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TRACTOR SUPPLY CO /DE/ - Quarter Report: 2011 May (Form 10-Q)

q1201110q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 (Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended
March 26, 2011

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)
     
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code:
 
(615) 440-4000

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 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 23, 2011
 
Common Stock, $.008 par value
    72,244,620  
 
 
 

 
TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

INDEX


   
Page No.
     
PART I.
3
Item 1.
3
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
Item 2.
13
Item 3.
18
Item 4.
18
     
PART II.
19
Item 1.
19
Item 1A.
19
Item 2.
19
Item 3.
19
Item 4.
20
Item 5.
20
Item 6.
20
Signature
 
21

 
2

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.                                                       Financial Statements

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share amounts)

   
March 26,
   
December 25,
   
March 27,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2010
 
ASSETS
 
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 140,448     $ 257,339     $ 138,060  
Short-term investments
    15,913       15,913       --  
Inventories
    941,377       736,520       832,881  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    40,698       33,945       38,772  
Total current assets
    1,138,436       1,043,717       1,009,713  
                         
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    413,818       395,789       365,838  
Goodwill
    10,258       10,258       10,258  
Deferred income taxes
    2,780       5,750       13,674  
Other assets
    11,861       7,960       4,856  
                         
Total assets
  $ 1,577,153     $ 1,463,474     $ 1,404,339  
                         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Accounts payable
  $ 406,408     $ 247,388     $ 394,955  
Accrued employee compensation
    17,021       34,576       12,604  
Other accrued expenses
    122,442       127,386       90,291  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    58       91       360  
Income taxes payable
    --       8,269       308  
Deferred income taxes
    14,287       8,854       16,930  
Total current liabilities
    560,216       426,564       515,448  
                         
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities
    1,302       1,316       1,324  
Deferred rent
    71,704       70,697       64,350  
Other long-term liabilities
    31,825       31,655       30,819  
Total liabilities
    665,047       530,232       611,941  
                         
Stockholders’ equity:
                       
Preferred stock, 40,000 shares authorized, $1.00 par value; no shares issued
    --       --       --  
Common stock, 100,000,000 shares authorized; $.008 par value; 79,425,728 shares issued and 72,354,582 shares outstanding at March 26, 2011, 78,835,508 shares issued and 72,775,862 shares outstanding at December 25, 2010 and 77,914,299 shares issued and 72,607,864 shares outstanding at March 27, 2010
    636       631       624  
Additional paid-in capital
    254,064       235,283       202,186  
Treasury stock – at cost, 7,071,146 shares at March 26, 2011, 6,059,646 shares at December 25, 2010 and 5,306,435 shares at March 27, 2010
    (310,522 )     (257,376 )     (223,007 )
Retained earnings
    967,928       954,704       812,595  
Total stockholders’ equity
    912,106       933,242       792,398  
                         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,577,153     $ 1,463,474     $ 1,404,339  

 
3

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


   
For the fiscal
three months ended
 
   
March 26,
2011
   
March 27,
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Net sales
  $ 836,576     $ 710,917  
                 
Cost of merchandise sold
    562,970       479,986  
                 
Gross margin
    273,606       230,931  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    226,575       197,810  
Depreciation and amortization
    18,265       16,654  
                 
Operating income
    28,766       16,467  
                 
Interest expense, net
    243       318  
                 
Income before income taxes
    28,523       16,149  
                 
Income tax expense
    10,188       5,567  
                 
Net income
  $ 18,335     $ 10,582  
                 
Net income per share – basic
  $ 0.25     $ 0.15  
                 
Net income per share – diluted
  $ 0.24     $ 0.14  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Basic                                                        
    72,704       72,309  
Diluted
    74,927       74,000  
                 
Dividends declared per common share outstanding
  $ 0.07     $ 0.07  

 
4

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

   
For the fiscal
three months ended
 
   
March 26,
2011
   
March 27,
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 18,335     $ 10,582  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    18,265       16,654  
Loss on sale of property and equipment
    45       407  
Stock compensation expense
    3,612       3,154  
Deferred income taxes
    8,403       2,842  
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Inventories
    (204,857 )     (156,415 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (6,753 )     (8,028 )
Accounts payable
    159,020       133,320  
Accrued employee compensation
    (17,555 )     (10,121 )
Other accrued expenses
    (12,366 )     (10,404 )
Income taxes payable
    (8,269 )     (6,957 )
Other
    (2,681 )     3,991  
                 
