Q2 2014 10Q

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
June 28, 2014
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 July 26, 2014
Common Stock, $.008 par value
 
137,676,558



TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

INDEX


 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




Page 2

Index

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
June 28,
2014
 
December 28,
2013
 
June 29,
2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
55,965

 
$
142,743

 
$
55,698

Inventories
1,154,585

 
979,308

 
1,082,861

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
48,120

 
57,359

 
52,676

Deferred income taxes
25,515

 
29,838

 
14,446

Total current assets
1,284,185

 
1,209,248

 
1,205,681

Property and equipment:
 

 
 

 
 

Land
75,843

 
73,350

 
65,290

Buildings and improvements
607,030

 
581,938

 
531,142

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
427,024

 
408,021

 
371,565

Computer software and hardware
156,674

 
140,222

 
132,875

Construction in progress
84,049

 
65,312

 
74,393

 
1,350,620

 
1,268,843

 
1,175,265

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(657,233
)
 
(603,911
)
 
(563,789
)
Property and equipment, net
693,387

 
664,932

 
611,476

 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
10,258

 
10,258

 
10,258

Deferred income taxes
17,395

 
92

 
2,646

Other assets
20,303

 
18,861

 
16,363

Total assets
$
2,025,528

 
$
1,903,391

 
$
1,846,424

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
390,170

 
$
316,487

 
$
360,811

Accrued employee compensation
21,158

 
50,573

 
26,783

Other accrued expenses
144,360

 
155,615

 
138,417

Current portion of capital lease obligations
125

 
42

 
39

Income taxes payable
73,174

 
9,424

 
53,482

Total current liabilities
628,987

 
532,141

 
579,532

 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities
3,078

 
1,200

 
1,224

Deferred rent
77,864

 
76,930

 
76,474

Other long-term liabilities
49,674

 
46,226

 
45,447

Total liabilities
759,603

 
656,497

 
702,677

Stockholders’ equity:
 

 
 

 
 

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

 

 

Common stock, $0.008 par value; 400,000 shares authorized at June 28, 2014, 200,000 shares authorized at December 28, 2013 and June 29, 2013; 166,881, 166,324 and 165,316 shares issued; 137,989, 139,654 and 139,534 shares outstanding at June 28, 2014, December 28, 2013 and June 29, 2013, respectively
1,335

 
1,331

 
1,322

Additional paid-in capital
476,742

 
452,668

 
413,695

Treasury stock – at cost, 28,892, 26,670 and 25,782 shares at June 28, 2014, December 28, 2013 and June 29, 2013, respectively
(985,585
)
 
(838,588
)
 
(778,476
)
Retained earnings
1,773,433

 
1,631,483

 
1,507,206

Total stockholders’ equity
1,265,925

 
1,246,894

 
1,143,747

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,025,528

 
$
1,903,391

 
$
1,846,424

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

Page 3

Index

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
For the Fiscal Three Months Ended
 
For the Fiscal Six Months Ended
 
June 28,
2014
 
June 29,
2013
 
June 28,
2014
 
June 29,
2013
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
1,583,831

 
$
1,455,767

 
$
2,767,511

 
$
2,541,605

Cost of merchandise sold
1,033,299

 
949,627

 
1,820,760

 
1,683,374

Gross profit
550,532

 
506,140

 
946,751

 
858,231

Selling, general and administrative expenses
311,589

 
283,941

 
601,859

 
545,410

Depreciation and amortization
27,914

 
24,220

 
55,134

 
46,919

Operating income
211,029

 
197,979

 
289,758

 
265,902

Interest expense, net
308

 
556

 
762

 
735

Income before income taxes
210,721

 
197,423

 
288,996

 
265,167

Income tax expense
77,310

 
73,843

 
106,776

 
97,581

Net income
$
133,411

 
$
123,580

 
$
182,220

 
$
167,586

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share – basic
$
0.96

 
$
0.89

 
$
1.31

 
$
1.21

Net income per share – diluted
$
0.95

 
$
0.87

 
$
1.30

 
$
1.18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
138,394

 
139,344

 
138,756

 
139,074

Diluted
140,110

 
141,580

 
140,571

 
141,550

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per common share outstanding
$
0.16

