2013 Q1 FORM 10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended
March 30, 2013
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
 
to
 

Commission file number   000-23314
TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
 
13-3139732
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
 
 
 
 
 
200 Powell Place, Brentwood, Tennessee
 
37027
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
Not Applicable
 
(615) 440-4000
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES  þ    NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES  þ    NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
þ
Accelerated filer
o
 
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
YES o   NO þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
Outstanding at April 27, 2013
Common Stock, $.008 par value
 
69,788,440



TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

INDEX


 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




Page 2

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PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
March 30,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
 
March 31,
2012
ASSETS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
57,022

 
$
138,630

 
$
126,695

Restricted cash
8,400

 
8,400

 
21,870

Inventories
1,142,900

 
908,116

 
1,031,780

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
51,855

 
51,808

 
50,337

Deferred income taxes
7,214

 
23,098

 
1,431

Total current assets
1,267,391

 
1,130,052

 
1,232,113

Property and equipment:
 

 
 

 
 

Land
64,141

 
61,522

 
39,006

Buildings and improvements
522,280

 
511,188

 
472,750

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
356,730

 
350,224

 
319,816

Computer software and hardware
119,276

 
109,121

 
112,643

Construction in progress
61,801

 
37,122

 
20,525

 
1,124,228

 
1,069,177

 
964,740

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(540,934
)
 
(519,179
)
 
(476,070
)
Property and equipment, net
583,294

 
549,998

 
488,670

Goodwill
10,258

 
10,258

 
10,258

Deferred income taxes
3,696

 

 

Other assets
16,689

 
16,500

 
12,610

Total assets
$
1,881,328

 
$
1,706,808

 
$
1,743,651

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
476,043

 
$
320,392

 
$
423,913

Accrued employee compensation
9,107

 
48,400

 
13,211

Other accrued expenses
135,192

 
148,316

 
121,861

Current portion of capital lease obligations
39

 
38

 
35

Income taxes payable
3,749

 
43,359

 
6,526

Total current liabilities
624,130

 
560,505

 
565,546

Revolving credit loan
105,000

 

 

Capital lease obligations, less current maturities
1,233

 
1,242

 
1,272

Deferred income taxes

 
1,477

 
10,497

Deferred rent
76,205

 
76,236

 
76,776

Other long-term liabilities
44,534

 
42,374

 
34,405

Total liabilities
851,102

 
681,834

 
688,496

Stockholders’ equity:
 

 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 40 shares authorized; no shares issued

 

 

Common stock, $.008 par value; 200,000 shares authorized; 82,204, 81,695 and 81,065 shares issued; 69,490, 69,504 and 71,875 shares outstanding at March 30, 2013, December 29, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively
658

 
654

 
649

Additional paid-in capital
386,793

 
361,759

 
317,717

Treasury stock – at cost, 12,714, 12,191 and 9,190 shares at March 30, 2013, December 29, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively
(759,035
)
 
(709,172
)
 
(441,516
)
Retained earnings
1,401,810

 
1,371,733

 
1,178,305

Total stockholders’ equity
1,030,226

 
1,024,974

 
1,055,155

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,881,328

 
$
1,706,808

 
$
1,743,651

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
For the Fiscal Three Months Ended
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2012
 
(Unaudited)
Net sales
$
1,085,838

 
$
1,020,417

Cost of merchandise sold
733,747

 
687,617

Gross margin
352,091

 
332,800

Selling, general and administrative expenses
261,469

 
246,668

Depreciation and amortization
22,699

 
21,739

Operating income
67,923

 
64,393

Interest expense, net
179

 
583

Income before income taxes
67,744

 
63,810

Income tax expense
23,738

 
23,482

Net income
$
44,006

 
$
40,328

 
 
 
 
Net income per share – basic
$
0.63

 
$
0.56

Net income per share – diluted
$
0.62

 
$
0.55

 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic
69,448

 
71,594

Diluted
70,805

 
73,494

 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per common share outstanding
$
0.20

 
$
0.12


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 


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TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

 
For the Fiscal Three Months Ended
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2012
 
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
44,006

 
$
40,328

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
22,699

 
21,739

(Gain) loss on disposition of property and equipment
(156
)
 
87

Stock compensation expense
3,397

 
4,559

Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised
(11,993
)
 
