Tractor Supply (TSCO) Seen as “Hedge” Against Consumer Uncertainty, According to Jefferies

Core Insights - Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO) is recognized as a high-quality dividend stock suitable for long-term investors [1] - Jefferies analyst upgraded TSCO to Buy from Hold, raising the price target to $64 from $58, citing the stock as a hedge against consumer uncertainty [2] - The company reported a 3.9% year-over-year increase in comparable store sales for Q3 2025, with net sales rising 7.2% to $3.72 billion [2] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, TSCO's comparable store sales increased by 3.9%, driven by a 2.7% growth in transaction count and a 1.2% increase in average ticket size [2] - The company expects comparable sales growth for Q4 to be between 1% and 5%, aligning with its long-term same-store sales algorithm [3] - TSCO's dividend payout represents about 44% of earnings, indicating potential for continued growth even if earnings slow [4] Business Model and Market Position - TSCO serves a diverse customer base, including recreational farmers, ranchers, and pet owners, offering a wide range of products such as animal feed, power equipment, and lawn tools [4] - The company has a strong track record of 16 consecutive years of dividend increases, reinforcing its position as a reliable dividend payer [4]