Tractor Supply Co. (TSCO) said fourth-quarter per-share earnings soared 73%, well higher than analysts' expectations. It earned $17.6 million, or 88 cents a share, up from $9.6 million, or 51 cents a share, in the year ago period. Eight analysts surveyed by Thompson First Call had an average estimate of 77 cents.

Sales in the quarter ended Dec. 28 increased 48.8% to $327.9 million. The large gain was due to the opening of 113 stores, bringing the current store count to 433, and to a same-store sales increase of 6.2%.

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