Casey's General Stores (CASY) 10-K 26 Jun 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Jun. 22, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Caseys General Stores Inc,
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,923,505
Entity Public Float			$ 3.2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	726,958
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 48,541	$ 121,641
Receivables	22,609	25,841
Inventories	197,331	204,833
Prepaid expenses	2,025	1,478
Deferred income taxes	15,531	23,292
Income taxes receivable	19,223	12,473
Total current assets	305,260	389,558
Property and equipment, at cost
Land	549,239	490,005
Buildings and leasehold improvements	1,136,248	1,004,263
Machinery and equipment	1,503,079	1,330,697
Leasehold interest in property and equipment	16,044	16,278
Property and equipment, gross	3,204,610	2,841,243
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,185,246	1,062,278
Net property and equipment	2,019,364	1,778,965
Other assets, net of amortization	18,295	15,947
Goodwill	127,046	120,406
Total assets	2,469,965	2,304,876
Current liabilities
Notes payable to bank	0	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	15,398	553
Accounts payable	226,577	250,807
Accrued expenses
Wages and related taxes	32,092	27,411
Property taxes	23,523	22,572
Insurance	31,389	28,429
Other	35,910	61,117
Total current liabilities	364,889	390,889
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	838,245	853,642
Deferred income taxes	354,973	318,023
Deferred compensation	17,645	16,558
Other long-term liabilities	18,984	22,500
Total liabilities	$ 1,594,736	$ 1,601,612
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, no par value, none issued	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, no par value, 38,886,165 and 38,507,387 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively	56,274	33,878
Retained earnings	818,955	669,386
Total shareholders’ equity	875,229	703,264
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 2,469,965	$ 2,304,876

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - shares	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, shares issued	38,886,165	38,507,387
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,886,165	38,507,387

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 7,767,216	$ 7,840,255	$ 7,250,840
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)	6,327,431	6,618,239	6,179,771
Gross profit	1,439,785	1,222,016	1,071,069
Operating expenses	960,424	857,297	760,365
Depreciation and amortization	156,111	131,160	111,823
Interest, net	41,225	39,915	35,265
Income before income taxes	282,025	193,644	163,616
Federal and state income taxes	101,397	66,824	59,802
Net income	$ 180,628	$ 126,820	$ 103,814
Net income per common share
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 4.66	$ 3.30	$ 2.71
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 4.62	$ 3.26	$ 2.69

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings
Beginning Balance (shares) at Apr. 30, 2012		38,140,309
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2012	$ 503,944	$ 12,199	$ 491,745
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	103,814		103,814
Dividends declared	(25,291)		(25,291)
Exercise of stock options (shares)		198,200
Exercise of stock options	4,721	$ 4,721
Tax benefits related to nonqualified stock options	1,929	$ 1,929
Stock-based compensation (shares)		14,000
Stock-based compensation	4,270	$ 4,270
Beginning Balance (shares) at Apr. 30, 2013		38,352,509
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2013	593,387	$ 23,119	570,268
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	126,820		126,820
Dividends declared	(27,702)		(27,702)
Exercise of stock options (shares)		140,785
Exercise of stock options	3,368	$ 3,368
Tax benefits related to nonqualified stock options	1,791	$ 1,791
Stock-based compensation (shares)		14,093
Stock-based compensation	$ 5,600	$ 5,600
Beginning Balance (shares) at Apr. 30, 2014	38,507,387	38,507,387
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2014	$ 703,264	$ 33,878	669,386
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	180,628		180,628
Dividends declared	(31,059)		(31,059)
Exercise of stock options (shares)		310,224
Exercise of stock options	11,465	$ 11,465
Tax benefits related to nonqualified stock options	3,624	$ 3,624
Stock-based compensation (shares)		68,554
Stock-based compensation	$ 7,307	$ 7,307
Beginning Balance (shares) at Apr. 30, 2015	38,886,165	38,886,165
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2015	$ 875,229	$ 56,274	$ 818,955

Consolidated Statements of Sha6

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Retained Earnings
Payment of dividends per share	$ 0.80	$ 0.72	$ 0.66

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 180,628	$ 126,820	$ 103,814
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	156,111	131,160	111,823
Other amortization	319	297	195
Stock-based compensation	7,307	5,600	4,270
Loss on disposal of assets and impairment charges	2,370	2,846	4,788
Deferred income taxes	44,711	17,089	31,828
Excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises	(3,624)	(1,791)	(1,929)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	3,232	(4,941)	800
Inventories	10,365	(13,696)	(16,222)
Prepaid expenses	(547)	(82)	(98)
Accounts payable	(33,290)	17,894	21,748
Accrued expenses	(17,544)	33,818	15,783
Income taxes receivable	(7,801)	(441)	9,969
Other, net	(555)	(413)	(441)
Net cash provided by operating activities	341,682	314,160	286,328
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment	(360,734)	(308,633)	(305,301)
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(41,157)	(31,584)	(29,527)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	2,748	3,328	3,544
Net cash used in investing activities	(399,143)	(336,889)	(331,284)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	200,000	0
Repayments of long-term debt	(553)	(15,865)	(10,757)
Net (repayments) borrowings of short-term debt	0	(59,100)	59,100
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	11,465	3,368	4,721
Payments of cash dividends	(30,175)	(27,095)	(24,685)
Excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises	3,624	1,791	1,929
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(15,639)	103,099	30,308
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(73,100)	80,370	(14,648)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	121,641	41,271	55,919
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	48,541	121,641	41,271
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for interest, net of amount capitalized	41,382	36,923	35,226
Cash paid for income taxes, net	64,367	50,031	17,973
Noncash investing and financing activities
Purchased property and equipment in accounts payable	9,060	5,056	4,020
Property and equipment acquired through notes payable and capitalized lease obligations	$ 0	$ 1,169	$ 981