 
$
0.13

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.23


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


Page 4

Index

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Fiscal Six Months Ended
 
June 28,
2014
 
June 29,
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
182,220

 
$
167,586

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
55,134

 
46,919

Gain on disposition of property and equipment
(68
)
 
(178
)
Stock compensation expense
8,118

 
6,934

Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised
(4,171
)
 
(24,804
)
Deferred income taxes
(12,980
)
 
4,529

Change in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Inventories
(175,277
)
 
(174,745
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
9,239

 
(868
)
Accounts payable
73,683

 
40,419

Accrued employee compensation
(29,415
)
 
(21,617
)
Other accrued expenses
(10,742
)
 
(19,639
)
Income taxes payable
67,921

 
34,927

Other
2,842

 
3,360

Net cash provided by operating activities
166,504

 
62,823

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(82,114
)
 
(98,626
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
166

 
235

Decrease in restricted cash

 
8,400

Net cash used in investing activities
(81,948
)
 
(89,991
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Borrowings under revolving credit agreement
110,000

 
135,000

Repayments under revolving credit agreement
(110,000
)
 
(135,000
)
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised
4,171

 
24,804

Principal payments under capital lease obligations
(27
)
 
(17
)
Repurchase of shares to satisfy tax obligations
(1,211
)
 
(3,942
)
Repurchase of common stock
(146,997
)
 
(69,304
)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
13,000

 
24,808

Cash dividends paid to stockholders
(40,270
)
 
(32,113
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(171,334
)
 
(55,764
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(86,778
)
 
(82,932
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
142,743

 
138,630

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
55,965

 
$
55,698

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 

 
 

Interest                                                                        
$
360

 
$
276

Income taxes
51,306

 
59,003

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:
 
 
 
Property acquired through capital lease
$
1,988

 
$

Non-cash accruals for construction in progress
7,745

 
20,637

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

Page 5

Index

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation:

The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Tractor Supply Company (the "Company") 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 28, 2013.  The results of operations for our interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full fiscal year.

Note 2 – Self-Insurance Reserves:

The Company self-insures a significant portion of its employee medical insurance, workers’ compensation insurance and general liability (including product liability) insurance plans.  The Company has stop-loss insurance policies to protect it from individual losses over specified dollar values. For self-insured employee medical claims, we have a stop loss limit of $250,000 per person per year. Our deductible or self-insured retention, as applicable, for each claim involving workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance is limited to $500,000. Further, we maintain a commercially reasonable umbrella/excess policy that covers liabilities in excess of the primary insurance policy limits.

The full extent of certain claims, especially workers’ compensation and general liability claims, may not become fully determined for several years. Therefore, the Company estimates potential obligations based upon historical data and experience, including actuarial calculations. Although the Company believes the reserves established for these obligations are reasonably estimated, any significant increase in the number of claims or costs associated with claims made under these plans could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial results.  The Company had recorded net self-insurance reserves of $43.9 million, $41.3 million and $37.4 million at June 28, 2014, December 28, 2013 and June 29, 2013, respectively.

Note 3 – 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.

The Company's 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. The Company had no borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility at June 28, 2014, December 28, 2013 or June 29, 2013.

Note 4 – 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.

There were no significant modifications to the Company's share-based compensation plans during the fiscal six months ended June 28, 2014.

For the second quarters of fiscal 2014 and 2013, share-based compensation expense was $4.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively, and $8.1 million and $6.9 million for the first six months of fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.


Page 6

Index

Stock Options

The following summarizes information concerning stock option grants during the first six months of fiscal 2014 and 2013:
 
Fiscal six months ended
 
June 28,
2014
 
June 29,
2013
Stock options granted
1,117,089

 
1,015,426

Weighted average exercise price
$
63.89

 
$
51.72

Weighted average fair value per option
$
15.33

 
$
14.65


As of June 28, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options was approximately $23.8 million with a remaining weighted average expense recognition period of 1.5 years.

Restricted Stock Units

The following summarizes information concerning restricted stock unit grants during the first six months of fiscal 2014 and 2013:
 
Fiscal six months ended
 
June 28,
2014
 
June 29,
2013
Restricted stock units granted
56,650

 
59,864

Weighted average fair value per share
$
64.52

 
$
51.72


As of June 28, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units was approximately $4.6 million with a remaining weighted average expense recognition period of 1.9 years.

