Q1 2027 Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc Earnings Call

September 2, 2026

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 Monsieur Mathieu Brunet, Vice-Président, Relations Investisseurs et Trésorerie, pour Alimentation Couche-Tard.

Speaker #2: English will follow. Bonjour, j'aimerais d'abord vous souhaiter la bienvenue à la téléconférence qui porte sur la diffusion des résultats financiers du premier trimestre de l'exercice 2027 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 Q1 de l'exercice 2027 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 aux 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 #2: 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 #2: 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 #2: 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 #2: Les résultats financiers seront présentés par Monsieur Alex Miller, président et chef de la direction, et Monsieur Philippe 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 Filipe Da Silva, chef de la direction financière. Good morning. I would like to welcome everyone to this web conference presenting Alimentation Couche-Tard financial results for the Q1 of fiscal year 2027. 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 #2: Good morning. I would like to welcome everyone to this web conference presenting Alimentation Couche-Tard's financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027.

Speaker #2: 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 #2: 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.

Speaker #2: 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. Philippe Da Silva, Chief Financial Officer.

Mathieu Brunet: Our financial results will be presented by Mr. Alex Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Filipe Da Silva, Chief Financial Officer. Alex, you may begin your conference.

Speaker #2: Alex, you may begin your conference.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Mathieu, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us to discuss our first quarter results. We're encouraged by the start to fiscal 2027, and we're seeing evidence that our strategy is resonating with customers and strengthening the business for the long term.

Alex Miller: Thank you, Matthew, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us to discuss our Q1 results. We are encouraged by the start to fiscal 2027, and we are seeing evidence that our strategy is resonating with customers and strengthening the business for the long term. Our performance reflects the resilience and diversity of our business with our markets, capabilities, and growth platforms coming together across our unique global footprint to drive the business forward. Over the summer, we activated some of our best promotional campaigns across the network, such as our America 250 campaign and Fuel Day events, delivering compelling value offers for our customers while helping expand our loyalty base for the long term. As I visited stores, I saw firsthand how our teams brought these campaigns to life while remaining focused on being customer ready.

Alex Miller: Thank you, Mathieu, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us to discuss our Q1 results. We are encouraged by the start to fiscal 2027, and we are seeing evidence that our strategy is resonating with customers and strengthening the business for the long term. Our performance reflects the resilience and diversity of our business with our markets, capabilities, and growth platforms coming together across our unique global footprint to drive the business forward. Over the summer, we activated some of our best promotional campaigns across the network, such as our America 250 campaign and Fuel Day events, delivering compelling value offers for our customers while helping expand our loyalty base for the long term. As I visited stores, I saw firsthand how our teams brought these campaigns to life while remaining focused on being customer ready.

Speaker #3: Our performance reflects the resilience and diversity of our business, with our markets, capabilities, and growth platforms coming together across our unique global footprint to drive the business forward.

Speaker #3: Over the summer, we activated some of our best promotional campaigns across the network, such as our America 250 campaign and Fuel Day events—delivering compelling value offers for our customers while helping expand our loyalty base for the long term.

Speaker #3: As I visited stores, I saw firsthand how our teams brought these campaigns to life while remaining focused on being customer-ready. This has translated into deeper engagement and continued growth in loyalty, which I'll come back to in just a moment.

Alex Miller: This is translating into deeper engagement and continued growth in loyalty, which I will come back to in just a moment. Before I discuss the quarter, I want to touch on the most significant development of the summer, our recent agreement to acquire a controlling stake in the Żabka Group. Żabka is one of Europe's most dynamic convenience retailers with significant scale in Central and Eastern Europe, best-in-class capabilities in food and digital, and a talented entrepreneurial team we deeply admire. This acquisition accelerates our Core plus more strategy, expands our global footprint, and adds complementary strengths in food, private brands, supply chain capabilities, digital engagement, loyalty, and personalization while supporting our organic growth ambitions. We look forward to welcoming the Żabka team into the Couche-Tard family as we work toward closing, which we expect to be completed by the end of this calendar year.

Speaker #3: Before I discuss the quarter, I want to touch on the most significant development of the summer: our recent agreement to acquire a controlling stake in the Żabka Group.

Speaker #3: Żabka is one of Europe's most dynamic convenience retailers, with significant scale in Central and Eastern Europe. They have best-in-class capabilities in food and digital, and a talented entrepreneurial team we deeply admire.

Speaker #3: This acquisition accelerates our Core Plus More strategy, expands our global footprint, and adds complementary strengths in food, private brands, supply chain capabilities, digital engagement, loyalty, and personalization.

Speaker #3: While supporting our organic growth ambitions, we look forward to welcoming the Żabka team into the Couche-Tard family as we work toward closing, which we expect to be completed by the end of this calendar year.

Speaker #3: With that in mind, let's dive into our results. I'll start with convenience before walking through the quarter, using the same lens that guides our "Core Plus More" strategy.

Alex Miller: With that in mind, let's dive into our results. I will start with convenience before walking through the quarter using the same lens that guides our Core plus more strategy. Merchandise same-store sales increased 1.6% across the network, led by 1.7% growth in the United States, marking our fifth consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth. What we are seeing today is a consumer who is increasingly intentional about where they spend, and we are leveraging our strengths to adapt to those changes in behavior. Consistent with broader industry trends, elevated living costs and fuel prices continue to weigh on discretionary spending in certain markets. However, when the proposition is compelling, customers continue to engage. We see that come through in energy, other nicotine products, food offers, and loyalty-driven promotions. That shift in selective spending behavior is also reshaping the category mix.

Speaker #3: Merchandise same-store sales increased 1.6% across the network, led by 1.7% growth in the United States, marking our fifth consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth.

Speaker #3: What we are seeing today is a consumer who is increasingly intentional about where they spend, and we are leveraging our strengths to adapt to those changes in behavior.

Speaker #3: Consistent with broader industry trends, elevated living costs and fuel prices continue to weigh on discretionary spending in certain markets. However, when the proposition is compelling, customers continue to engage.

Speaker #3: We see that come through in energy, other nicotine products, food offers, and loyalty-driven promotions. That shift in selective spending behavior is also reshaping the category mix.

Speaker #3: Packaged carbonated soft drinks, as well as traditional center-store categories such as salty snacks and packaged sweets, remain softer than historical levels as consumers become more deliberate in what they put in their baskets.

Alex Miller: Packaged carbonated soft drinks, as well as traditional center store categories such as salty snacks and packaged sweets, remain softer than historical levels as consumers become more deliberate in what they put in their baskets. Excluding those categories, underlying merchandising performance would have been around the midpoint of our same-store sales growth algorithm. At the same time, we are seeing growth in areas where we have been investing, including functional, protein-rich, and better-for-you categories. Our teams are actively reallocating space, refining assortments, and tailoring promotions to ensure we are meeting customers where demand is moving. As Filipe will discuss, we are also being purposeful on pricing decisions in categories facing volume pressure, balancing profitability with customer relevance and long-term loyalty. More importantly, traffic improved as the quarter progressed, reinforcing our view that customers will engage and spend when the proposition is right.

Speaker #3: Excluding those categories, underlying merchandising performance would have been around the midpoint of our same-store sales growth algorithm. At the same time, we are seeing growth in areas where we have been investing.

Speaker #3: Including functional, protein-rich, and better-for-you categories. Our teams are actively reallocating space, refining assortments, and tailoring promotions to ensure we are meeting customers where demand is moving.

Speaker #3: As Philippe will discuss, we are also being purposeful in our pricing decisions in categories facing volume pressure, balancing profitability with customer relevance and long-term loyalty.

Speaker #3: More importantly, traffic improved as the quarter progressed, reinforcing our view that customers will engage and spend when the proposition is right. In Canada, same-store sales were stable.

Alex Miller: In Canada, same-store sales were stable as continued strength in thirst helped offset regulatory pressure in nicotine. While the quarter finished flat overall, sales trends improved materially over the course of the quarter and turned positive in the final period. In Europe and other regions, same-store sales increased 1.2%. Despite softer trends in Asia, Europe delivered growth across key geographies and categories, particularly beverages and next-generation nicotine products. Turning to our core categories and starting with fuel, we saw mixed volume trends across our regions. Same-store fuel volumes were down 1.6% in the United States and 4.3% in Europe. Canada extended its positive trend to eight consecutive quarters of growth, with volumes up 1.1% in the quarter. Importantly, every business unit across North America posted positive Q4 traffic during the quarter.

Speaker #3: As continued strength and thirst helped offset regulatory pressure in nicotine, while the quarter finished flat overall, sales trends improved materially over the course of the quarter and turned positive in the final period.

Speaker #3: In Europe and other regions, same-store sales increased 1.2%. Despite softer trends in Asia, Europe delivered growth across key geographies and categories, particularly beverages and next-generation nicotine products.

Speaker #3: Turning to our core categories, and starting with fuel, we saw mixed volume trends across our regions. Same-store fuel volumes were down 1.6% in the United States and 4.3% in Europe.

Speaker #3: Canada extended its positive trend to eight consecutive quarters of growth, with volumes up 1.1% in the quarter. Importantly, every business unit across North America posted positive four-quarter traffic during the quarter.

Speaker #3: Although customers purchased fewer gallons on average, they continued to choose our network, reinforcing the relevance of our value proposition and customer offer, as our fuel business continued to generate attractive gross profit.

Alex Miller: Although customers purchased fewer gallons on average, they continued to choose our network, reinforcing the relevance of our value proposition and customer offer as our fuel business continued to generate attractive gross profit. Despite softer demand, our US same-store volumes outperformed most peers, and our fuel margins remained well ahead of our competitive set. Market volatility and favorable supply conditions certainly contributed during the quarter, but these results are also a reflection of the fuel platform we built over many years across sourcing, supply, pricing, and network management. That platform helped us gain sequential market share in the US and deliver fuel profitability across the network. Beyond retail fuel, B2B continued to build momentum. Mobile payment adoption in Europe increased roughly 40% year-over-year, while our Circle K Pro card drove another quarter of growth, with fleet operators in North America contributing to a 20% increase in B2B volumes.

Speaker #3: Despite softer demand, our U.S. same-store volumes outperformed most peers, and our fuel margins remained well ahead of our competitive set. Market volatility and favorable supply conditions certainly contributed during the quarter.

Speaker #3: But these results are also a reflection of the fuel platform we've built over many years, across sourcing, supply, pricing, and network management. That platform helped us gain sequential market share in the U.S. and deliver fuel profitability across the network.

Speaker #3: Beyond retail fuel, B2B continued to build momentum. Mobile payment adoption in Europe increased roughly 40% year over year, while our Circle K ProCard drove another quarter of growth, with fleet operators in North America contributing to a 20% increase in B2B volumes.

Speaker #3: Together, these initiatives are extending the reach of our fuel platform and creating additional avenues for growth. Turning to Thirst, one of our most impactful traffic drivers, and a category where we continue to gain share across the network.

Alex Miller: Together, these initiatives are extending the reach of our fuel platform and creating additional avenues for growth. Turning to thirst, one of our most impactful traffic drivers and a category where we continue to gain share across the network. Energy was once again the standout, delivering double-digit growth in the US and roughly 70% of the category's gains. Protein beverages and enhanced hydration also grew meaningfully, reflecting rising consumer demand for functional and wellness-oriented products. Carbonated soft drinks were pressured in part by changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility in certain markets. We continue to respond by focusing on value, leveraging our loyalty platform, and driving engagement across adjacent beverage, food, and convenience categories, where we are seeing stronger customer demand. In Canada, energy delivered high single-digit growth, with similar performance across energy and functional beverages in Europe, highlighting the attractiveness of the category and the relevance of our customer offer.

