Tractor Supply Company Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States (the “Company”), 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:

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

For full first quarter results click here.

About Tractor Supply Company

For 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 December 30, 2023, the Company operated 2,216 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 December 30, 2023, the Company operated 198 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