EX-99.1 2 exhibit1.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2008 RESULTS
~ Second Quarter Earnings per Share of $1.24 vs. $1.08 ~
~ Second Quarter Sales Increase 13.6% ~
~ Same-Store Sales Increase 3.4% ~

Brentwood, Tennessee, July 23, 2008 – Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest retail farm and ranch store chain in the United States, today announced financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2008.

Second Quarter Results
Net sales increased 13.6% to $898.3 million from $790.9 million in the prior year’s second quarter. Same-store sales increased 3.4% compared with a 1.0% increase in the prior year’s second quarter. Same-store sales growth was driven by the Company’s core consumable categories, including animal and pet-related products.

Gross margin increased 11.6% to $279.5 million, or 31.1% of sales, compared to $250.4 million, or 31.7% of sales, in the prior year’s second quarter. The decline in gross margin percentage primarily resulted from higher fuel-related transportation costs and an increase in the LIFO reserve.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization, improved to 22.5% of sales compared to 22.7% in the prior year’s second quarter. The decrease as a percent of sales was primarily attributable to the rigorous expense management program initiated earlier this year and a slight shift of marketing expense into the third quarter. These decreases were offset partially by higher occupancy costs. The Company’s effective income tax rate increased to 38.6% compared to 37.9% in the prior year’s second quarter, largely due to recent increases in certain state tax rates.

Net income for the quarter was $47.0 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, compared to $43.8 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, in the prior year’s second quarter.

The Company opened 23 new stores in the quarter compared to 20 new store openings and one store closure after the Company sold its Del’s store in Canada in the prior year’s second quarter.

Jim Wright, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased with our results during the quarter. Our focus on increasing the top-line, while managing expenses, contributed to our profitable growth. Our core consumable categories remained strong and were a key driver for our increases in sales and transaction count for the quarter. Despite unfavorable impacts from broader consumer trends and rising fuel costs, our customers continue to depend on Tractor Supply for their functional and non-discretionary lifestyle needs. In addition, we are pleased with our ability to manage inventory levels efficiently while improving our in-stock position on key items and maintaining superior customer service. Across all levels of the organization, the team has executed extremely well.”

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First Half Results
For the first six months of 2008, net sales increased 9.2% to $1.47 billion. Same-store sales decreased 0.7% compared to an increase of 3.9% in the first half of 2007. Gross margin in the first six months of 2008 increased 9.0% to $456.4 million in comparison to the first six months of 2007. As a percent of sales, gross margin was consistent at 31.0% of sales for the first six months of 2008 and 2007.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization, were 25.8% of sales for the first six months of 2008 compared to 25.1% of sales for the first six months of 2007.

Net income for the first six months of 2008 was $45.9 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, compared to net income of $48.8 million, or $1.19 per diluted share, for the first six months of 2007.

During the first six months of 2008, the Company opened 50 new stores with no relocations, compared to 42 new store openings, seven relocations, and one store closure after the Company sold its Del’s store in Canada during the first six months of 2007.

Company Outlook
The Company confirms that same-store sales for the year will be approximately flat to 2%.  The Company anticipates opening approximately 88 to 93 stores for the full year and now expects there will be slightly fewer selling weeks from new stores in 2008.  Accordingly, the Company has narrowed its fiscal 2008 net sales expectations to a range of $2.98 billion to $3.03 billion from its prior guidance range of $2.98 billion to $3.04 billion.  The Company expects full year net earnings will range from $2.49 to $2.55 per diluted share.

Mr. Wright concluded, “As we grow and improve the business during this challenging consumer environment, we will continue to focus on executing consistently. At the same time, we remain committed to prudently managing all areas of our business that are within our control and operating as a much leaner organization. Given our success in the first half of the year and the initiatives we have in place, we are confident that we will continue to perform well in the second half. We expect that our strategic initiatives, combined with our unique merchandise assortment and outstanding customer service, will allow us to continue to gain market share and to generate long-term value for our shareholders.”

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 simultaneously broadcast over the Internet on the Company’s homepage at TractorSupply.com and can be accessed under the link “Investor Relations.

About Tractor Supply Company
As of June 28, 2008, Tractor Supply Company operated 814 stores in 44 states. The Company’s stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers. The Company also serves the maintenance needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, pet and animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use; (3) hardware and tool products; (4) seasonal products, including lawn and garden power equipment; (5) truck and towing products; and (6) work/recreational clothing and footwear for the entire family.

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 estimated results of operations 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 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 general economic cycles affecting consumer spending, weather factors, operating factors affecting customer satisfaction, consumer debt levels, inflation, pricing and other competitive factors, the ability to attract, train and retain qualified employees, the ability to manage growth and identify suitable locations and negotiate favorable lease agreements on new and relocated stores, the timing and acceptance of new products in the stores, the mix of goods sold, the continued availability of favorable credit sources, capital market conditions in general, the ability to increase sales at existing stores, the ability to retain vendors, reliance on foreign suppliers, management of its information systems and the seasonality of the Company’s business. 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)

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Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

                                                                 
    SECOND QUARTER ENDED                   SIX MONTHS ENDED            
    June 28, 2008           June 30, 2007           June 28, 2008           June 30, 2007        
 
          % of           % of           % of           % of
 
          Sales           Sales           Sales           Sales
 
                                                               
Net sales
  $ 898,327       100.0 %   $ 790,929       100.0 %   $ 1,474,535       100.0 %   $ 1,350,761       100.0 %
Cost of merchandise sold
    618,850       68.9       540,505       68.3       1,018,154       69.0       932,157       69.0  
 
