Latest news with #TractorSupply
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
DEI isn't dead: See the companies standing behind inclusion
DEI isn't dead: See the companies standing behind inclusion At a time when companies are abandoning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, WinMark Concepts President Andrew Isen said DEI was never meant to be a political statement-it's a smart move for business and company culture. "It fosters an environment and a camaraderie of teamwork that will lead to a company's positive bottom line, period," Isen said. "It's the complete opposite of what is being sold to America through a system of lies and distortions." Though this distortion is what led to many companies leaving DEI in the dust, many businesses aren't caving to political pressure and are standing behind their inclusive initiatives, News Is Out says. DEI was once the standard. Now it's a polarizing statement. The prominent fight against DEI can be traced to as recently as June 2023, when the Supreme Court ended race-based affirmative action in higher education. But DEI is more than just affirmative action, and many prominent conservative figures took notice. One year after the Supreme Court's decision, music video producer Robby Starbuck uploaded a video bashing Tractor Supply, a company that sells farm equipment, for its DEI policies. In the video, Starbuck said the company offered equal health care for trans employees and sponsored Pride events. He called on customers to boycott the company until they changed these practices. It did. Tractor Supply announced it would pull out of its DEI initiatives shortly after the video was published. Starbuck took credit for the takedown, and called on other companies-like Lowe's, Harley-Davidson and John Deere-to follow suit. As President Donald Trump took office earlier this year, the DEI debate burst into the mainstream political scene. He banned transgender people from serving in the military, and slashed multiple federal programs that supported marginalized communities. Isen said many companies caved to this political pressure and were afraid of being caught in the crossfire of "culture wars." Just because some companies are backing out doesn't mean DEI is dead. Numerous prominent businesses have stood up in the face of political and consumer pressure and sustained, if not expanded, their inclusive initiatives. Apple has kept up its inclusion and diversity page, continued an initiative that creates pathways to engineering for students at historically Black colleges and most recently announced its Pride collection for this year. Costco has stood firmly behind its DEI initiatives, such as inclusive hiring practices and fair wages. Almost all of the company's shareholders voted against an anti-DEI proposal that would have made Costco review its inclusive practices and the company is thriving. Here are some of the other major companies that remain committed to DEI: Ben and Jerry'sCoca-ColaLevi Strauss & InternationalNFLPinterestSephoraUltae.l.f. BeautyPatagoniaProcter and GambleSouthwest AirlinesDelta AirlinesT.J. MaxxMicrosoftKroger The list goes on, but the corporate commitment to DEI isn't quite as dead as some may want you to believe. Isen said DEI is both a smart workplace and economic decision. "When you become an inclusive company, and you promote fairness and inclusivity and equity within an organization or company, you're fostering an environment where people work closer together," Isen said. "You're creating a professional camaraderie that produces quantifiable business results." In a 2023 study, consulting firm McKinsey and Company found that companies with greater representation on executive teams were 39% more likely to financially outperform companies with less ethnic and gender representation. Isen said companies that stray from DEI initiatives, like PepsiCo, Walmart and McDonalds, will face "horrific" consequences. He pointed to Target, which saw a decline in foot traffic during the first quarter of this year after it abandoned its commitment to DEI policies. Target CEO Brian Cornell said the decline could have been attributed to the combination of consumer fears of Trump's tariffs and boycotts following the company's DEI abandonment. The fate of DEI isn't predictable. Isen said the economic state of the country "unfortunately creates a powerless consumer." This is because many people can't afford to boycott brands that abandon DEI, because shopping at certain stores is the only affordable or accessible way to provide essentials for their family. "Traditionally, the only way to really show their unhappiness was not to patronize the brand or the company or anything associated with it," Isen said. "But many people can't do that." Though Isen said there are other ways consumers can advocate for DEI-such as contacting their representatives or company management-it's ultimately up to the companies themselves to understand the value inclusion provides to their culture and profitability. This story was produced by News Is Out and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Revealing Analyst Questions From Tractor Supply's Q1 Earnings Call