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Operations Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company/Casey’s) operate 1,878 convenience stores in 14 Midwest states. The stores are located primarily in smaller communities, many with populations of less than 5,000 . Retail sales in 2015 by category are as follows: 66% fuel, 24% grocery & other merchandise, and 10% prepared food & fountain. The Company’s products 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 We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity at purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Included in cash equivalents are money market funds and credit card, debit card and electronic benefits transfer transactions that process within three days. Inventories Inventories, which consist of merchandise and fuel, are stated at the lower of cost or market. For fuel, 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 for financial and income tax reporting applied to inventory values determined primarily by our FIFO accounting system for warehouse inventories. The excess of current cost over the stated LIFO value was $53,428 and $48,777 at April 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. There were no material LIFO liquidations during the periods presented. Below is a summary of the inventory values at April 30, 2015 and 2014 : Fiscal 2015 Fiscal 2014 Fuel $ 69,056 $ 95,004 Merchandise 128,275 109,829 Total inventory $ 197,331 $ 204,833 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 the basis of purchases made. Vendor rebates in the form of rack display allowances (RDAs) are funds that we receive from various vendors for allocating certain shelf space to carry their specific products or to introduce new products in our stores for a particular period of time. The RDAs are treated as a reduction in cost of goods sold and are recognized ratably over the period covered by the applicable rebate agreement. These funds do not represent reimbursements of specific, incremental, identifiable costs incurred by us in selling the vendor’s products. 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. Reimbursements of an operating expense (e.g., advertising) are recorded as reductions of the related expense. Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) are recorded as a reduction in cost of goods sold in the period when the Company commits to a price and agrees to sell all of the RINs earned during a specified period. The Company includes in cost of goods sold the costs incurred to acquire fuel and merchandise, including excise taxes, less vendor allowances and rebates and RINs. 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, 2015 , there was $127,046 of goodwill and management’s analysis of recoverability completed as of the fiscal year-end yielded no evidence of impairment. 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 25-40 years Machinery and equipment 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 The Company monitors stores and will accelerate depreciation if the expected life of the asset is reduced due to the operation of the store or the Company’s plans. 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 of the assets exceeds their 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 fair 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 $1,785 in fiscal 2015 , $2,542 in fiscal 2014 , and $3,680 in fiscal 2013 . Impairment charges are a component of operating expenses. Excise taxes Excise taxes approximating $715,000 , $646,000 , and $596,000 on retail fuel sales are included in total revenue and cost of goods sold for fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Income taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for 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. The Company calculates its current and deferred tax provision based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from actual results reflected in income tax returns filed in subsequent years. Adjustments based on filed returns are recorded when identified. Revenue recognition The Company recognizes retail sales of fuel, 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 and remitted to the government are recorded on a net basis in the consolidated financial statements. Net income per common share Basic earnings per share have been computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding during each of the years. The calculation of diluted earnings per share treats stock options and restricted stock units 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 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. 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 2015 . The recorded asset for asset retirement obligations was $9,234 and $8,391 at April 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and is recorded in other assets, net of amortization. The discounted liability was $14,014 and $12,854 at April 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and is recorded in other long-term liabilities. Self-insurance The Company is primarily self-insured for employee healthcare, workers’ compensation, general liability, and automobile claims. The self-insurance claim liability for workers’ compensation, general liability, and automobile claims is determined actuarially at each year end 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 $31,389 and $28,429 for the years ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. 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 There were no options or futures contracts as of or during the years ended April 30, 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 . However, we do from time to time, participate in a forward buy of certain commodities, primarily cheese and coffee. These are not accounted for as derivatives under the normal purchase and normal sale exclusions under the applicable guidance. 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 ratably in the statement of income over the vesting period of the award. Segment reporting As of April 30, 2015 , we operated 1,878 stores in 14 states. Our 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 and therefore, have only one reportable segment. Our stores sell similar products and services, use similar processes to sell those products and services, and sell their products and services to similar classes of customers. We make specific disclosures concerning the three broad merchandise categories of fuel, grocery & other merchandise, and prepared food & fountain because it makes it easier for us to discuss trends and operational initiatives within our business and industry. Although we can separate gross margins 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. Recent accounting pronouncements In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-8, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , to clarify the definition of discontinued operations, limiting it to disposals of components that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on operations and financial results. Examples of a strategic shift include disposals of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. The standard was effective prospectively for disposals that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those annual periods. It was adopted by the Company on May 1, 2015. It did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on May 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-9 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting. In April 2015, the FASB proposed to defer the effective date of this guidance by one year, with early adoption permitted on the original effective date.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	ACQUISITIONS During the year ended April 30, 2015 , the Company acquired 36 stores through a variety of single store and multi-store transactions with several unrelated third parties. Of the 36 stores acquired, 32 were re-opened as a Casey's store during the 2015 fiscal year, three were closed permanently and one will be opened during the 2016 fiscal year. The acquisitions meet the criteria to be considered business combinations. 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 (in thousands): Assets acquired: Inventories $ 2,863 Property and equipment 31,740 Total assets 34,603 Liabilities assumed: Accrued expenses 86 Total liabilities 86 Net tangible assets acquired 34,517 Goodwill 6,640 Total consideration paid $ 41,157 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): Years Ended April 30, 2015 2014 Total revenue $ 7,794,626 $ 7,948,786 Net income $ 181,100 $ 128,265 Net income per common share Basic $ 4.67 $ 3.34 Diluted $ 4.63 $ 3.30

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Long Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Long Term Debt	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 and 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 and capital lease obligations was approximately $887,000 and $841,000 , respectively, at April 30, 2015 and 2014 . The Company’s long-term debt at carrying amount by issuance is as follows: As of April 30, 2015 2014 Capitalized lease obligations discounted at 5.22% to 7.09% due in various monthly installments through 2048 (Note 7) $ 9,643 $ 10,195 5.72% Senior notes due in 14 installments beginning September 30, 2012 and ending March 30, 2020 75,000 75,000 5.22% Senior notes due August 9, 2020 569,000 569,000 3.67% Senior notes (Series A) due in 7 installments beginning June 17, 2022, and ending June 15, 2028 150,000 150,000 3.75% Senior notes (Series B) due in 7 installments beginning December 17, 2022 and ending December 18, 2028 50,000 50,000 853,643 854,195 Less current maturities 15,398 553 $ 838,245 $ 853,642 At April 30, 2015 , the Company had a bank line of credit arrangement consisting of two Promissory Notes, in the principal amount of $50,000 each (together, the “Notes”). The Notes evidenced 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”). On December 17, 2013, the Company cancelled a $25,000 Promissory Note that was part of its line of credit. The interest rate to be applied to the unpaid principal balance of the first Note was at a rate of 0.750% over the Index. The interest rate applicable to the second note is 1.000% over the Index. There was a $0 balance owed on the Notes at both April 30, 2015 and April 30, 2014 . The line of credit is due upon demand. Interest expense is net of interest income of $158 , $214 , and $211 for the years ended April 30, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Interest expense is also net of interest capitalized of $1,209 , $1,177 , and $894 during the years ended April 30, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. The agreements relating to the above long-term debt contain certain operating and financial covenants. At April 30, 2015 , the Company was in compliance with all such financial covenants. Listed below are the aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including capitalized lease obligations, for the 5 years commencing May 1, 2015 and thereafter: Years ended April 30, Capital Leases Senior Notes Total 2016 $ 398 $ 15,000 $ 15,398 2017 375 15,000 15,375 2018 396 15,000 15,396 2019 417 15,000 15,417 2020 441 15,000 15,441 Thereafter 7,616 769,000 776,616 $ 9,643 $ 844,000 $ 853,643