(9,934
)
Deferred income taxes
10,711

 
4,106

Change in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Inventories
(234,784
)
 
(200,961
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(47
)
 
1,391

Accounts payable
155,651

 
157,504

Accrued employee compensation
(39,293
)
 
(35,050
)
Other accrued expenses
(14,296
)
 
(9,933
)
Income taxes payable
(27,617
)
 
4,586

Other
(3,577
)
 
1,280

Net cash used in operating activities
(95,299
)
 
(20,298
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(49,335
)
 
(31,829
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
185

 

Net cash used in investing activities
(49,150
)
 
(31,829
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Borrowings under revolving credit agreement
125,000

 

Repayments under revolving credit agreement
(20,000
)
 

Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised
11,993

 
9,934

Principal payments under capital lease obligations
(8
)
 
(10
)
Repurchase of shares to satisfy tax obligations
(3,942
)
 
(6,581
)
Repurchase of common stock
(49,863
)
 
(4,143
)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
13,590

 
11,274

Cash dividends paid to stockholders
(13,929
)
 
(8,617
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
62,841

 
1,857

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(81,608
)
 
(50,270
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
138,630

 
176,965

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
57,022

 
$
126,695

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 

 
 

Interest
$
148

 
$
28

Income taxes
41,650

 
14,412

Non-cash accruals for construction in progress
17,515

 
2,254


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 

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TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation:

The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012.  The results of operations for our interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full fiscal year.

Note 2 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.  These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term receivables, trade payables and long-term debt instruments.  Due to their short-term nature, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term receivables and trade payables approximate current fair value at each balance sheet date.  We had $105.0 million in borrowings under the revolving credit facility at March 30, 2013. We had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility at December 29, 2012 or March 31, 2012. Based on timing of the cash flows and comparison to current market interest rates, the carrying value of our revolving credit facility approximates fair value.

Note 3 – Share-Based Compensation:

Share-based compensation includes stock option and restricted stock unit awards and certain transactions under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”).   Share-based compensation expense is recognized based on grant date fair value of all options and restricted stock unit awards plus a discount on shares purchased by employees as a part of the ESPP.  The discount under the ESPP represents the difference between the grant date market value and the employee’s purchase price.

There were no significant modifications to the Company's share-based compensation plans during the fiscal three months ended March 30, 2013.

For the first quarters of fiscal 2013 and 2012, share-based compensation expense was $3.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

Stock Options

The following summarizes information concerning stock option grants during each of the first three months of fiscal 2013 and 2012:
 
Fiscal three months ended
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2012
Stock options granted
493,363

 
544,991

Weighted average exercise price
$
103.32

 
$
85.08

Weighted average fair value per option
$
29.33

 
$
26.11


As of March 30, 2013, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options was approximately $25.7 million with a remaining weighted average expense recognition period of 1.5 years.



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Restricted Stock Units

The following summarizes information concerning restricted stock unit grants during each of the first three months of fiscal 2013 and 2012:
 
Fiscal three months ended
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2012
Restricted stock units granted
24,290

 
33,951

Weighted average fair value per share
$
102.99

 
$
85.08


As of March 30, 2013, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units was approximately $5.2 million with a remaining weighted average expense recognition period of 1.9 years.

Note 4 - Net Income Per Share:

We present both basic and diluted net income per share on the face of the condensed consolidated statements of income.  Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average dilutive shares outstanding. Dilutive shares are computed using the treasury stock method for stock options and restricted stock units.

Net income per share is calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
Fiscal three months ended March 30, 2013
 
Fiscal three months ended March 31, 2012
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
 Amount
Basic net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
44,006

 
69,448

 
$
0.63

 
$
40,328

 
71,594

 
$
0.56

Diluted net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dilutive stock options and restricted stock units outstanding

 
1,357

 
(0.01
)
 

 
1,900

 
(0.01
)
Net income
$
44,006

 
70,805

 
$
0.62

 
$
40,328

 
73,494

 
$
0.55


Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the above calculations totaled approximately 0.7 million and 0.3 million for the fiscal three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, respectively.

