Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Specialty Retail / Casey's General Stores

Casey's General Stores

casy · NASDAQ Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker casy
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Specialty Retail
Employees 10,000+
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FY2011 Annual Report · Casey's General Stores
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2011 Annual Report

Casey’s in Motion

Message to Shareholders 

Management Team 

Store Operations 

Expansion 

Finance   

Investor Information 

Financial Information 

2

5 

6

12

15

17

18

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

2010 
Total revenue 
$ 4,637,087 
Cash flow from operations  $  214,068 
$  116,962 
Net earnings 
2.30 
$ 
EPS (basic) 
EPS (diluted) 
2.29 
$ 
2,165 
Shareholders of record 
19,434 
Employees 
1,531 
Number of stores 

$  5,635,240 
$  261,443 
94,623  
$ 
2.24 
$ 
2.22 
$ 
1,948  
22,157  
1,637  

2011  % Change
 21.5%
22.1%
-19.1%
-2.6%
-3.1%
-10.0%
14.0%
6.9%

 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
When you run a business 
with many moving parts — in 
our case more than 1,600 
stores in eleven states, each 
with many employees and 
serving a unique community — 
there are always challenges … 
and opportunities.

In fiscal year 2011 gasoline registered record margins despite 

high prices and the company physically grew by more 

than 100 stores. The Company also experienced significant 

commodity  pressures,  particularly  in  the  prepared  food 

category, yet still managed to drive gross profit.

Casey’s took the opportunities and challenges of fiscal 2011 

in stride. We exited the fiscal year in excellent financial health 

and will keep moving forward to even better days to come.   

EARNING BEFORE INCOME TAX

BASIC EARNING PER SHARE

09

10
11

139.1

181.6

151.2

09

10

11

$1.69

$2.30

$2.24

GROCERY & OTHER MERCHANDISE

SALES (in millions)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

$1,010

$1,074

09

10

11

33.7%

33.6%

32.2%

09

10

11

$340.0

$360.4

$385.3

$1,196

PREPARED FOOD & FOUNTAIN

SALES (in millions)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

$336

$366

$415

09

10

11

61.4%

63.8%

62.2%

09

10

11

$206.0

$233.5

$258.2          

09

10

11

Goal

5.9%

3.3%

4.6%

5.8%

9.1%

09

10

11

Goal

4.2%

7.7%

7.7%

GASOLINE

SALES (in gallons)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

1,242

1,283

12.9¢

13.9¢

09

10

11

$159.9

$178.2

09

10

11

1,394

15.2¢

$212.0   

09

1.0%

-0.1%

10

11

Goal

1.6%

1.0%

09

10

11

09

10

11

09

10

11

CORPORATE STORES

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STORES

ACQUIRED STORES

STORE GROWTH

1478

1531

09

10

11

1637

09

10

11

16

18

20

16

37

09

10

11

89

CAPITAL STRUCTURE (in millions)

EQUITY

LONG-TERM DEBT

OPERATING EXPENSES INCREASE

09

10

11

$721.2

$824.3

$403.9

$167.9

$154.8

09

10

11

5.9%

4.3%

09

10

11

$678.7

15.5%

2

Message 
to Shareholders

3

Every business leader knows the value of 
movement. Leadership requires vigilance in 
managing the ever-changing internal and  
external dynamics that affect our business  
so we can keep moving toward our goals. 

Fiscal  year  2011  posed  several  challenges,  some  we’ve  seen  before  and  some  we 
haven’t.  Yet  once  again,  thanks  to  the  talents,  commitment  and  dedication  of  all 
22,157  of  my  fellow  Casey’s  employees,  I’m  pleased  to  report  we  maintained  our 
forward momentum heading into a promising fiscal 2012. 

Unexpected Expenses and Value-Adding Opportunities

One  challenge  that  was  forced  upon  us  in  fiscal  2011  was  the  unsolicited  hostile 
takeover attempt by Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc. The board of directors rejected 
the  takeover  bids  as  significantly  undervaluing  Casey’s,  a  position  that  was 
overwhelmingly affirmed in a vote by our shareholders to re-elect all of our directors 
at the annual meeting. Unfortunately, expenses incurred during the takeover attempt 
cost Casey’s approximately $16 million during the fiscal year.

We also executed a $500 million recapitalization plan that generated significant value 
and  enhanced  returns  for  Casey’s  shareholders  while  allowing  us  to  continue 
executing on strategic initiatives that generated record store growth. 

 
4

Managing Commodity Costs

A significant drag on fiscal 2011 came from the cost of commodities like coffee, cheese, 
meat and more. As a convenience store and pizza maker, Casey’s literally uses tons 
of cheese and large quantities of meat and coffee each year. We are also significantly 
impacted  in  our  grocery  and  other  merchandise  category  by  indirect  commodity 
costs from corn and wheat. It’s one thing to have one or two of these commodities 
increase, but in fiscal 2011 virtually all commodities increased. 

Economic  and  competitive  pressures  prevented  us  from  raising  prices  to  completely 
offset the increases, so the result of rising commodity costs was margin and profit erosion. 

Building Momentum 

One of the many bright spots in our fiscal year was impressive growth in the number 
of stores along with a significant number of replacements and an accelerated pace of 
major remodeling. We finished the year with more than 1,600 stores. With data on the 
new store design from the last two fiscal years showing attractive returns, we quickened 
our  building  and  remodeling  pace.  This  was  hardly  a  knee-jerk  process,  however. 
Accelerated store expansion actually started eighteen months ago when we increased 
the  number  of  outside  real  estate  agents  assisting  Casey’s  staff  in  finding  suitable 
properties to develop. Heading into fiscal year 2012, we will continue our focus on 
generating return on this expansion investment. 

Goals for 2012

The  balance  of  this  report  contains  more  detail  on  how  Casey’s  fared  in  all  our 
traditional categories — Gasoline, Grocery & Other Merchandise, Prepared Foods & 
Fountain plus Expansion.

For fiscal year 2012, Casey’s has set these goals:

/  Gasoline

1% same-store gallon growth with an average margin of 13.5 cents per gallon.

/  Grocery & Other Merchandise

5.8% same-store sales growth with an average margin of 32.8%. 

/  Prepared Foods & Fountain

7.7% same-store sales growth with an average margin of 61.8%.

/  Expansion

4% to 6% unit growth through a combination of building and acquisition.

 
 
 
 
Casey’s in Motion

5

When  companies  stop  moving—adapting  to  meet  shifting  customer  demands, 
introducing  new  processes,  products  and  technology  —  they  start  to  fail.  Casey’s 
aggressive annual goals keep us motivated to keep moving forward. 

Thanks to a solid foundation painstakingly built over our first 43 years in business, 
Casey’s will continue our momentum into the future. We will overcome challenges, 
capitalize on opportunities and create more value for our shareholders. 

On behalf of the entire Casey’s General Stores family — now in eleven states and 
growing — thank you for investing in our Company. Together, we keep Casey’s in 
motion toward even greater success.  

Sincerely, 

Robert J. Myers
President & Chief Executive Officer

Management Team (left to right)  ROBERT J. MYERS President & CEO / TERRY W. HANDLEY COO / WILLIAM J. WALLJASPER Senior VP & CFO / SAM 
J. BILLMEYER Senior VP-Logistics & Acquisitions / JULIA L. JACKOWSKI Senior VP-Corporate General Counsel & Human Resources / DARRYL F. 
BACON VP-Food Services / JAY F. BLAIR VP-Transportation & Distribution / HAL D. BROWN VP-Support Services / ROBERT C. FORD VP-Store 
Operations / BRIAN J. JOHNSON VP-Finance & Corporate Secretary / RUSSELL D. SUKUT VP-Treasurer / MICHAEL R. RICHARDSON VP-Marketing 

STORE OPERATIONS

6

7

s   a n d  
o rtu nitie

s

cle
p

p

sta
b
a rd   O

m in g   O
w

o

o

O v e rc
o vin g   T
M

FY 2011 
Same-store inside sales — up 5.4% 
Total inside sales — up 11.9% 
Inside gross profit — up 8.3%

Inside  Sales  is  a  combination  of  the  Grocery  &  Other  Merchandise  and  Prepared 
Food & Fountain categories. In fiscal year 2011, revenue from inside sales reached 
$1.6 billion, with gross profit of $643.4 million.

Casey’s  has  always  looked  at  inside  sales  across  the  board  even  though  we  also 
analyze individual categories. This approach gives us the flexibility to make business 
decisions  that  leverage  strength  in  one  area  to  compensate  for  less-than-expected 
performance in another. 

That was never truer than in fiscal year 2011 when the costs of commodities including 
cheese, coffee, and meat put pressure on profits from the typically strong areas of 
coffee  and  prepared  foods.  On  top  of  that,  the  weak  economy  continued  to  bring 
about challenges that required immediate reaction.

EARNING BEFORE INCOME TAX

BASIC EARNING PER SHARE

09

10
11

139.1

181.6

151.2

09

10

11

$1.69

$2.30

$2.24

8

SALES (in millions)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

GROCERY & OTHER MERCHANDISE

$1,010

$1,074

09

10

11

09

10

11

33.7%

33.6%

32.2%

09

10

11

$340.0

$360.4

$385.3

$1,196

PREPARED FOOD & FOUNTAIN

SALES (in millions)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

Grocery & Other Merchandise

Same-store sales   
FY 2011 
up 4.6% 
FY 2012 GOAL
up 5.8%

Average margin
FY 2011 
32.2%
FY 2012 GOAL
32.8%

$336

09
Our fiscal 2011 goal was to increase same-store sales 6% with an average margin of 
10
33.9%. For the year, same-store sales rose 4.6% with an average margin of 32.2%. 
11

$258.2          

$206.0

$233.5

61.4%

63.8%

62.2%

$366

$415

09

10

11

09

10

11

GASOLINE
Cigarettes and a Sluggish Economy 
SALES (in gallons)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

1,242

Driven by a weak economy and higher prices from excise taxes and wholesale cost 
increases, cigarette buyers continued to shift from carton to pack purchasing.  While 
09
12.9¢
10
this type of trend is good for gross profit margins, we saw pack pricing become more 
11
competitive. The result was a reduced overall margin in Grocery & Other Merchandise 
in the fiscal year.

$212.0   

$159.9

$178.2

1,283

1,394

15.2¢

13.9¢

09

10

11

09

10

11

09

1.0%

-0.1%

10

11

Goal

1.6%

1.0%

09

10

11

Goal

5.9%

3.3%

4.6%

5.8%

9.1%

09

10

11

Goal

4.2%

7.7%

7.7%

STORE GROWTH

Fiscal  2011  also  reaffirmed  that  national  glimmers  of  positive  economic  news  do  
not  always  translate  to  increased  sales  at  stores.  Casey’s  customers  were  more  
CORPORATE STORES
value conscious than ever, trading down in certain areas to less expensive brands of 
products,  especially  in  the  beer  and  cigarette  categories.  Gross  profits  were  also 
09
impacted by a migration from purchasing smaller packaging in the beer category to 
18
10
larger, lower-cost-per-serving packaging (such as moving from a 6-pack to a 12-pack) 
11
as customers looked for more value. 

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STORES

ACQUIRED STORES

10
11

1531

1637

1478

09

16

37

89

09

10

11

16

20

Stepped up promotional activity last summer helped increase same store traffic over 
CAPITAL STRUCTURE (in millions)
the  previous  year  and  drove  certain  items  within  Grocery  &  Other  Merchandise, 
especially in the beverage category. These promotions helped increase sales but also 
EQUITY
lowered the overall category margin. The net results, however, were increasing gross 
profit dollars thanks to higher volume sales. 
09

OPERATING EXPENSES INCREASE

LONG-TERM DEBT

$721.2

5.9%

09

$167.9

09

$824.3

10
11
Fiscal 2012 Outlook

$403.9

10

11

$154.8

$678.7

4.3%

10
11

15.5%

We are uncertain that the economy will make a rapid recovery. We continue to expect 
consumers to scrutinize purchases and trade down on certain items like cigarettes and 
beer. We expect the competitive environment in cigarette pricing to remain very strong.

However, our business model does weather economic storms well. We sell relatively 
low-cost items that are a part of our customer’s daily routine, and therefore we do 
not see the decline in revenues that impact other industries. We will monitor customer 
buying patterns closely and alter promotional activities as necessary in fiscal 2012. 
The continued incorporation of new store design features into more locations across 
the chain also positions us well to meet growing customer expectations. 

Prepared Food & Fountain 

Prepared Food & Fountain was strongly impacted by record prices for cheese and 
coffee, two things Casey’s buys in large quantities every year. While Prepared Food 
&  Fountain  posted  exceptional  same-store  sales  increases  of  7.7%  in  2011,  the 
commodity and price pressures kept margins short of our fiscal 2011 goal of 63.1%. 

Overcoming Across-the-Board Commodity Cost Increases

This category is particularly susceptible to food commodity pressures. Our investors 
are very familiar with the impact cheese prices have on prepared food margins. In 
addition to cheese reaching all-time highs, coffee, meat, wheat and corn prices were 
all up significantly as well. Passing costs on to customers through price increases is 
an option that always must be considered with great care. While we initiated some 
price  increases  in  fiscal  2011,  competitive  and  economic  pressures  prevented  us 
from completely offsetting our increased costs with new pricing. 

Same-store sales   
FY 2011 
up 7.7% 
FY 2012 GOAL
up 7.7%

Average margin
FY 2011 
62.2%
FY 2012 GOAL
61.8%

EARNING BEFORE INCOME TAX

BASIC EARNING PER SHARE

09

10
11

139.1

181.6

151.2

09

10

11

$1.69

$2.30

$2.24

GROCERY & OTHER MERCHANDISE

SALES (in millions)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

$1,010

$1,074

09

10

11

09

10

11

33.7%

33.6%

32.2%

09

10

11

$340.0

$360.4

$385.3

$1,196

PREPARED FOOD & FOUNTAIN

SALES (in millions)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

$336

$366

09

10

11

$415

09

10

11

61.4%

63.8%

62.2%

09

10

11

$206.0

$233.5

$258.2          

09

10

11

Goal

5.9%

3.3%

4.6%

5.8%

9.1%

09

10

11

Goal

4.2%

7.7%

7.7%

GASOLINE

SALES (in gallons)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

1,242

1,283

09

10

11

12.9¢

13.9¢

09

10

11

$159.9

$178.2

09

10

11

1,394

15.2¢

$212.0   

09

1.0%

-0.1%

10

11

Goal

1.6%

1.0%

CORPORATE STORES

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STORES

ACQUIRED STORES

STORE GROWTH

1478

1531

09

10

11

1637

09

10

11

16

18

20

16

37

09

10

11

89

CAPITAL STRUCTURE (in millions)

EQUITY

LONG-TERM DEBT

OPERATING EXPENSES INCREASE

09

10

11

$721.2

$824.3

$403.9

$167.9

$154.8

09

10

11

5.9%

4.3%

09

10

11

$678.7

15.5%

10

Capitalizing on Opportunity with Sandwiches and Coffee

The good news within this category is that Casey’s brand of prepared food continues 
to show enduring strength. Our new sub-sandwich program is progressing well. We 
find that it is an excellent complement to our long-standing pizza program, and will 
continue to implement them in our new stores and replacement stores, as well as 
when we complete major remodels of existing and acquired stores.

Customers continue to demand more flavor profiles on the coffee bar. Our enhanced 
coffee offering gives us the flexibility to sell more drip-coffee flavors as well as a larger 
selection of cappuccinos and iced coffee selections. As with our sub-sandwich program, 
we are excited about the opportunity to add this feature to both our existing store 
base as well as future Casey’s stores.

Fiscal 2012 Outlook

Despite the commodity volatility currently impacting this category, we are optimistic 
for 2012. We have recently taken several price increases that will benefit fiscal 2012, 
even though it will not entirely compensate for increased commodity costs. We will 
continue  our  practice  of  locking  in  wholesale  commodity  prices  when  prudent  and  
monitor the competitive landscape and make price adjustments where we can.  

We will also look for opportunities to expand our popular sub-sandwich and expanded 
coffee and fountain programs where feasible.

Our proprietary prepared food program remains the leader of the industry. Decades 
of unrelenting commitment to quality and value has made prepared foods the engine 
that produces approximately 30% of Casey’s gross profit. Today Casey’s is one of the 
top 10 pizza and donut retailers in the country and we plan to continue to strengthen 
our position for decades to come.

Gasoline 

Given the hard-to-predict impact of price, competition and the economy on gasoline 
sales, the category always holds the potential for interesting turns, if not outright surprises.

In fiscal year 2011, gasoline prices were near historic highs, yet total gallons finished 
up  8.6%  to  1.4  billion  gallons  with  gross  profit  dollars  rising  19%  and  an  average 
margin of 15.2 cents per gallon, all well above goal.

Industry-Wide Trend Toward Less Aggressive Pricing 

Casey’s continues the same retail gasoline pricing philosophy that we’ve had since 
we started the company. We identify the competition for each specific store and then 
price our gasoline accordingly. Since competitive gas prices have a major influence on 
bringing customers in, the industry tends to price aggressively to try to attract customers. 
The laws of competition mean we all have to follow suit. 

Same-store sales
FY 2011 
up 1.6% 
FY 2012 GOAL
up 1.0%

Average margin
FY 2011 
15.2 cents per gallon
FY 2012 GOAL
13.5 cents per gallon

 
 
 
Over the last four years costs created by increased credit card fees, legislation and 
regulations  on  cigarettes,  and  working  capital  challenges  relating  to  higher  retail 
prices for gasoline have generated more pressure on retailers. Retail prices tend to 
rise quickly when wholesale costs increase, while retailers are hesitant to drop gas 
prices immediately when wholesale costs decline. 

11

Fiscal 2012 Outlook

We expect the current gasoline pricing environment to continue into next fiscal year. 
Whenever  gas  prices  rise,  customers  put  fewer  gallons  per  transaction  into  their 
vehicles. Since they don’t necessarily drive less, that means customers come back to 
the store for gas more often, resulting in increased customer traffic and the potential 
for  more  inside  sales.  Despite  the  high  gasoline  prices,  we  have  not  seen  a  major 
pullback in inside sales, nor do we anticipate a sales decrease in fiscal 2012.