Preferred and Common Stock

Preferred and Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Preferred And Common Stock	PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK 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. 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 3,894,908 shares available for grant at April 30, 2015 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 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 . Restricted stock is transferred to the employee or non-employee immediately upon grant, whereas restricted stock units have a vesting period that must expire before the stock is transferred. We account for stock-based compensation by estimating the fair value of stock options granted under the Plan using 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 over the requisite service period using the straight-line method. Additional information regarding the Plan is provided in the Company’s 2009 Proxy Statement. At April 30, 2015 , stock options for 401,800 shares (which expire between 2015 and 2021) were outstanding. All stock option shares issued are previously unissued authorized shares. On June 10, 2011, restricted stock units with respect to a total of 9,198 shares were granted to certain employees under the annual incentive compensation program. The fair value of the Company’s shares on the date of grant was $40.49 . These awards vested on May 1, 2014 and compensation expense was recognized ratably over the vesting period. This award was granted at no cost to the employee. On June 23, 2011, stock options totaling 441,000 shares were granted to certain officers and key employees. Also on the same date, restricted stock units totaling 15,000 shares were granted to the CEO. The fair value of the Company’s shares on the date of grant was $44.39 . These awards vested on June 23, 2014 and compensation expense was recognized ratably over the vesting period. These awards were granted at no cost to the employees. On September 16, 2011, restricted stock units with respect to a total of 14,000 shares were granted to the non-employee members of the Board. The fair value of the Company’s shares on the date of grant was $47.59 . This award was also granted at no cost to the non-employee members of the Board. This award vested on May 1, 2012 and compensation expense was recognized ratably over the vesting period. On June 8, 2012, restricted stock units with respect to a total of 32,998 shares were granted to certain employees under the annual incentive compensation program. The fair value of the Company’s shares on the date of grant was $59.48 . These awards vested on May 1, 2015 and compensation expense was recognized ratably over the vesting period. This award was granted at no cost to the grantee. On September 14, 2012, restricted stock units with respect to a total of 14,000 shares were granted to the non-employee members of the Board. The fair value of the Company’s shares on the date of grant was $58.93 . This award was granted at no cost to the non-employee members of the Board. This award vested on May 1, 2013 and compensation expense was recognized ratably over the vesting period. On June 7, 2013 and June 19, 2013 restricted stock units with respect to a total of 77,650 shares were granted to certain officers and key employees. The fair value of the Company’s shares was $62.26 on June 7, 2013 ( 76,150 shares) and $60.47 on June 19, 2013 ( 1,500 shares). These awards were granted at no cost to the grantee. These awards will vest on June 7, 2016 and compensation expense is currently being recognized ratably over the vesting period. On September 13, 2013, restricted stock units totaling 14,000 shares were granted to the non-employee members of the Board. The fair value of the Company’s shares on the date of grant was $71.02 . This award was granted at no cost to the non-employee members of the Board. This award vested on May 1, 2014 and compensation expense was recognized ratably over the vesting period. On June 6, 2014, restricted stock units with respect to a total of 91,000 shares were granted to certain officers and key employees. The fair value of these awards was $6,584 . These awards will vest on June 6, 2017. Also on that same date, restricted stock totaling 30,538 shares were granted to certain officers and key employees. The award was due to the financial performance of the Company based upon the 2014 annual incentive performance goals. The award vested immediately upon grant and the fair value was $2,209 at the time of the grant. Both awards were granted at no cost to the employees. On September 19, 2014, restricted stock totaling 13,955 shares were granted to the non-employee members of the Board. This award was granted at no cost to the non-employee members of the Board. The award vested immediately upon grant and the fair value was $990 at the time of the grant. 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, 2012 1,053,509 $ 32.59 Granted — — Exercised (198,200 ) 23.82 Forfeited (500 ) 14.08 Outstanding at April 30, 2013 854,809 $ 34.64 Granted — — Exercised (140,785 ) 23.93 Forfeited (2,000 ) 44.39 Outstanding at April 30, 2014 712,024 $ 36.73 Granted — — Exercised (310,224 ) 36.96 Forfeited — — Outstanding at April 30, 2015 401,800 $ 36.55 At April 30, 2015 , all outstanding options had an aggregate intrinsic value of $18,334 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.13 years . All options are vested as of April 30, 2015 . The aggregate intrinsic value for the total of all options exercised during the year ended April 30, 2015 was $13,382 , and there were 441,000 shares that vested during the year ended April 30, 2015 . At April 30, 2015 , the range of exercise prices for outstanding options was $ 20.68 – $44.39 and the weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options was 5.13 years . The number of shares and weighted average remaining contractual life of the options by range of applicable exercise prices at April 30, 2015 were as follows: Range of exercise prices Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 20.68-24.11 7,000 22.62 1.2 25.26-26.92 159,600 25.61 3.8 44.39 235,200 44.39 6.2 401,800 Information concerning the issuance of restricted stock units under the Plan is presented in the following table: Unvested at April 30, 2012 38,198 Granted 46,998 Vested (14,000 ) Forfeited — Unvested at April 30, 2013 71,196 Granted 91,650 Vested (14,150 ) Forfeited (150 ) Unvested at April 30, 2014 148,546 Granted 91,000 Vested (38,198 ) Forfeited (7,418 ) Unvested at April 30, 2015 193,930 Total compensation costs recorded for the years ended April 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $7,307 , $5,600 , and $4,270 , respectively, for the stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards. As of April 30, 2015 , there was $5,714 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the Plan and Prior Plans for costs related to restricted stock units which are expected to be recognized ratably through fiscal 2018.

Net Income Per Common Share

Net Income Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Common Share	NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE Computations for basic and diluted earnings per common share are presented below: Years ended April 30, 2015 2014 2013 Basic Net income $ 180,628 $ 126,820 $ 103,814 Weighted average shares outstanding-basic 38,743,227 38,457,680 38,297,083 Basic earnings per common share $ 4.66 $ 3.30 $ 2.71 Diluted Net income $ 180,628 $ 126,820 $ 103,814 Weighted-average shares outstanding-basic 38,743,227 38,457,680 38,297,083 Plus effect of stock options and restricted stock units 360,606 410,726 322,993 Weighted-average shares outstanding-diluted 39,103,833 38,868,406 38,620,076 Diluted earnings per common share $ 4.62 $ 3.26 $ 2.69 There were no options considered antidilutive; therefore, all options were included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share for fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and fiscal 2013 , respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES Income tax expense attributable to earnings consisted of the following components: Years ended April 30, 2015 2014 2013 Current tax expense Federal $ 49,593 $ 44,078 $ 23,519 State 7,093 5,657 4,455 56,686 49,735 27,974 Deferred tax expense 44,711 17,089 31,828 Total income tax expense $ 101,397 $ 66,824 $ 59,802 The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows: As of April 30, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets Accrued liabilities and reserves $ 8,593 $ 16,830 Property and equipment depreciation 12,846 11,788 Workers compensation 9,536 8,501 Deferred compensation 6,653 6,272 Equity compensation 3,767 3,598 State net operating losses & tax credits 626 2,757 Other 1,787 3,265 Total gross deferred tax assets 43,808 53,011 Less valuation allowance 228 — Total net deferred tax assets 43,580 53,011 Deferred tax liabilities Property and equipment depreciation (363,965 ) (332,095 ) Goodwill (18,319 ) (14,989 ) Other (738 ) (658 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (383,022 ) (347,742 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (339,442 ) $ (294,731 ) At April 30, 2015 , the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes of approximately $69,594 , which are available to offset future state taxable income. These net operating loss carryforwards expire during the years 2019 through 2034 . In addition, the Company had state alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of approximately $156 , which are available to reduce future state regular income taxes over an indefinite period. There was a valuation allowance of $228 and $0 for state net operating loss deferred tax assets as of April 30, 2015 and 2014 . The change in the valuation allowance was $228 and $0 for the years ending April 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. 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. 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. Out of period adjustments of $2,760 were recorded in fiscal 2014. Years ended April 30, 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes at the statutory rates 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Federal tax credits (1.7 )% (2.1 )% (1.8 )% State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 3.1 % 3.2 % 2.4 % Out of period adjustments — % (1.4 )% — % Other (0.4 )% (0.2 )% 1.0 % 36.0 % 34.5 % 36.6 % 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 $8,043 and $9,244 in gross unrecognized tax benefits at April 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively which is recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. Of this amount, $5,264 represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. Unrecognized tax benefits decreased ( $1,201 ) during the twelve months ended April 30, 2015 , due primarily to the expiration of certain statute of limitations exceeding the increase associated with income tax filing positions for the current year. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 9,244 $ 8,938 Additions based on tax positions related to current year 1,186 1,229 Additions for tax positions of prior years 13 415 Reductions for tax positions of prior years — — Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations (2,400 ) (1,338 ) Settlements — — Ending balance $ 8,043 $ 9,244 The total net amount of accrued interest and penalties for such unrecognized tax benefits was $152 and $402 at April 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities. Net interest and penalties included in income tax expense for the twelve month period ended April 30, 2015 was a decrease in tax expense of $250 and an increase of $116 for the year ended April 30, 2014 . 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 State of Illinois is examining tax years 2011 and 2012. Additionally, the IRS is currently examining tax year 2012. The Company has no other ongoing federal or state income tax examinations. The Company does not have any outstanding litigation related to tax matters. 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 $2,891 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 2011 and forward. Tax years 2010 and forward are subject to audit by state tax authorities depending on open statute of limitations waivers and the tax code of each state. On May 1, 2014, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists . The pronouncement requires unrecognized tax benefits to be offset on the balance sheet by any same-jurisdiction net operating loss or tax credit carryforward that would be used to settle the position with a tax authority. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	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: Asset balances at April 30, 2015 2014 Real estate $ 13,480 $ 13,668 Equipment 2,564 2,610 16,044 16,278 Less accumulated amortization 5,666 5,202 $ 10,378 $ 11,076 Future minimum payments under the capital leases and noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at April 30, 2015 : Years ended April 30, Capital leases Operating leases 2016 $ 904 $ 910 2017 868 827 2018 870 814 2019 876 553 2020 967 246 Thereafter 11,992 87 Total minimum lease payments 16,477 $ 3,437 Less amount representing interest 6,834 Present value of net minimum lease payments $ 9,643 The total rent expense under operating leases was $1,961 in 2015 , $1,424 in 2014 , and $1,773 in 2013 .