Speaker #3: Energy was once again the standout, delivering double-digit growth in the U.S. and roughly 70% of the category's gains. Protein beverages and enhanced hydration also grew meaningfully.

Speaker #3: Reflecting rising consumer demand for functional and wellness-oriented products, carbonated soft drinks were pressured in part by changes to SNAP eligibility in certain markets. We continue to respond by focusing on value, leveraging our loyalty platform, and driving engagement across adjacent beverage, food, and convenience categories, where we're seeing stronger customer demand.

Speaker #3: In Canada, energy delivered high single-digit growth, with similar performance across energy and functional beverages in Europe, highlighting the attractiveness of the category and the relevance of our customer offer.

Speaker #3: Turning to nicotine, in the U.S., other nicotine products delivered one of their best quarters in recent years, posting double-digit same-store sales growth—led by pouches—significantly outpacing the broader market.

Alex Miller: Turning to nicotine. In the US, other nicotine products delivered one of their best quarters in recent years, posting double-digit same-store sales growth led by pouches, significantly outpacing the broader market. In cigarettes, same-store sales increased for a third consecutive quarter. While growth moderated from the strong performance we saw in Q4, we still outperformed industry volume trends by roughly 400 basis points, reflecting the effectiveness of our pricing, promotional, and loyalty strategies. In Canada, the category remained broadly consistent with recent quarters. The illicit market and evolving regulatory environment continued to pressure legal volumes, which were partly offset by disciplined pricing and a targeted customer offer. In Europe, results benefited from growing adoption of next-generation nicotine products alongside a stable cigarette business. Pouches remained a key contributor to growth, with several markets, particularly across our legacy European network, delivering solid high single-digit same-store sales growth.

Speaker #3: In cigarettes, same-store sales increased for a third consecutive quarter. While growth moderated from the strong performance we saw in Q4, we still outperformed industry volume trends by roughly 400 basis points.

Speaker #3: Reflecting the effectiveness of our pricing, promotional, and loyalty strategies, in Canada the category remained broadly consistent with recent quarters. The illicit market and evolving regulatory environment continued to pressure legal volumes, which were partly offset by disciplined pricing and a targeted customer offer.

Speaker #3: In Europe, results benefited from growing adoption of next-generation nicotine products, alongside a stable cigarette business. Pouches remained a key contributor to growth, with several markets—particularly across our legacy European network—delivering solid, high single-digit same-store sales growth.

Speaker #3: Our assortment, digital capabilities, and engagement with age-verified customers position us well as the category continues to evolve. Now, let me turn to the 'more' part of our strategy, where food remains our single biggest growth opportunity.

Alex Miller: Our assortment, digital capabilities, and engagement with age-verified customers position us well as the category continues to evolve. Now let me turn to the more part of our strategy, where food remains our single biggest growth opportunity. If you look at our latest annual report published earlier this summer, you will see the progress we are making reflected in our mix, with food now representing 13.2% of merchandise sales. In North America, value continues to anchor the food story through our Meal Deals. We sold nearly 14 million Meal Deal bundles during the quarter, up nearly 20% from last year, demonstrating the continued appeal of a compelling value proposition. We are also working closely with our vendor partners to keep the offer fresh and give customers new reasons to engage. A recent example in the US is our Flamin' Hot Boneless Wings launch, our first hot food collaboration with PepsiCo and Frito-Lay.

Speaker #3: If you look at our latest annual report published earlier this summer, you'll see the progress we're making reflected in our mix, with food now representing 13.2% of merchandise sales.

Speaker #3: In North America, value continues to anchor the food story through our meal deals. We sold nearly 14 million meal deal bundles during the quarter, up nearly 20% from last year, demonstrating the continued appeal of a compelling value proposition.

Speaker #3: We are also working closely with our vendor partners to keep the offer fresh and give customers new reasons to engage. A recent example is the U.S.

Speaker #3: In the U.S., our Flamin' Hot Boneless Wings launch is our first hot food collaboration with PepsiCo and Frito-Lay. Following a successful rollout across our fresh food network, the product is now selling more than 40,000 units per week and helping drive larger food baskets.

Alex Miller: Following a successful rollout across our fresh food network, the product is now selling more than 40,000 units per week and helping drive larger food baskets. More broadly, we are seeing customers increasingly trade up into higher-value prepared food offerings, with hot food mix increasing since launch, demonstrating our ability to pair everyday value with attractive premium offerings. We are also finding opportunities to further optimize our core assortment using data and consumer insights to refine menus at both the national and regional levels. Beyond the US, we are seeing progress across the network. In Canada, food sales and unit growth improved year over year, supported by value-focused offers, stronger food conversion, and continued engagement with our Meal Deal platforms. In Europe, food performance benefited from customers increasingly choosing larger and more satisfying meal options.

Speaker #3: More broadly, we're seeing customers increasingly trade up into higher-value prepared food offerings, with hot food mix increasing since launch, demonstrating our ability to pair everyday value with attractive premium offerings.

Speaker #3: We're also finding opportunities to further optimize our core assortment, using data and consumer insights to refine menus at both the national and regional levels.

Speaker #3: Beyond the U.S., we're seeing progress across the network. In Canada, food sales and unit growth improved year over year, supported by value-focused offers, stronger food conversion, and continued engagement with our meal deal platforms.

Speaker #3: In Europe, food performance benefited from customers increasingly choosing larger and more satisfying meal options. Growth was led by burgers, while larger formats, including extra-large kebabs and double burgers, continue to resonate with consumers.

Alex Miller: Growth was led by burgers, while larger formats, including extra large kebabs and double burgers, continued to resonate with consumers. Underpinning all of this is execution. We remain focused on improving availability across our ERO items, refining our Meal Deal platforms, and simplifying operations to improve sell-through and reduce shrink. Food represents a significant opportunity for us, and we are continuing to build the capabilities needed to capture it. Turning to our network, during the quarter, we added 26 sites across North America and Europe, and today have approximately 42 stores under construction. We expect to open more than 100 stores in fiscal 2027 and continue to expand our development pipeline. While permitting and entitlement timelines remain longer in certain markets, we expect to supplement our new build program with a growing pipeline of single-site acquisitions and remain on track toward our long-term target of 750 new stores by 2030.

Speaker #3: Underpinning all of this is execution. We remain focused on improving availability across our hero items, refining our meal deal platforms, and simplifying operations to improve sell-through and reduce shrink.

Speaker #3: Food represents a significant opportunity for us, and we're continuing to build the capabilities needed to capture it. Turning to our network, during the quarter we added 26 sites across North America and Europe, and today have approximately 42 stores under construction.

Speaker #3: We expect to open more than 100 stores in fiscal 2027 and continue to expand our development pipeline. While permitting and entitlement timelines remain longer in certain markets, we expect to supplement our new-build program with a growing pipeline of single-site acquisitions and remain on track toward our long-term target of 750 new stores by 2030.

Speaker #3: Our new stores continue to meaningfully outperform the broader network, with food sales 120% above the network average, while merchandise sales and basket size are 20% higher.

Alex Miller: Our new stores continue to meaningfully outperform the broader network, with food sales 120% above the network average while merchandise sales and basket size are 20% higher, demonstrating the strength of our site selection and customer offer. Moving back outside the store, e-mobility remains a good example of how we are building for the future while leveraging the strengths of our existing network. In Europe, our charging network now exceeds 4,900 charge points, up 32% from last year. Customer adoption continues to grow, with charging transactions increasing more than 40% and utilization moving higher across the network. Those results reflect the advantages of our model, prime locations, a reliable charging experience, and the ability to combine charging with food, beverages, and other convenience purchases. As adoption continues to grow, we are well-positioned to capture that opportunity.

Speaker #3: Demonstrating the strength of our site selection and customer offer. Moving back outside the store, e-mobility remains a good example of how we're building for the future while leveraging the strengths of our existing network.

Speaker #3: In Europe, our charging network now exceeds 4,900 charge points, up 32% from last year. Customer adoption continues to grow, with charging transactions increasing more than 40% and utilization moving higher across the network.

Speaker #3: Those results reflect the advantages of our model: prime locations, a reliable charging experience, and the ability to combine charging with food, beverages, and other convenience purchases.

Speaker #3: As adoption continues to grow, we're well positioned to capture that opportunity. Finally, digital and loyalty continue to be increasingly important drivers of customer engagement across our network, and are among the key enablers that power our core plus more strategy.

Alex Miller: Finally, digital and loyalty continue to be increasingly important drivers of customer engagement across our network and are among the key enablers that power our Core plus more strategy. In the US, we added more than 1 million Inner Circle members during the quarter, bringing the program to nearly 16 million members. Nearly one in three transactions now comes from a loyalty member, while traffic attributable to Inner Circle increased 30% versus last year. We recently launched Inner Circle 2.0, enabling members to earn rewards across more of their purchases while unlocking personalized offers and challenges. This month, Inner Circle will be live in all US business units with the expansion of the program into our northern tier business unit. In Europe, Extra 2.0 is driving a 13% increase in traffic across our legacy markets.

Speaker #3: In the U.S., we added more than 1 million Inner Circle members during the quarter, bringing the program to nearly 16 million members. Nearly 1 in 3 transactions now comes from a loyalty member.

Speaker #3: While traffic attributable to Inner Circle increased 30% versus last year, we recently launched Inner Circle 2.0, enabling members to earn rewards across more of their purchases while unlocking personalized offers and challenges.

Speaker #3: This month, Inner Circle will be live in all U.S. business units with the expansion of the program into our Northern Tier business unit. In Europe, Extra 2.0 is driving a 13% increase in traffic across our legacy markets. We also recently brought our EV and loyalty experiences into a single app, helping drive a 19% increase in EV traffic among app members and creating a simpler, more connected experience for customers.

Alex Miller: We also recently brought our EV and loyalty experiences into a single app, helping drive a 19% increase in EV traffic among app members and creating a simpler, more connected experience for customers. With that, I will turn it over to Filipe.

Speaker #3: With that, I'll turn it over to Felipe.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Alex. Good morning, everyone. The first quarter demonstrated the balance we are achieving across the business, delivering adjusted EBITDA growth of 10.5% and adjusted diluted earnings per share growth of 15.4%.

Filipe Da Silva: Thank you, Alex. Good morning, everyone. The Q1 demonstrated the balance we are achieving across the business, delivering adjusted EBITDA growth of 10.5% and adjusted diluted EPS growth of 15.4% while maintaining normalized expense growth well below inflation. At the same time, we continue to invest in customer value and traffic-driving initiatives, advancing our strategic priorities and focusing on delivering sustainable long-term earnings growth. More importantly, these results demonstrate the strength of our diversified operating model. You have heard Alex provide additional color on the quarter and the consumer environment. While pockets of pressure remain across parts of our network, the growth algorithm we outlined at our business strategy update continues to deliver. The combination of our geographic diversification, category mix, and multiple earnings levers allows us to continue growing earnings while navigating different market conditions.

Speaker #2: While maintaining normalized expense growth well below inflation, at the same time we continue to invest in customer value and traffic-driving initiatives, advancing our strategic priorities and focusing on delivering sustainable long-term earnings growth.

