10-Q 1 q3201610q.htm 10-Q TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

ý | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended | September 24, 2016

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) |  |
5401 Virginia Way, Brentwood, Tennessee |  | 37027
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |  | (Zip Code)
Not Applicable |  | (615) 440-4000
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) |  | (Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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 Exchange 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 October 22, 2016
Common Stock, $.008 par value |  | 131,249,687

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
INDEX

|  | Page No.
PART I. | Financial Information | 3
Item 1. | Financial Statements | 3
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) – September 24, 2016, December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015 | 3
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) – For the Fiscal Three and Nine Months Ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 | 4
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) – For the Fiscal Three and Nine Months Ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 | 5
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) – For the Fiscal Nine Months Ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 | 6
| Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 7
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 15
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 25
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 25
PART II. | Other Information | 26
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 26
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 26
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 26
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 26
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 26
Item 5. | Other Information | 26
Item 6. | Exhibits | 26
Signature |  | 28

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

| September 24, 2016 |  | December 26, 2015 |  | September 26, 2015
ASSETS |  |  |  |  |
Current assets: |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 55,507 |  |  | $ | 63,813 |  |  | $ | 51,352 |
Inventories | 1,489,934 |  |  | 1,284,375 |  |  | 1,414,562 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 67,980 |  |  | 87,510 |  |  | 64,822 |
Income taxes receivable | 16,335 |  |  | 3,763 |  |  | — |
Total current assets | 1,629,756 |  |  | 1,439,461 |  |  | 1,530,736 |
Property and equipment: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Land | 94,362 |  |  | 86,991 |  |  | 86,197 |
Buildings and improvements | 906,624 |  |  | 814,802 |  |  | 750,170 |
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | 556,276 |  |  | 523,383 |  |  | 489,088 |
Computer software and hardware | 209,218 |  |  | 180,020 |  |  | 172,443 |
Construction in progress | 50,173 |  |  | 38,720 |  |  | 85,531 |
Property and equipment, gross | 1,816,653 |  |  | 1,643,916 |  |  | 1,583,429 |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (893,488 | ) |  | (796,340 | ) |  | (774,772 | )
Property and equipment, net | 923,165 |  |  | 847,576 |  |  | 808,657 |
Goodwill | 10,258 |  |  | 10,258 |  |  | 10,258 |
Deferred income taxes | 53,192 |  |  | 55,194 |  |  | 72,543 |
Other assets | 19,362 |  |  | 18,337 |  |  | 18,392 |
Total assets | $ | 2,635,733 |  |  | $ | 2,370,826 |  |  | $ | 2,440,586 |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts payable | $ | 484,014 |  |  | $ | 427,249 |  |  | $ | 527,143 |
Accrued employee compensation | 17,625 |  |  | 42,684 |  |  | 27,449 |
Other accrued expenses | 199,327 |  |  | 195,024 |  |  | 192,335 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 10,000 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Current portion of capital lease obligations | 1,294 |  |  | 878 |  |  | 540 |
Income taxes payable | — |  |  | 5,449 |  |  | 18,255 |
Total current liabilities | 712,260 |  |  | 671,284 |  |  | 765,722 |
Long-term debt | 283,781 |  |  | 150,000 |  |  | 190,000 |
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities | 26,246 |  |  | 16,992 |  |  | 10,746 |
Deferred rent | 91,681 |  |  | 84,793 |  |  | 82,905 |
Other long-term liabilities | 57,025 |  |  | 54,463 |  |  | 53,953 |
Total liabilities | 1,170,993 |  |  | 977,532 |  |  | 1,103,326 |
Stockholders’ equity: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 40 shares authorized; no shares issued | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Common stock, $0.008 par value; 400,000 shares authorized at September 24, 2016, December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015; 169,859, 168,974 and 168,830 shares issued; 132,428, 134,224 and 134,645 shares outstanding at September 24, 2016, December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015, respectively | 1,359 |  |  | 1,352 |  |  | 1,351 |
Additional paid-in capital | 661,665 |  |  | 596,131 |  |  | 576,175 |
Treasury stock – at cost, 37,431, 34,750 and 34,185 shares at September 24, 2016, December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015, respectively | (1,645,482 | ) |  | (1,429,790 | ) |  | (1,381,041 | )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,111 | ) |  | — |  | — |  | — |
Retained earnings | 2,448,309 |  |  | 2,225,601 |  |  | 2,140,775 |
Total stockholders’ equity | 1,464,740 |  |  | 1,393,294 |  |  | 1,337,260 |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 2,635,733 |  |  | $ | 2,370,826 |  |  | $ | 2,440,586 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

| For the Fiscal Three Months Ended |  | For the Fiscal Nine Months Ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015 |  | September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Net sales | $ | 1,542,706 |  |  | $ | 1,475,645 |  |  | $ | 4,863,037 |  |  | $ | 4,579,897 |
Cost of merchandise sold | 1,007,432 |  |  | 963,397 |  |  | 3,184,097 |  |  | 2,997,724 |
Gross profit | 535,274 |  |  | 512,248 |  |  | 1,678,940 |  |  | 1,582,173 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 357,592 |  |  | 342,891 |  |  | 1,076,180 |  |  | 1,014,209 |
Depreciation and amortization | 35,662 |  |  | 30,149 |  |  | 103,296 |  |  | 90,744 |
Operating income | 142,020 |  |  | 139,208 |  |  | 499,464 |  |  | 477,220 |
Interest expense, net | 1,110 |  |  | 782 |  |  | 4,145 |  |  | 2,480 |
Income before income taxes | 140,910 |  |  | 138,426 |  |  | 495,319 |  |  | 474,740 |
Income tax expense | 51,466 |  |  | 51,114 |  |  | 181,782 |  |  | 176,057 |
Net income | $ | 89,444 |  |  | $ | 87,312 |  |  | $ | 313,537 |  |  | $ | 298,683 |
Net income per share – basic | $ | 0.67 |  |  | $ | 0.64 |  |  | $ | 2.35 |  |  | $ | 2.20 |
Net income per share – diluted | $ | 0.67 |  |  | $ | 0.64 |  |  | $ | 2.33 |  |  | $ | 2.18 |
Weighted average shares outstanding: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic | 133,392 |  |  | 135,525 |  |  | 133,529 |  |  | 135,997 |
Diluted | 134,256 |  |  | 136,741 |  |  | 134,509 |  |  | 137,292 |
Dividends declared per common share outstanding | $ | 0.24 |  |  | $ | 0.20 |  |  | $ | 0.68 |  |  | $ | 0.56 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

| For the Fiscal Three Months Ended |  | For the Fiscal Nine Months Ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015 |  | September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Net income | $ | 89,444 |  |  | $ | 87,312 |  |  | $ | 313,537 |  |  | $ | 298,683 |
Other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of taxes | 251 |  |  | — |  |  | (1,111 | ) |  | — |
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 251 |  |  | — |  |  | (1,111 | ) |  | — |
Total comprehensive income | $ | 89,695 |  |  | $ | 87,312 |  |  | $ | 312,426 |  |  | $ | 298,683 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

