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8-K - FORM 8-K DIVIDENDS DECLARED - TRACTOR SUPPLY CO /DE/form8-k.htm


 

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY INCREASES DIVIDEND
~ Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend 67% ~
 

Brentwood, Tennessee, May 3, 2012 – Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest retail farm and ranch store chain in the United States, today announced that its board of directors increased the Company’s quarterly cash dividend 67% to $0.20 per share of the Company’s common stock, up from $0.12 per share in the previous quarter.

The dividend will be paid on June 5, 2012, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 21, 2012.

Jim Wright, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The Board’s decision to increase the quarterly dividend reflects its continued confidence in Tractor Supply’s long-term business plan and future financial prospects.  We remain committed to driving profitable growth by continuing to refine and enhance our merchandise assortments and the in-store experience, executing on our strategic gross margin initiatives and expanding the store base approximately 8% annually.  As we continue to generate significant excess cash flow and further strengthen our balance sheet, we are delighted that we have the financial flexibility to invest in this continued growth while returning additional value directly to our shareholders.  The increase in the dividend underscores this commitment to maximizing shareholder value and increasing shareholder returns.”

About Tractor Supply Company
At March 31, 2012, Tractor Supply Company operated 1,117 stores in 44 states. The Company’s stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers.  The Company also serves the maintenance needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses.  Stores are located in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities.  The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, pet and small animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) hardware, truck, towing and tool products; (3) seasonal products, including lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys; (4) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use; and (5) work/recreational clothing and footwear.

Forward Looking Statements:
 
As with any business, all phases of the Company’s operations are subject to influences outside its control.  This information contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the liquidity and attractiveness of the Company’s common stock.  These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and may be affected by certain risks and uncertainties, any one, or a combination, of which could materially affect the results of the Company’s operations.  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 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.  Forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company are based on knowledge of its business and the environment in which it operates, but because of the factors listed above, 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 those contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  There can be no assurance that the results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on the Company or its business and operations.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  The Company does not undertake any 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.