PUREGOLD Price Club Inc. posted a 23.7-percent year-on-year jump in first-quarter net income to P3.26 billion, driven by sustained sales growth and improved margins as the retailer saw stronger consumer spending as it expanded its nationwide footprint.
In a disclosure on Thursday, the company said consolidated net sales rose 12.1 percent to P58.78 billion from P52.42 billion a year earlier, supported by higher basket sizes and increased customer traffic across its store formats.
Same-store sales growth remained positive during the period, with Puregold stores posting a 5.4-percent increase while S&R Warehouse clubs recorded a 12-percent rise, driven by stronger foot traffic and spending momentum.
Gross profit climbed 15.1 percent to P11.8 billion, with margins improving to 20.1 percent from 19.6 percent and reflecting a better product mix and operational efficiency.
Total gross income rose 14.5 percent to P12.78 billion while operating income increased 20 percent to P4.77 billion despite higher operating expenses, which climbed 11.4 percent from a year ago to P8.01 billion.
After accounting for taxes and other charges, Puregold posted a net income of P3.26 billion, up from P2.64 billion a year earlier, with net margin improving to 5.6 percent from 5.0 percent.
As of end-March 2026, Puregold operated 790 stores nationwide, consisting of 685 Puregold branches, 33 S&R membership warehouses and 72 S&R New York-tyle quick service restaurants.
The company said its performance reflected continued resilience in consumer demand and the retailer’s ability to sustain growth across both its core retail and warehouse formats.
Puregold shares on Thursday climbed P1.10, or 2.55 percent, to close at P44.20 each.
NAZYLEN JOY MABANGLO
