Casey’s General Stores Reports Strong Q2 Earnings

Casey’s General Stores ((CASY)) has held its Q2 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.

Casey’s General Stores’ recent earnings call painted a picture of robust financial health, marked by notable growth in net income, EBITDA, and inside store sales. The company also highlighted its successful community engagement initiatives. However, the call was not without its challenges, as Casey’s addressed the impact of lower-margin Cefco stores, rising operating expenses, and increased interest expenses.

Strong Financial Performance

Casey’s General Stores reported a significant increase in net income, which rose by 14% to reach $206 million. The diluted earnings per share (EPS) also saw an impressive rise to $5.53. Additionally, the company’s EBITDA grew by 17.5%, reaching $410 million, underscoring the company’s solid financial footing.

Inside Store Sales Growth

The company experienced a healthy boost in inside store sales, with same-store sales climbing 3.3% in the second quarter. Notably, prepared food and dispensed beverage sales increased by 4.8%, while grocery and general merchandise sales saw a 2.7% rise, reflecting strong consumer demand.

Fuel Segment Success

Casey’s fuel segment continued its upward trajectory, with fuel gallon sales growing for the fourth consecutive quarter. The company achieved a margin of 41.6 cents per gallon, outperforming the regional decline of approximately 2%, highlighting its competitive edge in the market.

Community Engagement

Demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility, Casey’s raised $1.2 million for veteran-focused nonprofits, including Children of Fallen Patriots and Hope for the Warriors, showcasing the company’s dedication to giving back to the community.

Impact of Cefco Stores on Margins

The integration of Cefco stores posed a challenge to Casey’s overall margins, as these stores have a lower margin compared to Casey’s. The prepared foods segment, in particular, has about half the margin rate of Casey’s, impacting the company’s profitability.

Increased Operating Expenses

Casey’s reported a 4.5% increase in same-store operating expenses, excluding credit card fees. This rise was driven by higher costs in insurance, utilities, legal, and advertising, which the company is actively managing.

Interest Expense Rise

The company’s net interest expense increased to $24.7 million, a rise of $12.1 million from the previous year. This was primarily due to the financing of the Fikes transaction, which has added to the company’s financial obligations.

Financial Guidance Update

Looking ahead, Casey’s General Stores provided optimistic guidance for fiscal 2026. The company expects EBITDA to increase by 15% to 17%, with inside same-store sales projected to rise between 3% to 4%. The company also anticipates continued market share growth in the fuel category and positive impacts from strategic initiatives, such as the integration of Cefco stores and the rollout of new product offerings like chicken wings.

In summary, Casey’s General Stores’ earnings call reflected a positive sentiment, driven by strong financial performance and strategic growth initiatives. While challenges such as increased expenses and lower-margin stores were acknowledged, the company’s forward-looking guidance suggests continued optimism and growth potential.