Attached files

file filename
8-K - FORM 8-K TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY - TRACTOR SUPPLY CO /DE/q320148k.htm


www.TractorSupply.com


TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY REPORTS THIRD QUARTER RESULTS
Earnings per Share Increased 19.6% to $0.55
Sales Increased 12.6% to $1.36 Billion
Comparable Store Sales Increased 5.6%


Brentwood, Tennessee, October 22, 2014 - Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, today announced financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2014.

Third Quarter 2014 Results
Net sales increased 12.6% to $1.36 billion from $1.21 billion in the third quarter of 2013. Comparable store sales increased 5.6% versus a 7.5% increase in the prior year’s third quarter. The increase in comparable store sales was broad based and driven by increases in both traffic and ticket. Comparable store transaction count increased 3.3% and average ticket increased 2.2%. Comparable store sales benefited from favorable weather conditions throughout the quarter, which in turn drove strong performance in consumable, usable and edible (C.U.E.) and seasonal products. Increases in comparable store sales and average ticket were partially offset by deflation, principally in livestock feed, bird feed, lubricants and fencing.

Gross profit increased 11.6% to $464.1 million from $415.7 million in the prior year’s third quarter and gross margin rate decreased 30 basis points to 34.1% from 34.4% in the prior-year period. The decrease in gross margin rate resulted primarily from higher transportation costs and the mix of merchandise sold. The decrease in gross margin rate was partially offset by the favorable impact of our key gross margin enhancing initiatives and deflation.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 8.9% to $342.1 million. As a percent of sales, SG&A expenses improved 80 basis points to 25.2% from 26.0% in the third quarter last year. The improvement was primarily attributable to the leverage of store operating costs and incentive compensation provided by the strong comparable store sales growth.

Net income increased 18.3% to $76.6 million from $64.8 million and diluted earnings per share increased 19.6% to $0.55 from $0.46 in the third quarter of the prior year.

The Company opened 30 new stores compared to 23 new store openings in the third quarter of 2013.

Greg Sandfort, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We had a solid third quarter and are pleased with our results. Our sales growth was broad-based and well-balanced across our chain of stores and throughout the quarter. Once again, the team did a great job managing product assortments and inventory levels to address seasonal trends and external factors. This drove healthy comparable store sales increases in both traffic and ticket, which in turn led to strong increases in sales, operating margin and earnings. This represents our 26th consecutive quarter of positive comp transaction counts and is a confirmation of the needs-based nature of our customers and the merchandise we sell to them.”

Nine Months Results
Net sales increased 10.1% to $4.13 billion from $3.75 billion in the first nine months of 2013. Comparable store sales increased 3.2% versus a 5.3% increase in the first nine months of 2013. Gross profit increased 10.7% to $1.41 billion





from $1.27 billion and gross margin increased 20 basis points to 34.2% of sales from 34.0% of sales in the first nine months of 2013.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 10.2% to $999.0 million, and remained flat as a percent of sales at 24.2%.

Net income increased 11.4% to $258.8 million from $232.4 million and net income per diluted share increased 12.8% to $1.85 from $1.64 for the first nine months of 2013.

The Company opened 85 new stores compared to 71 new store openings during the first nine months of 2013.

Company Outlook
The Company is raising its fiscal year 2014 sales and earnings per share outlook to the high end of the previously provided ranges of $5.62 billion to $5.70 billion in net sales, 2.5% to 4.0% in comparable store sales and $2.54 to $2.62 in diluted earnings per share. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2014, which include spending to support 102 to 106 new store openings and the opening of the Company’s new Store Support Center, are now expected to range between $190 million to $200 million, compared to the previous range of $220 million to $230 million. The targeted range of new store openings in fiscal 2014 is unchanged from the Company’s previous outlook.

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 TractorSupply.com and can be accessed under the link “Investor Relations.” The webcast will be archived shortly after the conference call concludes and will be available through November 5, 2014.

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.

