10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2017

CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jan 31, 2017

Filed March 6, 2017For Securities:CASY

Summary

Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) reported its fiscal third-quarter and nine-month results for the period ending January 31, 2017. The company demonstrated revenue growth driven by increased fuel gallons sold and higher sales in grocery, merchandise, and prepared food and fountain categories. Despite revenue increases, net income for both the quarter and the nine-month period saw a decline compared to the prior year. This was attributed to higher operating expenses, increased depreciation and amortization, and lower fuel margins per gallon, alongside slight decreases in inside sales margins. Operationally, Casey's continued its expansion strategy, with new store constructions, replacements, major remodels, and acquisitions. The company also highlighted its continued investment in growth programs and store infrastructure. While overall profitability decreased, the balance sheet shows a healthy increase in cash and cash equivalents and a strengthening current ratio. Management remains confident in its liquidity and ability to fund future growth and operations through operating cash flow, existing credit lines, and potential debt issuances.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.77B
Cost of Revenue$1.38B
Gross Profit$389.63M
Operating Expenses$292.32M
Interest Expense$10.56M
Net Income$22.84M
EPS (Basic)$0.58
EPS (Diluted)$0.58
Shares Outstanding (Basic)39.19M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)39.66M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased by 13.0% for the third quarter and 2.2% for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the prior year periods.
  • 2Net income decreased by 40.1% for the third quarter and 17.6% for the nine months ended January 31, 2017, year-over-year.
  • 3Fuel gallons sold increased by 5.5% in the third quarter, while fuel gross profit margin per gallon decreased slightly.
  • 4Same-store sales for grocery and other merchandise increased by 3.0% and prepared food and fountain increased by 5.8% in the third quarter.
  • 5Operating expenses increased significantly by 12.6% in the third quarter and 11.2% in the nine-month period, driven by wage increases and growth program expansion.
  • 6Depreciation and amortization expense rose by 16.7% for the quarter and 16.5% for the nine-month period due to capital expenditures.
  • 7Cash and cash equivalents increased substantially to $115.7 million as of January 31, 2017, from $75.8 million at the beginning of the fiscal year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase in retail fuel sales, with a 5.5% rise in gallons sold in the third quarter. Additionally, sales of grocery and other merchandise increased by 3.0%, and prepared food and fountain sales grew by 5.8% in the same period.

Net income decreased primarily due to a significant increase in operating expenses (12.6% in the quarter), higher depreciation and amortization expenses (16.7% in the quarter), and a decline in fuel gross profit margin per gallon. These factors outweighed the benefits of increased sales volume and revenue.

Casey's General Stores continues to actively pursue growth through new store constructions, replacements, major remodels, and acquisitions. The company has a pipeline of projects underway and plans to continue investing in its store base to meet competitive challenges and enhance operating efficiencies. A new share repurchase program of up to $300 million was also authorized on March 3, 2017.

The company's primary source of liquidity is cash provided by operations. As of January 31, 2017, Casey's reported strong cash and cash equivalents and an improved current ratio. Management believes its existing credit lines, cash on hand, and future operating cash flow are sufficient to meet working capital needs and fund ongoing capital expenditures for growth and improvements.