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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - CASEYS GENERAL STORES INCcasy-ex322_2018131xq3.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - CASEYS GENERAL STORES INCcasy-ex321_2018131xq3.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - CASEYS GENERAL STORES INCcasy-ex312_2018131xq3.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - CASEYS GENERAL STORES INCcasy-ex311_2018131xq3.htm
 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
 
FORM 10-Q

 
 
Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Quarter Ended January 31, 2018
Commission File Number 001-34700 
 
CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

IOWA
 
42-0935283
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
 
 
ONE SE CONVENIENCE BOULEVARD,
ANKENY, IOWA
 
50021
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(515) 965-6100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
NONE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) 
 
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 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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of Accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR 240.12b-2). ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act ¨
Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
Outstanding at February 28, 2018
Common stock, no par value per share
 
37,536,106 shares

 


CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC.
INDEX
 
 
 
Page
PART I
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
Item 3.
 
Item 4.
PART II
 
 
Item 1.
 
Item 1A.
 
Item 2
 
Item 6.


2


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
 
January 31,
2018
 
April 30,
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
138,711

 
76,717

Receivables
41,507

 
43,244

Inventories
255,584

 
201,644

Prepaid expenses
7,197

 
9,179

Income tax receivable
33,236

 
19,901

Total current assets
476,235

 
350,685

Other assets, net of amortization
34,543

 
23,453

Goodwill
137,759

 
132,806

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,591,644 at January 31, 2018 and $1,496,472 at April 30, 2017
2,804,644

 
2,513,158

Total assets
$
3,453,181

 
3,020,102

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Notes payable to bank
$

 
900

Current maturities of long-term debt
15,369

 
15,421

Accounts payable
294,262

 
293,903

Accrued expenses
151,588

 
136,322

Total current liabilities
461,219

 
446,546

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
1,299,311

 
907,356

Deferred income taxes
324,572

 
440,124

Deferred compensation
16,488

 
15,784

Other long-term liabilities
21,788

 
19,672

Total liabilities
2,123,378

 
1,829,482

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, no par value

 

Common stock, no par value
2,286

 
40,074

Retained earnings
1,327,517

 
1,150,546

Total shareholders’ equity
1,329,803

 
1,190,620

               Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
3,453,181

 
3,020,102

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.




3


CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
 
Three Months Ended
January 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
January 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Total revenue (a)
$
2,054,603

 
$
1,769,993

 
$
6,302,087

 
$
5,660,127

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) (a)
1,634,679

 
1,380,364

 
4,937,809

 
4,377,185

Operating expenses
323,041

 
292,321

 
967,237

 
879,738

Depreciation and amortization
57,042

 
51,152

 
163,568

 
145,682

Interest, net
13,470

 
10,559

 
37,821

 
31,174

Income before income taxes
26,371

 
35,597

 
195,652

 
226,348

Federal and state income taxes
(166,594
)
 
12,762

 
(102,989
)
 
78,941

Net income
$
192,965

 
$
22,835

 
$
298,641

 
$
147,407

Net income per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
5.13

 
$
0.58

 
$
7.87

 
$
3.76

Diluted
$
5.08

 
$
0.58

 
$
7.80

 
$
3.72

Basic weighted average shares outstanding
37,579,497

 
39,194,671

 
37,932,071

 
39,183,388

Plus effect of stock compensation
372,643

 
463,445

 
369,842

 
466,380

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
37,952,140

 
39,658,116

 
38,301,913

 
39,649,768

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per share
$
0.26

 
$
0.24

 
$
0.78

 
$
0.72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Includes excise taxes of:
$
231,422

 
$
209,420

 
$
709,050

 
$
657,590

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)
 
 
Shares Outstanding
 
Common
stock
 
Retained
earnings
 
Shareholders' Equity
Balance at April 30, 2017
38,765,821

 
$
40,074

 
$
1,150,546

 
$
1,190,620

   Net income

 

 
298,641

 
298,641

   Dividends declared (78 cents per share)

 

 
(29,467
)
 
(29,467
)
   Exercise of stock options
24,535

 
801

 

 
801

   Repurchase of common stock
(1,321,854
)
 
(51,901
)
 
(92,203
)
 
(144,104
)
   Stock based compensation
65,604

 
13,312

 

 
13,312

Balance at January 31, 2018
37,534,106

 
$
2,286

 
$
1,327,517

 
$
1,329,803

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


5


CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
 
Nine months ended January 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
298,641

 
147,407

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
163,568

 
145,682

Stock-based compensation
16,378

 
7,356

Loss on disposal of assets and impairment charges
2,010

 
810

Deferred income taxes
(115,552
)
 
27,400

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables
1,737

 
(6,841
)
Inventories
(52,870
)
 
(4,061
)
Prepaid expenses
1,982

 
(1,718
)
Accounts payable
(13,341
)
 
(20,755
)
Accrued expenses
15,700

 
19,100

Income taxes
(11,867
)
 
