Core Insights - Consumer loyalty to convenience store brands is significant, with 81% of shoppers typically visiting the same brand and 86% visiting the same location each time [2] - Personalization and exclusive offers can enhance brand loyalty, with 72% of customers willing to pay more for their preferred brands and 70% considering loyalty programs important [3] Company Developments - Casey's General Stores, Inc. completed the acquisition of Fikes Wholesale, the parent company of CEFCO Convenience Stores, on November 1, 2024, adding 148 stores in Texas and 50 in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, increasing its total store count to approximately 2,900 [4][5] - This acquisition is the largest in Casey's history and aligns with the strategic plan presented at the June 2023 Investor Day [5] CEFCO Background - CEFCO was established in 1952, starting as a filling station in Cameron, Texas, and opened its first official convenience store in 1979 [5][6] - The company experienced rapid growth from 1994 to 2006, averaging over 20% annual growth [5] - CEFCO expanded through acquisitions, including the purchase of Deweese Enterprises Inc. in 2007, which operated 45 stores in Mississippi and Alabama [5]

Core Insights - The U.S. stock indices showed positive performance on December 11, 2025, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching new closing records following a quarter-point interest rate cut by the U.S. central bank on December 10, leading investors to favor equities sensitive to rate cuts over tech stocks [1][2]. Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to consider low-leverage stocks as safe-haven securities amid concerns over overvalued AI-centric tech stocks. Recommended companies include Casey's General Stores (CASY), Hamilton Insurance Group (HG), Northrip Bancorp (NRIM), REV Group (REVG), and Engie (ENGIY), which exhibit low leverage and stability during market volatility [2][10]. Understanding Leverage - Leverage involves borrowing capital for operational and business expansion, typically through debt financing. While debt can facilitate growth, excessive reliance on it poses risks, especially if returns do not exceed interest costs. Therefore, selecting companies with low debt is crucial for minimizing investment risks [4][5][6]. Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric for assessing a company's financial risk, with lower ratios indicating better solvency. As the third-quarter 2025 earnings season concludes, investors should focus on stocks with solid earnings growth and low debt-to-equity ratios to ensure steady returns [7][9]. Stock Selection Criteria - A comprehensive screening process for selecting low-leverage stocks includes criteria such as: - Debt/Equity ratio lower than the industry median - Current price of at least $10 - Average 20-day trading volume of 50,000 or more - Positive earnings growth compared to the industry median - VGM Score of A or B, combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [11][12][13]. Company Performance Highlights - **Casey's General Stores (CASY)**: Reported a 3.3% increase in same-store sales and a 14% rise in earnings for Q2 fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts a 9.6% revenue increase and an 11.8% earnings improvement for fiscal 2026, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [14][15]. - **Hamilton Insurance Group (HG)**: Achieved a 16.5% increase in net premiums and improved operating earnings to $1.20 per share from $0.16 in Q3 2024. The Zacks Consensus Estimate forecasts a 20.9% revenue increase and an 8.5% earnings rise for 2025, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [16][17]. - **Northrip Bancorp (NRIM)**: Completed a $60 million private placement to support growth initiatives. The Zacks Consensus Estimate anticipates a 29.6% revenue increase and a 51.5% earnings rise for 2025, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [18][19]. - **REV Group (REVG)**: Reported a 13% increase in net sales and a 62.7% rise in adjusted EPS for Q4 fiscal 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests a 7.3% revenue increase and a 30.4% earnings rise for fiscal 2026, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [20][21]. - **Engie (ENGIY)**: Announced the financial closure of its first offshore wind farm in Poland, with a total planned capacity of up to 390 MW. The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a 31.8% earnings improvement for 2025, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 [22][23].

This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. 3 Big Numbers is a weekly column that looks at a few key details from around the c-store industry. Tariffs, lingering inflation concerns and overall economic and geopolitical uncertainty battered retailers this year. For instance, 79% of consumers in a recent survey by Upside said they’ve changed their shopping habits this year due to tariffs. And while c-stores ...

