Casey's General Stores Outperforms Retail-Wholesale Peers Amid Improved Earnings Outlook

Casey's General Stores (CASY) is outperforming its Retail-Wholesale peers with a year-to-date return of 32.1%, compared to the sector's average return of 5.1%. The company has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) and its full-year earnings estimate has increased 0.5% over the past three months. In comparison, Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (DRVN) has a year-to-date return of 9.9% and a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

Casey's General Stores (CASY) has been demonstrating robust performance in the Retail-Wholesale sector, with a year-to-date return of 32.1%, significantly outperforming the sector's average return of 5.1% [1]. The company's strong performance is reflected in its Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), which indicates a favorable outlook for the next one to three months. Additionally, the consensus estimate for CASY's full-year earnings has improved by 0.5% over the past three months, signaling a positive earnings outlook trend [1].

In comparison, Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (DRVN), another notable performer in the Retail-Wholesale sector, has a year-to-date return of 9.9% and a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) [1]. Both companies have shown significant growth and are attracting the attention of institutional investors.

Institutional investors have been actively increasing their stakes in CASY. Alps Advisors Inc., for instance, grew its holdings by 6.4% in the first quarter, owning 9,446 shares worth $4,100,000 at the end of the period [2]. Other institutional investors such as Proficio Capital Partners LLC, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC, Swiss National Bank, and Commonwealth Equity Services LLC have also increased their holdings in CASY during the fourth quarter [2].

Despite the strong performance, insiders have been selling shares. Insider Chad Michael Frazell sold 4,808 shares, and CEO Darren M. Rebelez sold 20,000 shares in transactions dated June 17th [2]. These transactions represent a 29.52% and 18.21% decrease in their positions, respectively.

CASY's recent earnings report for the quarter ending June 9th showed an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.63, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1.94 by $0.69 [2]. The company's net margin was 3.43%, and its return on equity was 16.28%. Revenue for the quarter was $3.99 billion, up 10.9% year-over-year.

Analysts have been bullish on CASY, with several brokerages upgrading their ratings and price targets. Stephens, Wall Street Zen, Evercore ISI, Royal Bank Of Canada, and Wells Fargo & Company have all expressed positive views on the stock [2]. The consensus rating is "Moderate Buy" with a target price of $465.25 [2].

In conclusion, Casey's General Stores is outperforming its peers in the Retail-Wholesale sector, driven by strong earnings growth and positive analyst sentiment. Institutional investors continue to show confidence in the company, with significant holdings being reported. Despite insider selling, the overall outlook for CASY remains positive.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/caseys-general-stores-casy-stock-134001431.html
[2] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/filing-alps-advisors-inc-grows-holdings-in-caseys-general-stores-inc-nasdaqcasy-2025-07-12/