While reporting financial results for the fourth quarter on Thursday, rural lifestyle retailer Tractor Supply Co. (TSCO) initiated its earnings, net sales and comparable store sales guidance for the full-year 2026.Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, the company now projects earnings in a range of $2.13 to $2.23 per share on net sales growth of 4 to 6 percent, with comparable store sales growth of 1 to 3 percent.On average, analysts polled expect the company to report earnings of $2.31 per share on revenue growth ...

Core Insights - Wedgewood Partners anticipates stronger market volatility in the coming years and has moderated its enthusiasm for investments [1] - The Wedgewood Composite returned -1.8% in Q4 2025, underperforming compared to the S&P 500's 2.7% and other indices [1] - The firm's focus on high-quality stocks has historically been successful since 1992, but faced challenges in 2025 due to poor stock selection and underweighting in AI stocks [1] Company Performance - Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO) stock closed at $51.01 on January 16, 2026, with a one-month return of -1.37% and a 52-week loss of 4.94% [2] - The company reported +7% growth in sales and +6% growth in operating income, benefiting from long-term investments in stores and distribution [3] - Approximately 80% of Tractor Supply's sales come from customers enrolled in its loyalty program, indicating a strong customer base [3] Investment Outlook - Wedgewood Partners acknowledges the potential of Tractor Supply Company but believes certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4] - The number of hedge funds holding Tractor Supply Company increased from 41 to 46 in the last quarter, indicating growing interest [4] - Expectations for accelerating earnings growth in 2026 are based on the company's investments in last-mile delivery and normalization of customer spending patterns [3]

Core Insights - Tractor Supply Company is promoting a significant savings event from December 18-24, offering 50% off select categories, targeting holiday shoppers [1][6] - The company is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., providing a wide range of products for winter needs and holiday gifts [1][11] Promotions and Discounts - December Daily Deals are ongoing, featuring discounts on various items including pet essentials and holiday gifts, with special Holiday Bonus Deals each weekend [2] - Notable discounts this weekend include $300 off log splitters and $15 off poultry treats, encouraging customers to check online for complete savings [2] Product Offerings - Tractor Supply offers a diverse selection of gifts suitable for both humans and pets, catering to different budgets [3] - The company provides practical winter essentials such as heating items and insulated outerwear, which are particularly relevant given the forecast of severe winter weather [5][14] Shopping Experience - Customers can utilize online shopping options, including Buy Online, Pick Up in Store (BOPIS), with a 10% discount on BOPIS orders from December 19-22 [8] - The company emphasizes convenience with options for quick in-store pickup, curbside service, and fast delivery, ensuring last-minute shoppers can still meet holiday deadlines [9] Store Presence and Customer Service - Tractor Supply operates over 2,300 stores across 49 states, providing personalized assistance from knowledgeable team members to enhance the shopping experience [10][11] - The company is committed to serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, and pet enthusiasts, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rural living [12]

Core Insights - Tractor Supply Co. has experienced a significant increase in revenue and store count over the years, growing from $1 billion in revenue in 2002 to a projected $14.9 billion in 2025, and expanding from 433 stores to 2,364 stores [1] - Despite the company's growth, its stock performance has been mixed, with a decline of 3.5% over the past year compared to a 13.3% increase in the S&P 500 [3] - In the medium term, Tractor Supply's stock has appreciated 20.4% over the last three years, but this is significantly lower than the S&P 500's return of 68% [4][5] - Over a five-year period, Tractor Supply's return of 102.9% outperforms the S&P 500's return of 86.1%, and when including dividends, the return increases to 114.7% [6] - Long-term performance shows that investors who bought shares in November 2010 have seen a 1,460% total return, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 650% return over the same period [7][8] Summary by Timeframe One Year - Stock price decreased by 3.5% while the S&P 500 increased by 13.3% [3] Three Years - Stock appreciated by 20.4%, with a total return of 23.8% when including dividends [4] - Underperformed the S&P 500 by approximately 50 percentage points [5] Five Years - Total return of 102.9%, surpassing the S&P 500's 86.1% return [6] - Including dividends, the return is 114.7%, outperforming the S&P 500's dividend-adjusted returns by 106.2% [6] Ten Years - Returns lag behind the market on both absolute and total-return basis [7] Fifteen Years - Significant outperformance with a 1,460% total return compared to the S&P 500's 650% return [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO) is viewed as a potential buy despite recent declines, with a recommendation for investors to consider purchasing the stock [1]. Company Overview - Tractor Supply Company operates as a rural lifestyle retailer, offering a range of products including livestock and pet supplies, farm and garden equipment, tools, seasonal goods, and clothing [1]. Investment Analysis - The stock is currently trading at 26 times earnings, which is perceived as high compared to the market multiple; a lower multiple of around 22 times earnings would be more favorable [1]. - The management under Hal Lawton is noted for running a tight operation, suggesting confidence in the company's leadership [1]. Market Context - There is a general caution regarding the retail sector in the short term, indicating a challenging environment for retail stocks [1]. - The article suggests that while TSCO has potential, certain AI stocks may present greater upside potential and lower downside risk [1].