Note 5 – Credit Agreement:

The Senior Credit Facility provides for borrowings up to $250 million (with sublimits of $250 million and $20 million for letters of credit and swingline loans, respectively).  This agreement is unsecured and matures in October 2016, with proceeds available to be used for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases and other matters.  At March 30, 2013, there were $105.0 million outstanding borrowings and $46.0 million outstanding letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility.  Borrowings bear interest at either the bank’s base rate or LIBOR plus an additional amount ranging from 0.40% to 1.00% per annum, adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio (0.50% at March 30, 2013).  We are also required to pay quarterly in arrears, a commitment fee for unused capacity ranging from 0.08% to 0.20% per annum, adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio (0.10% at March 30, 2013).  The agreement requires quarterly compliance with respect to fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios.  As of March 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.

Note 6 – Treasury Stock:

The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized common stock repurchases under the share repurchase program up to $1.0 billion, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses related to such repurchases, through April 2015. The repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.  The timing and amount of any shares repurchased under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, capital availability, and other market conditions.  Repurchased shares will be held in treasury.  The program may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.

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We repurchased 522,500 and 54,700 shares of common stock under the share repurchase program for a total cost of $49.9 million and $4.1 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. As of March 30, 2013, we had remaining authorization under the share repurchase program of $241.3 million exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses.

Note 7 – Dividends:

During the first three months of fiscal 2013, the Board of Directors declared the following dividend:

Date Declared
 
Dividend Amount
Per Share
 
Stockholders of Record Date
 
Date Paid
February 6, 2013
 
$
0.20

 
February 25, 2013
 
March 12, 2013

It is the present intention of the Board of Directors to continue to pay a quarterly cash dividend; however, the declaration and payment of future dividends will be determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion and will depend upon the earnings, financial condition, and capital needs of the Company, along with other factors which the Board of Directors deems relevant.

On May 1, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share of the Company’s common stock.  The dividend will be paid on June 4, 2013 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 20, 2013.

Note 8 – Income Taxes:

Our effective income tax rate decreased to 35.0% in the first three months of fiscal 2013 compared to 36.8% for the first three months of fiscal 2012. The decrease was principally due to the favorable impact of the reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions and the reinstatement of the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit that was approved by Congress in the early part of our first quarter, both of which are treated as discrete items in the quarter. The Company expects the full year effective tax rate will be approximately 36.5%.

Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies:

Construction and Real Estate Commitments

At March 30, 2013, we had contractual commitments related to a new distribution center in Macon, GA totaling approximately $7.6 million, contractual commitments related to construction projects for new stores totaling approximately $5.4 million, and contractual commitments related to the construction of our new store support center of approximately $55.3 million.

Letters of Credit

At March 30, 2013, there were $46.0 million outstanding letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility and an $8.4 million outstanding letter of credit at a financial institution outside of the Senior Credit Facility which is collateralized by a time deposit classified as restricted cash.

Effective April 1, 2013, the outstanding letter of credit at the financial institution outside of the Senior Credit Facility of $8.4 million increased to $18.3 million, and the restriction on the $8.4 million in restricted cash lapsed.
 
Litigation

The Company responded to a Request for Information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 relating to certain recreational vehicles and non-road spark ignition engines sold by the Company.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the Environmental Enforcement Section of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”), on behalf of the EPA, informed the Company that it believed the Company had violated the Clean Air Act by importing or causing the importation of certain engines that were noncompliant, and that unless the DOJ and the Company were able to reach a settlement, the DOJ was prepared to commence a civil action. The engines were purchased by the Company pursuant to agreements with vendors under which the vendors represented that their products complied with all applicable laws and regulations and under which the vendors agreed to indemnify the Company for any liabilities or costs relating to, among other matters, the noncompliance or alleged noncompliance of their products.  The Company notified these vendors of the EPA's position and has worked with these vendors to provide additional information to the DOJ and EPA regarding the alleged violations.  As a result of this process, the Company believes it has provided evidence that many of the products identified by the DOJ and EPA in early 2011 were, in fact,

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in compliance with the Clean Air Act and that most of the remaining issues relate to products purchased from one vendor.  The vendor of these products and the Company are engaged in settlement discussions with the DOJ and EPA that would call for the payment of a civil penalty by and certain injunctive relief against the Company.  In addition, the EPA in May 2012 provided the Company with a summary of preliminary findings based on inspections of certain products sold by the Company. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the EPA informed the Company of its position that many of the issues identified in its preliminary findings constitute violations of the Clean Air Act. The Company is working with the vendors of these products to provide additional information to EPA. The Company intends to seek reimbursement from its vendors for any penalties paid as part of a settlement of these matters. The Company does not expect the resolution of these matters to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  We do not believe it is reasonably possible that a loss in excess of the amount accrued will be incurred.

