Tractor Supply Company Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Reiterates Fiscal 2024 Financial Outlook

Rhea-AI Summary

Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) reported a 2.9% increase in net sales to $3.39 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Comparable store sales rose by 1.1%, with diluted EPS growing by 10.9% to $1.83. The company reiterated its 2024 financial outlook, expecting net sales of $14.7 billion to $15.1 billion and an operating margin rate of 9.7% to 10.1%. Tractor Supply opened new stores and returned $236.2 million to shareholders in the quarter.

Positive

• Net sales increased by 2.9% to $3.39 billion for the first quarter of 2024.
• Comparable store sales grew by 1.1% during the same period.
• Diluted EPS rose by 10.9% to $1.83 compared to the prior year.
• Gross profit increased by 4.4% to $1.22 billion, with a gross margin increase to 36.0%.
• Operating income increased by 7.6% to $263.1 million.
• Tractor Supply repurchased approximately 0.5 million shares of its common stock.
• The company reiterated its 2024 financial outlook with expected net sales of $14.7 billion to $15.1 billion and an operating margin rate of 9.7% to 10.1%.
• Tractor Supply plans to open approximately 80 new stores and continue Project Fusion remodels in 2024.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported 2.9%> increase in net sales to $3.39 billion> signifies a moderate growth trajectory for Tractor Supply Company, a detail that typically garners investor interest due to implications for future revenue streams. However, the 1.1%> growth in comparable store sales suggests a more subdued consumer demand, especially when juxtaposed with last year's 2.1%> increase. This could reflect market saturation or increased competition, factors that investors should monitor. The notable 10.9%> increase in diluted EPS to $1.83> aligns with shareholder value enhancement, potentially boosting investor confidence. Furthermore, the company's ongoing share repurchase program, which saw around $117.4 million> spent on buybacks, serves as a bullish signal, reinforcing management's confidence in the stock's value.

Retail Market Analyst

Tractor Supply's emphasis on an 'everyday low price' strategy, as evidenced by their increased gross margin to 36%>, reflects a competitive stance within the rural retail market, likely aiming to attract price-conscious consumers. This strategy, combined with their cost management and lower transportation costs, could position them well against competitors in a price-sensitive market. However, the relatively flat SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales, with a slight increase from 28.1%> to 28.2%>, highlights the firm's challenge in scaling operations while maintaining cost efficiency. This balance is important for sustaining long-term growth without compromising profit margins.

Investment Strategy Advisor

Tractor Supply's reaffirmation of its 2024 financial outlook, which estimates net sales between $14.7 billion> to $15.1 billion>, is an indication of management's confidence in the company's strategic initiatives, such as 'Project Fusion' remodels and the expansion of Petsense stores. For investors considering long-term positioning, the consistency in financial outlook and operational expansion plans may be seen as a positive indicator of the company's steady growth prospects. Additionally, the commitment to returning capital to shareholders via dividends and buybacks is often viewed favorably, as it can provide a degree of downside protection through yield support.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States (the “Company”), today reported financial results for its first quarter ended March 30, 2024.

• Net Sales Increase of 2.9% to $3.39 Billion
• Comparable Store Sales Increase of 1.1%, Led by Transaction Growth
• Diluted Earnings per Share (“EPS”) of $1.83, a 10.9% Increase Over Prior Year
• Company Reiterates 2024 Financial Outlook

“For the first quarter, Tractor Supply’s results were in line with our expectations with positive comparable store sales and robust earnings growth. I want to thank our more than 50,000 Team Members for their enduring commitment to living our Mission and Values and providing exceptional customer service, which allowed us to deliver solid financial performance in the first quarter. We saw several positive signs in our business during the quarter, including ongoing market share gains, transaction growth and strength in big ticket sales. Most importantly, we believe that our customer base remains healthy and engaged. We remain confident in our outlook for 2024 given our share gains and the continued scaling of our Life Out Here strategy. We remain committed to disciplined investments to capture the significant long-term growth opportunities in our market,” said Hal Lawton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tractor Supply.