Speaker #2: More importantly, these results demonstrate the strength of our diversified operating model. You have heard Alex provide additional color on the quarter and the consumer environment.

Speaker #2: While pockets of pressure remain across parts of our network, the growth algorithm we outlined at our business strategy update continues to deliver. The combination of our geographic diversification, category mix, and multiple earnings levers allows us to continue growing earnings while navigating different market conditions.

Speaker #2: Canada and Europe once again made meaningful contributions to our performance, reinforcing the benefits of a balanced business that is not dependent on any single geography, category, or initiative.

Filipe Da Silva: Canada and Europe once again made meaningful contribution to our performance, reinforcing the benefits of a balanced business that is not dependent on any single geography, category, or initiative. Before turning to the quarter, I would also like to briefly acknowledge the announced Żabka transaction. This is a transformational investment for Couche-Tard and an important milestone in our journey. I could not be more enthusiastic about what this transaction brings to the organization, from the quality of the business and its capability to the opportunities it creates for the years ahead. I will now go over some key figures for the quarter. For more details, please refer to our MD&A available on our website. Net earnings attributable to shareholders stood at $829 million, or $0.90 per share on a diluted basis.

Speaker #2: Before turning to the quarter, I would also like to briefly acknowledge the announced JABCA transaction. This is a transformational investment for Couche-Tard and an important milestone in our journey.

Speaker #2: I could not be more enthusiastic about what this transaction brings to the organization, from the quality of the business and its capabilities to the opportunities it creates for the years ahead.

Speaker #2: I will now go over some key figures for the quarter. For more details, please refer to our MD&A available on our website. Net earnings attributable to shareholders stood at $829 million, or $0.90 per share on a diluted basis.

Speaker #2: Adjusted net earnings were approximately $827 million, or $0.90 per share on an adjusted diluted basis, representing an increase of 15.4% compared to the corresponding quarter of last year.

Filipe Da Silva: Adjusted net earnings were approximately $827 million, or $0.90 per share on an adjusted diluted basis, representing an increase of 15.4% compared to the corresponding quarter of last year. Now, let's review in detail each of our business segments on an EBITDA adjusted basis. Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 of fiscal 2027 increased by approximately $165 million, or 10.2% year-over-year, driven by improved road transportation fuel gross margin, as well as by the contribution from acquisitions, which amounted to approximately $44 million, partly offset by inflationary pressure on our expenses, including our electronic payment fees from higher fuel retail prices. During Q1, merchandise and service revenues increased by approximately $186 million, or 4%, primarily attributable to the contribution from acquisition, which amounted to approximately $112 million, and organic growth coming from our store performance.

Speaker #2: Now, let's review in detail each of our business segments on an ethics-adjusted basis. Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of fiscal 2027 increased by approximately $165 million, or 10.2% year over year, driven by improved road transportation fuel gross margin as well as by the contribution from acquisitions, which amounted to approximately $44 million, partly offset by inflationary pressure on our expenses, including our electronic payment fees from higher fuel retail prices.

Speaker #2: During the first quarter, merchandise and service revenues increased by approximately $186 million, or 4%, primarily attributable to the contribution from acquisition, which amounted to approximately $112 million, and organic growth coming from our store performance.

Speaker #2: Merchandise and service gross profit increased by approximately $52 million, or 3.1%, primarily driven by approximately $38 million from acquisitions, with additional contribution from organic growth across all regions.

Filipe Da Silva: Merchandise and service gross profit increased by approximately $52 million, or 3.1%, primarily driven by approximately $38 million from acquisition, with additional contribution from organic growth across all regions. In the United States, merchandise margin declined by 50 basis points to 34.1%. This reflected several factors, including a shift in category mix, increased prominence in certain food categories, as well as deliberate pricing discipline designed to support compelling value for our customers. Let me take a moment to expand on merchandise margins. As you heard Alex Miller discuss earlier, consumers continue to be thoughtful about how they spend, and we have been intentional in our pricing decisions to ensure our offer remains competitive, compelling, and relevant. While that supported traffic, customer engagement, and positive same-store sales growth, it also contributed to some pressure on merchandise margin during the quarter.

Speaker #2: In the United States, merchandise margin declined by 50 basis points to 34.1%. This reflected several factors, including a shift in category mix, increased spoilage in certain food categories, as well as deliberate pricing discipline designed to support compelling value for our customers.

Speaker #2: Let me take a moment to expand on merchandise margins. As you heard Alex discuss earlier, consumers continue to be thoughtful about how they spend, and we have been intentional in our pricing decisions to ensure our offer remains competitive, compelling, and relevant.

Speaker #2: While that supported traffic, customer engagement, and positive same-store sales growth, it also contributed to some pressure on merchandise margin during the quarter. For example, the continued growth of Inner Circle is also driving greater participation in traffic-driving programs such as Polar Pop and Meal Deals.

Filipe Da Silva: For example, the continued growth of Inner Circle is also driving greater participation in traffic-driving programs such as Polar Pop and Meal Deals. These initiatives are delivering the intended customer response, including increased visit frequency and deeper engagement across the network. At the same time, some of the categories that have traditionally contributed a disproportionate share of the merchandise gross profit remain softer than historical levels. As consumer place greater emphasis on value, we continue to see spending shift toward promotional and lower ticket purchases, with fewer discretionary items making their way into the basket. While these categories represent a relatively modest portion of sales, they tend to carry higher margin profiles and therefore have a greater impact on overall margin performance. That said, we continue to evaluate performance through the lens of gross profit dollars rather than any single quarter's margin rate.

Speaker #2: These initiatives are delivering the intended customer response, including increased visit frequency and deeper engagement across the network. At the same time, some of the categories that have traditionally contributed a disproportionate share of the merchandise gross profit remain softer than historical levels.

Speaker #2: As consumers place greater emphasis on value, we continue to see spending shift toward promotional and lower-ticket purchases, with fewer discretionary items making their way into the basket.

Speaker #2: While these categories represent a relatively modest portion of sales, they tend to carry higher margin profiles and therefore have a greater impact on overall margin performance.

Speaker #2: That said, we continue to evaluate performance through the lens of gross profit dollars, rather than any single quarter's margin rate. The balance between traffic, sales growth, and margin will naturally shift from period to period, but we remain confident in the underlying economics and long-term profitability of the business.

Filipe Da Silva: The balance between traffic, sales growth, and margin will naturally shift from period to period, but we remain confident in the underlying economics and long-term profitability of the business. We are also beginning to see tangible benefits from our distribution center network, with product availability and service level now outperforming our traditional wholesale model. While it is still early, the sourcing and procurement opportunities we are seeing reinforce our confidence that these capabilities will increasingly contribute to margin expansion over the coming quarters. In Canada, merchandise margin declined by 60 basis points to 53.3%, primarily reflecting category mix, continued competitive intensity in cigarette, and shifts within beverage categories. While these factors weighted on margin rate during the quarter, they supported volume and customer engagement in some of our most important categories.

Speaker #2: We are also beginning to see tangible benefits from our distribution center network. The distribution center network, with product availability and service levels, is now outperforming our traditional wholesale model.

Speaker #2: While still early, the sourcing and procurement opportunities we are seeing reinforce our confidence that these capabilities will increasingly contribute to margin expansion over the coming quarters.

Speaker #2: In Canada, merchandise margin declined by 60 basis points to 33.3%, primarily reflecting category mix, continued competitive intensity in cigarettes, and a shift within beverage categories.

Speaker #2: While these factors weighed on margin rate during the quarter, they supported volume and customer engagement in some of our most important categories. In Europe and other regions, merchandise margin increased by 70 basis points to 39.6%, benefiting from favorable mix including a lower relative contribution from cigarettes and continued growth in higher-margin categories and services.

Filipe Da Silva: In Europe and other regions, merchandise margin increased by 70 basis points to 39.6%, benefiting from favorable mix, including a lower relative contribution for cigarettes and continued growth in higher-margin categories and services. Our EV charging business continued to gain momentum in Europe, with gross profit increasing by nearly 40% compared with the same period last year. Moving on to the fuel, road transportation fuel gross margin was $0.5261 per gallon in the United States, 16.79 CAD cents per liter in Canada, and 11.34 US cents per liter in Europe and other regions. While fuel margins in Europe and other regions were bigger last year, this largely reflects change in market conditions during the quarter. We continue to view the regions as healthy and remain confident in our ability to generate attractive fuel profitability over time.

Speaker #2: Our EV charging business continued to gain momentum in Europe, with gross profit increasing by nearly 40% compared with the same period last year. Moving on to the fuel.

Speaker #2: Road transportation fuel gross margin was 52.61 cents per gallon in the United States, 16.79 Canadian cents per liter in Canada, and 11.34 US cents per liter in Europe and other regions.

Speaker #2: While fuel margins in Europe and other regions were below last year, this largely reflects changes in market conditions during the quarter. We continue to view the region as healthy and remain confident in our ability to generate attractive fuel profitability over time.

Speaker #2: While market conditions remained supportive during the quarter, we believe the consistency of our fuel performance increasingly reflects capabilities that have been built over the last decade.

Filipe Da Silva: While market conditions remained supportive during the quarter, we believe the consistency of our fuel performance increasingly reflects capabilities that have been built over the last decade. Investment across sourcing, logistics, supply optimization, and trading continue to strengthen our ability to perform through different market environments and create value across our network. More broadly, fuel remains a critical component of our growth algorithm. The scale and profitability of our fuel platform support traffic, generates significant gross profit, and helps fund the investment we are making across food, digital, and other long-term growth initiatives. Turning to SG&A, normalized expenses increased by 2.7% year over year, well below the weighted average inflation rate across our network. These results demonstrate an important point.

Speaker #2: Investment across sourcing, logistics, supply optimization, and trading continues to strengthen our ability to perform through different market environments and create value across our network.

Speaker #2: More broadly, fuel remains a critical component of our growth algorithm. The scale and profitability of our fuel platform support traffic, generate significant gross profit, and help fund the investments we are making across food, digital, and our long-term growth initiatives.

Speaker #2: Turning to SG&A, normalized expenses increased by 2.7% year over year, well below the weighted average inflation rate across our network. This result demonstrates an important point.

Speaker #2: Over the last several quarters, we have been making thoughtful investments across supply chain, technology, and store operations while preserving the financial discipline that has always been central to how we operate the business.

Filipe Da Silva: Over the last several quarters, we have been making thoughtful investments across supply chain, technology, and store operations while preserving the financial discipline that has always been central to how we operate the business. This quarter is another proof point that we can continue investing in the future while maintaining a lean cost structure today. Store labor hours per location declined 1.1% compared with last year, while overtime trends across North America continue to improve. This improvement reflects ongoing efforts to better align labor with demand, simplify execution, and support productivity at the store level. We are also making good progress with Relax. Since discussing the successful pilot last quarter, deployment is expanding from approximately 200 stores to more than 1,000 locations across North America.

Speaker #2: This quarter is another proof point that we can continue investing in the future while maintaining a lean cost structure today. Store labels hours per location declined 1.1% compared with last year, while overtime trends across network across North sorry, while overtime trends across North America continue to improve.

Speaker #2: This improvement reflects ongoing efforts to better align labor with demand, simplify execution, and support productivity at the store level. We are also making progress with RELEX.

