Latest news with #Out
New York Post
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘The Gilded Age' kills off a beloved character in Season 3 shocker
RIP, John Adams. 'The Gilded Age' killed off Claybourne Elder's beloved character on Sunday night's episode. John, who was a descendant of President John Adams, was fatally struck by a speeding horse carriage on the streets of New York City, moments after sharing a romantic exchange with his former lover Oscar van Rhijn (Blake Ritson). 7 Claybourne Elder and Blake Ritson in 'The Gilded Age.' Oscar had just recovered financially with John's help after Maud Beaton (Nicole Brydon Bloom) stole all his money. 'You've defied the odds,' John told Oscar right before his death. 'You are my savior. I thank you with all my heart,' Oscar replied, as the pair parted ways with a handshake. 7 Blake Ritson and Claybourne Elder in 'The Gilded Age.' Seconds later, Oscar watched in horror as John was killed. After the episode, showrunners Julian Fellowes and Sonja Warfield defended the decision to kill John in an interview with TVLine. 'We were quite careful to kill him with a straight accident, not with anything with political overtones,' said Fellowes, 75. 'He's just killed in an accident, like anyone could be at any time.' 7 Claybourne Elder as John Adams in 'The Gilded Age.' 7 Ben Lamb and Hattie Morahan in 'The Gilded Age.' 'Those shocking things are true in life,' added Warfield. 'I've certainly experienced those traumas. They change you, and we wanted to bring about that change in Oscar.' Fellowes also said of the scene: 'I jumped out of my skin when I watched it for the first time.' 7 Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector in 'The Gilded Age.' John and Oscar were lifelong friends who began a secret romance while pretending to be straight in public. They eventually broke up and John revealed to Oscar that he was dating another man. During Season 3, John offers Oscar an investment opportunity to help him after Maud lost all the money she previously swindled out of him. In an April interview with Out magazine, Elder, 43, spoke about the importance of playing a gay character on the HBO series. 7 Blake Ritson as Oscar van Rhijn, Claybourne Elder as John Adams. ''The Gilded Age' has been such a meaningful experience for me,' Elder shared. 'As a queer actor, getting to portray a queer character in this particular historical setting feels both exciting and important.' 'The late 19th century wasn't exactly a time when queer people could live openly, and yet we know they existed, loved, and found ways to carve out spaces for themselves,' the actor continued. 'What I love about John is that he's complex — he's navigating a world that doesn't necessarily make room for him, but he has this desire to do what's right.' 7 Claybourne Elder in 'The Gilded Age.' Photographer: Alison Cohen Rosa Elder also said that he's gotten a 'touching' response from fans 'who are excited to see a queer character represented in this time period, especially in a way that feels layered and authentic.' 'I've gotten messages from viewers who say they see themselves in John Adams's story,' Elder added, 'which means the world to me.' 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on HBO and HBO Max.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Noel Gallagher's turbulent relationship with Scots ex-wife Sara McDonald
The Oasis star and his Edinburgh born ex-wife Sara announced their split in January 2023 after 12 years of marriage. It's now just two weeks until Oasis take to the stage at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium in a moment their Scottish fans have been waiting on for over 15 years. Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher finally announced they'd put their long-standing feud behind them last year when they made the huge announcement about the Oasis Live 25 reunion tour. It's almost Scotland's turn as the pair have already completed a string of shows around the UK including two nights at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, where they kicked off their tour on Friday, July 4 and five nights in their home city of Manchester at Heaton Park. This weekend, the Gallagher brothers kick start their London shows at Wembley Stadium tonight. They will play another four shows in the UK's capital on Saturday, July 26, Wednesday, July 30, Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3. Edinburgh will be Oasis next stop with their three shows in the Capital set to take place on Friday August 8, Saturday, August 9 and Tuesday, August 12. It will mark the first time that Oasis have played in Scotland since 2009 when their final gig in the country came as a part of their "Dig Out Your Soul" tour at Murrayfield Stadium. Noel has a deeply personal connection with Scotland, particularly Edinburgh, as it's where his ex-wife Sara McDonald was born and raised. The High Flying Birds star's reunion with his brother comes after a tough couple of years in his personal life. The 57-year-old confirmed in early 2023 that he was parting ways with Sara after 12 years of marriage. Noel's divorce from the Scottish music PR is said to have set him back £20m and forced him to relinquish their lavish £8M Hampshire