Note 5 - Net Income Per Share:

The Company presents both basic and diluted net income per share on the face of the unaudited 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 diluted 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 June 28, 2014
 
Fiscal three months ended June 29, 2013
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
 Amount
Basic net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
133,411

 
138,394

 
$
0.96

 
$
123,580

 
139,344

 
$
0.89

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

 
1,716

 
(0.01
)
 

 
2,236

 
(0.02
)
Net income
$
133,411

 
140,110

 
$
0.95

 
$
123,580

 
141,580

 
$
0.87



Page 7

Index

 
Fiscal six months ended June 28, 2014
 
Fiscal six months ended June 29, 2013
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
 Amount
Basic net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
182,220

 
138,756

 
$
1.31

 
$
167,586

 
139,074

 
$
1.21

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

 
1,815

 
(0.01
)
 

 
2,476

 
(0.03
)
Net income
$
182,220

 
140,571

 
$
1.30

 
$
167,586

 
141,550

 
$
1.18


Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the above calculations totaled approximately 1.4 million for each of the three months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, and 0.9 million and 1.2 million for the six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, respectively.

Note 6 – Credit Agreement:

On May 16, 2014, the Company exercised the option to increase the availability under the Senior Credit Facility by $150 million, which increased the aggregate principal amount available thereunder from $250 million to $400 million. The sublimit for swingline loans was also increased from $20 million to $30 million. 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.  The Company had no borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility at June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013. There were $70.9 million and $73.9 million outstanding letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility as of June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, respectively. Borrowings bear interest at either the bank’s base rate (3.25% at June 28, 2014) or the London Inter-Bank Offer Rate ("LIBOR") (0.15% at June 28, 2014) plus an additional amount ranging from 0.40% to 1.00% per annum (0.50% at June 28, 2014), adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio.  The Company is also required to pay, quarterly in arrears, a commitment fee for unused capacity ranging from 0.08% to 0.20% per annum (0.10% at June 28, 2014), adjusted quarterly based on the Company's leverage ratio.  The agreement requires quarterly compliance with respect to fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios.  As of June 28, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

Note 7 – Treasury Stock:

On February 24, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion increase to the existing share repurchase program, bringing the total amount authorized to date under the program to an aggregate of $2 billion of common stock, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses related to such repurchases, through December 2017. 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 are accounted for at cost and will be held in treasury for future issuance.  The program may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.

The Company repurchased 1.0 million and 0.4 million shares of common stock under the share repurchase program for a total cost of $62.5 million and $19.4 million during the second quarters of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively. During the first six months of 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased 2.2 million and 1.4 million shares under the share repurchase program for a total cost of $147.0 million and $69.3 million, respectively. As of June 28, 2014, the Company had remaining authorization under the share repurchase program of $1.01 billion, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses.

Note 8 – Capital Stock and Dividends:

Capital Stock

The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of common stock and preferred stock. On May 1, 2014, the shareholders approved an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 200 million to 400 million. The Company is also authorized to issue 40,000 shares of preferred stock, with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.


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Dividends

During the first six months of fiscal 2014 and 2013, the Board of Directors declared the following cash dividends:

Date Declared
 
Dividend Amount
Per Share
 
Stockholders of Record Date
 
Date Paid
February 5, 2014
 
$
0.13

 
February 24, 2014
 
March 11, 2014
April 30, 2014
 
$
0.16

 
May 19, 2014
 
June 3, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 6, 2013
 
$
0.10

 
February 25, 2013
 
March 12, 2013
May 1, 2013
 
$
0.13

 
May 20, 2013
 
June 4, 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 July 30, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share of the Company’s common stock.  The dividend will be paid on September 3, 2014 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 18, 2014.

Note 9 – Income Taxes:

The Company's effective income tax rate decreased to 36.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to 37.4% for the second quarter of fiscal 2013 due principally to the timing of the recognition of certain state and federal tax credits. For the first six months of fiscal 2014, our effective tax rate increased to 36.9% compared to 36.8% for the first six months of fiscal 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate was due to a reduction in tax credits, principally the federal Wage Opportunity Tax Credit ("WOTC") which has not been reinstated for 2014. The Company expects the 2014 full year effective tax rate will be approximately 36.9%.

Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies:

Construction and Real Estate Commitments

At June 28, 2014, the Company had contractual commitments related to the construction of its new store support center of approximately $1.8 million.

Letters of Credit

At June 28, 2014, there were $70.9 million outstanding letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility and an $18.3 million outstanding letter of credit at a financial institution outside of the Senior Credit Facility.

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, 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. The Company does not expect the resolution of

Page 9

Index

this matter to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  The Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that a loss in excess of the amount accrued will be incurred.

The Company is also involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that any estimated loss related to such matters has been adequately provided in accrued liabilities to the extent probable and reasonably estimable. Accordingly, the Company currently expects these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 11 – Segment Reporting:

The Company has one reportable segment which is the retail sale of products that meet the needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle.  The Company manages the business on the basis of one operating segment.  The following chart indicates the percentage of sales represented by each major product category for the fiscal three and six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013:
 
Fiscal three months ended
 
Fiscal six months ended
 
June 28, 2014
 
June 29, 2013
 
June 28, 2014
 
June 29, 2013
Product Category:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Livestock and Pet
41
%
 
40
%
 
45
%
 
44
%
Seasonal, Gift and Toy Products
24

 
25

 
21

 
21

Hardware, Tools and Truck
22

 
22

 
22

 
22

Agriculture
7

 
8

 
5

 
6

Clothing and Footwear
6

 
5

 
7

 
7

Total
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

Note 12 – New Accounting Pronouncements:

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 amends the guidance for revenue recognition to replace numerous, industry-specific requirements and converges areas under this topic with those of the International Financial Reporting Standards. The ASU implements a five-step process for customer contract revenue recognition that focuses on transfer of control, as opposed to transfer of risk and rewards. The amendment also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. Other major provisions include the capitalization and amortization of certain contract costs, ensuring the time value of money is considered in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The amendments in this ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is prohibited. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Management is currently assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures, including which transition method it will adopt.


Page 10

Index

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 28, 2013. This Form 10-Q also contains 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 sales and earnings growth, 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 timing and 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, failure of an acquisition to produce anticipated results, the ability to successfully manage expenses and execute our key gross margin enhancing initiatives, the availability of favorable credit sources, capital market conditions in general, the ability 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 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 information systems or theft of customer data, 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, 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 28, 2013.  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.

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. In past years, weather conditions, including unseasonably warm weather in winter months, and extreme weather conditions, including snow and ice storms, flood and wind damage, hurricanes, tornadoes, extreme rain and droughts, have affected our sales and results of operations both positively and negatively. Our strategy is to remain flexible and react to extreme weather conditions by adjusting our merchandise assortments and redirecting inventories to stores affected by the weather conditions. We experience our highest inventory and accounts payable balances during our first fiscal quarter for purchases of seasonal products to support the higher sales volume of the spring selling season and again during our third fiscal quarter to support the higher sales volume of the cold-weather selling season.

Results of Operations

Fiscal Three Months (Second Quarter) Ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013
Net sales increased 8.8% to $1.58 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 from $1.46 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2013.  Comparable store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 were $1.49 billion, a 1.9% increase over the second quarter of fiscal 2013. This compares to a 7.2% comparable store sales increase for the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Comparable store sales are calculated on an annual basis using sales generated from all stores open at least one year and all online sales and exclude certain adjustments to net sales. Stores closed or relocated during either of the years being compared are not removed from our

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comparable store sales metrics calculations. If the effect of closed and/or relocated stores on our comparable store sales metrics calculations becomes material, we would remove closed and/or relocated stores from the calculations.

The 2014 comparable store sales increase was driven by continued strength of consumable, usable and edible products (C.U.E.) and an increase in traffic counts. C.U.E. products represent certain high-velocity, consumable items from several of our major product categories. The favorable drivers of the comparable store sales increase were partially offset by deflation, continued softness in our safe category and weaker than expected sales of certain seasonal products primarily in the Northern regions. We estimate that comparable store sales were unfavorably impacted by approximately 100 basis points due to deflation, principally in livestock feed and bird feeding products.