We are also involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business.  We expect these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  We believe that any estimated loss related to such matters has been adequately provided in accrued liabilities to the extent probable and reasonably estimable.

Note 10 – Segment Reporting:

Tractor Supply Company has one reportable segment which is the retail sale of farm and ranch products.  The Company manages the business on the basis of one operating segment.  The following chart indicates the percentage of sales represented by each of our major product categories for the fiscal three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012:
 
Fiscal three months ended
 
March 30, 2013
 
March 31, 2012
Product Category:
 
 
 
Livestock and Pet
49
%
 
45
%
Hardware, Tools and Truck
22

 
22

Seasonal, Gift and Toy Products
16

 
19

Clothing and Footwear
9

 
9

Agriculture
4

 
5

Total
100
%
 
100
%

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012. The following discussion and analysis also contains certain historical and forward-looking information.  The forward-looking statements included herein are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”).  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, which address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as estimated results of operations in future periods, the declaration and payment of dividends, future capital expenditures (including their amount and nature), business strategy, expansion and growth of our business operations and other such matters are forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements may be affected by certain risks and uncertainties, any one, or a combination of which, could materially affect the results of our operations.  To take advantage of the safe harbor provided by the Act, we are identifying certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, whether oral or written.

As with any business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control.  These factors include, without limitation, general economic conditions affecting consumer spending, the timing and acceptance of new products in the stores, the mix of goods sold,  purchase price volatility (including inflationary and deflationary pressures), the ability to increase sales at existing stores, the ability to manage growth and identify suitable locations, the ability to manage expenses, the availability of favorable credit sources, capital market conditions in general, failure to open new stores in the manner and number currently contemplated, the impact of new stores on our business, competition, weather conditions, the seasonal nature of our business, effective merchandising initiatives and marketing emphasis, the ability to retain vendors, reliance on foreign suppliers, the ability

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to attract, train and retain qualified employees, product liability and other claims, changes in federal, state or local regulations, potential judgments, fines, legal fees and other costs, breach of privacy, ongoing and potential future legal or regulatory proceedings, management of our information systems, failure to secure or develop and implement new technologies, the failure of customer-facing technology systems, business disruption including from the implementation of supply chain technologies, effective tax rate changes and results of examination by taxing authorities, the ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting and changes in accounting standards, assumptions and estimates.  We discuss in greater detail risk factors relating to our business in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012.  Forward-looking statements are based on our knowledge of our business and the environment in which we operate, but because of the factors listed above or other factors, 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 there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on our business and operations.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no 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.

Results of Operations

Fiscal Three Months (First Quarter) Ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012
Net sales increased 6.4% to $1.09 billion for the first three months of fiscal 2013 from $1.02 billion for the first three months of fiscal 2012.  Same-store sales for the first three months of fiscal 2013 were $1.02 billion, a 0.5% increase over the first three months of fiscal 2012. This compares to a very strong 11.5% same-store sales increase for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The 2013 same-store sales increase was driven primarily by continued strong results in key consumable, usable and edible (C.U.E.) products, principally animal- and pet-related merchandise. C.U.E. products represent certain high-velocity, consumable items from several of our major product categories. Additionally, the Company experienced strong sales of winter seasonal merchandise due to the extended cold weather during the quarter. These increases were principally offset by lower sales of spring seasonal merchandise as compared to the prior year's first quarter, which had an early spring. We estimate that same-store sales were favorably impacted by approximately 140 basis points due to inflation, principally in livestock feed and dry pet food.

In addition to same-store sales growth in the first three months of fiscal 2013, sales from stores opened less than one year were $62.1 million for the first three months of fiscal 2013, which represented 6.1 percentage points of the 6.4% increase over total first quarter fiscal 2012 net sales.

