US retailer Ingles Markets booked a drop in full-year profit today (7 December) on lower fuel prices and higher costs due to store development.


Net income for fiscal year ended 26 September totalled US$28.8m compared with a net income of $52.1m in the previous year.


Net sales, however, rose to $3.25bn for the 12-month period, an increase of 0.4% on the comparable period of 2008.


The retail price for fuel per gallon price was 37% lower but, excluding those prices, grocery segment comparable-store sales increased 5.4%.


Excluding fuel, the number of customer transactions increased 7.9% although the average transaction size fell by 53 cents.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The company said it believes customers are eating at home more often and are changing purchasing habits towards private label and lower priced products.


“Our sales have continued to grow during this recession and we’ve taken care of our financing for future growth and increased profitability. These are important long-term goals for Ingles,” said Robert Ingle, CEO of Ingles Markets.


For the fourth quarter, net income decreased sharply to $5.19m from $10.46m in the previous year, while net sales dropped to $830.13m from $842.79m in the fourth quarter of the prior fiscal year. Excluding fuel, sales grew 1.5%.