On Tuesday, Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) maintained a Buy rating on Casey's General Stores (NASDAQ:CASY) and raised the price target slightly from $451.00 to $454.00. The adjustment follows Casey's successful completion of the acquisition of Fikes Wholesale, Inc., which includes CEFCO Convenience Stores, on November 1, 2024. The purchase, valued at $1,145 million, is seen favorably by the analyst due to the transaction's multiple of 11 times EBITDA, the quality of the store network, and the expansion into new markets.
The acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Casey's presence in Texas and open new growth opportunities in states including Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. The analyst believes that the targeted pre-tax synergies of approximately $45 million are achievable, particularly through the integration of Casey's high-margin pizza program into the acquired stores and improved fuel margins from procurement and distribution efficiencies. The inclusion of a dealer network and a fuel terminal in Texas, as part of CEFCO, is anticipated to support these plans.
Casey's strategic initiatives, bolstered by the recent acquisition, are projected to drive an 8-10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in EBITDA through the fiscal year 2026. Furthermore, the company is expected to see an improvement in return on invested capital (ROIC), positioning Casey's in the top quintile within the retail sector.
In conjunction with the announcement, Casey's has also updated its second-quarter fuel margin guidance to approximately 40 cents per gallon. Deutsche Bank has updated its financial model for Casey's in anticipation of the second-quarter results, which are projected to be released on December 9, 2024. The acquisition and the subsequent financial adjustments reflect Casey's ongoing efforts to grow its market share and enhance profitability in the convenience store sector.
In other recent news, Casey's General Stores finalized its acquisition of Fikes Wholesale, the proprietor of CEFCO Convenience Stores, marking the largest acquisition in the company's history. This expansion resulted in an addition of 198 stores to Casey's operations, bringing the total to around 2,900. Casey's also reported an expected fuel margin of approximately 40 cents per gallon for the second quarter.
On the financial front, the company saw a 7% increase in diluted earnings per share to $4.83, a 6% rise in net income to $180 million, and a 9% improvement in EBITDA, reaching $346 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. In-store sales and fuel same-store gallons sold also saw increases of 2.3% and 0.7% respectively.
Regarding analyst reviews, Benchmark maintained a Buy rating on Casey's shares, while Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) held a neutral stance. JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM), on the other hand, downgraded Casey's stock from Neutral to Underweight due to potential pressure on Prepared Foods margins from rising cheese costs. Evercore ISI raised Casey's share target from $435 to $440, maintaining an Outperform rating on the stock. These are the recent developments surrounding Casey's General Stores.
InvestingPro Insights
Casey's General Stores' recent acquisition and strategic moves align well with its financial performance and market position. According to InvestingPro data, the company's market capitalization stands at $14.67 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the convenience store sector. The company's revenue growth of 4.01% over the last twelve months and a robust 5.91% quarterly growth indicate a steady expansion trajectory, supporting Deutsche Bank's positive outlook.
InvestingPro Tips highlight Casey's strong dividend history, having raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years and maintained payments for 35 years. This consistent dividend growth, coupled with a recent dividend growth rate of 16.28%, underscores the company's financial stability and commitment to shareholder returns. However, investors should note that Casey's is trading at a high P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth, with a current P/E ratio of 28.66.
The company's strong financial position is further evidenced by its profitability over the last twelve months and analysts' predictions of continued profitability. Casey's impressive year-to-date price total return of 39.46% and its trading near its 52-week high suggest market confidence in the company's growth strategy and recent acquisition.
For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 10 additional tips for Casey's General Stores, providing deeper insights into the company's financial health and market position.
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