Casey’s General Stores Inc. reported earnings per share of $1.57 for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, which ended July 31, compared with $1.28 per share for the same quarter a year ago. “The company is off to an excellent start to the fiscal year, with strong sales, margin expansion in prepared foods, and a favorable operating expense environment during the period,” Robert Myers, chairman and CEO, said in a release. Earnings rose even though the company’s fuel margin declined 1.4 cents per gallon to 17.5 cents.