Speaker #2: Since discussing the successful pilot last quarter, deployment has expanded from approximately 200 stores to more than 1,000 locations across North America. Product availability on RELEX-managed items has improved by more than 5%, supported by stronger forecasting, replenishment, and space planning.

Filipe Da Silva: Product availability on Relax managed items has improved by more than 5%, supported by stronger forecasting, replenishment, and space planning. Most US business units are expected to be live during fiscal 2027, with Canada following in fiscal 2028. Over time, we expect these capabilities to improve availability, reduce complexity and spoilage, and further enhance productivity across the network. Turning to depreciation, we saw an increase of approximately $21 million, or 4%, compared with the Q1 of last year. Approximately $16 million of the increase was attributable to acquisition, with the balance largely reflecting ongoing investment in our network, equipment replacement, and other growth initiatives. Overall, depreciation continues to evolve largely in line with our expectations and consistent with the pace of investment across the business.

Speaker #2: Most U.S. business units are expected to be live during fiscal 2027, with Canada following in fiscal 2028. Over time, we expect these capabilities to improve availability, reduce complexity and spoilage, and further enhance productivity across the network.

Speaker #2: Turning to depreciation, we saw an increase of approximately $21 million, or 4%, compared with the first quarter of last year. Approximately $16 million of the increase was attributable to acquisition, with the balance largely reflecting ongoing investment in our network, equipment replacement, and overall growth initiatives.

Speaker #2: Overall, depreciation continues to evolve largely in line with our expectations and consistent with the pace of investment across the business. From a tax perspective, the income tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2027 was 23.3%, compared with 23.2% for the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2026.

Filipe Da Silva: From a tax perspective, the income tax rate for the Q1 of fiscal 2027 was 23.3%, compared with 23.2% for the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2026. As of 19 July 2026, returns on equity stood at 19.7%, while return on capital employed was 13.7%. Our balance sheet remains in a strong position. At quarter end, our leverage ratios stood at 1.77 times, compared with 1.99 times at the end of fiscal 2026. We also maintain strong liquidity with approximately $3 billion in cash and an additional $3.5 billion available through our revolving unsecured operating credit facility. During the quarter, we repurchased 0.4 million shares for approximately $26 million and repaid our EUR 750 million denominated senior unsecured note at maturity. As part of our capital allocation framework, share repurchases are currently on pause as we prepare for the expected closing of the Shopko transaction.

Speaker #2: As of July 19, 2026, returns on equities stood at 19.7%, while return on capital employed was 13.7%. Our balance sheet remains in a strong position.

Speaker #2: At quarter end, our leverage ratios stood at 1.77 times, compared with 1.99 times at the end of fiscal 2026. We also maintain strong liquidity, with approximately $3 billion in cash and an additional $3.5 billion available through our revolving unsecured operating credit facility.

Speaker #2: During the quarter, we repurchased 0.4 million shares for approximately $26 million and repaid our €750 million senior unsecured note at maturity.

Speaker #2: As part of our capital allocation framework, share repurchases are currently on pause as we prepare for the expected closing of the Shapka transaction. Following the launch of the voluntary tender offer process at the end of August, we continue to make progress toward completing what we believe is a highly complementary and accretive addition to the Circle K family.

Filipe Da Silva: Following the launch of the voluntary tender offer process at the end of August, we continue to make progress toward completing what we believe is a highly complementary and compelling addition to the Couche-Tard family. This will further enhance our leadership position in the convenience market. While the final ownership level will depend on shareholder participation in the offer, we currently expect leverage to move modestly above our stated comfortable range of 2 to 2.5 times at closing. Even so, we remain confident in the strength of our balance sheet, our cash generation capabilities, and our ability to deliver efficiently following completion of the transaction. Turning to the dividend, the board of the ATD declared yesterday a quarterly dividend of CAD 0.215 per share for the Q1 of fiscal 2027 to shareholders on record as of 11 September 2026, and approved its payment effective 25 September 2026.

Speaker #2: This will further enhance our leadership position in the convenience markets. While the final ownership level will depend on shareholder participation in the offer, we currently expect leverage to move slightly above our stated comfortable range of 2 to 2.5 times at closing.

Speaker #2: Even so, we remain confident in the strength of our balance sheet, our cash generation capabilities, and our ability to deliver efficiently following completion of the transaction.

Speaker #2: Turning to the V land, the board of directors declared yesterday a quarterly dividend of 21.5 cents Canadian per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2027 to shareholders of record as of September 11, 2026, and approved its payment effective September 25, 2026.

Speaker #2: In closing, I'm very pleased with our quarterly performance and remain committed to executing against the long-term profitable growth algorithm outlined at our business strategy update.

Filipe Da Silva: In closing, I am very pleased with our quarterly performance and remain committed to executing against the long-term profitable growth algorithm outlined at our business strategy update. While quarterly results will inevitably include some variability, our focus remains on the longer-term trajectory of the business. Across merchandise, fuel, customer engagement, and operational efficiency, we continue to see evidence that the investment initiatives underway are moving in the right direction and strengthening the foundation of the business. We are investing in the areas that matter, improving the economics of our networks, and expanding the advantages that continue to set us apart. As we look ahead, we feel good about where the business is headed. We are executing against a clear plan, building on a position of strength, and remain confident in our ability to create sustainable long-term value for shareholders.

Speaker #2: While quarterly results will inevitably include some variability, our focus remains on the long-term trajectory of the business. Across merchandise, fuel, customer engagement, and operational efficiency, we continue to see evidence that the investment initiatives underway are moving in the right direction and strengthening the foundation of the business.

Speaker #2: We are investing in the areas that matter, improving the economics of our networks, and expanding the advantages that continue to set us apart. As we look ahead, we feel good about where the business is headed.

Speaker #2: We are executing against a clear plan, building on a position of strength, and remain confident in our ability to create sustainable long-term value for shareholders.

Speaker #2: Thank you for your attention. I will now turn the call back to Alex.

Filipe Da Silva: I thank you for your attention, and I will now turn the call back to Alex.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Felipe. I'll leave you with a few final thoughts. As I step back and look at the quarter, what stands out to me is the progress we're making across the business.

Alex Miller: Thank you, Philippe. I will leave you with a few final thoughts. As I step back and look at the quarter, what stands out to me is the progress we are making across the business. We are attracting more customers into our ecosystem, gaining share in key categories, and expanding engagement through loyalty. The quarter also highlights the strength of a business that is built on multiple geographies, categories, and initiatives, rather than any single driver of performance. As Philippe noted, progress in a business like ours is measured over years, not quarters, and the results we discussed today reinforce our conviction in the Core plus more strategy and the long-term direction of the business. As we look ahead to Q2, it is still early, but we saw trends stabilize as we exited Q1 and are beginning to see signs of improvement.

Alex Miller: Thank you, Filipe. I will leave you with a few final thoughts. As I step back and look at the quarter, what stands out to me is the progress we are making across the business. We are attracting more customers into our ecosystem, gaining share in key categories, and expanding engagement through loyalty. The quarter also highlights the strength of a business that is built on multiple geographies, categories, and initiatives, rather than any single driver of performance. As Philippe noted, progress in a business like ours is measured over years, not quarters, and the results we discussed today reinforce our conviction in the Core plus more strategy and the long-term direction of the business. As we look ahead to Q2, it is still early, but we saw trends stabilize as we exited Q1 and are beginning to see signs of improvement.

Speaker #1: We're attracting more customers into our ecosystem, gaining share in key categories, and expanding engagement through loyalty. The quarter also highlights the strength of a business that is built on multiple geographies, categories, and initiatives, rather than any single driver of performance.

Speaker #1: As Felipe noted, progress in a business like ours is measured over years, not quarters, and the results we discuss today reinforce our conviction in the Core Plus More strategy and the long-term direction of the business.

Speaker #1: As we look ahead to the second quarter, it's still early, but we saw trends stabilize as we exited the first quarter and are beginning to see signs of improvement.

Speaker #1: While there remains some uncertainty in the consumer environment, the data we see today gives us optimism that there is a path toward sequential improvement and performance consistent with our long-term growth algorithm.

Alex Miller: While there remains some uncertainty in the consumer environment, the data we see today gives us optimism that there is a path towards sequential improvement and performance consistent with our long-term growth algorithm. My thanks once again to our colleagues around the world for everything they do to serve our customers. With that, operator, let's open the line for questions.

Speaker #1: My thanks once again to our colleagues around the world for everything they do to serve our customers. With that, operator, let's open the line for questions.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Should you have a question, please press star followed by one on your touch-tone phone.

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 1 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 2. If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any key. 1 moment, please, for your first question. Your first question comes from Irene Nattel with RBC Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Operator: 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 1 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 2. If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any key. 1 moment, please, for your first question. Your first question comes from Irene Nattel with RBC Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Speaker #3: 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 number two.

Speaker #3: If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any key. One moment, please, for your first question. Your first question comes from Irene Nettel with RBC Capital Markets.

Speaker #3: Your line is now open.

Speaker #4: Thanks, and good morning, everyone. I'd like to start the call by asking for a little more color, please, around the U.S. same-store sales number, which came in just shy of your target.

Irene Nattel: Thanks, and good morning, everyone. I would like to start the call, just talking a little more color, please, around the US same store sales number, which came in just shy of your target. More specifically, some of the categories that you described as being weak, I am wondering how much of that is structural, as consumer consumption changes spend, how much just may be transitory, and how we should think about re-acceleration of that same-store sales number as we move through the year. Thank you.

Speaker #4: But more specifically, some of the categories that you described as being weak, I'm wondering how much of that is structural—you know, is it consumer consumption changes or spend? How much is just maybe transitory? And, you know, how should we think about the reacceleration of that same-store sales number as we move through the year?

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thanks for the question, Irene. I think as you look at the quarter, right, we continue to see, you know, the items we've referenced as core and where we see strength—you continue to see real strength, right?

Alex Miller: Thanks for the question, Irene Nattel. I think as you look at the quarter, we continue to see the items we have referenced as core and where we see strength, you continue to see real strength. We are delivering in nicotine. You look at cigarettes, we were up, I want to say 3.6% in Q4. We were up 1.8% in this quarter. So still very solid growth, but a fallback versus where we were in Q4. We obviously grew other nicotine by even a greater number and continue to capture material share in that growing instance, where our gross profit now is very similar in the US from other nicotine to cigarettes, and it is actually pretty significantly higher in Europe, than cigarettes are. Energy drinks continue to perform. Like you heard in our commentary, we saw some real challenge in carbonated soft drinks, that impacted our packaged beverage.

Alex Miller: Thanks for the question, Irene. I think as you look at the quarter, we continue to see the items we have referenced as core and where we see strength, you continue to see real strength. We are delivering in nicotine. You look at cigarettes, we were up, I want to say 3.6% in Q4. We were up 1.8% in this quarter. So still very solid growth, but a fallback versus where we were in Q4. We obviously grew other nicotine by even a greater number and continue to capture material share in that growing instance, where our gross profit now is very similar in the US from other nicotine to cigarettes, and it is actually pretty significantly higher in Europe, than cigarettes are. Energy drinks continue to perform. Like you heard in our commentary, we saw some real challenge in carbonated soft drinks, that impacted our packaged beverage.

Speaker #1: We're delivering in nicotine. You know, you look at cigarettes, right? We were up, I want to say, 3.6 in Q4. We were up 1.8 in this quarter.