EARNING BEFORE INCOME TAX

BASIC EARNING PER SHARE

09

10
11

139.1

181.6

151.2

09

10

11

$1.69

$2.30

$2.24

GROCERY & OTHER MERCHANDISE

SALES (in millions)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

$1,010

$1,074

09

10

11

09

10

11

33.7%

33.6%

32.2%

09

10

11

$340.0

$360.4

$385.3

$1,196

PREPARED FOOD & FOUNTAIN

SALES (in millions)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

$336

$366

09

10

11

$415

09

10

11

61.4%

63.8%

62.2%

09

10

11

$206.0

$233.5

$258.2          

09

10

11

Goal

5.9%

3.3%

4.6%

5.8%

9.1%

09

10

11

Goal

4.2%

7.7%

7.7%

GASOLINE

SALES (in gallons)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

1,242

1,283

09

10

11

09

10

11

12.9¢

13.9¢

15.2¢

09

10

11

$159.9

$178.2

$212.0   

1,394

09

1.0%

-0.1%

10

11

Goal

1.6%

1.0%

CORPORATE STORES

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STORES

ACQUIRED STORES

STORE GROWTH

1478

1531

09

10

11

1637

09

10

11

16

18

20

16

37

09

10

11

89

CAPITAL STRUCTURE (in millions)

EQUITY

LONG-TERM DEBT

OPERATING EXPENSES INCREASE

09

10

11

$721.2

$824.3

$403.9

$167.9

$154.8

09

10

11

5.9%

4.3%

09

10

11

$678.7

15.5%

EXPANSION

12

Moving Earth, 
Building Profits 

EARNING BEFORE INCOME TAX

BASIC EARNING PER SHARE

09

10
11

139.1

181.6

151.2

09

10

11

$1.69

$2.30

$2.24

GROCERY & OTHER MERCHANDISE

SALES (in millions)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

$1,010

$1,074

09

10

11

09

10

11

33.7%

33.6%

32.2%

09

10

11

$340.0

$360.4

$385.3

$1,196

PREPARED FOOD & FOUNTAIN

SALES (in millions)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

$336

$366

09

10

11

$415

09

10

11

61.4%

63.8%

62.2%

09

10

11

$206.0

$233.5

$258.2          

GASOLINE

SALES (in gallons)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

37

126

109

10

453

400

1,242

1,283

09

10

11

66

09

10

11

12.9¢

13.9¢

15.2¢

09

10

11

$159.9

$178.2

$212.0   

1,394

09

10

11

Goal

5.9%

3.3%

4.6%

5.8%

9.1%

09

10

11

Goal

4.2%

7.7%

7.7%

09

1.0%

-0.1%

10

11

Goal

1.6%

1.0%

133

301

1

1

CORPORATE STORES

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STORES

ACQUIRED STORES

STORE GROWTH

1478

1531

09

10
11

1637

09

10

11

16

18

20

16

37

09

10
11

89

CAPITAL STRUCTURE (in millions)

EQUITY

LONG-TERM DEBT

OPERATING EXPENSES INCREASE

09

10
11

$721.2

$824.3

$403.9

$167.9

$154.8

09

10

11

5.9%

4.3%

09

10
11

$678.7

15.5%

13

Fiscal 2011 Year End  
1,637 corporate stores 
Fiscal 2012 goal  
4% to 6% unit growth, primarily through acquisitions

Casey’s added 106 stores in fiscal year 2011, a 7% increase over fiscal 2010. We built 
20 new stores and acquired 89 more. We also replaced 15 stores in the same market 
and completed major remodeling on 120 more during the fiscal year. 

Spurred by Data Points and Economic Indicators

While we added more than 100 locations in the fiscal year, it was not done without 
proper due diligence and deliberation. Casey’s had been preparing for accelerated 
growth for several years. About 18 months ago we quadrupled the number of outside 
real  estate  agents  actively  helping  our  internal  staff  identify  additional  sites.  The 
fiscal year saw our first construction in a new state, Arkansas. 

Our new store design continues to produce data affirming its return on capital and 
operating investments. Store acquisition activity also ramped up as challenging economic 
times created favorable opportunities. Those factors led to our acquisition of 89 stores, 
compared to the 37 we acquired in fiscal 2010. Our acquisition activity added one 
store in Oklahoma, one of our new states added this year.  

We  feel  growing  another  4%  to  6%  percent  in  fiscal  2012  is  very  realistic  and  are 
actively pursuing opportunities in Tennessee and Kentucky. There is also excellent 
potential to use major remodeling and replacements to bring some of the benefits of 
our new store features to existing and acquired stores. 

Tending to our Rapidly Expanding Family

When Casey’s acquires a store or chain, we make an effort to keep the employees of that 
store as well. Familiarizing new hires to Casey’s culture and way of doing business is 
challenging, especially when we acquire a large amount of stores in a short period of 
time like we did in the third quarter, when we acquired 64 stores. Casey’s construction 
department, human resources and training staff did an excellent job in keeping up 
with our rapid expansion.

14

Connecting with New Communities

Casey’s prides itself on being a strong part of communities we serve throughout our 
market  area,  especially  in  smaller  towns  where  we  may  be  the  only  provider  of 
gasoline and many of the other products we sell.

Any time we open a new store — whether it’s newly constructed or purchased from 
another company — we have a grand opening celebration to acquaint our customers 
with the services we provide and learn about their needs and concerns first hand.

Casey’s really does believe that the health of each store is tied directly to the health 
of  the  community,  so  our  store  managers  are  encouraged  to  be  active  partners  in 
strengthening their communities. 

FINANCE

15

Fueling Casey’s  
Constant Motion

It’s no surprise that our balance sheet looks noticeably different from a year ago, given 
fiscal year 2011’s building and acquisition activity as well as the $500 million stock 
buyback. The company’s traditional, prudent approach to corporate finance positioned 
us well to take advantage of growth opportunities in the most efficient way, including 
the repurchase of our own stock. 

Corporate Finance

Cash and cash equivalents at fiscal 2011 year-end totaled $59.6 million. Long-term debt 
net of current maturities was $678.7 million. Total debt to capital ratio increased to about 
41.2%. Shareholder equity decreased to $403.9 million due to the recapitalization.

Recapitalizing and an Unexpected Expense

Return on Invested Capital for fiscal 2011 was approximately 11.6%. Operating expenses 
increased 15.5%. We are happy with those numbers given the expansion costs and the 
unexpected additional expense caused by the hostile takeover attempt by Alimentation 
Couche-Tard. The expenses associated with responding to the takeover attempt added up 
to approximately $16 million in fiscal 2011. Without these costs, the increase in operating 
expenses would have been around 13%.

Casey’s bought back approximately 13.1 million shares of stock at $38 per share in 
August 2010. The move let us use our strong balance sheet to provide more value to 
our shareholder base. To do this, we increased our long term debt by $569 million. That 
took our debt to EBITDA ratio to 2.5, which is still one of the lowest in the industry. 

16

FISCAL YEAR 2012 — CAPITAL EXPENSE BUDGET 

EARNING BEFORE INCOME TAX

New stores & Acquisitions   
Replacements                      
Maintenance & Remodels  
Transportation & Information Systems          
BASIC EARNING PER SHARE
Total: 

$130 million to $193 million
$22 million
$30 million
 $22 million
$204 million to $267 million

09

10
11

139.1

181.6

151.2

09

10

11

Fiscal 2012 Outlook 

$1.69

$2.30

$2.24

GROCERY & OTHER MERCHANDISE
As with every good investment, there is a cost up front. But when the investment is 
SALES (in millions)
sound — in this case the proven earning power of a new store design and expansion 
into new markets — the up-front investments are rewarded with robust returns over 
the long term. We expect our debt to EBITDA ratio will continue to shrink as new 
09
stores come online and existing stores improve performance. 
10
11

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

MARGIN

$1,010

$340.0

$1,074

$360.4

33.7%

33.6%

09

10

11

09

10

11

$1,196

$385.3

32.2%

Casey’s current financial situation proves the wisdom of our disciplined fiscal approach 
over the decades. We’ve added a record number of stores, conducted a recapitalization 
PREPARED FOOD & FOUNTAIN
and covered an unexpected expense and still hold a financial position that leaves us 
SALES (in millions)
very healthy and poised for even more expansion, including moving into new states.

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

MARGIN

$336

$366

09

10

11

$415

09

10

11

61.4%

63.8%

62.2%

09

10

11

$206.0

$233.5

$258.2          

GASOLINE

SALES (in gallons)

MARGIN

GROSS PROFIT (in millions)

SAME STORE SALES

1,242

1,283

09

10

11

09

10

11

12.9¢

13.9¢

15.2¢

09

10

11

$159.9

$178.2

$212.0   

1,394

09

1.0%

-0.1%

10

11

Goal

1.6%

1.0%

CORPORATE STORES

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STORES

ACQUIRED STORES

STORE GROWTH

1478

1531

09

10
11

1637

09

10

11

16

18

20

16

37

09

10
11

89

CAPITAL STRUCTURE (in millions)

EQUITY

LONG-TERM DEBT

OPERATING EXPENSES INCREASE

09

10
11

$721.2

$824.3

$403.9

$167.9

$154.8

09

10

11

$678.7

5.9%

4.3%

09

10
11

15.5%

SAME STORE SALES

09

10

11

Goal

5.9%

3.3%

4.6%

5.8%

SAME STORE SALES

9.1%

09

10

11

Goal

4.2%

7.7%

7.7%

Investor Information

Common Stock

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the 
symbol CASY. The 38 million shares of common stock outstanding at April 30, 2011 had a market 
value of $1.5 billion. As of that same date, there were 1,948 shareholders of record.

Common Stock Market Prices

          Calendar 2009 
Low 
$  18.32  
  23.58  
  24.47  
  29.10 

High 
$  28.06 
  28.43 
  31.70 
  33.06 

          Calendar 2010 
Low 
$  29.03 
  30.24 
  34.85
  38.25

High 
$  32.38 
  39.56 
  44.68 
  43.21 

1st Quarter 
2nd Quarter 
3rd Quarter 
4th Quarter 

          Calendar 2011
Low
$  35.39
  38.45

High 
$  43.62 
45.51 

On July 11, 2011, the last reported sales price of the Company’s common stock  
was $44.00 per share. On that same date, the market cap was $1.7 billion.

Dividends

The Company began paying cash dividends during fiscal 1991. The dividends paid in fiscal 
2011 totaled $0.505 per share. At its June 10, 2011 meeting, the Board of Directors increased 
the quarterly dividend to $0.15 per share. The dividend is payable on August 15, 2011 to 
shareholders of record on August 1, 2011.

Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan

This plan, introduced in the fall of 1998, gives holders of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. common 
stock a convenient and economical way of purchasing additional shares at market prices by 
reinvesting their dividends in full or in part. Stockholders may also take advantage of the 
cash payment option to purchase additional shares. Those wishing to enroll should contact 
the transfer agent and registrar: 

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.  |  250 Royall Street | Canton, MA 02021
Telephone  781-575-2000 | www.computershare.com

Investor Inquiries

Current  or  prospective  Casey’s  General  Stores,  Inc.  investors  can  receive  annual  reports, 
proxy statements, Forms 10-K and 10-Q, and earnings announcements at no cost by calling 
(515) 965-6107 or sending written requests to the following address:

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.  |  One Convenience Blvd. | Ankeny, Iowa  50021

Corporate  information,  including  monthly  same-store  sales  data  for  the  Company’s  three 
business  categories,  is  also  available  at  www.caseys.com.  Quarterly  conference  calls  are 
broadcast live over the Internet via the Investor Relations web page and made available in 
archived format. Broadcast times for the quarterly calls will be announced on the web page 
and in corresponding press releases.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18

United States 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K 

Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2011
Commission File Number 001-34700

CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC.

Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

IOWA 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

42-0935283
(I.R.S. Employer
 Identification Number)

ONE CONVENIENCE BLVD., ANKENY, IOWA
(Address of principal executive offices)

50021
(Zip Code)

(515) 965-6100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act

COMMON STOCK 
(Title of Class) 

NASDAQ
(Name of Exchange on which Registered)

SERIES A SERIAL PREFERRED STOCK 
PURCHASE RIGHTS 
(Title of Class) 

NASDAQ
(Name of Exchange on which Registered)

Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act
NONE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 

Act.   Yes   [X]       No   [  ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 

Exchange Act.   Yes   [  ]       No   [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web 
site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T 
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such 
files).    Yes   [X]       No   [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) 
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant 
was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   
Yes   [X] No   [  ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained 
herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   [  ] 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated 

filer, or a smaller reporting company.  

Large accelerated filer [X]]          Accelerated filer [  ]       Non-accelerated filer [  ]       Smaller reporting company [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).      

Yes   [  ]       No   [X]

As of October 29, 2010, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the 
registrant was approximately $1,506,049,881 based on the closing sales price ($41.46 per share) as quoted on the 
NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Indicate  the  number  of  shares  outstanding  of  each  of  the  issuer’s  class  of  common  stock,  as  of  the  latest 

practicable date.

Class 
Common Stock, no par value per share 

Outstanding at June 22, 2011
38,033,709 shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The information called for by Item 5 of Part II and Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15 of Part III is hereby incorporated 
by reference from the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection 
with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later 
than 120 days after April 30, 2011.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10K TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

PART I 

ITEM 1. 

Business ............................................................................................................... 3

ITEM 1A. 

Risk Factors .......................................................................................................... 8

ITEM 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments ................................................................................. 14

ITEM 2. 

Properties ........................................................................................................... 14

ITEM 3. 

Legal Proceedings ............................................................................................... 14

PART II 

ITEM 5. 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder  
Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ................................................. 14

ITEM 6. 

Selected Financial Data ........................................................................................ 16

ITEM 7. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition  
and Results of Operations………………………………………………... ................... 17

ITEM 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk……….. ......................... 26

ITEM 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data……………………… ........................ 26

ITEM 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and  
Financial Disclosure…………………………………………………. ........................... 46

ITEM 9A. 

Controls and Procedures……………………………………………... ........................ 46

ITEM 9B.  Other Information……………………………………………………. .......................... 47

PART III 

ITEM 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance…………........................... 47

ITEM 11. 

Executive Compensation…………………………………………….. ......................... 48

ITEM 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management  
and Related Stockholder Matters……………………………………. ......................... 48

ITEM 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence .............. 48

ITEM 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services…………………………….. ......................... 48

PART IV 

ITEM 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules………………………… ......................... 49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART I

3

ITEM 1.  
BUSINESS

The Company

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the Company/Casey’s/we) operate convenience 

stores under the name “Casey’s General Store”, “HandiMart” and “Just Diesel” in 11 Midwestern states, primarily 

Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. The stores carry a broad selection of food (including freshly prepared foods such as 

pizza, donuts, and sandwiches), beverages, tobacco products, health and beauty aids, automotive products, and other 

nonfood items. In addition, all Casey’s stores offer gasoline for sale on a self-service basis. Our fiscal year runs from 

May 1 through April 30 of each year. On April 30, 2011, there were a total of 1,637 stores in operation. There were 

20 stores newly constructed and 89 acquired stores opened in fiscal 2011, and two stores were closed in fiscal 2011. 

We operate a central warehouse, Casey’s Distribution Center, adjacent to our corporate headquarters in Ankeny, 

Iowa, through which we supply grocery and general merchandise items to our stores.

Approximately 60% of all our stores are located in areas with populations of fewer than 5,000 persons, while 

approximately  15%  of  our  stores  are  located  in  communities  with  populations  exceeding  20,000  persons.  The 

Company competes on the basis of price as well as on the basis of traditional features of convenience store operations 

such as location, extended hours, and quality of service.

Casey’s, with executive offices at One Convenience Blvd., Ankeny, Iowa 50021-8045 (telephone 515-965-6100) 

was incorporated in Iowa in 1967. Two of our subsidiaries, Casey’s Marketing Company (Marketing Company) and 

Casey’s  Services  Company  (Services  Company),  also  operate  from  the  Corporate  Headquarters  facility  and  were 

incorporated in Iowa in March 1995. A third subsidiary, Casey’s Retail Company, was incorporated in Iowa in 2004 

and a fourth subsidiary, CGS Sales Corp., was incorporated in 2008 and both also operate from these facilities.

The Company’s Internet address is www.caseys.com. Each year we make available through our website current 

reports on Form 8-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our annual report on Form 10-K, and amendments to those 

reports free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with the Securities 

and Exchange Commission. Additionally, you can go to our website to read our Financial Code of Ethics and Code 

of Conduct; we intend to post disclosure of any waivers to the Code to the extent such disclosure is legally required.

General

  We  seek  to  meet  the  needs  of  residents  of  smaller  towns  by  combining  features  of  both  general  store  and 

convenience store operations. Smaller communities often are not served by national-chain convenience stores. We 

have succeeded at operating Casey’s General Stores in smaller towns by offering, at competitive prices, a broader 

selection of products than does a typical convenience store. We have also succeeded in meeting the needs of residents in 

larger communities with these offerings. We currently own most of our real estate, including the Casey’s Distribution 

Center and Corporate Headquarters facility.

The  Company  derives  its  revenue  primarily  from  the  retail  sale  of  gasoline  and  the  products  offered  in  our 

stores. Our sales historically have been strongest during the first and second fiscal quarters (May through October) 

and relatively weaker during the third and fourth (November through April). In warmer weather, customers tend to 

purchase greater quantities of gasoline and certain convenience items such as beer, soft drinks, and ice. 

 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Subsidiaries

4

The Marketing Company and the Services Company were organized as Iowa corporations in March 1995, and both are 

wholly owned subsidiaries of Casey’s. Casey’s Retail Company was organized as an Iowa corporation in April 2004 and CGS 

Sales Corp. was organized as an Iowa Corporation in 2008, and both are also wholly-owned subsidiaries of Casey’s.

Casey’s Retail Company operates stores in Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota; it also holds the 

rights to the Casey’s trademark and trade name. The Marketing Company owns and has responsibility for the operation 

of stores in Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The Marketing Company also has responsibility 

for  all  of  our  wholesale  operations,  including  the  Distribution  Center.  The  Services  Company  provides  a  variety  of 

construction and transportation services for all stores. CGS Sales Corp. operates a store in Onawa, Iowa.

Store Operations

Products Offered

Each Casey’s General Store typically carries over 3,000 food and nonfood items. Many of the products offered 

are those generally found in a supermarket. The selection is generally limited to one or two well-known brands of 

each item stocked. Most of our staple foodstuffs are nationally advertised brands. Stores sell regional brands of dairy 

and bakery products, and approximately 88% of the stores offer beer. Our nonfood items include tobacco products, 

health and beauty aids, school supplies, housewares, pet supplies, photo supplies, and automotive products.

All Casey’s General Stores offer gasoline or gasohol for sale on a self-service basis. The gasoline and gasohol 

generally are sold under the Casey’s name.