Core Viewpoint - Evercore ISI upgraded Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) to Outperform and raised its price target to $65, citing improving traffic trends, effective growth initiatives, and a compelling stock valuation [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, TSCO's comparable store sales increased by 3.9% year over year, with transaction count up by 2.7% and average ticket size growing by 1.2% [1]. - Net sales for Q3 reached $3.72 billion, reflecting a 7.2% increase, compared to a 1.5% growth in comparable sales in Q2 [1]. Group 2: Future Outlook - For Q4, TSCO anticipates comparable sales growth between 1% to 5%, with the midpoint aligning with its long-term growth algorithm [2]. - Management plans to open approximately 100 new stores in 2026, supported by 18 recently acquired Big Lots locations, alongside expected same-store sales growth of 3% to 5% [3]. Group 3: Company Profile - TSCO is recognized as the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the US, catering to farmers, ranchers, homeowners, and pet owners [4].

Core Insights - Tractor Supply is recognized as a well-managed retailer catering to rural and hobby-farming customers, offering a solid dividend yield while pursuing aggressive growth strategies [1][2] Group 1: Dividend Performance - The current dividend yield of Tractor Supply is approximately 1.7%, surpassing the S&P 500's yield of 1.2%, with a history of 16 consecutive years of dividend increases and a more than doubling of the dividend over the past five years [5] - The payout ratio stands at 44%, indicating that less than half of the earnings are consumed by dividends, allowing room for future increases even if earnings growth slows [6] Group 2: Growth Prospects - Recent financial results indicate a reacceleration in growth, with third-quarter revenue increasing by 7.2% year-over-year, up from 3.4% growth in the first half of the year [9] - Comparable-store sales growth for Q3 was reported at 3.9%, significantly higher than the 0.2% growth for the full year of 2024, suggesting improving sales trends [9]

Core Insights - Tractor Supply Company has launched an exclusive assortment of Field & Stream products, including hunting gear, premium dog products, apparel, and accessories [1] Company Overview - Tractor Supply Company is identified as the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States [1] - The partnership with Field & Stream is a multi-year strategic licensing agreement that was first announced in January [1]

Core Points - Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., celebrated National Hometown Heroes Day by honoring military service members, veterans, and local first responders [1] - Over 2,300 stores participated in the events, each contributing $500 to local fire, police, or veteran organizations, resulting in a total contribution of more than $1 million in a single day [1]

Core Insights - Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO) is recognized among the 15 Dividend Growth Stocks with the highest growth rates [1] - The company operates the largest chain of rural lifestyle retail stores in the U.S., catering to hobby farmers, ranchers, homeowners, and pet owners [2] - Baird analyst Peter Benedict raised the price target for TSCO to $67 from $65, maintaining an Outperform rating, following solid third-quarter results [3] - TSCO has a strong dividend history, having increased payouts for 16 consecutive years, with a 5-year growth rate of 25.7% and a current quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share, yielding 1.70% as of October 30 [4]