Core Insights - Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) reported second-quarter 2025 results with both net sales and earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, showing year-over-year growth [1][9] - Earnings per share reached 81 cents, surpassing the estimate of 80 cents, and reflecting a 2.5% increase from the previous year [1][9] - Net sales grew 4.5% year over year to $4.44 billion, exceeding the expected $4.40 billion [2][9] Sales Performance - The increase in sales was driven by new store openings and a rise in comparable store sales, which grew 1.5% year over year, reversing a 0.5% decline from the prior year's second quarter [2][3] - The growth in comparable sales was supported by strong performance in consumable, usable, and edible (C.U.E.) products, along with solid demand for spring seasonal items [3] Cost and Margin Analysis - Gross profit increased by 5.4% year over year to $1.64 billion, with the gross margin improving by 30 basis points to 36.9% due to effective product cost management [4][9] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose 6.8% to $1.06 billion, with SG&A as a percentage of net sales increasing to 23.9% from 23.4% [5][6] Operating Income and Margins - Operating income for the quarter grew 2.9% year over year to $577.8 million, while the operating margin fell by 20 basis points to 13% [7][9] Financial Position - At the end of the quarter, Tractor Supply had cash and cash equivalents of $225.8 million, long-term debt of $1.67 billion, and total stockholders' equity of $2.49 billion [11] - The company returned $195.9 million to shareholders, including share repurchases and cash dividends [12] Future Outlook - Tractor Supply reaffirmed its financial guidance for fiscal 2025, expecting net sales growth of 4-8% and comparable store sales growth of 0-4% [13] - Projected operating margin rate is between 9.5% and 9.9%, with net income expected to be between $1.07 billion and $1.17 billion [13]

Core Viewpoint - Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) is expected to report an increase in revenue and earnings for the second quarter of 2025, driven by strong demand and market share gains in its core merchandise [1][2][3]. Revenue Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TSCO's revenues is $4.40 billion, reflecting a 3.6% increase from the previous year [1]. - The company anticipates net sales growth of approximately 3-4% and comparable store sales to range from flat to up 1% for the second quarter [5]. Earnings Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share is 80 cents, indicating a 1.3% rise year-over-year [2]. - TSCO has a negative trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 2.5%, with the last quarter's earnings missing the estimate by 8.1% [2]. Key Performance Drivers - Strong demand for consumable, usable, and edible products is expected to positively impact TSCO's quarterly performance [3][9]. - The company's 'ONETractor' strategy, which integrates stores and online shopping, along with the Neighbor's Club membership program, is likely to enhance customer engagement and sales [4][9]. Cost Considerations - Higher depreciation and amortization costs, expenses from opening a distribution center, and cost inflation are anticipated to be challenges [6]. - SG&A expenses are projected to increase by 5.1% year-over-year, with the SG&A expense rate rising by 30 basis points to 25.3% [6]. Valuation Metrics - TSCO stock trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 25.34X, which is above the industry average of 17.96X but below its five-year high of 27.91X [8]. Stock Performance - TSCO shares have increased by 11.7% over the past three months, compared to the industry's growth of 23.6% [10].