About Tractor Supply Company
At September 27, 2014, Tractor Supply Company operated 1,361 stores in 48 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 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 and new store 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 customer data, ongoing and potential future legal or regulatory proceedings, management of our information systems, failure to secure or 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 27, 2014
 
September 28, 2013
 
September 27, 2014
 
September 28, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
% of
 
 
 
% of
 
 
 
% of
 
 
 
% of
 
 
 
Sales
 
 
 
Sales
 
 
 
Sales
 
 
 
Sales
Net sales
$
1,359,950

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,208,090

 
100.0
%
 
$
4,127,461

 
100.0
%
 
$
3,749,695

 
100.0
%
Cost of merchandise sold
895,881

 
65.9

 
792,424

 
65.6

 
2,716,641

 
65.8

 
2,475,798

 
66.0

Gross profit
464,069

 
34.1

 
415,666

 
34.4

 
1,410,820

 
34.2

 
1,273,897

 
34.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
312,669

 
23.0

 
287,859

 
23.8

 
914,528

 
22.2

 
833,269

 
22.2

Depreciation and amortization
29,387

 
2.2

 
26,137

 
2.2

 
84,521

 
2.0

 
73,056

 
2.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
122,013

 
8.9

 
101,670

 
8.4

 
411,771

 
10.0

 
367,572

 
9.8

Interest expense, net
505

 

 
350

 

 
1,267

 

 
1,085

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
121,508

 
8.9

 
101,320

 
8.4

 
410,504

 
10.0

 
366,487

 
9.8

Income tax expense
44,905

 
3.3

 
36,553

 
3.0

 
151,681

 
3.7

 
134,134

 
3.6

Net income
$
76,603

 
5.6
%
 
$
64,767

 
5.4
%
 
$
258,823

 
6.3
%
 
$
232,353

 
6.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.56

 
 
 
$
0.46

 
 
 
$
1.87

 
 
 
$
1.67

 
 
Diluted
$
0.55

 
 
 
$
0.46

 
 
 
$
1.85

 
 
 
$
1.64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
137,367

 
 
 
139,524

 
 
 
138,293

 
 
 
139,304

 
 
Diluted
138,863

 
 
 
141,726

 
 
 
140,002

 
 
 
141,689

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per common share outstanding
$
0.16

 
 
 
$
0.13

 
 
 
$
0.45

 
 
 
$
0.36

 
 










Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)

 
September 27, 2014

 
September 28, 2013

ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
47,510

 
$
45,988

Inventories
1,295,824

 
1,142,013

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
49,936

 
45,794

Deferred income taxes
33,317

 
19,823

Total current assets
1,426,587

 
1,253,618

 
 
 
 
Property and equipment:
 
 
 
Land
73,424

 
72,225

Buildings and improvements
684,700

 
556,153

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
440,314

 
395,159

Computer software and hardware
158,480

 
141,986

Construction in progress
25,015

 
55,022

 
1,381,933

 
1,220,545

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(675,132
)
 
(586,149
)
Property and equipment, net
706,801

 
634,396

 
 
 
 
Goodwill
10,258

 
10,258

Deferred income taxes
24,929

 
5,283

Other assets
20,123

 
15,751

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
2,188,698

 
$
1,919,306

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
483,042

 
$
403,521

Accrued employee compensation
19,530

 
28,398

Other accrued expenses
154,631

 
136,234

Current portion of capital lease obligations
125

 
39

Income taxes payable
19,014

 
2,323

Total current liabilities
676,342

 
570,515

 
 
 
 
Revolving credit loan
150,000

 
40,000

Capital lease obligations, less current maturities
3,048

 
1,214

Deferred rent
78,356

 
76,914

Other long-term liabilities
50,745

 
46,152

Total liabilities
958,491

 
734,795

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock
1,337

 
1,326

Additional paid-in capital
483,804

 
429,144

Treasury stock
(1,082,970
)
 