Tractor Supply's first quarter 2025 performance was shaped by delayed spring weather and persistent pressure in big-ticket seasonal categories. Management pointed to robust customer transactions and growth in consumable, usable, and edible categories, but noted that adverse weather conditions, especially in southern markets, held back overall sales. CEO Hal Lawton described the quarter as 'softer than expected,' citing the three-week delay in spring's arrival as a major headwind, with strong winter goods offset by weaker demand for spring merchandise. Is now the time to buy TSCO? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $3.47 billion vs analyst estimates of $3.53 billion (2.1% year-on-year growth, 1.9% miss) EPS (GAAP): $0.34 vs analyst expectations of $0.37 (9.1% miss) Adjusted EBITDA: $369.2 million vs analyst estimates of $386.1 million (10.6% margin, 4.4% miss) EPS (GAAP) guidance for the full year is $2.00 at the midpoint, missing analyst estimates by 7.5% Operating Margin: 7.2%, in line with the same quarter last year Locations: 2,517 at quarter end, up from 2,435 in the same quarter last year Same-Store Sales were flat year on year (1.1% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $27.59 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Peter Benedict (Baird) asked for clarification on the tariff assumptions embedded in near-term guidance. CEO Hal Lawton explained that Q2 guidance assumes current tariff rates remain in place and that the team is monitoring developments to adjust as needed. Bharat Rao (JPMorgan) inquired about expectations for big-ticket category improvement and the rationale behind the full-year sales range. Lawton noted that guidance assumes no significant rebound in big-ticket sales and that core needs-based categories are expected to sustain growth. Josh Young (Truist) questioned the scope and timing of vendor price increases and Tractor Supply's willingness to pass through costs. Lawton confirmed that the company has not yet taken price increases, citing ongoing uncertainty, but expects discussions to intensify in coming months. Michael Lasser (UBS) requested clarity on the relationship between tariff exposure and the company's sales and inflation assumptions in the second half. Lawton and CFO Kurt Barton explained that cost increases from tariffs incurred in Q2 will likely impact pricing and margins in the back half of the year. Steven Forbes (Guggenheim) asked about the integration and margin outlook for Tractor Supply Pet Rx. Chief Technology, Digital, and Strategy Officer Rob Mills reported strong early customer adoption and a focus on seamless digital and in-store integration, with further progress expected in coming quarters. In future quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) how effectively Tractor Supply manages tariff-related cost increases and potential pricing actions, (2) whether transaction growth and market share gains in needs-based categories continue to offset softness in discretionary big-ticket items, and (3) the pace of adoption and margin contribution from Tractor Supply Pet Rx and other new strategic initiatives. Execution on these priorities will be critical to navigating ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty. Tractor Supply currently trades at $52.48, up from $50.67 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Lowe's rival opening 90 stores by the end of this year
Tractor Supply Company is coming for Lowe's with a whopping new store count. The nation's largest rural lifestyle retailer is set to open 90 new locations by the end of the year. With these 90 stores, the number of Tractor Supply locations will rise to about 3,200 across 49 states. At least 18 of these new locations were former Big Lots stores, which the retailer bought during a last minute rescue deal after Big Lots filed for bankruptcy last year. A spokesperson told USA Today that those locations are strategically positioned in areas to serve the needs of farmers, animal owners, ranchers, gardeners, homeowners, and tradesmen. The openings also occurred just in time for Tractor Supply to launch its new Field & Stream-branded hunting and outdoor gear. The chain is also planning to open 10 new Petsense by Tractor Supply stores, crossing the 200 unit mark. As of now, the retailer has already opened 15 new stores in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia. The openings are part of Tractor Supply's 'Life Out Here' strategy, created to help with its growth. 'Over the last five years, we have delivered strong financial performance and enhanced our competitive advantages through the execution of our Life Out Here strategy,' said CEO Hal Lawton. 'Our Life Out Here 2030 strategy continues the momentum of our existing initiatives as well as launches new initiatives such as Pet Rx and Direct Sales.' Tractor Supply initiated the original plan in 2020, which featured a new store layout and remodeling program in half of its stores. It helped the chain land 22 million Neighbor's Club loyalty program members, open 13 distribution facilities, and increase sales by more than 300 percent. With its updates, the chain is now aiming to finish the year with $225 billion in revenue instead of its original $180 billion expectation. The chain started its goal off on a high note after delivering a 2.1 percent increase in first quarter scales amounting to $3.47 billion. The company said that new store openings and the contribution from Allivet pet pharmacy helped make its quarterly goal a reality. Some new locations are strategically positioned in areas to serve the needs of farmers, animal owners, ranchers, gardeners, homeowners, and tradesmen Tractor Supply backtracked on its DEI initiatives following 'disappointment' from its conservative customer base in 2024. Fans have been concerned over the future of home improvement stores long before fears of a looming recession. Home Depot and Lowe's both suffered significant sales drops last year amid high inflation. Home Depot bounced back with a 9.4 percent revenue during the first quarter of 2025 and confirmed there would be no major price changes this year from tariffs. Lowe's was not as lucky with a 1.7 percent revenue decrease, but it did earn the top spot in customer satisfaction among home improvement retailers by J.D. Power. As for Tractor Supply, the chain's abundance of baby chicks has given shoppers a solution on what to do during the egg shortage.