4,594

Other, net
(10,410
)
 
(2,947
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
295,976

 
316,027

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchase of property and equipment
(426,398
)
 
(325,609
)
Payments for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
(26,192
)
 
(13,565
)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
3,857

 
2,916

Net cash used in investing activities
(448,733
)
 
(336,258
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
400,000

 
100,000

Repayments of long-term debt
(8,097
)
 
(7,797
)
Net repayments of short-term debt
(900
)
 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
801

 
1,975

Payments of cash dividends
(29,023
)
 
(27,407
)
Repurchase of common stock
(144,104
)
 

       Tax withholdings on employee share-based awards
(3,926
)
 
(6,594
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
214,751

 
60,177

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
61,994

 
39,946

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
76,717

 
75,775

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
$
138,711

 
115,721


6


CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION
 
 
Nine months ended January 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest, net of amount capitalized
$
28,281

 
24,430

Income taxes, net
24,274

 
46,861

 
 
 
 
Noncash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
       Purchased property and equipment in accounts payable
13,700

 
10,020

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


7


CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
 

1.
Presentation of Financial Statements
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of Casey's General Stores, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the Company or Casey's) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
2.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of January 31, 2018 and April 30, 2017, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, shareholders' equity for the nine months ended January 31, 2018, and cash flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017. Although management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, it is suggested that these interim condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company’s most recent audited financial statements and notes thereto. See the Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2017 for our consideration of new accounting pronouncements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). We plan to adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. We do not expect the standard to materially affect our consolidated net earnings, financial position, shareholders' equity, or cash flows. We expect minor changes in the timing of recognition of revenues related to gift card breakage income and the redemption of coupon box tops attached to our pizza boxes.

3.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes retail sales of fuel, grocery and other merchandise, prepared food and fountain and other revenue at the time of the sale to the customer. Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) are treated as a reduction in cost of goods sold in the period the Company commits to a price and agrees to sell the RIN. Vendor rebates in the form of rack display allowances are treated as a reduction in cost of goods sold and are recognized pro rata over the period covered by the applicable rebate agreement. Vendor rebates in the form of billbacks are treated as a reduction in cost of goods sold and are recognized at the time the product is sold.
 
4.
Long-Term Debt and Fair Value Disclosure
On June 13, 2017, the Company issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of 3.51% Senior Notes due June 13, 2025, and on August 22, 2017, the Company issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 3.77% Senior Notes due August 22, 2028. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt 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 was approximately $1,320,000 and $941,000 at January 31, 2018 and April 30, 2017, respectively. The Company has an aggregate $100,000 line of credit with $0 outstanding at January 31, 2018 and $900 outstanding at April 30, 2017.


8


5.
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share Based Payments
The 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), was approved by the Board 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 2,988,104 shares available for grant at January 31, 2018. 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 reduce the shares available for grant by one, and each share issued pursuant to an award of restricted stock or restricted stock units will reduce the shares available for grant by two. We account for stock-based compensation by estimating the fair value of stock options using the Black Scholes model, and value restricted stock unit awards granted under the Plan using the market price of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. We recognize this fair value as an operating expense in our consolidated statements of income ratably over the requisite service period using the straight-line method, as adjusted for certain retirement provisions. All awards have been granted at no cost to the grantee and/or non-employee member of the Board. Additional information regarding the Plan is provided in the Company’s 2009 Proxy Statement.
The following table summarizes the most recent compensation grants as of January 31, 2018:
Date of Grant
Type of Grant
Shares Granted
Recipients
Vesting Date
Fair Value at Grant Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 6, 2014
Restricted Stock Units
91,000

Officers & Key employees
June 6, 2017
$6,584
June 6, 2014
Restricted Stock
30,538

Officers & Key employees
Immediate (Annual performance goal)
$2,209
September 19, 2014
Restricted Stock
13,955

Non-employee board members
Immediate
$990
June 5, 2015
Restricted Stock Units
104,200

Officers & Key employees
June 5, 2018
$9,135
June 5, 2015
Restricted Stock
48,913

Officers & Key employees
Immediate (Annual performance goal)
$4,288
September 18, 2015
Restricted Stock
7,748

Non-employee board members
Immediate
$856
April 12, 2016
Restricted Stock
10,000

CEO
2,000 Shares each May 1st from 2017-2021
$1,060
June 3, 2016
Restricted Stock Units
111,150

Officers & Key employees
June 3, 2019
$13,849
June 3, 2016
Restricted Stock
40,996

Officers & Key employees
Immediate (Annual performance goal)
$5,108
September 16, 2016
Restricted Stock
8,941

Non-employee board members
Immediate
$1,064
June 1, 2017
Restricted Stock Units
63,699

Key Employees
June 15, 2020
$7,388
July 14, 2017
Restricted Stock Units ***
61,126

Officers
June 15, 2020
$6,912
September 15, 2017
Restricted Stock
8,344

Non-employee board members
Immediate
$920
*** This grant of restricted stock units includes time-based, performance-based and market-based awards.  The performance-based awards included in the figure above represent a “target” amount; the final amount earned is based on the satisfaction of certain performance measures over a three-year performance period and will range from 0% to 200% of the “target". The market-based awards incorporate market conditions in determining fair value as of the grant date. Total market-based expense of approximately $2.6 million will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, subject to acceleration for retirement provisions.