In addition to comparable store sales growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, sales from new stores, which are stores opened for less than one year, were $100.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2014, which represented 6.9 percentage points of the 8.8% increase over total second quarter fiscal 2013 net sales. For the second quarter of fiscal 2013, sales from new stores were $72.3 million, which represented 5.6 percentage points of the 12.7% increase over total second quarter fiscal 2012 net sales.

The following chart summarizes our store growth for the fiscal three months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013:
 
Fiscal three months ended
 
June 28, 2014
 
June 29, 2013
Store Count, Beginning of Period
1,308

 
1,197

New Stores Opened
23

 
26

Stores Closed

 

Store Count, End of Period
1,331

 
1,223

 
 
 
 
Stores Relocated
1

 


The following chart indicates the percentage of sales represented by each of our major product categories for the fiscal three months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013:
 
Fiscal three months ended
 
June 28, 2014
 
June 29, 2013
Product Category:
 
 
 
Livestock and Pet
41
%
 
40
%
Seasonal, Gift and Toy Products
24

 
25

Hardware, Tools and Truck
22

 
22

Agriculture
7

 
8

Clothing and Footwear
6

 
5

Total
100
%
 
100
%
 
Gross profit increased 8.8% to $550.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 from $506.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.  As a percent of sales, gross margin was flat to prior year quarter at 34.8% as increased transportation costs and the unfavorable impact from the change in mix of products and slightly more sales-driving promotions offset the favorable impact of our key gross margin enhancing initiatives and the favorable impact of deflation. Our key gross margin enhancing initiatives include inventory management, strategic sourcing, exclusive branding and price optimization.

As a percent of sales, selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 30 basis points to 21.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 from 21.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.  The increase as a percent of sales was primarily attributable to lower comparable store sales and higher employee benefit expenses, partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense. Total SG&A expenses increased 10.2% to $339.5 million from $308.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. This change is due primarily to new store growth and variable costs associated with our same-store sales growth.


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The effective income tax rate decreased to 36.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to 37.4% for the second quarter of fiscal 2013 due principally to the timing of the recognition of certain state and federal tax credits. The Company expects the full year 2014 effective tax rate will be approximately 36.9%.

As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 increased 8.0% to $133.4 million or $0.95 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $123.6 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

Fiscal Six Months Ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013
Net sales increased 8.9% to $2.77 billion for the first six months of fiscal 2014 from $2.54 billion for the first six months of fiscal 2013.  Comparable store sales for the first six months of fiscal 2014 were $2.60 billion, a 2.0% increase over the first six months of fiscal 2013. This compares to a 4.2% comparable store sales increase for the first six months of fiscal 2013. The 2014 comparable store sales increase was driven primarily by continued strong results in key C.U.E. products, principally animal- and pet-related merchandise and an increase in traffic counts. We estimate that comparable store sales were unfavorably impacted by approximately 90 basis points due to deflation, principally in livestock feed and bird feeding products.

In addition to comparable store sales growth in the first six months of fiscal 2014, sales from stores opened less than one year were $173.7 million for the first six months of fiscal 2014, which represented 6.8 percentage points of the 8.9% increase over total first six months fiscal 2013 net sales. Sales from stores opened less than one year were $134.5 million for the first six months of fiscal 2013, which represented 5.8 percentage points of the 9.9% increase over total first six months fiscal 2012 net sales.

The following chart summarizes our store growth for the fiscal six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013:
 
Fiscal six months ended
 
June 28, 2014
 
June 29, 2013
Store Count, Beginning of Period
1,276

 
1,176

New Stores Opened
55

 
48

Stores Closed

 
(1
)
Store Count, End of Period
1,331

 
1,223

 
 
 
 
Stores Relocated
1

 


The following chart indicates the percentage of sales represented by each of our major product categories for the fiscal six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013:
 
Fiscal six months ended
 
June 28,
2014
 
June 29,
2013
Product Category:
 
 
 
Livestock and Pet
45
%
 
44
%
Hardware, Tools and Truck
22

 
22

Seasonal, Gift and Toy Products
21

 
21

Clothing and Footwear
7

 
7

Agriculture
5

 
6

Total
100
%
 
100
%

Gross profit increased 10.3% to $946.8 million for the first six months of fiscal 2014 from $858.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013.  As a percent of sales, gross margin increased 40 basis points to 34.2% for the first six months of fiscal 2014 compared to 33.8% for the comparable period in fiscal 2013. The increase in gross margin as a percent of sales resulted from the favorable impact from key gross margin enhancing initiatives which include inventory management, strategic sourcing, exclusive branding and price optimization, as well as deflation, offset by the unfavorable impact of product mix and increased transportation costs.