abode. The Oasis songwriter previously opened up about their split on Matt Morgan's Patreon Podcast, where he candidly spoke about adjusting to single life. He even described a cheeky gesture he makes when biking in London: "I can get on the bike and go up to King's Cross, and go down to the canal at Longfield Road. "And get on the canal outside my wonderful ex-wife's house and give her a little wave, and go, 'You didn't take this from me'!" Over the course of their two decades together, Noel and Sara welcomed their two kids Donovan, 17, and Sonny, 15. A retrospective glance at Noel and Sara's relationship narrates the story of their first encounter, the alleged influence that Sara had on the notorious feud between the Oasis siblings, and the unraveling that led to their break up. The former couple first crossed paths in 2000 at the famous Space nightclub in Ibiza while Noel was still married to Meg Matthews. It was the same year that Noel and Matthews welcomed their daughter Anais, now 25. In a previous tell-all interview with Vogue, Sara shared the story of Noel asking her to hold onto his cigarettes and pint whilst nipping to the loo before they ended up sharing a cab ride home. Their encounter led to the singer asking for Sara's number which she scribbled on a card and it all appeared to be 'love at first sight'. Noel has openly revealed in the past that he held onto her contact information 'like it was a religious f**king artefact', despite claims that they didn't explore a romance until his marriage with Meg was officially over in 2001. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The dad-of-three also made claims later on that he fabricated tales of infidelity during his first marriage to hasten the divorce proceedings, stating at the time that his departure from Meg was down to his inability to endure her behaviour. Sara and Noel then went on their first outing as a couple at The Lanesborough Hotel, according to Daily Mail reports at the time. Back in a 2015 interview with Radio 4 presenter Kirsty Young, Noel confessed: "You know, I never believed in love at first sight or that soulmate thing until I met her." They took things to the next level when they exchanged vows in 2011 at the swanky Lime Wood Hotel nestled within the New Forest. As a sweet tribute to Sara's Scottish roots, bagpipes were played on their special day. The pair were already parents to their two boys Donovan, who was born in 2007, and Sonny, who arrived in 2010, when they tied the knot. Brother Liam Gallagher was notably absent from the occasion and is said to have received no invitation. Sara inevitably found herself embroiled in the infamous Oasis feud between Noel and Liam. Initially, Sara had a good relationship with Liam as a Scottish music PR but things took a turn after she and Noel briefly separated in 2002. In 2020, Sara publicly spoke about the tumultuous relationship between the brothers for the first time, revealing that their eldest son Donovan had never met his uncle. According to the Daily Mail, Sara alleged that Liam had once called her '11 times in one night', hurling abusive language at her. She also recalled an incident where an argument between the Gallagher siblings ended in Liam tossing her handbag down a hotel corridor. Noel previously disclosed in 2011 that his then-wife was not a huge lover of his music in Oasis, stating she's "not the biggest fan of anything I've ever done". In 2020, Liam then suggested on Twitter that Sara might be the reason why an Oasis reunion wouldn't happen. Responding to a fan who asked why Noel was against an Oasis reunion, Liam replied: "I've told you before he's right up for it but you know who won't let him as she doesn't like Oasis music." Sara and Noel announced their separation in January 2023. A statement on behalf of the couple read: "Noel and Sara will together continue to look after their children who remain their priority."The statement concluded with a request for privacy, saying: "Noel and Sara ask the media to respect their privacy at this time." Noel was very candid about his marriage breakdown during a chat with Ireland's Hot Press Magazine, explaining that things started to go south during lockdown. Noel admitted like many middle-aged couples, they simply "grew tired of each other". He divulged to The Sun: "When you get to your mid-50s you do come to some kind of crossroads in your life. "It's not uncommon for people who have been in long-term relationships to go their separate ways in their 50s. I know a lot of people in the same boat as me and Sara. Particularly after the pandemic. "The midlife crisis thing is true for men and women." He also confessed that his demanding tour itinerary played a part in his marital split, along with constant partying which would leave Sara furious. The ex-couple now co-parent their two boys, who are their "main priority". Following their split, Noel reportedly handed over £20M to Sara, as well as their lavish Hampshire home worth £8million in the divorce settlement.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Weekly economic wrap: local politics and US tariffs coming next week