9


At January 31, 2018, options for 197,515 shares (which expire between 2018 and 2021) were outstanding for the Plan and Prior Plans. Information concerning the issuance of stock options under the Plan and Prior Plans is presented in the following table:
 
Number of
option shares
 
Weighted
average option
exercise price
Outstanding at April 30, 2017
222,050

 
$
38.51

Granted

 

Exercised
24,535

 
32.65

Forfeited

 

Outstanding at January 31, 2018
197,515

 
$
39.24

At January 31, 2018, all 197,515 outstanding options were vested, and had an aggregate intrinsic value of $16,171 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.86 years. The aggregate intrinsic value for the total of all options exercised during the nine months ended January 31, 2018, was $1,980.
Information concerning the unvested restricted stock units under the Plan is presented in the following table:
 
 
Unvested at April 30, 2017
303,400

Granted
124,825

Vested
(88,200
)
Forfeited
(2,194
)
Unvested at January 31, 2018
337,831

Total compensation costs recorded for the nine months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were $15,458 and $7,356 for the stock option, restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards to employees. As of January 31, 2018, there were no unrecognized compensation costs related to the Plan for stock options and $11,298 of unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock units which are expected to be recognized through fiscal 2021.

6.
Acquisitions
During the first nine months of fiscal 2018, the Company acquired 17 stores through a variety of single store and multi-store transactions with several unrelated third parties. The stores were valued using a discounted cash flow model on a location by location basis. The acquisitions were recorded in the financial statements by allocating the purchase price to 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:
Assets Acquired:
 
 
     Inventories & other assets
 
$
1,089

     Land, property and equipment
 
20,150

Total Assets
 
21,239

Liabilities Assumed:
 
 
     Accrued expenses
 

Net tangible assets acquired, net of cash
 
21,239

 
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
4,953

Total consideration paid, net of cash acquired
 
$
26,192


10


The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is preliminary pending finalization of management’s analysis.
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 first fiscal year of the periods presented (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
 
Nine months ended
January 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Total revenues
$
6,327,811

 
$
5,705,758

Net earnings
$
298,471

 
$
148,834

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
7.83

 
$
3.80

Diluted
$
7.75

 
$
3.75


7.
Commitments and Contingencies
As previously reported, the Company was named as a defendant in four lawsuits (“hot fuel” cases) brought in the federal courts in Kansas and Missouri against a variety of fuel retailers, which were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas as part of the multidistrict “Motor Fuel Temperature Sales Practices Litigation.” A hearing to consider whether the previously-reported settlement involving the Company was fair, reasonable and adequate was conducted on June 9, 2015, and on August 21, 2015, the District Court approved the same. A hearing was held on November 19, 2015 with regard to the attorneys’ fee award for plaintiffs’ counsel, and an order awarding fees was filed by the Court on February 17, 2016. On November 17, 2016, an oral argument was held before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals generally regarding appeals based on the fairness of various proposed settlement provisions. A ruling from the 10th Circuit was entered on August 23, 2017 which affirmed the settlement. A Petition for Writ of Certiorari was filed with the United States Supreme Court on January 2, 2018.  The District Court approved settlement includes, but is not limited to, the commitment on the part of the Company to "sticker" certain information on its gasoline pumps and to make a monetary payment (which is not considered to be material in amount) to the plaintiff class. However, the settlement will not be considered final until the time for all appeals has expired.

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 operations.

8.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits & Impact of Tax Reform Act
    
On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1, originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was enacted. The Tax Reform Act made significant changes to U.S. federal income tax laws including permanently lowering the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As the Company has an April 30 fiscal year-end, the lower corporate income tax rate will be phased in, resulting in a U.S. statutory rate of 30.4% for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2018. The Company’s statutory federal tax rate will be 21% for fiscal years ending April 30, 2019 and beyond. U.S. GAAP requires the impact of tax legislation be recognized in the period in which the law was enacted. In December 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which allows a company to report provisional numbers related to the Tax Reform Act and adjust those amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year. For the three months ended January 31, 2018, the Company recorded a one-time tax benefit of $167 million due to a remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities. In addition, applying the reduced rate of 30.4% to our first and second fiscal quarter earnings resulted in an $8M reduction to tax expense. These tax benefits represent provisional amounts and the Company’s best estimate. The provisional amounts are based on estimates of underlying timing differences (primarily related to uncertainty in fixed assets) and the Company’s current interpretations of the Tax Reform

11


Act. The ultimate impact of the Tax Reform Act may differ from our provisional amounts due to changes in interpretations and assumptions we made as well as any forthcoming legislative action or regulatory guidance.