| For the Fiscal Nine Months Ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net income | $ | 313,537 |  |  | $ | 298,683 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 103,296 |  |  | 90,744 |
Loss on disposition of property and equipment | 219 |  |  | 115 |
Share-based compensation expense | 17,326 |  |  | 14,837 |
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised | (11,637 | ) |  | (16,994 | )
Deferred income taxes | 2,002 |  |  | (22,799 | )
Change in assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |  |
Inventories | (205,559 | ) |  | (299,112 | )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 19,530 |  |  | 1,622 |
Accounts payable | 56,765 |  |  | 156,320 |
Accrued employee compensation | (25,059 | ) |  | (9,607 | )
Other accrued expenses | 2,626 |  |  | 882 |
Income taxes | (6,384 | ) |  | 22,813 |
Other | 7,336 |  |  | 5,950 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 273,998 |  |  | 243,454 |
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |  |  |
Capital expenditures | (167,161 | ) |  | (163,468 | )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 366 |  |  | 371 |
Net cash used in investing activities | (166,795 | ) |  | (163,097 | )
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |  |
Borrowings under senior credit facility | 695,000 |  |  | 525,000 |
Repayments under senior credit facility | (550,000 | ) |  | (335,000 | )
Debt issuance costs | (1,380 | ) |  | — |
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised | 11,637 |  |  | 16,994 |
Principal payments under capital lease obligations | (823 | ) |  | (318 | )
Repurchase of shares to satisfy tax obligations | (843 | ) |  | (2,998 | )
Repurchase of common stock | (215,692 | ) |  | (243,956 | )
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock | 37,421 |  |  | 36,354 |
Cash dividends paid to stockholders | (90,829 | ) |  | (76,215 | )
Net cash used in financing activities | (115,509 | ) |  | (80,139 | )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | (8,306 | ) |  | 218 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 63,813 |  |  | 51,134 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 55,507 |  |  | $ | 51,352 |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |  |  |  |  |
Cash paid during the period for: |  |  |  |  |
Interest | $ | 3,445 |  |  | $ | 1,694 |
Income taxes | 184,817 |  |  | 175,485 |
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities: |  |  |
Property and equipment acquired through capital lease | $ | 10,493 |  |  | $ | 6,434 |
Non-cash accruals for construction in progress | 17,727 |  |  | 23,731 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 – General:
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP 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 26, 2015. The results of operations for our interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full fiscal year.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company adopted accounting guidance which affected the presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets as discussed in Note 12. This guidance was applied retrospectively for all periods presented and therefore the presentation of previously reported deferred tax assets has been changed to conform to the presentation used in the current period. The adoption of this guidance resulted in the reclassification of deferred tax assets of $46.0 million and $42.6 million from current assets to noncurrent assets in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015, respectively.
Nature of Business
Tractor Supply Company (the “Company”) is the largest operator of rural lifestyle retail stores in the United States. The Company is focused on supplying the needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. At September 24, 2016, the Company operated a total of 1,575 retail stores in 49 states and also offered an expanded assortment of products online at TractorSupply.com.
Note 2 – 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.
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term receivables, trade payables, debt instruments and an interest rate swap. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, short-term receivables and trade payables approximate current fair value at each balance sheet date. The Company had $295.0 million in borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility (as defined in Note 5) at September 24, 2016, $150.0 million in borrowings at December 26, 2015, and $190.0 million in borrowings at September 26, 2015. Based on market interest rates (Level 2 inputs), the carrying value of our borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility approximates fair value for each period reported. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap liability is determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows using forward rate curves (a Level 2 input). As described in further detail in Note 6, the fair value of the interest rate swap liability, excluding accrued interest, is $1.8 million at September 24, 2016. The interest rate swap did not have a fair value at either December 26, 2015 or September 26, 2015, as it was not in place at either date as described in Note 6.
Note 3 – Share-Based Compensation:
Share-based compensation includes stock option and 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.
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There were no significant modifications to the Company’s share-based compensation plans during the fiscal nine months ended September 24, 2016.
For the third quarters of fiscal 2016 and 2015, share-based compensation expense was $6.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively, and $17.3 million and $14.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Stock Options
The following summarizes information concerning stock option grants during the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and 2015:

| Fiscal nine months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Stock options granted | 1,134,121 |  |  | 1,049,291 |
Weighted average exercise price | $ | 86.41 |  |  | $ | 83.44 |
Weighted average fair value per option | $ | 19.62 |  |  | $ | 19.47 |

As of September 24, 2016, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options was approximately $27.1 million with a remaining weighted average expense recognition period of 1.3 years.
Restricted Stock Units
The following summarizes information concerning restricted stock unit grants during the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and 2015:

| Fiscal nine months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Restricted stock units granted | 59,019 |  |  | 53,228 |
Weighted average fair value per share | $ | 84.25 |  |  | $ | 84.46 |

As of September 24, 2016, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units was approximately $6.6 million with a remaining weighted average expense recognition period of 1.7 years.
Note 4 – Net Income Per Share:
The Company presents both basic and diluted net income per share on the face of the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average diluted shares outstanding. Dilutive shares are computed using the treasury stock method for stock options and restricted stock units. Net income per share is calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

| Fiscal three months ended |  | Fiscal three months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
| Income |  | Shares |  | Per Share Amount |  | Income |  | Shares |  | Per Share Amount
Basic net income per share: | $ | 89,444 |  |  | 133,392 |  |  | $ | 0.67 |  |  | $ | 87,312 |  |  | 135,525 |  |  | $ | 0.64 |
Dilutive stock options and restricted stock units outstanding | — |  |  | 864 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,216 |  |  | — |
Diluted net income per share: | $ | 89,444 |  |  | 134,256 |  |  | $ | 0.67 |  |  | $ | 87,312 |  |  | 136,741 |  |  | $ | 0.64 |

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| Fiscal nine months ended |  | Fiscal nine months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
| Income |  | Shares |  | Per Share Amount |  | Income |  | Shares |  | Per Share Amount
Basic net income per share: | $ | 313,537 |  |  | 133,529 |  |  | $ | 2.35 |  |  | $ | 298,683 |  |  | 135,997 |  |  | $ | 2.20 |
Dilutive stock options and restricted stock units outstanding | — |  |  | 980 |  |  | (0.02 | ) |  | — |  |  | 1,295 |  |  | (0.02 | )
Diluted net income per share: | $ | 313,537 |  |  | 134,509 |  |  | $ | 2.33 |  |  | $ | 298,683 |  |  | 137,292 |  |  | $ | 2.18 |

Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the above calculations totaled approximately 1.8 million and 0.7 million shares for the three months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015, respectively, and 1.6 million and 0.9 million shares for the fiscal nine months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015, respectively.
Note 5 – Senior Credit Facility:
On February 19, 2016, the Company entered into a senior credit facility (the “2016 Senior Credit Facility”) consisting of a $200 million term loan and a $500 million revolving credit facility (with a sublimit of $50 million for swingline loans). This agreement is unsecured and matures on February 19, 2021.
During the period of October 24, 2011 through February 19, 2016, the Company was party to a senior credit facility (the “2011 Senior Credit Facility”), which provided for borrowings up to $400 million (with a sublimit of $30 million for swingline loans) as of December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015.
2016 Senior Credit Facility
The 2016 Senior Credit Facility contains a $200 million term loan which requires quarterly payments totaling $10 million per
year in years one and two and $20 million per year in years three through five, with the remaining balance due in full on the maturity date of February 19, 2021. The 2016 Senior Credit Facility also contains a $500 million revolving credit facility (with a sublimit of $50 million for swingline loans).
As of September 24, 2016, the Company had outstanding total borrowings of $295.0 million under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility consisting of $195.0 million in borrowings under the term loan and $100.0 million in borrowings under the revolving credit facility. Unamortized debt issuance costs recorded as an offset to the outstanding borrowings were approximately $1.2 million at September 24, 2016. Additionally, there were $44.4 million of outstanding letters of credit under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility as of September 24, 2016.
Borrowings under both the term loan and the revolver bear interest at either the bank’s base rate (3.500% at September 24, 2016) or the London Inter-Bank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) (0.522% at September 24, 2016) plus an additional amount ranging from 0.500% to 1.125% per annum (0.625% at September 24, 2016), adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio. The Company is also required to pay, quarterly in arrears, a commitment fee for unused capacity ranging from 0.075% to 0.200% per annum (0.100% at September 24, 2016), adjusted quarterly based on the Company’s leverage ratio.
Proceeds from the 2016 Senior Credit Facility may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, and other matters. There are no compensating balance requirements associated with the 2016 Senior Credit Facility.
The 2016 Senior Credit Facility requires quarterly compliance with respect to two material covenants: a fixed charge coverage ratio and a leverage ratio. Both ratios are calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis at the end of each fiscal quarter. The fixed charge coverage ratio compares earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation and rent expense (“consolidated EBITDAR”) to the sum of interest paid and rental expense (excluding any straight-line rent adjustments). The fixed charge coverage ratio shall be greater than or equal to 2.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. The leverage ratio compares rental expense (excluding any straight-line rent adjustments) multiplied by a factor of six plus total debt to consolidated EBITDAR. The leverage ratio shall be less than or equal to 4.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. The 2016 Senior Credit Facility also contains certain other restrictions regarding additional indebtedness, capital expenditures, business operations, guarantees, investments, mergers, consolidations and sales of assets, transactions with subsidiaries or affiliates, and liens. As of September 24, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
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2011 Senior Credit Facility
Under the 2011 Senior Credit Facility, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $150.0 million and $190.0 million as of December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015, respectively. In addition, there were $48.7 million and $42.8 million of outstanding letters of credit under the 2011 Senior Credit Facility as of December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015, respectively.
Note 6 – Interest Rate Swap:
On March 28, 2016, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement which became effective on March 31, 2016 with a maturity date of February 19, 2021. The interest rate swap was executed for risk management and is not held for trading purposes. The objective of the interest rate swap is to mitigate interest rate risk associated with future changes in interest rates. To accomplish this objective, the interest rate swap is intended to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the variable rate term loan borrowings under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility. The notional amount of the interest rate swap began at $197.5 million (the principal amount of the term loan borrowings as of March 31, 2016) and will amortize at the same time and in the same amount as the term loan borrowings as described in Note 5. As of September 24, 2016, the notional amount of the interest rate swap was $195.0 million. The interest rate swap entitles the Company to receive, at specified intervals, a variable rate of interest based on LIBOR in exchange for the payment of a fixed rate of interest throughout the life of the agreement without exchange of the underlying notional amount.
The Company has designated this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge and will account for the underlying activity in accordance with hedge accounting. The interest rate swap is presented within the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. In accordance with hedge accounting, the effective portion of gains and losses on interest rate swaps that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The ineffective portion of gains and losses on the interest rate swap, if any, are recognized in current earnings.
The liabilities measured at fair value related to the Company’s interest rate swap, excluding accrued interest, were as follows (in thousands):

| Balance Sheet Location |  | September 24, 2016 |  | December 26, 2015 |  | September 26, 2015
Interest rate swap (short-term portion) | Other accrued expenses |  | $ | 887 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Interest rate swap (long-term portion) | Other long-term liabilities |  | 935 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total liabilities |  |  | $ | 1,822 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |

The offset to the interest rate swap liability is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (“AOCL”) (a component of equity), net of deferred taxes, and will be reclassified into earnings over the term of the underlying debt as interest payments are made.
The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL, net of tax, related to the Company’s interest rate swaps (in thousands):

|  | September 24, 2016 |  | December 26, 2015 |  | September 26, 2015
Beginning fiscal year AOCL balance |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Current fiscal period gain recognized in OCI |  | (1,111 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |
Amounts reclassified from AOCL into current fiscal period earnings |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax |  | (1,111 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |
Ending fiscal period AOCL balance |  | $ | (1,111 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |

As of September 24, 2016, the estimated pre-tax portion of AOCL that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months is $0.9 million. Cash flows related to the interest rate swap are included in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
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The following table summarizes the impact of pre-tax gains and losses derived from the interest rate swap (in thousands):

|  |  | Fiscal three months ended |  | Fiscal nine months ended
| Financial Statement Location |  | September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015 |  | September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Effective portion of gains and (losses) recognized in OCI during the period | Other comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | 412 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (1,822 | ) |  | $ | — |
Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings | Interest expense, net |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Ineffective portion of gains and (losses) recognized in earnings during the period | Interest expense, net |  | 306 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |

The following table summarizes the impact of taxes affecting AOCL as a result of the interest rate swap (in thousands):

|  | Fiscal three months ended |  | Fiscal nine months ended
|  | September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015 |  | September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Income tax expense (benefit) of interest rate swap on AOCL |  | $ | 161 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (711 | ) |  | $ | — |