While inflation remained low in June, the picture can change from 1 August if the US tariff on South Africa remains at 30%. It was another busy week on the local political front, with a minister fired, while on the international front countries are waiting to see if US president Donald Trump will TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out) or stick to his guns and implement the tariffs he recently proposed. Lisette IJssel de Schepper, chief economist at the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) says while it was a big week on the local political front, there was some constructive momentum. President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed higher education and training minister Nobuhle Nkabane who is facing accusations that she misled parliament. After Nkabane's dismissal, the DA agreed to support the departmental budget on higher education, essentially clearing the way for the Appropriation Bill to be passed. 'While this will not be the last test for the government of national unity (GNU), she says it is a welcome sign that Budget 3.0 can now be finalised, allowing attention to shift toward the October medium term budget policy statement (MTBPS),' De Schepper said. ALSO READ: 'Open our eyes and ears' – Ramaphosa on how to tackle US tariff hike on SA cars US tariffs: will Trump TACO? She said that ahead of next week's 1 August deadline, Trump announced another 'massive' trade deal. Japan and the US agreed on a 15% reciprocal tariff, rather than the 25% that Trump initially threatened. 'Reports suggest that the European Union and the US are nearing a deal, also for 15%, but this has not been confirmed. Unlike other nations or regions, the EU already announced that it has a retaliatory package ready to implement, if necessary, which puts the global economy at additional risk should negotiations fail. 'Trump has said that 15% will probably serve as a floor for reciprocal tariffs, which means the UK was 'lucky' to have been able to settle at 10% early on. In addition to Japan, a deal was reached with the Philippines, with tariffs at 19%, in line with Indonesia and just below Vietnam's 20%.' ALSO READ: JSE All Share Index hit 100k points Oil and gold lower as risk appetite increases Bianca Botes, Citadel Global director, commenting on commodities, says Brent crude breached $69/barrel as markets cheered progress on a US-EU trade agreement, anticipating that reduced tensions would spur global growth and oil demand. 'Supply-side forces further bolstered prices, including constrained Russian exports and tighter diesel markets due to new EU import restrictions and talks of sanctions on Russian oil. These factors offset demand concerns and underpinned the week's rally,' she said Botes saidgold hovered near $3 360 per ounce, consolidating earlier gains after a midweek pullback as risk appetite improved. 'Easing of global trade frictions and equity records prompted some investors to rotate out of safe haven assets, but gold still managed a 0.6% rise for the week, benefiting from lingering uncertainty around US Fed policy and geopolitics.' ALSO READ: Economists lower GDP growth forecast due to global and domestic risks Rand firmed against the dollar this week Turning to the rand, Botes says it firmed against the dollar, moving in tandem with rising JSE equities and elevated commodity prices. 'Steadiness in domestic bond yields, resilient mining sector profits and improved global risk appetite provided support for the currency, despite local growth and fiscal headwinds.' Busisiwe Nkonki and Isaac Matshego, economists at the Nedbank Group Economic Unit, said the rand gained strength on Wednesday, trading at R17.55/$ against the dollar, as inflation increased slightly, suggesting the Reserve Bank (Sarb) may proceed with further interest rate cuts. 'Renewed optimism on the GNU also supported the local unit. All parties in the GNU supported the 2025 Appropriation Bill, dampening earlier fears of a deadlock after the DA threatened to oppose the bill if the president did not act against a truant cabinet minister. 'However, the local unit surrendered some of the gains this morning to trade around R17.77/$ this afternoon.' ALSO READ: Inflation still low enough for repo rate cut, but only in September – economists Inflation edged up to 3% in June as expected Inflation edged up to 3% in June from 2.8% in May, driven by food and non-alcoholic beverages that increased by 5.1% and housing and utilities that increased by 4.4%. The increase in food inflation was mainly driven by an acceleration in meat prices (6.6%) amid supply chain issues due to avian flu and foot and mouth disease, Tshepiso Maroga, economist at the BER, says. Mamello Matikinca-Ngwenya, Siphamandla Mkhwanazi, Thanda Sithole and Koketso Mano, economists at FNB, say they see headline inflation rising to 3.6% in July, as utility and food costs ratchet up and fuel deflation moderates. For the year, they forecast average headline inflation of 3.5%. Nkonki and Matshego also said the increase was in line with their expectations. 'The food price increases were caused by temporary restrictions on poultry imports from Brazil due to avian flu, some tightening in local red meat supplies due to new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and the lingering impact of earlier floods on vegetable and fruit supplies.'