The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $5,362 at April 30, 2017. At January 31, 2018, gross unrecognized tax benefits were $7,317. If this unrecognized tax benefit were ultimately recognized, $5,683 is the amount that would impact our effective tax rate. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties for such unrecognized tax benefits was $254 at January 31, 2018, and $141 at April 30, 2017. Net interest and penalties included in income tax expense for the nine months ended January 31, 2018, was a net expense of $113, with a net expense of $104 for the same period in 2017.
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. The IRS is currently examining tax year 2012. The Company has no other ongoing federal or state income tax examinations. The Company currently does 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 approximately $1,273 within the next twelve months. This expected decrease is due to the expiration of the statute of limitations related to certain federal and state income tax filing positions.
The federal statute of limitations remains open for the tax years 2012 and forward. Tax years 2012 and forward are subject to audit by state tax authorities depending on open statute of limitations waivers and the tax code of each state.
9.
Segment Reporting
As of January 31, 2018 we operated 2,020 stores in 15 states. Our convenience stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, fuel and other products and services designed to appeal to the convenience needs of our customers. We manage the business on the basis of one operating segment. Our stores sell similar products and services, and use similar processes to sell those products and services directly to the general public. We make specific disclosures concerning the three broad merchandise categories of fuel, grocery and other merchandise, and prepared food and fountain because it allows us to more effectively discuss trends and operational programs within our business and industry. Although we can separate revenues and cost of goods sold within these categories (and further sub-categories), the operating expenses associated with operating a store that sells these products are not separable by these three categories.
 

12


Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Dollars in Thousands).
Overview
Casey’s and its wholly-owned subsidiaries operate convenience stores under the names "Casey's" and “Casey’s General Store” (hereinafter referred to as “Casey’s Store” or “Stores”) in 15 Midwestern states, primarily Iowa, Missouri and Illinois. The Company also operates two stores selling primarily tobacco products, one grocery store, and one liquor store. As of January 31, 2018, there were a total of 2,020 stores in operation. All convenience stores offer fuel for sale on a self-serve basis and most 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 non-food items. The Company derives its revenue primarily from the retail sale of fuel and the products offered in its stores.
Approximately 57% of our stores were opened in areas with populations of fewer than 5,000 persons, while approximately 18% of all stores were opened in communities with populations exceeding 20,000 persons. Two distribution centers are in operation, which supply grocery and general merchandise items to stores. One is adjacent to the Corporate Headquarters facility in Ankeny, Iowa, and the other is located in Terre Haute, Indiana. As of January 31, 2018, the Company owned the land at 2,000 locations and the buildings at 2,004 locations, and leased the land at 20 locations and the buildings at 16 locations.
The Company reported diluted earnings per common share of $5.08 for the third quarter of fiscal 2018. For the same quarter a year-ago, diluted earnings per common share were $0.58. See footnote 8 for discussion on the impact of the Tax Reform Act.
During the first nine months of fiscal 2018, the Company opened 32 new-store constructions, completed 20 replacement stores, completed 41 major remodels, acquired 17 stores (of which five will be opened at a later date), and closed eight stores. We also opened two replacement stores where the replaced store was closed in the prior year, and four stores acquired in the prior year but opened this year. The Company currently has 66 new stores, 14 replacement stores, and 33 major remodels under construction. The Company also has 14 acquisition stores under agreement and 140 sites under agreement for future new builds.
Same-store sales is a common metric used in the convenience store industry.  We define same-store sales as the total sales increase (or decrease) for stores open during the full time of both periods being presented.  We exclude from the calculation any acquired stores and any stores that have been replaced with a new store, until such stores have been open during the full time of both periods being presented.  Stores that have undergone a major remodel, had adjustments in hours of operation, added pizza delivery, or had other revisions to their operating format remain in the calculation. 
The third quarter results reflected a 3.8% increase in same-store fuel gallons sold, with an average fuel revenue less related cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of 18.6 cents per gallon, compared to 17.9 cents per gallon in the same quarter a year ago. The Company policy is to price to the competition, so the timing of retail price changes is driven by local competitive conditions. The Company sold 18.2 million renewable fuel credits for $14.6 million during the quarter, compared to 16.3 million renewable fuel credits in the third quarter of the prior year, which generated $14.5 million.
Same-store sales of grocery and other merchandise increased 2.5% and prepared food and fountain increased 1.7% during the third quarter. Operating expenses increased 10.5% in the quarter primarily due to operating 66 more stores compared to the same period a year ago, combined with comparative third quarter increases of $5.0 million in credit card fees and fuel expense, $3.3 million in health insurance costs, and $2.0 million for consulting fees.

