10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2016

CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jan 31, 2016

Filed March 7, 2016For Securities:CASY

Summary

Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) reported its third-quarter and nine-month results for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2016. While total revenue saw a decrease primarily due to lower fuel prices, the company demonstrated resilience with strong growth in same-store sales for grocery/merchandise and prepared food/fountain categories. Net income for the nine months increased by a significant 28.5%, driven by increased fuel gallons sold, improved margins in prepared foods, and effective cost containment, alongside strategic store expansion. The company continues its aggressive growth strategy, with significant investments in new store construction, replacements, and remodels. Despite ongoing capital expenditures and a substantial debt load, Casey's maintains sufficient liquidity through operating cash flow and its credit line, indicating a positive outlook for continued expansion and operational efficiency. Investors should note the company's focus on diversifying revenue streams beyond fuel and managing operational costs effectively.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.57B
Cost of Revenue$1.19B
Gross Profit$371.17M
Operating Expenses$259.63M
Interest Expense$10.13M
Net Income$38.10M
EPS (Basic)$0.98
EPS (Diluted)$0.97
Shares Outstanding (Basic)39.03M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)39.44M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue decreased by 6.3% for the third quarter and 9.4% for the nine months, largely driven by a significant decrease in average retail fuel prices (20.4% in Q3 and 24.6% year-to-date).
  • 2Same-store sales for grocery and other merchandise increased by 7.1% in Q3 and 10.2% year-to-date, while prepared food and fountain sales increased by 6.0% in Q3 and 13.0% year-to-date.
  • 3Gross profit margin improved to 23.7% in Q3 (vs. 21.0% prior year) and 22.1% year-to-date (vs. 17.9% prior year), with notable increases in fuel and prepared food margins.
  • 4Net income increased by 28.5% for the nine months ended January 31, 2016, reaching $178.9 million, compared to $139.3 million in the prior year.
  • 5The company is actively expanding, with 31 new-store constructions, 11 replacement stores, and 60 major remodels completed in the first nine months. They have 22 new stores under construction and 59 sites under contract.
  • 6Capital expenditures remained significant, with $316.8 million spent in the first nine months, primarily on property and equipment for store expansion and improvements.
  • 7Operating expenses increased by 8.7% year-to-date, partly due to operating more stores and expanding programs, but were partially offset by lower transportation costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in total revenue is primarily driven by a significant decline in the average retail price of fuel, which fell by 20.4% in the third quarter and 24.6% year-to-date. While fuel gallons sold increased, the lower per-gallon price substantially reduced overall fuel revenue.

Casey's is mitigating the impact of lower fuel prices by focusing on growth in higher-margin categories such as grocery, other merchandise, and prepared food and fountain, which saw strong same-store sales increases. The company also benefited from improved gross profit margins on fuel itself and on prepared food items, as well as effective cost containment measures.

Casey's continues to execute an aggressive growth strategy focused on expanding its store footprint. This includes building new stores, replacing existing ones, and undertaking major remodels. The company has a robust pipeline of new stores under construction and sites under contract, indicating a commitment to increasing its market presence.

The company primarily relies on cash generated from operations for liquidity and to fund its capital expenditures. They also utilize a $100 million bank line of credit and have long-term debt. Management believes these sources, combined with future operational cash flow, are sufficient to meet working capital and expansion needs.