                                                               
Gross margin
    279,477       31.1       250,424       31.7       456,381       31.0       418,604       31.0  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    187,343       20.8       166,959       21.1       350,528       23.8       314,146       23.3  
Depreciation and amortization
    15,008       1.7       12,357       1.6       29,380       2.0       24,370       1.8  
 
                                                               
Income from operations
    77,126       8.6       71,108       9.0       76,473       5.2       80,088       5.9  
Interest expense, net
    573       0.1       604       0.0       1,796       0.1       1,529       0.1  
 
                                                               
Income before income taxes
    76,553       8.5       70,504       9.0       74,677       5.1       78,559       5.8  
Income tax expense
    29,535       3.3       26,747       3.5       28,811       2.0       29,803       2.2  
 
                                                               
Net income
    47,018       5.2 %     43,757       5.5 %     45,866       3.1 %     48,756       3.6 %
 
                                                               
Net income per share:
                                                               
Basic
  $ 1.26             $ 1.10             $ 1.23             $ 1.22          
 
                                                               
Diluted
  $ 1.24             $ 1.08             $ 1.21             $ 1.19          
 
                                                               
Weighted average shares outstanding (000’s):
                                                               
Basic
    37,193               39,617               37,354               39,922          
Diluted
    37,806               40,579               37,978               40,901          

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Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)

                 
    June 28,   June 30,
    2008   2007 *
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 62,957     $ 30,912  
Inventories
    683,317       692,388  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    38,959       40,173  
Deferred income taxes
          6,999  
 
               
Total current assets
    785,233       770,472  
Property and equipment, net
    357,151       321,463  
Goodwill
    10,258       10,258  
Deferred income taxes
    17,665       15,059  
Other assets
    6,012       6,069  
 
               
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 1,176,319     $ 1,123,321  
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 394,014     $ 348,025  
Accrued expenses
    101,310       110,237  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    629       896  
Income taxes currently payable
    25,520       17,574  
Deferred income taxes
    2,600        
 
               
Total current liabilities
    524,073       476,732  
Revolving credit loan
           
Capital lease obligations
    2,093       2,410  
Other long-term liabilities
    58,463       49,836  
 
               
Total liabilities
    584,629       528,978  
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock
    326       324  
Additional paid-in capital
    159,613       141,481  
Treasury stock
    (177,858 )     (63,720 )
Retained earnings
    609,609       516,258  
 
               
Total stockholders’ equity
    591,690       594,343  
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 1,176,319     $ 1,123,321  
 
               
* Cash and accounts payable balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)

                 
    SIX MONTHS ENDED    
    June 28,   June 30,
    2008   2007 *
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 45,866     $ 48,756  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    29,380       24,370  
Gain on sale of property and equipment
    (89 )     (281 )
Stock compensation expense
    6,151       5,479  
Deferred income taxes
    1,904       81  
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Inventories
    (47,329 )     (97,537 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    2,994       (3,154 )
Accounts payable
    135,668       118,854  
Accrued expenses
    (14,291 )     (1,025 )
Income taxes currently payable
    20,458       6,024  
Other
    3,076       4,683  
 
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
    183,788       106,250  
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (53,467 )     (44,702 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    234       963  
 
               
Net cash used in investing activities
    (53,233 )     (43,739 )
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement
    329,868       356,193  
Repayments under revolving credit agreement
    (384,868 )     (356,193 )
Tax benefit of stock options exercised
    211       2,433  
Principal payments under capital lease obligations
    (476 )     (567 )
Repurchase of common stock
    (27,809 )     (63,720 )
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    1,776       3,862  
 
               
Net cash used in financing activities
    (81,298 )     (57,992 )
 
               
Net increase in cash and equivalents
    49,257       4,519  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    13,700       26,393  
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 62,957     $ 30,912  
 
               
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 2,555     $ 1,239  
Income taxes
    6,177       21,230  
* Reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
       

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Selected Financial and Operating Information

                                 
    SECOND QUARTER           SIX MONTHS    
    ENDED           ENDED    
    June 28,   June 30,   June 28,   June 30,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
    (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)        
Sales Information:
                               
 
                               
Same-store sales increase (decrease)
    3.4 %     1.0 %     (0.7 )%     3.9 %
Non-comp sales (% of total sales)
    8.7 %     11.0 %     9.1 %     11.4 %
Average transaction value
  $ 48.14     $ 46.91     $ 44.89     $ 44.46  
Comp average transaction value increase (decrease)
    1.6 %     (1.2 )%     0.0 %     (0.4 )%
Comp average transaction count increase (decrease)
    1.7 %     2.2 %     (0.7 )%     4.3 %
Store Count Information:
                               
 
                               
Beginning of period
    791       698       764       676  
New stores opened
    23       20       50       42  
Stores closed/sold
          (1 )           (1 )
 
                               
End of period
    814       717       814       717  
 
                               
Relocated stores
                      7  
Pre-opening costs (000’s)
  $ 2,556     $ 2,280     $ 4,935     $ 4,355  
Balance Sheet Information:
                               
 
                               
Average inventory per store (000’s) (a)
  $ 834.7     $ 950.8     $ 834.7     $ 950.8  
Inventory turns (annualized)
    3.26       2.94       2.77       2.66  
Financed inventory (a)
    55.4 %     49.1 %     55.4 %     49.1 %
Treasury shares:
                               
Shares purchased (000’s)
    738       806       815       1,220  
Cost (000’s)
  $ 24,958     $ 42,388     $ 27,809     $ 63,720  
(a) Assumes average inventory cost, excluding inventory in transit
               

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