Tractor Supply reported in an earnings release furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to its Oct. 22 Form 8-K that third-quarter sales rose 5.1% while net income fell 13.3%.
Net sales totaled $3.91 billion, compared with $3.72 billion a year earlier. Net income was $224.7 million, and diluted earnings per share fell to $0.43 from $0.49.
Comparable-store sales grew 0.4%, down from 3.9% in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue from recently opened stores and VIP Petcare, together with a small gain at established locations, supported the quarterly increase. Comparable-store sales rose 0.4%, as average ticket increased 0.7% and transaction count declined 0.3%.
Gross profit reached $1.42 billion, up 2.6% from a year earlier. Gross margin narrowed to 36.4% from 37.4%. Tractor Supply attributed the lower margin to increased fuel and freight expenses and investment in its pricing.
The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 outlook. It expects net sales growth of 2.5% to 3.5%, comparable-store sales ranging from a 1% decline to no change, and diluted earnings per share of $1.78 to $1.88.