As a percent of sales, SG&A expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 30 basis points to 23.7% in the first six months of fiscal 2014 from 23.4% in the first six months of fiscal 2013.  The SG&A increase as a percent of sales for the first six months of 2014 was primarily attributable to lower comparable store sales and higher employee benefit expenses, partially

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offset by lower incentive compensation expense. Total SG&A expenses increased 10.9% to $657.0 million from $592.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013.  This change is due primarily to new store growth and variable costs associated with our comparable store sales growth as well as higher operating costs related to the extreme cold weather and increased distribution center costs.

For the first six months of fiscal 2014, the effective income tax rate increased slightly to 36.9% compared to 36.8% for the first six months of fiscal 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate was due to a reduction in tax credits, principally the federal WOTC which has not been reinstated for 2014. The Company expects the full year 2014 effective tax rate will by approximately 36.9%.

As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the first six months of fiscal 2014 increased 8.7% to $182.2 million compared to $167.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013.  Net income per diluted share for the first six months of fiscal 2014 increased to $1.30 from $1.18 in the first six months of fiscal 2013.

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 to support the higher sales volume of the spring and cold-weather selling seasons, respectively.

Working Capital

At June 28, 2014, the Company had working capital of $655.2 million, which decreased $21.9 million from December 28, 2013 and increased $29.0 million from June 29, 2013.  The shifts in working capital were attributable to changes in the following components of current assets and current liabilities (in millions):
 
June 28,
2014
 
December 28,
2013
 
Variance
 
June 29,
2013
 
Variance
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
56.0

 
$
142.7

 
$
(86.7
)
 
$
55.7

 
$
0.3

Inventories
1,154.6

 
979.3

 
175.3

 
1,082.9

 
71.7

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
48.1

 
57.4

 
(9.3
)
 
52.7

 
(4.6
)
Deferred income taxes
25.5

 
29.8

 
(4.3
)
 
14.4

 
11.1

 
1,284.2

 
1,209.2

 
75.0

 
1,205.7

 
78.5

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
390.2

 
316.5

 
73.7

 
360.8

 
29.4

Accrued employee compensation
21.1

 
50.6

 
(29.5
)
 
26.8

 
(5.7
)
Other accrued expenses
144.4

 
155.6

 
(11.2
)
 
138.4

 
6.0

Current portion of capital lease obligation
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

Income taxes payable
73.2

 
9.4

 
63.8

 
53.5

 
19.7

 
629.0

 
532.1

 
96.9

 
579.5

 
49.5

Working capital
$
655.2

 
$
677.1

 
$
(21.9
)
 
$
626.2

 
$
29.0


In comparison to December 28, 2013, working capital as of June 28, 2014 was impacted most significantly by changes in our cash, inventories, accounts payable, accrued employee compensation and income taxes payable.
The decrease in cash is primarily attributable to inventory purchases, common stock repurchases and capital expenditures, offset in part by earnings from operations. Capital expenditures are principally related to new store construction and construction of the new store support center in Brentwood, TN.
The increase in inventories and accounts payable resulted primarily from the purchase of additional inventory to support new store growth as well as an increase of average inventory per store of 10.9% due to normal seasonal patterns.
The decrease in accrued employee compensation is primarily due to the payment of annual incentive compensation.
The increase in income taxes payable is primarily due to timing of tax payments.

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In comparison to June 29, 2013, working capital as of June 28, 2014 was impacted most significantly by changes in our inventories, accounts payable and income taxes payable.

