Core Insights - Casey's General Stores experienced a 13% increase in share price following the announcement of strong fourth-quarter earnings, with EBITDA and earnings per share growth of 20% and 12% respectively, surpassing analysts' expectations [1][2] - The company announced a 14% increase in dividends, contributing to the rise in share price [2] - Casey's operates approximately 2,900 locations across 20 states, having expanded significantly since its inception in Iowa, and has shown a remarkable growth of 258 times since 1990 [3] Expansion and Growth Strategy - Management plans to grow the store count by 9% in 2025, indicating ongoing expansion efforts [5] - The company employs a mergers and acquisitions strategy focused on acquiring convenience stores lacking a strong food presence, subsequently enhancing profitability by introducing Casey's kitchen offerings [6] Valuation and Performance Comparison - Despite recent successes, Casey's valuation remains reasonable at 17 times cash from operations, especially when compared to Domino's Pizza, which has a higher valuation of 23 times cash from operations despite lower profit growth [7]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a strong recovery in May, regaining most losses from early April due to tariff announcements by President Trump, but volatility persists as the impact of tariffs on the economy remains unclear [1][4][9] - The Federal Reserve has not indicated plans to resume rate cuts despite recent cooling inflation, contributing to market uncertainty [2][5] Economic Indicators - U.S. job growth slowed significantly in May, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by only 139,000 and private payrolls rising by just 37,000, raising concerns about the economy's health [6] Dividend-Paying Stocks - In light of ongoing market uncertainty, investing in dividend-paying stocks is recommended as they tend to be more stable and reliable during economic fluctuations [7] - Four notable dividend-paying stocks include: - **Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY)**: Operates 2,893 convenience stores across 17 states, with a dividend of $0.57 per share and a yield of 0.46% [8][10] - **Utz Brands, Inc. (UTZ)**: Manufactures a variety of salty snacks, declaring a dividend of $0.06 per share with a yield of 1.75% [11][12] - **Sun Communities, Inc. (SUI)**: Focuses on manufactured housing communities, announcing a dividend of $1.04 per share and a yield of 3.01% [13][14] - **EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG)**: Engaged in oil and natural gas exploration, with a dividend of $1.02 per share and a yield of 3.41% [15][16]

Core Viewpoint - Casey's General Stores has shown significant growth, with stock prices increasing over 200% in the last four years, and has the potential for further triple-digit percentage increases in the future [1] Financial Performance - In FQ4, Casey's reported net revenue of $3.99 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.8%, driven by a 9.2% rise in store count and a 1.7% increase in inside comparable sales [9] - Inside comparable sales increased by 7.4% over two years, while fuel gallon comps were flat at 0.1%, but operating profit increased by 21.45% due to improved margins [10][11] - EBITDA rose by 20.1%, net income increased by 13%, and GAAP earnings grew by 12.4% [11] Growth and Guidance - The company anticipates continued growth into FY2026, forecasting 11% EBITDA growth at the midpoint and inside sales comps near 3.5% [12] - The dividend yield is approximately 0.45%, with a reliable payment history and an expected annual increase, having risen for 26 consecutive years [5][6] Operational Quality and Acquisitions - Casey's halted share buybacks in F2025 to prepare for the acquisition of Fikes, which is already contributing positively to results [2][3] - The balance sheet shows increased current assets by 22% and total assets by 29%, leading to a 16% increase in shareholder equity, which stands at over $3.5 billion [8] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts maintain a Moderate Buy rating for Casey's, with a consensus price target of $434.92, indicating a potential downside of 12.6% from the current price [9][14] - The overall sentiment among analysts is positive, with expectations for continued stock price increases following the recent quarterly results and guidance updates [13]

Core Insights - Casey's General Stores ended its fiscal year positively, exceeding analyst expectations with strong fourth-quarter earnings [2][7] - The company is rapidly expanding, nearing 3,000 stores across 19 states, with significant acquisitions and new site developments [3][6] Financial Performance - Casey's reported a net income of $98.3 million for the quarter ended April 30, up from $87 million in the prior year, translating to $2.63 per share compared to $2.34 per share [7] - Revenue increased by 11% to $3.99 billion, surpassing estimates of approximately $3.93 billion [8] - Inside same-store sales rose by 1.7%, driven by strong performance in bakery and prepared food categories [8][11] Expansion Strategy - The company plans to open at least 80 new stores in fiscal 2026, aiming for a total of approximately 500 new stores over three years [6] - The acquisition of Fikes Wholesale for $1.145 billion included 198 stores and a fuel terminal, enhancing Casey's operational capacity in Texas [4][5] Market Position - Casey's operates primarily in small towns, with about two-thirds of its stores located in areas with populations of 20,000 or fewer [9] - The company has a strong balance sheet, owning nearly all its assets, which contributed to a stock value increase of over 10% following the positive results [10]