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	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. Contributions to the 401(k) plan were $5,852 , $5,348 , and $4,949 for the years ended April 30, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. On April 30, 2015 and 2014 , 1,453,251 and 1,488,510 shares of common stock, respectively, 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 net income per common share. Supplemental executive retirement plan The Company has a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) for two of its executive officers, one of whom retired April 30, 2003 and the other on April 30, 2008. The SERP provides for the Company to pay annual retirement benefits, 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 (at a reduced level) 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, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, were $5,626 and $5,925 . The discount rates used were 4% and 4.4% , respectively, at April 30, 2015 and 2014 . The amount expensed in fiscal 2015 was $326 and the Company expects to pay $625 per year for each of the next five years. Expense incurred in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was $93 and $471 , respectively. Other postemployment benefits The Company also has deferred compensation agreements with three other individuals, one current and two former employees. The amounts accrued at April 30, 2015 and 2014 were $3,960 and $3,950 , respectively. The Company expects to pay $167 , $497 , $497 , $447 and $422 the next five years under the agreements. The expense incurred in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $219 , $156 , and $438 respectively.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments	COMMITMENTS 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 fifteen other key employees, providing for certain payments in the event of termination following a change of control of the Company.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Contingencies	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, 2015 and 2014 of approximately $388 and $300 , 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 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”. On November 20, 2012, the Court preliminarily approved the previously-reported settlement involving the Company, which when approved in final form by the Court following notice to the Class would result in the settlement and dismissal of all claims against Casey’s in the multidistrict litigation. The preliminarily approved settlement includes, but is not limited to, a commitment on the part of the Company to “sticker” certain information on its fuel pumps and make a monetary payment (which is not considered to be material in amount) to the plaintiff class. The process of notice to the class began in February 2015 with notice being published in various media outlets including selected radio stations and newspapers. Objections and exclusions to the proposed settlement must be submitted electronically or postmarked by March 23, 2015. The Fairness Hearing to consider whether the settlements are fair, reasonable and adequate was held on June 9, 2015. In addition, the Company was named as a defendant in a purported class action recently filed in federal court in Missouri on behalf of all individuals on whom Casey’s obtained a consumer report for employment purposes in the last two years. Plaintiff alleges Casey’s violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)’s stand-alone disclosure requirement. Casey’s has obtained approximately 3,900 consumer reports in the last year. The FCRA provides for statutory damages of $100 to $1,000 for each willful violation, as well as punitive damages and attorneys’ fees. The Company does not believe it is liable to the plaintiff 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, 2015 , the Company was partially self-insured for workers’ compensation claims in all fourteen 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 $19,155 and $15,000 , respectively, were issued and outstanding at April 30, 2015 and 2014 , 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, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had $31,389 and $28,429 , respectively, in accrued expenses for estimated claims relating to self-insurance, the majority of which has been actuarially determined.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Events that have occurred subsequent to April 30, 2015 have been evaluated for disclosure through the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Year ended April 30, 2015 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Total Total revenue Fuel $ 1,607,126 1,470,768 1,056,458 1,010,033 5,144,385 Grocery & other merchandise 478,586 466,934 412,711 436,591 1,794,822 Prepared food & fountain 194,610 201,196 190,393 194,688 780,887 Other 10,864 11,313 12,399 12,546 47,122 $ 2,291,186 2,150,211 1,671,961 1,653,858 7,767,216 Gross profit* Fuel $ 87,872 89,637 98,418 75,228 351,155 Grocery & other merchandise 155,683 151,025 128,572 140,230 575,510 Prepared food & fountain 116,511 119,322 111,672 118,551 466,056 Other 10,848 11,298 12,384 12,534 47,064 $ 370,914 371,282 351,046 346,543 1,439,785 Net income $ 50,097 49,869 39,319 41,343 180,628 Income per common share Basic 1.30 1.29 1.01 1.06 4.66 Diluted 1.28 1.28 1.01 1.05 4.62 Year ended April 30, 2014 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Total Total revenue Fuel $ 1,514,874 1,416,980 1,255,774 1,366,952 5,554,580 Grocery & other merchandise 423,585 416,552 364,846 378,251 1,583,234 Prepared food & fountain 166,248 171,751 158,200 162,977 659,176 Other 10,042 10,602 11,235 11,386 43,265 $ 2,114,749 2,015,885 1,790,055 1,919,566 7,840,255 Gross profit* Fuel $ 91,227 67,816 55,892 52,937 267,872 Grocery & other merchandise 138,412 134,708 113,429 121,387 507,936 Prepared food & fountain 102,754 106,171 96,147 97,924 402,996 Other 10,028 10,590 11,222 11,372 43,212 $ 342,421 319,285 276,690 283,620 1,222,016 Net income $ 53,795 39,430 12,663 20,932 126,820 Income per common share Basic 1.40 1.03 0.33 0.54 3.30 Diluted 1.39 1.01 0.33 0.54 3.26 * Gross profit is given before charge for depreciation and amortization and credit card fees.

