Yesway CEO: Q2 2026 Marks Strongest Quarter in Company History
Yesway's Q2 2026 results set company records across fuel, merchandise, and store contribution, driving adjusted EBITDA up 35% year over year. CEO Tom Trkla highlighted execution across multiple areas and reaffirmed the retailer's five-year growth plan, including 130 new stores and strategic M&A.
Yesway recorded its strongest quarter in company history during Q2 2026, according to Chairman, President and CEO Tom Trkla, who spoke during the convenience retailer’s earnings call on Thursday. The company set new records in fuel gallons sold, fuel gross profit, inside merchandise sales, inside merchandise gross profit, and store contribution, as detailed in its earnings report. Adjusted EBITDA rose approximately 35% year over year in the quarter.
Strong Performance Across Multiple Fronts
Trkla emphasized that the robust second quarter was not driven by any single factor but by execution across several areas of the business. Beyond EBITDA growth, highlights included a $5.5 million increase in net income, a 4.4% rise in total inside merchandise sales, and a 6.9% increase in total fuel gallons sold, according to the earnings report.
This performance positions Yesway for a strong finish to 2026 as it pursues an ambitious five-year growth plan. The plan includes opening 130 new-to-industry stores, primarily in Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas, while also pursuing strategic acquisitions.
From Uncertainty to Momentum
Yesway’s future appeared uncertain before going public in April, with some investors and stakeholders growing frustrated with the lack of movement and growth in recent years. Since its IPO, the Texas-based retailer has accelerated its efforts, building on the success achieved in the first quarter.
Expansion and Operational Updates
Yesway noted in March that it plans to open six to eight new builds this year, and that goal remains on track, Trkla said during the call. Newer stores will feature expanded forecourts and dedicated high-flow diesel lanes to support commercial vehicles. Inside the store, Yesway is rationalizing its food menu by removing some “lower velocity” SKUs to reduce complexity, he added.
While Yesway’s acquisition strategy is not as clearly defined as its new-to-industry approach, Trkla said the company is “now much more active in terms of looking at accretive M&A” than it was in the past five years. He noted that Yesway is evaluating opportunities that could increase density in existing areas or expand its presence in “attractive markets.”
“Looking ahead, our strong operating performance and significant cash generation are increasing our financial flexibility to fund our organic growth initiatives and pursue acquisitions as compelling opportunities arise,” Trkla said in Yesway’s earnings report.
Divestiture on Track
Yesway also expects to complete the $17.5 million sale of its 29 locations across Iowa and Kansas by the end of the year, according to its report. C-Store Dive reported last year that Nebraska-based Mega Saver agreed to purchase these locations.