Ingles Markets, Incorporated Class A (IMKTA)

Ingles Markets' stock price has been significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene, which caused substantial disruptions. Net sales and net income decreased in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2025. Three stores damaged by the hurricane remained closed as of October 2025, with full reopening anticipated in 2026. The company has maintained stable operating and administrative expenses and reduced interest expenses. Ingles Markets has consistently declared quarterly cash dividends, with the most recent being $0.165 per share. The stock's 52-week price has ranged from $58.92 to $75.63.

Demand for Ingles Markets' products and services exhibits seasonality, particularly around holidays and specific times of the year. The company highlights seasonal themes like "Fall Favorites," "Halloween," and "Tailgating," indicating increased demand for related products during these periods. The fall and holiday seasons generally contribute to increased consumer spending, benefiting food retailers and supermarket chains.

Ingles Markets, Inc. operates in the Consumer Staples sector, focusing on Grocery Stores and Food Chains. The company offers a wide array of food and non-food products, including groceries, meat, dairy, produce, frozen foods, fuel centers, pharmacies, health and beauty care products, and general merchandise. Ingles Markets also features private label items and emphasizes locally-sourced and organic products. Additionally, the company owns and operates a milk processing and packaging plant, Milkco.

Ingles Markets, Inc. operates approximately 198 supermarkets across six southeastern states: North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Alabama. Many locations include in-store pharmacies and fuel stations. The company strategically places its stores in suburban areas, small towns, and rural communities.

Ingles Markets strives to maintain a reputation for friendly service, quality merchandise, customer value, and a commitment to locally-sourced products and community involvement through initiatives like the "Tools for Schools" program. However, the slow reopening of stores damaged by Hurricane Helene and a lack of timely communication have posed a potential challenge to the company's reputation.

Ingles Markets (IMKTA) is primarily owned by institutional shareholders and company insiders, with a smaller percentage held by retail investors. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc and BlackRock, Inc. Key individual owners, who are also insiders, include Robert P. Ingle, James W. Lanning, and Ronald B. Freeman. The Ingles Markets Inc Investment/Profit Sharing Plan Trust also holds a significant stake.