13


Three Months Ended January 31, 2018 Compared to
Three Months Ended January 31, 2017
(Dollars and Amounts in Thousands)
 
Three months ended 1/31/2018
Fuel
 
Grocery &
Other
Merchandise
 
Prepared
Food &
Fountain
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue
$
1,297,340

 
$
502,750

 
$
240,618

 
$
13,895

 
$
2,054,603

Revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
$
100,272

 
$
160,150

 
$
145,632

 
$
13,870

 
$
419,924


7.7
%
 
31.9
%
 
60.5
%
 
99.8
%
 
20.4
%
Fuel gallons
539,665

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended 1/31/2017
Fuel
 
Grocery &
Other
Merchandise
 
Prepared
Food &
Fountain
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue
$
1,053,990

 
$
476,309

 
$
228,278

 
$
11,416

 
$
1,769,993

Revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
$
89,265

 
$
148,099

 
$
140,869

 
$
11,396

 
$
389,629


8.5
%
 
31.1
%
 
61.7
%
 
99.8
%
 
22.0
%
Fuel gallons
498,122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 increased by $284,610 (16.1%) over the comparable period in fiscal 2017. Retail fuel sales increased by $243,350 (23.1%) as the average retail price per gallon increased 13.6% (amounting to a $143,482 increase), and the number of gallons sold increased by 41,543 (8.3%). During this same period, retail sales of grocery and other merchandise increased by $26,441 (5.6%), primarily due to a $16,078 increase from stores that were built or acquired after April 30, 2016, and an $6,453 increase from the expansion of our growth programs in our stores. Prepared food and fountain sales increased by $12,340 (5.4%), due primarily to an $8,121 increase resulting from stores that were built or acquired after April 30, 2016, and a $3,458 increase from the expansion of our growth programs in our stores.

The other revenue category primarily consists of lottery, car wash, and prepaid phone cards, which are presented net of applicable costs. These revenues increased $2,479 (21.7%) for the third quarter of fiscal 2018.
Revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) was 20.4% of revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, compared to 22.0% for the comparable period in the prior year. Fuel revenue less related cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was 7.7% of fuel revenue during the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to 8.5% in the third quarter of the prior year. Revenue per gallon less cost of goods sold per gallon (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was 18.6 cents in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to 17.9 cents in the prior year. Grocery and other merchandise revenue less related cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was 31.9% of grocery and other merchandise revenue, an improvement from 31.1% in the prior year, due partially to a $2.5 million net benefit from the LIFO reserve adjustment compared to the same quarter in the prior period. Prepared food and fountain revenue less related cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was 60.5% of revenue compared to 61.7% in the prior year, primarily due to increases in promotional activity, stales and input costs compared to the same quarter in the prior period.
Operating expenses increased $30,720 (10.5%) in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to a $11,406 increase from stores that were built or acquired after April 30, 2016, and a $5,433 increase due to the expansion of our growth programs in our stores. The store level operating expenses for open stores not impacted by the recent operating programs were up 2.9% for the quarter, compared to 9.6% for the same quarter in fiscal 2017. This result was improved over prior year due to continued focus on driving down operating expenses at store level, primarily related to wage related topics.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 11.5% to $57,042 in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 from $51,152 for the comparable period in the prior year. The increase was due primarily to capital expenditures during the previous twelve months.
The effective tax rate decreased to (631.7)% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to 35.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities as of the enactment date of the Tax Reform Act along with a reduction in the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 30.4% (represents a

14


blended rate as four months of our fiscal year are impacted by the new legislation) on our current fiscal year earnings. See footnote 8 for further discussion.
Net income increased by $170,130 (745.0%) to $192,965 from $22,835 in the prior year. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to impact of the revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities from the Tax Reform Act enacted in December 2017.
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2018 Compared to
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2017
(Dollars and Amounts in Thousands)
Nine months ended 1/31/2018
Fuel
 
Grocery &
Other
Merchandise
 
Prepared
Food &
Fountain
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue
$
3,824,571

 
$
1,672,315

 
$
764,456

 
$
40,745

 
$
6,302,087

Revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
$
320,170

 
$
533,647

 
$
469,787

 
$
40,674

 
$
1,364,278

 
8.4
%
 
31.9
%
 
61.5
%
 
99.8
%
 
21.6
%
Fuel gallons
1,666,404

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended 1/31/2017
Fuel
 
Grocery &
Other
Merchandise
 
Prepared
Food &
Fountain
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue
$
3,314,385

 
$
1,587,281

 
$
720,279

 
$
38,182

 
$
5,660,127

Revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
$
292,755

 
$
501,816

 
$
450,250

 
$
38,121

 
$
1,282,942

 
8.8
%
 
31.6
%
 
62.5
%
 
99.8
%
 
22.7
%
Fuel gallons
1,565,302

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 increased by $641,960 (11.3%) over the comparable period in fiscal 2017. Retail fuel sales increased by $510,186 (15.4%) as the average retail price per gallon increased 8.4% (amounting to a $278,146 increase) while the number of gallons sold increased by 101,102 (6.5%). During this same period, retail sales of grocery and other merchandise increased by $85,034 (5.4%), primarily due to a $47,860 increase from stores that were built or acquired after April 30, 2016, and a $21,417 increase from the expansion of our growth programs. Prepared food and fountain sales also increased by $44,177 (6.1%), due primarily to a $24,991 increase from stores that were built or acquired after April 30, 2016, and a $13,021 increase from the expansion of our growth programs.
The other revenue category primarily consists of lottery, car wash, and prepaid phone cards, which are presented net of applicable costs. These revenues increased $2,563 (6.7%) through the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