It is our policy to continually make additions to the Company’s product line, especially products with higher 

gross profit margins. As a result, we have added various prepared food items to our product line over the years, 

facilitated  by  the  installation  of  snack  centers,  which  now  are  in  the  majority  of  stores.  The  snack  centers  sell 

sandwiches,  fountain  drinks,  and  other  items  that  have  gross  profit  margins  higher  than  those  of  general  staple 

goods. As of April 30, 2011, the Company was selling donuts prepared on store premises in approximately 98% of 

our stores in addition to cookies, brownies, and Danish rolls. The Company installs donut-making equipment in all 

newly constructed stores.

  We began marketing made-from-scratch pizza in 1984, and it is available in 1,599 stores (98%) as of April 30, 

2011. Although pizza is our most popular prepared food offering, we continue to expand our prepared food product 

line,  which  now  includes  ham  and  cheese  sandwiches,  pork  and  chicken  fritters,  sausage  sandwiches,  chicken 

tenders, popcorn chicken, breakfast croissants and biscuits, breakfast pizza, hash browns, quarter-pound hamburgers 

and cheeseburgers, and potato cheese bites. The newly constructed stores and many of the remodeled stores now 

offer made-to-order sub sandwiches.

The  growth  in  our  proprietary  prepared  food  program  reflects  management’s  strategy  to  promote  high-margin 

products that are compatible with convenience store operations. In the last three fiscal years, retail sales of nongasoline 

items have generated about 29% of our total revenue, but they have resulted in approximately 74% of our retail gross 

profits. Gross profit margins on prepared food items averaged approximately 62% during the same thirty-six months—

substantially higher than the gross profit margin on retail sales of gasoline, which averaged approximately 5%.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Store Design

Casey’s General Stores are freestanding and, with a few exceptions to accommodate local conditions, conform 

5

to standard construction specifications. The most recent store design measures 39 feet by 92 feet with approximately 

2,300 square feet devoted to sales area, 500 square feet to kitchen space, 400 square feet to storage, and 2 large public 

restrooms. Store lots have sufficient frontage and depth to permit adequate drive-in parking facilities on one or more 

sides of each store. Each new store typically includes 4 to 8 islands of gasoline dispensers and storage tanks with 

capacity for 30,000 to 50,000 gallons of gasoline. The merchandising display follows a standard layout designed to 

encourage  a  flow  of  customer  traffic  through  all  sections  of  every  store.  All  stores  are  air-conditioned  and  have 

modern refrigeration equipment. Nearly all the store locations feature our bright red and yellow pylon sign which 

displays Casey’s name and service mark.

All Casey’s General Stores remain open at least sixteen hours per day, seven days a week. Most store locations 

are open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., although hours of operation may be adjusted on a store-by-store basis to 

accommodate  customer  traffic  patterns.  We  require  that  all  stores  maintain  a  bright,  clean  interior  and  provide 

prompt checkout service. It is our policy not to install electronic games or sell adult magazines on store premises.

Store Locations

The Company traditionally  has located  its  stores in  smaller  towns  not  served by national-chain convenience 

stores. Management believes that a Casey’s General Store provides a service not otherwise available in small towns 

and that a convenience store in an area with limited population can be profitable if it stresses sales volume and 

competitive  prices.  Our  store-site  selection  criteria  emphasize  the  population  of  the  immediate  area  and  daily 

highway traffic volume. Where there is no competing store, we can often operate profitably at a highway location in 

a community with a population of as few as 400. 

Other Information

As  previously  reported,  during  the  first  three  quarters  of  fiscal  2011,  the  Company  incurred  a  total  of  $15.8 

million  in  legal  and  advisory  fees  related  to  the  evaluation  of  and  responses  to  the  unsolicited  tender  offer  and 

related actions by Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc. and proposal from 7-Eleven, Inc. During the second quarter of 

fiscal 2011, the Company issued its 5.22% Senior Notes due August 9, 2020, and incurred $11.3 million in prepayment 

expense associated with the redemption of the 1995 and 1999 Senior Notes.

 
 
 
 
 
Gasoline Operations

6

Gasoline sales are an important part of our revenue and earnings. Approximately 71% of Casey’s total revenue 

for  the  year  ended  April  30,  2011  was  derived  from  the  retail  sale  of  gasoline.  The  following  table  summarizes 

gasoline sales for the three fiscal years ended April 30, 2011:

Number of gallons sold

Total retail gasoline sales

Percentage of total revenue

Gross profit percentage (excluding credit card fees)

Average retail price per gallon

Average gross profit margin per gallon
  (excluding credit card fees)

Year ended April 30,

2011

2010

2009

1,394,456,573

1,283,479,481

1,242,269,981

$     3,998,702,258 $     3,177,489,872 $     3,323,616,288

71.0%

5.3%

$2.87

15.21¢

68.5%

5.6%

$2.48

13.88¢

70.9%

4.8%

$2.68

12.87¢

Average number of gallons sold per store*

868,790

853,725

859,114

*Includes only those stores in operation at least one full year on April 30 of the fiscal year indicated.

Retail prices of gasoline increased during the year ended April 30, 2011. The total number of gallons we sold 

during this period increased, primarily because of the higher number of stores in operation and our efforts to price 

our retail gasoline to compete in local market areas. For additional information concerning the Company’s gasoline 

operations, see Item 7 herein.

Distribution and Wholesale Arrangements

The Marketing Company supplies all stores with groceries, food, health and beauty aids, and general merchandise 

from our distribution center. The stores place orders for merchandise through a telecommunications link-up to the 

computer at our headquarters in Ankeny, and we fill the orders with weekly shipments in Company-owned delivery 

trucks. All of our existing and most of our proposed stores are within the Distribution Center’s optimum efficiency 

range—a radius of approximately 500 miles.

In fiscal 2011, we purchased directly from manufacturers a majority of the food and nonfood items sold from 

our distribution center. It is our practice, with few exceptions, not to enter into long-term supply contracts with any 

of the suppliers of products sold by Casey’s General Stores. We believe the practice enables us to respond flexibly to 

changing market conditions.

Personnel

On April 30, 2011, we had 9,013 full-time employees and 13,144 part-time employees. We have not experienced 

any work stoppages. There are no collective bargaining agreements between the Company and any of its employees.

 
 
 
 
 
Competition

7

Our business is highly competitive. Food, including prepared foods, and nonfood items similar or identical to 

those sold by the Company are generally available from various competitors in the communities served by Casey’s 

General Stores. We believe our stores located in smaller towns compete principally with other local grocery and 

convenience stores, similar retail outlets, and, to a lesser extent, prepared food outlets, restaurants, and expanded 

gasoline stations offering a more limited selection of grocery and food items for sale. Stores located in more heavily 

populated  communities  may  compete  with  local  and  national  grocery  and  drug  store  chains,  expanded  gasoline 

stations, supermarkets, discount food stores, and traditional convenience stores. Convenience store chains competing 

in the larger towns served by Casey’s General Stores include Quik Trip, Kwik Trip, and regional chains. Some of the 

Company’s  competitors  have  greater  financial  and  other  resources  than  we  do.  These  competitive  factors  are 

discussed further in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

Service Marks

The name “Casey’s General Store” and the service mark consisting of the Casey’s design logo (with the words 

“Casey’s General Store”) are our registered service marks under federal law. We believe these service marks are of 

material importance in promoting and advertising the Company’s business.

 Government Regulation

The United States Environmental Protection Agency and several states, including Iowa, have established requirements 

for  owners  and  operators  of  underground  gasoline  storage  tanks  (USTs)  with  regard  to  (i)  maintenance  of  leak  detection, 

corrosion protection, and overfill/spill protection systems; (ii) upgrade of existing tanks; (iii) actions required in the event of a 

detected leak; (iv) prevention of leakage through tank closings; and (v) required gasoline inventory recordkeeping. Since 1984, 

new stores have been equipped with noncorroding fiberglass USTs, including some with double-wall construction, overfill 

protection, and electronic tank monitoring. We currently have 3,789 USTs, 3,011 of which are fiberglass and 778 are steel, and 

we  believe  that  substantially  all  capital  expenditures  for  electronic  monitoring,  cathodic  protection,  and  overfill/spill 

protection to comply with the existing UST regulations have been completed. Additional regulations or amendments to 

the existing UST regulations could result in future expenditures.

Several states in which we do business have trust fund programs with provisions for sharing or reimbursing corrective 

action or remediation costs incurred by UST owners. In the years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, we spent approximately 

$648,000  and  $1,083,000,  respectively,  for  assessments  and  remediation.  Substantially  all  of  these  expenditures  were 

submitted for reimbursement from state-sponsored trust fund programs. As of April 30, 2011, approximately $13,811,000 

has  been  received  from  such  programs  since  inception.  The  payments  are  typically  subject  to  statutory  provisions 

requiring repayment of the reimbursed funds for noncompliance with upgrade provisions or other applicable laws. No 

amounts are currently expected to be repaid. At April 30, 2011, we had an accrued liability of approximately $231,000 for 

estimated expenses related to anticipated corrective actions or remediation efforts, including relevant legal and consulting 

costs. We believe we have no material joint and several environmental liability with other parties.

 
 
 
 
8

ITEM 1A. 
RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks described in this report before making a decision to invest in our securities. If 

any of such risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations could be materially adversely 

affected. In that case, the trading price of our securities could decline and you might lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Industry 

The convenience store industry is highly competitive.

The convenience store and retail fuel industries in which we operate are highly competitive and characterized by ease of 

entry and constant change in the number and type of retailers offering the products and services found in our stores. We 

compete with many other convenience store chains, gasoline stations, supermarkets, drugstores, discount stores, club stores, 

fast food outlets, and mass merchants. In recent years, several nontraditional retailers such as supermarkets, club stores, and 

mass merchants have affected the convenience store industry by entering the gasoline retail business. These nontraditional 

gasoline retailers have obtained a significant share of the motor fuels market, and their market share is expected to grow. In 

some of our markets, our competitors have been in existence longer and have greater financial, marketing, and other resources 

than we do. As a result, our competitors may be able to respond better to changes in the economy and new opportunities within 

the industry. To remain competitive, we must constantly analyze consumer preferences and competitors’ offerings and prices 

to ensure we offer convenience products and services consumers demand at competitive prices. We must also maintain and 

upgrade our customer service levels, facilities, and locations to remain competitive and attract customer traffic. These competitive 

pressures could materially and adversely affect our gasoline and merchandise sales and gross profit margins, and therefore 

could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The volatility of wholesale petroleum costs could adversely affect our operating results.

Over the past three fiscal years, on average our gasoline revenues accounted for approximately 70% of total 

revenue and our gasoline gross profit accounted for approximately 23% of total gross profit. Crude oil and domestic 

wholesale  petroleum  markets  are  marked  by  significant  volatility.    General  political  conditions,  acts  of  war  or 

terrorism, and instability in oil producing regions, particularly in the Middle East and South America, can significantly 

affect  crude  oil  supplies  and  wholesale  petroleum  costs.  In  addition,  the  supply  of  gasoline  and  our  wholesale 

purchase costs could be adversely affected in the event of a shortage, which could result from, among other things, 

lack of capacity at United States oil refineries or, in our case, the absence of gasoline contracts that guarantee an 

uninterrupted, unlimited supply of gasoline. Significant increases and volatility in wholesale petroleum costs have 

resulted and could in the future result in significant increases in the retail price of petroleum products and in lower 

gasoline average margin per gallon. Increases in the retail price of petroleum products have resulted and could in the 

future adversely affect consumer demand for gasoline. This volatility makes it difficult to predict the impact that 

future wholesale cost fluctuations will have on our operating results and financial condition. These factors could 

adversely affect our gasoline gallon volume, gasoline gross profit, and overall customer traffic, which in turn would 

affect our sales of grocery and general merchandise and prepared food products.

 
 
 
 
Increased credit card expenses could increase operating expenses.

A significant percentage of our gasoline sales are made with the use of credit cards. Since the interchange fees we pay 

9

when credit cards are used to make purchases are based on transaction amounts, higher fuel prices at the pump result in 

higher credit card expenses. These additional fees increase operating expenses. Higher operating expenses that result from 

higher  credit  card  fees  may  decrease  our  overall  profit  and  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial 

condition and results of operations. Total credit card fees paid in fiscal 2011 were approximately $65 million.

Wholesale cost and tax increases relating to tobacco products could affect our operating results.

Sales of tobacco products have averaged approximately 10% of our total revenue over the past three fiscal years, and 

our tobacco gross profit accounted for approximately 13% of total gross profit for the same period. Significant increases in 

wholesale cigarette costs or tax increases on tobacco products may have an adverse effect on unit demand for cigarettes 

domestically.  Currently, major cigarette manufacturers offer significant rebates to retailers, although there can be no 

assurance that such rebate programs will continue.  We include these rebates as a component of our gross margin from 

sales of cigarettes.  In the event these rebates are no longer offered or decreased, our wholesale cigarette costs will increase 

accordingly.  In general, we attempt to pass price increases on to our customers. Due to competitive pressures in our 

markets, however, we may not always be able to do so. These factors could adversely affect our retail price of cigarettes, 

cigarette unit volume and revenues, merchandise gross profit, and overall customer traffic, and in turn have a material 

adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Governmental action and campaigns to discourage smoking may have a material adverse effect on 
our revenues and gross profit.  

Congress has given the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) broad authority to regulate tobacco products, and 

the FDA has enacted numerous regulations restricting the sale of such products. These governmental actions, as well 

as national, state and local campaigns to discourage smoking and other factors, have resulted in reduced industry 

volume and consumption levels, and could materially affect the retail price of cigarettes, unit volume and revenues, 

gross  profit,  and  overall  customer  traffic,  which  in  turn  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business, 

financial condition and results of operations.  

Future consumer or other litigation could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our retail operations are characterized by a high volume of customer traffic and by transactions involving a 

wide array of product selections, including prepared food.  These operations carry a higher exposure to consumer 

litigation risk when compared to the operations of companies operating in many other industries.  Consequently, we 

may become a party to individual personal injury, bad fuel, products liability and other legal actions in the ordinary 

course  of  our  business.    While  these  actions  are  generally  routine  in  nature,  incidental  to  the  operation  of  our 

business and immaterial in scope, if our assessment of any action or actions should prove inaccurate, our financial 

condition  and  results  of  operations  could  be  adversely  affected.    Additionally,  we  are  occasionally  exposed  to 

industry-wide or class-action claims arising from the products we carry or industry-specific business practices.  For 

example, various petroleum marketing retailers, distributors and refiners are currently defending class-action claims 

alleging  that  the  sale  of  unadjusted  volumes  of  fuel  at  temperatures  in  excess  of  60  degrees  Fahrenheit  violates 

various  state  consumer  protection  laws  due  to  the  expansion  of  the  fuel  with  the  increase  of  fuel  temperatures.  

Certain claims asserted in these lawsuits, if resolved against us, could give rise to substantial damages.  Our defense 

costs and any resulting damage awards or settlement amounts may not be fully covered by our insurance policies.  

Thus, an unfavorable outcome or settlement of one or more of these lawsuits could have a material adverse effect 

on our financial position, liquidity and results of operations in a particular period or periods.

 
 
 
 
10

General economic conditions that are largely out of the Company’s control may adversely affect the 
Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Recessionary economic conditions, higher interest rates, higher fuel and other energy costs, inflation, increases in 

commodity prices, higher levels of unemployment, higher consumer debt levels, higher tax rates and other changes in tax 

laws or other economic factors may affect consumer spending or buying habits, and could adversely affect the demand 

for products the Company sells in its stores.  The current economic conditions, higher fuel prices, and unemployment 

levels have affected consumer confidence, spending patterns, and miles driven, with many customers “trading down” to 

lower  priced  products  in  certain  categories.  These  factors  can  lead  to  sales  declines  in  both  gasoline  and  general 

merchandise, and in turn have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Business

Unfavorable weather conditions can adversely affect our business.

All of our stores are located in the Midwest region of the United States, which is susceptible to tornadoes, thunderstorms, 

extended periods of rain, flooding, ice storms, and heavy snow. Inclement weather conditions could damage our facilities or 

could have a significant impact on consumer behavior, travel, and convenience store traffic patterns as well as our ability to 

operate our locations. In addition, we typically generate higher revenues and gross margins during warmer weather months, 

which fall within our first and second fiscal quarters. When weather conditions are not favorable during a particular period, our 

operating results and cash flow from operations could be adversely affected. 

We may not be able to identify, acquire, and integrate new stores, which could adversely affect our 
ability to grow our business.

An important part of our recent growth strategy has been to acquire other convenience stores that complement 

our existing stores or broaden our geographic presence. From May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011 we acquired 89 

convenience stores.  We expect to continue pursuing acquisition opportunities.

Acquisitions involve risks that could cause our actual growth or operating results to differ materially from our 

expectations or the expectations of securities analysts.  These risks include:

/ 

The inability to identify and acquire suitable sites at advantageous prices;

/  Competition in targeted market areas;

/  Difficulties during the acquisition process in discovering some of the liabilities of the businesses that we acquire;

/  Difficulties associated with our existing financial controls, information systems, management resources and 

human resources needed to support our future growth;

/  Difficulties with hiring, training and retaining skilled personnel, including store managers;

/  Difficulties in adapting distribution and other operational and management systems to an expanded network 

of stores;

/  Difficulties  in  obtaining  governmental  and  other  third-party  consents,  permits  and  licenses  needed  to 

operate additional stores;

/  Difficulties in obtaining the cost savings and financial improvements we anticipate from future acquired stores;

/ 

The potential diversion of our senior management’s attention from focusing on our core business due to an 

increased focus on acquisitions; and

/  Challenges associated with the consummation and integration of any future acquisition.

 
 
 
 
We are subject to federal and state environmental and other regulations.

Our  business  is  subject  to  extensive  governmental  laws  and  regulations  that  include  but  are  not  limited  to 

11

environmental and employment laws and regulations; health care; legal restrictions on the sale of alcohol, tobacco, 

and  lottery  products;  requirements  related  to  minimum  wage,  working  conditions,  public  accessibility,  and 

citizenship. A violation of or change in such laws and/or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our 

business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Under  various  federal,  state,  and  local  laws,  regulations,  and  ordinances,  we  may,  as  the  owner/operator  of  our 

locations, be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of contamination at these or our former locations, whether or 

not we knew of, or were responsible for, the presence of such contamination. Failure to remediate such contamination 

properly may make us liable to third parties and adversely affect our ability to sell or lease such property. 

Compliance  with  existing  and  future  environmental  laws  regulating  underground  storage  tanks  may  require 

significant capital expenditures and increased operating and maintenance costs. The remediation costs and other 

costs required to clean up or treat contaminated sites could be substantial. We pay tank registration fees and other 

taxes to state trust funds established in our operating areas in support of future remediation obligations.