Speaker #1: So, still very solid growth, but a fallback versus where we were in Q4. We obviously grew other nicotine by an even greater number and continue to capture material share in that growing instance, where our gross profit now is very similar in the US from other nicotine to cigarettes, and it's actually higher—pretty significantly higher—in Europe than cigarettes are.

Speaker #1: Energy drinks continue to perform. Like you heard in our commentary, we saw some real challenges in carbonated soft drinks. That impacted our packaged beverage.

Speaker #1: I think, with that said, energy drinks is now twice the size of CSD, where we're growing significantly. We're also seeing really strong sales in hydration, functional beverages, and protein beverages, and we are actively allocating more assortment to those areas.

Alex Miller: I think with that said, energy drinks is now twice the size of CSD, where we are growing significantly, and we are also seeing changes, really strong sales in hydration, functional beverages, protein beverages, and we are actively allocating more assortment to those areas. As you look at the center store, specifically confectionery, salty snacks, some of those categories, that are long traditional categories in the C store space, they have been under challenge for some time. I certainly think GLP-1 drugs are having an impact on those categories. And we did see, they were softer in this quarter, than they were the previous quarter. Is that transitory or not? Candidly, Irene Nattel, I do not know. What I do know is we are changing assortment, and we are putting in more protein, more functional bars and things in these category, chips in these categories. You see the vendors actively reallocating space.

Speaker #1: As you look at the center store, specifically confectionery, salty snacks, some of those categories, that have, you know, our long traditional categories in the C store space, they have been under challenge for some time.

Speaker #1: I certainly think GLP-1 drugs are having an impact on those categories. And we did see they were softer this quarter than they were the previous quarter.

Speaker #1: Is that transitory or not? Candidly, Irene, I don't know. What I do know is we are changing assortment, and we are putting in more protein, more functional bars and things in these categories, chips in these categories.

Speaker #1: You see the vendors actively reallocating space. So we remain optimistic as we make changes to our assortment that these can continue to be strong categories for us.

Alex Miller: So we remain optimistic as we make changes to our assortment that these can continue to be strong categories for us.

Speaker #4: That's great. Thank you, all. Please pass it along.

Irene Nattel: That is great. Thank you. I will pass it along.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Corey Charlow with Jefferies. Your line is now open.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from Corey Tarlowe with Jefferies. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from Corey Tarlowe with Jefferies. Your line is now open.

Speaker #1: Great, thank you, and good morning. Alex, I wanted to ask about the test with the Flamin' Hot Chicken partnership with Pepsi, and how that has informed your ability to move into different categories beyond where the business currently exists.

Corey Tarlowe: Great. Thank you, and good morning. Alex, I wanted to ask about the test with the Flamin' Hot chicken partnership with Pepsi, and how that, A, has informed your ability to move into different categories beyond what the business currently exists in. B, as you think about what this might portend for the future, how this could unlock further scale for your food platform as we look forward. Thanks so much.

Speaker #1: And then, B, as you think about what this might portend for the future, how this could unlock further scale for your food platform as we look forward.

Speaker #1: Thanks so much.

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think, you know, we have great relationships with our big CPG partners, first of all. And Pepsi and Frito-Lay are among those partners.

Alex Miller: I think, we have great relationships with our big CPG partners, first of all, and Pepsi and Frito-Lay are one of those partners. We have great relationships with multiple other of our big CPG partners. We continue to innovate and work with them and bring new products to market. With our relationships and our scale, we are often able to do that, with exclusive launches and bring unique products to market. As I think about the Flamin' Hot launch, what gives us encouragement is we think about our food. We think about, you hear us talk to compelling value and our Meal Deals, and you clearly see those resonating with consumers as we grow those platforms.

Speaker #2: We have great relationships with several of our big CPG partners, and we continue to innovate and work with them to bring new products to market.

Speaker #2: And with our relationships and our scale, we're often able to do that with exclusive launches and bring unique products to market. I think, as I think about the Flamin' Hot launch, what gives us encouragement is, we think about our food.

Speaker #2: We think about, you know, you hear us talk to compelling volume and our meal deals, and you clearly see those resonating with consumers as we grow those platforms.

Speaker #2: What also is finding midpoint price and more premium price items to bring into our mix. That can help with margins and deliver additional sales growth beyond just the compelling value offers that I believe we've shown we have real capability in.

Alex Miller: What also is finding midpoint price and more premium price items to bring into our mix, that can help with margins and deliver additional sales growth beyond just the compelling value offers that I believe we've shown we have real capability in. Flamin' Hot Boneless Wings, the LTOs that we've launched with Guy Fieri, and what we have in line to do that, I think we see a path to hit at these different levels of food, and contribute to our goal to grow three to four times food versus our core C store. We grew food 5.2% in the US. We grew hot foods over 11% in the US. We grew food in Canada 4.3%, and we grew food in Europe 3.6%. So we are growing food across the network.

Speaker #2: Flaming hot wings, the LTOs that we've launched with Guy Fieri, and what we have in line to do with that—I think we see a path to hit at these different levels.

Speaker #2: ...of food, and contribute to our goal to grow three to four times food versus our core C-store. We grew food 5.2% in the US.

Speaker #2: We grew hot foods over 11% in the US. We grew food in Canada 4.3%, and we grew food in Europe 3.6%. So, we are growing food across the network.

Speaker #2: And we believe things like Flamin' Hot Wings, and specifically having very targeted offerings at value, mid-point, and premium, will accelerate our growth to our goal of three to four times growth that we've shared with you. That is our ultimate target.

Alex Miller: And we believe things like Flamin' Hot Boneless Wings and specifically having very targeted at value, midpoint, and premium, will accelerate our growth to our goal of three to four times growth, that we've shared with you that is our ultimate target.

Speaker #1: Great, thanks so much, and best of luck.

Corey Tarlowe: Great. Thanks so much, and best of luck.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Martin Landry with People. Your line is now open.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from Martin Landry with Stifel. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from Martin Landry with Stifel. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: Hi, good morning. I would like to go back to the US consumer. You know, your merchandise same-store sales were growing below your growth algorithm.

Martin Landry: Hi, good morning. I would like to go back to the US consumer. Your merchandise same-store sales were growing below your growth algorithm, and combined with the margin erosion this quarter versus last quarter, your growth was above your growth algorithm with a margin expansion. Can you discuss a little bit the health of the US consumer? In Q4, you had mentioned consumer resilience. Today, I think you are pointing to a more discerning consumer spending. Have you seen a change in consumer behavior in the US in Q1 versus Q4? I would like to hear a little bit more details on that.

Speaker #5: And combined with the margin erosion this quarter versus last quarter, your growth was above your growth algorithm, with a margin expansion. So can you discuss a little bit about the health of the US consumer? In Q4, you had mentioned consumer resilience.

Speaker #5: And today, I think you're pointing to a more discerning consumer spending. So, have you seen a change in consumer behavior in the US in Q1 versus Q4?

Speaker #5: Would you like to hear a little bit more details on that?

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think, you know, the notion of inflation—it's been here with us for a while. The notion of the, you know, the K-shaped economy or the stress on large, you know, the lower-income consumers—that's been a conversation for really multiple years now.

Alex Miller: Yeah, I think, the notion of inflation, it has been here with us for a while. The notion of the K-shaped economy or the stress on the lower income consumers, that has been a conversation for really multiple years now. I think when you stand back, the consumer, in many of the metrics, they have proven to be highly resilient, right? That gives us optimism. They are out spending. They are just being more targeted, more direct, I think more thoughtful in their choices. We need to play into that. We are playing into that. You hear retailers. I think a lot of retailers have kind of signaled, hey, they are seeing some softness. That is not the first time we have heard that, and that will never be a reason or an excuse inside of Couche-Tard. We are taking share. We need to take more share.

Speaker #2: I think when you stand back, the consumer, in many of the metrics, has proven to be highly resilient, right? And that gives us optimism.

Speaker #2: They are outspending. They are just being more targeted, more direct. I think more thoughtful in their choices. And we need to play into that.

Speaker #2: And we are playing into that. You know, you hear retailers— I think a lot of retailers have kind of signaled, hey, they’re seeing some softness.

Speaker #2: But that's not the first time we've heard that. And that will never be a reason or an excuse inside Couche-Tard. We are taking share.

Speaker #2: We need to take more share. That is about the assortment and having the things that they really want. That is increasingly leveraging our digital platforms to communicate with them and provide them personalized offers that resonate with them, and drive them to our stores more often, and to purchase more when they're in our stores.

Alex Miller: That is about the assortment and having the things that they really want. That is increasingly leveraging our digital platforms to communicate with them and provide them personalized offers that resonate with them and drive them to our stores more often and to purchase more when they are on our stores. We are having success in doing that. We continue to advance those programs, advance our capabilities around personalization, add age-restricted members to our platforms. We believe we can continue to win and take share inside of the environment that we are operating in. Ultimately deliver on our growth algorithm. 15% EPS growth and 10% EBITDA growth, that is solid, right? That is solid. Yes, we slightly missed on our 2% to 3% same store. We believe we can deliver in this environment against our growth algorithm. I believe we are showing that we can.

Speaker #2: We are having success in doing that. We continue to advance those programs and advance our capabilities around personalization, and add age-restricted members to our platforms. We believe we can continue to win and take share inside the environment that we're operating in.

Speaker #2: And, you know, ultimately deliver on our growth algorithm—you know, 15% EPS growth and 10% EBITDA growth. That's solid, right? That's solid. And yes, we slightly missed on our 2–3% same store.

Speaker #2: But we believe we can deliver in this environment against our growth algorithm, and I believe we're showing that we can.

Speaker #5: Okay, thank you for the comments.

Martin Landry: Okay. Thank you for the comments.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Chris Lee with Desjardins. Your line is now open.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from Chris Li with Desjardins. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from Chris Li with Desjardins. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: Hi, good morning. I just have a very quick clarification and then a quick follow-up. First, Alex, I just want to confirm: did you say that for Q2 to date, U.S. merchandise same-store sales are trending roughly the same as Q1, about 1.7%, but you do see maybe a path for sequential improvement, while maybe still a little bit early?

David Brown: Hi, good morning. I just have a very quick clarification and then a quick follow-up. First, Alex, I want just to confirm, did you say that Q2 to date US merchandise same store sales is trending roughly the same as Q1, about 1.7%? But you do see maybe a path for sequential improvement, while it may be still a little bit early.

Chris Li: Hi, good morning. I just have a very quick clarification and then a quick follow-up. First, Alex, I want just to confirm, did you say that Q2 to date US merchandise same store sales is trending roughly the same as Q1, about 1.7%? But you do see maybe a path for sequential improvement, while it may be still a little bit early.

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think our sales thus far in the quarter are very similar to what we just announced for Q1. I think we have seen some acceleration in the past couple of weeks that gives us some optimism.

Alex Miller: Yeah, I think our sales thus far in the quarter are very similar to what we just announced for Q1. I think we have seen some acceleration in the past couple of weeks that gives us some optimism. Our fuel volume numbers are pretty similar to what we delivered in Q1. Our US CPG up to this point is high 40s. Our cost in P4 are absolutely under control, and we delivered nice margin capture in P4. Yes, to answer your question, that similar, but feel pretty good about our performance up to this stage of the quarter and have some optimism in the last couple of weeks of data that we've seen.