First Quarter 2024 Results

Net sales for the first quarter of 2024 increased 2.9% to a record $3.39 billion from $3.30 billion in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in net sales was driven by new store openings and growth in comparable store sales. Comparable store sales increased 1.1%, as compared to an increase of 2.1% in the prior year’s first quarter, driven by a comparable average transaction count increase of 1.3% and a comparable average ticket decline of 0.2%. Comparable store sales growth reflects strength in seasonal merchandise, partially offset by declines for year-round discretionary categories. Consumable, usable and edible products performed in line with the Company’s overall comparable store sales increase.

Gross profit increased 4.4% to $1.22 billion from $1.17 billion in the prior year’s first quarter, and gross margin increased 50 basis points to 36.0% from 35.5% in the prior year’s first quarter. The gross margin rate increase was primarily attributable to ongoing lower transportation costs, disciplined product cost management and the continued execution of an everyday low price strategy.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 3.5% to $957.7 million from $925.5 million in the prior year’s first quarter. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased 16 basis points to 28.2% from 28.1% in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in SG&A as a percent of net sales was primarily attributable to planned growth investments, which included higher depreciation and amortization, and modest deleverage of the Company’s fixed costs given the level of comparable store sales growth. These factors were partially offset by productivity improvements and strong cost control.

Operating income increased 7.6% to $263.1 million from $244.4 million in the first quarter of 2023.

The effective income tax rate was 21.1% compared to 21.0% in the first quarter of 2023.

Net income increased 8.2% to $198.2 million from $183.1 million. Diluted EPS increased 10.9% to $1.83 compared to $1.65 in the first quarter of 2023.

The Company repurchased approximately 0.5 million shares of its common stock for $117.4 million and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $118.8 million, returning a total of $236.2 million of capital to shareholders in the first quarter of 2024.

The Company opened 17 new Tractor Supply stores and four new Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in the first quarter of 2024.

Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Outlook

Based on year-to-date performance and its outlook, Tractor Supply reiterates the following financial guidance for fiscal year 2024, initially provided on February 1, 2024:

Net Sales	$14.7 billion to $15.1 billion
Comparable Store Sales	(1.0%) to +1.5%
Operating Margin Rate	9.7% to 10.1%
Net Income	$1.06 billion to $1.13 billion
Earnings per Diluted Share	$9.85 to $10.50

Capital plans for 2024 include opening approximately 80 new Tractor Supply stores, continuing Project Fusion remodels and garden center transformations, opening the Company’s 10^th distribution center and opening 10 to 15 new Petsense by Tractor Supply stores.

Conference Call Information

Tractor Supply Company will hold a conference call today, Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10 a.m. ET. The call will be webcast live at IR.TractorSupply.com. An investor presentation will be available on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call.

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

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

About Tractor Supply Company

For more than 85 years, Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) has been passionate about serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, pet enthusiasts and all those who enjoy living Life Out Here. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., ranking 291 on the Fortune 500. The Company’s more than 50,000 Team Members are known for delivering legendary service and helping customers pursue their passions, whether that means being closer to the land, taking care of animals or living a hands-on, DIY lifestyle. In store and online, Tractor Supply provides what customers need – anytime, anywhere, any way they choose at the low prices they deserve.

As of March 30, 2024, the Company operated 2,233 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states. For more information on Tractor Supply, visit www.tractorsupply.com.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense by Tractor Supply, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer providing products and services for pet owners. As of March 30, 2024, the Company operated 202 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information on Petsense by Tractor Supply, visit www.Petsense.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding market share gains, positive customer trends, new stores and distribution centers, property development plans, and financial guidance for 2024, including net sales, comparable store sales, operating margin rates, net income, diluted earnings per share, capital expenditures and plans, share repurchase, and sale-leaseback transactions. All forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, 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. Forward-looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with such words as “will,” “would,” “intend,” “expect,” “continue,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “optimistic,” “forecasted” and similar terminology. Actual results could vary materially from the expectations reflected in these statements. As with any business, all phases of our operations are subject to facts outside of our control. These factors include, without limitation, those factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Reports or Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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, except as required by law.