Net cash used in operating activities
    (44,801 )     (20,975 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (28,905 )     (12,940 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    56       288  
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (28,849 )     (12,652 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement
    --       142  
Repayments under revolving credit agreement
    --       (142 )
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises
    4,830       2,298  
Principal payments under capital lease obligations
    (47 )     (115 )
Restricted stock units withheld to satisfy tax obligations
    (872 )     (657 )
Repurchase of common stock
    (53,146 )     (3,803 )
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    11,105       6,187  
Cash dividends paid to stockholders
    (5,111 )     (5,074 )
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (43,241 )     (1,164 )
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (116,891 )     (34,791 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    257,339       172,851  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 140,448     $ 138,060  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
                 
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 33     $ 36  
Income taxes
    8,253       6,764  
                 
Non-cash accruals for construction in progress
    7,422       --  
 
 
5

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation:

The accompanying unaudited interim 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 footnotes 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 25, 2010.  The results of operations for the fiscal three-month period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full fiscal year.

Our business is highly seasonal.  Historically, our sales and profits have been the highest in the second and fourth fiscal quarters of each year due to the sale of seasonal products.  Unseasonable weather, excessive precipitation, drought, and early or late frosts may also affect our sales.  We believe, however, that the impact of extreme weather conditions is somewhat mitigated by the geographic dispersion of our stores. We experience our highest inventory and accounts payable balances during the first fiscal quarter each year for purchases of seasonal products in anticipation of the spring selling season and again during the third fiscal quarter in anticipation of the winter selling season.

Note 2 – Stock Split:

 
On July 29, 2010, our Board of Directors announced a two-for-one split of our outstanding shares of common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. On September 2, 2010, stockholders of record at the close of business on August 19, 2010, were issued one additional share of common stock for each share owned by such stockholder.  The stock split increased the number of shares of common stock outstanding from approximately 36.3 million to approximately 72.7 million.  Share and per-share amounts (including stock options and restricted stock units) shown in the consolidated financial statements and related notes reflect the split. The total number of authorized common shares and the par value thereof was not changed by the split.  The number of shares held in Treasury was not adjusted for the split.
 

Note 3 - Change in Accounting Method:

As discussed in the fiscal 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, during fiscal 2010 and effective December 25, 2010, the Company elected to change its method of accounting for inventories from lower of cost, as determined by the LIFO method, or market, to lower of cost, as determined by the average cost method, or market.  The Company believes the change was preferable as the average cost method better reflects the current value of inventory on the consolidated balance sheets, provides a better reflection of periodic income and improves comparability with our peers.

 
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The Company applied this change in method of inventory costing retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the 2010 Form 10-K and herein in accordance with accounting principles relating to accounting changes.  Certain components of the Company’s financial statements affected by the change in costing methodology as originally reported under the LIFO method and as adjusted for the change to the average cost method are as follows (as adjusted consolidated statement of income information was presented in the 2010 Form 10-K) (in thousands):

   
March 27, 2010
 
   
As Previously
Reported *
   
Effect of
Change
   
As
Adjusted
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 
Inventories
  $ 755,617     $ 77,264     $ 832,881  
Deferred income taxes (current asset)
    13,470       (13,470 )     --  
Total current assets
    945,919       63,794       1,009,713  
Deferred income taxes
    13,672       2       13,674  
Total assets
    1,340,543       63,796       1,404,339  
Income taxes payable
    872       (564 )     308  
Deferred income taxes (current liability)
    --       16,930       16,930  
Total current liabilities
    499,082       16,366       515,448  
Other long-term liabilities
    30,611       208       30,819  
Total liabilities
    595,367       16,574       611,941  
Retained earnings
    765,373       47,222       812,595  
Total stockholders’ equity
    745,176       47,222       792,398  
Total  liabilities and  stockholders’ equity
    1,340,543       63,796       1,404,339  
                         
                         
*As described below, certain other amounts in the previously issued consolidated balance sheet have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2011 presentation.
 