Credit-risk-related contingent features
In accordance with the underlying interest rate swap agreement, the Company could be declared in default on its interest rate swap obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness (i.e. - the Company’s term loan) is accelerated by the lender due to the Company's default on such indebtedness.
As of September 24, 2016, the interest rate swap is in a net liability position, which, including accrued interest, had a fair value of $1.9 million. If the Company had breached any of the provisions in the underlying agreement at September 24, 2016, it could have been required to post full collateral or settle its obligations under the interest rate swap agreement. However, as of September 24, 2016, the Company had not breached any of these provisions or posted any collateral related to the underlying interest rate swap agreement.
Note 7 – Treasury Stock:
The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized common stock repurchases under a share repurchase program. On October 31, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion increase to the existing share repurchase program, bringing the total amount authorized to $3 billion, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses related to such repurchases and extended the program through December 31, 2020. 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 are accounted for at cost and will be held in treasury for future issuance. The program may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.
The Company repurchased approximately 1.4 million shares of common stock under the share repurchase program during both the third quarters of fiscal 2016 and 2015, for a total cost of $108.8 million and $119.4 million, respectively. During the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased 2.7 million and 2.9 million shares under the share repurchase program for a total cost of $215.7 million and $244.0 million, respectively. As of September 24, 2016, the Company had remaining authorization under the share repurchase program of $355.0 million, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses.
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Note 8 – Capital Stock and Dividends:
Capital Stock
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of common stock and preferred stock. The Company is authorized to issue 400 million shares of common stock. The Company is also authorized to issue 40,000 shares of preferred stock, with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Dividends
During the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Board of Directors declared the following cash dividends:

Date Declared |  | Dividend Amount Per Share |  | Record Date |  | Date Paid
August 1, 2016 |  | $ | 0.24 |  |  | August 15, 2016 |  | August 30, 2016
May 2, 2016 |  | $ | 0.24 |  |  | May 16, 2016 |  | June 1, 2016
February 3, 2016 |  | $ | 0.20 |  |  | February 22, 2016 |  | March 8, 2016
August 3, 2015 |  | $ | 0.20 |  |  | August 17, 2015 |  | September 1, 2015
May 4, 2015 |  | $ | 0.20 |  |  | May 18, 2015 |  | June 2, 2015
February 4, 2015 |  | $ | 0.16 |  |  | February 23, 2015 |  | March 10, 2015

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.
On October 31, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The dividend will be paid on November 29, 2016 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 14, 2016.
Note 9 – Income Taxes:
The Company’s effective income tax rate decreased to 36.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to 36.9% for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, our effective income tax rate decreased to 36.7% compared to 37.1% for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was due principally to the availability of federal and state tax incentives.
Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies:
Construction and Real Estate Commitments
At September 24, 2016, the Company had no material commitments related to construction projects extending greater than twelve months.
Letters of Credit
At September 24, 2016, there were $44.4 million of outstanding letters of credit under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility.
Litigation
The Company is involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that any estimated loss related to such matters has been adequately provided for in accrued liabilities to the extent probable and reasonably estimable. Accordingly, the Company currently expects these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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Note 11 – Segment Reporting:
The Company has one reportable segment which is the retail sale of products that support the rural lifestyle. The Company manages the business on the basis of one operating segment. The following chart indicates the percentage of sales represented by each major product category during the fiscal three months and nine months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015:

| Fiscal three months ended |  | Fiscal nine months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015 |  | September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Product Category: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Livestock and Pet | 48 | % |  | 46 | % |  | 47 | % |  | 45 | %
Hardware, Tools and Truck | 23 |  |  | 23 |  |  | 22 |  |  | 22 |
Seasonal, Gift and Toy Products | 18 |  |  | 19 |  |  | 20 |  |  | 21 |
Clothing and Footwear | 6 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 7 |
Agriculture | 5 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 5 |  |  | 5 |
Total | 100 | % |  | 100 | % |  | 100 | % |  | 100 | %

