Impact of Fikes Acquisition on Fuel and Prepared Foods Margins
The Fikes acquisition has contributed to a 110 basis point drag on prepared foods margins, which management expects to improve as stores are remodeled.
Remodeling and full integration of Fikes stores are projected to take over a year, with initial synergies mainly from fuel and G&A savings.
The company has made adjustments to the Fikes stores' assortment and promotional strategies to improve margins and sales performance.
Progress on converting Fikes stores to Casey's food proposition is ongoing, with full benefits expected post-remodeling and kitchen upgrades.
Management remains confident that the full integration and remodeling will eventually lead to margin accretion and higher profitability.
Adjusted EPS grew 12% year-over-year to $1.04, the strongest growth rate since 2023.
Adjusted FIFO operating profit was $1.1 billion for the quarter.
E-commerce sales grew 16%, driven by increased households and order frequency, with delivery sales surpassing pickup sales for the first time.
Excluding the pharmacy mix and sale impact, FIFO gross margin rate decreased 9 basis points, in line with expectations to remain margin neutral.
FIFO gross margin rate increased 39 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy and lower supply chain costs.
Fuel sales and profitability declined due to lower retail prices and fewer gallons sold, with expectations for continued lower gallons sold through 2025.
Identical sales without fuel grew 3.4%, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of improvement.
Operating general and administrative (OG&A) rate improved, decreasing 5 basis points year-over-year, and 41 basis points on an underlying basis after adjustments.
Reversal of Modern Store Remodels and Signage Changes
Cracker Barrel has paused and begun reverting from modern store designs to traditional Americana decor after testing in 4 locations, indicating a strategic shift away from recent remodel experiments.
Management confirmed that the modern design stores will not be rolled out further, emphasizing a focus on traditional store aesthetics that resonate more with guests.
The company has taken a cautious approach, pausing remodels in less than 10% of stores to evaluate guest feedback and operational impact.
This reversal reflects a responsive strategy to guest preferences and feedback, prioritizing brand heritage and customer nostalgia over recent modernization efforts.
The process of reverting signage and interiors is ongoing and will take time due to permitting and logistical constraints, signaling a disciplined approach to capital spending.
Dafinchi