 
   
For the fiscal three months ended
March 27, 2010
 
   
As Previously
Reported
   
Effect of
Change
   
As
Adjusted
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                 
Net income
  $ 9,308     $ 1,274     $ 10,582  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Deferred income taxes
    1,858       984       2,842  
Inventories
    (154,368 )     (2,047 )     (156,415 )
Income taxes payable
    (6,733 )     (224 )     (6,957 )
Other
    3,978       13       3,991  
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (20,975 )   $ --     $ (20,975 )
   

Note 4 – Reclassifications:

Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2011 presentation. Amounts related to accrued employee compensation ($12.6 million) have been reclassified from other accrued expenses to accrued employee compensation. The change affected our March 27, 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal three months ended March 27, 2010.

Note 5 – Short-term Investments:

As of March 26, 2011, the Company’s short-term held-to-maturity investments consisted of a $15.9 million one-year U.S. Treasury note with a maturity date of May 11, 2011.  This investment is stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
 
7

Note 6 – 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.

Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, short-term receivables, trade payables and long-term debt instruments.  The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, short-term receivables and trade payables approximate current fair value.  We had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility at March 26, 2011, December 25, 2010 or March 27, 2010.
 
Our short-term investment in a U.S. Treasury note is classified as Level 1 as these types of investments trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis. The fair value at March 26, 2011 and December 25, 2010 was $15.9 million. We had no short-term investments at March 27, 2010.

Note 7 – Inventories:

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined by the average cost method, or market.  Inventory cost consists of the direct cost of merchandise including freight.  Inventories are net of shrinkage, obsolescence, other valuations and vendor allowances.

Note 8 – Property and Equipment:

Property and equipment is comprised as follows (in thousands):

   
March 26,
   
December 25,
   
March 27,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2010
 
                   
Land
  $ 30,350     $ 30,350     $ 27,646  
Buildings and improvements
    385,188       380,228       351,939  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    263,228       256,369       231,155  
Computer software and hardware
    100,630       94,878       92,661  
Construction in progress
    38,398       20,961       12,509  
      817,794       782,786       715,910  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (403,976 )     (386,997 )     (350,072 )
    $ 413,818     $ 395,789     $ 365,838  

Note 9 – Share-Based Compensation:

Share-based compensation includes stock options, 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.  For the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and 2010, share-based compensation expense lowered pre-tax income by $3.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate is adjusted periodically based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from the previous estimate.

Stock Incentive Plan

Under our 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, options may be granted to officers, non-employee directors and other employees.  The per share exercise price of options granted shall not be less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and such options will expire no later than ten years from the date of grant.  Vesting of options commences at various anniversary dates following the dates of grant.

 
8

The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated for each vesting date.  The fair value of each option is recognized as compensation expense ratably over the vesting period.  We have estimated the fair value of all stock option awards as of the date of the grant by applying a Black-Scholes pricing valuation model.  The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense.
 
The following summarizes information concerning stock option grants during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and 2010:

   
Fiscal three months ended
 
   
March 26, 2011
   
March 27, 2010
 
Stock options granted
    524,455       866,952  
Weighted average exercise price
  $ 51.70     $ 26.21  
Weighted average fair value
  $ 17.61     $ 10.22  

The weighted average key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted in the three months ended March 26, 2011 and March 27, 2010 are as follows:

   
Fiscal three months ended
 
   
March 26, 2011
 
March 27, 2010
Expected price volatility
    38.5 %     38.8 %
Risk-free interest rate
    2.2 %     2.5 %
Weighted average expected lives in years
    5.2       5.4  
Forfeiture rate
    6.5 %     6.5 %
Dividend yield
    1.0 %     0.0 %(a)
                 
(a) Dividends were declared on March 1, 2010 after the issuance of the stock options.
 

As of March 26, 2011, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options was approximately $16.5 million with a remaining weighted average expense recognition period of 1.6 years.

Restricted Stock Units

During the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, we granted 53,012 and 129,846 restricted stock units, respectively, which vest three years from the date of grant and had a weighted average grant date fair value of $51.70 and $26.21, respectively.  As of March 26, 2011, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units was approximately $6.4 million with a remaining weighted average expense recognition period of 2.1 years.