Business Wire
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Tractor Supply Celebrates Hometown Heroes Anniversary With Its Largest-Ever Volunteer Event and $1 Million Donation
BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, and the Tractor Supply Company Foundation announced today they are donating an additional $1 million in total to charity organizations committed to supporting our nation's military service members, veterans and first responders. The Company and its foundation made an initial $1 million donation in June 2024 to celebrate the launch of its Hometown Heroes initiative, which brings together the Company's efforts to support the selfless men and women who serve America under one banner. Tractor Supply launched the second year of its Hometown Heroes initiative yesterday with a Back-to-School Brigade® event in partnership with Operation Homefront, one of the program's 10 recipient organizations. More than 250 Team Members, as well as soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell and members of 4-H and FFA gathered at the Company's Store Support Center (SSC) to pack 500 backpacks with school supplies for military children—marking the largest volunteer event ever held by Tractor Supply. 'At Tractor Supply, support for our military service members, veterans, military families and first responders is entrenched in our culture and values,' said Colin Yankee, chief supply chain officer at Tractor Supply and former U.S. Army Captain. 'Many of our Team Members and customers have served our country or communities, and we're proud to stand with them. From charitable giving to hands-on volunteerism, we're committed to showing appreciation for our Hometown Heroes in meaningful ways.' Tractor Supply and the Tractor Supply Company Foundation have selected 10 nonprofit organizations to receive $100,000 each as part of this year's $1 million donation. They are: 9/11 Day: Inspires millions of Americans to volunteer, donate to charities and perform other good deeds and acts of kindness on September 11 to honor the memory of those killed or injured on 9/11. In addition to the $100,000 donation, Tractor Supply Team Members, including members of the Veterans Team Member Engagement Group, will gather on September 11, 2025, for a day of service. In 2024, more than 100 Team Members joined Tractor Supply President and CEO Hal Lawton to pack thousands of meals for Americans in need. Bob Woodruff Foundation: Invests in programs that help our service members, veterans, their families and caregivers thrive. Hometown Heroes funding supports the organization's grant-making, research, community-building and public education initiatives to ensure these individuals have stable and successful futures. Farmer Veteran Coalition: Provides micro grants to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. Tractor Supply has partnered with FVC for the last seven years to assist farmer veterans from all branches of service. Through the joint initiative, the Company has provided more than 400 farmer veterans with Tractor Supply gift cards to access supplies, equipment and training to successfully launch their farm businesses. Folds of Honor: Provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders. K9s For Warriors: Fights veteran suicide by providing trained service dogs (many that are rescue animals) to military veterans suffering from PTSD and other traumas. Through this donation, Tractor Supply will sponsor three dogs—Scarlett on behalf of Tractor Supply, named after former Tractor Supply CEO Joe Scarlett; Murphy on behalf of Petsense by Tractor Supply, named after a heroic military veteran; and Rex (Rx) on behalf of Allivet by Tractor Supply. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Foundation (NLEOMF): Honors fallen law enforcement officers, tells the story of American law enforcement and makes it safer for those who serve. In addition to supporting NLEOMF's work in remembering those who have lost their lives protecting our communities and providing best practices to help keep officers safe, Yankee represented Tractor Supply at the 2025 National Law Enforcement Memorial Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., paying tribute to fallen officers from across the country by reading their names aloud. National Police Dog Foundation: Raises funds for the purchase, training and veterinary care of law enforcement K-9s. Every October 28, National First Responders Day, Tractor Supply stores across the country host police dogs and their handlers for a celebratory demonstration. National Volunteer Firefighters Council: Provides critical resources, programs, education and advocacy for volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services across the nation. With the ability to balance volunteer firefighting with their work commitment, thousands of Tractor Supply Team Members serve as passionate and dedicated volunteer firefighters within their communities. Operation Homefront: Provides relief and recurring family support programs and services to help military families overcome short-term difficulties. Operation Homefront is one of Tractor Supply's newly selected Hometown Heroes donation recipients. Team Rubicon: Serves global communities before, during and after disasters and crises. Tractor Supply first supported the veteran-led humanitarian organization in its recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in 2024. The Hometown Heroes initiative also includes: A Spotlight Series that recognizes Team Members who embody the spirit of being Hometown Heroes with a $5,000 donation made to a Hometown Hero charity of their choice. The Neighbor's Club Hometown Heroes benefit, which includes automatic top-tier Preferred Plus Neighbor status, where veterans, service members and first responders are eligible to enroll. This Hometown Heroes benefit is one of the few recognition programs that provide everyday savings with no limit on total savings and no brand exclusions. To learn more, visit 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 March 29, 2025, the Company operated 2,311 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and 206 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information, visit and
