Parkland posts lower Q2 net income of $32 million as fuel sales fall by 14%

Service station operator Parkland Corp. is reporting higher-than-expected second quarter earnings despite pandemic-related hits to its sales volumes.

The Calgary-based company says net income in the three months ended June 30 was $32 million on revenue of $2.7 billion, down from $105 million on revenue of $4.85 billion in the same period a year ago.

Its net earnings per diluted share were 21 cents, compared with 70 cents last year. Analysts had expected a loss of 38 cents, according to financial data firm Refinitiv.

Parkland, which purchased the Caribbean fuel retailer Sol early last year, says volumes in its international segment are trending about 20% lower in July compared with last year because some markets have temporarily increased restrictions due to rising COVID-19 cases.

It says overall fuel and petroleum product volumes decreased by 14% in the second quarter compared with the year-earlier period but strong fuel margins and convenience store traffic, along with cost cutting, drove an over 30% increase in adjusted earnings in Canada.

Parkland, which sells fuel through more than 2,600 service stations in Canada, the United States and Caribbean, cut its budget to $275 million in March, down from its earlier guidance of $575 million. It says it will restore $50 million to account for stronger cash flow than expected and higher maintenance spending.

“We delivered solid margins, won new business and successfully managed our cash flow by reducing costs and controlling capital expenditures,” said CEO Bob Espey in a statement.

“Our financial and operating performance through the second quarter demonstrates the flexibility and resilience of our diversified business model. While we remain nimble in light of ongoing COVID-19 uncertainty, we are confident in our ability to advance our growth agenda.”