Will Tractor Supply's Margins Hold Steady Amid Rising Supply Costs?

Core Insights - Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) demonstrated resilience in its third-quarter 2025 results, effectively managing cost pressures through disciplined execution and strategic resilience [1][4] - The company experienced a gross margin expansion of 15 basis points year over year, attributed to effective product cost management and a consistent everyday low-price strategy [1][9] - Selling and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased by 29 basis points due to investments in strategic initiatives and higher incentive compensation, while tariff costs remain a significant pressure point [2][9] Financial Performance - TSCO's gross margin rose by 15 basis points year over year, indicating strong margin resilience despite rising supply costs [1][9] - SG&A expenses deleveraged by 29 basis points, reflecting strategic investments and higher incentives, which may impact future profitability [2][9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TSCO's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings suggests a year-over-year increase of 3.4% and 10.5%, respectively [11] Future Outlook - Management anticipates 2026 to be a "more normalized" year, with diminishing SG&A pressure as new programs like Direct Sales begin to self-fund, allowing for potential margin expansion [3][4] - Continued gross margin expansion is expected into 2026, supported by disciplined cost management and effective navigation of tariff impacts [3][4] - The company's high mix of domestically sourced categories provides a buffer against tariff pressures, alongside proactive assortment and sourcing diversification [2]