Significant Accounting Polici20

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	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	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 We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity at purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Included in cash equivalents are money market funds and credit card, debit card and electronic benefits transfer transactions that process within three days.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories, which consist of merchandise and fuel, are stated at the lower of cost or market. For fuel, 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 for financial and income tax reporting applied to inventory values determined primarily by our FIFO accounting system for warehouse inventories. The excess of current cost over the stated LIFO value was $53,428 and $48,777 at April 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. There were no material LIFO liquidations during the periods presented. Below is a summary of the inventory values at April 30, 2015 and 2014 : Fiscal 2015 Fiscal 2014 Fuel $ 69,056 $ 95,004 Merchandise 128,275 109,829 Total inventory $ 197,331 $ 204,833 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 the basis of purchases made. Vendor rebates in the form of rack display allowances (RDAs) are funds that we receive from various vendors for allocating certain shelf space to carry their specific products or to introduce new products in our stores for a particular period of time. The RDAs are treated as a reduction in cost of goods sold and are recognized ratably over the period covered by the applicable rebate agreement. These funds do not represent reimbursements of specific, incremental, identifiable costs incurred by us in selling the vendor’s products. 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. Reimbursements of an operating expense (e.g., advertising) are recorded as reductions of the related expense. Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) are recorded as a reduction in cost of goods sold in the period when the Company commits to a price and agrees to sell all of the RINs earned during a specified period. The Company includes in cost of goods sold the costs incurred to acquire fuel and merchandise, including excise taxes, less vendor allowances and rebates and RINs.
Goodwill	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.
Store Closing and Asset 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 of the assets exceeds their 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 fair 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.
Depreciation and Amortization	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 25-40 years Machinery and equipment 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 The Company monitors stores and will accelerate depreciation if the expected life of the asset is reduced due to the operation of the store or the Company’s plans.
Income Taxes	Income taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for 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. The Company calculates its current and deferred tax provision based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from actual results reflected in income tax returns filed in subsequent years. Adjustments based on filed returns are recorded when identified.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue recognition The Company recognizes retail sales of fuel, 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 and remitted to the government are recorded on a net basis in the consolidated financial statements.
Net Income Per Common Share	Net income per common share Basic earnings per share have been computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding during each of the years. The calculation of diluted earnings per share treats stock options and restricted stock units outstanding as potential common shares to the extent they are dilutive.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset retirement obligations The Company recognizes the estimated future cost to remove underground storage 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. 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.
Self Insurance	Self-insurance The Company is primarily self-insured for employee healthcare, workers’ compensation, general liability, and automobile claims. The self-insurance claim liability for workers’ compensation, general liability, and automobile claims is determined actuarially at each year end 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.
Environmental Remediation 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.
Derivatives Instruments	Derivative instruments There were no options or futures contracts as of or during the years ended April 30, 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 . However, we do from time to time, participate in a forward buy of certain commodities, primarily cheese and coffee. These are not accounted for as derivatives under the normal purchase and normal sale exclusions under the applicable guidance.
Stock-Based Compensation	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 ratably in the statement of income over the vesting period of the award.
Segment Reporting	Segment reporting As of April 30, 2015 , we operated 1,878 stores in 14 states. Our 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 and therefore, have only one reportable segment. Our stores sell similar products and services, use similar processes to sell those products and services, and sell their products and services to similar classes of customers. We make specific disclosures concerning the three broad merchandise categories of fuel, grocery & other merchandise, and prepared food & fountain because it makes it easier for us to discuss trends and operational initiatives within our business and industry. Although we can separate gross margins 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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-8, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , to clarify the definition of discontinued operations, limiting it to disposals of components that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on operations and financial results. Examples of a strategic shift include disposals of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. The standard was effective prospectively for disposals that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those annual periods. It was adopted by the Company on May 1, 2015. It did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on May 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-9 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

Significant Accounting Polici21

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of the Inventory Values	Below is a summary of the inventory values at April 30, 2015 and 2014 : Fiscal 2015 Fiscal 2014 Fuel $ 69,056 $ 95,004 Merchandise 128,275 109,829 Total inventory $ 197,331 $ 204,833
Depreciation of Property and Equipment and Amortization of Capital Lease Assets	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 25-40 years Machinery and equipment 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

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Allocation of Purchase Price	Allocation of the purchase price for the transactions in aggregate is as follows (in thousands): Assets acquired: Inventories $ 2,863 Property and equipment 31,740 Total assets 34,603 Liabilities assumed: Accrued expenses 86 Total liabilities 86 Net tangible assets acquired 34,517 Goodwill 6,640 Total consideration paid $ 41,157
Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Information	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): Years Ended April 30, 2015 2014 Total revenue $ 7,794,626 $ 7,948,786 Net income $ 181,100 $ 128,265 Net income per common share Basic $ 4.67 $ 3.34 Diluted $ 4.63 $ 3.30

Fair Value of Financial Instr23

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Long Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Carrying Value of Long-Term Debt	The Company’s long-term debt at carrying amount by issuance is as follows: As of April 30, 2015 2014 Capitalized lease obligations discounted at 5.22% to 7.09% due in various monthly installments through 2048 (Note 7) $ 9,643 $ 10,195 5.72% Senior notes due in 14 installments beginning September 30, 2012 and ending March 30, 2020 75,000 75,000 5.22% Senior notes due August 9, 2020 569,000 569,000 3.67% Senior notes (Series A) due in 7 installments beginning June 17, 2022, and ending June 15, 2028 150,000 150,000 3.75% Senior notes (Series B) due in 7 installments beginning December 17, 2022 and ending December 18, 2028 50,000 50,000 853,643 854,195 Less current maturities 15,398 553 $ 838,245 $ 853,642
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Including Capitalized Lease Obligations	Listed below are the aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including capitalized lease obligations, for the 5 years commencing May 1, 2015 and thereafter: Years ended April 30, Capital Leases Senior Notes Total 2016 $ 398 $ 15,000 $ 15,398 2017 375 15,000 15,375 2018 396 15,000 15,396 2019 417 15,000 15,417 2020 441 15,000 15,441 Thereafter 7,616 769,000 776,616 $ 9,643 $ 844,000 $ 853,643

Preferred and Common Stock (Tab

Preferred and Common Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Options Activity	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, 2012 1,053,509 $ 32.59 Granted — — Exercised (198,200 ) 23.82 Forfeited (500 ) 14.08 Outstanding at April 30, 2013 854,809 $ 34.64 Granted — — Exercised (140,785 ) 23.93 Forfeited (2,000 ) 44.39 Outstanding at April 30, 2014 712,024 $ 36.73 Granted — — Exercised (310,224 ) 36.96 Forfeited — — Outstanding at April 30, 2015 401,800 $ 36.55
Schedule of Shares Outstanding and Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life by Exercise Range	The number of shares and weighted average remaining contractual life of the options by range of applicable exercise prices at April 30, 2015 were as follows: Range of exercise prices Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 20.68-24.11 7,000 22.62 1.2 25.26-26.92 159,600 25.61 3.8 44.39 235,200 44.39 6.2 401,800
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	Information concerning the issuance of restricted stock units under the Plan is presented in the following table: Unvested at April 30, 2012 38,198 Granted 46,998 Vested (14,000 ) Forfeited — Unvested at April 30, 2013 71,196 Granted 91,650 Vested (14,150 ) Forfeited (150 ) Unvested at April 30, 2014 148,546 Granted 91,000 Vested (38,198 ) Forfeited (7,418 ) Unvested at April 30, 2015 193,930

Net Income Per Common Share (Ta

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	Computations for basic and diluted earnings per common share are presented below: Years ended April 30, 2015 2014 2013 Basic Net income $ 180,628 $ 126,820 $ 103,814 Weighted average shares outstanding-basic 38,743,227 38,457,680 38,297,083 Basic earnings per common share $ 4.66 $ 3.30 $ 2.71 Diluted Net income $ 180,628 $ 126,820 $ 103,814 Weighted-average shares outstanding-basic 38,743,227 38,457,680 38,297,083 Plus effect of stock options and restricted stock units 360,606 410,726 322,993 Weighted-average shares outstanding-diluted 39,103,833 38,868,406 38,620,076 Diluted earnings per common share $ 4.62 $ 3.26 $ 2.69