The increase in inventories and accounts payable is primarily a result of new store growth partially offset by a decrease in average inventory per store of 3.4%. The decrease in average inventory on a per store basis is due to deflation in the current year and a prior year inventory per store that was slightly elevated due to strategic early third quarter inventory purchases in key categories and additional inventory build to support the relocation of the southeast distribution center in the third quarter of fiscal 2013.
The increase in income taxes payable is primarily due to timing of tax payments.
 
Operating Activities

Operating activities provided net cash of $166.5 million and $62.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.  The $103.7 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities in the first six months of fiscal 2014 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2013 is due to changes in the following operating activities (in millions):
 
Fiscal six months ended
 
June 28,
2014
 
June 29,
2013
 
Variance
Net income
$
182.2

 
$
167.6

 
$
14.6

Depreciation and amortization
55.1

 
46.9

 
8.2

Stock compensation expense
8.1

 
6.9

 
1.2

Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised
(4.2
)
 
(24.8
)
 
20.6

Deferred income taxes
(13.0
)
 
4.5

 
(17.5
)
Inventories and accounts payable
(101.6
)
 
(134.3
)
 
32.7

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
9.2

 
(0.9
)
 
10.1

Accrued expenses
(40.1
)
 
(41.3
)
 
1.2

Income taxes payable
67.9

 
34.9

 
33.0

Other, net
2.9

 
3.3

 
(0.4
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
166.5

 
$
62.8

 
$
103.7


The $103.7 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities in the first six months of fiscal 2014 compared with the first six months of fiscal 2013 primarily relates to the timing of estimated income tax payments. Also, inventory, net of accounts payable, required less use of operating funds in the first six months of fiscal 2014 than in the same period last year due to timing of receipts and payments.

Investing Activities

Investing activities used cash of $81.9 million and $90.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively. The decrease in cash used for investing activities primarily reflects a decrease in capital expenditures. Capital expenditures for the first six months of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 were as follows (in millions):
 
Fiscal six months ended
 
June 28,
2014
 
June 29,
2013
New and relocated stores and stores not yet opened
$
39.6

 
$
29.9

Corporate and other
20.8

 
12.1

Information technology
12.1

 
14.7

Existing stores
8.7

 
5.5

Distribution center capacity and improvements
0.9

 
33.1

Purchase of previously leased stores

 
3.3

 
$
82.1

 
$
98.6



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The above table reflects 55 new stores in the first six months of fiscal 2014, compared to 48 new stores during the first six months of fiscal 2013. We expect to open approximately 102 to 106 new stores during fiscal 2014 compared to 102 new stores in fiscal 2013. The decrease in spending on distribution center capacity and improvements in the first six months of fiscal 2014 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2013 is primarily due to the construction of our new Macon, GA distribution center in fiscal 2013, which is the relocation of our former Southeast distribution center in Braselton, GA. This facility became operational in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. The increase in corporate and other in the first six months of fiscal 2014 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2013 is primarily due to the construction of our new store support center in Brentwood, TN, which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

Financing Activities

Financing activities used cash of $171.3 million and $55.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.  This change in net cash used in financing activities is largely due to $77.7 million more in common stock repurchases and $20.6 million less in excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises during the first six months of fiscal 2014 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2013.
 
On May 16, 2014, the Company exercised the option to increase the availability under the Senior Credit Facility by $150 million, which increased the aggregate principal amount available thereunder from $250 million to $400 million. The sublimit for swingline loans was also increased from $20 million to $30 million. 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.  The Company had no borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility at June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013. There were $70.9 million and $73.9 million outstanding letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility as of June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, respectively. Borrowings bear interest at either the bank’s base rate (3.25% at June 28, 2014) or LIBOR (0.15% at June 28, 2014) plus an additional amount ranging from 0.40% to 1.00% per annum (0.50% at June 28, 2014), adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio.  The Company is also required to pay, quarterly in arrears, a commitment fee for unused capacity ranging from 0.08% to 0.20% per annum (0.10% at June 28, 2014), adjusted quarterly based on the Company's leverage ratio.  The agreement requires quarterly compliance with respect to fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios.  As of June 28, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

The Company believes that its 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 its operations and its capital expenditure needs, including new store openings, store acquisitions, relocations and renovations, new store support center and distribution center capacity, through the end of fiscal 2014.