Core Insights - Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) reported strong fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with both revenue and earnings exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth [1][3]. Financial Performance - The company achieved quarterly earnings of $2.63 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.93, marking a 12.4% increase from $2.34 in the prior-year quarter [3]. - Total revenues reached $3,992.8 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,969 million, and reflecting a 10.9% increase from $3,600 million in the same period last year [3]. - Inside sales increased by 12.4% year over year to $1,413.6 million, driven by strong performances in bakery, prepared foods, and beverages [4]. Margin and Expense Analysis - Gross profit rose to $926 million from $798.1 million in the same quarter last year, with gross margin expanding by 100 basis points to 23.2% [5]. - EBITDA increased by 20.1% year over year to $263 million, with an EBITDA margin of 6.6%, surpassing expectations [6]. - Operating expenses rose by 14.5% to $663 million, primarily due to the operation of 246 additional stores [7]. Segment Performance - Prepared Food & Dispensed Beverage sales increased by 9.7% year over year to $391.7 million, although same-store sales decreased by 1.5% [8]. - Grocery & General Merchandise sales grew by 13.5% to $1,021.9 million, with a margin increase of 40 basis points to 34.8% [9]. - Fuel sales rose by 7.1% year over year to $2,438.9 million, with fuel gallons sold increasing by 17.8% [10]. Financial Position - As of April 30, 2025, the company operated 2,904 stores, with cash and cash equivalents of $326.7 million and long-term debt of $2.41 billion [11]. - The company did not repurchase any shares during the fiscal quarter and has approximately $295 million available under its current buyback authorization [11]. Dividend and Future Outlook - In June, the management increased the quarterly dividend by 14% to 57 cents per share, marking the 26th consecutive year of dividend increases [12]. - For fiscal 2026, management expects EBITDA growth of 10% to 12% and anticipates total operating expenses to increase by 8% to 10% [13]. - The company projects inside same-store sales growth of 2-5% and plans to open about 80 stores in fiscal 2026 [14].

Until last year, I was unfamiliar with Casey's General Stores (NASDAQ: CASY ), a dividend growth stock that seemed to be of the highest-quality. And this is apparent by their expensive valuation. With a current forward P/E over 30x, above their 5-year average, theContributing analyst to the iREIT+Hoya Capital investment group. The Dividend Collectuh is not a registered investment professional nor financial advisor and these articles should not be taken as financial advice. This is for educational purposes o ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal year 2025 saw diluted earnings per share increase by 9% to $14.64, with net income reaching a record $547 million and EBITDA at $1.2 billion, up 13% from the previous year [8][19] - Total inside sales grew by 10.9%, with same-store sales up 2.6%, while prepared food and dispensed beverage sales increased by 10.3% [9][13] - Inside margin expanded by 50 basis points year-over-year to 41.5%, driven by effective vendor partnerships [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total prepared food and dispensed beverage sales rose by 9.7% to $392 million, while grocery and general merchandise sales increased by 13.5% to $1.02 billion [13][14] - Same-store prepared food and beverage sales were up 1.5%, with an average margin of 57.8%, despite a 30 basis point decline from the previous year [14] - Same-store grocery and general merchandise sales increased by 1.8%, with an average margin of 34.8%, up 40 basis points year-over-year [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fuel gross profit increased by 11%, with total fuel gallons sold up 13% and an average fuel margin of 38.7 cents per gallon [10][19] - Retail fuel sales rose by $162 million, primarily due to a 17.8% increase in total gallons sold, despite a 9% decline in average retail price [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasized a two-pronged approach of building and acquiring stores, achieving the largest store growth year in its history with 35 new builds and 235 units acquired [7][8] - The strategic plan focuses on accelerating food business, growing unit numbers, and enhancing operational efficiency, with a target of opening at least 80 stores in fiscal year 2026 [24][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business model's strength and durability, anticipating EBITDA growth of 10% to 12% in fiscal year 2026 [21] - The company expects same-store sales growth of 2% to 5% and operating expenses to increase by approximately 8% to 10% [21][22] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 23%, compared to 22.4% in the prior year, with net interest expense rising to $27.9 million due to financing associated with acquisitions [19][18] - The company plans to allocate approximately $125 million for share repurchases in fiscal year 2026, funded entirely by operating cash flow [21][85] Q&A Session Summary Question: Fuel margins performance and synergies - Management noted that fuel margins exceeded expectations due to effective pricing management and improved procurement capabilities [31][32] Question: Same-store sales outlook for fiscal year 2026 - Management expressed comfort with the guidance range, attributing conservatism to current economic conditions and customer behavior [42][43] Question: Impact of illicit vape on sales - Management acknowledged a negative impact from illicit vape but noted strong growth in nicotine alternatives [52][53] Question: Operating expenses guidance - Management indicated that operating expenses would see mid-teen increases in the first half of fiscal year 2026, primarily due to the integration of acquired stores [60][62] Question: Share buyback strategy - Management clarified that the $125 million share buyback would be funded by operating cash flow, with no debt draw required [81][85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal year 2025 saw diluted earnings per share reach $14.64, a 9% increase from the prior year [9] - The company generated a record $547 million in net income and $1.2 billion in EBITDA, marking a 13% increase from the previous year [9] - Total inside sales grew by 10.9% during the year, with inside same-store sales up 2.6% [10] - Total operating expenses increased by 14.5% or $84 million in the fourth quarter, with approximately 12% attributed to unit growth [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total prepared food and dispensed beverage sales grew by 10.3%, with same-store sales up 3.5% [10] - Total grocery and general merchandise sales increased by 11.2%, with same-store sales up 2.3% [10] - Fuel gross profit rose by 11%, with total fuel gallons sold up 13% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store fuel gallons sold increased by 0.1% with a fuel margin of 37.6¢ per gallon [17] - Retail fuel sales rose by $162 million in the fourth quarter, primarily due to a 17.8% increase in total gallons sold [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to open at least 80 stores in fiscal year 2026, contributing to a total of approximately 500 stores over a three-year strategic plan [24] - The strategic plan focuses on accelerating the food business, growing the number of units, and enhancing operational efficiency [27] - The company is committed to improving operating expense management and generating more free cash flow [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business model's strength and durability, indicating the ability to succeed in various economic climates [12] - The company expects EBITDA to increase between 10% to 12% in fiscal year 2026, with inside same-store sales projected to rise by 2% to 5% [23] - Management acknowledged the impact of external factors, including inflation and consumer behavior, on sales outlook [46][62] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 23%, compared to 22.4% in the prior year [21] - The company plans to allocate approximately $125 million for share repurchases in fiscal year 2026 [23][88] Q&A Session Summary Question: Fuel margins performance and expectations - Management noted that fuel margins exceeded expectations due to effective pricing management and improved procurement capabilities [34] Question: Guidance and synergies from acquisitions - Management discussed the expected headwinds from acquisitions and the anticipated synergies, particularly in fuel pricing and overhead rationalization [36] Question: Inside sales performance and drivers - Management acknowledged that inside sales fell slightly short of expectations due to a softer start in the fiscal year and adverse weather conditions [54] Question: Impact of illicit vape on sales - Management confirmed that illicit vape has negatively impacted the vape category, but noted growth in nicotine alternatives [59] Question: Consumer behavior and promotional strategies - Management indicated that consumer traffic remains stable, with targeted promotions aimed at different income cohorts [61][63] Question: Operating expenses guidance - Management provided insights into the expected cadence of operating expenses, highlighting the impact of acquisitions on the first half of fiscal year 2026 [66] Question: Share buyback strategy - Management clarified that the planned share buybacks would be funded through operating cash flow, with no additional debt drawn [88]