Note 12 – New Accounting Pronouncements:
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 amends the guidance for revenue recognition to replace numerous, industry-specific requirements and converges areas under this topic with those of the International Financial Reporting Standards. The ASU implements a five-step process for customer contract revenue recognition that focuses on transfer of control, as opposed to transfer of risk and rewards. The amendment also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. Other major provisions include the capitalization and amortization of certain contract costs, ensuring the time value of money is considered in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” which implemented a one-year deferral of ASU 2014-09. As a result of the deferral, the amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)” (“ASU 2016-08”) which further clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (“ASU 2016-10”) which further clarifies the aspects of (a) identifying performance obligations and (b) the licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“ASU 2016-12”) which provides implementation guidance in regards to (a) assessing the collectability criterion, (b) the presentation of taxes collected from customers, (c) noncash consideration, (d) contract modification at transition, (e) completed contracts at transition and (f) other technical corrections. The effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, and ASU 2016-12 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU 2014-09. Entities that transition to these standards may either retrospectively restate each prior reporting period or reflect the cumulative effect of initially applying the updates with an adjustment to retained earnings at the date of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact the adoption of these standards will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures, including which transition method it will adopt.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”). This update requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the consolidated balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. ASU 2015-03 requires retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The adoption of this guidance affected the presentation of debt issuance costs in our Consolidated Balance Sheet but did not have any other material impacts on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory" (“ASU 2015-11”). This update requires an entity that determines the cost of inventory by methods other than last-in, first-out and the
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retail inventory method to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 requires prospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company elected to apply this guidance retrospectively for all periods presented. The adoption of this guidance affected the presentation of the deferred tax liabilities and assets within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet; however, the updated guidance did not affect the accounting for deferred tax liabilities and assets. Other than the change in presentation, the adoption of this guidance did not have any material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). This update requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee will account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. Both finance leases and operating leases will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on its balance sheet, with differing methodology for income statement recognition. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective approach is required for all leases existing or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04, “Liabilities - Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20): Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products” (“ASU 2016-04”). This update requires that liabilities related to the sale of prepaid stored-value products (gift cards) be adjusted periodically to reflect breakage. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The guidance can be applied using either a modified retrospective transition method or retrospectively to each period presented. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). The update addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based compensation transactions including: (a) income tax consequences when awards vest or are settled, (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, (c) a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basis and (d) classification of excess tax impacts on the statement of cash flows. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). This update clarifies and provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues that are not currently addressed by U.S. GAAP and thereby reduces the current and potential future diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The guidance should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
Note 13 – Subsequent Events:
On September 29, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Petsense, LLC (“Petsense”), a specialty retailer of pet supplies and services with 136 retail stores in 25 states as of the date of acquisition. Pursuant to the merger agreement governing the transaction, the Company acquired the outstanding interests in Petsense for an all-cash transaction price of $145 million. The acquisition was financed with cash-on-hand and revolver borrowings under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility.
As discussed in Note 7, on October 31, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion increase to its existing share repurchase program, bringing the total amount authorized to $3 billion. The program, established in February 2007, has also been extended through December 31, 2020.
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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 26, 2015. This Form 10-Q also contains 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 sales and earnings growth, 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.
As with any business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control. These factors include, without limitation, national, regional and local economic conditions affecting consumer spending, the timing and acceptance of new products in the stores, the timing and 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, failure of an acquisition to produce anticipated results, the ability to successfully manage expenses and execute our key gross margin enhancing initiatives, the availability of favorable credit sources, capital market conditions in general, the ability to open new stores in the manner and number currently contemplated, the impact of new stores on our business, competition, weather conditions, the seasonal nature of our business, effective merchandising initiatives and marketing emphasis, the ability to retain vendors, reliance on foreign suppliers, the ability to attract, train and retain qualified employees, product liability and other claims, changes in federal, state or local regulations, potential judgments, fines, legal fees and other costs, breach of information systems or theft of employee or customer data, ongoing and potential future legal or regulatory proceedings, management of our information systems, failure to develop and implement new technologies, the failure of customer-facing technology systems, business disruption including from the implementation of supply chain technologies, effective tax rate changes and results of examination by taxing authorities, the ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, and changes in accounting standards, assumptions and estimates. 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 26, 2015. 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.
Seasonality and Weather
Our business is seasonal. Historically, our sales and profits are the highest in the second and fourth fiscal quarters due to the sale of seasonal products. We experience our highest inventory and accounts payable balances during our first fiscal quarter for purchases of seasonal products to support the higher sales volume of the spring selling season and again during our third fiscal quarter to support the higher sales volume of the cold-weather selling season.
Historically, weather conditions, including unseasonably warm weather in the fall and winter months and unseasonably cool weather in the spring and summer months, have affected the timing and volume of our sales and results of operations. In addition, extreme weather conditions, including snow and ice storms, flood and wind damage, hurricanes, tornadoes, extreme rain and droughts, have impacted operating results both negatively and positively, depending on the severity and length of these conditions. Our strategy is to manage product flow and adjust merchandise assortments and depth of inventory to capitalize on seasonal demand trends.
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Comparable Store Sales
Comparable store sales are calculated on an annual basis using sales generated from all stores open at least one year and all online sales and exclude certain adjustments to net sales. Beginning in fiscal 2015, stores closed during either of the years being compared are removed from our comparable store sales metrics calculations. Stores relocated during either of the years being compared are not removed from our comparable store sales metrics calculations. If the effect of relocated stores on our comparable store sales metrics calculations becomes material, we would remove relocated stores from the calculations.
Results of Operations
Fiscal Three Months (Third Quarter) Ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015
Net sales increased 4.5% to $1.54 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 from $1.48 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Comparable store sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were $1.46 billion, a 0.6% decrease as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Comparable store sales increased 2.9% for the third quarter of fiscal 2015.
The comparable store sales decrease from the prior year third quarter was primarily driven by a decrease in average ticket of 1.1%, offset partially by an increase in comparable store transaction count of 0.5%. Comparable store sales were strongest in the West and Southeast regions and weakest in the Midwest, South Central and Northeast regions. The Company believes that economic conditions in the energy producing and agricultural markets negatively impacted consumer spending primarily in the Midwest and South Central regions. Additionally, lower demand for pre-season cold weather and heating related products negatively impacted sales primarily in the Northeast region. On a category basis, the Company continued to see strong demand for many everyday basic items, with the Livestock and Pet category generating a mid-single digit comparable store sales increase.
Sales from stores opened less than one year were $81.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, which represented a 5.5% increase over third quarter fiscal 2015 total net sales. For the third quarter of fiscal 2015, sales from stores opened less than one year were $78.2 million, which represented a 5.7% increase over third quarter fiscal 2014 total net sales.
The following chart summarizes our store growth for the fiscal three months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015:

| Fiscal three months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Store Count, Beginning of Period | 1,542 |  |  | 1,438 |
New Stores Opened | 34 |  |  | 30 |
Stores Closed | (1 | ) |  | (3 | )
Store Count, End of Period | 1,575 |  |  | 1,465 |
Stores Relocated | 1 |  |  | 1 |

The following chart indicates the percentage of sales represented by each of our major product categories for the fiscal three months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015:

| Fiscal three months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Product Category: |  |  |
Livestock and Pet | 48 | % |  | 46 | %
Hardware, Tools and Truck | 23 |  |  | 23 |
Seasonal, Gift and Toy Products | 18 |  |  | 19 |
Clothing and Footwear | 6 |  |  | 6 |
Agriculture | 5 |  |  | 6 |
Total | 100 | % |  | 100 | %

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Gross profit increased 4.5% to $535.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 from $512.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. As a percent of net sales, gross margin remained flat to prior year at 34.7%. The Company’s ongoing margin initiatives offset the unfavorable impact of a shift in mix of products sold and the impact of more competitive pricing to support targeted sales driving initiatives. Freight expense did not have a significant impact on the quarter. Lower diesel fuel prices and import container costs as well as a reduction in outbound stem miles were offset by higher domestic transportation costs due to a shift in product mix and higher average lane costs.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 5.4% to $393.3 million from $373.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. As a percent of net sales, SG&A increased to 25.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 from 25.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to the decline in comparable store sales and the incremental costs associated with the Company’s new distribution facilities. These increases were partially offset by strong expense control and lower year-over-year incentive compensation.
The effective income tax rate decreased to 36.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to 36.9% for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 due principally to the availability of federal and state tax incentives. The Company expects the full fiscal year 2016 effective tax rate will be approximately 36.7%.
As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased 2.4% to $89.4 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $87.3 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2015.
Fiscal Nine Months Ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015
Net sales increased 6.2% to $4.86 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 from $4.58 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. Comparable store sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 were $4.62 billion, a 1.1% increase over the first nine months of fiscal 2015. This compares to a 4.7% comparable store sales increase for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, the comparable store sales increase was driven by growth in traffic counts and continued strong results in key C.U.E. products, principally animal and pet related merchandise. Seasonal categories performed well in the first fiscal quarter due to the early onset of warm weather but declined in the second and third fiscal quarters of the year due to cooler than average spring weather trends in the second fiscal quarter and lower demand for pre-season heating products in the third fiscal quarter. Additionally, the Company believes that economic conditions in the energy producing and agricultural markets have negatively impacted consumer spending primarily in the Midwest and South Central regions.
In addition to comparable store sales growth in the first nine months of fiscal 2016, sales from stores opened less than one year were $255.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2016, which represented a 5.6% increase over the first nine months fiscal 2015 total net sales. Sales from stores opened less than one year were $262.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015, which represented a 6.4% increase over the first nine months fiscal 2014 total net sales.
The following chart summarizes our store growth for the fiscal nine months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015:

| Fiscal nine months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Store Count, Beginning of Period | 1,488 |  |  | 1,382 |
New Stores Opened | 92 |  |  | 88 |
Stores Closed | (5 | ) |  | (5 | )
Store Count, End of Period | 1,575 |  |  | 1,465 |
Stores Relocated | 2 |  |  | 4 |