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Tractor Supply Company Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results; Reconfirms Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook
BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States (the 'Company'), today reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 28, 2025. Net Sales Increased 4.5% to $4.44 Billion Comparable Store Sales Increased 1.5%; Comparable Average Transaction Growth of 1.0% Diluted Earnings per Share ('EPS') of $0.81 'We are pleased with our second quarter performance, reflecting the continued strength of our core categories and strong execution despite a delayed spring,' said Hal Lawton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tractor Supply. 'Our team delivered solid results by capturing market share and curating a product assortment that underscores our leadership in rural retail. I want to thank our 52,000 Team Members whose passion for Life Out Here and commitment to our customers make all the difference every day.' 'As we enter the back half of 2025, we remain confident in our outlook, are encouraged by the momentum carrying into the quarter and continue to believe in the durability of our model. Despite external pressures, including economic uncertainty and shifting tariffs, our year-to-date performance and visibility into the remainder of the year provide a solid foundation to reaffirm our 2025 financial outlook. With a largely U.S.-sourced assortment, strong vendor partnerships and a flexible, scalable supply chain, we are well-positioned to navigate near-term dynamics and deliver long-term value for our shareholders.' Second Quarter 2025 Results Net sales for the second quarter of 2025 increased 4.5% to $4.44 billion from $4.25 billion in the second quarter of 2024. The increase in net sales was driven primarily by new store openings and the growth in comparable store sales. Comparable store sales increased 1.5%, as compared to a decrease of 0.5% in the prior year's second quarter, reflecting a comparable average transaction count increase of 1.0% and comparable average ticket growth of 0.5%. Comparable store sales growth was driven by continued momentum in year-round categories, especially consumable, usable and edible (C.U.E.) products, along with solid demand for spring seasonal items. Performance was also positive in apparel, gift and décor, as well as big ticket items. These gains were partially offset by softness in select discretionary categories. Gross profit increased 5.4% to $1.64 billion from $1.56 billion in the prior year's second quarter. Gross margin rate was 36.9% compared to 36.6% in the prior year's second quarter primarily attributable to disciplined product cost management and the continued execution of an everyday low price strategy. Selling, general and administrative ('SG&A') expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 6.8% to $1.06 billion from $994.2 million in the prior year's second quarter. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 23.9% from 23.4% in the second quarter of 2024. The increase in SG&A as a percent of net sales was primarily attributable to planned growth investments and modest deleverage of fixed costs given the level of comparable store sales. These factors were partially offset by an ongoing focus on productivity and cost control, and to a lesser extent, a modest benefit from the Company's ongoing sale-leaseback strategy. Operating income increased 2.9% to $577.8 million from $561.5 million in the second quarter of 2024. The effective income tax rate was 23.2% compared to 22.7% in the second quarter of 2024. Net income increased 1.1% to $430.0 million from $425.2 million. Diluted EPS increased 2.8% to $0.81 compared to $0.79 in the second quarter of 2024. The Company repurchased approximately 1.4 million shares of its common stock for $73.9 million and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $122.0 million, returning a total of $195.9 million of capital to shareholders in the second quarter of 2025. The Company opened 24 new Tractor Supply stores and two new Petsense by Tractor Supply stores and closed one Petsense by Tractor Supply store in the second quarter of 2025. Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Outlook Based on year-to-date performance and its outlook, Tractor Supply reiterates the following financial guidance for fiscal year 2025, initially provided on April 24, 2025: For the full year, the Company now expects its share repurchases will be in the range of $325 to $375 million, below the outlook most recently provided on January 30, 2025. This reflects a more measured pace of repurchases as the Company remains committed to a disciplined capital allocation approach. Conference Call Information Tractor Supply Company will hold a conference call today, Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 10 a.m. ET. The call will be webcast live at An investor presentation will be available on the investor relations section of the Company's website at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download the streaming media software required to listen to the webcast. A replay of the webcast will also be available at shortly after the conference call concludes. About Tractor Supply Company For more than 85 years, Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) has been passionate about serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, pet enthusiasts and all those who enjoy living Life Out Here. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., ranking 296 on the Fortune 500. The Company's more than 52,000 Team Members are known for delivering legendary service and helping customers pursue their passions, whether that means being closer to the land, taking care of animals or living a hands-on, DIY lifestyle. In store and online, Tractor Supply provides what customers need – anytime, anywhere, any way they choose at the low prices they deserve. As part of the Company's commitment to caring for animals of all kinds, Tractor Supply is proud to include Petsense by Tractor Supply, a pet specialty retailer, and Allivet, a leading online pet pharmacy, in its family of brands. Together, Tractor Supply is able to provide comprehensive solutions for pet care, livestock wellness and rural living, ensuring customers and their animals thrive. From its stores to the customer's doorstep, Tractor Supply is here to serve and support Life Out Here. As of June 28, 2025, the Company operated 2,335 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and 207 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information, visit and Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding market share gains, value creation, customer trends, new stores and distribution centers, property development plans, return of capital, financial guidance for fiscal 2025, including net sales, comparable store sales, operating margin rates, net income, earnings per diluted share and sale-leaseback transactions. All forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, are subject to the finalization of the Company's quarterly financial and accounting procedures, 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. Forward-looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with such words as 'will,' 'would,' 'intend,' 'expect,' 'continue,' 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'optimistic,' 'forecasted' and similar terminology. Actual results could vary materially from the expectations reflected in these statements. As with any business, all phases of our operations are subject to facts outside of our control. These factors include, without limitation, the impact of the recent tariff announcements and the corresponding macroeconomic pressures and those factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's Annual Reports or Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, 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, except as required by law. (a) All share and per share information has been adjusted to reflect the five-for-one Stock Split effective December 20, 2024. Note: Percent of net sales amounts may not sum to totals due to rounding. Expand Expand Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (in thousands) June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 225,810 $ 394,748 Inventories 3,090,306 3,000,033 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 227,649 244,844 Total current assets 3,543,765 3,639,625 Property and equipment, net 2,884,660 2,566,723 Operating lease right-of-use assets 3,655,729 3,225,156 Goodwill and other intangible assets 399,622 269,520 Other assets 75,019 83,500 Total assets $ 10,558,795 $ 9,784,524 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1,519,094 $ 1,436,520 Accrued employee compensation 72,305 69,920 Other accrued expenses 614,221 557,721 Current portion of finance lease liabilities 3,437 3,405 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 410,249 382,111 Income taxes payable 143,346 94,858 Total current liabilities 2,762,652 2,544,535 Long-term debt 1,673,472 1,730,467 Finance lease liabilities, less current portion 26,318 29,661 Operating lease liabilities, less current portion 3,443,879 2,980,876 Deferred income taxes 19,841 54,418 Other long-term