Early Stocks in Motion

Casey's General Stores(CASY) said it earned $20.9 million, or 41 cents a share, for the first quarter ended July 31, compared with $15.9 million, or 32 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter rose 19% to $860.8 million from $723.7 million last year. The company said gasoline sales helped contribute to strong earnings. "Our average margin per gallon was 11.7 cents, considerably higher than our goal of 10.5 cents, and our gross profit improved to $33.5 million from $30.6 million," said Ronald M. Lamb, chairman. The company also said acquisitions are the key to its long-term growth strategy. As of July 31, it had completed 11 acquisitions. The stock was up 85 cents, or 4.2%, to $21.10 in after-hours trading.

Shuffle Master(SHFL) reported earnings of $8.06 million, or 22 cents a share, on revenue of $27.3 million for the third quarter ended July 31. That compares with net income of $6.25 million, or 17 cents a share, on revenue of $23.1 million a year ago. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expected earnings of 21 cents a share on revenue of $28.25 million. For full year fiscal 2005, the company expects to earn 81 cents or 82 cents a share, which is above Wall Street's forecast of 79 cents a share. The stock was up 77 cents, or 3.18%, to $25.02 in after-hours trading.

Shares of Electronics for Imaging(EFII) rose after the company raised its third quarter earnings guidance. The company said it now expects GAAP earnings of 21 cents to 23 cents a share and pro forma earnings of 30 cents to 32 cents a share. EFI expects revenue in the range of $137 million to $139 million. The company previously forecasted GAAP earnings of 11 cents to 13 cents a share and pro forma earnings of 21 cents to 23 cents a share. The stock was up $3.16, or 15.3%, to $23.81 in after-hours trading.