Share Repurchase Program

On February 24, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion increase to the existing share repurchase program, bringing the total amount authorized to date under the program to an aggregate of $2 billion of common stock, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses related to such repurchases, through December 2017. 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 are accounted for at cost and will be held in treasury for future issuance.  The program may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.

The Company repurchased 1.0 million and 0.4 million shares of common stock under the share repurchase program for a total cost of $62.5 million and $19.4 million during the second quarters of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively. During the first six months of 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased 2.2 million and 1.4 million shares under the share repurchase program for a total cost of $147.0 million and $69.3 million, respectively. As of June 28, 2014, the Company had remaining authorization under the share repurchase program of $1.01 billion, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses.


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Dividends

During the first six months of fiscal 2014 and 2013, the Board of Directors declared the following cash dividends:

Date Declared
 
Dividend Amount
Per Share
 
Stockholders of Record Date
 
Date Paid
February 5, 2014
 
$
0.13

 
February 24, 2014
 
March 11, 2014
April 30, 2014
 
$
0.16

 
May 19, 2014
 
June 3, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 6, 2013
 
$
0.10

 
February 25, 2013
 
March 12, 2013
May 1, 2013
 
$
0.13

 
May 20, 2013
 
June 4, 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 July 30, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share of the Company’s common stock.  The dividend will be paid on September 3, 2014 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 18, 2014.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Significant Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

At June 28, 2014, the Company had contractual commitments related to the construction of its new store support center of approximately $1.8 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 2013.

At June 28, 2014, there were $70.9 million outstanding letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility and an $18.3 million outstanding letter of credit at a financial institution outside of the Senior Credit Facility.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company's financial position and results of operations are based upon its 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.  The Company's 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 28, 2013 for a discussion of the Company's critical accounting policies.  The Company's 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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Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. ASU 2014-09 amends the guidance for revenue recognition to replace numerous, industry-specific requirements and converges areas under this topic with those of the International Financial Reporting Standards. The ASU implements a five-step process for customer contract revenue recognition that focuses on transfer of control, as opposed to transfer of risk and rewards. The amendment also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. Other major provisions include the capitalization and amortization of certain contract costs, ensuring the time value of money is considered in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The amendments in this ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is prohibited. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Management is currently assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures, including which transition method it will adopt.

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 both June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013) or LIBOR (0.15% and 0.20% at June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, respectively) plus an additional amount ranging from 0.40% to 1.00% per annum (0.50% at both June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013), adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio.  We are also required to pay quarterly in arrears, a commitment fee for unused capacity ranging from 0.08% to 0.20% per annum (0.10% at both June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013), adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio.  See Note 6 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further discussion regarding the Senior Credit Facility.

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 pressure 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.

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 June 28, 2014.  Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of June 28, 2014, 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.
 

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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

The Company responded to a Request for Information from the 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 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, 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.  The Company does not expect the resolution of this matter to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  The Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that a loss in excess of the amount accrued will be incurred.

The Company is also involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that any estimated loss related to such matters has been adequately provided in accrued liabilities to the extent probable and reasonably estimable. Accordingly, the Company currently expects these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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 28, 2013.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Stock repurchase activity during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 was as follows:
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total 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
March 30, 2014 – April 26, 2014
 
256,300

 
$
67.35

 
256,300

 
$
1,060,073,489

April 27, 2014 – May 24, 2014
 
286,699

 
64.90

 
286,699

 
1,041,471,577

May 25, 2014 – June 28, 2014
 
417,900

 
63.83

 
417,900

 
1,014,803,424

Total
 
960,899

 
$
65.09

 
960,899

 
$
1,014,803,424


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 and other applicable legal requirements.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

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Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

None.

Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibit
10.1
First Amendment to Credit Agreement and Increase of Revolving Committed Amount dated May 16, 2014, by and among Tractor Supply Company, as Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Company, certain lenders and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the lenders (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 21, 2014, Commission File No. 000-23314, and incorporated herein by reference).
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 second quarter of fiscal 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2014, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 28, 2014, December 28, 2013 and June 29, 2013, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal three and six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013, and (iv) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

*     Filed herewith


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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:
August 4, 2014
By:
/s/ Anthony F. Crudele
 
 
 
Anthony F. Crudele
 
 
 
Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

 
 
 


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