Fox News
18-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
More Americans seek eggs at home as chicken coop interest surges: What experts want you to know
Interest in chicken coops is up among Americans in search of a more affordable way to consume eggs. More people are searching for do-it-yourself chicken coops and purchasing from retailers frequently, according to recent reports and search trends. Research conducted by Australia-based real estate company Eden Emerald Buyers Agent found that searches for "easy DIY chicken coop plans" on Pinterest skyrocketed by 212% in the U.S. within the first three months of 2025. Searches for "backyard chicken coop plans" during this same time on Pinterest surged by 81%, while searches for "chicken coop run" and "chicken coop décor" also increased by 163% and 108%, research showed. Josh Roth, chief buyers agent at Eden Emerald, spoke to Fox News Digital about the growing trend. "As the study suggests, we can expect that chicken coops will appear in many Americans' backyards," he said. A Tractor Supply Co. spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital the uptick in chicken coop sales and chicks. "Tractor Supply is the largest retailer of live poultry in the country," the spokesperson said. "We have consistently sold more than 10 million baby chicks each year, and we expect that number to rise this year." "Additionally, the number of poultry shoppers in our stores has increased by more than 50% over the past five years." Kate Murphy, animal preserve caretaker at Hoyt Farm Town Park in Long Island, New York, shared advice for Americans who are interested in raising their own chickens. Having fresh eggs in the backyard avoids the need to pay inflated egg prices. It also offers nutritious eggs without added steroids, Murphy told Fox News Digital. In addition, it can encourage the whole family to participate in a rewarding, outdoor activity. "Chickens are a huge responsibility." But the animal care expert of more than 20 years noted there are "a lot of factors" to consider before making the switch. "Owning any animal is a lot of work, but chickens are a huge responsibility," she said. Murphy first prompted people to consider their ability to commit, since chickens can live up to 10 years or more if cared for properly. "You must take into consideration that your feathered friends may be around a while," she said. "If you are like most Americans and looking to raise chickens for fresh eggs, hens can lay eggs for two to three years at the most and then enter retirement, which they most definitely deserve, because egg laying is brutal on the hen's body." Murphy said chickens "need love" once they're done laying eggs. "The most frequent call I get on the farm is from someone looking to re-home their chickens," she revealed. "They either want to donate their retired hens to me after they have served their purpose, or they thought hatching eggs would be fun … and now they have several loud, crowing roosters in their home." Only hens lay eggs, not roosters – but there's no way to tell the gender of an egg or even a baby chick until several weeks old, Murphy said. "If you really want hens for egg production purposes for your homestead, I recommend doing your research and finding a reputable backyard breeder – someone who specializes in egg-laying breeds and can provide you with healthy, happy chickens who have been sexed as hens." Murphy also instructed homeowners to make sure the hens they purchase are an egg-laying breed, since not all chickens lay eggs the same. But perhaps the biggest commitment is financial, according to Murphy — who noted that avian veterinarians are "not cheap." "Avian vets are a specialty, so they can cost a pretty penny when needed, especially in an emergency," she said. Chicken feed also comes at a price, since the birds require a balanced diet to remain "healthy and productive." Roth agreed that expenses related to raising chickens can add up, such as keeping the coop clean and refurbishing the space to preserve its appearance. "If you're prepared, once you have installed your chicken coop, you will need to keep up with wood care to maintain a polished look and check for damage, such as dampness, to prevent rotting," he said. For those with free-range chickens, Murphy warned that they could be prey and recommended setting up a predator-proof enclosure. An enclosure with a covered hard top and fencing will also protect your flock from exposure to bird flu, which has hit record highs across the country this year. Murphy stressed the importance of making sure it's legal to own a chicken coop where you live. "You have to put in the effort," she said. "Like owning any animal, chickens require a tremendous amount of care. It takes a special person to care for chickens."