liabilities 142,324 139,235 Total liabilities 8,068,486 7,479,192 Stockholders' equity: Common stock (a) 7,124 7,113 Additional paid-in capital (a) 1,399,333 1,343,508 Treasury stock (6,191,887 ) (5,717,944 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income — 4,680 Retained earnings 7,275,739 6,667,975 Total stockholders' equity 2,490,309 2,305,332 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 10,558,795 $ 9,784,524 Expand (a) Common stock and Additional paid-in capital balances have been adjusted to reflect the five-for-one Stock Split effective December 20, 2024. Expand Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (in thousands) Six Months Ended June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 609,412 $ 623,363 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 242,179 213,558 (Gain)/loss on disposition of property and equipment (33,421 ) (4,210 ) Share-based compensation expense 25,976 25,124 Deferred income taxes (24,054 ) (10,712 ) Change in assets and liabilities: Inventories (231,907 ) (354,179 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (26,400 ) (33,345 ) Accounts payable 271,691 256,717 Accrued employee compensation (28,848 ) (21,558 ) Other accrued expenses (15,892 ) 19,996 Income taxes 160,308 97,319 Other 53,531 5,270 Net cash provided by operating activities 1,002,575 817,343 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (351,644 ) (349,818 ) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 42,906 18,487 Acquisition of Allivet, net of cash acquired (139,936 ) — Net cash used in investing activities (448,674 ) (331,331 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings under debt facilities 1,315,000 335,000 Repayments under debt facilities (1,475,000 ) (335,000 ) Principal payments under finance lease liabilities (2,056 ) (864 ) Repurchase of shares to satisfy tax obligations (14,482 ) (22,717 ) Repurchase of common stock (169,979 ) (255,756 ) Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 11,315 28,349 Cash dividends paid to stockholders (244,380 ) (237,347 ) Net cash used in financing activities (579,582 ) (488,335 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (25,681 ) (2,323 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 251,491 397,071 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 225,810 $ 394,748 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for: Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 38,901 $ 30,203 Income taxes $ 42,818 $ 89,875 Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities: Non-cash accruals for property and equipment $ 130,807 $ 61,418 Increase in operating lease liabilities resulting from new or modified right-of-use assets $ 439,149 $ 272,524 Decrease in finance lease liabilities resulting from new or modified right-of-use assets $ (105 ) $ — Expand Selected Financial and Operating Information (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 Sales Information: Comparable store sales increase/(decrease) 1.5 % (0.5 )% 0.5 % 0.2 % New store sales (% of total sales) 2.9 % 2.0 % 2.8 % 2.0 % Average transaction value $ 63.68 $ 63.46 $ 60.51 $ 61.24 Comparable store average transaction value increase/ (decrease) (a) 0.5 % 0.1 % (1.0 )% (0.1 )% Comparable store average transaction count increase/(decrease) 1.0 % (0.6 )% 1.5 % 0.3 % Total selling square footage (000's) 39,755 38,383 39,755 38,383 Exclusive brands (% of total sales) 27.6 % 26.7 % 29.4 % 28.1 % Imports (% of total sales) 10.9 % 10.9 % 11.1 % 11.0 % Store Count Information: Tractor Supply Beginning of period 2,311 2,233 2,296 2,216 New stores opened 24 21 39 38 Stores closed — — — — End of period 2,335 2,254 2,335 2,254 Petsense by Tractor Supply Beginning of period 206 202 206 198 New stores opened 2 3 4 7 Stores closed (1 ) — (3 ) — End of period 207 205 207 205 Consolidated end of period 2,542 2,459 2,542 2,459 Pre-opening costs (000's) $ 4,764 $ 2,251 $ 7,276 $ 4,613 Balance Sheet Information: Average inventory per store (000's) (b) $ 1,155.0 $ 1,138.0 $ 1,155.0 $ 1,138.0 Inventory turns (annualized) 3.60 3.64 3.33 3.41 Share repurchase program: Cost (000's) (c) $ 72,822 $ 140,546 $ 166,649 $ 259,089 Average purchase price per share (d) $ 51.10 $ 54.50 $ 52.89 $ 50.96 Expand (a) Comparable store average transaction value changes include the impact of transaction value changes achieved on the current period change in transaction count. (b) Assumes average inventory cost, excluding inventory in transit. (c) Effective January 1, 2023, the Company's share repurchases are subject to a 1% excise tax as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Excise taxes incurred on share repurchases