TRACTOR SUPPLY CO /DE/ (Form: 8-K, Received: 12/06/2019 17:05:00)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): December 6, 2019 (December 4, 2019)

Tractor Supply Company

__________________________________________

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware	000-23314	13-3139732
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5401 Virginia Way, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (615) 440-4000


Not Applicable
Former name or former address, if changed since last report

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[☐] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[☐] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[☐] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[☐] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 ((§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company [☐]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [☐]

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.008 par value

TSCO

NASDAQ Global Select Market

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Harry A. Lawton III Employment Agreement

On December 4, 2019, Harry A. Lawton III and Tractor Supply Company (the “Company”) entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”), which sets forth the obligations of the Company to Mr. Lawton and certain rights, responsibilities and duties of Mr. Lawton as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Employment Agreement has a term of three (3) years commencing on January 13, 2020 (the “Effective Date”). Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Lawton will be entitled to an initial base salary of $1,125,000 per year (“Minimum Base Salary”), be eligible to participate in such bonus plans as the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) may determine appropriate for executive officers of the Company (Mr. Lawton’s annual target bonus shall be no less than 125% of the Minimum Base Salary) and be eligible to participate in such equity incentive plans as the Company’s Compensation Committee may determine appropriate for executive officers of the Company beginning in 2021. At the first Board meeting following the Effective Date, Mr. Lawton will receive the following equity awards: (i) a restricted stock unit award with a fair value, as determined by the Board, of $1,500,000 (such restricted stock unit award shall vest on the first anniversary of the grant date provided that Mr. Lawton has been continuously employed by the Company through such date); (ii) performance share units having a fair value, as determined by the Board, of $2,500,000 (the performance targets for the performance share units shall be the same as the targets included in the Company’s performance share unit awards granted in 2019 and shall have the same performance period as those awards); (iii) restricted stock units, having a fair value, as determined by the Board, of $1,925,000; (iv) performance share units having a fair value, as determined by the Board, of $1,925,000; and (v) stock options having a fair value, as determined by the Board, of $1,650,000. Mr. Lawton will be paid a signing bonus in cash in the amount of $1,000,000 (the “Signing Bonus”) payable within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date. The Signing Bonus will vest on the second anniversary of the Effective Date, and Mr. Lawton shall be required to repay the full amount of the Signing Bonus if he voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company on or before the second anniversary of the Effective Date. The Company will reimburse Mr. Lawton for reasonable relocation costs and temporary housing costs for a period not to exceed eight (8) months in accordance with Company policy.

In the event that Mr. Lawton’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or by Mr. Lawton for good reason (as defined in the Employment Agreement), and if Mr. Lawton signs a customary release of all claims in favor of the Company, Mr. Lawton would be entitled to payment of his base salary for a period of two (2) years, an amount equal to two (2) times his target cash bonus for such year multiplied by the average of the bonus percentage applied to other executive officers’ target cash bonuses for the prior three (3) fiscal years pursuant to any cash bonus plan maintained by the Company in respect of the fiscal years preceding the date of termination and a lump sum payment equal to the estimated cost of procuring for Mr. Lawton and his dependents: life, disability, accident and health insurance benefits for a period of two (2) years following the date of termination. The Company’s obligation to make such payments will be reduced dollar-for-dollar by the amount of compensation earned by Mr. Lawton from other employment during the period the Company is required to make any severance payments. In the event of termination due to death or disability, Mr. Lawton would be entitled to base salary and benefits earned through the date of termination and an amount equal to the pro-rata portion of the actual cash bonus earned for the year in which the date of termination occurs. In the event of a termination by the Company for cause or by Mr. Lawton without good reason, Mr. Lawton would receive only base salary and benefits earned through the date of termination.

The Employment Agreement also provides that upon termination due to death or disability, Mr. Lawton will be fully vested in all then-outstanding stock options and all then-outstanding restricted stock units of the Company and all such options shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the date of termination and (ii) the otherwise applicable normal expiration date of such option. In the event of termination of Mr. Lawton’s employment by the Company without cause or by Mr. Lawton for good reason, the vesting of all of the outstanding stock options and restricted shares of stock and restricted stock units held by Mr. Lawton scheduled to vest in the twelve (12) month period following the date of termination will be accelerated and any such options shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the date of termination and (ii) the otherwise applicable normal expiration date of such option. The vesting of any performance share units or performance-based restricted stock or performance-based restricted stock unit awards shall vest according to the terms of the applicable award agreement in the case of Mr. Lawton’s termination due to death or disability or as a result of termination without cause by the Company or by Mr. Lawton for good reason.

The Employment Agreement also contains covenants regarding the confidentiality of the Company’s trade secrets and non-solicitation of Company employees and non-competition with the Company for a period of two (2) years following any termination of his employment.

The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Employment Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Harry A. Lawton III Appointment to Board of Directors

On or before January 13, 2020, the Company intends to increase the size of the Board from nine to ten, and appoint Mr. Lawton as a member of the Board with a term commencing on January 13, 2020.