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income tax expense attributable to earnings consisted of the following components: Years ended April 30, 2015 2014 2013 Current tax expense Federal $ 49,593 $ 44,078 $ 23,519 State 7,093 5,657 4,455 56,686 49,735 27,974 Deferred tax expense 44,711 17,089 31,828 Total income tax expense $ 101,397 $ 66,824 $ 59,802
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows: As of April 30, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets Accrued liabilities and reserves $ 8,593 $ 16,830 Property and equipment depreciation 12,846 11,788 Workers compensation 9,536 8,501 Deferred compensation 6,653 6,272 Equity compensation 3,767 3,598 State net operating losses & tax credits 626 2,757 Other 1,787 3,265 Total gross deferred tax assets 43,808 53,011 Less valuation allowance 228 — Total net deferred tax assets 43,580 53,011 Deferred tax liabilities Property and equipment depreciation (363,965 ) (332,095 ) Goodwill (18,319 ) (14,989 ) Other (738 ) (658 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (383,022 ) (347,742 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (339,442 ) $ (294,731 )
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	Out of period adjustments of $2,760 were recorded in fiscal 2014. Years ended April 30, 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes at the statutory rates 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Federal tax credits (1.7 )% (2.1 )% (1.8 )% State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 3.1 % 3.2 % 2.4 % Out of period adjustments — % (1.4 )% — % Other (0.4 )% (0.2 )% 1.0 % 36.0 % 34.5 % 36.6 %
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 9,244 $ 8,938 Additions based on tax positions related to current year 1,186 1,229 Additions for tax positions of prior years 13 415 Reductions for tax positions of prior years — — Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations (2,400 ) (1,338 ) Settlements — — Ending balance $ 8,043 $ 9,244

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets	The following is an analysis of the leased property under capital leases by major classes: Asset balances at April 30, 2015 2014 Real estate $ 13,480 $ 13,668 Equipment 2,564 2,610 16,044 16,278 Less accumulated amortization 5,666 5,202 $ 10,378 $ 11,076
Schedule Of Future Minimum Payments For Capital Leases And Noncancelable Operating Leases	Future minimum payments under the capital leases and noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at April 30, 2015 : Years ended April 30, Capital leases Operating leases 2016 $ 904 $ 910 2017 868 827 2018 870 814 2019 876 553 2020 967 246 Thereafter 11,992 87 Total minimum lease payments 16,477 $ 3,437 Less amount representing interest 6,834 Present value of net minimum lease payments $ 9,643

Quaterly Financial Data (Tables

Quaterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	Year ended April 30, 2015 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Total Total revenue Fuel $ 1,607,126 1,470,768 1,056,458 1,010,033 5,144,385 Grocery & other merchandise 478,586 466,934 412,711 436,591 1,794,822 Prepared food & fountain 194,610 201,196 190,393 194,688 780,887 Other 10,864 11,313 12,399 12,546 47,122 $ 2,291,186 2,150,211 1,671,961 1,653,858 7,767,216 Gross profit* Fuel $ 87,872 89,637 98,418 75,228 351,155 Grocery & other merchandise 155,683 151,025 128,572 140,230 575,510 Prepared food & fountain 116,511 119,322 111,672 118,551 466,056 Other 10,848 11,298 12,384 12,534 47,064 $ 370,914 371,282 351,046 346,543 1,439,785 Net income $ 50,097 49,869 39,319 41,343 180,628 Income per common share Basic 1.30 1.29 1.01 1.06 4.66 Diluted 1.28 1.28 1.01 1.05 4.62 Year ended April 30, 2014 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Total Total revenue Fuel $ 1,514,874 1,416,980 1,255,774 1,366,952 5,554,580 Grocery & other merchandise 423,585 416,552 364,846 378,251 1,583,234 Prepared food & fountain 166,248 171,751 158,200 162,977 659,176 Other 10,042 10,602 11,235 11,386 43,265 $ 2,114,749 2,015,885 1,790,055 1,919,566 7,840,255 Gross profit* Fuel $ 91,227 67,816 55,892 52,937 267,872 Grocery & other merchandise 138,412 134,708 113,429 121,387 507,936 Prepared food & fountain 102,754 106,171 96,147 97,924 402,996 Other 10,028 10,590 11,222 11,372 43,212 $ 342,421 319,285 276,690 283,620 1,222,016 Net income $ 53,795 39,430 12,663 20,932 126,820 Income per common share Basic 1.40 1.03 0.33 0.54 3.30 Diluted 1.39 1.01 0.33 0.54 3.26 * Gross profit is given before charge for depreciation and amortization and credit card fees.

Significant Accounting Polici29

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) people in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)peoplestatesegmentstore	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)merchandise_category	Apr. 30, 2013USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of stores | store	1,878
Number of states in which entity operates | state	14
Population of communities (many less than) | people	5
Concentration Risk
Excess of current cost over the stated LIFO Value	$ 53,428	$ 48,777
Goodwill	127,046	120,406
Asset impairment charges	1,785	2,542	$ 3,680
Recorded asset retirement obligation (net of amortization)	9,234	8,391
Discounted liability of asset retirement obligation	14,014	12,854
Self-insurance reserves	$ 31,389	$ 28,429
Number of operating segments | segment	1
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Number of merchandise categories | merchandise_category		3
Fuel
Concentration Risk
Excise taxes collected	$ 715,000	$ 646,000	$ 596,000
Fuel | Retail Sales
Concentration Risk
Concentration risk percentage	66.00%
Grocery & Other Merchandise | Retail Sales
Concentration Risk
Concentration risk percentage	24.00%
Prepared Food & Fountain | Retail Sales
Concentration Risk
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%

Significant Accounting Polici30

Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of the Inventory Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Inventory
Inventory	$ 197,331	$ 204,833
Fuel
Inventory
Inventory	69,056	95,004
Merchandise
Inventory
Inventory	$ 128,275	$ 109,829

Significant Accounting Polici31

Significant Accounting Policies - Depreciation of Property and Equipment and Amortization of Capital Lease Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Buildings | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment useful life	25 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment useful life	40 years
Machinery and Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Machinery and Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment useful life	30 years

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) - 12 months ended Apr. 30, 2015 - store	Total
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of stores acquired	36
Number of stores opened	32
Number of stores closed	3
Number of stores expected to open in next fiscal year	1
Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes period (in years)	15 years

Acquisitions - Allocation of Pu

Acquisitions - Allocation of Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Liabilities assumed:
Goodwill	$ 127,046	$ 120,406
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions
Assets acquired:
Inventories	2,863
Property and equipment	31,740
Total assets	34,603
Liabilities assumed:
Accrued expenses	86
Total liabilities	86
Net tangible assets acquired	34,517
Goodwill	6,640
Total consideration paid	$ 41,157

Acquisitions - Summary of Unaud

Acquisitions - Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 7,794,626	$ 7,948,786
Net income	$ 181,100	$ 128,265
Net income per common share
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 4.67	$ 3.34
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 4.63	$ 3.30

Fair Value of Financial Instr35

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Long Term Debt (Details)	Dec. 17, 2013USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)note	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2013USD ($)
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		$ 887,000,000	$ 841,000,000
Number of promissory notes | note		2
Amount outstanding at period end		$ 0	0
Interest income		158,000	214,000	$ 211,000
Capitalized interest		1,209,000	1,177,000	$ 894,000
Note1 And Note 2
Debt Instrument
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 100,000,000
Note 1
Debt Instrument
Principal amount of each note		$ 50,000,000
Interest over variable Index		0.75%
Note 2
Debt Instrument
Principal amount of each note		$ 50,000,000
Interest over variable Index		1.00%
Note 3
Debt Instrument
Canceled promissory note	$ 25,000,000

