Tractor Supply Company Reports Second Quarter Results


Sales Increased 8.9% to $2.02 Billion
Comparable Store Sales Increased 2.2% 
Earnings per Share Increased 7.8% to $1.25

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., July 26, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, today announced financial results for its second quarter ended July 1, 2017.

Second Quarter Results
Net sales for the second quarter 2017 increased 8.9% to $2.02 billion from $1.85 billion in the second quarter of 2016.  Comparable store sales increased 2.2% versus a decrease of 0.5% in the prior year’s second quarter.  Each quarter of fiscal 2017 starts one week later than the same quarter of fiscal 2016 due to the Company’s 2016 fiscal year having 53 weeks versus the normal 52 weeks.  Adjusting for the week shift, last year’s comparable store sales increase would have been 1.0%.  The 2017 second quarter had one less sales day compared to the second quarter of 2016.  We estimate the one less sales day impacted comparable store sales by approximately 60 basis points, and the increase in the quarter would have been approximately 2.8% on an equivalent quarter basis.  The comparable store sales results included an increase in comparable transaction count of 2.2% while average ticket remained flat to prior year’s second quarter.  The increase in comparable store sales was driven by broad growth across a number of product categories and geographic regions.  Continued strength in year-round products helped drive the comparable stores sales result, with the Livestock and Pet category leading the performance. 

Gross profit increased 8.5% to $704.7 million from $649.2 million in the prior year’s second quarter and gross margin decreased ten basis points to 34.9% from 35.0% in the prior year period. The slight decline in gross margin resulted primarily from higher freight expense from increased diesel fuel prices and a mix shift to more freight intensive products. 

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 11.7% to $446.8 million from $400.0 million in the prior year period.  As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses increased 50 basis points to 22.1% from 21.6% in the second quarter of 2016. The increase in SG&A as a percent of net sales was primarily attributable to higher store payroll costs to enhance customer service, investments in infrastructure and technology to drive growth and the integration of Petsense expenses.

Net income increased 2.7% to $160.6 million from $156.4 million and diluted earnings per share increased 7.8% to $1.25 from $1.16 in the second quarter of the prior year.

The Company opened 14 new Tractor Supply stores and closed one store, a Del’s store, in the second quarter of 2017 compared to 22 new store openings and one store closure, a Del’s store, in the prior year period.  The Company also opened eight new Petsense stores during the quarter and had no Petsense store closures.

Greg Sandfort, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We experienced broad based positive sales trends across our business and were pleased to see improved performance across many of our major departments in the second quarter.  With favorable weather conditions, we have seen continued strong demand for spring seasonal products into the early weeks of the third quarter, and we believe we are positioned to take advantage of an extended spring selling season.  Further, as the connection between our stores and online presence strengthens, we see evidence that our initiatives to provide our customers one seamless shopping experience are contributing to our top line results. With this in mind, we continue to execute against the strategic initiatives that we believe will drive sales and customer service as well as maintain our competitive positioning.”

First Six Months Results
Net sales increased 7.9% to $3.58 billion from $3.32 billion in the first six months of 2016. Comparable store sales increased 0.2% versus a 1.9% increase in the first six months of 2016. Gross profit increased 6.9% to $1.22 billion from $1.14 billion and gross margin decreased to 34.1% from 34.4% in the first six months of 2016.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 10.5% to $868.6 million and increased as a percent of net sales to 24.2% compared to 23.7% for the first six months of 2016.

Net income decreased 1.4% to $221.0 million from $224.1 million and net income per diluted share increased 2.4% to $1.70 from $1.66 for the first six months of 2016.

The Company opened 38 new Tractor Supply stores, converted its two Hometown Pet stores to Petsense stores, and closed one store, a Del’s store, in the first six months of 2017 compared to 58 new store openings and four store closures during the first six months of 2016.  The Company also opened 17 new Petsense stores (including the conversion of the Hometown Pet stores) during the first six months and had no Petsense store closures.

Fiscal 2017 Outlook
Based upon the results of the first six months of fiscal 2017, the Company is providing the following updated guidance for the expected results of operations in fiscal 2017:

  Updated Previous
Net Sales $7.13 billion - $7.19 billion $7.22 billion - $7.29 billion
Comparable Store Sales 1.1% - 1.7% 2.0% - 3.0%
Net Income $413 million - $419 million $445 million - $457 million
Earnings per Diluted Share $3.22 - $3.27 $3.44 - $3.52
Capital Expenditures $250 million - $270 million $270 million - $290 million

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.com shortly after the conference call concludes.

About Tractor Supply Company
Founded in 1938, Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States.  At July 1, 2017, the Company operated 1,630 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.tractorsupply.com.  Tractor Supply 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.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services.  At July 1, 2017, the Company operated 160 Petsense stores in 26 states.  For more information on Petsense, visit www.petsense.com.

