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Tractor Supply Company Reports Third Quarter Results

October 21, 2015

BRENTWOOD, TN -- (Marketwired) -- 10/21/15 -- Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 26, 2015.

Third Quarter Results
Net sales increased 8.5% to $1.48 billion from $1.36 billion in the prior year's third quarter. Comparable store average transaction counts increased for the 30th consecutive quarter. Comparable store sales increased 2.9% from the prior year's third quarter driven by strong performance in consumable, usable and edible (C.U.E.) products, principally in the pet and animal categories, and increased sales in certain spring and summer categories such as trailers and fencing. The strong sales results in these categories were partially offset by softness in the fall seasonal sales cycle later in the quarter due to warmer weather in the north.

Gross profit increased 10.4% to $512.2 million from $464.1 million in the prior year's third quarter. As a percent of sales, gross margin increased 60 basis points to 34.7%. The increase in gross margin resulted from strong price and markdown management, as well as lower fuel costs, which more than offset the stem mile increase from the Company's western store expansion.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 9.1% to $373.0 million compared to prior year's third quarter. As a percent of sales, SG&A expenses increased 10 bps to 25.3%. This increase was mainly related to deleverage in rent and other occupancy costs at the stores and incremental costs associated with two new mixing centers and a new distribution facility in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Net income increased 14.0% to $87.3 million from $76.6 million and diluted earnings per share increased 16.4% to $0.64 from $0.55 in the third quarter of the prior year.

The Company opened 30 new stores and closed three stores, two of which were Del's stores, in the third quarter of 2015 compared to 30 new store openings and no store closures in the prior year's third quarter.

Greg Sandfort, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Overall, we are pleased with our third quarter results, particularly with our performance in C.U.E. products. The past two years of strong spring and summer sales presented us with a challenging quarter, but once again, our team did a great job of positioning the assortments to take advantage of the extended season. The warmer temperatures in early fall did impact late third quarter sales; however, we believe we have the appropriate assortments and marketing plans in place to meet our customers' needs as the winter season progresses."

First Nine Months Results
Net sales increased 11.0% to $4.58 billion from $4.13 billion in the first nine months of 2014. Comparable store sales increased 4.7% versus a 3.2% increase in the first nine months of 2014. Gross profit increased 12.1% to $1.58 billion from $1.41 billion and gross margin increased 30 basis points to 34.5% of sales from 34.2% of sales in the first nine months of 2014.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 10.6% to $1.10 billion, and decreased as a percent of sales to 24.1% compared to 24.2% for the first nine months of 2014.

Net income increased 15.4% to $298.7 million from $258.8 million and net income per diluted share increased 17.8% to $2.18 from $1.85 for the first nine months of 2014.

The Company opened 88 new stores and closed five stores, three of which were Del's stores, in the first nine months of 2015 compared to 85 new store openings and no store closures during the first nine months of 2014.

Fiscal 2015 Outlook
Based upon third quarter results, the Company is tightening its fiscal 2015 guidance ranges as follows:

         
    Updated   Previous
Net Sales   $6.28 billion - $6.33 billion   $6.25 billion - $6.33 billion
Comparable Store Sales   4.0% - $4.5%   3.5% - 4.5%
Net Income   $413 million - $420 million   $412 million - $422 million
Earnings per Diluted Share   $3.02 - $3.08   $3.00 - $3.08
         

The Company continues to expect capital expenditures to be consistent with the prior quarter guidance ranging between $220 million and $230 million. Capital expenditures include spending to support approximately 114 new store openings and construction of a new Southwest distribution center in Casa Grande, Arizona which began receiving product in October 2015 and will begin shipping to stores in late 2015.

Conference Call Information
Tractor Supply Company will be hosting a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time today to discuss the quarterly results. The call will be broadcast simultaneously over the Internet on the Company's website at IR.TractorSupply.com.

Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download the streaming media software required to listen to the Internet broadcast.

A replay of the webcast will also be available at IR.TractorSupply.comshortly after the conference call concludes.

About Tractor Supply Company
At September 26, 2015, Tractor Supply Company operated 1,465 stores in 49 states. The Company's stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and others who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, livestock, pet and small animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) hardware, truck, towing and tool products; (3) seasonal products, including heating, lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys; (4) work/recreational clothing and footwear; and (5) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use.