Speaker #2: Our fuel volume numbers are pretty similar to what we delivered in Q1. Our U.S. CPG up to this point is in the high 40s. Our costs in Q4 are absolutely under control, and we delivered nice margin capture in Q4.

Speaker #2: So yes, to answer your question, that's similar, but I feel pretty good about our performance up to this stage of the quarter and have some optimism based on the last couple of weeks of data that we've seen.

Filipe Da Silva: Yeah. Just to build on what Alex said, I think it's very important to go a bit beyond the quarter over quarter vision. We believe that customers are looking for value. We have been talking about that now since two quarters. We are seeing a very strong response there. We see when you look at loyalty, all the investment that we have been doing there. We see the traffic going up, average visit is going up with the loyalty. So there is making it give us and all the food things, initiative that Alex has just mentioned earlier in the call. It's just showing us that we are on the right path. We are there for the customers on the long run. There is no doubt that this growth algorithm that we have provided to you during the business update, we get there.

Speaker #4: And just to build on Alex, I think it's very important to go a bit beyond, you know, the quarter over quarter vision and we believe that, you know, customers are looking for value.

Speaker #4: We have been talking about that now for a few quarters. We are seeing a very strong response there. When we look at loyalty and all the investment that we have been making there, we see the traffic going up and average visits going up with the loyalty.

Speaker #4: So it's resonating and gives us, you know—and all the food, you know, things and initiatives that Alex has just mentioned earlier in the call—it's just showing us that we are on the right path.

Speaker #4: We are there for the customers in the long run. There is no doubt that, you know, this growth algorithm that we have provided to you during the business update will get there.

Speaker #4: We just need to continue to do what we do, and we are convinced that we are on the right path, and the customer is responding well.

Filipe Da Silva: We just need to continue to do what we do, and we are convinced that we are on the right path and the customer is responding well. Yeah, a lot of confidence around that.

Speaker #4: So, yeah, a lot of confidence around that.

Speaker #5: Perfect. And then just maybe a quick follow-up, just on the fuel margins. As you know, the US administration has been in talks with the refiners to try to lower gas prices.

David Brown: Perfect. Just maybe a quick follow-up, just on the fuel margins. As you know, the US administration has been in talks with the refiners to try to lower gas prices. I know it is still very early and there are not a lot of details, but just curious to know how you think this might potentially impact your business and fuel margins, if any at all.

Chris Li: Perfect. Just maybe a quick follow-up, just on the fuel margins. As you know, the US administration has been in talks with the refiners to try to lower gas prices. I know it is still very early and there are not a lot of details, but just curious to know how you think this might potentially impact your business and fuel margins, if any at all.

Speaker #5: I know it's still very early, and there aren't a lot of details, but I'm just curious to know how you think this might potentially impact your business and fuel margins, if at all.

Speaker #2: You know, we really separate, right? We have our supply chain, and our supply chain goal is to bring product to supply our stores readily, constantly, and to do it at the lowest possible cost of goods.

Alex Miller: We really separate, right? We have our supply chain, and our supply chain's goal is to bring product, to supply our stores ratably, constantly, and to do it at the lowest possible cost of goods. We then compete every minute of every day on the street with our competitive set. We remain in position and competitively priced, always. That is our motto. The rest of it rolls around us. I think we have said to you multiple times that in periods of volatility, they ultimately are good for us. And the platform we have built enables us to capture additional value. I think you see that in Q4, you see that in Q1 here. The environment remains volatile out there. And we continue to utilize our platform to capture value and deliver underlying HOGs that is advantaged against our competitive set.

Speaker #2: We then compete every minute of every day on the street with our competitive set, and we remain in position and competitively priced always. That is our motto.

Speaker #2: The rest of it rolls around us. I think we have said to you multiple times that periods of volatility ultimately are good for us.

Speaker #2: And the platform we have built enables us to capture additional value. I think you see that in Q4, and you see that in Q1 here.

Speaker #2: The environment remains volatile out there, and we continue to utilize our platform to capture value and deliver underlying clogs that is an advantage against our competitive set.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Vishal Sridhar with National Bank. Your line is now open.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from Vishal Shreedhar with National Bank. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from Vishal Shreedhar with National Bank. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: Hi, thanks for taking my question. At Investor Day, supply chain was indicated to be an enabler for your strategy, and I know you had some DCs that have opened, and you talked to that a little bit.

Vishal Shreedhar: Hi. Thanks for taking my question. At Investor Day, supply chain was indicated to be an enabler for your strategy. I know you had some DCs that have opened, and you talked to that a little bit. I was just hoping you could update us on where you are on your DCs and how many of the planned 1,600 stores have been onboarded. When should we expect those benefits to become visible in merchandise same-store sales growth and gross margin and expenses?

Speaker #5: I was just hoping you could update us on where you are with your DCs, how many of the planned 1,600 stores have been onboarded, and when we should expect those benefits to become visible in merchandise same-store sales growth, gross margin, and expenses?

Speaker #4: Thank you. Thank you, Vishal. Yeah, you're right. The supply chain, the merchant supply chain, is one of the key initiatives that we have, you know, within the corpus more.

Filipe Da Silva: Thank you, Vishal. Yeah, you are right. The merch supply chain is one of the key initiatives that we have within the Core plus more model. I think you should see that initiative as a multi-year journey. To build this supply chain, I will make a parallel on the fuel side, it takes years. Here we are very pleased actually by the three DCs that we have put in operation during Q4 of last year. As I mentioned earlier in the call, it is already delivering tangible results. Availability, service level are already above the model that we have and the work center that we have in other stores, the other part of the network in the US. So it is already delivering there. On the sourcing and the procurement, we are just starting. I think here it will take some time, as I mentioned in the previous call.

Speaker #4: And I think you should see that initiative, you know, as a multi-year journey. You know, to build this supply chain, I will make a parallel on the fuel side.

Speaker #4: It takes years, okay? So here we are, very pleased actually by the 3DCs that we have put in operation during Q4 of last year.

Speaker #4: And as I mentioned earlier in the call, it's already delivering tangible results. Availability and service levels are already above the model that we have and the wholesale model that we have in our stores and in other parts of the network in the US.

Speaker #4: So it's already delivering there. On the sourcing and procurement, we are just starting. I think here it will take some time. As I mentioned, you know, in the previous call, I think we will start to see some margin benefits at the end of this fiscal year.

Filipe Da Silva: I think we will start to see some margin benefits at the end of this fiscal year, and definitely continue to accelerate over the next coming years. But feeling good about where we are. The team are full speed on that. Again, it is a new capability for us, but we are definitely confident that we will be talking about the merch supply chain as we are talking about the fuel supply chain today as a very strong differentiator and an enabler to margin expansion over the next coming years, Vishal.

Speaker #4: And definitely continue to accelerate over the next coming years. But feeling good about where we are, the team are, you know, full speed on that.

Speaker #4: Again, it's a new capability for us, but we are definitely confident that, you know, we'll be talking about it as much—surprisingly—as we are talking about the fuel supply chain today, as a very strong differentiator.

Speaker #4: And an enabler to margin expansion over the next few years, Vishal.

Speaker #2: Yeah, and Richard, I'll build on JACA. You know, there are many things we find attractive about JACA, but certainly a primary one is their more than a decade of advancement of their own supply chain.

Alex Miller: Yeah, Richard, I build on Żabka. There are many things we find attractive about Żabka, but certainly a primary one is their more than a decade of advancement of their own supply chain. They have eight warehouses in Poland. They have two more under construction as we speak. They supply 99.8% of the goods to their nearly 13,000 sites in Poland. We have 400 stores in Poland. We have 60% SKU overlap, and their cost of goods to deliver to their stores versus our cost of goods is more than 20% less. Acquiring Żabka, we will be able to service some of our European network with their existing footprint. We believe that will advance our capabilities and our speed in Europe on this journey, and also the knowledge to our six warehouses and DCs here in North America.

Alex Miller: Yeah, Vishal, I build on Żabka. There are many things we find attractive about Żabka, but certainly a primary one is their more than a decade of advancement of their own supply chain. They have eight warehouses in Poland. They have two more under construction as we speak. They supply 99.8% of the goods to their nearly 13,000 sites in Poland. We have 400 stores in Poland. We have 60% SKU overlap, and their cost of goods to deliver to their stores versus our cost of goods is more than 20% less. Acquiring Żabka, we will be able to service some of our European network with their existing footprint. We believe that will advance our capabilities and our speed in Europe on this journey, and also the knowledge to our six warehouses and DCs here in North America.

Speaker #2: So they have eight warehouses in Poland. They have two more under construction as we speak. They supply 99.8% of the goods to their nearly 13,000 sites in Poland.

Speaker #2: And we have 400 stores in Poland. We have 60% SKU overlap, and their cost of goods to deliver to their stores versus our cost of goods is more than 20% less.

Speaker #2: Acquiring JACA, we will be able to service some of our European network with their existing footprint, and we believe that will advance our capabilities and our speed in Europe.

Speaker #2: On this journey, and also the knowledge of our six warehouses and DCs here in North America.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from John Zamper with Scotiabank. Your line is now open.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from John Zamparo with Scotiabank. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from John Zamparo with Scotiabank. Your line is now open.

Speaker #6: Hi, thank you. Good morning. The question is about your vendor partnerships, in particular on other nicotine and energy. I wonder if you can talk about the state of vendor support you're receiving to spur traffic and sales in those categories.

John Zamparo: Hi. Thank you. Good morning. The question is about your vendor partnerships, in particular on other nicotine and energy. I wonder if you can talk about the state of vendor support you are receiving to spur traffic and sales in those categories. In the past, you have spoken positively about this contributing to sales growth and also margin expansion because these categories carry above-average margins. I wonder how that has fared this quarter and what you expect the rest of the year, given the current environment among consumers and for consumer spending.

Speaker #6: In the past, you've spoken positively about this contributing to sales growth and also margin expansion, because these categories carry above-average margins. So, I wonder how that has fared this quarter, and what you expect for the rest of the year, given the current environment among consumers and for consumer spending?

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think energy is just, you know, it's an incredible story and that, you know, I mean, energy has been around now for 25 years.

Alex Miller: Yeah, I think energy is just an incredible story, in that energy has been around now for 25 years. It is a massive category today, as we discussed, right? It is twice the size of carbonated soft drinks. Yet it is still growing, high single digits kind of industry-wide. For us, we are outperforming that. As I said, we have grown more than double digits, more than 10% in the US this quarter. We are growing in Canada, we are growing in Europe. As far as our vendor partners, I think we have great relationships with all those partners, Red Bull, Monster. Certainly, you have Pepsi in there with can. What you see is the core continuing to do very well, and then new products coming. You look at the new products such as Alani Nu and Celsius, and you see many more females entering the category, and new products.

Speaker #2: It is a massive category today, as we discussed, right? It's twice the size of carbonated soft drinks, yet it is still growing—high single digits, kind of industry-wide—and for us, we're outperforming that.

Speaker #2: And as I said, we've grown more than double digits—more than 10%—in the US this quarter. And we're growing in Canada. We're growing in Europe.

Speaker #2: As far as our vendor partners, right, I think we have great relationships with all those partners—Red Bull, Monster, certainly you have Pepsi in there with Canada.

Speaker #2: And, you know, what you see is the core continuing to do very well, and then new, you know, new products coming. You know, you look at the new products such as Alani and Celsius, and you see many more females entering the category.