 
For the majority of restricted stock units granted, the number of shares issued on the date the restricted stock units vest is net of the minimum statutory tax withholding requirements that we pay on behalf of our employees.  During the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, we issued 46,592 and 59,018 shares as a result of vested restricted stock units, respectively.  These amounts are net of 16,768 and 25,982 shares withheld to satisfy $0.9 million and $0.7 million of employees’ tax obligations for the first three months of 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The ESPP provides our employees the opportunity to purchase, through payroll deductions, shares of our common stock at a 15% discount.  Pursuant to the terms of the ESPP, we issued 16,099 and 22,032 shares of our common stock during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Total stock compensation expense related to the ESPP was approximately $0.1 million in both the first quarter of 2011 and 2010.  In connection with the stock split, the number of shares of our common stock that are reserved under the ESPP increased from 4,000,000 shares to 8,000,000 shares.  Of this amount at March 26, 2011, there were 6,283,753 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the ESPP.

There were no significant modifications to our share-based compensation plans during the fiscal three months ended March 26, 2011.

 
9

Note 10 - Net Income Per Share:

We present both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) on the face of the consolidated statements of income.  Basic EPS is calculated as income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.  There were no participating securities other than common stock during the fiscal three months ended March 26, 2011.  Diluted EPS is calculated using the weighted average outstanding common shares and the treasury stock method for options and restricted stock units.

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

   
Fiscal three months ended
March 26, 2011
   
Fiscal three months ended
March 27, 2010
 
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Per Share
Amount
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
Basic net income per share:
                                   
Net income
  $ 18,335       72,704     $ 0.25     $ 10,582       72,309     $ 0.15  
                                                 
Dilutive stock options and restricted stock units outstanding
    --       2,223       (0.01 )     --       1,691       (0.01 )
                                                 
Diluted net income per share:
                                               
Net income
  $ 18,335       74,927     $ 0.24     $ 10,582       74,000     $ 0.14  

Note 11 – Credit Agreement:

We are party to a Senior Credit Facility (the “Credit Agreement”), which provides for borrowings up to $350 million (with sublimits of $75 million and $20 million for letters of credit and swingline loans, respectively).  The Credit Agreement has an Increase Option for $150 million (subject to additional lender group commitments).  The Credit Agreement is unsecured and matures in February 2012, with proceeds expected to be used for working capital, capital expenditures, and share repurchases.

At March 26, 2011, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.  There were $22.9 million outstanding letters of credit as of March 26, 2011.  Borrowings bear interest at either the bank’s base rate or LIBOR plus an additional amount ranging from 0.35% to 0.90% per annum, adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio (0.40% at March 26, 2011 and 0.50% at March 27, 2010).  We are also required to pay quarterly in arrears, a commitment fee ranging from 0.06% to 0.18% per annum and adjusted quarterly based on our performance, for unused capacity (0.08% at March 26, 2011 and 0.10% at March 27, 2010).  The agreement requires quarterly compliance with respect to fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios.  As of March 26, 2011, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.

Note 12 – Treasury Stock:

We have a Board-approved share repurchase program which provides for repurchase of up to $400 million of common stock, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses related to such repurchases, through December 2011.  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 1,011,500 and 146,200 shares under the share repurchase program for a total cost of $53.1 million and $3.8 million during the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively. As mentioned in Note 2, the shares added to treasury were not adjusted for the stock split. As of March 26, 2011, we had remaining authorization under the share repurchase program of $89.7 million exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses.

 
10

Note 13 – Dividends:

During the first quarter of 2011, the Board of Directors declared the following dividend:

Date Declared
 
Dividend Amount Per Share
 
Stockholders of Record Date
Date Paid
February 4, 2011
  $ 0.07  
February 22, 2011
March 8, 2011

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.
 
Note 14 – Income Taxes:

Our effective income tax rate increased to 35.7% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 34.5% for the first quarter of 2010.  The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 reflects a favorable impact of the tax benefit relating to disqualified incentive stock options exercised during the quarter.  The impact on the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2011 is less in comparison to 2010 principally due to higher pretax income in 2011.  This tax benefit is limited to the quarter and the Company expects the full year effective tax rate will be approximately 37.0%.

