Gross profit dollars is up 19.3% for Casey’s second quarter, and the company expects the growth to continue into fiscal 2016.
Casey’s General Stores Inc. has revealed significant growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 ended Oct. 31, 2015. The Company reported diluted earnings per share of $2 for the second quarter, compared to $1.28 per share for the same quarter a year ago. Year to date, diluted earnings per share were $3.57 versus $2.56 a year ago.
“Casey’s experienced significant sales growth in all major areas of our business, especially inside our stores,” stated chairman and CEO Robert Myers. “Second quarter inside sales were up 11.6% while total fuel gallons sold were up 7.7%. The positive sales performance, along with a strong prepared food and fuel margin, drove gross profit dollars up 19.3% for the quarter.
Fuel—The Company’s annual goal for fiscal 2016 is to increase same-store gallons sold 2% with an average margin of 16.7 cents per gallon. For the second quarter, same-store gallons sold were up 3.3% with an average margin of 24.7 cents per gallon. The Company sold 13.6 million renewable fuel credits for $4.7 million during the second quarter. “Same-store gallons during the quarter continued to benefit from lower fuel prices,” said Myers. “We also experienced a fuel margin well ahead of our annual goal due primarily to volatile wholesale costs during the quarter.” For the year, total gallons sold were up 7.8% to 997.4 million gallons with an average margin of 21.1 cents per gallon, while gross profit dollars rose 18.5%. Same-store gallons for the year were up 3.3%.
Grocery & Other Merchandise—Casey’s annual goal for fiscal 2016 is to increase same-store sales 6.2% with an average margin of 32.1%. For the second quarter, same-store sales were up 7.5% with an average margin of 31.5%. The Company experienced double-digit sales increases across nearly all major areas of this category, resulting in a 10.6% increase in total sales in the second quarter. “Packaged beverage and tobacco sales continued their solid performance as we expand our cooler capacity throughout our store base and customers trade up to premium brands,” stated Myers. For the six months ended Oct. 31, 2015, same-store sales were up 7.2% with an average margin of 32.1%. Total sales for the year were up 10.3% to $1.04 billion, while gross profit dollars rose 9%.
Prepared Food & Fountain—The goal for fiscal 2016 is to increase same-store sales 10.4% with an average margin of 60.8%. Same-store sales for the quarter were up 9.4% with an average margin of 63.4%. The margin was up 410 basis points primarily due to lower commodity costs compared to the same time a year ago. “Same-store sales benefited from the continued rollout of our primary store initiatives,” said Myers. “We are optimistic about the future growth in this category especially as we complete the implementation of online ordering later this month in all of our stores. The online ordering service will give our customers the ability to conveniently order pizza, made-to-order sub sandwiches, and appetizers.” Year to date, total sales were up 14.4% to $452.8 million compared to the first six months last year, and gross profit dollars were up 20.9% to $285.2 million. Year to date, same-store sales were up 9.8%.
Operating Expenses—Year to date, operating expenses increased 8.7% to $531.6 million. For the quarter, operating expenses were up 9.5%. “The increase was primarily due to operating 48 more stores this year compared to a year ago in the same period and the continued rollout of various operational initiatives,” said Myers. “These increases were offset by a $1.3 million decrease in the quarter for transportation costs due to lower fuel prices.”
Expansion—The Company’s annual goal is to build or acquire 75 to 113 stores, replace 10 existing locations and perform 100 major remodels. At the mid-year point, the Company had acquired one store and completed 25 new-store constructions. The Company has also completed 11 replacements and 24 major remodels. “We are on pace to build approximately 50 stores and remodel 100 stores by the end of the fiscal year,” said Myers. “We will continue to remain patient with acquisitions and remain optimistic about our long-term growth opportunities as our second distribution center becomes operational in February 2016.”
Dividend— At its December meeting, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of 22 cents per share. The dividend is payable Feb. 15, 2016 to shareholders of record on Feb. 1, 2016.