Revenue less cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) was 21.6% for the first nine months of fiscal 2018, compared to 22.7% for the comparable period in the prior year. Fuel revenue less related cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was 8.4% during the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to 8.8% in the first nine months of the prior year. Revenue per gallon less cost of goods sold per gallon (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was higher (at 19.2 cents per gallon) in the first nine months of fiscal 2018 with the comparable period in the prior year (18.7 cents per gallon). Grocery and other merchandise revenue less related cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased slightly (to 31.9%) from the comparable period in the prior year (31.6%). Prepared food and fountain revenue less related cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was lower (at 61.5%) than the comparable period in the prior year (62.5%), primarily due to increases in promotional activity, stales and input costs compared to the same period from last year.
Operating expenses increased $87,499 (9.9%) in the first nine months of fiscal 2018 from the comparable period in the prior year primarily due to a $30,942 increase from stores that were built or acquired after April 30, 2016, and a $17,857 increase from the expansion of our growth programs in our stores. The store level operating expenses for open stores not impacted by the recent operating programs were up approximately 3.1% for the first nine months of fiscal 2018, compared to

15


6.6% for the first nine months of fiscal 2017. This result was improved over prior year due to continued focus on driving down operating expenses at store level, primarily related to wage related topics.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 12.3% to $163,568 in the first nine months of fiscal 2018 from $145,682 for the comparable period in the prior year. The increase was due primarily to capital expenditures made during the previous twelve months.
The effective tax rate decreased to (52.6)% in the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 compared to 34.9% in the comparable period of fiscal year 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities as of the enactment date of the Tax Reform Act along with a reduction in the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 30.4% (represents a blended rate as four months of our fiscal year are impacted by the new legislation) on our current fiscal year earnings. See footnote 8 for further discussion.
Net income increased by $151,234 (102.6%) to $298,641 from $147,407 in the prior year. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to impact of the revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities from the Tax Reform Act enacted in December 2017.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
We define EBITDA as net income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA further adjusts EBITDA by excluding the gain or loss on disposal of assets as well as impairment charges. Neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA are considered GAAP measures, and should not be considered as a substitute for net income, cash flows from operating activities or other income or cash flow statement data. These measures have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. We strongly encourage investors to review our financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.
We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because securities analysts and other interested parties use such calculations as a measure of financial performance and debt service capabilities, and they are regularly used by management for internal purposes including our capital budgeting process, evaluating acquisition targets, and assessing performance.
Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as defined by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. It therefore may not be possible to compare our use of these non-GAAP financial measures with those used by other companies.
The following table contains a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
January 31, 2018
 
January 31, 2017
 
January 31, 2018
 
January 31, 2017
Net income
$
192,965

 
22,835

 
$
298,641

 
147,407

Interest, net
13,470

 
10,559

 
37,821

 
31,174

Federal and state income taxes
(166,594
)
 
12,762

 
(102,989
)
 
78,941

Depreciation and amortization
57,042

 
51,152

 
163,568

 
145,682

EBITDA
$
96,883

 
97,308

 
$
397,041

 
403,204

Loss on disposal of assets and impairment charges
919

 
516

 
2,010

 
810

Adjusted EBITDA
$
97,802

 
97,824

 
$
399,051

 
404,014

For the three months ended January 31, 2018, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA were relatively flat at 0.4% and 0.0% down, respectively, when compared to the same period a year ago. The result is due to a combination of increases in operating expenses offset by increases in fuel margin and gallons sold. For the nine months ended January 31, 2018, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA were down 1.5% and 1.2% , respectively, when compared to the same period a year ago. The decrease is due to a combination of increases in operating expenses offset by increases in fuel margin and gallons sold.