represent direct costs of the repurchase and are recorded as a part of the cost basis of the shares within treasury stock. (d) All share and per share information has been adjusted to reflect the five-for-one Stock Split effective December 20, 2024. Note: Comparable store metrics percentages may not sum to total due to rounding. Expand Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 Capital Expenditures (millions): New stores, relocated stores and stores not yet opened $ 85.3 $ 58.0 144.8 119.7 Existing stores 58.4 76.4 101.4 134.2 Information technology 42.8 35.7 68.8 60.1 Distribution center capacity and improvements 23.6 19.1 31.6 32.2 Corporate and other 0.2 3.4 5.0 3.6 Total $ 210.3 $ 192.6 $ 351.6 $ 349.8 Expand
USA Today
18-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Lloyd Howell resigns as NFLPA executive director
The NFL Players Association is going to need a new leader. NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. announced his resignation Thursday evening. "It's clear that my leadership has become a distraction to the important work the NFLPA advances every day. For this reason, I have informed the NFLPA Executive Committee that I am stepping down as Executive Director of the NFLPA and Chairman of the Board of NFL Players effective immediately," Howell said in a statement. "I hope this will allow the NFLPA to maintain its focus on its player members ahead of the upcoming season." Howell had come under intense scrutiny in recent days and weeks following the "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast's release of a 61-page arbitration report. In January, Christopher Droney, an independent arbitrator, dismissed a grievance raised by the NFLPA, ruling there wasn't sufficient evidence of collusion by NFL owners. However, the contents of his report included a finding that the NFL encouraged owners "to reduce guarantees in future contracts with players at the March 2022 annual meeting." ESPN reported Wednesday that the NFL and NFLPA made an "unusual confidentiality agreement" to keep the findings of the arbitration report secret. "By agreeing to a confidentiality agreement, the union purposefully blocked the players from receiving crucial information about the operations of the NFL," attorney Peter Ginsberg said via ESPN. "The NFL and the union should not be conspiring together to keep important information from the players." NFL CONTROVERSY: In stunning ruling, arbitrator finds league encouraged collusion ESPN reports Lloyd Howell has side job with conflict of interest Further controversy surrounding Howell emerged on July 10. ESPN reported that Howell, in addition to his job as head of the players' union, was working as a "paid, part-time consultant for The Carlyle Group," a private equity firm that the NFL approved to seek minority ownership stakes in its teams. Howell had started the consulting gig months before starting his role as the NFLPA's executive director. He refused to step down from his role with The Carlyle Group after taking the NFLPA job, ESPN reported. "It would be an outrageous conflict for the head of a labor union to have an interest in a third party that is aligned with the NFL," NFLPA's former lead outside counsel Jim Quinn said via ESPN. "The relationship between a labor organization and the employer organization is adversarial by definition, and as a result, as a leader, you have to be absolutely clear and clean as to having no even appearance of conflict." A representative for The Carlyle Group told ESPN in a statement that Howell "had no access to information about the NFL and Carlyle process" and that she was unaware of the union's request he leave his consulting position. USA TODAY Sports has also confirmed an ESPN report that the NFLPA hired law firm Wilmer Hale last month to look into Howell's actions as the union's executive director. NFLPA: NFL and players union agreed to keep collusion findings secret, per report Howell involved in previous legal controversies Prior to Howell's election as the union's new executive director, he served as the chief financial officer for technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton between 2016 and 2022. In July 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Booz Allen paid out a $377 million settlement resulting from a whistleblower lawsuit that alleged the firm had been overcharging the federal government. The Washington Post reported that the whistleblower had notified top executives, including Howell, of the overcharging issue for months. The NFLPA had hired Howell as its executive director just one month before the announcement of Booz Allen's settlement.
