10-KPeriod: FY2012

CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC Annual Report, Year Ended Apr 30, 2012

Filed June 26, 2012For Securities:CASY

Summary

Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) operates a chain of 1,699 convenience stores across 11 Midwestern states, with a strong focus on smaller communities. The company's business model is centered on offering a broad selection of products, including freshly prepared foods like pizza and donuts, alongside gasoline sales. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2012, Casey's reported total revenue of approximately $6.99 billion, with gasoline accounting for about 73% of this revenue. Strategically, Casey's emphasizes high-margin prepared food items, which contributed significantly to gross profits despite lower revenue contribution. The company continued its growth through new store constructions and acquisitions, expanding its footprint and operational capacity. Management highlighted the successful integration of prepared foods and expansion of services like pizza delivery as key drivers for same-store sales growth in merchandise. The company maintains a strong focus on operational efficiency and cost management, including investments in energy-saving initiatives.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$6.99B
Cost of Revenue$5.99B
Gross Profit$1.00B
Operating Expenses$688.43M
Interest Expense$35.19M
Net Income$114.69M
EPS (Basic)$3.01
EPS (Diluted)$2.99
Shares Outstanding (Basic)38.07M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)38.39M

Key Highlights

  • 1Robust Revenue Growth: Total revenue increased by 24% to $6.99 billion in fiscal year 2012, driven by higher gasoline prices, increased gallons sold, and strong same-store inside sales.
  • 2Prepared Foods as a Margin Driver: While gasoline constitutes 73% of revenue, prepared food and fountain sales, which have significantly higher gross profit margins (60.7% in FY12), are crucial for overall profitability.
  • 3Strategic Expansion: The company added 30 new stores and acquired 35 additional stores in fiscal year 2012, continuing its expansion strategy to broaden its geographic presence and customer base.
  • 4Focus on Smaller Communities: Approximately 59% of stores are located in areas with populations under 5,000, highlighting a niche market strategy where Casey's often faces less direct competition.
  • 5Efficient Operations: Management is implementing energy efficiency initiatives and incentive programs for store managers to control operating expenses.
  • 6Strong Financial Position: Despite a slight decrease in current assets to current liabilities ratio to 0.91:1, the company maintains a solid liquidity position supported by operating cash flow and a bank credit line.
  • 7Competitive Landscape Acknowledged: The company faces significant competition from various retail and fuel providers but differentiates itself through its store offerings and strategic location choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Casey's General Stores operates convenience stores in Midwestern states, offering a wide range of products including gasoline, groceries, and freshly prepared foods like pizza and donuts. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2012, approximately 73% of its revenue came from gasoline sales, while the remaining 27% came from inside sales (groceries, merchandise, and prepared foods).

Casey's strategically focuses on high-margin prepared food items, which, despite a smaller revenue share, contribute a disproportionately large portion of gross profit. Prepared foods had a gross profit margin of approximately 60.7% in fiscal year 2012, significantly higher than the approximately 4.4% margin on gasoline sales.

Casey's growth strategy involves both new store construction and strategic acquisitions. In fiscal year 2012, the company added 30 newly constructed stores and acquired 35 additional convenience stores, increasing its total store count to 1,699.

Key risks identified include intense competition in both the convenience store and gasoline markets, volatility in wholesale petroleum costs affecting profitability, potential increases in credit card and tobacco product expenses, and the impact of general economic conditions and unfavorable weather on consumer spending and store traffic.