Critical Accounting Policies

16


Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that management believes are important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Company's critical accounting policies are described in the Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2017, and such discussion is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no changes to these policies in the nine months ended January 31, 2018.
Liquidity and Capital Resources (Dollars in Thousands)
Due to the nature of the Company’s business, cash provided by operations is the Company’s primary source of liquidity. The Company finances its inventory purchases primarily from normal trade credit aided by the relatively rapid turnover of inventory. This turnover allows the Company to conduct its operations without large amounts of cash and working capital. As of January 31, 2018, the Company’s ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.03 to 1. The ratio at January 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017 was 0.97 to 1 and 0.79 to 1, respectively. Management believes that the Company’s current aggregate $100,000 bank line of credit, together with the current cash and cash equivalents and the future cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy the working capital needs of our business.
Net cash provided by operations decreased $20,051 (6.3%) in the nine months ended January 31, 2018 from the comparable period in the prior year, due to a significant decrease in deferred tax liabilities and an increase in inventory, offset by additional net income due to tax reform. Cash used in investing in the nine months ended January 31, 2018 increased $112,475 (33.4%) over prior year, due to increases in new store construction and acquisition activity. Cash provided by financing increased $154,574 (256.9%), primarily due to receipt of funds from financing through a senior note offering completed in the first and second quarters, offset by the repurchase of common stock.
Capital expenditures represent the single largest use of Company funds. Management believes that by acquiring, building, and reinvesting in stores, the Company will be better able to respond to competitive challenges and increase operating efficiencies. During the first nine months of fiscal 2018, the Company expended $452,590 primarily for property and equipment, resulting from the construction, remodeling, and acquisition of stores, compared to $339,174 for the comparable period in the prior year. The Company anticipates expending between $500,000 and $600,000 in fiscal 2018 for construction, acquisition and remodeling of stores, primarily from existing cash, funds generated by operations, and the recent issuance of senior notes.

As of January 31, 2018, the Company had long-term debt (net of related debt issuance costs) of $1,299,311, (net of current maturities of $15,369), consisting of $569,000 in principal amount of 5.22% Senior Notes, $150,000 in principal amount of 3.67% Senior Notes, Series A, $50,000 in principal amount of 3.75% Senior Notes Series B, $22,500 in principal amount of 5.72% Senior Notes, Series A and B, $50,000 in principal amount of 3.65% Senior Notes Series C, $50,000 in principal amount of 3.72% Senior Notes Series D, $150,000 in principal amount of 3.51% Senior Notes Series E, $250,000 in principal amount of 3.77% Senior Notes Series F, and $8,011 of capital lease obligations. The Company also has an aggregate $100,000 line of credit with $0 outstanding at January 31, 2018.
To date, the Company has funded capital expenditures primarily from the proceeds of the sale of Common Stock, issuance of debt, existing cash, and funds generated from operations. Future capital needs required to finance operations, improvements and the anticipated growth in the number of stores are expected to be met from cash generated by operations, the bank line of credit, and additional long-term debt or other securities as circumstances may dictate, and are not expected to adversely affect liquidity.
Cautionary Statements (Dollars in Thousands)
This Form 10-Q, including the foregoing Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, 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 the Company’s 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 used to identify forward-looking statements. The Company cautions 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 following factors described more completely in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017:
Competition. The Company’s 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

17


foods) and non-food items similar or identical to those sold by the Company are generally available from a variety of competitors in the communities served by stores, and the Company competes 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 such non-fuel items (particularly prepared food items) have contributed substantially to the Company’s gross profits from retail sales in recent years. Fuel sales are also intensely competitive. The Company competes with both independent and national brand gasoline stations in the sale of fuel, other convenience store chains and several non-traditional fuel retailers such as supermarkets in specific markets. Some of these other fuel retailers may have access to more favorable arrangements for fuel supply then do the Company or the firms that supply its stores. Some of the Company’s competitors have greater financial, marketing and other resources than the Company, and, as a result, may be able to respond better to changes in the economy and new opportunities within the industry.
Fuel operations. Fuel sales are an important part of the Company’s sales and earnings, and retail fuel profit margins have a substantial impact on the Company’s net earnings. Profit margins on fuel sales can be adversely affected by factors beyond the control of the Company, including the supply of fuel available in the retail fuel market, uncertainty or volatility in the wholesale fuel market, increases in wholesale fuel costs generally during a period, and price competition from other fuel marketers. The market for crude oil and domestic wholesale petroleum products is marked by significant volatility, 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 fuel market makes it extremely difficult to predict the impact of future wholesale cost fluctuation on the Company’s operating results and financial conditions. These factors could materially impact the Company’s fuel gallon volume, fuel gross profit, and overall customer traffic levels at stores. Any substantial decrease in profit margins on fuel sales or in the number of gallons sold by stores could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings.
Fuel is purchased from a variety of independent national and regional petroleum distributors at current daily prices at the rack in which the fuel is loaded onto tanker trucks. While annual purchase agreements exist with a few distributors, those agreements primarily specify purchasing volumes that must be maintained to be eligible for certain discounts. Although in recent years suppliers have not experienced difficulties in obtaining sufficient amounts of fuel to meet the Company’s needs, unanticipated national and international events, such as threatened or actual acts of war or terrorism, natural disasters, and instability in oil producing regions could result in a reduction of fuel supplies available for distribution. Any substantial curtailment in the availability of fuel could adversely affect the Company by reducing its fuel sales. Further, management believes that a significant amount of the Company’s business results from the patronage of customers primarily desiring to purchase fuel and, accordingly, reduced fuel supplies could adversely affect the sale of non-fuel items. Such factors could have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s earnings and operations.
Tobacco Products. Sales of tobacco products represent a significant portion of the Company’s grocery and other merchandise category. Significant increases in wholesale cigarette costs and tax increases on tobacco products, as well as national and local campaigns to further regulate and discourage smoking in the United States, have had, and are expected to continue having, an adverse effect on the demand for cigarettes sold in our stores. The Company attempts to pass price increases through to its customers, but competitive pressures in specific markets may prevent it from doing so. These factors could materially impact the retail price of cigarettes, the volume of cigarettes sold by stores and overall customer traffic, and have a material adverse impact on the Company’s earnings and profits.

