Tractor Supply posts Q3 gains

BRENTWOOD — Tractor Supply Co. saw net sales rise by 8.5% to $1.48 billion from $1.36 billion compared with the Q3 last year. Comparable store sales increased 2.9% from the prior year’s third quarter driven by strong performance in consumable, usable and edible (C.U.E.) products, principally in the pet and animal categories. Net income increased 14% to $87.3 million from $76.6 million and diluted earnings per share increased 16.4% to $0.64 from $0.55 in the previous third quarter.