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 without limitation, statements regarding sales and earnings growth, estimated results of operations, capital expenditures, marketing, merchandising and strategic initiatives.  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, national, regional and local 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 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 the business, competition, including from online competitors, weather conditions, the seasonal nature of the 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 the Company’s 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, and 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 at the time the statements are made, 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)
     
  SECOND QUARTER ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
  July 1, 2017 June 25, 2016 July 1, 2017 June 25, 2016
                 
    % of   % of   % of   % of
    Sales   Sales   Sales   Sales
Net sales $2,017,762  100.0% $1,852,534  100.0% $3,581,840  100.0% $3,320,331  100.0%
Cost of merchandise sold 1,313,054  65.1  1,203,312  65.0  2,358,929  65.9  2,176,665  65.6 
Gross profit 704,708  34.9  649,222  35.0  1,222,911  34.1  1,143,666  34.4 
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 405,736  20.1  365,916  19.8  787,850  22.0  718,588  21.6 
Depreciation and amortization 41,047  2.0  34,057  1.8  80,774  2.2  67,634  2.0 
                 
Operating income 257,925  12.8  249,249  13.4  354,287  9.9  357,444  10.8 
Interest expense, net 3,092  0.2  1,910  0.1  5,869  0.2  3,035  0.1 
                 
Income before income taxes 254,833  12.6  247,339  13.3  348,418  9.7  354,409  10.7 
Income tax expense 94,184  4.6  90,914  4.9  127,458  3.5  130,316  3.9 
Net income $160,649  8.0% $156,425  8.4% $220,960  6.2% $224,093  6.8%
                 
Net income per share:                
Basic $1.25    $1.17    $1.71    $1.68   
Diluted $1.25    $1.16    $1.70    $1.66   
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:                
Basic 128,186    133,564    129,231    133,597   
Diluted 128,722    134,562    129,906    134,635   
                 
Dividends declared per common share outstanding $0.27    $0.24    $0.51    $0.44   
                         



Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
     
  SECOND QUARTER ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
  July 1, 2017 June 25, 2016 July 1, 2017 June 25, 2016
Net income $160,649  $156,425  $220,960  $224,093 
         
Other comprehensive (loss) income:        
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of taxes (152) (1,362) 129  (1,362)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (152) (1,362) 129  (1,362)
Total comprehensive income $160,497  $155,063  $221,089  $222,731 
                 




Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
     
  July 1, 2017 June 25, 2016
ASSETS    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $67,793  $151,112 
Inventories 1,468,254  1,366,499 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 90,409  67,613 
Income taxes receivable 4,066  3,311 
Total current assets 1,630,522  1,588,535 
     
Property and equipment:    
Land 99,267  94,387 
Buildings and improvements 995,716  870,053 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 584,275  544,724 
Computer software and hardware 243,577  199,058 
Construction in progress 48,521  55,014 
Property and equipment, gross 1,971,356  1,763,236 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (988,998) (861,274)
Property and equipment, net 982,358  901,962 
     
Goodwill and other intangible assets 125,717  10,258 
Deferred income taxes 52,960  58,812 
Other assets 24,015  19,199 
Total assets $2,815,572  $2,578,766 
     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable $510,820  $430,394 
Accrued employee compensation 14,264  27,744 
Other accrued expenses 184,829  201,077 
Current portion of long-term debt 20,000  10,000 
Current portion of capital lease obligations 3,418  1,081 
Income taxes payable 73,157  54,139 
Total current liabilities 806,488  724,435 
     
Long-term debt 433,676  186,212 
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities 33,860  21,494 
Deferred rent 102,525  89,317 
Other long-term liabilities 56,457  55,379 
Total liabilities 1,433,006  1,076,837 
     
Stockholders’ equity:    
Common stock 1,361  1,358 
Additional paid-in capital 693,775  647,719 
Treasury stock (2,009,645) (1,536,695)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 1,521  (1,362)
Retained earnings 2,695,554  2,390,909 
Total stockholders’ equity 1,382,566  1,501,929 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $2,815,572  $2,578,766 
         




Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
   
  SIX MONTHS ENDED
  July 1, 2017 June 25, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $220,960  $224,093 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 80,774  67,634 
Loss on disposition of property and equipment 198  233 
Share-based compensation expense 15,079  11,212 
Deferred income taxes (7,742) (3,618)
Change in assets and liabilities:    
Inventories (98,598) (82,124)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 148  19,897 
Accounts payable (8,702) 3,145 
Accrued employee compensation (10,982) (14,940)
Other accrued expenses (33,895) (9,972)
Income taxes 67,289  59,424 
Other 2,979  3,214 
Net cash provided by operating activities 227,508  278,198 
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (96,610) (100,956)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 10,781  40 
Net cash used in investing activities (85,829) (100,916)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Borrowings under senior credit facility 578,000  595,000 
Repayments under senior credit facility (398,000) (547,500)
Debt issuance costs (313) (1,380)
Principal payments under capital lease obligations (669) (513)
Repurchase of shares to satisfy tax obligations (653) (843)
Repurchase of common stock (248,147) (106,905)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 7,835  30,943 
Cash dividends paid to stockholders (65,855) (58,785)
Net cash used in financing activities (127,802) (89,983)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 13,877  87,299 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 53,916  63,813 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $67,793  $151,112 
     
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:    
Cash paid during the period for:    
Interest $5,218  $2,153 
Income taxes 67,752  73,205 
     
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:    
Property and equipment acquired through capital lease $10,734  $5,218 
Non-cash accruals for construction in progress 15,377  32,075 
       



Selected Financial and Operating Information (a)
(Unaudited)
     
  SECOND QUARTER ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
  July 1,
 2017

 June 25,
 2016

 July 2,
 2016
 July 1,
 2017

 June 25,
 2016

 July 2,
 2016

    (originally
reported)

 (adjusted for  
week shift)
(b)
   (originally
reported)

 (adjusted for
week shift)
(b)
Sales Information:            
Comparable store sales increase (decrease) 2.2% (0.5)% 1.0% 
0.2%
 1.9% 1.7%
New store sales (% of total sales) 5.9% 5.2%   6.2% 5.2%  
Average transaction value $46.48 $46.75   $44.64 $44.76  
Comparable store average transaction value increase (decrease) 0.0% (1.9)% (1.7)% (0.3)% (0.8)% (0.9)%
Comparable store average transaction count increase 2.2% 1.5% 2.7% 0.5% 2.7% 2.7%
Total selling square footage (000’s) 27,188 24,864   27,188 24,864
  
Exclusive brands (% of total sales) 31.3% 31.0%   31.9% 31.8%  
Imports (% of total sales) 12.0% 11.5%   11.8% 11.8%  
             
Store Count Information:            
Tractor Supply            
Beginning of period 1,617 1,521
   1,595 1,488
  
New stores opened 14 22
   38
 58
  
Stores closed (1) (1)
   (3)
 (4)
  
End of period 1, 630 1,542
   1,630 1,542
  
Petsense            
Beginning of period 152 
   143
   
New stores opened 8 
   17
   
Stores closed  
   
   
End of period 160 
   160
   
Consolidated end of period 1,790 1,542   
1,790
 1,542  
             
Pre-opening costs (000’s) $2,052 $2,305   $4,656 $4,816  
             
Balance Sheet Information:            
Average inventory per store (000’s) (c) $771.2 $824.6   $771.2 $824.6  
Inventory turns (annualized) 3.43 3.43   3.19 3.21  
Share repurchase program:            
Cost (000’s) $133,601 $7,803   $248,147 $106,905  
Average purchase price per share $60.47 $89.90
   $65.20 $84.12  
             
Capital Expenditures (millions):            
Information technology $26.1 $10.5   $34.3 $17.3  
New and relocated stores and stores not yet opened 18.1 33.5   35.2 56.0  
Existing stores 12.1 17.4   20.7 21.8  
Distribution center capacity and improvements 5.3 2.8   6.3 5.8  
Corporate and other 0.1 0.1   0.1 0.1  
Total $61.7 $64.3   $96.6 $101.0  
             


2016 Comparable Store Sales: Originally Reported and Adjusted for Week Shift (b)
(Unaudited)
   
  FISCAL 2016
  First
Quarter
 Second
Quarter
 Third
Quarter
 Fourth
Quarter

 Full
Year
Comparable store sales increase (originally reported) 4.9% (0.5)% (0.6)% 3.1% 1.6%
Comparable store sales increase (adjusted for week shift) 2.6% 1.0% (1.1)% 3.8% 1.6%
Impact of week shift (2.3)% 1.5% (0.5)% 0.7% —%
           

(a)  Beginning in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016, selected financial and operating information includes the consolidation of Petsense unless otherwise noted.  Petsense stores are not considered comparable stores until 12 months after the date of acquisition.
(b)  Due to the 53-week fiscal 2016, each quarter of fiscal 2017 starts one week later than the same quarter of fiscal 2016.  The tables above represent comparable store sales for 2016 as originally reported and as adjusted to represent the same 13-week period as the 2017 fiscal quarters.  The adjusted 13-week periods end on April 2, 2016, July 2, 2016, October 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
(c)  Assumes average inventory cost, excluding inventory in transit.



            

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