Speaker #2: And new products, so the run rate for energy—it's been an incredible story. It is not slowing down, and we are well positioned both with our cooler space, the advancement of cold space in our stores around our footprint, and our relationship with vendors.

Alex Miller: The run rate for energy, it has been an incredible story. It is not slowing down. We are well-positioned both with our cooler space, the advancement of cold space in our stores around our footprint, and our relationship with vendors, and being on the cutting edge of getting the new products, bringing in the innovative products, and leading with those products. So we feel great about the journey, about our relationships, and where we are positioned, and we over-index. Energy and other nicotine are the two big drivers, and we have great relationships in those spaces. We over-index heavily in those spaces.

Speaker #2: And being on the cutting edge of getting the new products, bringing in the innovative products, and leading with those products—so we feel great about the journey, about our relationships, and where we're positioned. We over-index: energy and other nicotine are the two big drivers.

Speaker #2: And we have great relationships in those spaces, and we over-index heavily in those spaces.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from Derek Lessard with TD Cowen. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from Derek Lessard with TD Cowen. Your line is now open.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Derek Lessard with TD Cowen. Your line is now open.

Derek Lessard: Yeah, thanks, and good morning, everybody. Another standout quarter in terms of your cost control. Just how should we think about your normalized SG&A growth as you start lapping your strategic investments? Then just maybe a reminder on the timing of that lapping.

Speaker #7: Everybody, so another standout quarter in terms of your cost control. Just how should we think about your normalized SG&A growth as you start lapping your strategic investor investments, and then just maybe a reminder on the timing of that lapping?

Speaker #4: Yeah, thanks for the question. And yeah, you're right. The team is doing an amazing job here on the cost discipline. I have to say that that's something that, you know, it's across the operations US, Canada, Europe are delivering, you know, very strong discipline there, which allows us actually to invest.

Filipe Da Silva: Yeah, thanks for the question. Yeah, you are right. The team is doing an amazing job here on the cost discipline. I have to say that is something that, it is across the operations, US, Canada, Europe are delivering a very strong discipline there, which allows us actually to invest. We know we have been talking about, and we continue to talk about all these digital investments, supply chain investment. It is possible because we are being disciplined and a lot of stuff happening in terms of productivity. We are seeing labor hours going down in the stores. We are seeing the GNFR procurement and leveraging our scale and getting concrete results and savings there, through regional, national or global negotiation there.

Speaker #4: Because, yeah, we know we have been talking about, and we continue to talk about, all these digital investments and supply chain investments. And it's possible because we are being disciplined.

Speaker #4: And a lot of stuff happening, you know, in terms of productivity. So we are seeing labor hours, you know, going down in the stores.

Speaker #4: We are seeing, you know, the GNFR procurement and, you know, leveraging our scale and getting concrete results and savings there through, you know, regional, national, or global negotiation there.

Speaker #4: So, feeling very good about where we are, and yeah, we are very confident on, you know, this part of the financial growth algorithm—that we will be able to deliver normalized expense below inflation in a sustainable way.

Filipe Da Silva: Feeling very good about where we are and, yeah, we are very confident on this part of the financial growth algorithm that we will be able to deliver the normalized expense below inflation, on a sustainable way. Again, here, I want just to be cautious, quarter over quarter. We may see some variation there, but we will be there. We will be delivering on the fiscal year, this year. We will be delivering, over the couple of more, strategy, four years plan, and we are very confident, and thanks to the job that being done by the team again there.

Speaker #4: Again, here I just want to be cautious. You know, quarter over quarter, we may see some variation there, but we'll be there.

Speaker #4: We'll be delivering on the fiscal year this year. We'll be delivering over the corpus, more, you know, strategy, you know, four years plan, and we are very confident.

Speaker #4: And thanks to the job that's been done by the team again there.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Bobby Griffin with Raymond James. Your line is now open.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from Bobby Griffin with Raymond James. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from Bobby Griffin with Raymond James. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: Good morning. This is Alessandra Jimenez on for Bobby Griffin. Thank you for taking our questions. I wanted to follow up on the U.S. pricing investments.

Alexandra Jimenez: Good morning. This is Alexandra Jimenez on for Bobby Griffin. Thank you for taking our questions. I wanted to follow up on the US pricing investments. Could you provide some more detail on where those investments are concentrated by category, why you chose to make them now, and what you've seen from competitors in response? Should we think about the pricing investments as a multi-quarter margin headwind?

Alessandra Jimenez: Good morning. This is Alessandra Jimenez on for Bobby Griffin. Thank you for taking our questions. I wanted to follow up on the US pricing investments. Could you provide some more detail on where those investments are concentrated by category, why you chose to make them now, and what you've seen from competitors in response? Should we think about the pricing investments as a multi-quarter margin headwind?

Speaker #5: Could you provide some more detail on where those investments are concentrated by category? Why you chose to make them now and then what you've seen from competitors in response?

Speaker #5: And should we think about the pricing investments as a multi-quarter margin headwind?

Speaker #2: Yeah, thank you for the question. I'm not going to go into detailed category analysis on this call. I think, you know, what I would tell you is kind of two or three things.

Alex Miller: Yeah, thank you for the question. I am not going to go into detailed category analysis on this call. I think what I would tell you is two or three things. I think you have seen us grow margin expansion over the past two years. We have expanded margins. I view this quarter as somewhat of an anomaly. We knew we had heavy investment going into America 250, into the World Cup. We knew we had heavy investment going into our food platforms, and Meal Deals. On top of that, we had some timing impacts around rebates, and placement fees. So, we fundamentally believe that we have shown we can expand margins over the cycle. We believe we will continue to do that.

Speaker #2: I think you've seen us grow margin expansion over the past two years. We have expanded margins. I view this quarter as somewhat of an anomaly.

Speaker #2: We knew we had heavy investment going into America 250, into the World Cup. We knew we had heavy investment going into our food platforms.

Speaker #2: And meal deals. And then on top of that, we had some timing impacts around rebates and emplacement fees. So, you know, we fundamentally believe that we've shown we can expand margins over the cycle, and we believe we will continue to do that.

Speaker #2: And again, I think as you heard Felipe say, and you heard Felipe say about our costs, it's not always going to be clean quarter to quarter, but over the cycle, we fundamentally believe we will continue to expand margins, and we believe we've been showing that over the past couple of years.

Alex Miller: Again, I think as you heard Philippe say, and you heard Philippe say about our cost, it is not always going to be clean quarter to quarter, but over the cycle, we fundamentally believe we will continue to expand margins. We believe we have been showing that over the past couple of years.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Tammy Chen with VMO Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from Tamy Chen with BMO Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from Tamy Chen with BMO Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: Hi Alex, hi Felipe. Thanks for the question here. On the U.S. merchandising store sales, as I'm listening to you guys talk about the categories that have continued to grow well versus the categories that have been weak, it sounds like to further accelerate the merchandise comp, is it largely a shelf allocation hurdle at this point?

Tamy Chen: Hi, Alex. Hi, Philippe. Thanks for the question here. On the US merchandising store sales, as I am listening to you guys talk about the categories that have continued to grow well versus the categories that have been weak, it sounds like to further accelerate the merchandise comp, is it largely a shelf allocation hurdle at this point? Just continuing to pivot more of your shelf space to those higher growth areas, the functional beverages and less in the CSD and confectionery and that is when we will see that acceleration in the comp? Thanks.

Tamy Chen: Hi, Alex. Hi, Filipe. Thanks for the question here. On the US merchandising store sales, as I am listening to you guys talk about the categories that have continued to grow well versus the categories that have been weak, it sounds like to further accelerate the merchandise comp, is it largely a shelf allocation hurdle at this point? Just continuing to pivot more of your shelf space to those higher growth areas, the functional beverages and less in the CSD and confectionery and that is when we will see that acceleration in the comp? Thanks.

Speaker #5: So just continuing to pivot more of your shelf space to those higher growth areas, the functional beverages, and less in the CSD and confectionery, and that's when we'll see that acceleration in the comp.

Speaker #5: Thanks.

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think the simple answer is yes. I think you’ve heard me discussing for multiple quarters the changing consumer and the pace of that change.

Alex Miller: Well, I think the simple answer is yes. I think you have heard me discussing for multiple quarters the changing consumer and the pace of that change. Our need to adjust and adjust rapidly. I think the positive thing is the tools we have and the capabilities we have enable that, and we are adjusting. We need to continue and will continue to do that, and I think we are well positioned to do that. I also think through our digital platforms, we have the reach to reach consumers and let them know about these changes and come into our stores and invite them to try these new products that we are allocating assortment to.

Speaker #2: And you know, our need to adjust, and adjust rapidly—I think the positive thing is, the tools we have and the capabilities we have enable that.

Speaker #2: And we are adjusting and we need to continue and will continue to do that. And I think we're well positioned to do that. I also think through our digital platforms, we have the reach to reach consumers and let them know about these changes and come in and then come into our stores and invite them to try these products that these new products that we're allocating assortment to.

Speaker #4: And maybe an example—as we see the shift in terms of consumption and the consumer, we don't see that actually as a drag in our same-store sales. Because I will give you an example that we have done, you know, in terms of reallocation of space, is nicotine.

Filipe Da Silva: Maybe an example, as we see these shifts in terms of consumption and the consumer, we do not see that actually as a drag in our same-store sales because I will give you an example that we have done in terms of reallocation in space is nicotine. We have done that through the last few quarters and providing more space allocation to modern oral category versus cigarettes. Alex mentioned that several times. We continue to grow in cigarettes. It is really about being there for the consumer, with the right customer value proposition in terms of assortment, in terms of price and sets we continue to come.

Speaker #4: We have done that through, you know, the last few quarters, providing more space allocation to the modern oral category versus cigarettes. And Alex mentioned that several times.

Speaker #4: We continue to grow in cigarettes. So it's really about, you know, being there for the consumer with the right customer value proposition, in terms of assortment and in terms of price.

Speaker #4: And sales will continue to come, so—

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Luke Hannon with Canaccord Genuity. Your line is now open.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from Luke Hannan with Canaccord Genuity. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from Luke Hannan with Canaccord Genuity. Your line is now open.

Speaker #6: Thanks. Good morning. I want to dig in a little bit more into the Inner Circle—excuse me, the Inner Circle program, and specifically, Alex, I think you talked about how you're going to be rolling this out across your Northern Tier BU, or if not, are in the process already.

Luke Hannan: Thanks. Good morning. I wanted to dig in a little bit more into the Inner Circle, excuse me, the Inner Circle program, and specifically, Alex, I think you talked about you are going to be rolling this out across your Northern Tier BU, or if not in the process already. Can you just frame up for us the success of the program thus far once you have rolled it out into the BUs that you had targeted previously? As far as the success of converting the folks who are visiting your store more frequently into members based on that, what is your prospects, I guess, or how are you thinking about the conversion of members across Northern Tier? Then maybe as a follow-up to that as well is you talked about the investments in price.

Speaker #6: So, can you just frame up for us—I mean, the success of the program thus far? Once you've rolled it out into the BUs that you had targeted previously, as far as the success of converting the folks who are visiting your store more frequently into members based on that, what are your prospects, I guess, or how are you thinking about the conversion of members across the Northern Tier?

Speaker #6: And then maybe as a follow-up to that as well, you talked about the investments in price. How much of that is going to be showing up within, we'll call it, the everyday assortment versus showing up behind the Inner Circle program or within the Inner Circle program moving forward?

