Tractor Supply Company Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Updates Fiscal 2024 Financial Outlook

Net Sales Increase of 1.5% to $4.25 Billion

Comparable Store Sales Decrease of 0.5%

Diluted Earnings per Share (“EPS”) of $3.93

Company Updates 2024 Financial Outlook

Tractor Supply Company (“Tractor Supply” or the “Company”), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 29, 2024.

“We are pleased with our second quarter EPS results that were in line with our outlook. My sincere appreciation goes out to our more than 50,000 Team Members for living our Mission and Values every day as we focus on taking care of our customers and each other. The team continued to execute extremely well, upholding the high standards we set for ourselves every day. At the halfway point of the year, we have made significant progress on our Life Out Here strategy. We continue to create more separation between us and our competition, thanks to our Team Members and the meaningful relationships they have with our customers,” said Hal Lawton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tractor Supply.

Lawton continued, “We are confident that we have the right plans in place to win with our customers given the strength of our second half operational initiatives. We remain excited about the significant market share growth opportunities ahead of us as we focus on the continued creation of long-term value for our shareholders.”

Second Quarter 2024 Results

Net sales for the second quarter of 2024 increased 1.5% to $4.25 billion from $4.18 billion in the second quarter of 2023. The increase in net sales was driven by new store openings, partially offset by the decline in comparable store sales. Comparable store sales decreased 0.5%, as compared to an increase of 2.5% in the prior year’s second quarter, driven by a comparable average transaction count decline of 0.6%, partially offset by a comparable average ticket increase of 0.1%. Comparable store sales results reflect strength in seasonal merchandise including big ticket, partially offset by declines in year-round discretionary categories. As expected, consumable, usable and edible products were modestly negative with positive unit growth offset by average unit price pressure.

Gross profit increased 2.7% to $1.56 billion from $1.51 billion in the prior year’s second quarter, and gross margin increased 43 basis points to 36.6% from 36.2% in the prior year’s second quarter. The gross margin rate increase was primarily attributable to ongoing lower transportation costs along with disciplined product cost management and the continued execution of an everyday low price strategy. These improvements in gross margin rate were partially offset by growth in big ticket categories, which have below chain-average margins.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 4.1% to $994.2 million from $955.4 million in the prior year’s second quarter. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased 58 basis points to 23.4% from 22.8% in the second quarter of 2023. The increase in SG&A as a percent of net sales was primarily attributable to planned growth investments, which included the onboarding of a new distribution center and higher depreciation and amortization, as well as modest deleverage of the Company’s fixed costs given the decline in comparable store sales. These factors were partially offset by productivity improvements and strong cost control. During the second quarter of 2024, the Company’s ongoing sale-leaseback strategy benefited SG&A by approximately 12 basis points, net of transaction and repair costs, from the sale of two Tractor Supply locations.

Operating income was $561.5 million in the second quarter of 2024 compared to $559.3 million in the second quarter of 2023.

The effective income tax rate was 22.7% compared to 23.0% in the second quarter of 2023.

Net income increased 0.9% to $425.2 million from $421.2 million. Diluted EPS increased 2.6% to $3.93 compared to $3.83 in the second quarter of 2023.

The Company repurchased approximately 0.5 million shares of its common stock for $139.2 million and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $118.5 million, returning a total of $257.7 million of capital to shareholders in the second quarter of 2024.

The Company opened 21 new Tractor Supply stores and three new Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in the second quarter of 2024.

For the full second quarter results, click here.

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 293 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 June 29, 2024, the Company operated 2,254 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 June 29, 2024, the Company operated 205 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information on Petsense by Tractor Supply, visit www.Petsense.com.

Contact:

Mary Winn Pilkington – Media Contact – corporatecommunications@tractorsupply.com – (615) 440-4212

Source: Tractor Supply Company