The year-end results include approximately $27.4 million in expenses pertaining to the company's recapitalization [image-nocss] plan completed in the second quarter as well as the unsolicited hostile offer and related actions by Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc."We are pleased with our ability to drive double digit gross profit increases across all of our major categories during the fourth quarter," said president and CEO Robert J. Myers. "Despite the challenges impacting our industry, we are optimistic about our ability to continue to drive shareholder value next fiscal year."
Gasoline: The company's annual goal was to increase same-store gasoline gallons sold 1% with an average margin of 13.5 cents per gallon. For the quarter, same-store gallons sold were down 1.9%, adversely impacted by a 30% increase in retail gas prices during the same period; however, the strong gasoline margin environment continued in the fourth quarter resulting in an average margin of 15.6 cents per gallon. Same-store gallons sold for the year increased 1.6% with an average margin of 15.2 cents.
"The favorable gasoline margin environment continued in the fourth quarter, resulting in a record gas margin for the fiscal year. We anticipate this favorable environment continuing into the first quarter of fiscal 2012," said Myers. For the year, total gallons sold were up 8.6% to 1.4 billion, while gross profit dollars rose 19% from the prior year.
Grocery & Other Merchandise: Casey's annual goal was to increase same-store sales 6% with an average margin of 33.9%. For the quarter, same-store sales rose 4.8% with an average margin of 32.1%. For the second consecutive quarter, the company experienced double digit sales growth across all major areas of this category. As a result, total sales in the category were up 14% during the fourth quarter.
"The margin was impacted by a competitive cigarette pricing environment and indirect commodity pressures," said Myers. "Despite these adversities, we were able to drive gross profit 10.7% in this category during the quarter." Total sales for the year are up 11.4% to $1.2 billion. Same-store sales for the year were up 4.6% with an average margin of 32.2%.
Prepared Food & Fountain: The goal for fiscal 2011 was to increase same-store sales 8% with an average margin of 63.1%. For the quarter, same-store sales were up 11.8% with an average margin of 60.2%, down in the same period a year ago primarily due to a rise in commodity costs throughout the category. Gross profit rose over 10% during the quarter primarily due to an increase in total sales of 17.5%.
"The retail price increases taken earlier in the quarter along with the new store design and continued promotional activity are driving sales," said Myers. "Over the last five years same store sales increases have averaged 8.5% and we expect this strong performance to continue." Same-store sales for the year were up 7.7% with an average margin of 62.2%. Year to date, total sales were up 13.5% to $415.2 million compared to $365.8 million.
Operating Expenses: For the fiscal year, operating expenses increased 15.5% to $607.6 million. For the quarter, operating expenses were up 11.4%, driven by a combined increase in credit card fees and fuel expense as well as operating more stores this quarter compared to the same period a year ago.
"The higher retail gas price environment drove credit card fees to a record quarterly amount of over $18 million," said Myers.
Expansion: The goal for fiscal 2011 was to increase the total number of stores 4% to 6%. For the year, the company increased the store count nearly 7%, with 20 new store constructions and 89 acquired stores.
"We are pleased with the recent acquisition environment and we have written agreements for an additional 33 locations," said Myers. "In addition to unit growth, we replaced 15 stores and completed 120 major remodels.
Fiscal 2012 Goals: The corporate performance goals for fiscal 2012 are as follows: Increase same-store gasoline gallons sold 1% with an average margin of 13.5 cents per gallon. Increase same-store grocery and other merchandise sales 5.8% with an average margin of 32.8%. Increase same-store prepared food and fountain sales 7.7% with an average margin of 61.8%. Increase the total number of stores 4% to 6%.
Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey's has approximately 1,620 stores in 11 Midwestern and Great Plains states including: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin and now Arkansas. Most Casey's stores operate in towns with populations of less than 5,000. Casey's stores supply self-service gasoline, made-from-scratch pizza and donuts, sandwiches, hot and cold beverages, grocery items and more.
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