Luke Hannan: How much of that is going to be showing up within, we will call it, the everyday assortment versus showing up behind the Inner Circle program or within the Inner Circle program moving forward? Thanks.

Speaker #6: Thanks.

Speaker #2: Yeah, thanks for that. That was a lot in that question. So I'll start with Northern Tier. Northern Tier is old Holiday, right? So that's our Holiday acquisition that we did seven-some-odd years ago, and Holiday had a pretty advanced loyalty platform.

Alex Miller: Yeah, thanks for that. That was a lot in that question. So I will start with Northern Tier. Northern Tier is old Holiday, right? So that is our Holiday acquisition that we did seven some odd years ago. Holiday had a pretty advanced loyalty platform. So they had multiple partners, Cub Foods as an example in the Greater Twin Cities. So they had multiple partner programs. I think the great thing is, the reason we are launching Northern Tier is we now have the capability to plug partners across our entire Inner Circle platform. So I think you will be hearing more from us over the coming quarters of how we are plugging partners, both nationally and regionally, to drive more engagement, and more use of our platforms. So we are excited about that. When you look at Inner Circle, just every quarter, we are reporting to you more members, greater usage, higher basket.

Speaker #2: So they had multiple partners, Cub Foods as an example, in the Greater Twin Cities. So they had multiple partner programs. I think the great thing is, the reason we're launching Northern Tier is we now have the capability to plug partners across our entire Inner Circle platform.

Speaker #2: So I think you'll be hearing more from us over the coming quarters about how we are plugging in partners, both nationally and regionally, to drive more engagement and more use of our platforms.

Speaker #2: And so we're excited about that. You know, when you look at Inner Circle, just every quarter we're reporting to you more members, greater usage, higher baskets, and they—you know, it's every quarter. We are extremely pleased that what we are doing with consumers, it is resonating with them.

Alex Miller: It is every quarter. We are extremely pleased that what we are doing with consumers, it is resonating with them. We all know there is a lot of loyalty programs out there. It has to be relevant, and it has to provide value. It has to be personalized. We have the capabilities to do that, so we are just leveraging down on that. We are excited for our new visits-based program that we just launched. We think that will be a tool to be even more personal, and to give offers and benefits for people, recognizing how often they are visiting us and them seeing the direct rewards from that.

Speaker #2: We all know there are a lot of loyalty programs out there. They have to be relevant, provide value, and be personalized.

Speaker #2: We have the capabilities to do that, so we are just leveraging down on that. And we're excited for our new Visit Space program that we just launched.

Speaker #2: We think that will be a tool to be even more personal, and to give offers and benefits for people—recognizing how often they're visiting us—and them seeing the direct rewards from that.

Speaker #3: Your next question, customer Mark Carden with UBS. Your line is now open.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from Mark Carden with UBS. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from Mark Carden with UBS. Your line is now open.

Speaker #7: Good morning. Thanks so much for taking the question. I wanted to dig a bit more into consumers becoming more intentional in where they're spending.

Mark Carden: Good morning. Thanks so much for taking the question. I wanted to dig a bit more into the consumers becoming more intentional on where they are spending. It sounds like you are still taking market share, but as you step back and look at the broader channel, are you seeing much in the way of incremental sales dollars shifting to mass and the club channel just given where fuel prices are at today? Are you able to quantify how much of a merch comp headwind you saw in the US from SNAP? Thanks.

Speaker #7: It sounds like you're still taking market share. But as you step back and look at the broader channel, are you seeing much in the way of incremental sales dollars shifting to mass and the club channel, just given where fuel prices are at today?

Speaker #7: And then, are you able to quantify how much of a merch comp headwind you saw in the U.S. from SNAP? Thanks.

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think when you look at the macro data, macro retail data, you certainly hear and see that there are fewer trips. There is increasing value direction, value perception, and people looking for value.

Alex Miller: Well, I think when you look at the macro retail data, you certainly hear and see that there are fewer trips. There are increasing value, direction, value perception, looking for value. I think, again, if you look at retail data, you continue to see those trends coming through. I think, for us, we are actually growing traffic. You heard Filipe say we are growing traffic onto our lots. For last quarter, we were positive traffic, both onto our lots and into our stores. This quarter, we were slightly negative into our stores. But we have more customers coming to visit us inside of the context of fewer trips, more targeted trips for value. I think that really shows well for us, and it is why we think we are continuing to take increasing amounts of market share across our categories.

Speaker #2: So, I think, again, if you look at retail data, you continue to see those trends coming through. I think, you know, for us, we're actually growing traffic.

Speaker #2: You heard Felipe say, you know, we're growing traffic onto our lots. For the last quarter, we had positive traffic both onto our lots and into our stores.

Speaker #2: This quarter, we were slightly negative in our stores. But, you know, we have more customers coming to visit us, albeit in the context of fewer trips—more targeted trips for value.

Speaker #2: I think that really shows strength for us, and it's why we think we're continuing to take increasing amounts of market share across our categories.

Speaker #2: And as you've heard me talk about on this call, we think there are a lot of reasons why that's happening, but there is compelling value in the spaces where we can really compete and have strong vendor relationships.

Alex Miller: And as you have heard me talk about on this call, we think there is a lot of reasons of why that is happening, but that is compelling value in the spaces that we really can compete, and really have strong vendor relationships with. That is our investments into food, and that is certainly our digital platforms and our means to talk to our customers.

Speaker #2: That is our investments into food, and that is certainly our digital platforms and our means to talk to our customers.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Bonnie Herzog with Goldman Sachs. Your line is now open.

Operator 2: Your next question comes from Bonnie Herzog with Goldman Sachs. Your line is now open.

Operator: Your next question comes from Bonnie Herzog with Goldman Sachs. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: All right, thank you. Good morning, everyone. I was hoping you could touch on the durability of your new unit growth over the long term.

Bonnie Herzog: All right. Thank you. Good morning, everyone. I was hoping you could touch on the durability of your new unit growth over the long term. I know you have a plan to add more than 750 stores by FY30. Could you just maybe update us on the pace of this growth and then how we should think about NTIs versus M&A and whether you see higher returns on NTIs or M&A? With this, I guess I am curious to hear how M&A multiples have trended recently, considering the pressure on smaller operators. Thank you.

Speaker #5: I know you have a plan to add more than 750 stores by FY30. So could you just maybe update us on the pace of this growth, and then how we should think about NTIs versus M&A, and whether you see higher returns on NTIs or M&A?

Speaker #5: And with this, I guess I’m curious to hear how M&A multiples have trended recently considering, you know, the pressure on smaller operators. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Bonnie, for the question. There was quite a bit there, too. You know, NTIs are great for us. Our real estate group continues to perform very strongly.

Alex Miller: Thanks, Bonnie, for the question. Quite a bit there, too. NTIs are great for us. Our real estate group continues to perform very strongly. Our pipeline is large and massive. We continue to funnel that pipeline. We continue to believe and remain committed that we will deliver our 750 sites that we committed to in Core plus more, by 2030 or over the period. NTI economics for us are fantastic. I can tell you, we have pretty disciplined hurdles around return rates. If you look at our NTI program over the last several years, we are in the high teens, on average, around return on capital in that program. So the returns are strong. Single site acquisitions, we separate that from M&A, right? When we talk M&A or things like Żabka, those are big things.

Speaker #2: Our pipeline is large and massive. We continue to funnel that pipeline, and we continue to believe and remain committed that we will deliver our 750 sites that we committed to, in four plus more, by 2030 or over the period.

Speaker #2: NTI economics for us are, you know, fantastic. I can tell you, you know, we have pretty disciplined hurdles around return rates. If you look at our NTI program over the last several years, we are in the high teens on average around return on capital in that program.

Speaker #2: So, the returns are strong. Single site acquisitions—we separate that from M&A, right? When we talk M&A, or things like Zabka, you know, those are big things.

Speaker #2: But we believe there's an increasing opportunity to acquire one site, single sites, five sites, ten sites, and our real estate teams have organized that way now.

Alex Miller: But we believe there is an increasing opportunity to acquire one site, single sites, five sites, 10 sites. Our real estate teams have organized that way now. So we are much more active on the ground pursuing those opportunities, and we are starting to see more transactions in that space. I think have greater confidence we will be able to acquire more assets at attractive valuations, meeting our return threshold in the financial discipline that we have always had. Then, I got to talk about Żabka. Żabka's plan for this year is to build 1,300 sites. They are on track to deliver that. Their plan is to deliver another 6,000 to 7,000 sites in Poland and another 7,000 to 8,000 sites in Romania over the coming five years. They are a tremendous growth platform that we are excited to bring into the family.

Speaker #2: So, we are much more active on the ground, pursuing those opportunities, and we are starting to see more transactions in that space. I think we have greater confidence that we will be able to acquire more assets at attractive valuations, meeting our return thresholds and maintaining the financial discipline that we've always had.

Speaker #2: So, and then, you know, I got to talk about Zabka. You know, Zabka's plan for this year is to build 1,300 sites, and they are on track to deliver that.

Speaker #2: And there is a plan. Their plan is to deliver another 6,000 to 7,000 sites in Poland and another 7,000 to 8,000 sites in Romania over the coming five years.

Speaker #2: They are a tremendous growth platform that we're excited to bring into the family, and obviously our goal is to accelerate the growth of that unique platform.

Alex Miller: Our goal is to accelerate that growth of that unique platform.

Speaker #7: Yeah. And just, Bonnie, on the M&A activity, we still see a good pipeline there. As mentioned by Alex, we now have a team looking at the single-store acquisitions, the small, you know, targets as well.

Filipe Da Silva: Yeah. Just, Bonnie, on the M&A activity, we still see a good pipeline there. As mentioned by Alex, we have now a team looking at the single store acquisition, the small target as well. Yeah, there is a pipeline there. We will be active on that. We have the balance sheet for that as well. So, independently of Żabka, definitely, we will continue to look at M&A. Of course, US is one of the priorities looking to grow the network there.

Speaker #7: And there is a pipeline there. We will be active on that. We have the balance sheet, you know, for that as well. So, you know, independently of Zabka, definitely we'll continue to look at and add M&A, and of course, the US is one of the priorities.

Speaker #7: Continue to grow the network.

Speaker #3: I will now turn the call over to Mr. Brunet for closing remarks.

Joelle: I will now turn the call over to Mr. Brunet for closing remarks.

Operator: I will now turn the call over to Mr. Brunet for closing remarks.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Alex and Felipe. That covers all of the questions for today's call. Thank you all for joining us. We wish you a great day and look forward to discussing our second quarter results in November.

Mathieu Brunet: Thank you, Alex and Philippe. That covers all of the questions for today's call. Thank you all for joining us. We wish you a great day and look forward to discussing our Q2 results in November.

Mathieu Brunet: Thank you, Alex and Filipe. That covers all of the questions for today's call. Thank you all for joining us. We wish you a great day and look forward to discussing our Q2 results in November.

Speaker #2: Ceci met fin à la conférence d'aujourd'hui et nous vous remercions d'avoir été parmi nous. Nous vous souhaitons une agréable journée et au plaisir de discuter avec vous de nos résultats du deuxième trimestre en novembre prochain.

Joelle: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes your conference call for today. We thank you for participating and ask that you please disconnect your lines.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes your conference call for today. We thank you for participating and ask that you please disconnect your lines.

Speaker #2: Vous êtes maintenant invités à mettre fin à cet appel.