(Financial tables to follow)

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (in thousands, except per share and percentage data)
	Three Months Ended
	March 30, 2024							April 1, 2023
					% of							% of
					Net							Net
					Sales							Sales
Net sales	$	3,394,834			100.00	%		$	3,299,225			100.00	%
Cost of merchandise sold		2,173,980			64.04				2,129,317			64.54
Gross profit		1,220,854			35.96				1,169,908			35.46
Selling, general and administrative expenses		853,436			25.14				828,235			25.10
Depreciation and amortization		104,293			3.07				97,233			2.95
Operating income		263,125			7.75				244,440			7.41
Interest expense, net		11,902			0.35				12,680			0.38
Income before income taxes		251,223			7.40				231,760			7.03
Income tax expense		53,056			1.56				48,672			1.48
Net income	$	198,167			5.84	%		$	183,088			5.55	%
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.84						$	1.66
Diluted	$	1.83						$	1.65
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		107,946							110,045
Diluted		108,528							110,781
Dividends declared per common share outstanding	$	1.10						$	1.03
Note: Percent of net sales amounts may not sum to totals due to rounding.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (in thousands)
	Three Months Ended
	March 30, 2024				April 1, 2023
Net income	$	198,167			$	183,088
Other comprehensive (loss) / income:
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of taxes		(731	)			(1,837	)
Total other comprehensive (loss) / income		(731	)			(1,837	)
Total comprehensive income	$	197,436			$	181,251

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (in thousands)
	March 30, 2024				April 1, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	264,085			$	190,078
Inventories		3,048,719				3,030,712
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		206,680				235,510
Income taxes receivable		—				2,621
Total current assets		3,519,484				3,458,921
Property and equipment, net		2,496,948				2,144,769
Operating lease right-of-use assets		3,188,973				2,950,610
Goodwill and other intangible assets		269,520				253,262
Other assets		80,029				41,253
Total assets	$	9,554,954			$	8,848,815
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1,515,681			$	1,526,540
Accrued employee compensation		22,880				21,507
Other accrued expenses		559,688				472,742
Current portion of finance lease liabilities		3,359				2,818
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		376,816				313,809
Income taxes payable		39,331				12,284
Total current liabilities		2,517,755				2,349,700
Long-term debt		1,729,715				1,601,563
Finance lease liabilities, less current portion		30,530				33,831
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion		2,944,002				2,751,756
Deferred income taxes		68,489				76,450
Other long-term liabilities		140,452				120,969
Total liabilities		7,430,943				6,934,269
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		1,422				1,417
Additional paid-in capital		1,332,608				1,262,775
Treasury stock		(5,577,398	)			(5,053,077	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		6,062				9,438
Retained earnings		6,361,317				5,693,993
Total stockholders’ equity		2,124,011				1,914,546
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	9,554,954			$	8,848,815

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (in thousands)
	Three Months Ended
	March 30, 2024				April 1, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	198,167			$	183,088
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		104,293				97,233
Loss/(gain) on disposition of property and equipment		1,305				(139	)
Share-based compensation expense		14,448				14,514
Deferred income taxes		9,137				45,675
Change in assets and liabilities:
Inventories		(402,865	)			(321,115	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,320				10,166
Accounts payable		335,878				128,252
Accrued employee compensation		(68,598	)			(98,796	)
Other accrued expenses		20,193				(39,243	)
Income taxes		41,792				191
Other		(662	)			(272	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		257,408				19,554
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(157,199	)			(157,943	)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		4,943				259
Net cash used in investing activities		(152,256	)			(157,684	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under debt facilities		150,000				747,000
Repayments under debt facilities		(150,000	)			(310,000	)
Principal payments under finance lease liabilities		(1,203	)			(1,631	)
Repurchase of shares to satisfy tax obligations		(22,001	)			(21,643	)
Repurchase of common stock		(117,843	)			(183,196	)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock		21,718				8,623
Cash dividends paid to stockholders		(118,809	)			(113,447	)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities		(238,138	)			125,706
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(132,986	)			(12,424	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		397,071				202,502
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	264,085			$	190,078
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	3,903			$	9,274
Income taxes cash paid		1,775				1,955
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:
Non-cash accruals for property and equipment	$	65,821			$	45,178
Increase of operating lease assets and liabilities from new or modified leases		139,094				84,740
Increase of finance lease assets and liabilities from new or modified leases		—				450