Forward Looking Statements
As with any business, all phases of the Company's operations are subject to influences outside its control. This information contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding sales and earnings growth, estimated results of operations, capital expenditures, marketing, merchandising and strategic initiatives and new store and distribution center openings in future periods. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to the finalization of the Company's quarterly financial and accounting procedures, and may be affected by certain risks and uncertainties, any one, or a combination, of which could materially affect the results of the Company's operations. These factors include, without limitation, general economic conditions affecting consumer spending, the timing and acceptance of new products in the stores, the timing and mix of goods sold, purchase price volatility (including inflationary and deflationary pressures), the ability to increase sales at existing stores, the ability to manage growth and identify suitable locations, failure of an acquisition to produce anticipated results, the ability to successfully manage expenses and execute our key gross margin enhancing initiatives, the availability of favorable credit sources, capital market conditions in general, the ability to open new stores in the manner and number currently contemplated, the impact of new stores on our business, competition, weather conditions, the seasonal nature of our business, effective merchandising initiatives and marketing emphasis, the ability to retain vendors, reliance on foreign suppliers, the ability to attract, train and retain qualified employees, product liability and other claims, changes in federal, state or local regulations, potential judgments, fines, legal fees and other costs, breach of information systems or theft of employee or customer data, ongoing and potential future legal or regulatory proceedings, management of our information systems, failure to develop and implement new technologies, the failure of customer-facing technology systems, business disruption including from the implementation of supply chain technologies, effective tax rate changes and results of examination by taxing authorities, the ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, changes in accounting standards, assumptions and estimates. Forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company are based on knowledge of its business and the environment in which it operates, but because of the factors listed above, actual results could differ materially from those reflected by any forward-looking statements. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made are qualified by these cautionary statements and those contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurance that the results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on the Company or its business and operations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

(Financial tables to follow)

 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
   
    THIRD QUARTER ENDED     NINE MONTHS ENDED  
    September 26, 2015     September 27, 2014     September 26, 2015     September 27, 2014  
                                         
        % of         % of         % of         % of  
        Sales         Sales         Sales         Sales  
Net sales   $ 1,475,645   100.0 %   $ 1,359,950   100.0 %   $ 4,579,897   100.0 %   $ 4,127,461   100.0 %
Cost of merchandise sold     963,397   65.3       895,881   65.9       2,997,724   65.5       2,716,641   65.8  
Gross profit     512,248   34.7       464,069   34.1       1,582,173   34.5       1,410,820   34.2  
                                                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses     342,891   23.2       312,669   23.0       1,014,209   22.1       914,528   22.2  
Depreciation and amortization     30,149   2.1       29,387   2.2       90,744   2.0       84,521   2.0  
                                                 
Operating income     139,208   9.4       122,013   8.9       477,220   10.4       411,771   10.0  
Interest expense, net     782   -       505   -       2,480   -       1,267   -  
                                                 
Income before income taxes     138,426   9.4       121,508   8.9       474,740   10.4       410,504   10.0  
Income tax expense     51,114   3.5       44,905   3.3       176,057   3.9       151,681   3.7  
Net income   $ 87,312   5.9 %   $ 76,603   5.6 %   $ 298,683   6.5 %   $ 258,823   6.3 %
                                                 
Net income per share:                                                
  Basic   $ 0.64         $ 0.56         $ 2.20         $ 1.87      
  Diluted   $ 0.64         $ 0.55         $ 2.18         $ 1.85      
                                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:                                                
  Basic     135,525           137,367           135,997           138,293      
  Diluted     136,741           138,863           137,292           140,002      
                                                 
Dividends declared per common share outstanding   $ 0.20         $ 0.16         $ 0.56         $ 0.45      
   
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  
(Unaudited)  
(in thousands)  
           
  September 26, 2015     September 27, 2014  
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents $ 51,352     $ 47,510  
  Inventories   1,414,562       1,295,824  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets   64,822       49,936  
  Deferred income taxes   42,628       33,317  
    Total current assets   1,573,364       1,426,587  
               
Property and equipment:              
  Land   86,197       73,424  
  Buildings and improvements   750,170       684,700  
  Furniture, fixtures and equipment   489,088       440,314  
  Computer software and hardware   172,443       158,480  
  Construction in progress   85,531       25,015  
    1,583,429       1,381,933  
  Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (774,772 )     (675,132 )
    Property and equipment, net   808,657       706,801  
               
Goodwill   10,258       10,258  
Deferred income taxes   29,915       24,929  
Other assets   18,392       20,123  
               
    Total assets $ 2,440,586     $ 2,188,698  
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY              
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable $ 527,143     $ 483,042  
  Accrued employee compensation   27,449       19,530  
  Other accrued expenses   192,335       154,631  
  Current portion of capital lease obligations   540       125  
  Income taxes payable   18,255       19,014  
    Total current liabilities   765,722       676,342  
               
Revolving credit loan   190,000       150,000  
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities   10,746       3,048  
Deferred rent   82,905       78,356  
Other long-term liabilities   53,953       50,745  
    Total liabilities   1,103,326       958,491  
               
