Laval, Quebec, November 20, 2007 - Sales generated by stores acquired in the last 12 months powered Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. to another robust performance in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.
Revenues for the 12-week period ended October 14, 2007 rose 26.8% to reach $3.5 billion. Of the $740.1 million increase, $504.3 million was generated by stores acquired in the past 12 months.
Net earnings of $54.2 million, or $0.26 per share diluted compared to $74.7 million, or $0.36 per share diluted last year. This is mainly due to the impact of US fuel margins which were at an extraordinary level a year ago. Restated with the same margin for both periods, net earnings would have increased by 12.1%.
“Last year’s second quarter is a tough comparable because of the US gas margin,” said Alain Bouchard, Chairman, President and CEO. “ I’m happy with our performance. Our in-store merchandise same store revenue growth and recovery in certain markets shows that our pricing and strategies are on target.”