These state trust funds are expected to pay or reimburse us for remediation expenses less a deductible. To the 

extent third parties do not pay for remediation as we anticipate, we will be obligated to make these payments, which 

could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Reimbursements from state trust 

funds will be dependent on the maintenance and continued solvency of the various funds.

In  the  future,  we  may  incur  substantial  expenditures  for  remediation  of  contamination  that  has  yet  to  be 

discovered at existing locations or at locations we may acquire. We cannot assure you that we have identified all 

environmental  liabilities  at  all  of  our  current  and  former  locations;  that  material  environmental  conditions  not 

known  to  us  do  not  exist;  that  future  laws,  ordinances,  or  regulations  will  not  impose  material  environmental 

liability  on  us;  or  that  a  material  environmental  condition  does  not  otherwise  exist  at  any  one  or  more  of  our 

locations. In addition, failure to comply with any environmental laws, regulations, or ordinances or an increase in 

regulations could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

State laws regulate the sale of alcohol, tobacco, and lottery products. A violation or change of these laws could 

adversely  affect  our  business,  financial  condition,  and  results  of  operations  because  state  and  local  regulatory 

agencies have the power to approve, revoke, suspend, or deny applications for and renewals of permits and licenses 

relating to the sale of these products or to seek other remedies. 

Any appreciable increase in income, overtime pay, or the statutory minimum wage rate or adoption of mandated 

healthcare benefits would result in an increase in our labor costs. Such cost increase or the penalties for failing to 

comply  with  such  statutory  minimum  could  adversely  affect  our  business,  financial  condition,  and  results  of 

operations.  State or federal lawmakers or regulators may also enact new laws or regulations applicable to us that 

may have a material adverse and potentially disparate impact on our business.

The dangers inherent in the storage and transport of motor fuel could cause disruptions and could 
expose to us potentially significant losses, costs or liabilities.
  We store motor fuel in storage tanks at our retail locations.  Additionally, we transport a significant portion of 

our motor fuel in our own trucks, instead of by third-party carriers.  Our operations are subject to significant hazards 

and risks inherent in transporting and storing motor fuel.  These hazards and risks include, but are not limited to, 

fires,  explosions,  traffic  accidents,  spills,  discharges  and  other  releases,  any  of  which  could  result  in  distribution 

difficulties and disruptions, environmental pollution, governmentally-imposed fines or clean-up obligations, personal 

injury or wrongful death claims and other damage to our properties and the properties of others.  As a result, any 

such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12

We may incur costs or liabilities as a result of litigation or adverse publicity resulting from concerns 
over food quality, health or other issues that could cause customers to avoid our convenience stores.
  We may be the subject of complaints or litigation arising from food-related illness or injury in general which 

could have a negative impact on our business.  Additionally, negative publicity, regardless of whether the allegations 

are valid, concerning food quality, food safety or other health concerns, employee relations or other matters related 

to our operations may materially adversely affect demand for our food and could result in a decrease in customer 

traffic to our convenience stores.

It is critical to our reputation that we maintain a consistent level of high quality prepared food offerings at our 

convenience stores.  Health concerns, poor food quality or operating issues stemming from one store or a limited 

number of stores could materially adversely affect the operating results of some or all of our stores.

Because we depend on our senior management’s experience and knowledge of our industry, we 
could be adversely affected were we to lose key members of our senior management team.
  We  are  dependent  on  the  continued  efforts  of  our  senior  management  team.    If,  for  any  reason,  our  senior 

executives do not continue to be active in management, our business, financial condition or results of operations 

could be adversely affected.  We also rely on our ability to recruit qualified store managers, supervisors, district 

managers, regional managers and other store personnel.  Failure to continue to attract these individuals at reasonable 

compensation levels could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We rely on our information technology systems to manage numerous aspects of our business, and a 
disruption of these systems could adversely affect our business.
  We depend on our information technology (IT) systems to manage numerous aspects of our business transactions and 

provide analytical information to management.  Our IT systems are an essential component of our business and growth 

strategies,  and  a  serious  disruption  to  our  IT  systems  could  significantly  limit  our  ability  to  manage  and  operate  our 

business efficiently.  These systems are vulnerable to, among other things, damage and interruption from power loss or 

natural disasters, computer system and network failures, loss of telecommunications services, physical and electronic loss 

of data, security breaches and computer viruses.  Any disruption could cause our business and competitive position to 

suffer and cause our operation results to be reduced. Also, our business continuity plan could fail.

Other Risks

Any issuance of shares of our common stock in the future could have a dilutive effect on your investment.
  We could issue additional shares for investment, acquisition, or other business purposes. Even if there is not an 

immediate need for capital, we may choose to issue securities to sell in public or private equity markets if and when 

conditions are favorable. Raising funds by issuing securities would dilute the ownership interests of our existing 

shareholders. Additionally, certain types of equity securities we may issue in the future could have rights, preferences, 

or privileges senior to the rights of existing holders of our common stock.

Iowa law and provisions in our charter documents may have the effect of preventing or hindering a 
change in control and adversely affecting the market price of our common stock.

Our articles of incorporation give the Company’s board of directors the authority to issue up to one million 

shares  of  preferred  stock  and  to  determine  the  rights  and  preferences  of  the  preferred  stock  without  obtaining 

shareholder approval. The existence of this preferred stock could make it more difficult or discourage an attempt to 

obtain control of the Company by means of a tender offer, merger, proxy contest, or otherwise. Furthermore, this 

preferred stock could be issued with other rights, including economic rights, senior to our common stock, thereby 

 
 
having a potentially adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. 

Our articles of incorporation recently were amended to stagger the terms of the Company’s board of directors, 

13

as a result of amendments to the Iowa Business Corporation Act. Our staggered board, along with other provisions 

of our articles of incorporation and bylaws and Iowa corporate law, could make it more difficult for a third party to 

acquire  us  or  remove  our  directors  by  means  of  a  proxy  contest,  even  if  doing  so  would  be  beneficial  to  our 

shareholders.  For  example,  Section  409.1110  of  the  Iowa  Business  Corporation  Act  prohibits  publicly  held  Iowa 

corporations to which it applies from engaging in a business combination with an interested shareholder for a period 

of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder unless the 

business  combination  is  approved  in  a  prescribed  manner.    Further,  Section  490.1108A  of  the  Iowa  Business 

Corporation Act permits a board of directors, in the context of a takeover proposal, to consider not only the effect of 

a proposed transaction on shareholders, but also on a corporation’s employees, suppliers, customers, creditors, and 

on the communities in which the corporation operates.  These provisions could discourage others from bidding for 

our shares and could, as a result, reduce the likelihood of an increase in our stock price that would otherwise occur 

if a bidder sought to buy our stock. 

  We may, in the future, adopt other measures (such as a shareholder rights plan or “poison pill”) that could have 

the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing an unsolicited takeover, even if such a change in control were at a 

premium price or favored by a majority of unaffiliated shareholders. These measures may be adopted without any 

further vote or action by our shareholders.

The market price for our common stock has been and may in the future be volatile, which could 
cause the value of your investment to decline.

Securities  markets  worldwide  experience  significant  price  and  volume  fluctuations.  This  market  volatility  could 

significantly affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, 

the price of our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to these and other factors:

/  A deviation in our results from the expectations of public market analysts and investors;

/ 

Statements by research analysts about our common stock, company, or industry;

/  Changes in market valuations of companies in our industry and market evaluations of our industry generally;

/  Additions or departures of key personnel;

/  Actions taken by our competitors;

/ 

Sales of common stock by the Company, senior officers, or other affiliates; and

/  Other general economic, political, or market conditions, many of which are beyond our control.

The market price of our common stock will also be affected by our quarterly operating results and monthly same 

store sales results, which may be expected to fluctuate. The following are factors that may affect our quarterly results 

and same store sales: general, regional, and national economic conditions; competition; unexpected costs; changes 

in retail pricing, consumer trends, and the number of stores we open and/or close during any given period; costs of 

compliance with corporate governance and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. Other factors are discussed throughout 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. You may not be able to 

resell your shares of our common stock at or above the price you pay.

 
14

Not applicable.

ITEM 1B. 
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

ITEM 2. 
PROPERTIES

  We own our corporate headquarters and distribution center. Located on an approximately 45-acre site in Ankeny, 

Iowa,  these  adjacent  facilities  and  our  vehicle  service  and  maintenance  center  occupy  a  total  of  approximately 

375,000 square feet. The original complex was completed in February 1990 and placed in full service at that time. In 

fiscal 2007, we added 98,000 square feet to the distribution center, 20,000 square feet of office space, additional 

paving for truck parking, and necessary drainage and landscaping improvements. 

On April 30, 2011, we also owned the land at 1,619 store locations and the buildings at 1,627 locations and leased the 

land at 18 locations and the buildings at 10 locations. Most of the leases provide for the payment of a fixed rent plus 

property  taxes  and  insurance  and  maintenance  costs.  Generally,  the  leases  are  for  terms  of  ten  to  twenty  years  with 

options to renew for additional periods or options to purchase the leased premises at the end of the lease period.

The  information  required  to  be  set  forth  under  this  heading  is  incorporated  by  reference  from  Note  10, 

Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8.

ITEM 3. 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

PART II

ITEM 5. 
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER  
MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Common Stock

Casey’s  common  stock  trades  on  the  Nasdaq  Global  Select  Market  under  the  symbol  CASY.  The  37,966,709 

shares of common stock outstanding at April 30, 2011 had a market value of approximately $1.5 billion. On that date 

there were 1,948 shareholders of record.

 
 
 
 
Common Stock Market Prices 

15

Calendar 
2009

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

High

Low

$28.06 $18.32

$28.43 $23.58

$31.70 $24.47

$33.06 $29.10

Calendar 
2010

High

Low

Calendar 
2011

High

Low

 Q1

 Q2

 Q3

Q4

$32.38 $29.03

Q1

$43.62 $35.39

$39.56 $30.24

$44.68 $34.85

$43.21 $38.25

Dividends

We began paying cash dividends during fiscal 1991.The dividends paid in fiscal 2011 totaled $0.505 per share. The 

dividends paid in fiscal 2010 totaled $0.34 per share. On June 10, 2011, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly 

dividend of $0.15 payable August 15, 2011 to shareholders of record on August 1, 2011. The Board expects to review 

the dividend every year at its June meeting.

The cash dividends declared during the calendar years 2009-11 were as follows:

Calendar    
2009

Cash dividend
declared

Calendar 
   2010

Cash dividend
declared

Calendar 
2011

Cash dividend
declared

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

$ 0.075

$ 0.085

$ 0.085

$ 0.085

$ 0.33           0    

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

 $ 0.085

$ 0.100

 $ 0.135

 $ 0.135

 $ 0.455

Q1

Q2

$ 0.135

$ 0.150

     
16

ITEM 6.  
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA   

Statement of Earnings Data            

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

585,449

414,904

64,320

11,184

--------

95,041

33,150

Total revenue

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit

Operating expenses

Years ended April 30,

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

$ 5,635,240 $  4,637,087 $   4,690,525 $   4,843,259 $  4,047,062

4,754,173

3,844,735

3,966,919

4,155,493

3,461,613

   881,067

   792,352

   723,606

   687,766

   607,628

   526,291

   504,449

   476,211

Depreciation and amortization

     82,355

     73,546

     69,451

     67,893

Interest, net

     28,497

     10,933

     10,626

       9,792

Loss on early retirement of debt

      11,350

--------

--------

--------

Earnings before income taxes

   151,237

  181,582

   139,080

   133,870

Federal and state income taxes

     56,614

    64,620

     53,390

     48,979

Net earnings

$      94,623 $     116,962 $        85,690 $        84,891 $       61,891

0

0

0

0

0

Basic earnings per common share

$          2.24 $           2.30 $           1.69 $           1.68 $           1.23

Diluted earnings per common share

$          2.22 $           2.29 $           1.68 $           1.67 $           1.22

0

0

0

0

0

Weighted average number of common 
  shares outstanding—basic

Weighted average number of common 
  shares outstanding—diluted

42,285

50,899

50,787

50,681

50,468

42,567

51,053

50,917

50,859

50,668

Dividends paid per common share

$        0.505 $           0.34 $           0.30 $           0.26 $           0.20

Balance Sheet Data

Current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 As of April 30,

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

$    293,887 $     310,085 $     284,727 $     313,256 $     240,619

1,610,955

1,388,775

1,262,695

1,219,200

1,129,271

294,500

678,680

240,886

154,754

221,243

167,887

259,099

181,443

234,267

199,504

Shareholders’ equity

    403,896

     824,319

     721,030

     647,472

     572,264

 
ITEM 7. 
 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL  
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

17

(Dollars and gallons in thousands, except per share amounts)

Please read the following discussion of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in conjunction 

with  the  selected  historical  consolidated  financial  data  and  consolidated  financial  statements  and  accompanying 

notes presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Overview 

The  Company  operates  convenience  stores  under  the  name  “Casey’s  General  Store”  and  “Just  Diesel”  in  eleven 

Midwestern states, primarily Iowa, Missouri and Illinois. On April 30, 2011, there were a total of 1,637 stores in operation. 

All stores offer gasoline for sale on a self-serve basis and carry a broad selection of food (including freshly prepared foods 

such as pizza, donuts and sandwiches), beverages, tobacco products, health and beauty aids, automotive products and 

other non-food items. We derive our revenue from the retail sale of gasoline and the products offered in our stores.

Approximately  60%  of  all  Casey’s  General  Stores  are  located  in  areas  with  populations  of  fewer  than  5,000 

persons,  while  approximately  15%  of  all  stores  are  located  in  communities  with  populations  exceeding  20,000 

persons. We operate a central warehouse, the Casey’s Distribution Center, adjacent to our Corporate Headquarters 

facility in Ankeny, Iowa, through which we supply grocery and general merchandise items to our stores. At April 30, 

2011, the Company owned the land at 1,619 store locations and the buildings at 1,627 locations, and leased the land 

at 18 locations and the buildings at 10 locations. 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company earned $0.60 in earnings per share compared to $0.43 per 

share for the same quarter a year ago. The fiscal 2010 fourth quarter results include $6,862 in legal and advisory fees 

related  to  the  evaluation  of  and  responses  to  the  unsolicited  offer  and  related  actions  by  Alimentation  Couche-Tard. 

Without the effect of those fees, earnings would have been approximately $0.51 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Fiscal 

2011 basic earnings per share were $2.24 versus $2.30 for the prior year. The year-end results include approximately $27.4 

million in expenses pertaining to the Company’s recapitalization plan completed in the second quarter as well as the 

unsolicited  hostile  offer  and  related  actions  by  Alimentation  Couche-Tard  Inc.  Without  those  expenses,  year-to-date 

earnings would have been $2.65 per share. The Company’s business is seasonal, and generally the Company experiences 

higher sales and profitability during the first and second fiscal quarters (May-October), when customers tend to purchase 

greater quantities of gasoline and certain convenience items such as beer and soft drinks.

During  the  2011  fiscal  year,  we  acquired  89  convenience  stores  from  other  parties  and  completed  20  new  store 

constructions. The Company also replaced 15 stores and completed 120 major remodels incorporating the new store design 

that includes a larger coffee and fountain offering, made-to-order sub sandwich program, and expanded cooler capacity.

The fourth quarter results reflected a 1.9% decrease in same-store gasoline gallons sold, with an average margin 

of approximately 15.6 cents per gallon. For the fiscal year, same-store gallons increased 1.6% with an average margin 

of 15.2 cents per gallon. The Company’s policy is to price to the competition, so the timing of retail price changes is 

driven by local competitive conditions. 

Same store sales of grocery and other merchandise increased 4.8% and prepared foods and fountain increased 

11.8% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. 

The  relatively  weak  U.S.  economy,  coupled  with  increased  unemployment  and  higher  retail  gasoline  prices, 

have generally had an adverse impact on consumer disposable income in the Midwest. These conditions have not 

materially  lowered  the  over-all  demand  for  gasoline  and  the  merchandise  sold  in  our  stores,  but  we  expect  to 

continue facing a challenging operating environment in the coming months. For further information concerning the 

Company’s operating environment  and certain conditions that may affect  future performance, see the “Forward-

looking Statements” at the end of this Item 7.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal 2011 Compared with Fiscal 2010

18

Total revenue for fiscal 2011 increased 21.5% to $5,635,240, primarily due to a 15.8% increase in average gas 

prices,  an  increase  in  the  number  of  gallons  sold,  and  an  increase  in  same-store  inside  sales  (grocery  &  other 

merchandise and prepared food & fountain). Retail gasoline sales for the fiscal year were $3,998,702, an increase of 

25.8%, and gallons sold increased 8.6% to 1,394,457. Inside sales increased 11.9% to $1,610,853, primarily due to 

increases in the cigarette and fountain categories and a greater number of stores in operation.

Total gross profit margin was 15.6% for fiscal 2011 compared with 17.1% for the prior year. The gas margin 

decreased to 5.3% in fiscal 2011 from 5.6% in fiscal 2010 primarily due to the increase in the retail price per gallon 

of gasoline sold. The grocery & other merchandise margin decreased to 32.2% in fiscal 2011 from 33.6% in fiscal 

2010  primarily  due  to  a  more  competitive  cigarette  pricing  environment.  The  prepared  food  &  fountain  margin 

decreased to 62.2% from 63.8% primarily due to the higher commodity costs during fiscal 2011. 

Operating expenses increased 15.5% in fiscal 2011 primarily due to an increase of $8,957 in pre-tax charges 

related to the evaluation of and responses to the unsolicited offer and related actions by Alimentation Couche-Tard 

and the evaluation of the proposal from 7-Eleven. In fiscal 2010, the Company received a $1,543 rebate of contractual 

amounts of credit card transaction fees which should have been recorded in prior periods. When the impact of those 

two items are excluded, operating expenses would have increased 13.4% for the year. Higher retail gasoline prices 

resulted in higher sales, which decreased the operating expense ratio to 10.8% of total revenue in fiscal 2011 from 

11.3% in the prior year. Higher retail gasoline prices also increased our transportation costs and credit card fees 

during the year.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased 12% to $82,355 in fiscal 2011 from $73,546 in fiscal 2010. The 

increase was due to capital expenditures made in fiscal 2011. 

The effective tax rate increased 180 basis points to 37.4% in fiscal 2011 from 35.6% in fiscal 2010. The increase 

in the effective tax rate was primarily due to an upward adjustment to net deferred tax liabilities resulting from a 

significant income tax rate increase enacted for one state that normally contributes a substantial proportion of state 

income tax expense and the absence, as present in the prior year, of a tax benefit resulting from a change in an 

uncertain tax position relating to a refund of tax credits.

