10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2011

CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jan 31, 2011

Filed March 9, 2011For Securities:CASY

Summary

Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) filed its Form 10-Q for the period ending January 31, 2011, reporting a mixed financial performance. While total revenue saw a significant increase, driven by higher gasoline prices and sales volume, net earnings experienced a decline compared to the previous year. This was primarily due to increased operating expenses, including significant legal and advisory fees related to unsolicited acquisition proposals, and higher interest expenses resulting from new debt issuance. Significant corporate activity during the period included a substantial self-tender offer financed by new debt, as well as a notable increase in property and equipment expenditures and store acquisitions, indicating a strategic focus on growth and expansion. The company also navigated unsolicited takeover attempts from Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. and 7-Eleven, Inc., ultimately rejecting their proposals. Investors should note the impact of these strategic initiatives and external offers on profitability, alongside the ongoing operational performance of the convenience store chain.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.37B
Cost of Revenue$1.17B
Gross Profit$202.53M
Operating Expenses$151.51M
Interest Expense$8.91M
Net Income$12.88M
EPS (Basic)$0.34
EPS (Diluted)$0.34
Shares Outstanding (Basic)37.94M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)38.24M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue for the nine months ended January 31, 2011, increased by 18.2% to $4.09 billion, primarily driven by a 21.5% rise in retail gasoline sales.
  • 2Net earnings for the nine months ended January 31, 2011, decreased by 24.4% to $71.9 million, impacted by increased operating expenses, higher interest costs, and a loss on early debt retirement.
  • 3Operating expenses rose significantly, influenced by $1.7 million in legal and advisory fees related to unsolicited acquisition proposals from Couche-Tard and 7-Eleven.
  • 4The company issued $569 million in 5.22% Senior Notes to finance a $500 million self-tender offer, repurchasing approximately 25.8% of its common stock.
  • 5Capital expenditures increased substantially, with $256 million spent on property and equipment during the nine months ended January 31, 2011, up from $130 million in the prior year, reflecting store acquisitions and remodeling.
  • 6Same-store gasoline gallons sold increased by 3.5% in the third quarter, with an average margin of 13.9 cents per gallon.
  • 7The company is involved in ongoing 'hot fuel' litigation, with a class certified for certain claims in Kansas, though management believes it is not liable.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the decrease in net earnings were increased operating expenses, notably $1.7 million in legal and advisory fees related to evaluating unsolicited acquisition proposals, and a significant increase in interest expense due to new debt issuance for a share repurchase program.

The company financed its self-tender offer to repurchase shares of its common stock through the issuance of $569 million in 5.22% Senior Notes.

During the third fiscal quarter, the company acquired 64 stores, opened 9 replacement stores, and completed 6 new-store constructions. The annual goal is to increase the number of stores by 4% to 6%.

Casey's General Stores is a defendant in 'hot fuel' lawsuits alleging misrepresentation of gasoline volumes due to temperature expansion. While a class has been certified for certain claims in Kansas, the company's management believes it is not liable and intends to contest the matter vigorously. The trial is scheduled for May 17, 2012.