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The following chart indicates the percentage of sales represented by each of our major product categories for the fiscal nine months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015:

| Fiscal nine months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
Product Category: |  |  |
Livestock and Pet | 47 | % |  | 45 | %
Hardware, Tools and Truck | 22 |  |  | 22 |
Seasonal, Gift and Toy Products | 20 |  |  | 21 |
Clothing and Footwear | 6 |  |  | 7 |
Agriculture | 5 |  |  | 5 |
Total | 100 | % |  | 100 | %

Gross profit increased 6.1% to $1.68 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 from $1.58 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. As a percent of net sales, gross margin was flat at 34.5% for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2015 as improvements in product margin were offset by increased transportation costs. Strong retail price and markdown management throughout the first nine months of the year resulted in an improved product margin despite an unfavorable shift in product mix and the impact of targeted sales driving initiatives in the second and third fiscal quarters. These improvements in gross margin were offset by higher freight expense due principally to an increase in inbound miles and domestic transportation costs, offset partially by lower diesel fuel prices and import container costs.
Total SG&A expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased 6.7% to $1.18 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 from $1.10 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2015. As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses increased 20 basis points to 24.3% in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 from 24.1% in the first nine months of fiscal 2015. SG&A expenses increased as a percentage of net sales due principally to lower comparable store sales than in the prior year period and increased costs associated with our new distribution facilities. These increases were partially offset by strong expense control and lower year-over-year incentive compensation expense.
For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, the effective income tax rate decreased to 36.7% compared to 37.1% for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was due principally to the availability of federal and state tax incentives. The Company expects the full year 2016 effective tax rate will be approximately 36.7%.
As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 increased 5.0% to $313.5 million compared to $298.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015. Net income per diluted share for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 increased to $2.33 from $2.18 in the first nine months of fiscal 2015.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In addition to normal operating expenses, our primary ongoing cash requirements are for new store expansion, remodeling and relocation programs, distribution center capacity and improvements, information technology, inventory purchases, repayment of borrowings under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility, share repurchases and cash dividends. Our primary ongoing sources of liquidity are existing cash balances, funds provided from operations, borrowings available under our 2016 Senior Credit Facility, capital and operating leases and normal trade credit. Our inventory and accounts payable levels typically build in the first and third fiscal quarters to support the higher sales volume of the spring and cold-weather selling seasons, respectively.
The Company believes that its existing cash balances, expected cash flow from future operations, borrowings available under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility, operating and capital leases and normal trade credit will be sufficient to fund its operations and its capital expenditure needs, including new store openings, store acquisitions, relocations and renovations and distribution center capacity, through the end of fiscal 2016.
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Working Capital
At September 24, 2016, the Company had working capital of $917.5 million, which increased $149.3 million from December 26, 2015 and increased $152.4 million from September 26, 2015. The shifts in working capital were attributable to changes in the following components of current assets and current liabilities (in millions):

| September 24, 2016 |  | December 26, 2015 |  | Variance |  | September 26, 2015 |  | Variance
Current assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 55.5 |  |  | $ | 63.8 |  |  | $ | (8.3 | ) |  | $ | 51.4 |  |  | $ | 4.1 |
Inventories | 1,489.9 |  |  | 1,284.4 |  |  | 205.5 |  |  | 1,414.6 |  |  | 75.3 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 68.0 |  |  | 87.5 |  |  | (19.5 | ) |  | 64.8 |  |  | 3.2 |
Income taxes receivable | 16.3 |  |  | 3.8 |  |  | 12.5 |  |  | — |  |  | 16.3 |
| 1,629.7 |  |  | 1,439.5 |  |  | 190.2 |  |  | 1,530.8 |  |  | 98.9 |
Current liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts payable | 484.0 |  |  | 427.2 |  |  | 56.8 |  |  | 527.1 |  |  | (43.1 | )
Accrued employee compensation | 17.6 |  |  | 42.7 |  |  | (25.1 | ) |  | 27.5 |  |  | (9.9 | )
Other accrued expenses | 199.3 |  |  | 195.0 |  |  | 4.3 |  |  | 192.3 |  |  | 7.0 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 10.0 |  |  | — |  |  | 10.0 |  |  | — |  |  | 10.0 |
Current portion of capital lease obligation | 1.3 |  |  | 0.9 |  |  | 0.4 |  |  | 0.5 |  |  | 0.8 |
Income taxes payable | — |  |  | 5.5 |  |  | (5.5 | ) |  | 18.3 |  |  | (18.3 | )
| 712.2 |  |  | 671.3 |  |  | 40.9 |  |  | 765.7 |  |  | (53.5 | )
Working capital | $ | 917.5 |  |  | $ | 768.2 |  |  | $ | 149.3 |  |  | $ | 765.1 |  |  | $ | 152.4 |

In comparison to December 26, 2015, working capital as of September 24, 2016 was impacted most significantly by changes in our inventories, accounts payable and accrued employee compensation.

• | The increase in inventories and accounts payable resulted primarily from the purchase of additional inventory to support new store growth as well as an increase for normal seasonal patterns.

• | The decrease in accrued employee compensation is a result of the timing of payroll and incentive compensation accruals.

In comparison to September 26, 2015, working capital as of September 24, 2016 was impacted most significantly by changes in our inventories, accounts payable and tax positions.

• | The increase in inventories resulted primarily from the purchase of additional inventory to support new store growth and to support the new southwest distribution center which began receiving product from our vendors in October 2015. Accounts payable decreased principally due to the timing of payments.

• | The fluctuation in our income tax position is a result of the timing of income tax payments.

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Operating Activities
Operating activities provided net cash of $274.0 million and $243.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. The $30.5 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2015 is due to changes in the following operating activities (in millions):

| Fiscal nine months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015 |  | Variance
Net income | $ | 313.5 |  |  | $ | 298.7 |  |  | $ | 14.8 |
Depreciation and amortization | 103.3 |  |  | 90.7 |  |  | 12.6 |
Share-based compensation expense | 17.3 |  |  | 14.8 |  |  | 2.5 |
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised | (11.6 | ) |  | (17.0 | ) |  | 5.4 |
Deferred income taxes | 2.0 |  |  | (22.8 | ) |  | 24.8 |
Inventories and accounts payable | (148.8 | ) |  | (142.8 | ) |  | (6.0 | )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 19.5 |  |  | 1.6 |  |  | 17.9 |
Accrued expenses | (22.4 | ) |  | (8.7 | ) |  | (13.7 | )
Income taxes | (6.4 | ) |  | 22.8 |  |  | (29.2 | )
Other, net | 7.6 |  |  | 6.2 |  |  | 1.4 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 274.0 |  |  | $ | 243.5 |  |  | $ | 30.5 |

