Ingles Markets Inc., a regional supermarket chain based in Asheville, N.C., reported a 227 percent increase in its first-quarter profit, thanks to benefits from the new federal tax bill and an increase in sales.

The company reported a net income of $45.1 million, or $2.23 per share, compared to a net income of $13.8 million, or 68 cents per share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

The supermarket chain’s revenue rose in the quarter to $1.01 billion, a 3 percent increase from the same quarter a year ago. Ingles said it saw sales in stores that have been operating for the last two fiscal years rise 2.2 percent.

The company also said it saw an increase in the average size of purchases by customers.

“We are pleased with our sales during the important holiday season,” said Chairman Robert P. Ingle II in a statement. “We opened two new stores and will continue to invest capital, improve our store base, and bring the best to our loyal customers.”

Along with its supermarkets, Ingles provides gasoline express locations. It said that gasoline gallons sold went up in the quarter as well.

Changes in the federal tax code passed Dec. 19, 2017, factored into Ingles’ earnings for the quarter. The company’s income tax expenses were reduced by $27.4 million, a 357 percent difference compared to those expenses in the quarter a year ago.

Ingles operates 193 stores in six Southeastern states.

Its shares were trading at $31.95, up nearly 6 percent, or $1.80, when the market closed Friday.

The filing can be found here.