The following chart summarizes our store growth for the fiscal three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012:
 
Fiscal three months ended
 
March 30, 2013
 
March 31, 2012
Store Count, Beginning of Period
1,176

 
1,085

New Stores Opened
22

 
33

Stores Closed
(1
)
 
(1
)
Store Count, End of Period
1,197

 
1,117


The following chart indicates the percentage of sales represented by each of our major product categories for the fiscal three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012:
 
Fiscal three months ended
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2012
Product Category:
 
 
 
Livestock and Pet
49
%
 
45
%
Hardware, Tools and Truck
22

 
22

Seasonal, Gift and Toy Products
16

 
19

Clothing and Footwear
9

 
9

Agriculture
4

 
5

Total
100
%
 
100
%


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Index

Gross margin increased 5.8% to $352.1 million for the first three months of fiscal 2013 from $332.8 million in the first three months of fiscal 2012.  As a percent of sales, gross margin decreased 20 basis points to 32.4% for the first three months of fiscal 2013 compared to 32.6% for the comparable period in fiscal 2012. The decrease in gross margin as a percent of sales resulted from the continued mix shift to lower-margin C.U.E. products, the softness in sales of higher margin spring seasonal merchandise, and increased transportation costs. Transportation costs increased due to a larger volume of imports and the impact from the mix shift to more freight-intensive C.U.E. products. These decreases were partially offset by the favorable impact from key margin-driving initiatives.

As a percent of sales, SG&A expenses, including depreciation and amortization, improved 20 basis points to 26.1% in the first three months of fiscal 2013 from 26.3% in the first three months of fiscal 2012.  The improvement as a percent of sales was attributable to lower year-over-year incentive compensation expense.  Total SG&A expenses increased 5.9% to $284.2 million from $268.4 million in the first three months of fiscal 2012.  This change is due primarily to new store growth and corporate support services.

Our effective income tax rate decreased to 35.0% in the first three months of fiscal 2013 compared to 36.8% for the first three months of fiscal 2012. The decrease was principally due to the favorable impact of the reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions and the reinstatement of the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit that was approved by Congress in the early part of our first quarter, both of which are treated as discrete items in the quarter. The Company expects the full year effective tax rate will be approximately 36.5%.

Net income for the first three months of fiscal 2013 increased 9.1% to $44.0 million compared to $40.3 million in the first three months of fiscal 2012.  Net income per diluted share for the first three months of fiscal 2013 increased to $0.62 from $0.55 in the first three months of fiscal 2012.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In addition to normal operating expenses, our primary ongoing cash requirements are for new store expansion, remodeling and relocation programs, distribution center and store support center capacity and improvements, information technology, inventory purchases, share repurchases and cash dividends.  Our primary ongoing sources of liquidity are existing cash balances, funds provided from operations, borrowings available under our Senior Credit Facility, capital and operating leases and normal trade credit.  Our inventory and accounts payable levels typically build in the first and third fiscal quarters in anticipation of the spring and cold-weather selling seasons, respectively.

At March 30, 2013, the Company had working capital of $643.3 million, which increased $73.8 million from December 29, 2012 and decreased $23.3 million from March 31, 2012.  The shifts in working capital were attributable to changes in the following components of current assets and current liabilities (in millions):
 
March 30,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
 
Variance
 
March 31,
2012
 
Variance
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
57.0

 
$
138.6

 
$
(81.6
)
 
$
126.7

 
$
(69.7
)
Restricted cash
8.4

 
8.4

 

 
21.9

 
(13.5
)
Inventories
1,142.9

 
908.1

 
234.8

 
1,031.8

 
111.1

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
51.9

 
51.8

 
0.1

 
50.3

 
1.6

Deferred income taxes
7.2

 
23.1

 
(15.9
)
 
1.4

 
5.8

 
1,267.4

 
1,130.0

 
137.4

 
1,232.1

 
35.3

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
476.0

 
320.4

 
155.6

 
423.9

 
52.1

Accrued employee compensation
9.1

 
48.4

 
(39.3
)
 
13.2

 
(4.1
)
Other accrued expenses
135.2

 
148.3

 
(13.1
)
 
121.9

 
13.3

Income taxes payable
3.8

 
43.4

 
(39.6
)
 
6.5

 
(2.7
)
 
624.1

 
560.5

 
63.6

 
565.5

 
58.6

Working capital
$
643.3

 
$
569.5

 
$
73.8

 
$
666.6

 
$
(23.3
)


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In comparison to December 29, 2012, working capital as of March 30, 2013 was impacted most significantly by changes in our cash, inventory, accounts payable, accrued employee compensation and income taxes payable.
The decrease in cash is primarily attributable to an increase in inventory purchases, common stock repurchases and capital expenditures, principally due to new store construction and construction of the new distribution center in Macon, GA.
The increase in inventories and accounts payable resulted primarily from the purchase of additional inventory to support new store growth as well as a seasonal build in anticipation of the spring selling season.
The decrease in accrued employee compensation is primarily due to the payment of annual incentive compensation and the timing of payroll disbursements.
The decrease in income taxes payable reflects quarterly income tax payments.

