Resilient Retail Fuel Margins
Retail fuel margins proved resilient, showing an 80 basis point improvement year-to-date, with an additional 13 basis points from lower credit card fees.
Growth in Noncombustible Nicotine
Noncombustible nicotine categories are growing at a rate that offsets the decline in cigarette margins, with only 30% of total nicotine margin contribution.
Increase in Loyalty and Merchandise Transactions
MDR saw a 31% increase in new loyalty enrollments and an 11% increase in merchandise transactions.
Promising New Store Pipeline
The company is on track to open 50 stores over the next 12 months, with individual store performance above expectations.
Cost Management Success
Store operating expenses and home office costs are trending below the low end of the guided range, with improvements in overtime, labor rates, loss prevention, and maintenance.