Note 15 – Comprehensive Income:

The Company’s comprehensive income is equal to net income for the three months ended March 26, 2011 and March 27, 2010.

Note 16 – Commitments and Contingencies:

Construction Commitments

At March 26, 2011, we had commitments related to construction projects for new stores and a distribution center totaling approximately $23.6 million and commitments to purchase two stores previously under lease for approximately $4.9 million.

Letters of Credit

At March 26, 2011, there were $22.9 million outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Agreement and a $16.0 million outstanding letter of credit at a financial institution outside of the Credit Agreement which is collateralized by our short-term investment in a U.S. Treasury note.

Litigation

The Company received and responded to a Request for Information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) 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 not covered by certificates of conformity issued by the EPA, and that unless the DOJ and the Company were able to reach a settlement, the DOJ was prepared to commence a civil action. The Company is currently engaged in settlement discussions with the DOJ that would call for the payment of a civil penalty and certain injunctive relief.  The engines were purchased by the Company pursuant to agreements with four 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 has notified these vendors of the EPA’s position and expects to be reimbursed for any liabilities or costs relating to this matter.   The Company does not expect the resolution of this matter to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 
11

We are also involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business.  Management expects these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.  We believe that any estimated loss related to such matters has been adequately provided in accrued liabilities to the extent probable and reasonably estimable.  It is possible, however, that future cash flows and results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in circumstances relating to these proceedings.

Note 17 – Subsequent Events:

On April 28, 2011, we announced that our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share of the Company’s common stock.  The dividend will be paid on June 1, 2011 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 16, 2011.

On April 28, 2011 we announced that the board of directors authorized a $600 million increase to the existing share repurchase program, bringing the total amount authorized to date under the program to $1 billion.  The program also has been extended through April 30, 2015.

 
12

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 25, 2010. 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.

Our business is highly seasonal.  Historically, our sales and profits have been the highest in the second and fourth fiscal quarters of each year due to the sale of seasonal products.  Unseasonable weather, excessive precipitation, drought, and early or late frosts may also affect our sales.  We believe, however, that the impact of extreme weather conditions is somewhat mitigated by the geographic dispersion of our stores. We experience our highest inventory and accounts payable balances during the first fiscal quarter each year for purchases of seasonal products in anticipation of the spring selling season and again during the third fiscal quarter in anticipation of the winter selling season.

As with any business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control.  These factors include 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 and negotiate favorable lease agreements on new and relocated stores, the availability of favorable credit sources, capital market conditions in general, failure to open new stores in the manner 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, breach of privacy, potential legal proceedings, management of our information systems, effective tax rate changes and results of examination by taxing authorities, and the ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting.  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 25, 2010.  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.

Stock Split
 
On July 29, 2010, our Board of Directors announced a two-for-one split of our outstanding shares of common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. On September 2, 2010, stockholders of record at the close of business on August 19, 2010, were issued one additional share of common stock for each share owned by such stockholder.  The stock split increased the number of shares of common stock outstanding from approximately 36.3 million to approximately 72.7 million.  Share and per-share amounts (including stock options and restricted stock units) shown in the consolidated financial statements and related notes reflect the split. The total number of authorized common shares and the par value thereof was not changed by the split.  The number of shares held in Treasury was not adjusted for the split.

 
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Results of Operations

Fiscal Three Months (First Quarter) Ended March 26, 2011 and March 27, 2010

Net sales increased 17.7% to $836.6 million for the first quarter of 2011 from $710.9 million for the first quarter of 2010.  Same-store sales for the quarter increased 10.7%, compared with a 2.8% increase in the prior year quarter. The same-store sales increase was broad-based geographically, as well as, across all major product categories. Consumable, usable and edible (CUE) products, principally animal and pet-related merchandise and heating, continued to perform well during the quarter.
 
We opened 26 new stores during the first quarter of 2011 compared to 19 new store openings and one store closure during the prior year’s first quarter.  We operated 1,027 stores at March 26, 2011, compared to 948 stores at March 27, 2010.