Net earnings decreased to $94,623 in fiscal 2011 from $116,962 in fiscal 2010. The decrease was due primarily 

to  an  increase  in  operating  expenses  from  the  prior  year,  an  increase  in  interest  expense  due  to  the  additional 

$569,000 principal amount outstanding on the 5.22% senior notes, the loss on the early retirement of the 7.38% 

senior notes and the 6.18% to 7.23% senior notes, a decrease in the average margin on prepared food & fountain 

sales and a decrease in the average margin on grocery & other merchandise sales. However, this was partially offset 

by an increase in the gross profit margin per gallon of gasoline sold. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

19

Total revenue for fiscal 2010 decreased 1.1% to $4,637,087, primarily due to a 7.5% decrease in average gas prices. 

That result was partially offset by an increase in the number of gallons sold and an increase in same-store inside sales 

(grocery & other merchandise and prepared food & fountain). Retail gasoline sales for the fiscal year were $3,177,490, a 

decrease of 4.4%, and gallons sold increased 3.3% to 1,283,479. Inside sales increased 6.9% to $1,439,301, primarily due 

to increases in the cigarette and fountain categories and a greater number of stores in operation.

Total gross profit margin was 17.1% for fiscal 2010 compared with 15.4% for the prior year. The gas margin 

increased to 5.6% in fiscal 2010 from 4.8% in fiscal 2009. The grocery & other merchandise margin decreased to 

33.6% in fiscal 2010 from 33.7% in fiscal 2009. The prepared food & fountain margin increased to 63.8% from 61.4% 

primarily due to the lower cost of cheese during fiscal 2010. 

Operating  expenses  increased  4.3%  in  fiscal  2010  primarily  due  to  a  $6,862  pre-tax  charge  related  to  the 

evaluation of the unsolicited offer and related actions by Alimentation Couche-Tard. The Company also received a 

$1,543  rebate  of  contractual  amounts  of  credit  card  transaction  fees  which  should  have  been  recorded  in  prior 

periods. When the impact of those two items, as well as the impact from the $9,100 legal settlement and $2,553 flood 

loss from fiscal 2009 are excluded, operating expenses would have increased 5.7% for the year. Lower retail gasoline 

prices resulted in lower sales, which increased the operating expense ratio to 11.3% of total revenue in fiscal 2010 

from 10.8% in the prior year. Lower retail gasoline prices also helped reduce our transportation costs and credit card 

fees during the first half of the year.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased 5.9% to $73,546 in fiscal 2010 from $69,451 in fiscal 2009. 

The increase was due to capital expenditures made in fiscal 2010. 

The effective tax rate decreased 280 basis points to 35.6% in fiscal 2010 from 38.4% in fiscal 2009. The decrease 

in  the  effective  tax  rate  was  primarily  due  to  a  tax  benefit  resulting  from  a  change  in  an  uncertain  tax  position 

relating to a refund of tax credits.

Net earnings increased to $116,962 in fiscal 2010 from $85,690 in fiscal 2009. The increase was due primarily to 

an increase in same-store sales from the prior year, an increase in the average margin on prepared food & fountain 

sales, and an increase in the gross profit margin per gallon of gasoline sold. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPANY TOTAL REVENUE AND GROSS PROFIT  

20

Total revenue

  Gasoline

Years ended April 30,

2011

-

2010

-

2009

-

$  3,998,702 $    3,177,490 $    3,323,616

  Grocery & other merchandise

1,195,613

1,073,508

1,010,474

  Prepared food & fountain

  Other

Gross profit (1)

  Gasoline

  Grocery & other merchandise

  Prepared food & fountain

  Other

INDIVIDUAL STORE COMPARISONS (2)

  Average retail sales

  Average retail inside sales

  Average gross profit on inside items

  Average retail sales of gasoline

  Average gross profit on gasoline (3)

  Average operating income (4)

  Average number of gallons sold

415,240

25,685

365,793

20,296

335,686

20,749

$  5,635,240 $    4,637,087 $    4,690,525

-

-

-

$     212,038 $       178,176 $       159,851

385,250

258,151

25,628

360,432

233,507

20,237

340,044

205,997

17,714

$     881,067

$      792,352 $       723,606

-

-

-

Years ended April 30,

2011

2010

2009

$         3,400 $           3,070 $           3,228

1,015

404

2,482

132

180

869

958

389

2,112

119

164

854

928

373

2,301

108

146

859

(1)  Gross profits represent total revenue less cost of goods sold. Gross profit is given before charge for  

  depreciation and amortization and credit card fees.

(2) 

Individual store comparisons include only those stores that had been in operation for at least one 

full year on April 30 of the fiscal year indicated.

(3)  Retail gasoline profit margins have a substantial impact on our net income. Profit margins on gasoline  

  sales can be adversely affected by factors beyond our control, including oversupply in the retail gasoline  

  market, uncertainty or volatility in the wholesale gasoline market, and price competition from other  

  gasoline marketers. Any substantial decrease in profit margins on retail gasoline sales or the number  

  of gallons sold could have a material adverse effect on our earnings.

(4)  Average operating income represents retail sales less cost of goods sold and operating expenses attributable  

to a particular store; it excludes federal and state income taxes, Company operating expenses not attributable  

to a particular store, and our matching contribution paid to the 401(k) Plan.

 
 
 
 
Critical Accounting Policies

21

Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that we believe are important to the portrayal of our 

financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective judgments, often 

because of the need to estimate the effects of inherently uncertain factors.

Inventory 

Inventories, which consist of merchandise and gasoline, are stated at the lower of cost or market. For gasoline, 

cost  is  determined  through  the  use  of  the  first-in,  first-out  (FIFO)  method.  For  merchandise  inventories,  cost  is 

determined through the use of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method applied to inventory values determined primarily 

by the FIFO method for warehouse inventories and the retail inventory method (RIM) for store inventories, except 

for cigarettes, beer, pop, and prepared foods, which are valued at cost. RIM is an averaging method widely used in 

the retail industry because of its practicality.

Under RIM, inventory valuations are at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a cost-

to-retail ratio to sales. Inherent in the RIM calculations are certain management judgments and estimates that could 

affect the ending inventory valuation at cost and the resulting gross margins.

Vendor allowances include rebates and other funds received from vendors to promote their products. We often 

receive such allowances on the basis of quantitative contract terms that vary by product and vendor or directly on 

the basis of purchases made. Rebates are recognized as reductions of inventory costs when purchases are made; 

reimbursements of an operating expense (e.g., advertising) are recorded as reductions of the related expense. 

Long-lived Assets

The  Company  periodically  monitors  closed  and  underperforming  stores  for  an  indication  that  the  carrying 

amount of assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the 

carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying value of the assets are less 

than their estimated fair value. Fair value is based on management’s estimate of the future cash flows to be generated 

and the amount that could be realized from the sale of assets in a current transaction between willing parties, which 

are considered Level 3 inputs. The estimate is derived from offers, actual sale or disposition of assets subsequent to 

year-end, and other indications of asset value. In determining whether an asset is impaired, assets are grouped at the 

lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups 

of assets, which for us is generally on a store-by-store basis. We recorded impairment charges of $348 in fiscal 2011, 

$100 in fiscal 2010, and $1,262 in fiscal 2009.

Self-insurance
  We are primarily self-insured for workers’ compensation, general liability, and automobile claims. The self-insurance 

claim liability is determined actuarially based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. 

Actuarial projections of the losses are employed due to the high degree of variability in the liability estimates. Some factors 

affecting the uncertainty of claims include the development time frame, settlement patterns, litigation and adjudication 

direction,  and  medical  treatment  and  cost  trends.  The  liability  is  not  discounted.  The  balance  of  our  self-insurance 

reserves were $22,129 and $20,713 for the years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

22

Due to the nature of our business, cash provided by operations is our primary source of liquidity. We finance 

our  inventory  purchases  primarily  from  normal  trade  credit  aided  by  relatively  rapid  inventory  turnover.  This 

turnover allows us to conduct operations without large amounts of cash and working capital. As of April 30, 2011, 

the Company’s ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1 to 1. The ratio at April 30, 2010 and at April 30, 

2009 was 1.29 to 1. We believe our current $100,000 bank line of credit together with cash flow from operations will 

be sufficient to satisfy the working capital needs of our business.

Net  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  increased  $47,375  (22.1%)  in  the  year  ended  April  30,  2011,  primarily 

because of large increases in deferred income tax liabilities and accounts payable. Accounts payable increased primarily 

due to the higher cost per gallon of gasoline. This result was partially offset by large increases in income taxes receivable 

and inventories. Cash used in investing activities in the year ended April 30, 2011 increased $152,361 (88%) primarily due 

to the increase in the store acquisitions and increased store remodeling activity from the prior year. Cash used in financing 

activities decreased $6,901 (19.8%), primarily due to the proceeds from long-term debt. This impact was partially offset 

by the repurchase of 13,157,894 shares of Common Stock and an increase in the repayments of long-term debt.

Capital expenditures represent the single largest use of Company funds. We believe that by reinvesting in stores, 

we will be better able to respond to competitive challenges and increase operating efficiencies. During fiscal 2011, 

we expended $328,141 for property and equipment, primarily for the acquisition and remodeling of stores compared 

with $174,921 in the prior year. In fiscal 2012, we anticipate expending between $204,000 and $267,000, primarily 

from existing cash and funds generated by operations, for construction, acquisition, and remodeling of stores.

As of April 30, 2011, we had long-term debt, net of current maturities, of $678,680 consisting of $569,000 in 

principal amount of 5.22% senior notes, $100,000 in principal amount of 5.72% senior notes, series A and B; $9,658 

of capital lease obligations, and $22 of mortgage notes payable. 

On August 9, 2010, the Company issued $569,000 of aggregate principal amount of 5.22% senior notes to finance its 

“Dutch Auction” tender offer, to prepay the 1995 and 1999 senior notes, and to pay the fees and expenses associated with 

the tender offer and the financing. The Company purchased an aggregate of 13,157,894 shares of Common Stock at a 

purchase price of $38.00 per share, for a total cost of approximately $500,000 excluding fees and expenses.

Interest on the 5.22% senior notes is payable on the 9th day of each February and August. Principal on the 

5.22% senior notes is payable in full on August 9, 2020. We may prepay the 5.22% notes in whole or in part at any 

time in an amount of not less than $2,000 at a redemption price calculated in accordance with the Note Agreement 

dated August 9, 2010 between the Company and the purchasers of the 5.22% senior notes.

Interest on the 5.72% senior notes series A and series B is payable on the 30th day of each March and September. 

Principal on the senior notes series A and series B is payable in various installments beginning September 30, 2012. 

We may prepay the 5.72% senior notes series A and series B in whole or in part at any time in an amount of not less 

than $2,000 at a redemption price calculated in accordance with the Note Agreement dated September 29, 2006 

between the Company and the purchasers of the 5.72% senior notes series A and series B.

To date, we have funded capital expenditures primarily through funds generated from operations, the proceeds 

of  the  sale  of  common  stock,  issuance  of  6.25%  convertible  subordinated  debentures  (converted  into  shares  of 

common  stock  in  1994),  the  previously  described  senior  notes,  and  a  mortgage  note.  Future  capital  required  to 

finance operations, improvements, and the anticipated growth in the number of stores is expected to come from cash 

generated by operations, the bank line of credit, and additional long-term debt or other securities as circumstances 

may dictate. We do not expect such capital needs to adversely affect liquidity.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below presents our significant contractual obligations, including interest, at April 30, 2011:

23

Contractual obligations

Payments due by period

Senior notes

Mortgage notes

Capital lease obligations

Operating lease obligations

Unrecognized tax benefits 

Deferred compensation 

Total

Less than
1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than 
5 years

$   976,778

         35,422

    94,914

   82,769

       763,673

517

18,563

2,464

6,148

13,858

494

1,273

667

----------

----------

23

2,459

848

----------

----------

----------

1,550

336

----------

----------

----------

13,281

613

----------

----------

Total

$1,018,328

        37,856

   98,244

    84,655

       777,567

-

-

-

-

-

Unrecognized tax benefits relate to uncertain tax positions and since we are not able to reasonably estimate the 

timing of the payments or the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over time, the related balances 

have not been reflected in the “Payments due by period” section of the table.

At April 30, 2011, the Company had a total of $6,148 in gross unrecognized tax benefits. Of this amount, $4,013 

represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. These 

unrecognized  tax  benefits  relate  to  the  state  income  tax  filing  positions  and  federal  tax  credits  claimed  for  the 

Company’s  corporate  subsidiaries.  The  total  amount  of  accrued  interest  and  penalties  for  such  unrecognized  tax 

benefits was $245 as of April 30, 2011. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are classified as income tax 

expense in our consolidated financial statements. The federal statute of limitations remains open for the years 2006 

and forward. Tax years 2005 and forward are subject to audit by state tax authorities depending on open statute of 

limitations waivers and the tax code of each state.

A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited and ultimately settled. It is difficult to 

predict the ultimate outcome or the timing of resolution for uncertain tax positions. It is reasonably possible that the 

amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. These 

changes could result from the expiration of the statute of limitations, examinations or other unforeseen circumstances. 

As of April 30, 2011, the Company has an ongoing federal income tax examination for the fiscal tax year ended April 

30, 2007. Two states have an examination in progress. The Company did not have any outstanding litigation related 

to tax matters. At this time, management believes it is reasonably possible the aggregate amount of unrecognized tax 

benefits will decrease by $1,423 within the next 12 months.  This expected decrease is due to the expiration of statute 

of limitations related to certain federal and state income tax filing positions.

Included in long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet at April 30, 2011, was a $13,858 obligation 

for deferred compensation. As the specific payment dates for the deferred compensation are unknown due to the 

unknown retirement dates of many of the participants, the related balances have not been reflected in the “Payments 

due by period” section of the table. However, certain payments will be due during the next 5 years.

At April 30, 2011, we were partially self-insured for workers’ compensation claims in all eleven states of our 

marketing territory; we also were partially self-insured for general liability and auto liability under an agreement 

that provides for annual stop-loss limits equal to or exceeding approximately $1,000. To facilitate this agreement, 

letters of credit approximating $12,000 and $11,000, respectively, were issued and outstanding at April 30, 2011 and 

2010, on the insurance company’s behalf. We renew the letters of credit on an annual basis.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward-looking Statements

24

This Form 10-K contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities 

Act of 1933 as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Forward-looking statements 

represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including (i) any statements regarding future sales and 

gross  profit  percentages,  (ii)  any  statements  regarding  the  continuation  of  historical  trends,  and  (iii)  any  statements 

regarding the sufficiency of the Company’s cash balances and cash generated from operations and financing activities for 

the Company’s future liquidity and capital resource needs. The words believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, project and 

similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We caution you that these statements are further 

qualified  by  important  factors  that  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  those  in  the  forward-looking 

statements, including without limitations the factors described in this Form 10-K. 

  We ask you not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements because they speak only of our 

views as of the statement dates. Although we have attempted to list the important factors that presently affect the 

Company’s business and operating results, we further caution you that other factors may in the future prove to be 

important in affecting the Company’s results of operations. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise 

any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

In  addition  to  any  assumptions  and  other  factors  referred  to  specifically  in  connection  with  such  forward-

looking statements, factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated 

in any forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

Competition

Our business is highly competitive and marked by ease of entry and constant change in terms of the numbers 

and type of retailers offering the products and services found in stores. Many of the food (including prepared foods) 

and nonfood items similar or identical to those we sell are generally available from a variety of competitors in the 

communities  served  by  our  stores,  and  we  compete  with  other  convenience  store  chains,  gasoline  stations, 

supermarkets, drug stores, discount stores, club stores, mass merchants, and fast-food outlets (with respect to the 

sale of prepared foods). Sales of nongasoline items (particularly prepared food items) have contributed substantially 

to our gross profit on retail sales in recent years. Gasoline sales are intensely competitive. We compete for gasoline 

sales  with  both  independent  and  national  brand  gasoline  stations,  other  convenience  store  chains,  and  several 

nontraditional gasoline retailers such as supermarkets in specific markets. Some of these other gasoline retailers may 

have access to more favorable arrangements for gasoline supply than do we or the firms that supply our stores. Some 

of our competitors have greater financial, marketing, and other resources than we have and therefore may be able 

to respond better to changes in the economy and new opportunities within the industry. 

 
 
 
Gasoline Operations

Gasoline sales are an important part of our revenue and earnings, and retail gasoline profit margins have a substantial 

25

impact  on  our  net  income.  Profit  margins  on  gasoline  sales  can  be  affected  adversely  by  factors  beyond  our  control, 

including the supply of gasoline available in the retail gasoline market, uncertainty or volatility in the wholesale gasoline 

market,  increases  in  wholesale  gasoline  costs  generally  during  a  period,  and  price  competition  from  other  gasoline 

marketers. The market for crude oil and domestic wholesale petroleum products is volatile and is affected by general 

political conditions and instability in oil producing regions such as the Middle East and South America. The volatility of 

the wholesale gasoline market makes it extremely difficult to predict the impact of future wholesale cost fluctuation on 

our operating results and financial conditions. These factors could materially affect gasoline gallon volume, gasoline gross 

profit, and overall customer traffic levels at stores. Any substantial decrease in profit margins on gasoline sales or in the 

number of gallons sold by stores could have a material adverse effect on our earnings.

The Company purchases its gasoline from a variety of independent national and regional petroleum distributors. 

Although in recent years suppliers have not experienced any difficulties in obtaining sufficient amounts of gasoline 

to meet our needs, unanticipated national and international events could result in a reduction of gasoline supplies 

available for distribution. Any substantial curtailment in our gasoline supply would reduce gasoline sales. Further, 

we  believe  a  significant  amount  of  our  business  results  from  the  patronage  of  customers  primarily  desiring  to 

purchase gasoline; accordingly, reduced gasoline supplies could adversely affect the sale of nongasoline items. Such 

factors could have a material adverse impact on our earnings and operations.

Tobacco Products

Sales of tobacco products represent a significant portion of our revenues. Significant increases in wholesale cigarette 

costs and tax increases on tobacco products as well as national and local campaigns to discourage smoking in the United 

States could have an adverse effect on the demand for cigarettes sold by stores. We attempt to pass price increases on to 

our customers, but competitive pressures in specific markets may prevent us from doing so. These factors could materially 

affect the retail price of cigarettes, the volume of cigarettes sold by stores, and overall customer traffic. 

