Casey’s General Stores has acquired a Market Express convenience store on the east side of Marion, Iowa, for $1,025,000, The Gazette reported.

The 4,000-square-foot Conoco-branded station and the adjacent 900-square-foot car wash were purchased from NH Petroleum LLC last month, according to Linn County Assessor records.

The Market Express store was built in 1996 and had an assessed value of $937,830. The station was redone with the Casey’s brand last week.

Casey’s reportedly expects to acquire 74 more stores in its current fiscal quarter and is on pace to build 20 stores and replace 15 stores by the end of the fiscal year. Most recently, the chain bought six Short Stop stores in Iowa from J.D. Carpenter Cos. Inc.

Despite the acquisition, Casey’s last week announced its second quarter results were impacted by Couche-Tard’s hostile takeover attempt.

Casey’s reported 51 cents in basic earnings per share during the period and approximately $19.4 million in expenses pertaining to the company’s recapitalization plan completed in the second quarter, as well as the unsolicited hostile offer and related actions by Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.

Without those expenses, basic earnings per share would have been 81 cents compared to 66 cents for the same quarter a year ago, up 22.7%. Year to date, basic earnings per share were $1.27 versus $1.53 for the same period last year. Excluding expenses related to the hostile offer and recapitalization plan, mid-year basic earnings per share would have been $1.62.

“We are pleased with the second quarter results driven by strong sales increases across all categories,” said President and CEO Robert Myers. “We expect additional revenue growth as we close on more acquisitions during the third quarter.”

Gasoline
Casey’s annual goal is to increase same-store gasoline gallons sold 1% with an average margin of 13.5 cents per gallon. For the second quarter, same-store gallons sold were up 3.6% with an average margin of 14.9 cents per gallon. “We anticipate the favorable gasoline environment to continue throughout the 3rd quarter,” said Myers. Same-store gallons sold for the year increased 2.5% with an average margin of 15.7 cents, while gross profit rose nearly 13%. For the year, total gallons sold were up 8% to 712.1 million.

Grocery & Other Merchandise
Casey’s annual goal is to increase same-store sales 6% with an average margin of 33.9%. For the quarter, same-store sales rose 6.9% with an average margin of 32.9%. For the six months ended Oct. 31, 2010, same-store sales were up 4.2% with an average margin of 32.9%. “More favorable weather and increased promotional initiatives helped drive sales during the second quarter,” stated Myers. “Competitive cigarette pricing continued in the second quarter, putting pressure on the margin. However, we were pleased with the overall gain in gross profit dollars.” Total sales for the year are up 9.2% to $626.1 million.

Prepared Food & Fountain
The goal for fiscal 2011 is to increase same-store sales 8.9% with an average margin of 63.1%. Same-store sales were up 7.2% for the quarter and 4.8% year to date. The average margin for the quarter was 62.7%; down from a record high margin in the same period a year ago primarily due to a rise in commodity prices. “We benefited from value-oriented promotions throughout the quarter driving total sales by 13% and increasing gross profit 9.6%,” said Myers. “Despite the challenging economy, we are encouraged by the continued strong performance of this category.” Year to date, total sales were up 10.3% to $209.6 million compared to $190 million with an average margin of 63.2%.