(799,773
)
Retained earnings
1,828,036

 
1,553,814

Total stockholders’ equity
1,230,207

 
1,184,511

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,188,698

 
$
1,919,306









Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
September 27, 2014
 
September 28, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
258,823

 
$
232,353

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
84,521

 
73,056

Loss (gain) on disposition of property and equipment
249

 
(170
)
Stock compensation expense
12,114

 
10,349

Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised
(7,333
)
 
(31,626
)
Deferred income taxes
(28,316
)
 
(3,485
)
Change in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Inventories
(316,516
)
 
(233,897
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
7,423

 
6,014

Accounts payable
166,555

 
83,129

Accrued employee compensation
(31,043
)
 
(20,002
)
Other accrued expenses
(379
)
 
(12,982
)
Income taxes payable
16,923

 
(9,410
)
Other
4,543

 
5,281

Net cash provided by operating activities
167,564

 
98,610

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(125,425
)
 
(156,791
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
309

 
331

Decrease in restricted cash

 
8,400

Net cash used in investing activities
(125,116
)
 
(148,060
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement
260,000

 
175,000

Repayments under revolving credit agreement
(110,000
)
 
(135,000
)
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised
7,333

 
31,626

Principal payments under capital lease obligations
(57
)
 
(27
)
Repurchase of shares to satisfy tax obligations
(4,766
)
 
(3,942
)
Repurchase of common stock
(244,382
)
 
(90,601
)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
16,461

 
30,024

Cash dividends paid to stockholders
(62,270
)
 
(50,272
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(137,681
)
 
(43,192
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(95,233
)
 
(92,642
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
142,743

 
138,630

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
47,510

 
$
45,988

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest                                                                        
$
546

 
$
406

Income taxes
162,073

 
148,519

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:
 
 
 
Property acquired through capital lease
$
1,988

 
$

Non-cash accruals for construction in progress
7,654

 
11,798






Selected Financial and Operating Information
(Unaudited)

 
 
THIRD QUARTER ENDED
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
September 27, 2014
 
September 28, 2013
 
September 27, 2014
 
September 28, 2013
Sales Information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable store sales increase
 
5.6%
 
7.5%
 
3.2%
 
5.3%
New store sales (% of total sales)
 
6.3%
 
5.1%
 
6.3%
 
5.2%
Average transaction value
 
$43.75
 
$42.68
 
$44.20
 
$44.11
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable store average transaction value (decrease) increase
 
2.2%
 
0.8%
 
(0.1)%
 
0.6%
Comparable store average transaction count increase
 
3.3%
 
6.7%
 
3.3%
 
4.6%
Total selling square footage (000’s)
 
21,821
 
19,983
 
21,821
 
19,983
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Store Count Information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
 
1,331
 
1,223
 
1,276
 
1,176
New stores opened
 
30
 
23
 
85
 
71
Stores closed
 
 
(1)
 
 
(2)
End of period
 
1,361
 
1,245
 
1,361
 
1,245
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-opening costs (000’s)
 
$2,866
 
$2,385
 
$7,135
 
$5,743
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average inventory per store (000’s) (a)
 
$879.5
 
$848.4
 
$879.5
 
$848.4
Inventory turns (annualized)
 
3.12
 
3.03
 
3.24
 
3.21
Share repurchase program:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost (000’s)
 
$97,385
 
$21,297
 
$244,382
 
$90,601
Average purchase price per share
 
$61.86
 
$60.35
 
$64.36
 
$51.73
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures (millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New and relocated stores and stores not yet opened
 
$23.1
 
$21.6
 
$62.7
 
$51.5
Existing stores
 
7.3
 
7.6
 
16.0
 
13.1
Information technology
 
6.3
 
8.1
 
18.4
 
22.8
Corporate and other
 
5.9
 
12.9
 
26.7
 
25.0
Distribution center capacity and improvements
 
0.7
 
7.8
 
1.6
 
40.9
Purchase of previously leased stores
 
 
0.2
 
 
3.5
Total
 
$43.3
 
$58.2
 
$125.4
 
$156.8

(a) Assumes average inventory cost, excluding inventory in transit.