Selected Financial and Operating Information (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	March 30, 2024				April 1, 2023
Sales Information:
Comparable store sales increase		1.1	%			2.1	%
New store sales (% of total sales)		1.8	%			4.3	%
Average transaction value	$	58.66			$	58.92
Comparable store average transaction value (decrease)/increase (a)		(0.2	)%			2.8	%
Comparable store average transaction count (decrease)/increase		1.3	%			(0.7	)%
Total selling square footage (000’s)		38,136				37,532
Exclusive brands (% of total sales)		29.7	%			31.1	%
Imports (% of total sales)		11.4	%			11.0	%
Store Count Information:
Tractor Supply
Beginning of period		2,216				2,147
New stores opened		17				17
Stores closed		—				—
End of period		2,233				2,164
Petsense by Tractor Supply
Beginning of period		198				186
New stores opened		4				3
Stores closed		—				—
End of period		202				189
Consolidated end of period		2,435				2,353
Pre-opening costs (000’s)	$	2,362			$	3,064
Balance Sheet Information:
Average inventory per store (000’s) (b)	$	1,184.0			$	1,229.8
Inventory turns (annualized)		3.13				3.14
Share repurchase program:
Cost (000’s) (c)	$	118,543			$	197,168
Average purchase price per share	$	236.57			$	227.67

(a)		Comparable store average transaction value changes include the impact of transaction value changes achieved on the current period change in transaction count.
(b)		Assumes average inventory cost, excluding inventory in transit.
(c)		Effective January 1, 2023, the Company’s share repurchases are subject to a 1% excise tax as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Excise taxes incurred on share repurchases represent direct costs of the repurchase and are recorded as a part of the cost basis of the shares within treasury stock.
Note: Comparable store metrics percentages may not sum to total due to rounding.

	Three Months Ended
	March 30, 2024			April 1, 2023
Capital Expenditures (millions):
New stores, relocated stores and stores not yet opened	$	61.7		$	33.2
Existing stores		57.8			83.0
Information technology		24.4			21.9
Distribution center capacity and improvements		13.1			19.6
Corporate and other		0.2			0.2
Total	$	157.2		$	157.9

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240425331896/en/

Mary Winn Pilkington (615) 440-4212

Joseph Underwood (615) 440-4658

investorrelations@tractorsupply.com

Source: Tractor Supply Company

FAQ

What was Tractor Supply Company's net sales increase for the first quarter of 2024?

Tractor Supply Company reported a 2.9% increase in net sales to $3.39 billion for the first quarter of 2024.

By how much did diluted EPS grow in the first quarter of 2024?

Diluted EPS grew by 10.9% to $1.83 in the first quarter of 2024 for Tractor Supply Company.

What is Tractor Supply Company's 2024 financial outlook for net sales?

Tractor Supply Company expects net sales of $14.7 billion to $15.1 billion for fiscal year 2024.

How many new Tractor Supply stores did the company open in the first quarter of 2024?

Tractor Supply Company opened 17 new Tractor Supply stores and four new Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in the first quarter of 2024.

What capital plans does Tractor Supply Company have for 2024?

Tractor Supply Company plans to open approximately 80 new Tractor Supply stores, continue Project Fusion remodels, and open the Company's 10th distribution center in 2024.