Fair Value of Financial Instr36

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Long Term Debt - Carrying Value of Long-term Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)installment_payment	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)installment_payment
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt	$ 853,643	$ 854,195
Less current maturities	15,398	553
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	838,245	853,642
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument
Capitalized lease obligations	9,643	$ 10,195
Long-term debt	$ 9,643
Capital Lease Obligations | Minimum
Debt Instrument
Discount rate	5.22%	5.22%
Capital Lease Obligations | Maximum
Debt Instrument
Discount rate	7.09%	7.09%
5.72% Senior Notes Due March 30, 2020
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt	$ 75,000	$ 75,000
Interest Rate	5.72%	5.72%
Number of payments | installment_payment	14	14
5.22% Senior Notes Due August 9, 2020
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt	$ 569,000	$ 569,000
Interest Rate	5.22%	5.22%
3.67% Senior Notes (Series A) Due Jun15, 2028
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt	$ 150,000	$ 150,000
Interest Rate	3.67%	3.67%
Number of payments | installment_payment	7	7
3.75% Senior Notes (Series B) Due December 18, 2028
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt	$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Interest Rate	3.75%	3.75%
Number of payments | installment_payment	7	7

Fair Value of Financial Instr37

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Long Term Debt - Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt Including Capitalzied Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument
2,015	$ 15,398
2,016	15,375
2,017	15,396
2,018	15,417
2,019	15,441
Thereafter	776,616
Long-term debt	853,643	$ 854,195
Capital Leases
Debt Instrument
2,015	398
2,016	375
2,017	396
2,018	417
2,019	441
Thereafter	7,616
Long-term debt	9,643
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument
2,015	15,000
2,016	15,000
2,017	15,000
2,018	15,000
2,019	15,000
Thereafter	769,000
Long-term debt	$ 844,000

Preferred and Common Stock (Det

Preferred and Common Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Sep. 19, 2014	Jun. 06, 2014	Sep. 13, 2013	Jun. 19, 2013	Jun. 19, 2013	Jun. 07, 2013	Sep. 14, 2012	Jun. 08, 2012	Sep. 16, 2011	Jun. 23, 2011	Jun. 10, 2011	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Shares issued of preferred stock												0	0
Options outstanding												401,800
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options												$ 18,334
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercised options												$ 13,382
Number of shares vested during period												441,000
Share-based compensation expense												$ 7,307	$ 5,600	$ 4,270
Exercise price range floor												$ 20.68
Exercise price range ceiling												$ 44.39
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Reduction in available shares per restricted stock or restricted stock unit issued												2
Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted in period												91,000	91,650	46,998
Restricted Stock Units | Certain Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted in period								32,998			9,198
Fair value of restricted stock units granted in period								$ 59.48			$ 40.49
Restricted Stock Units | Certain Officers and Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted in period		91,000		1,500	77,650	76,150
Fair value of awards		$ 6,584
Fair value of restricted stock units granted in period				$ 60.47		$ 62.26
Restricted Stock Units | Chief Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted in period										15,000
Fair value of restricted stock units granted in period										$ 44.39
Restricted Stock Units | Non-Employee Members of the Board
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted in period			14,000				14,000		14,000
Fair value of restricted stock units granted in period			$ 71.02				$ 58.93		$ 47.59
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Reduction in available shares per restricted stock or restricted stock unit issued												2
Restricted Stock | Certain Officers and Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted in period		30,538
Fair value of awards		$ 2,209
Restricted Stock | Non-Employee Members of the Board
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted in period	13,955
Fair value of awards	$ 990
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Reduction in available shares per stock option issued												1
Options outstanding												401,800	712,024	854,809	1,053,509
Options granted in period												0	0	0
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)												5 years 1 month 17 days
Stock Options | Certain Officers and Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Options granted in period										441,000
2009 Stock Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Shares available for grant under the Plan												3,894,908
Unrecognized compensation costs												$ 5,714
Preferred Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Authorized shares of preferred stock												1,000,000
Shares issued of preferred stock												0
Series A Preferred Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Authorized shares of preferred stock												250,000
Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Authorized shares of common stock												120,000,000

Preferred and Common Stock - Sc

Preferred and Common Stock - Schedule of Stock Options Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Number of option shares
Ending balance (in shares)	401,800
Stock Options
Number of option shares
Beginning balance (in shares)	712,024	854,809	1,053,509
Granted	0	0	0
Exercised	(310,224)	(140,785)	(198,200)
Forfeited	0	(2,000)	(500)
Ending balance (in shares)	401,800	712,024	854,809
Weighted average option exercise price
Beginning balance (in Dollars per share)	$ 36.73	$ 34.64	$ 32.59
Granted	0	0	0
Exercised	36.96	23.93	23.82
Forfeited	0	44.39	14.08
Ending balance (in Dollars per share)	$ 36.55	$ 36.73	$ 34.64

Preferred and Common Stock - 40

Preferred and Common Stock - Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Award Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Units - shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Number of restricted stock units
Beginning balance (in shares)	148,546	71,196	38,198
Granted	91,000	91,650	46,998
Vested	(38,198)	(14,150)	(14,000)
Forfeited	(7,418)	(150)	0
Ending balance (in shares)	193,930	148,546	71,196

Preferred and Common Stock - 41

Preferred and Common Stock - Schedule of Shares Outstanding and Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life by Exercise Range (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range
Exercise price range floor	$ 20.68
Exercise price range ceiling	$ 44.39
Number of shares	401,800
20.68 - 24.11
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range
Exercise price range floor	$ 20.68
Exercise price range ceiling	24.11
25.26 - 26.92
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range
Exercise price range floor	25.26
Exercise price range ceiling	26.92
44.39
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range
Exercise price range floor	44.39
Exercise price range ceiling	$ 44.39
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range
Number of shares	401,800	712,024	854,809	1,053,509
Weighted average exercise price	$ 36.55	$ 36.73	$ 34.64	$ 32.59
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	5 years 1 month 17 days
Stock Options | 20.68 - 24.11
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range
Number of shares	7,000
Weighted average exercise price	$ 22.62
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	1 year 2 months 12 days
Stock Options | 25.26 - 26.92
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range
Number of shares	159,600
Weighted average exercise price	$ 25.61
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years 9 months 18 days
Stock Options | 44.39
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range
Number of shares	235,200
Weighted average exercise price	$ 44.39
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	6 years 2 months 12 days

Net Income Per Common Share - S

Net Income Per Common Share - Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Basic
Net income	$ 41,343	$ 39,319	$ 49,869	$ 50,097	$ 20,932	$ 12,663	$ 39,430	$ 53,795	$ 180,628	$ 126,820	$ 103,814
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic									38,743,227	38,457,680	38,297,083
Basic earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.06	$ 1.01	$ 1.29	$ 1.30	$ 0.54	$ 0.33	$ 1.03	$ 1.40	$ 4.66	$ 3.30	$ 2.71
Diluted
Plus effect of stock options and restricted stock units									360,606	410,726	322,993
Weighted-average shares outstanding-diluted									39,103,833	38,868,406	38,620,076
Diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.05	$ 1.01	$ 1.28	$ 1.28	$ 0.54	$ 0.33	$ 1.01	$ 1.39	$ 4.62	$ 3.26	$ 2.69

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 69,594
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards	156
Less valuation allowance	228	$ 0
Out of period adjustment		2,760
Unrecognized tax benefits	8,043	9,244	$ 8,938
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	5,264
Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits	(1,201)
Accrued interest and penalties	152	402
Increase in tax expense	(250)	$ 116
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonable possible	$ 2,891