Environmental Compliance Costs

The United States Environmental Protection Agency and several of the states in which we do business have 

adopted laws and regulations relating to underground storage tanks used for petroleum products. In the past, we 

have incurred substantial costs to comply with such regulations, and additional substantial costs may be necessary 

in  the  future.  Several  states  in  which  we  do  business  have  trust  fund  programs  with  provisions  for  sharing  or 

reimbursing corrective action or remediation costs. Any reimbursements received in respect to such costs typically 

are subject to statutory provisions requiring repayment of the reimbursed funds for any future noncompliance with 

upgrade provisions or other applicable laws. Although we regularly accrue expenses for the estimated costs related 

to  future  corrective  action  or  remediation  efforts,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  accrued  amounts  will  be 

sufficient to pay such costs or that we have identified all environmental liabilities at all of our current store locations. 

In addition, there can be no assurance that we will not incur substantial expenditures in the future for remediation 

of contamination or related claims that have not been discovered or asserted with respect to existing store locations 

or locations that we may acquire in the future, that we will not be subject to any claims for reimbursement of funds 

disbursed  to  us  under  the  various  state  programs,  and/or  that  additional  regulations  or  amendments  to  existing 

regulations will not require additional expenditures beyond those presently anticipated.

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Seasonality of Sales 

26

Company sales generally are strongest during its first two fiscal quarters (May–October) and weakest during the 

third  and  fourth  fiscal  quarters  (November–April).  In  the  warmer  months,  customers  tend  to  purchase  greater 

quantities of gasoline and certain convenience items such as beer, soft drinks, and ice. Difficult weather conditions 

(such as flooding, prolonged rain, or snowstorms) in any quarter, however, may adversely reduce sales at affected 

stores and may have an adverse impact on our earnings for that period.

ITEM 7A. 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio 

and long-term debt obligations. We place our investments with high-quality credit issuers and, by policy, limit the 

amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. Our first priority is to reduce the risk of principal loss. Consequently, 

we seek to preserve our invested funds by limiting default risk, market risk, and reinvestment risk. We mitigate 

default risk by investing in only high-quality credit securities that we believe to be low risk and by positioning our 

portfolio to respond appropriately to a significant reduction in a credit rating of any investment issuer or guarantor. 

The portfolio includes only marketable securities with active secondary or resale markets to ensure portfolio liquidity. 

We  believe  an  immediate  100-basis-point  move  in  interest  rates  affecting  our  floating  and  fixed  rate  financial 

instruments as of April 30, 2011 would have no material effect on pretax earnings. 

In the past, we have used derivative instruments such as options and futures to hedge against the volatility of 

gasoline cost and were at risk for possible changes in the market value of those derivative instruments. No such 

derivative  instruments  were  used  during  fiscal  year  2011,  2010,  or  2009.  However,  we  do  from  time  to  time, 

participate in a forward buy of certain commodities, primarily cheese and coffee.

ITEM 8. 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.:

  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries 

(the Company) as of April 30, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders’ 

equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2011. We also have audited the 

Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal 

Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 

(COSO).  The  Company’s  management  is  responsible  for  these  consolidated  financial  statements,  for  maintaining 

effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over 

financial reporting, appearing under the accompanying Item 9A (Controls and Procedures).  Our responsibility is to 

express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over 

financial reporting based on our audits.

 
 
 
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 

(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about 

27

whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement  and  whether  effective  internal  control  over 

financial  reporting  was  maintained  in  all  material  respects.  Our  audits  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements 

included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 

assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall 

financial  statement  presentation.  Our  audit  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  included  obtaining  an 

understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and 

testing  and  evaluating  the  design  and  operating  effectiveness  of  internal  control  based  on  the  assessed  risk.  We 

believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance 

regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in 

accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting 

includes  those  policies  and  procedures  that  (1)  pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail, 

accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable 

assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance 

with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made 

only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 

assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 

assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 

projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 

because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 

financial position of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their 

operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2011, in conformity with 

U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, 

effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—

Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Des Moines, Iowa

June 28, 2011

/s/KPMG LLP

 
 
 
CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

28

(In thousands, except share data)

April 30,

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables

Inventories 

Prepaid expenses 

Deferred income taxes

Income taxes receivable

Total current assets

Property and equipment, at cost 

Land

Buildings and leasehold improvements

Machinery and equipment

Leasehold interest in property and equipment 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

Net property and equipment

Other assets, net of amortization 

Goodwill

Total assets

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Current liabilities

Notes payable to bank

Current maturities of long-term debt 

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses   

Wages and related taxes

Property taxes

Insurance

Other 

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, net of current maturities 

Deferred income taxes 

Deferred compensation 

Other long-term liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies 

Shareholders’ equity 

2011

2010

-

-

$       59,572 $       151,676

20,154

159,200

1,180

10,405

43,376

293,887

-

-

348,456

724,170

907,483

14,538

12,111

124,951

1,129

9,417

10,801

310,085

297,833

621,882

784,341

13,849

1,994,647

1,717,905

777,342

706,994

1,217,305

1,010,911

11,721

88,042

10,232

57,547

$  1,610,955 $    1,388,775

-

-

April 30,

2011

2010

-

-

$600

1,167

215,675

13,014

17,283

22,129

24,632

294,500

678,680

203,078

13,858

16,943

--------

24,577

145,334

11,981

15,267

20,713

23,014

240,886

154,754

141,229

12,788

14,799

1,207,059

564,456

-

-

Preferred stock, no par value, none issued

--------

--------

Common stock, no par value, 37,966,709 and 50,926,162 shares issued and             
outstanding at April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively

Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3,996

399,900

403,896

64,439

759,880

824,319

$  1,610,955 $    1,388,775

-

-

      
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Total revenue

29

Years ended April 30,

2011

2010

2009

$  5,635,240 $   4,637,087 $   4,690,525

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation, shown separately below)

4,754,173

3,844,735

3,966,919

Gross profit

Operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization

Interest, net 

Loss on early retirement of debt

Earnings before income taxes

Federal and state income taxes

Net earnings

Earnings per common share

  Basic

  Diluted

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.   

881,067

607,628

82,355

28,497

11,350

151,237

56,614

792,352

526,291

73,546

10,933

--------

181,582

64,620

723,606

504,449

69,451

10,626

--------

139,080

53,390

$       94,623 $      116,962 $        85,690

-

-

-

$           2.24 $            2.30 $            1.69

$           2.22 $            2.29 $            1.68

-

-

-

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

30

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Balance at April 30, 2008

     Net earnings

     Payment of dividends (30 cents per share)

     Proceeds from exercise of stock options
       (93,550 shares)

     Tax benefits related to nonqualified stock options 

     Stock based compensation

Balance at April 30, 2009

     Net earnings

     Payment of dividends (34 cents per share)

     Proceeds from exercise of stock options  (83,450 shares)

     Tax benefits related to nonqualified stock options 

     Stock based compensation

Balance at April 30, 2010

     Net earnings

     Payment of dividends (50.5 cents per share)

Common  
stock

Retained  
earnings

Total

$         57,690  $      589,782  $      647,472 

-------- 

-------- 

1,346 

512 

1,256 

85,690 

85,690 

(15,246)

(15,246)

-------- 

-------- 

-------- 

1,346 

512 

1,256 

$         60,804  $      660,226  $      721,030 

-------- 

-------- 

1,239 

365 

2,031 

116,962 

116,962 

(17,308)

(17,308)

-------- 

-------- 

-------- 

1,239 

365 

2,031 

$         64,439  $      759,880 

824,319 

-------- 

-------- 

94,623 

94,623 

(20,467)

(20,467)

     Repurchase of common stock (13,157,894 shares)

(66,890)

(434,136)

(501,026)

     Proceeds from exercise of stock options
       (184,441 shares)

     Tax benefits related to nonqualified stock options 

     Stock based compensation

Balance at April 30, 2011

3,733 

648 

2,066 

-------- 

-------- 

-------- 

3,733 

648 

2,066 

$           3,996  $      399,900  $      403,896 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

-

-

-

                  
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  

(In thousands) 

Years ended April 30,

    2011

    2010

    2009

31

Cash flows from operating activities

-

-

-

     Net earnings 

$      94,623  $    116,962  $       85,690 

     Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
      cash provided by operations

        Depreciation and amortization

        Other amortization (accretion) 

        Stock-based compensation

        Loss on sale of property and equipment

        Deferred income taxes

        Excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises

        Loss on early retirement of debt

        Changes in assets and liabilities

            Receivables

            Inventories 

            Prepaid expenses 

            Accounts payable 

            Accrued expenses

            Income taxes receivable

        Other, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

     Purchase of property and equipment

82,355 

73,546 

69,451 

988 

2,066 

(80)

203 

2,031 

456 

(192)

1,256 

4,063 

60,861 

18,171 

16,080 

(648)

11,350 

(365)

--------- 

(8,043)

(1,223)

(26,527)

(15,886)

(51)

87 

(512)

--------- 

5,774 

18,794 

25 

70,341 

29,898 

(47,907)

5,516 

(31,266)

(42)

(6,567)

(3,649)

404 

15,931 

1,005 

1,166 

261,443 

214,068 

170,624 

(214,573)

(129,233)

(136,351)

     Payments for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

(113,567)

(45,688)

(11,813)

     Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

2,627 

1,769 

3,200 

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

     Proceeds from long-term debt

     Payments of long-term debt

     Net borrowing of short-term debt

     Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     Payments of cash dividends

     Repurchase of common stock

     Payments of prepayment penalties

     Excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises

(325,513)

(173,152)

(144,964)

569,000 

--------- 

--------- 

(69,172)

(19,231)

(21,100)

600 

3,733 

--------- 

1,239 

--------- 

1,346 

(20,467)

(17,308)

(15,246)

(501,026)

(11,350)

648 

--------- 

--------- 

365 

--------- 

--------- 

512 

Net cash used in financing activities

(28,034)

(34,935)

(34,488)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(92,104)

5,981 

(8,828)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

151,676 

145,695 

154,523 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$      59,572  $    151,676  $     145,695 

-

-

-

 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information

32

Cash paid during the year for

     Interest, net of amount capitalized

$

34,691 

$

11,677 

$

     Income taxes

26,113 

48,825 

13,142 

34,229 

Noncash investing and financing activities

     Property and equipment acquired through
     notes payable and capitalized lease obligations

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

689 

2,234 

1,603 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Operations  Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company/Casey’s) operate 1,637 convenience 

stores in 11 Midwest states. The stores are located primarily in smaller communities, many with populations of less 

than 5,000. Retail sales in 2011 were distributed as follows: 71% gasoline, 21% grocery & other merchandise, and 

8% prepared food & fountain. The Company’s materials are readily available, and the Company is not dependent on 

a single supplier or only a few suppliers.

Principles of consolidation  The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Casey’s 

General Stores, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have 

been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting 

principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect 1) the reported amounts of assets and 

liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and 2) the reported 

amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash equivalents  Cash equivalents consist of money market funds. We consider all highly liquid investments 

with a maturity at purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories  Inventories, which consist of merchandise and gasoline, are stated at the lower of cost or market; in-

store inventory (excluding cigarettes, beer, beverages, and prepared foods, which are stated at cost) is determined by the 

retail inventory method (RIM). Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for gasoline and the last-in, 

first-out (LIFO) method for merchandise. Below is a summary of the inventory values at April 30, 2011 and 2010:

Gasoline

Merchandise

Merchandise LIFO reserve

Total inventory

Fiscal 2011

Fiscal 2010

81,964 

54,439 

113,934 

(36,698)

159,200 

102,344 

(31,832)

124,951 

-

-

 
 
 
 
 
 
Vendor allowances include rebates and other funds received from vendors to promote their products. The Company 

often receives such allowances on the basis of quantitative contract terms that vary by product and vendor or directly on 

33

the basis of purchases made. Vendor rebates in the form of rack display allowances are treated as a reduction in cost of 

sales and are recognized incrementally over the period covered by the applicable rebate agreement. Vendor rebates in the 

form of billbacks are treated as a reduction in cost of sales and are recognized at the time the product is sold. Reimbursements 

of an operating expense (e.g., advertising) are recorded as reductions of the related expense.

Goodwill  Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment at least annually. The 

Company assesses impairment annually at year-end using a market based approach to establish fair value. All of the 

goodwill  assigned  to  the  individual  stores  is  aggregated  into  a  single  reporting  unit  due  to  the  similar  economic 

characteristics  of  the  stores.  As  of  April  30,  2011,  there  was  $88,042  of  goodwill,  and  management’s  analysis  of 

recoverability completed as of the fiscal year-end yielded no evidence of impairment. 

Store closings and asset impairment  The Company writes down property and equipment of stores it is closing to 

estimated net realizable value at the time management commits to a plan to close such stores and begins active marketing 

of the stores. The Company bases the estimated net realizable value of property and equipment on its experience in 

utilizing and/or disposing of similar assets and on estimates provided by its own and/or third-party real estate experts. 

The Company monitors closed and underperforming stores for an indication that the carrying amount of assets 

may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount 

of the assets, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent carrying value is less than estimated fair value. Fair value 

is based on management’s estimate of the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction 

between market participants. The estimate is derived from offers, actual sale or disposition of assets subsequent to 

year-end, and other indications of asset value, which are considered Level 3 inputs. In determining whether an asset 

is  impaired,  assets  are  grouped  at  the  lowest  level  for  which  there  are  identifiable  cash  flows  that  are  largely 

independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which for the Company is generally on a store-by-store basis. 

The Company incurred impairment charges of $348 in fiscal 2011, $100 in fiscal 2010, and $1,262 in fiscal 2009. 

Impairment charges are a component of operating expenses.  

Depreciation and amortization  Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of capital lease 

assets are computed principally by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings

Machinery and equipment

25-40 years

5-30 years

Leasehold interest in property and equipment

Lesser of term of lease or life of asset

Leasehold improvements

Lesser of term of lease or life of asset

Excise taxes  Excise taxes approximating $495,000, $454,000, and $439,000 collected from customers on retail 

gasoline sales are included in net sales for fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Income taxes  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to 

differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective 

tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income 

in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax 

assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Revenue recognition  The Company recognizes retail sales of gasoline, grocery & other merchandise, prepared 

food & fountain, and commissions on lottery, prepaid phone cards, and video rentals at the time of the sale to the 

customer. Sales taxes collected from customers are recorded on a net basis in the financial statements.

Earnings per common share  Basic earnings per share have been computed by dividing net earnings by the 

weighted average shares outstanding during each of the years. The calculation of diluted earnings per share treats 

stock options outstanding as potential common shares to the extent they are dilutive.

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset retirement obligations  The Company recognizes the estimated future cost to remove underground storage 

34

tanks over the estimated useful life of the storage tank. The Company records a discounted liability for the fair value 

of an asset retirement obligation with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset 

at the time an underground storage tank is installed. The Company amortizes the amount added to other assets and 

recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the remaining life of the tank. The 

estimates of the anticipated future costs for removal of an underground storage tank are based on our prior experience 

with removal. The cost estimates are compared to the actual removal cost experienced on an annual basis, and when the 

actual costs exceed our original estimates, an additional liability for estimated future costs to remove the underground 

storage tanks will be recognized. Because these estimates are subjective and are currently based on historical costs with 

adjustments for estimated future changes in the associated costs, we expect the dollar amount of these obligations to 

change as more information is obtained. There were no material changes in our asset retirement obligation estimates 

during fiscal 2011. The recorded asset for asset retirement obligations was $6,926 and $6,431 at April 30, 2011 and 2010, 

respectively, and is recorded in other assets, net of amortization. The discounted liability was $10,549 and $9,067 at April 

30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is recorded in other long-term liabilities. 

Environmental remediation liabilities  The Company accrues for environmental remediation liabilities when it 

is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. 

Derivative  instruments    The  Company  occasionally  has  used  derivative  instruments  such  as  options  and 

futures to hedge against the volatility of gasoline cost, under which the Company was at risk for possible changes in 

the market value for these derivative instruments. There were no such options or futures contracts during the years 

ended April 30, 2011, 2010, or 2009. 

Stock-based compensation  Stock based compensation is recorded based upon the fair value of the award on 

the grant date. The cost of the award is recognized in the statement of earnings over the vesting period of the award.

Recent  accounting  pronouncements    Effective  May  1,  2011,  we  will  adopt  new  guidance  regarding  the 

disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations. We will disclose pro forma revenue 

and earnings as of the beginning of the comparative prior period presented only and we will add additional disclosure 

related  to  the  nature  and  amount  of  material,  nonrecurring  pro  forma  adjustments  directly  attributable  to  the 

business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. It is effective for public companies 

only,  for  business  combinations  for  which  the  acquisition  date  is  on  or  after  the  beginning  of  the  first  annual 

reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010, but early adoption is permitted. This will be applied 

prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date was after May 1, 2011.

Reclassifications  Certain amounts in the prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to 

the current-year presentation. These changes were not considered material.

2.  ACQUISITIONS

During the year ended April 30, 2011, the Company acquired 89 stores through a variety of single store and 

multi-store transactions with several unrelated third parties. The acquisitions were recorded by allocating the cost 

of the assets acquired, including intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values at the 

acquisition date. The excess of the cost of the acquisition over the net amounts assigned to the fair value of the assets 

acquired and the liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. All of the goodwill associated with these transactions 

will be deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Allocation of the purchase price for the transactions in aggregate is as follows (in thousands):

35

Assets acquired:

   Inventories

   Property and equipment

Total assets

Liabilities assumed: 

   Accrued expenses

Total liabilities

Net tangible assets acquired, net of cash

Goodwill

$       7,722

-

75,867

83,589

567

567

83,022

30,545

Total consideration paid, net of cash acquired

$   113,567

-

The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of our consolidated results of operations as 

if the transactions referenced above occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year for each of the periods presented 

(amounts in thousands, except per share data):

Total revenues

Net earnings

Earnings per share

   Basic

   Diluted

Years Ended April 30,

2011

2010

$   5,843,566

4,969,192

$        98,911

125,027

$            2.34

$            2.32

2.46

2.45

3.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

A summary of the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments follows.

Cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable  The carrying amount approximates fair value 

due to the short maturity of these instruments or the recent purchase of the instruments at current rates of interest.

Long-term debt  The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt excluding capital lease obligations is estimated 

based  on  the  current  rates  offered  to  the  Company  for  debt  of  the  same  or  similar  issues.  The  fair  value  of  the 

Company’s long-term debt excluding capital lease obligations was approximately $636,000 and $161,000, respectively, 

at April 30, 2011 and 2010. The Company had a $50,000 line of credit with $600 owed at April 30, 2011 with a 

weighted average interest rate of 0.85% and no balance owed at April 30, 2010.