The following chart indicates the average percentage of sales represented by each of our major product categories during the first three months of fiscal 2011 and 2010:

   
Fiscal three months ended
 
   
March 26, 2011
 
March 27, 2010
Product Category:
           
Livestock and Pet
    46 %     45 %
Hardware, Tools and Truck
    23       23  
Seasonal, Gift and Toy Products
    17       17  
Clothing and Footwear
    9       10  
Agriculture
    5       5  
Total
    100 %     100 %

Gross margin increased 18.5% to $273.6 million for the first quarter of 2011 from $230.9 million in the first quarter of 2010.  As a percent of sales, gross margin increased 20 basis points to 32.7% for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to 32.5% for the comparable period in fiscal 2010.  The increase in gross margin as a percent of sales primarily reflects improved direct product margin, partially offset by increased transportation costs. The improvement in direct margin resulted primarily from effective sourcing, solid inventory allocation, good retail price management and strong sell-through of products, which minimized markdowns.
 
Total selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, including deprecation and amortization, improved 90 basis points to 29.3% of sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 from 30.2% of sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The SG&A improvement as a percent to sales for the first quarter of 2011 was primarily attributable to strong same-store sales.

Our effective income tax rate increased to 35.7% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 34.5% for the first quarter of 2010.  The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 reflects a favorable impact of the tax benefit relating to disqualified incentive stock options exercised during the quarter.  The impact on the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2011 is less in comparison to 2010 principally due to higher pretax income in 2011.  This tax benefit is limited to the quarter and the Company expects the full year effective tax rate will be approximately 37.0%.

As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 increased 73.3% to $18.3 million compared to $10.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Net income per diluted share for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 increased to $0.24 from $0.14.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In addition to normal operating expenses, our primary ongoing cash requirements are for new store expansion, remodeling and relocation programs, including inventory purchases and capital expenditures.  Our primary ongoing sources of liquidity are existing cash balances, funds provided from operations, commitments available under our revolving credit agreement, capital and operating leases and normal trade credit.

 
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At March 26, 2011, we had working capital of $578.2 million, which was a $38.9 million decrease and an $83.9 million increase compared to December 25, 2010 and March 27, 2010, respectively.  The shifts in working capital were primarily attributable to changes in the following components of current assets and current liabilities (in millions):

   
March 26,
2011
   
December 25, 2010
   
Variance
   
March 27,
2010
   
Variance
 
Current assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 140.4     $ 257.3     $ (116.9 )   $ 138.0     $ 2.4  
Short-term investments
    15.9       15.9       --       --       15.9  
Inventories
    941.4       736.5       204.9       832.9       108.5  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    40.7       34.0       6.7       38.8       1.9  
      1,138.4       1,043.7       94.7       1,009.7       128.7  
Current liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable
    406.4       247.4       159.0       395.0       11.4  
Accrued employee compensation
    17.0       34.6       (17.6 )     12.6       4.4  
Other accrued expenses
    122.4       127.4       (5.0 )     90.3       32.1  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    0.1       0.1       --       0.3       (0.2 )
Income taxes payable
    --       8.3       (8.3 )     0.3       (0.3 )
Deferred income taxes
    14.3       8.8       5.5       16.9       (2.6 )
      560.2       426.6       133.6       515.4       44.8  
Working capital
  $ 578.2     $ 617.1     $ (38.9 )   $ 494.3     $ 83.9  

In comparison to prior year end, working capital decreased as a result of a decrease in cash offset in part by an increase in inventory, net of accounts payable.  The decrease in cash is primarily attributed to increased capital expenditures and the repurchase of common stock. The increase in inventories and accounts payable resulted primarily from the purchase of additional inventory for new stores as well as a seasonal build in anticipation of the spring selling season.

The increase in working capital as compared to the first quarter of 2010 was the result of an increase in inventory, net of accounts payable, partially offset by an increase in other accrued expenses.  The increase in inventory is related to new store openings. The increase in other accrued expenses is primarily related to timing of payments as well as accruals related to construction of a new distribution center.

