PriceSmart, Inc., the operator of 51 warehouse clubs in 12 countries and one U.S. territory, has reported its financial results for the fiscal third quarter of 2023, which ended on May 31, 2023. Alongside the positive performance, PriceSmart also announced a stock repurchase program worth $75 million. This move demonstrates the company's confidence in its future prospects and commitment to delivering value to shareholders.

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Strong Q3 2023 Financial Results

PriceSmart witnessed a significant increase in total revenues for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023, marking a growth of 6.4% to $1.10 billion compared to $1.03 billion in the same period last year. Net merchandise sales also saw a notable boost, rising 7.1% to $1.07 billion from $999.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2022. These figures indicate PriceSmart's ability to maintain steady growth and capitalize on market opportunities.

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Expansion and Comparable Sales Growth

As of May 31, 2023, PriceSmart had 51 warehouse clubs in operation, reflecting an increase from the 50 clubs in operation a year ago. Furthermore, comparable net merchandise sales for the 49 warehouse clubs open for more than 13 ½ calendar months experienced a robust increase of 5.8% for the 13-week period ended June 4, 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year. These positive trends affirm PriceSmart's position as a leader in the retail industry and its ability to attract and retain customers.

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Increased Profitability

During the fiscal third quarter of 2023, PriceSmart recorded an operating income of $43.1 million, a notable increase from the $33.8 million reported in the prior year period. Net income attributable to PriceSmart surged by 53.6% to $29.6 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, compared to $19.3 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2022. These improved financial figures underscore PriceSmart's efficient operational management and strategy execution.

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Year-to-Date Financial Performance

PriceSmart's total revenues for the first nine months of fiscal year 2023 increased by 8.2% to $3.29 billion, demonstrating continued growth momentum compared to $3.04 billion in the same period of the previous year. Net merchandise sales for the first nine months also showed a robust growth of 8.7%, reaching $3.21 billion from $2.95 billion in the comparable prior year period. These results further solidify PriceSmart's position in the market and reflect its ability to capture market share.

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Stock Repurchase Program

PriceSmart's Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program amounting to $75 million. This decision reflects the company's confidence in its future performance and its commitment to enhancing shareholder value. The timing and extent of the stock repurchases will be determined by various factors, including prevailing stock prices, market conditions, and other relevant considerations. PriceSmart has the flexibility to execute the repurchases through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including Rule 10b5-1 plans.