In comparison to March 31, 2012, working capital as of March 30, 2013 was impacted most significantly by changes in our cash, inventories and accounts payable.

The decrease in cash is primarily attributable to common stock repurchases and capital expenditures, offset in part by increased earnings. Since the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we repurchased approximately 3.5 million shares of common stock under the share repurchase program at a total cost of $317.5 million. Capital expenditures of $170.4 million since the first quarter of fiscal 2012 reflect funding to support new store growth, construction of a new distribution center, technology upgrades to enhance our customer experience in our retail stores and on-line, as well as land and construction costs for our new store support center.
The increase in inventories and accounts payable is primarily a result of new store growth and increased inventory per store of 2.3%. The increase in inventory on a per store basis is related to inventory build in key spring seasonal categories as well as inflation.
 
Operations used net cash of $95.3 million and $20.3 million in the first three months of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.  The $75.0 million increase in net cash used in operations in the first three months of fiscal 2013 compared to the first three months of fiscal 2012 is due to changes in the following operating activities (in millions):
 
Fiscal three months ended
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2012
 
Variance
Net income
$
44.0

 
$
40.3

 
$
3.7

Depreciation and amortization
22.7

 
21.7

 
1.0

Stock compensation expense
3.4

 
4.6

 
(1.2
)
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised
(12.0
)
 
(9.9
)
 
(2.1
)
Deferred income taxes
10.7

 
4.1

 
6.6

Inventories and accounts payable
(79.1
)
 
(43.5
)
 
(35.6
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 
1.4

 
(1.4
)
Accrued expenses
(53.6
)
 
(45.0
)
 
(8.6
)
Income taxes payable
(27.6
)
 
4.6

 
(32.2
)
Other, net
(3.8
)
 
1.4

 
(5.2
)
Net cash used in operations
$
(95.3
)
 
$
(20.3
)
 
$
(75.0
)

The $75.0 million increase in net cash used by operations in the first three months of fiscal 2013 compared with the first three months of fiscal 2012 primarily relates to increased inventory levels and timings of accounts payable and income tax payments. Inventory, net of accounts payable, was a larger use of operating funds in the first three months of fiscal 2013 than in the same period last year due to an increase in seasonal inventory, timing of payments and inflation. Income taxes payable decreased due to timing of estimated tax payments.

Investing activities used cash of $49.2 million and $31.8 million in the first three months of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. The majority of the investing activity relates to our capital expenditures. Our significant store expansion, coupled with distribution network expansion and other required investments in infrastructure resulted in capital expenditures for the first three months of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 as follows (in millions):

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Index

 
Fiscal three months ended
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2012
Distribution center capacity and improvements
$
19.4

 
$
0.8

New and relocated stores and stores not yet opened
12.3

 
18.2

Information technology
11.0

 
6.5

Purchase of previously leased stores
3.3

 
3.2

Existing stores
2.3

 
3.0

Corporate and other
1.0

 
0.1

 
$
49.3

 
$
31.8


The above table reflects 22 new stores in the first three months of fiscal 2013, compared to 33 new stores during the first three months of fiscal 2012. We expect to open approximately 100 to 105 new stores during fiscal 2013. The increase in distribution center capacity and improvements in the first three month of fiscal 2013 compared to the first three months of fiscal 2012 is primarily due to the construction of our new Macon, GA distribution center, which is the relocation of our southeastern distribution center in Braselton, GA.

Financing activities provided cash of $62.8 million and $1.9 million in the first three months of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.  This change in net cash provided by financing activities is largely due to $105.0 million in borrowings, net of repayments, under the revolving credit agreement partially offset by an incremental $45.7 million in common stock repurchases during the first three months of fiscal 2013 compared to the first three months of fiscal 2012.
 