The $30.5 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared with the first nine months of fiscal 2015 resulted from incremental profitability. The net impact of income taxes, prepaid expenses and other accrued expenses did not have a significant impact on the change in cash.
Investing Activities
Investing activities used cash of $166.8 million and $163.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. The increase in cash used for investing activities primarily reflects an increase in capital expenditures. Capital expenditures for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were as follows (in millions):

| Fiscal nine months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015
New and relocated stores and stores not yet opened | $ | 88.0 |  |  | $ | 66.9 |
Existing stores | 37.4 |  |  | 13.8 |
Information technology | 30.7 |  |  | 20.8 |
Distribution center capacity and improvements | 10.9 |  |  | 61.3 |
Corporate and other | 0.2 |  |  | 0.7 |
Total capital expenditures | $ | 167.2 |  |  | $ | 163.5 |

The above table reflects 92 new stores in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to 88 new stores during the first nine months of fiscal 2015. We expect to open approximately 113 new stores during fiscal 2016 compared to 114 new stores in fiscal 2015. The increase in store related expenditures is due principally to a higher mix of retrofit new store construction as well as costs in our existing stores to upgrade to more energy efficient LED lighting. The decrease in spending on distribution center capacity and improvements in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2015 is primarily due to the construction of two mixing centers in Texas and our new southwest distribution center in Arizona, all of which opened during fiscal 2015.
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Financing Activities
Financing activities used cash of $115.5 million and $80.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. The $35.4 million change in net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2015 is due to changes in the following financing activities (in millions):

| Fiscal nine months ended
| September 24, 2016 |  | September 26, 2015 |  | Variance
Net borrowings and repayments under senior credit facilities | $ | 145.0 |  |  | $ | 190.0 |  |  | $ | (45.0 | )
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised | 11.6 |  |  | 17.0 |  |  | (5.4 | )
Repurchase of common stock | (215.7 | ) |  | (244.0 | ) |  | 28.3 |
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock | 37.4 |  |  | 36.4 |  |  | 1.0 |
Cash dividends paid to stockholders | (90.8 | ) |  | (76.2 | ) |  | (14.6 | )
Other, net | (3.0 | ) |  | (3.3 | ) |  | 0.3 |
Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (115.5 | ) |  | $ | (80.1 | ) |  | $ | (35.4 | )

The $35.4 million change in net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared with the first nine months of fiscal 2015 is due to a decrease in borrowings, net of repayments, under our senior credit facilities as well as an increase in dividends paid, partially offset by a decrease in repurchases of our common stock.
Senior Credit Facility
On February 19, 2016, the Company entered into a senior credit facility (the “2016 Senior Credit Facility”) consisting of a $200 million term loan and a $500 million revolving credit facility (with a sublimit of $50 million for swingline loans). This agreement is unsecured and matures on February 19, 2021.
During the period of October 24, 2011 through February 19, 2016, the Company was party to a senior credit facility (the “2011 Senior Credit Facility”), which provided for borrowings up to $400 million (with a sublimit of $30 million for swingline loans) as of December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015.
2016 Senior Credit Facility
The 2016 Senior Credit Facility contains a $200 million term loan which requires quarterly payments totaling $10 million per
year in years one and two and $20 million per year in years three through five, with the remaining balance due in full on the maturity date of February 19, 2021. The 2016 Senior Credit Facility also contains a $500 million revolving credit facility (with a sublimit of $50 million for swingline loans).
As of September 24, 2016, the Company had outstanding total borrowings of $295.0 million under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility consisting of $195.0 million in borrowings under the term loan and $100.0 million in borrowings under the revolving credit facility. Unamortized debt issuance costs recorded as an offset to the outstanding borrowings were approximately $1.2 million at September 24, 2016. Additionally, there were $44.4 million of outstanding letters of credit under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility as of September 24, 2016.
Borrowings under both the term loan and the revolver bear interest at either the bank’s base rate (3.500% at September 24, 2016) or the London Inter-Bank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) (0.522% at September 24, 2016) plus an additional amount ranging from 0.500% to 1.125% per annum (0.625% at September 24, 2016), adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio. The Company is also required to pay, quarterly in arrears, a commitment fee for unused capacity ranging from 0.075% to 0.200% per annum (0.100% at September 24, 2016), adjusted quarterly based on the Company’s leverage ratio.
Proceeds from the 2016 Senior Credit Facility may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, and other matters. There are no compensating balance requirements associated with the 2016 Senior Credit Facility.
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The 2016 Senior Credit Facility requires quarterly compliance with respect to two material covenants: a fixed charge coverage ratio and a leverage ratio. Both ratios are calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis at the end of each fiscal quarter. The fixed charge coverage ratio compares earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation and rent expense (“consolidated EBITDAR”) to the sum of interest paid and rental expense (excluding any straight-line rent adjustments). The fixed charge coverage ratio shall be greater than or equal to 2.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. The leverage ratio compares rental expense (excluding any straight-line rent adjustments) multiplied by a factor of six plus total debt to consolidated EBITDAR. The leverage ratio shall be less than or equal to 4.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. The 2016 Senior Credit Facility also contains certain other restrictions regarding additional indebtedness, capital expenditures, business operations, guarantees, investments, mergers, consolidations and sales of assets, transactions with subsidiaries or affiliates, and liens. As of September 24, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
2011 Senior Credit Facility
Under the 2011 Senior Credit Facility, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $150.0 million and $190.0 million as of December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015, respectively. In addition, there were $48.7 million and $42.8 million of outstanding letters of credit under the 2011 Senior Credit Facility as of December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015, respectively.
Interest Rate Swap
On March 28, 2016, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement which became effective on March 31, 2016 with a maturity date of February 19, 2021. The interest rate swap was executed for risk management and is not held for trading purposes. The objective of the interest rate swap is to mitigate interest rate risk associated with future changes in interest rates. To accomplish this objective, the interest rate swap is intended to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the variable rate term loan borrowings under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility. The notional amount of the interest rate swap began at $197.5 million (the principal amount of the term loan borrowings as of March 31, 2016) and will amortize at the same time and in the same amount as the term loan borrowings as described in Note 5. As of September 24, 2016, the notional amount of the interest rate swap was $195.0 million. The interest rate swap entitles the Company to receive, at specified intervals, a variable rate of interest based on LIBOR in exchange for the payment of a fixed rate of interest throughout the life of the agreement without exchange of the underlying notional amount.
Share Repurchase Program
The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized common stock repurchases under a share repurchase program of up to $3 billion, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses related to such repurchases, through December 31, 2020. 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 are accounted for at cost and will be held in treasury for future issuance. The program may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.
The Company repurchased approximately 1.4 million shares of common stock under the share repurchase program during both the third quarters of fiscal 2016 and 2015, for a total cost of $108.8 million and $119.4 million, respectively. During the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased 2.7 million and 2.9 million shares under the share repurchase program for a total cost of $215.7 million and $244.0 million, respectively. As of September 24, 2016, the Company had remaining authorization under the share repurchase program of $355.0 million, exclusive of any fees, commissions, or other expenses.
Dividends
During the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Board of Directors declared the following cash dividends:

Date Declared |  | Dividend Amount Per Share |  | Record Date |  | Date Paid
August 1, 2016 |  | $ | 0.24 |  |  | August 15, 2016 |  | August 30, 2016
May 2, 2016 |  | $ | 0.24 |  |  | May 16, 2016 |  | June 1, 2016
February 3, 2016 |  | $ | 0.20 |  |  | February 22, 2016 |  | March 8, 2016
August 3, 2015 |  | $ | 0.20 |  |  | August 17, 2015 |  | September 1, 2015
May 4, 2015 |  | $ | 0.20 |  |  | May 18, 2015 |  | June 2, 2015
February 4, 2015 |  | $ | 0.16 |  |  | February 23, 2015 |  | March 10, 2015

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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.
On October 31, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The dividend will be paid on November 29, 2016 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 14, 2016.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements are limited to operating leases and outstanding letters of credit. The Company typically leases buildings for retail stores rather than acquiring these assets which allows the Company to utilize financial capital to operate the business rather than invest in fixed assets. Letters of credit allow the Company to purchase inventory, primarily sourced overseas, in a timely manner and support certain risk management programs.
Significant Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
At September 24, 2016, the Company had no material commitments related to construction projects extending greater than twelve months.
The Company entered into a new senior credit facility in February 2016 as discussed in Note 5 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. There have been no other material changes in our contractual obligations and commercial commitments other than in the ordinary course of business since the end of fiscal 2015.
At September 24, 2016, there were $44.4 million of outstanding letters of credit under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility.
Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial position and results of operations are based upon its consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management 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. The Company’s significant accounting policies, including areas of critical management judgments and estimates, have primary impact on the following financial statement areas:

- | Inventory valuation | - | Income tax contingencies
- | Self-insurance reserves | - | Long-lived assets
- | Sales tax audit reserve |  |

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2015 for a discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies. The Company’s 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.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 amends the guidance for revenue recognition to replace numerous, industry-specific requirements and converges areas under this topic with those of the International Financial Reporting Standards. The ASU implements a five-step process for customer contract revenue recognition that focuses on transfer of control, as opposed to transfer of risk and rewards. The amendment also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. Other major provisions include the capitalization and amortization of certain contract costs, ensuring the time value of money is considered in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” which implemented a one-year deferral of ASU 2014-09. As a result of the deferral, the amendments in ASU 2014-09 are
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effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)” (“ASU 2016-08”) which further clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (“ASU 2016-10”) which further clarifies the aspects of (a) identifying performance obligations and (b) the licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“ASU 2016-12”) which provides implementation guidance in regards to (a) assessing the collectability criterion, (b) the presentation of taxes collected from customers, (c) noncash consideration, (d) contract modification at transition, (e) completed contracts at transition and (f) other technical corrections. The effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, and ASU 2016-12 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU 2014-09. Entities that transition to these standards may either retrospectively restate each prior reporting period or reflect the cumulative effect of initially applying the updates with an adjustment to retained earnings at the date of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact the adoption of these standards will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures, including which transition method it will adopt.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”). This update requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the consolidated balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. ASU 2015-03 requires retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The adoption of this guidance affected the presentation of debt issuance costs in our Consolidated Balance Sheet but did not have any other material impacts on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory" (“ASU 2015-11”). This update requires an entity that determines the cost of inventory by methods other than last-in, first-out and the retail inventory method to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 requires prospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company elected to apply this guidance retrospectively for all periods presented. The adoption of this guidance affected the presentation of the deferred tax liabilities and assets within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet; however, the updated guidance did not affect the accounting for deferred tax liabilities and assets. Other than the change in presentation, the adoption of this guidance did not have any material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). This update requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee will account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. Both finance leases and operating leases will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on its balance sheet, with differing methodology for income statement recognition. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective approach is required for all leases existing or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04, “Liabilities - Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20): Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products” (“ASU 2016-04”). This update requires that liabilities related to the sale of prepaid stored-value products (gift cards) be adjusted periodically to reflect breakage. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The guidance can be applied using either a modified retrospective transition method or retrospectively to each period presented. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). The update addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based
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compensation transactions including: (a) income tax consequences when awards vest or are settled, (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, (c) a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basis and (d) classification of excess tax impacts on the statement of cash flows. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). This update clarifies and provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues that are not currently addressed by U.S. GAAP and thereby reduces the current and potential future diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The guidance should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate changes, primarily as a result of borrowings under our senior credit facilities (as discussed in Note 5 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) which bear interest based on variable rates.
As discussed in Note 6 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement effective March 31, 2016 which is intended to mitigate interest rate risk associated with future changes in interest rates for the term loan borrowings under the 2016 Senior Credit Facility. As a result of this interest rate swap, our exposure to interest rate volatility is minimized beginning in the second fiscal quarter of 2016. The interest rate swap agreement has been executed for risk management purposes and is not held for trading purposes.
A 1% change in interest rates on our variable rate debt in excess of that amount covered by the interest rate swap would have affected interest expense by less than $0.1 million in each of the three months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015, respectively, and $0.8 million and $0.5 million in the nine months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015, respectively.
Purchase Price Volatility
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, grain, corn, steel, petroleum, cotton and other commodities as well as transportation services. Therefore, we may experience both inflationary and deflationary pressure 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, growing economies of scale from increased volume of purchases, adjusting retail prices and selectively buying from the most competitive vendors without sacrificing quality.
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 September 24, 2016. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of September 24, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that any estimated loss related to such matters has been adequately provided for in accrued liabilities to the extent probable and reasonably estimable. Accordingly, the Company currently expects these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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 26, 2015.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Stock repurchase activity during the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was as follows:

Period |  | Total Number of Shares Purchased |  | Average Price Paid Per Share |  | Total 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
June 26, 2016 - July 23, 2016 |  | 65,931 |  |  | $ | 91.84 |  |  | 65,931 |  |  | $ | 457,745,119 |
July 24, 2016 - August 20, 2016 |  | 341,333 |  |  | 86.59 |  |  | 341,333 |  |  | 428,192,692 |
August 21, 2016 - September 24, 2016 |  | 1,002,388 |  |  | 73.00 |  |  | 1,002,388 |  |  | 355,034,384 |
Total |  | 1,409,652 |  |  | $ | 77.17 |  |  | 1,409,652 |  |  | $ | 355,034,384 |

Share repurchases were made pursuant to the share repurchase program described under Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations. 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 and other applicable legal requirements.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
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 third quarter of fiscal 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 2016, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 24, 2016, December 26, 2015 and September 26, 2015, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal three and nine months ended

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September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal three and nine months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal nine months ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015, and (v) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
* Filed herewith
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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: | November 3, 2016 | 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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