Environmental Compliance Costs. 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 Company stores have been equipped with non-corroding fiberglass USTs, including many with double-wall construction, over-fill protection and electronic tank monitoring. The Company currently has 4,584 USTs, of which 3,683 are fiberglass and 901 are steel. Management believes that its existing fuel procedures and planned capital expenditures will continue to keep the Company in substantial compliance with all current federal and state UST regulations.
Several of the states in which the Company does business have trust fund programs with provisions for sharing or reimbursing corrective action or remediation costs incurred by UST owners, including the Company. In the years ended April 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company spent approximately $1,323 and $1,621, respectively, for assessments and remediation. During the nine months ended January 31, 2018, the Company expended approximately $1,008 for such purposes. Substantially all of these expenditures have been submitted for reimbursement from state-sponsored trust fund programs and as of January 31, 2018, approximately $21,757 has been received from such programs since their inception. Such amounts are typically subject to statutory provisions requiring repayment of the reimbursed funds for non-compliance with upgrade

18


provisions or other applicable laws. No amounts are currently expected to be repaid. The Company has an accrued liability at January 31, 2018 of approximately $253 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.
Although the Company regularly accrues expenses for the estimated costs related to its future corrective action or remediation efforts, there can be no assurance that such accrued amounts will be sufficient to pay such costs, or that the Company has identified all environmental liabilities at all of its current store locations. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company 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 the Company may acquire in the future, or that the Company will not be subject to any claims for reimbursement of funds disbursed to the Company under the various state programs or that additional regulations, or amendments to existing regulations, will not require additional expenditures beyond those presently anticipated.
Other Factors. Other factors and risks that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include the risk that our cash balances and cash generated from operations and financing activities will not be sufficient for our future liquidity and capital resource needs, tax increases, potential liabilities and expenditures related to compliance with environmental and other laws and regulations, the seasonality of demand patterns, and weather conditions; the increased indebtedness that the Company has incurred to purchase shares of our common stock in our self-tender offer; and the other risks and uncertainties included from time to time in our filings with the SEC. We further caution you that other factors we have not identified may in the future prove to be important in affecting our business and results of operations. We ask you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements because they speak only of our views as of the statement dates. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Item 3. 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 attempt 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 attempt to 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 January 31, 2018 would have no material effect on pretax earnings.
We do from time to time, participate in a forward buy of certain commodities, primarily cheese and coffee. These contracts are not accounted for as derivatives as they meet the normal purchases exclusion under derivative accounting.
Item 4. 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 (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 240.13a-15(e)). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer 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 the 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 the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The information required by this Item is set forth in Note 7 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by this reference.

19


Item 1A. Risk Factors
    
Except for the update set forth below, there have been no material changes in our “risk factors” from those previously disclosed in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We may experience difficulties implementing our new enterprise resource planning system.

We are engaged in a phased implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which will replace or enhance certain internal financial, operating and other systems that are critical to our business operations.  The implementation of our ERP system has and will continue to require a significant investment of human and financial resources.  While we have invested, and continue to invest, significant resources in planning and project management, significant implementation issues may arise during the course of implementing the ERP system, and it is possible that we may experience significant delays, increased costs and other difficulties that are not presently contemplated.  Any significant disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design and implementation of the ERP system could adversely affect our operations and negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company's repurchases of common stock during the quarter ended January 31, 2018:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased

 
Average Price Paid Per Share

 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

 
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

Third Quarter:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 1-November 30, 2017
89,292

 
$
116.87

 
89,292

 
$
107,002,807

December 1-December 31, 2017
4,000

 
120.59

 
4,000

 
106,520,460

January 1-January 31, 2018

 

 

 
106,520,460

Total
93,292

 
$
117.03

 
93,292

 
$
106,520,460

On March 6, 2017, the Company announced a share repurchase program, wherein the Company is authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of $300 million of the Company's outstanding common stock. The share repurchase authorization is valid for a period of two years. The timing and number of repurchase transactions under the program depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, market conditions, corporate considerations, business opportunities, debt agreements, and regulatory requirements. The program can be suspended or discontinued at any time.


20


Item 6. Exhibits.
 
Exhibit
No.
Description
3.1
3.2a
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
* Filed herewith


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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
 
 
 
 
CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, INC.
 
 
 
Date: March 7, 2018
By: 
/s/ William J. Walljasper
 
 
William J. Walljasper
 
Its:
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Authorized Officer and Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)

22