10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2011

CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Jul 31, 2010

Filed September 9, 2010For Securities:CASY

Summary

Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) filed its 10-Q for the period ending July 31, 2010, reporting a decrease in net earnings compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased operating expenses, including significant legal and advisory fees related to an unsolicited takeover bid by Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (Couche-Tard). Despite the net earnings decline, the company saw a notable increase in total revenue, driven by higher gasoline sales volume and prices, as well as growth in grocery and prepared food categories. Cash flow from operations strengthened, providing a solid base for reinvestment in new stores and capital expenditures. However, the ongoing unsolicited takeover attempt and related litigation are creating uncertainty and incurring substantial costs, which are impacting profitability.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.36B
Cost of Revenue$1.13B
Gross Profit$233.97M
Operating Expenses$152.39M
Interest Expense$2.53M
Net Income$37.29M
EPS (Basic)$0.73
EPS (Diluted)$0.73
Shares Outstanding (Basic)50.95M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)51.23M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased by 14.7% to $1.36 billion for the quarter ended July 31, 2010, compared to the prior year, driven by a 18.5% increase in retail gasoline sales and a 6.7% rise in grocery and merchandise sales.
  • 2Net earnings decreased by 15.6% to $37.3 million ($0.73 per diluted share) for the quarter, impacted by $6.2 million in legal and advisory fees related to the Couche-Tard takeover bid.
  • 3Gross profit margin declined to 17.2% from 18.5% year-over-year, primarily due to lower margins in grocery and merchandise sales, although gasoline gross profit per gallon increased.
  • 4Operating expenses rose by 15.1% due to the aforementioned takeover-related fees, increased credit card and transportation costs, and a larger store base.
  • 5Net cash provided by operations significantly increased by 39.2% to $103.7 million, reflecting improved accounts payable, accrued expenses, and income taxes payable.
  • 6The company initiated construction on 13 new and 9 replacement stores during the quarter, maintaining its growth strategy with plans to expand its store base by 4-6% annually.
  • 7Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. continued its unsolicited takeover bid, increasing its offer price multiple times, while Casey's board consistently recommended shareholders reject the offer, leading to significant legal and advisory expenses for Casey's.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the decrease in net earnings is the significant increase in operating expenses, most notably $6.2 million in legal and advisory fees incurred in evaluating and responding to the unsolicited takeover proposal from Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (Couche-Tard).

Total revenue showed a strong increase of 14.7% to $1.36 billion. This growth was primarily driven by a substantial rise in retail gasoline sales, both in terms of gallons sold and average price per gallon, as well as increased sales of grocery, general merchandise, and prepared food items.

Casey's General Stores' Board of Directors has consistently determined that Couche-Tard's offers undervalue the company and are not in the best interests of shareholders. The Board has recommended that shareholders reject the offers and has engaged in defensive measures and legal actions in response to the ongoing bid.

The company's primary source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, which saw a significant increase in this quarter. Additionally, Casey's maintains a $50 million bank line of credit and plans to fund its capital expenditures, including new store construction and remodels, through a combination of operating cash flow and potential future financing.