The Senior Credit Facility provides for borrowings up to $250 million (with sublimits of $250 million and $20 million for letters of credit and swingline loans, respectively).  This agreement is unsecured and matures in October 2016, with proceeds available to be used for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases and other matters.  At March 30, 2013, there were $105.0 million outstanding borrowings and $46.0 million outstanding letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility. Borrowings bear interest at either the bank’s base rate or LIBOR plus an additional amount ranging from 0.40% to 1.00% per annum, adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio (0.50% at March 30, 2013).  We are also required to pay quarterly in arrears, a commitment fee for unused capacity ranging from 0.08% to 0.20% per annum, adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio (0.10% at March 30, 2013).  The agreement requires quarterly compliance with respect to fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios.  As of March 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.

We believe that our existing cash balances, expected cash flow from future operations, borrowings available under the Senior Credit Facility, operating and capital leases and normal trade credit will be sufficient to fund our operations and our capital expenditure needs, including new store openings, store acquisitions, relocations and renovations, and distribution center capacity, over the next several years.

Share Repurchase Program

The Company's Board of Directors has authorized common stock repurchases under the share repurchase program up to $1.0 billion, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses related to such repurchases, through April 2015. The repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.  The timing and amount of any shares repurchased under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, capital availability, and other market conditions.  Repurchased shares will be held in treasury.  The program may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.

We repurchased 522,500 and 54,700 shares of common stock under the share repurchase program at a total cost of $49.9 million and $4.1 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. As of March 30, 2013, we had remaining authorization under the share repurchase program of $241.3 million exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses.

Dividends

We believe our ability to generate cash allows us to invest in the growth of our business and, at the same time, distribute a quarterly dividend.  During the first three months of fiscal 2013, the Board of Directors declared the following dividend:


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Index

Date Declared
 
Dividend Amount
Per Share
 
Stockholders of Record Date
 
Date Paid
February 6, 2013
 
$
0.20

 
February 25, 2013
 
March 12, 2013

It is the present intention of the Board of Directors to continue to pay a quarterly cash dividend; however, the declaration and payment of future dividends will be determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion and will depend upon the earnings, financial condition, and capital needs of the Company, along with other factors which the Board of Directors deems relevant.

On May 1, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share of the Company’s common stock.  The dividend will be paid on June 4, 2013 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 20, 2013.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our off-balance sheet arrangements are limited to operating leases and outstanding letters of credit. We typically lease buildings for retail stores and offices rather than acquiring these assets which allows us to utilize financial capital to operate the business rather than invest in fixed assets.  Letters of credit allow us to purchase inventory, primarily sourced overseas, in a timely manner and support certain risk management programs.

Significant Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

At March 30, 2013, we had contractual commitments related to a new distribution center in Macon, GA totaling approximately $7.6 million, contractual commitments related to construction projects for new stores totaling approximately $5.4 million, and contractual commitments related to the construction of our new store support center of approximately $55.3 million.

There have been no other material changes in our contractual obligations and commercial commitments other than in the ordinary course of business since the end of fiscal 2012.

At March 30, 2013, there were $46.0 million outstanding letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility and an $8.4 million outstanding letter of credit at a financial institution outside of the Senior Credit Facility which is collateralized by a time deposit classified as restricted cash.

Effective April 1, 2013, the outstanding letter of credit at the financial institution outside of the Senior Credit Facility of $8.4 million increased to $18.3 million, and the restriction on the $8.4 million in restricted cash lapsed.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial position and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.  The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make informed estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Our significant accounting policies, including areas of critical management judgments and estimates, have primary impact on the following financial statement areas:

-
Inventory valuation
-
Income tax contingencies
-
Self-insurance reserves
-
Long-lived assets
-
Sales tax audit reserve
 
 

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012 for a discussion of our critical accounting policies.  Our financial position and/or results of operations may be materially different when reported under different conditions or when using different assumptions in the application of such policies.  In the event estimates or assumptions prove to be different from actual amounts, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information.


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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We may be exposed to changes in interest rates primarily from the Senior Credit Facility. The Senior Credit Facility bears interest at either the bank’s base rate (3.25% at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012) or LIBOR (0.20% at March 30, 2013 and 0.24% at March 31, 2012) plus an additional amount per annum adjusted quarterly (ranging from 0.40% to 1.00%) based on our leverage ratio (0.50% at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012).  We are also required to pay (quarterly in arrears) a commitment fee (ranging from 0.08% to 0.20%) based on the daily average unused portion of the credit line (0.10% at March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012).  See Note 5 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further discussion regarding the Senior Credit Facility.