On May 23, 2011 the Company replaced the current line of credit arrangements with two Promissory Notes, 

each in the principal amount of $50,000 (together, the “Notes”). The Notes evidence a revolving line of credit in the 

aggregate principal amount of $100,000 and bear interest at variable rates subject to change from time to time based 

on changes in an independent index referred to in the Notes as the Federal Funds Offered Rate (the “Index”). The 

interest rate to be applied to the unpaid principal balance of the first Note will be at a rate of 0.750% over the Index, 

resulting in an initial rate of 0.850% per annum. The interest rate applicable to the second note is 1.000% over the 

Index, resulting in an initial rate of 1.100% per annum.

Interest expense is net of interest income of $360, $300, and $2,107 for the years ended April 30, 2011, 2010, 

and 2009, respectively. Interest expense in the amount of $406, $431, and $367 was capitalized during the years 

ended April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36

The next table delineates the Company’s long-term debt at carrying amount.

As of April 30,

2011

2010

Capitalized lease obligations discounted at 5.22% to 7.09% due in various monthly 
installments through 2048 (Note 7)

$        10,344

10,274

Mortgage notes payable due in various installments through January 2013 with interest 
at 6%

503

10,628

7.38% senior notes due in 21 semi-annual installments beginning in December 2010—
paid August 2010

Senior notes due in various installments from 2004 through 2019 with interest at 
6.18% to 7.23%—paid August 2010

-------- 

-------- 

30,000

17,000

7.89% senior notes due in 7 annual installments beginning in May 2004

-------- 

11,429

5.72% senior notes due in 14 installments beginning September 30, 2012 and ending 
March 30, 2020

100,000

100,000

5.22% senior notes due August 9, 2020

Less current maturities

569,000

--------

679,847

179,331

1,167

24,577

$      678,680

154,754

-

-

Various debt agreements contain certain operating and financial covenants. At April 30, 2011, the Company was 

in compliance with all covenants. Listed below are the aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including capitalized 

lease obligations, for the 5 years commencing May 1, 2011 and thereafter:

Years ended April 30,

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Thereafter

$        1,167

10,707

15,728

406

15,244

636,595

$    679,847

-

 
 
4.  Preferred and Common Stock

37

Preferred stock  The Company has 1,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock of which 250,000 shares 

have been designated as Series A Serial Preferred Stock. No shares have been issued.

Common stock  The Company currently has 120,000,000 authorized shares of common stock. Dividends paid 

totaled $0.505, $0.34, and $0.30 per share for the years ended April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Preferred share purchase rights  On April 16, 2010, the Board of Directors adopted a Rights Plan, providing for 

the distribution of one right for each share of common stock outstanding. Each right entitled the holder to purchase 

one one-thousandth (1/1000th) of a share of Series A Serial Preferred Stock, no par value per share, of the Company 

at a price of $95.00. Each right also entitled the holder to purchase common shares in the surviving entity at 50% of 

the market price. The rights generally became exercisable at the discretion of the Board of Directors following a 

public announcement that 15% or more of the Company’s common stock has been acquired or an intent to acquire 

has become apparent. The rights expired on April 15, 2011.

Stock option plans  The 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), was approved by the Board of Directors in June 

2009 and approved by the shareholders in September 2009. The Plan replaced the 2000 Option Plan and the Non-

employee Director Stock Plan (together, the “Prior Plans”). There are 4,944,000 shares available for grant at April 30, 

2011 under the Plan. Awards made under the Plan may take the form of stock options, restricted stock or restricted 

stock  units.  Each  share  issued  pursuant  to  a  stock  option  will  be  counted  as  one  share,  and  each  share  issued 

pursuant to an award of restricted stock or restricted stock units will reduce the shares available for grant by two.  

On June 23, 2010, restricted stock units with respect to a total of 14,000 shares were granted to the non-employee 

members of the Board. On March 22, 2011, an additional 14,000 shares of restricted stock units were also granted 

to the non-employee members of the Board. On June 23, 2011, restricted stock units with respect to a total of 15,000 

shares were granted to the employee member of the Board. Additional information regarding the Plan is provided in 

the Company’s 2010 Proxy Statement. Under the Company’s Prior Plans, options could have been granted to non-

employee directors, certain officers, and key employees to purchase an aggregate of 5,260,000 shares of common 

stock. At April 30, 2011, options for 775,109 shares (which expire between 2011 and 2019) were outstanding. All 

stock option shares issued are previously unissued authorized shares. 

On June 23, 2011, stock options totaling 441,000 shares were granted to certain officers and key employees. These 

awards will vest on June 23, 2014, and compensation expense is being recognized ratably over the vesting period.

On June 23, 2009, stock options totaling 361,000 shares were granted to certain officers and key employees. These 

awards will vest on June 23, 2012, and compensation expense is being recognized ratably over the vesting period.

The 2000 Stock Option Plan allowed the grant of options with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the 

Company’s stock on the date of grant that expired ten years after the date of grant. Vesting was generally over a three 

to five-year service period. The Non-employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan allowed the grant of options with an 

exercise price equal to the average of the last reported sale prices of shares of common stock on the last trading day 

of each of the twelve months preceding the award of the option. The term of such options was ten years from the 

date of grant, and each option is exercisable immediately upon grant. The aggregate number of shares of Common 

Stock that could have been granted pursuant to the Director Stock Plan was 200,000 shares, subject to adjustment to 

reflect any future stock dividends, stock splits, or other relevant capitalization changes. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The following table shows the stock option activity during the periods indicated:

38

  Number of shares

Weighted average 
exercise price

Balance at April 30, 2008

783,550 

$

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

12,000 

(93,550)

(24,000)

Balance at April 30, 2009

678,000 

$

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

377,000 

(83,450)

(12,000)

Balance at April 30, 2010

959,550 

$

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

-------- 

(184,441)

-------- 

Balance at April 30, 2011

775,109

$

19.74

26.51

14.39

23.80

20.45

25.27

14.85

24.41

22.78

--------

20.24

--------

23.38

At April 30, 2011, all outstanding options had an aggregate intrinsic value of $12,136 and a weighted average 

remaining contractual life of 6.2 years. The vested options totaled 432,109 shares with a weighted average exercise 

price of $21.89 per share and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.7 years. The aggregate intrinsic 

value for the vested options as of April 30, 2011 was $7,406. The aggregate intrinsic value for the total of all options 

exercised during the year ended April 30, 2011 was $3,681, and the total fair value of shares vested during the year 

ended April 30, 2011 was $401.

Total compensation costs recorded for the years ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $2,066, $2,031, and 

$1,256, respectively, for the stock option and restricted stock awards. As of April 30, 2011, there was $1,250 of total 

unrecognized compensation costs related to the 2000 Stock Option Plan for stock options that are expected to be 

recognized ratably through 2013.

At April 30, 2011, the range of exercise prices was $11.74–$26.92 and the weighted average remaining contractual 

life of outstanding options was 6.2 years. The number of shares and weighted average remaining contractual life of 

the options by range of applicable exercise prices at April 30, 2011 were as follows:

Range of             
exercise prices

Number of 
shares

Weighted average 
exercise price

Weighted average remaining 
contractual life (years)

$       11.74-13.07

10,500

$               12.02

14.08-17.64

82,300

20.68-26.92

682,809

14.46

24.63

  .6

2.3

6.8

775,609

-

 
 
 
 
5.  EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Computations for basic and diluted earnings per common share are presented below:

39

Basic

  Net earnings

Years ended April 30,

2011

-

2010

-

2009

-

$        94,623 $      116,962 $          85,690

  Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

42,284,664

50,899,370

50,787,309

  Basic earnings per common share

$            2.24 $            2.30 $              1.69

Diluted

  Net earnings

-

-

-

$        94,623 $      116,962 $          85,690

  Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic

42,284,664

50,899,370

50,787,309

  Plus effect of stock options and restricted stock units

281,913

153,803

130,170

  Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted

42,566,577

51,053,173

50,917,479

  Diluted earnings per common share

$            2.22 $            2.29 $              1.68

-

-

-

Options to purchase shares of common stock that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per 

share, because their inclusion would have been antidilutive, were 356,000 for fiscal 2010 and 224,500 for fiscal 2009. 

All options were included for fiscal 2011.

 6.  INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense attributable to earnings consisted of the following components:

Current tax expense

   Federal

   State

Deferred tax expense

Total income tax provision

Years ended April 30,

2011

-

2010

-

2009

-

$       (6,171) $         41,632  $          31,771 

1,871 

(4,300)

60,914 

4,794 

46,426 

18,194 

5,475 

37,246 

16,144 

$       56,614  $         64,620  $          53,390 

-

-

-

 
 
 
The  tax  effects  of  temporary  differences  that  gave  rise  to  significant  portions  of  the  deferred  tax  assets  and 

40

deferred tax liabilities were as follows:

Deferred tax assets

   Accrued liabilities

   Deferred compensation

   Other

     Total gross deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

   Excess of tax over book 
     depreciation

   Other

Years ended April 30, 

2011

-

  2010

-

  2009

-

$           10,405  $             9,417  $           11,895 

5,325 

5,562 

21,292 

-

4,941 

3,759 

18,117 

-

4,329 

2,849 

19,073 

-

(211,415)

(145,433)

(129,541)

(2,550)

(4,496)

(3,173)

     Total gross deferred tax liabilities

(213,965)

(149,929)

(132,714)

Net deferred tax liability

$       (192,673) $       (131,812) $       (113,641)

-

-

-

At April 30, 2011, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes of approximately 

$60,048, which are available to offset future taxable income. These net operating losses expire during the years 2017 

through 2020.

There was no valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of April 30, 2011 and 2010. There was no net change 

in the valuation allowance for the years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax 

assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not 

be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income 

during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled 

reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. 

A valuation allowance was established for a portion of the amount of net operating loss carryovers—state taxes as of 

April 30, 2007 due to the uncertainty of future recoverability. 

Total reported tax expense applicable to the Company’s continuing operations varies from the tax that would 

have resulted from applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rates to income before income taxes.

Income taxes at the statutory rates

      35.0%

      35.0%

Federal tax credits

       (1.2)

       (0.8)

Years ended April 30,

2011

2010

State income taxes, net of federal           
tax benefit

Other

        2.9

        2.1

        0.7

       (0.7)

      37.4%

      35.6%

-

-

2009

35.0%

(1.1)

2.9

1.6

38.4%

-

The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of 

being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely 

of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment 

occurs. The Company had a total of $6,148 and $5,482 in gross unrecognized tax benefits at April 30, 2011 and 2010, 

respectively. Of this amount, $4,013 represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would 

impact our effective tax rate. Unrecognized tax benefits were a net increase of $666 during the twelve months ended 

 
  
 
 
 
 
April 30, 2011 due primarily to the expiration of certain statute of limitations offset by a greater increase associated 

with state income tax filing positions. This had the effect of increasing the effective state tax rate during the fiscal 

41

year  ending  April  30,  2011.  These  unrecognized  tax  benefits  predominately  relate  to  risks  associated  with  state 

income tax filing positions and federal tax credits claimed for the Company’s subsidiaries.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

Beginning balance

Additions based on tax positions related to current year

Additions for tax positions of prior years

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations

Settlements

Ending balance

2011

2010

$       5,482  $        6,621 

1,982 

48 

(192)

(1,172)

-------- 

1,430 

184 

--------- 

(2,753)

--------- 

$       6,148  $        5,482 

-

-

The total net amount of accrued interest and penalties for such unrecognized tax benefits was $250 at April 30, 

2010 and is included in income taxes payable. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified 

as income tax expense in our consolidated statements of earnings and was $245 for the year ended April 30, 2011. 

Net interest and penalties included in income tax expense for the twelve month period ended April 30, 2011 was a 

decrease in tax expense of $5 and a decrease of $400 for the year ended April 30, 2010. At this time, the Company’s 

best estimate of the reasonably possible change in the amount of the gross unrecognized tax benefits is a decrease of 

$1,423  during  the  next  twelve  months  mainly  due  to  the  expiration  of  certain  statute  of  limitations.  The  federal 

statute of limitations remains open for the years 2006 and forward. Tax years 2005 and forward are subject to audit 

by state tax authorities depending on open statute of limitations waivers and the tax code of each state.

7.  LEASES

The Company leases certain property and equipment used in its operations. Generally, the leases are for primary 

terms of from five to twenty years with options either to renew for additional periods or to purchase the premises 

and call for payment of property taxes, insurance, and maintenance by the lessee.

The following is an analysis of the leased property under capital leases by major classes:

Real estate

Equipment

Less accumulated amortization

Asset balances at April 30,

2011

2010

$        11,933 $        11,244

  2,605

14,538

  3,918

  2,605

13,849

  4,552

$        10,620 $          9,297

-

-

 
 
 
 
Future minimum payments under the capital leases and noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining 

42

terms of one year or more consisted of the following at April 30, 2011:

Years ended April 30,

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Thereafter

Capital leases

Operating 
leases

$           1,273 $              667

1,232

1,227

863

687

13,281

448

400

204

132

613

Total minimum lease payments

     Less amount representing interest

18,563 $           2,464

8,219

-

Present value of net minimum lease payments

$         10,344

-

The total rent expense under operating leases was $674 in 2011, $438 in 2010, and $596 in 2009.

8.  Benefit plans

401(k) plan  The Company provides employees with a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The 401(k) plan covers 

all employees who meet minimum age and service requirements. The Company contributions consist of matching 

amounts and are allocated based on employee contributions. Expense for the 401(k) plan was $3,049, $2,964, and 

$2,819 for the years ended April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

On April 30, 2011, the Company had 9,013 full-time employees and 13,144 part-time employees; 2,978 were active 

participants in the 401(k) plan. As of that same date, 1,521,860 shares of common stock were held by the trustee of the 

401(k) plan in trust for distribution to eligible participants upon death, disability, retirement, or termination of employment. 

Shares held by the 401(k) plan are treated as outstanding in the computation of earnings per common share.

Supplemental executive retirement plan  The Company has a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement 

plan (SERP) for 2 of its executive officers, 1 of whom retired April 30, 2003 and the other on April 30, 2008. The SERP 

provides  for  the  Company  to  pay  annual  retirement  benefits,  depending  on  retirement  dates,  up  to  50%  of  base 

compensation  until  death  of  the  officer.  If  death  occurs  within  twenty  years  of  retirement,  the  benefits  become 

payable to the officer’s spouse until the spouse’s death or twenty years from the date of the officer’s retirement, 

whichever comes first. The Company has accrued the deferred compensation over the term of employment. The 

amounts accrued at April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were $6,574 and $6,955. The discount rates used were 

5.5% and 5.8%, respectively, at April 30, 2011 and 2010. The Company expects to pay $625 per year for each of the 

next five years. There was no expense incurred in fiscal 2011 or 2010. The amount expensed in fiscal 2009 was $488.

 
 
 
 
 
9.  COMMITMENTS

43

The  Company  has  entered  into  an  employment  agreement  with  its  chief  executive  officer.  The  agreement 

provides that the officer will receive aggregate base compensation of not less than $660 per year exclusive of bonuses. 

The agreement also provides for certain payments in the case of death or disability of the officer. The Company also 

has entered into employment agreements with eleven other key employees, providing for certain payments in the 

event of termination following a change of control of the Company.

10. CONTINGENCIES

Environmental compliance  The United States Environmental Protection Agency and several states have 

adopted laws and regulations relating to underground storage tanks used for petroleum products. Several states in 

which the Company does business have trust fund programs with provisions for sharing or reimbursing corrective 

action or remediation costs.

  Management currently believes that substantially all capital expenditures for electronic monitoring, cathodic protection, 

and overfill/spill protection to comply with existing regulations have been completed. The Company has an accrued liability at 

April  30,  2011  and  2010  of  approximately  $231  and  $187,  respectively,  for  estimated  expenses  related  to  anticipated 

corrective actions or remediation efforts, including relevant legal and consulting costs. Management believes the Company 

has no material joint and several environmental liability with other parties. Additional regulations or amendments to the 

existing regulations could result in future revisions to such estimated expenditures.

Legal matters  The Company is named as a defendant in four lawsuits (“hot fuel” cases) brought in the federal 

courts  in  Kansas  and  Missouri  against  a  variety  of  gasoline  retailers.    The  complaints  generally  allege  that  the 

Company,  along  with  numerous  other  retailers,  has  misrepresented  gasoline  volumes  dispensed  at  its  pumps  by 

failing to compensate for expansion that occurs when fuel is sold at temperatures above 60°F.  Fuel is measured at 

60°F in wholesale purchase transactions and computation of motor fuel taxes in Kansas and Missouri.  The complaints 

all  seek  certification  as  class  actions  on  behalf  of  gasoline  consumers  within  those  two  states,  and  one  of  the 

complaints also seeks certification for a class consisting of gasoline consumers in all states.  The actions generally 

seek recovery for alleged violations of state consumer protection or unfair merchandising practices statutes, negligent 

and fraudulent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, civil conspiracy, and violation of the duty of good faith and 

fair dealing; several seek injunctive relief and punitive damages. The amounts sought are not quantified.

These actions are among a total of 45 similar lawsuits that have been filed since November 2006 in 27 jurisdictions, 

including 25 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam against a wide range of defendants that produce, refine, 

distribute and/or market gasoline products in the United States.  On June 18, 2007, the Federal Judicial Panel on 

Multidistrict Litigation ordered that all of the pending hot fuel cases (officially, the “Motor Fuel Temperature Sales 

Practices Litigation”) be transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas, for 

coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings, including rulings on discovery matters, various pretrial motions, 

and class certification.  Discovery efforts by both sides were substantially completed during the ensuing months, and 

the plaintiffs filed motions for class certification in each of the pending lawsuits.

 
 
 
 
In  a  Memorandum  and  Order  entered  on  May  28,  2010,  the  Court  ruled  on  the  Plaintiffs’  Motion  for  Class 

44

Certification  in  two  cases  originally  filed  in  the  U.S.  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Kansas, American  Fiber  & 

Cabling, LLC v. BP West Coast Products, LLC, et. al., Case No. 07-2053, and Wilson v. Ampride, Inc., et. al., Case 

No. 06-2582, in which the Company is a named Defendant.  The Court determined that it could not certify a class 

as to claims against the Company in the American Fiber & Cabling case, having decided that the named Plaintiff had 

no standing to assert such claims.  However, in the Wilson case the Court certified a class as to the liability and 

injunctive aspects of the Plaintiff’s claims for unjust enrichment and violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection 

Act (KCPA) against the Company and several other Defendants.  With respect to claims for unjust enrichment, the 

class certified consists of all individuals and entities (except employees or affiliates of the Defendants) that, at any 

time between January 1, 2001 and the present, purchased motor fuel at retail at a temperature greater than 60°F, in 

the state of Kansas, from a gas station owned, operated, or controlled by one or more of the Defendants.  As to claims 

for violation of the KCPA, the class certified is limited to all individuals, sole proprietors and family partnerships 

(excluding employees or affiliates of Defendants) that made such purchases.