Operations used net cash of $44.8 million and $21.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively.  The $23.8 million increase in net cash used in operations in 2011 over 2010 is primarily due to changes in the following operating activities (in millions):

   
Fiscal three months ended
 
   
March 26,
2011
   
March 27,
2010
   
Variance
 
Net income
  $ 18.3     $ 10.6     $ 7.7  
Depreciation and amortization
    18.3       16.7       1.6  
Inventories and accounts payable
    (45.8 )     (23.1 )     (22.7 )
Stock compensation expense
    3.6       3.2       0.4  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (6.8 )     (8.1 )     1.3  
Accrued expenses
    (29.9 )     (20.5 )     (9.4 )
Income taxes payable
    (8.3 )     (7.0 )     (1.3 )
Other, net
    5.8       7.2       (1.4 )
Net cash used in operations
  $ (44.8 )   $ (21.0 )   $ (23.8 )

The increase in net cash used in operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2010 primarily relates to increased inventory levels and timing of payments on accounts payable, partially offset by stronger earnings. Accounts payable levels in relation to inventory have decreased as a result of more timely payments in order to capture payment discounts offered by vendors and also as a result of an increase in cash held in our bank concentration account.  The bank concentration account is presented net of the related book overdraft included in accounts payable. Accrued expenses increased as a result of timing of payments as well as incentive compensation earned in fiscal 2010 but not paid until fiscal 2011.

 
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Investing activities used $28.8 million and $12.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. The majority of this cash requirement relates to our capital expenditures.

Capital expenditures for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 were as follows (in millions):

   
Fiscal three months ended
   
March 26,
2011
 
March 27,
2010
Distribution center capacity and improvements
  $ 11.8     $ 0.1  
New/relocated stores and stores not yet opened
    11.5       6.1  
Existing stores
    3.0       2.8  
Information technology
    2.5       3.9  
Corporate and other
    0.1       --  
    $ 28.9     $ 12.9  

The above table reflects 26 new stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to 19 new stores during the first quarter of fiscal 2010.   We expect to open approximately 80 to 85 new stores during fiscal 2011.  The increase in distribution center capacity and improvements in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 is due to the construction of a new distribution center and the implementation of a comprehensive warehouse management system designed to improve efficiencies in the distribution center network.

Financing activities used $43.2 million and $1.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively.  This increase in net cash used in financing activities is largely due to the repurchase of common stock, partially offset by increased net proceeds from issuance of common stock.

We are party to a Senior Credit Facility (the “Credit Agreement”), which provides for borrowings up to $350 million (with sublimits of $75 million and $20 million for letters of credit and swingline loans, respectively).  The Credit Agreement has an Increase Option for $150 million (subject to additional lender group commitments).  The Credit Agreement is unsecured and matures in February 2012, with proceeds expected to be used for working capital, capital expenditures, and share repurchases.

At March 26, 2011 and March 27, 2010, there were no outstanding borrowings under the credit agreement.  There were $22.9 million outstanding letters of credit as of March 26, 2011. Borrowings bear interest at either the bank’s base rate or LIBOR plus an additional amount ranging from 0.35% to 0.90% per annum, adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio (0.40% at March 26, 2011 and 0.50% March 27, 2010).  We are also required to pay quarterly in arrears, a commitment fee ranging from 0.06% to 0.18% per annum and adjusted quarterly based on performance, for unused capacity (0.08% at March 26, 2011 and 0.10% March 27, 2010).  The agreement requires quarterly compliance with respect to fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios.  As of March 26, 2011, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.

We believe that existing cash balances, funds provided from operations, commitments available under our revolving credit agreement, and normal trade credit will be sufficient to fund our operations and capital expenditure needs, including store expansion, remodeling and relocations over the next several years.

Share Repurchase Program

We have a Board-approved share repurchase program which provides for repurchase of up to $400 million of common stock, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses related to such repurchases, through December 2011.  On April 28, 2011 we announced that the board of directors authorized a $600 million increase to the existing share repurchase program, bringing the total amount authorized to date under the program to $1 billion.  The program also has been extended through April 30, 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 1,011,500 and 146,200 shares under the share repurchase program for a total cost of $53.1 million and $3.8 million during the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively. As mentioned in Note 2 of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, the shares added to treasury were not adjusted for the stock split. As of March 26, 2011, we had remaining authorization under the share repurchase program of $89.7 million exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses.
 