Income Taxes - Schedule of Comp

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Current tax expense
Federal	$ 49,593	$ 44,078	$ 23,519
State	7,093	5,657	4,455
Current income tax expense (benefit)	56,686	49,735	27,974
Deferred tax expense	44,711	17,089	31,828
Total income tax expense	$ 101,397	$ 66,824	$ 59,802

Income Taxes - Schedule of Defe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Deferred tax assets
Accrued liabilities and reserves	$ 8,593	$ 16,830
Property and equipment depreciation	12,846	11,788
Workers compensation	9,536	8,501
Deferred compensation	6,653	6,272
Equity compensation	3,767	3,598
State net operating losses & tax credits	626	2,757
Other	1,787	3,265
Total gross deferred tax assets	43,808	53,011
Less valuation allowance	228	0
Total net deferred tax assets	43,580	53,011
Deferred tax liabilities
Property and equipment depreciation	(363,965)	(332,095)
Goodwill	(18,319)	(14,989)
Other	(738)	(658)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(383,022)	(347,742)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (339,442)	$ (294,731)

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes at the statutory rates	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Federal tax credits	(1.70%)	(2.10%)	(1.80%)
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	3.10%	3.20%	2.40%
Out of period adjustments	0.00%	(1.40%)	0.00%
Other	(0.40%)	(0.20%)	1.00%
Effective income tax rate (percent)	36.00%	34.50%	36.60%

Income Taxes - Schedule of Unre

Income Taxes - Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 9,244	$ 8,938
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	1,186	1,229
Additions for tax positions of prior years	13	415
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	0
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(2,400)	(1,338)
Settlements	0	0
Ending balance	$ 8,043	$ 9,244

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Capital Leased Assets
Rent expense under operating leases	$ 1,961	$ 1,424	$ 1,773
Minimum | Capital Lease Obligations
Capital Leased Assets
Capital lease term (in years)	5 years
Maximum | Capital Lease Obligations
Capital Leased Assets
Capital lease term (in years)	20 years

Leases - Schedule of Capital Le

Leases - Schedule of Capital Leased Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Capital Leased Assets
Gross capital leased assets	$ 16,044	$ 16,278
Less accumulated amortization	5,666	5,202
Net capital leased assets	10,378	11,076
Real Estate
Capital Leased Assets
Gross capital leased assets	13,480	13,668
Equipment
Capital Leased Assets
Gross capital leased assets	$ 2,564	$ 2,610

Leases - Schedule Of Future Min

Leases - Schedule Of Future Minimum Payments For Capital Leases And Noncancelable Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)
Capital leases
2,016	$ 904
2,017	868
2,018	870
2,019	876
2,020	967
Thereafter	11,992
Total minimum lease payments	16,477
Less amount representing interest	6,834
Present value of net minimum lease payments	9,643
Operating leases
2,016	910
2,017	827
2,018	814
2,019	553
2,020	246
Thereafter	87
Total minimum lease payments	$ 3,437

Benefit Plans (Details)

Benefit Plans (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)individualexecutiveshares	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)shares	Apr. 30, 2013USD ($)
401(K) Plan
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure
Employer discretionary contribution	$ 5,852	$ 5,348	$ 4,949
Common stock held by trustee of the 401K plan | shares	1,453,251	1,488,510
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block
Number of executives covered under SERP | executive	2
Annual benefit amount (percent of base compensation)	50.00%
Duration of benefits (in years)	20 years
Accrued deferred compensation liability	$ 5,626	$ 5,925
Discount rate	4.00%	4.40%
Pension and post-retirement expense incurred	$ 326	$ 93	471
2,016	625
2,017	625
2,018	625
2,019	625
2,020	625
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block
2,016	167
2,017	497
2,018	497
2,019	447
2,020	$ 422
Number of individuals with deferred compensation agreements | individual	3
Number of current employees with deferred compensation agreements | individual	1
Number of former employees with deferred compensation agreements | individual	2
Accrued deferred compensation liability	$ 3,960	3,950
Deferred compensation expense incurred	$ 219	$ 156	$ 438

Commitments (Details)

Commitments (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2014employee
Other Commitments
Number of other key employees covered by employment agreements		15
Minimum
Other Commitments
Compensation commitment | $	$ 660,000

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)reportlawsuitstate	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Other accrued liabilities	$ 388,000	$ 300,000
Period covered by lawsuit	2 years
Number of consumer reports obtained | report	3,900
Loss Contingencies
Number of states in which entity operates | state	14
Annual stop loss limit	$ 1,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding	19,155,000	15,000,000
Investments In escrow for insurance	$ 223,000
Number of states that require partial self-insurance | state	1
Self-insurance reserves	$ 31,389,000	$ 28,429,000
Minimum
Loss Contingencies
Statutory damages per violation	100
Maximum
Loss Contingencies
Statutory damages per violation	$ 1,000
Motor Fuel Temperature Sales Practices (Hot Fuel)
Loss Contingencies
Number of lawsuits | lawsuit	4

Quaterly Financial Data - Sched

Quaterly Financial Data - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Total revenue
Total revenue	$ 1,653,858	$ 1,671,961	$ 2,150,211	$ 2,291,186	$ 1,919,566	$ 1,790,055	$ 2,015,885	$ 2,114,749	$ 7,767,216	$ 7,840,255	$ 7,250,840
Gross profit
Gross profit	346,543	351,046	371,282	370,914	283,620	276,690	319,285	342,421	1,439,785	1,222,016	1,071,069
Net income	$ 41,343	$ 39,319	$ 49,869	$ 50,097	$ 20,932	$ 12,663	$ 39,430	$ 53,795	$ 180,628	$ 126,820	$ 103,814
Net income per common share
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.06	$ 1.01	$ 1.29	$ 1.30	$ 0.54	$ 0.33	$ 1.03	$ 1.40	$ 4.66	$ 3.30	$ 2.71
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.05	$ 1.01	$ 1.28	$ 1.28	$ 0.54	$ 0.33	$ 1.01	$ 1.39	$ 4.62	$ 3.26	$ 2.69
Fuel
Total revenue
Total revenue	$ 1,010,033	$ 1,056,458	$ 1,470,768	$ 1,607,126	$ 1,366,952	$ 1,255,774	$ 1,416,980	$ 1,514,874	$ 5,144,385	$ 5,554,580
Gross profit
Gross profit	75,228	98,418	89,637	87,872	52,937	55,892	67,816	91,227	351,155	267,872
Grocery & Other Merchandise
Total revenue
Total revenue	436,591	412,711	466,934	478,586	378,251	364,846	416,552	423,585	1,794,822	1,583,234
Gross profit
Gross profit	140,230	128,572	151,025	155,683	121,387	113,429	134,708	138,412	575,510	507,936
Prepared Food & Fountain
Total revenue
Total revenue	194,688	190,393	201,196	194,610	162,977	158,200	171,751	166,248	780,887	659,176
Gross profit
Gross profit	118,551	111,672	119,322	116,511	97,924	96,147	106,171	102,754	466,056	402,996
Other
Total revenue
Total revenue	12,546	12,399	11,313	10,864	11,386	11,235	10,602	10,042	47,122	43,265
Gross profit
Gross profit	$ 12,534	$ 12,384	$ 11,298	$ 10,848	$ 11,372	$ 11,222	$ 10,590	$ 10,028	$ 47,064	$ 43,212