The Court also ordered the parties to show cause in writing why the Wilson case and the American Fiber & Cabling 

case should not be consolidated for all purposes.  The matter is now under consideration by the Court.  The court has 

scheduled the trial to commence on May 17, 2012. Management cannot estimate or quantify the relief sought nor the 

amount of possible loss or potential range of loss related to these actions. Management does not believe the Company is 

liable to the Plaintiffs for the conduct complained of, and intends to contest the matter vigorously.

From time to time we may be involved in other legal and administrative proceedings or investigations arising 

from  the  conduct  of  our  business  operations,  including  contractual  disputes;  employment  or  personnel  matters; 

personal injury and property damage claims; and claims by federal, state, and local regulatory authorities relating to 

the  sale  of  products  pursuant  to  licenses  and  permits  issued  by  those  authorities.    Claims  for  compensatory  or 

exemplary  damages  in  those  actions  may  be  substantial.    While  the  outcome  of  such  litigation,  proceedings, 

investigations, or claims is never certain, it is our opinion, after taking into consideration legal counsel’s assessment 

and the availability of insurance proceeds and other collateral sources to cover potential losses, that the ultimate 

disposition of such matters currently pending or threatened, individually or cumulatively, will not have a material 

adverse effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operation.

Other  At April 30, 2011, the Company was partially self-insured for workers’ compensation claims in all eleven 

states of its marketing territory and was also partially self-insured for general liability and auto liability under an 

agreement that provides for annual stop-loss limits equal to or exceeding approximately $1,000. To facilitate this 

agreement, letters of credit approximating $12,000 and $11,000 respectively, were issued and outstanding at April 

30, 2011 and 2010, on the insurance company’s behalf. The Company also has investments of approximately $223 

in  escrow  as  required  by  one  state  for  partial  self-insurance  of  workers’  compensation  claims.  Additionally,  the 

Company is self-insured for its portion of employee medical expenses. At April 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company had 

$22,129 and $20,713, respectively, in accrued expenses for estimated claims relating to self-insurance, the majority 

of which has been actuarially determined.

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Events  that  have  occurred  subsequent  to  April  30,  2011  have  been  evaluated  through  the  filing  date  of  this 

Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

On  June  3,  2011,  the  Company  announced  that  they  signed  a  definitive  purchase  agreement  to  acquire  22 

convenience stores from Kum & Go. The acquisition is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary 

closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in July 2011.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 12.  Quarterly Financial Data  

(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)

45

Total revenue

  Gasoline

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Year Total

$     936,654

927,617

991,143

1,143,288

3,998,702

  Grocery & other merchandise

317,206

308,900

276,075

293,432

1,195,613

  Prepared food & fountain

102,382

107,183

100,189

105,486

415,240

Year ended April 30, 2011

5,785

5,819

6,792

7,289

25,685

$  1,362,027

1,349,519

1,374,199

1,549,495

5,635,240

$       58,906

52,755

  Grocery & other merchandise

104,025

101,655

  Prepared food & fountain

  Other

65,270

5,770

67,161

5,806

48,101

85,385

62,266

6,779

52,276

94,185

63,454

7,273

212,038

385,250

258,151

25,628

Net earnings

$       37,286

21,692

12,875

22,770

94,623

$     233,971

227,377

202,531

217,188

881,067

  Other

Gross profit*

  Gasoline

Earnings per common share

  Basic

  Diluted

Total revenue

  Gasoline

  Grocery & other merchandise

  Prepared food & fountain

  Other

Gross profit*

  Gasoline

  Grocery & other merchandise

  Prepared food & fountain

  Other

$             .73

$             .73

.51

.51

.34

.34

.60

.60

2.24

2.22

Year ended April 30, 2010

Q1

$       790,629

297,395

95,177

4,739

Q2

779,120

276,135

94,860

4,849

Q3

780,793

242,544

86,004

5,036

Q4

Year Total

826,948

257,434

89,752

5,672

3,177,490

1,073,508

365,793

20,296

$    1,187,940

1,154,964

1,114,377

1,179,806

4,637,087

$         52,726

101,980

60,697

4,722

46,146

94,121

61,261

4,836

38,304

79,255

54,018

5,023

41,000

85,076

57,531

5,656

$       220,125

206,364

176,600

189,263

178,176

360,432

233,507

20,237

792,352

116,962

2.30

2.29

Net earnings

$         44,193

33,592

17,242

21,935

Earnings per common share

  Basic

  Diluted

$             0.87

$             0.87

0.66

0.66

0.34

0.34

0.43

0.43

*Gross profit is given before charge for depreciation and amortization and credit card fees.

46

None.

ITEM 9. 
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS  
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

ITEM 9A. 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with 

the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the 

Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. On the basis of that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded 

that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to 

be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, 

processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules 

and forms. The CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are also effective for the 

purpose of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under 

the  Exchange  Act  is  accumulated  and  communicated  to  our  management,  including  our  principal  executive  and 

principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There  were  no  changes  in  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that  occurred  during  the 

period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s 

internal control over financial reporting. 

  Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 

reporting.  The  Company’s  internal  control  system  was  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  to  the  Company’s 

management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. 

All  internal  control  systems,  no  matter  how  well  designed,  have  inherent  limitations.  Therefore,  even  those 

systems  determined  to  be  effective  can  provide  only  reasonable  assurance  with  respect  to  financial  statement 

preparation and presentation. 

The  Company’s  management  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial 

reporting as of April 30, 2011. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee 

of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. On 

the basis of the prescribed criteria, management believes the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 

was effective as of April 30, 2011.

KPMG, LLP, as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, has issued a report on its assessment 

of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page 27. 

 
 
 
 
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 9B. 
OTHER INFORMATION 

47

PART III

ITEM 10. 
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Those portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the captions “Election of Directors,” 

“Governance of the Company,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and “Executive Officers 

and Their Compensation” to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after April 

30,  2011  and  to  be  used  in  connection  with  the  Company’s  2011  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders  are  hereby 

incorporated by reference.

The Company has adopted a Financial Code of Ethics applicable to its Chief Executive Officer and other senior 

financial officers. In addition, the Company has adopted a general code of business conduct (known as the Code of 

Business Conduct and Ethics) for its directors, officers, and all employees. The Financial Code of Ethics, the Code of 

Business Conduct and Ethics, and other Company governance materials are available on the Investor Relations link 

of  the  Company  Web  site  at  www.caseys.com.  The  documents  are  on  the  right  hand  portion  of  the  page  under 

Corporate Governance. The Company intends to disclose on this Web site any amendments to or waivers from the 

Financial Code of Ethics or the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that are required to be disclosed pursuant to 

SEC rules. To date, there have been no waivers of the Financial Code of Ethics or the Code of Business Conduct and 

Ethics. Shareholders may obtain copies of any of these corporate governance documents free of charge by downloading 

from the Web site or by writing to the Corporate Secretary at the address on the cover of this Form 10-K.

 
 
 
48

ITEM 11. 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

That portion of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the caption “Executive Officers and Their 

Compensation” to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after April 30, 2011 and to 

be used in connection with the Company’s 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 12. 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS  
AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Those portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the captions “Shares Outstanding,” 

“Voting Procedures,” and “Beneficial Ownership of Shares of Common Stock by Directors and Executive Officers” to 

be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after April 30, 2011 and to be used in 

connection with the Company’s 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 13. 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 

That portion of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the captions “Certain Relationships 

and Related Transactions” and “Governance of the Company” to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 

14A within 120 days after April 30, 2011 and to be used in connection with the Company’s 2011 Annual Meeting of 

Shareholders is hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 14. 
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

That portion of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement appearing under the caption “Independent Auditor 

Fees” to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after April 30, 2011 and to be used in connection with the 

Company’s 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is hereby incorporated by reference.

 
 
 
 
 
PART IV

49

ITEM 15. 
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) 

Documents filed as a part of this report on Form 10-K

(1)   

The following financial statements are included herewith:

Consolidated Balance Sheets, April 30, 2011 and 2010 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Three Years Ended April 30, 2011

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, Three Years Ended April 30, 2011

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Three Years Ended April 30, 2011

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

(2)   

No schedules are included because the required information is inapplicable or is presented in the 

consolidated financial statements or related notes thereto.

(3)   

The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number  Description of Exhibits

50

3.1   

Restatement of the Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly 

Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 1996) and Articles of Amendment thereto (incorporated 

by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 16, 2010, as amended by the Current Report on Form 

8-K/A filed April 19, 2010 and the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 20, 2011)

3.2(a) 

Second Amended and Restated By-laws (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed 

June 16, 2009) and Amendment thereto (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed 

May 20, 2011)

4.2   

Rights Agreement between Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., relating 

to Series A Serial Preferred Stock Purchase Rights (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 

8-K filed April 16, 2010)

4.8   

Note  Purchase  Agreement  dated  as  of  September  29,  2006  among  the  Company  and  the  purchasers  of 

$100,000,000 in principal amount of 5.72% Senior Notes, Series A and Series B (incorporated by reference 

from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 29, 2006)

4.9   

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of August 9, 2010 among the Company and the purchasers of the 5.22% 

Senior Notes (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 2010)

10.21(a)*Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Donald F. Lamberti (incorporated by reference from the 

Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 10, 1997) and First Amendment thereto (incorporated by reference 

from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 1998)

10.22(a)*Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Ronald M. Lamb (incorporated by reference from the 

Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 10, 1997), First Amendment thereto (incorporated by reference from 

the Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 1998) and Second Amendment thereto (incorporated by reference 

from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 17, 2006)

10.27*  Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 

for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 1994) and related form of Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference from 

the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 3, 2005)

10.28(b) Promissory Notes delivered to UMB Bank, n.a. and related Negative Pledge Agreement dated May 23, 2011 

(incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 23, 2011)

10.29(a)*Form of “change of control” Employment Agreement (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on 

Form 8-K filed June 2, 2010)

10.30*  Non-Qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on 

Form 8-K filed November 10, 1997) and Amendment thereto (incorporated by reference from the Current Report 

on Form 8-K filed July 17, 2006)

10.31*  Non-Qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Trust Agreement with UMB Bank, n.a. (incorporated 

by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 10, 1997)

10.32*  Severance Agreement with Douglas K. Shull (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K 

filed July 28, 1998)

10.33*  Casey’s  General  Stores,  Inc.  2000  Stock  Option  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  from  the  Annual  Report  on 

Form 10-K405 for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001) and related form of Grant Agreement (incorporated by 

reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 6, 2005)

10.34*  Casey’s General Stores 401(k) Plan (incorporated by reference from the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 

fiscal year ended April 30, 2003)

10.35*  Trustar Directed Trust Agreement (incorporated by reference from the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal 

year ended April 30, 2003)

10.38*  Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan Document and related Adoption Agreement dated July 12, 2006 (incorporated 

by reference from the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2007)

10.39*  Employment Agreement with Robert J. Myers (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K 

filed April 21, 2010)

10.40*  Severance Agreement with John G. Harmon (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K 

filed January 17, 2008)

51

10.41*  Casey’s General Stores, Inc. 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on 

Form 8-K filed September 23, 2009) and related forms of Restricted Stock Units Agreement (Non-employee 

Directors) (incorporated by reference from the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 

2010)  and  Restricted  Stock  Units  Agreement  (Officers  and  Other  Employees),  Restricted  Stock  Units 

Agreement  (Chief  Executive  Officer)  and  Stock  Option  Grant  (incorporated  by  reference  from  the  Current 

Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2011)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Certificate of Robert J. Myers under Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certificate of William J. Walljasper under Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certificate of Robert J. Myers under Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certificate of William J. Walljasper under Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

23.1  

31.1  

31.2  

32.1  

32.2  

101.INS**   XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. 

**Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulations S-T, the Interactive Data Files in these exhibits are deemed not filed or part 

of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, 

are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise 

are not subject to liability under those sections.

 
 
 SIGNATURES

52

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has 

duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date:   June 28, 2011  

CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC.

(Registrant)

By 

/s/ Robert J. Myers

Robert J. Myers, President and

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer and Director)

Date:   June 28, 2011 

By 

/s/ William J. Walljasper

William J. Walljasper

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

53

Date:   June 28, 2011 

By 

/s/ Robert J. Myers

Robert J. Myers

President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

Date:   June 28, 2011 

By 

/s/ Kenneth H. Haynie

Kenneth H. Haynie

Director

Date:   June 28, 2011 

By 

/s/ Johnny Danos

Johnny Danos

Director

Date:   June 28, 2011 

By 

/s/ William C. Kimball

William C. Kimball

Director

Date:   June 28, 2011 

By 

/s/ Diane C. Bridgewater

Diane C. Bridgewater

Director

Date:   June 28, 2011 

By 

/s/ Jeffrey M. Lamberti

Jeffrey M. Lamberti

Director

Date:   June 28, 2011 

By 

/s/ Richard Wilkey

Richard Wilkey

Director

Date:   June 28, 2011 

By 

/s/ H. Lynn Horak

H. Lynn Horak

Director

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54

EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

Exhibit

Number  

Description of Exhibits 

23.1 

31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

32.2 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Certification of Robert J. Myers under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification of William J. Walljasper under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certificate of Robert J. Myers under Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certificate of William J. Walljasper under Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS* 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulations S-T, the Interactive Data Files in these exhibits are deemed not filed or part 

of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, 

are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise 

are not subject to liability under those sections.

Exhibit 23.1 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 33-19179, 33-42907, 33-56977,  33-

174560 and 33-174561) on Form S-8 of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. of our report dated June 28, 2011, with respect 

to the consolidated balance sheets of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of April 30, 2011 

and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the 

years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2011, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting 

as of April 30, 2011, which report appears in the April 30, 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Casey’s General 

Stores, Inc. 

/s/ KPMG LLP

Des Moines, Iowa

June 28, 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1 

55

CERTIFICATION OF ROBERT J. MYERS 

UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE 

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Robert J. Myers, certify that: 

1. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Casey’s General Stores, Inc.;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 

material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements 

were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 

present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as 

of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officers  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure 

controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over 

financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 

designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 

consolidated  subsidiaries,  is  made  known  to  us  by  others  within  those  entities,  particularly  during  the 

period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial 

reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 

financial reporting  and the preparation  of  financial  statements  for external  purposes  in  accordance  with 

generally accepted accounting practices;

(c)  evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this 

report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of 

the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 

during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially 

affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 

control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the  registrant’s  auditors  and  the  audit  committee  of  registrant’s  board  of 

directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  all  significant  deficiencies  and  material  weaknesses  in  the  design  or  operation  of  internal  control  over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 

summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated   June 28, 2011 

/s/ Robert J. Myers

Robert J. Myers, President and

Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF WILLIAM J. WALLJASPER

UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, William J. Walljasper, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Casey’s General Stores, Inc.;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to 

state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such 

statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 

present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as 

of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officers  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure 

controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over 

financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 

designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 

consolidated  subsidiaries,  is  made  known  to  us  by  others  within  those  entities,  particularly  during  the 

period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial 

reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 

financial reporting and the preparation of  financial statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with 

generally accepted accounting practices;

(c)  evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this 

report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of 

the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 

during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially 

affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 

control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the  registrant’s  auditors  and  the  audit  committee  of  registrant’s  board  of 

directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  all  significant  deficiencies  and  material  weaknesses  in  the  design  or  operation  of  internal  control  over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 

summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated   June 28, 2011 

/s/ William J. Walljasper

William J. Walljasper

Senior Vice President and 

Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1

57

CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 

ended April 30, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Robert 

J. Myers, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 

906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(2)  The  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  condition  and 

result of operations of the Company.

Dated   June 28, 2011 

/s/ Robert J. Myers

Robert J. Myers, President and

Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 

ended  April  30,  2011  as  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  the  date  hereof  (the  Report),  I, 

William  J.  Walljasper,  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  the  Company,  certify,  pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  §  1350,  as  adopted 

pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(2)  The  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  condition  and 

result of operations of the Company.

Dated   June 28, 2011 

/s/ William J. Walljasper

William J. Walljasper

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board of Directors

(*MEMBER OF AUDIT COMMITTEE)

ROBERT J.  
MYERS 
President & CEO of 
Casey’s General 
Stores, Inc. 

KENNETH H. 
HAYNIE 
Retired lawyer and 
formerly of counsel 
to the law firm of 
Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. 

WILLIAM C. 
KIMBALL  
Retired Chairman 
& CEO of Medicap 
Pharmacy, Inc. 

JOHNNY  
DANOS* 
Director of Strategic 
Development, 
LWBJ, LLP 

DIANE C. 
BRIDGEWATER* 
Executive Vice 
President, Chief 
Financial and 
Adminstrative 
Officer, Life Care  
Services, LLC 

JEFFREY M. 
LAMBERTI* 
Shareholder in the 
law firm of Block, 
Lamberti and 
Gocke, P.C. 

RICHARD A. 
WILKEY 
Management & 
Development 
Consultant 

H. LYNN  
HORAK*  
Past Regional 
Chairman with 
Wells Fargo 
Regional Banking

Comparative Stock Performance

The  following  Performance  Graph  compares  the  cumulative  total  shareholder  return  on  the 
Company’s Common Stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return of (i) the 
Russell  2000  Index  (ii)  a  peer  group  index  based  on  the  common  stock  of  The  Pantry,  Inc., 
Alimentation Couche Tard, Inc. and Susser Holdings Corporation. The cumulative total shareholder 
return computations set forth in the Performance Graph assume the investment of $100 in the 
Company’s Common Stock and each index on April 30, 2006, and reinvestment of all dividends. 
The total shareholder returns shown are not intended to be indicative of future returns.

Comparison of  
5 year Cumulative  
Total Return*

Among Casey’s General 
Stores, Inc., the Russell 
2000 index, a Peer Group.

*$100 invested on 4/30/06 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending April 30.

4/06

4/07

4/08

4/09

4/10

4/11

Casey’s

100.00

118.54

105.39

28.25

188.20

192.54

Russell 2000

100.00

107.82

Peer Group

100.00

88.35

96.02

54.60

66.5

46.53

99.05

71.17

109.25

100.49

050.00100.00150.00200.00200620072008200920102011Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return Assumes Initial Investment of $100 April 2011Casey's General Stores Inc. Russell 2000 IndexPeer Group050.00100.00150.00200.00200620072008200920102011Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return Assumes Initial Investment of $100 April 2011Casey's General Stores Inc. Russell 2000 IndexPeer GroupCasey’s General Stores, Inc.
One Convenience Boulevard
Ankeny, Iowa 50021