16

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 quarter of 2011, the Board of Directors declared the following dividend:

Date Declared
 
Dividend Amount
Per Share
 
Stockholders of Record Date
Date Paid
February 4, 2011
  $ 0.07  
February 22, 2011
March 8, 2011

On April 28, 2011, we announced that our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share of the Company’s common stock.  The dividend will be paid on June 1, 2011 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 16, 2011.
 
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.

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 26, 2011, we had commitments related to construction projects for new stores and a distribution center totaling approximately $23.6 million and commitments to purchase two stores previously under lease for approximately $4.9 million. There has been no material change in our contractual obligations and commercial commitments other than in the ordinary course of business since the end of fiscal 2010.

At March 26, 2011, there were $22.9 million outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Agreement and a $16.0 million outstanding letter of credit at a financial institution outside of the Credit Agreement which is collateralized by our short-term investment in a U.S. Treasury note.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our 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 us 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.  Significant accounting policies, including areas of critical management judgments and estimates, have primary impact on the following financial statement areas:

-
Revenue recognition and sales returns
-
Sales tax audit reserve
-
Inventory valuation
-
Tax contingencies
-
Share-based compensation
-
Goodwill
-
Self-insurance reserves
-
Long-lived assets

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2010 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.
 
17

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily from the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement bears interest at either the bank’s base rate (3.25% at March 26, 2011 and March 27, 2010, respectively) or LIBOR (0.25% at March 26, 2011 and March 27, 2010, respectively) plus an additional amount ranging from 0.35% to 0.90% per annum, adjusted quarterly, based on our performance (0.40% at March 26, 2011 and 0.50% at March 27, 2010).  We are also required to pay, quarterly in arrears, a commitment fee ranging from 0.06% to 0.18% based on the daily average unused portion of the Credit Agreement (0.08% at March 26, 2011 and 0.10% at March 27, 2010).  See Note 11 of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further discussion regarding the Credit Agreement.
 
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, soybean 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.  Due to the competitive environment, such conditions have and may continue to adversely impact our financial performance.

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 26, 2011.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the 1934 Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of March 26, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the first fiscal quarter of 2011 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
 
18

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

The Company received and responded to a Request for Information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) 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 not covered by certificates of conformity issued by the EPA, and that unless the DOJ and the Company were able to reach a settlement, the DOJ was prepared to commence a civil action. The Company is currently engaged in settlement discussions with the DOJ that would call for the payment of a civil penalty and certain injunctive relief.  The engines were purchased by the Company pursuant to agreements with four 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 has notified these vendors of the EPA’s position and expects to be reimbursed for any liabilities or costs relating to this matter.   The Company does not expect the resolution of this matter to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

We are also involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business.  Management expects these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.  We believe that any estimated loss related to such matters has been adequately provided in accrued liabilities to the extent probable and reasonably estimable.  It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in circumstances relating to these proceedings.

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 25, 2010.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

We have a share repurchase program which provides for repurchase of up to $400 million of our outstanding common stock through December 2011.  Stock repurchase activity during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 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 26, 2010 – January 22, 2011
    --   $ --     --   $ 142,800,349
January 23, 2011 – February 19, 2011 (a)
    388,268     52.85     371,500     123,163,208
February 20, 2011 – March 26, 2011
    640,000     52.34     640,000     89,680,789
As of March 26, 2011
    1,028,268   $ 52.53     1,011,500   $ 89,680,789
                         

(a) We withheld 16,768 shares during the first quarter to satisfy employee tax obligations on the vesting of restricted stock units in the amounts of $0.9 million in the first quarter at an average price of $51.99.  For further discussion, see Note 9 – Share-Based Compensation of this Form 10-Q.

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
 
19

Item 4.  [Removed and Reserved]

Item 5.  Other Information

None

Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits

10.42
Compensation Recoupment Policy.
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 2011, filed with the SEC on May 3, 2011, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the consolidated balance sheets at March 26, 2011; December 25, 2010; and March 27, 2010, (ii) the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal three months ended March 27, 2011 and March 27, 2010, (iii) the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal three months ended March 26, 2011 and March 27, 2010, and (iv) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (tagged as blocks of text).(1)

_______________________
(1) The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of that section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing or document.




 
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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 3, 2011
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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