that it's ready.
Speaker #2: Guy Fieri is still in only northern tier at this stage , and that's largely a result of of some ongoing supply chain issues regarding these products that we need confidence to build out , that we if we're going to launch these stores in a launch , these products in additional business units that the supply chain is robust and that we will have those products .
Speaker #2: They are at a higher ASP or , or sales point . And , and we've had success selling them in Northern tier . And our strategy has always been a multi-tiered approach across price points .
Alex Miller: We've had success selling them in Northern Tier. Our strategy has always been a multi-tiered approach across price points. We do not envision changing our focus on Meal Deals as a result, or our price points on Meal Deals as a result of Guy Fieri.
Speaker #2: We do not envision changing our focus on meal deals as a result, or our price points on meal deals as a result of Guy Feherty.
Bobby Griffin: Understood. Thanks so much.
Speaker #11: Understood . Thanks so much
Operator 2: Ladies and gentlemen, as a reminder, should you have a question, please press star one. Your next question comes from Mark Carden with UBS Financial. Your line is now open.
Speaker #4: Ladies and gentlemen . As a reminder , should you have a question , please press star one . Your next question comes from Mark Hardin with UBS financial .
Speaker #4: Your line is now open .
Speaker 16: Thanks so much for taking the question. It sounds like you're continuing to see strength on modern oral nicotine. Understand that Zyn may have been a bit unique, but how is promotional activity compared to what you've seen the past few quarters? Then with the growth in cigarettes, how are you thinking about mix going forward?
Speaker #7: Thanks so much for taking the question. So, it sounds like you're continuing to see strength on modern oral nicotine. I understand that may have been a bit unique, but how is promotional activity compared to what you've seen in the past few quarters?
Speaker #7: And then, with the growth in cigarettes, how are you thinking about mix going forward?
Alex Miller: Yeah. I think, you know, other nicotine just continues to grow. There's a lot of folks trying to gain that growth. There continues to be a lot of activity, a lot of promotional activity. Our partners in that space continue to be very active with aggressive promotions across other nicotine, and that exists today. Most of which we put under Inner Circle. You know, the category's growth is very consistent, continues to grow. It's not clear to me on the horizon when that would change or the kind of trends that we have or how that's happening changes. With cigarettes for us, you know, it's all about, you know, capturing our share and continuing to win there.
Speaker #2: Yeah , I think , you know , other nicotine just continues to grow and and there's a lot of folks trying to gain that growth .
Speaker #2: So there continues to be a lot of activity, a lot of promotional activity. And our partners in that space continue to be very active with aggressive promotions across other nicotine.
Speaker #2: And , and that exists today , most of which we put under inner circle . I don't , you know , the categories growth is very consistent continues to grow .
Speaker #2: It's not clear to me on the horizon when that would change or the kind of trends that we have or how that's happening changes with cigarettes .
Speaker #2: For us , you know , it's all about , you know , capturing our share and , and continuing to win there . Traditionally , we have been beating market by 100 , 150 bips that expanded pretty dramatically this this quarter .
Alex Miller: Traditionally, we had been beating the market by 150 basis points. That expanded pretty dramatically this quarter and continues. I think that's through the capability of our category teams, our pricing teams, and our data analytics around how we're positioning sub-premium, premium, value, and sub-value brands. I think we're getting better at that as we get better with data and our promotional activity. We're gonna look to continue to do that. Cigarettes is one of our lowest margin categories, so growing cigarettes will have a mix impact on us, but it is more gross profit dollars to the bank, and that's what we're focused on.
Speaker #2: And continues . And I think that's through the capability of our category teams , our pricing teams , and our data analytics around how we're positioning sub premium , premium value and sub value brands .
Speaker #2: And , and I think we're getting better at that as , as we get better with data and our promotional activity and we're going to look to continue to do that .
Speaker #2: Cigarettes is one of our lowest margin categories. So growing cigarettes, we'll have a mixed impact on us. But it is more gross profit dollars to the bank.
Speaker #2: And that's what we're focused on.
Speaker 16: Thanks so much. Good luck.
Speaker #7: Thanks so much . Good luck
Operator 2: There are no further questions at this time. I will now turn the call over to Matthew for closing remarks.
Speaker #4: There are no further questions at this time. I will now turn the call over to Matthew for closing remarks.
Speaker 17: Thank you, Alex and Philippe. That covers all the questions for today's call. Thank you all for joining us. We wish you a great day and look forward to discussing our Q4 2026 results in June.
Speaker #3: Thank you , Alex and Felipe . That covers all the questions for today's call . Thank you all for joining us . We wish you a great day and look forward to discussing our fourth quarter 2026 results in June .
Operator 2: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes your conference call for today. We thank you for participating and ask that you please disconnect your lines.
Speaker #3: So, for the conférence d'aujourd'hui, nous vous, nous nous, vous et allons discuter avec vous les résultats du quatrième trimestre de prochain.
Speaker #3: At maintenant . Appel