Core Insights - Casey's General Stores reported strong financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended January 31, 2026, driven by increased sales and margin expansion [3][4][7]. Financial Performance - Net income for the third quarter was $130.1 million, a 49.3% increase from $87.1 million in the same period last year [4][7]. - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose to $3.49, up 49.8% from $2.33 a year ago [4][7]. - EBITDA for the quarter was $308.9 million, reflecting a 27.5% increase from $242.4 million in the prior year [4][7]. Inside Sales - Inside sales for the third quarter reached $1.48 billion, up 5.7% from $1.40 billion a year ago [6][8]. - Inside same-store sales increased by 4.0%, with grocery and general merchandise same-store sales up 4.0% and prepared food and dispensed beverage same-store sales up 4.3% [6][7]. - Total inside gross profit increased by 8.9% to $624.0 million compared to the prior year [7][8]. Fuel Sales - Fuel gallons sold in the third quarter were 848.4 million, a 2.3% increase from 829.8 million in the previous year [9][10]. - Same-store fuel gallons sold increased by 0.4%, with a fuel margin of 41.0 cents per gallon [9][10]. - Total fuel gross profit rose by 15.3% to $348.2 million compared to the prior year [9][10]. Operating Expenses - Operating expenses for the third quarter were $697.6 million, a 4.1% increase from $670.2 million in the same period last year [10]. - Same-store operating expenses, excluding credit card fees, increased by 4.6% [10]. Expansion and Liquidity - The company opened 27 new stores and completed 27 acquisitions, bringing the total store count to 2,924 as of January 31, 2026 [12][13]. - As of January 31, 2026, Casey's had approximately $1.4 billion in available liquidity, including $465 million in cash and cash equivalents [13]. Share Repurchase and Dividend - During the quarter, the company repurchased approximately $76 million of shares, with $157 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization [14]. - The Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.57 per share, payable on May 15, 2026 [15]. Fiscal 2026 Outlook - The company expects EBITDA to increase by 18% to 20% for fiscal 2026, with inside same-store sales projected to rise by 3.5% to 4.5% [16][17]. - Total operating expenses are anticipated to increase by approximately 10% [16].