Casey’s General Stores has reported higher sales and profit in the first quarter as consumers continued to respond well to the company’s value proposition.

Total inside sales rose 5.6 per cent in the quarter ended July 31, thanks to the strong performance of prepared food, dispensed beverage and grocery.

Inside margin rose about 30 basis points, benefitting from a favorable mix shift and better management of the cost of goods.

Total fuel gallons sold increased 2.5 per cent, due to the store count increase, slightly offset by a modest decrease in same-store gallons sold. 

On the bottom line, net income improved from $215.3 million a year ago to $273.7 million.

“We are off to a great start on our three-year strategic plan,” said CEO Darren Rebelez.

“Guests are responding well to our compelling value proposition on our high-quality prepared food, especially in whole pies. On the fuel side, our team’s robust capabilities helped us navigate a volatile environment and produced strong results.”

For the full year, Casey’s continues to expect inside same-store sales to increase 2-5 per cent and same-store fuel gallons sold to be negative 1 per cent to positive 1 per cent. 

Last year, the company lifted its net income by 30.7 per cent, with inside sales and fuel gallons sold both growing 10 per cent.