This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Murphy USA has launched a pair of business fuel cards via commercial fuel payments and technology platform AtoB, according to a Wednesday announcement. The Murphy USA and QuickChek Business Fuel cards offer advanced reporting, instant fraud alerts and real-time spending controls, according to the announcement. Users will also get a 20-cent-per-gallon ...

Goldman Sachs set a price target of $530 for (NASDAQ:CASY), indicating the stock is trading near its expected value.The stock is trading at about 33 times its current-year earnings, suggesting a premium valuation but supported by strong market presence and growth potential.Despite a recent decrease of about 5.34%, CASY's strong outlook and active investor interest highlight its significance in the convenience store industry.Casey's General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY) is a renowned convenience store chain in ...

Core Insights - Casey's General Stores, Inc. reported second-quarter earnings of $5.53 per share, exceeding the analyst consensus of $5.18, with revenue of $4.51 billion, slightly above the $4.5 billion estimate, and a net income increase of 14% year-over-year to $206.3 million [1][2] Financial Performance - Inside same-store sales increased by 3.3%, or 7.5% on a two-year basis, with inside margins improving to 42.4% [2] - Inside gross profit rose by 13.5% to $703.4 million, while fuel gross profit increased by 20.9% to $377.4 million, supported by a 0.8% rise in same-store gallons and a fuel margin of 41.6 cents per gallon [2] Expansion and Outlook - The company operated 2,921 stores as of October 31, marking a nearly 9% increase from the previous year, including 16 newly built locations and 26 acquired stores [3] - Casey's raised its fiscal 2026 outlook, now expecting EBITDA growth of 15% to 17%, with inside same-store sales projected to rise by 3% to 4% and margins between 41% and 42% [3]

Casey's General Stores logo centered in front of Casey's storefront. Key Points Casey's General Stores had a solid fiscal Q2, providing fuel for a potential 2026 rally. Cash flow and capital returns underpin CASY's price action. Broad market support, including from institutions and analysts, and a tendency toward accumulation, are driving the action. Interested in Casey's General Stores, Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better. There are three reasons Casey’s General Stores' (NASDAQ: CASY) stock ...

Key Takeaways Casey's Q2 earnings rose 14% y/y and beat estimates despite a revenue miss.Inside sales climbed 13% on strong prepared foods, beverages and grocery performance.Casey's raised its FY26 outlook, with higher EBITDA growth and plans for 80 new stores.Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results, wherein the top line lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate and the bottom line missed the same. Both metrics increased year over year.The company delivered a strong fiscal ...

Join the traders at BAD BEAT Investing! It is TIME. TRY BAD BEAT for 22% off the trial price, $199 marked down to $77, our only sale of the YEAR ! Why join?Casey's General Stores, Inc. ( CASY ) is a convenience store chain that we have previously traded, and we have liked its growth. We have continued to rate the stock a quality and bullish hold, but theThe Pioneer Of Seeking Alpha's BAD BEAT Investing, Quad 7 Capital is a team of 7 analysts with a wide range of experience sharing investment opportunities f ...

Core Insights - Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) is recognized as a growing convenience store chain with a maintained bullish hold rating on its stock [1] - BAD BEAT Investing, led by Quad 7 Capital, has a strong track record in providing investment opportunities and focuses on both long and short trades [1] - The investment group emphasizes educating investors on market dynamics and offers extensive research and trading tools [1] Company Overview - Casey's General Stores operates as a convenience store chain and has been previously traded with positive growth prospects [1] - The company is part of a broader investment strategy that includes short- and medium-term investments, income generation, and momentum trades [1] Investment Strategy - BAD BEAT Investing aims to teach investors to become proficient traders through a structured playbook and high-quality research [1] - The investment group provides weekly trade ideas, chat room access, and daily analyst upgrade/downgrade summaries to its members [1]