10-KPeriod: FY2010

CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC Annual Report, Year Ended Apr 30, 2010

Filed June 29, 2010For Securities:CASY

Summary

Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) filed its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010, revealing a company firmly rooted in its Midwestern communities, operating a network of 1,531 convenience stores. The report highlights a year marked by increased net earnings, driven by growth in inside sales, improved margins on prepared foods, and a recovery in gasoline gross profit margins. Despite a slight dip in total revenue, primarily due to lower gasoline prices, the company demonstrated resilience, expanding its store base through new constructions and strategic acquisitions. However, the fiscal year was significantly impacted by an unsolicited takeover bid from Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (Couche-Tard), which commenced a tender offer at $36 per share. Casey's Board of Directors unanimously rejected the offer, deeming it to undervalue the company, and advised shareholders to do the same. This hostile bid led to substantial legal and advisory fees, which impacted the company's operating expenses and are expected to continue into the next fiscal year. Investors should note the company's continued focus on expanding its high-margin prepared food offerings and the ongoing challenges presented by competitive markets and economic conditions.

Financial Highlights

47 data points
Beta

Revenue

$4.64B

17.1% Gross Margin

Net Income

$116.96M

2.5% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$2.29

Total Assets

$1.39B

Cash & Equivalents

$151.68M

Free Cash Flow

$84.83M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$4.64B
Cost of Revenue$3.84B
Gross Profit$792.35M
Operating Expenses$526.29M
Interest Expense$10.93M
Net Income$116.96M
EPS (Basic)$2.30
EPS (Diluted)$2.29
Shares Outstanding (Basic)50.90M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)51.05M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net earnings for fiscal year 2010 increased to $116.96 million, up from $85.69 million in fiscal year 2009, representing a significant year-over-year improvement.
  • 2Total revenue slightly decreased by 1.1% to $4.64 billion, primarily due to a 7.5% decrease in average gasoline prices, though gasoline gallons sold increased by 3.3%.
  • 3Inside sales (grocery & other merchandise and prepared food & fountain) grew by 6.9% to $1.44 billion, driven by increases in cigarette and fountain categories, and an expanded store base.
  • 4Gross profit margin improved to 17.1% from 15.4% in the prior year, with gasoline margins rising to 5.6% and prepared food & fountain margins increasing to 63.8%.
  • 5The company expanded its store footprint by acquiring 37 new stores and constructing 18 new locations during fiscal year 2010.
  • 6Casey's experienced an unsolicited takeover attempt from Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (Couche-Tard) at $36 per share, which the Board of Directors rejected as undervaluing the company.
  • 7Legal and advisory fees related to the Couche-Tard bid amounted to $6.9 million in fiscal year 2010, with further material expenses expected in fiscal year 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions

In fiscal year 2010, Casey's General Stores, Inc. reported a significant increase in net earnings, reaching $116.96 million, up from $85.69 million in fiscal year 2009. While total revenue saw a slight decrease of 1.1% to $4.64 billion, this was largely attributed to lower gasoline prices. The company benefited from strong performance in inside sales (non-gasoline items), which grew by 6.9%, and an improvement in gross profit margins, particularly in prepared foods and gasoline.

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. made an unsolicited offer to acquire Casey's at $36 per share. Casey's Board of Directors rejected this offer, believing it significantly undervalues the company. This situation led to substantial legal and advisory expenses of $6.9 million in fiscal year 2010, with further material costs anticipated in fiscal year 2011. The tender offer and related actions are expected to continue to be disruptive and may create uncertainty for the business.

Casey's continues to focus on strategic growth through both acquisitions and new store construction, adding 37 stores via acquisition and 18 through new builds in fiscal year 2010. A key element of its strategy is the expansion of high-margin prepared food offerings, such as pizza and donuts, which contribute substantially to overall gross profits. The company also benefits from its strong presence in smaller Midwestern communities where it often faces less competition.

Key risks include intense competition in the convenience store and gasoline market, volatility in wholesale petroleum costs, potential increases in tobacco product costs and taxes, and adverse effects from future legislation discouraging smoking. General economic conditions, unfavorable weather in the Midwest, and challenges associated with integrating acquired stores also pose risks. Additionally, the ongoing unsolicited takeover bid introduces significant uncertainty and potential costs.