Stockholders' equity:              
  Common stock   1,351       1,337  
  Additional paid-in capital   576,175       483,804  
  Treasury stock   (1,381,041 )     (1,082,970 )
  Retained earnings   2,140,775       1,828,036  
    Total stockholders' equity   1,337,260       1,230,207  
               
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,440,586     $ 2,188,698  
   
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
(Unaudited)  
(in thousands)  
       
    NINE MONTHS ENDED  
    September 26, 2015     September 27, 2014  
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net income   $ 298,683     $ 258,823  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
  Depreciation and amortization     90,744       84,521  
  Loss on disposition of property and equipment     115       249  
  Share-based compensation expense     14,837       12,114  
  Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised     (16,994 )     (7,333 )
  Deferred income taxes     (22,799 )     (28,316 )
  Change in assets and liabilities:                
    Inventories     (299,112 )     (316,516 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,622       7,423  
    Accounts payable     156,320       166,555  
    Accrued employee compensation     (9,607 )     (31,043 )
    Other accrued expenses     882       (379 )
    Income taxes payable     22,813       16,923  
    Other     5,950       4,543  
    Net cash provided by operating activities     243,454       167,564  
Cash flows from investing activities:                
  Capital expenditures     (163,468 )     (125,425 )
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     371       309  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (163,097 )     (125,116 )
Cash flows from financing activities:                
  Borrowings under revolving credit agreement     525,000       260,000  
  Repayments under revolving credit agreement     (335,000 )     (110,000 )
  Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised     16,994       7,333  
  Principal payments under capital lease obligations     (318 )     (57 )
  Repurchase of shares to satisfy tax obligations     (2,998 )     (4,766 )
  Repurchase of common stock     (243,956 )     (244,382 )
  Net proceeds from issuance of common stock     36,354       16,461  
  Cash dividends paid to stockholders     (76,215 )     (62,270 )
    Net cash used in financing activities     (80,139 )     (137,681 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     218       (95,233 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     51,134       142,743  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 51,352     $ 47,510  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                
Cash paid during the period for:                
  Interest   $ 1,694     $ 546  
  Income taxes     175,485       162,073  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:                
  Property and equipment acquired through capital lease   $ 6,434     $ 1,988  
  Non-cash accruals for construction in progress     23,731       7,654  
   
   
Selected Financial and Operating Information  
(Unaudited)  
             
    THIRD QUARTER ENDED     NINE MONTHS ENDED  
    September 26, 2015     September 27, 2014     September 26, 2015     September 27, 2014  
Sales Information:                                
Comparable store sales increase     2.9 %     5.6 %     4.7 %     3.2 %
New store sales (% of total sales)     5.3 %     6.3 %     5.7 %     6.3 %
Average transaction value   $ 43.48     $ 43.75     $ 44.53     $ 44.20  
                                 
Comparable store average transaction value (decrease) increase     (0.9 )%     2.2 %     0.5 %     (0.1 )%
Comparable store average transaction count increase     3.8 %     3.3 %     4.3 %     3.3 %
Total selling square footage (000's)     23,538       21,821       23,538       21,821  
                                 
Store Count Information:                                
Beginning of period     1,438       1,331       1,382       1,276  
  New stores opened     30       30       88       85  
  Stores closed     (3 )     -       (5 )     -  
End of period     1,465       1,361       1,465       1,361  
                                 
Pre-opening costs (000's)   $ 3,027     $ 2,866     $ 7,585     $ 7,135  
                                 
Balance Sheet Information:                                
Average inventory per store (000's) (a)   $ 893.7     $ 879.5     $ 893.7     $ 879.5  
Inventory turns (annualized)     3.04       3.12       3.23       3.24  
Share repurchase program:                                
  Cost (000's)   $ 119,416     $ 97,385     $ 243,956     $ 244,382  
  Average purchase price per share   $ 86.61     $ 61.86     $ 85.57     $ 64.36  
                                 
Capital Expenditures (millions):                                
New and relocated stores and stores not yet opened   $ 30.2     $ 23.1     $ 66.9     $ 62.7  
Distribution center capacity and improvements     21.1       0.7       61.3       1.6  
Information technology     8.7       6.3       20.8       18.4  
Existing stores     6.4       7.3       13.8       16.0  
Corporate and other     0.1       5.9       0.7       26.7  
Total   $ 66.5     $ 43.3     $ 163.5     $ 125.4  
(a) Assumes average inventory cost, excluding inventory in transit.

Anthony F. Crudele
Chief Financial Officer
Christine Skold
Vice President, Investor Relations
(615) 440-4000

Investors:
John Rouleau/Rachel Schacter, ICR
Media:
Alecia Pulman/Brittany Rae Fraser, ICR
(203) 682-8200

Source: Tractor Supply Company

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