Seasonality and Weather

Our business is seasonal.  Historically, our sales and profits are the highest in the second and fourth fiscal quarters due to the sale of seasonal products. Extreme weather conditions, including snow and ice storms, flood and wind damage, hurricanes, tornadoes and droughts can have an impact on our sales and results of operations. Our strategy is to remain flexible and react to extreme weather conditions by changing assortments in stores affected by the weather conditions and redirecting inventories to these stores. We experience our highest inventory and accounts payable balances during our first fiscal quarter for purchases of seasonal products in anticipation of the spring selling season and again during our third fiscal quarter in anticipation of the cold-weather selling season.

Purchase Price Volatility

Although we cannot determine the full effect of inflation and deflation on our operations, we believe our sales and results of operations are affected by both.  We are subject to market risk with respect to the pricing of certain products and services, which include, among other items, steel, grain, petroleum, corn, cotton and other commodities as well as transportation services.  Therefore, we may experience both inflationary and deflationary pressures on product cost, which may impact consumer demand and, as a result, sales and gross margin. Our strategy is to reduce or mitigate the effects of purchase price volatility principally by taking advantage of vendor incentive programs, economies of scale from increased volume of purchases, adjusting retail prices and selectively buying from the most competitive vendors without sacrificing quality.  Should our strategy to mitigate purchase price volatility not be effective, our financial performance could be adversely impacted.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the 1934 Act) as of March 30, 2013.  Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of March 30, 2013, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

The Company responded to a Request for Information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 relating to certain recreational vehicles and non-road spark ignition engines sold by the Company.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the Environmental Enforcement Section of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”), on behalf of the EPA, informed the Company that it believed the Company had violated the Clean Air Act by importing or causing the importation of certain engines that were noncompliant, and that unless the DOJ and the Company were able to reach a settlement, the DOJ was prepared to commence a civil action. The engines were purchased by the Company pursuant to agreements with vendors under which the vendors represented that their products complied with all applicable laws and regulations and under which the

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Index

vendors agreed to indemnify the Company for any liabilities or costs relating to, among other matters, the noncompliance or alleged noncompliance of their products.  The Company notified these vendors of the EPA's position and has worked with these vendors to provide additional information to the DOJ and EPA regarding the alleged violations.  As a result of this process, the Company believes it has provided evidence that many of the products identified by the DOJ and EPA in early 2011 were, in fact, in compliance with the Clean Air Act and that most of the remaining issues relate to products purchased from one vendor.  The vendor of these products and the Company are engaged in settlement discussions with the DOJ and EPA that would call for the payment of a civil penalty by and certain injunctive relief against the Company.  In addition, the EPA in May 2012 provided the Company with a summary of preliminary findings based on inspections of certain products sold by the Company. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the EPA informed the Company of its position that many of the issues identified in its preliminary findings constitute violations of the Clean Air Act. The Company is working with the vendors of these products to provide additional information to EPA. The Company intends to seek reimbursement from its vendors for any penalties paid as part of a settlement of these matters. The Company does not expect the resolution of these matters to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  We do not believe it is reasonably possible that a loss in excess of the amount accrued will be incurred.

We are also involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business.  We expect these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  We believe that any estimated loss related to such matters has been adequately provided in accrued liabilities to the extent probable and reasonably estimable.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to our risk factors as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized common stock repurchases under the share repurchase program up to $1.0 billion through April 2015. Stock repurchase activity during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was as follows:
Period
 
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
December 30, 2012 – January 26, 2013
 
317,500

 
$
91.88

 
317,500

 
$
261,992,605

January 27, 2013 – February 23, 2013
 
128,123

 
99.95

 
90,000

 
253,131,721

February 24, 2013 – March 30, 2013
 
115,000

 
102.85

 
115,000

 
241,306,997

As of March 30, 2013
 
560,623

 
$
95.97

 
522,500

 
$
241,306,997


We expect to implement the balance of the repurchase program through purchases made from time to time either in the open market or through private transactions, in accordance with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

None.


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Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibit
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101
The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal 2013, filed with the SEC on May 6, 2013, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 30, 2013, December 29, 2012 and March 31, 2012, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012, and (iv) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
 
TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 6, 2013
By:
/s/ Anthony F. Crudele
 
 
 
Anthony F. Crudele
 
 
 
Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

 
 
 


Page 18