Company Overview - Casey's operates approximately 2,900 stores [6] and is a staple for millions of Americans [6] - The company has ~$19 billion in sitone nenc eor esv T tl E t i V l T t l T M b G T i Y t to a n e r p r s e a e o a e a m e m e r s u e s r a n s a c o n s p e r e a r u O [6] - Casey's is the 3rd largest convenience store chain and 5th largest pizza chain in the U S [6] - Approximately 75% of towns between 500 and 20,000 in Casey's distribution center footprint do not have a Casey's location [53] Financial Performance and Strategy - Casey's aims to deliver top quintile EBITDA growth of 8-10% [25] - The company targets free cash flow of approximately $1 25 billion through FY2026 [28] - Casey's has consistently delivered 8+% EBITDA growth over the short, medium, and long-term horizon [34] - In FY25, Casey's generated $585 million in free cash flow, compared to $136 million in FY19 [77] - Return on invested capital (ROIC) improved to 11 5% in FY25, up approximately 240 bps from FY19 [77] Strategic Differentiators - Approximately 70% of Casey's inside transactions do not include fuel [18] - Casey's has reduced the sales mix of the tobacco category on acquired stores by 450 bps [22] - Strategic investments in digital and food have resulted in a 41 5% inside gross margin, which is +750 bps higher than the industry average [22]

Market Performance - The small-cap Russell 2000 index increased by +10% over the past month, although it remains down -4% year to date [1] - The S&P 500 index stayed above the 6000 mark, gaining +0.09% on the day, while the Nasdaq rose by +0.31% [3] - The Dow index remained unchanged at 0.00%, influenced by a -1.2% drop in Apple shares [2][5] Company News: Apple - Apple shares fell -1.2% following a lackluster performance at the Worldwide Developers Conference, where details on AI competition were sparse [2] - Apple shares are down -29.5% from their 52-week highs reached after Christmas last year [2] Company News: Casey's General Stores - Casey's General Stores reported fiscal Q4 earnings of $2.63 per share, exceeding the Zacks consensus by 70 cents, with a year-over-year growth of +12.4% [6] - Revenues reached $3.99 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $3.97 billion [6] - Same-store sales increased by +1.7%, and the company raised its dividend by +14% to 57 cents per share, marking its 26th consecutive increase [7] - Casey's shares are now trading at new all-time highs, reflecting strong performance [7]