Harry A. Lawton III Change in Control Agreement

On December 4, 2019, Mr. Lawton and the Company entered into a change in control agreement effective as of January 13, 2020 (the “Change in Control Agreement”). Pursuant to the Change in Control Agreement, if Mr. Lawton’s employment is terminated during the term of the agreement following a change in control of the Company other than (i) by the Company for cause, (ii) by reason of death, disability or retirement or (iii) by Mr. Lawton without good reason (as such terms are defined in the agreement), Mr. Lawton will receive: (a) an amount equal to two (2) times Mr. Lawton’s (x) base salary as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination or, if higher, in effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or circumstance constituting good reason (as defined in the Change in Control Agreement), and (y) Mr. Lawton’s target annual cash bonus in the fiscal year of (1) the date of termination or, (2) if higher, in respect of the fiscal year preceding the change in control (the higher of (1) or (2) being the “Measurement Period”) pursuant to any cash bonus plan maintained by the Company in respect of the fiscal years preceding the date of termination or change in control, multiplied by the average of the bonus percentage applied to the other executive officers’ target cash bonus for the three (3) fiscal years preceding the Measurement Period; (b) an amount equal to the estimated cost of procuring for Mr. Lawton and his dependents life, disability, accident and health insurance benefits for a period of two (2) years following the date of termination payable in a lump sum, in cash; (c) outplacement services capped at $40,000; (d) an amount equal to the average of Mr. Lawton’s target annual cash bonus pursuant to any cash bonus plan maintained by the Company in the fiscal year of the date of termination, multiplied by the average of the bonus percentage applied to the other executive officers’ target cash bonus for the three (3) most recent fiscal years which occurred immediately prior to the date of termination, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the then-current fiscal year through and including the date of termination, and the denominator of which is 365; (e) the stock options outstanding at the date of termination will become fully vested and continue to be exercisable until the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the date of termination or (ii) the otherwise applicable expiration date of the term of such option, or, at the Company’s election, may be canceled upon lump sum payment of the cash equivalent of the excess of the fair market value of the related options; and (f) all restricted stock units and other equity-based awards outstanding at the date of termination will become fully vested (including restricted stock units of the Company and, except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, any awards subject to performance-vesting conditions shall be settled assuming the “target” level of performance shall have been achieved) or, at the Company’s election may be canceled upon lump sum payment of the cash equivalent of the fair market value of the related stock. Mr. Lawton must commit to be employed with the Company for six (6) months following a change in control. In addition, Mr. Lawton has agreed, for a period of twenty-four (24) months following termination of employment by the Company, not to compete with the Company’s business, solicit or hire any of the Company’s employees, disparage the Company or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets of the Company.

The foregoing description of the Change in Control Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Change in Control Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Gregory A. Sandfort Transition Arrangements

The Company intends to enter into a transition agreement with Gregory A. Sandfort, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer to set forth the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to Mr. Sandfort’s retirement from his position as Chief Executive Officer effective as of January 12, 2020, and his agreement to assist the Company as a strategic advisor. Mr. Sandfort has agreed to continue to be employed as a strategic advisor (the “Employment Transition Period”) from January 13, 2020 until February 29, 2020 (the “Employment Termination Date”), and as a consultant to the Company (the “Consulting Transition Period”) during the period from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020 (the “Consulting Termination Date”). In exchange for his agreement to provide transition services, Mr. Sandfort will be entitled to the following: (i) during the Employment Transition Period, his current base salary; and (ii) during the Consulting Transition Period, a monthly consulting fee equal to one-half of Mr. Sandfort’s current monthly base salary.

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On December 5, 2019, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Mr. Lawton as President and Chief Executive Officer and the transition of Mr. Sandfort from Chief Executive Officer. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits:

10.1 Employment Agreement, dated December 4, 2019, by and between Tractor Supply Company and Harry A. Lawton III.

10.2 Change in Control Agreement, dated December 4, 2019, by and between Tractor Supply Company and Harry A. Lawton III.

99.1 Press Release of Tractor Supply Company dated December 5, 2019.

104 The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K, formatted in Inline XBRL.

SIGNATURES

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 hereunto duly authorized.

Tractor Supply Company

December 6, 2019

By:

/s/ Kurt D. Barton

Name: Kurt D. Barton

Title: Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

Description

10.1

Employment Agreement, dated December 4, 2019, by and between Tractor Supply Company and Harry A. Lawton III.

10.2

Change in Control Agreement, dated December 4, 2019, by and between Tractor Supply Company and Harry A. Lawton III.

99.1

Press Release dated December 5, 2019.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of December 4^th, 2019 by and between Tractor Supply Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Harry A. Lawton III (the “Executive”) to be effective as of January 13, 2020 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company desires the Executive to serve as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and the Executive desires to serve and be so employed by the Company in such capacity; and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive wish to establish the terms of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the financial obligations of the Company to the Executive and to specify certain rights, responsibilities and duties of the Executive.

NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the premises set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, performing duties commensurate with such positions and such additional duties as the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) shall reasonably determine from time to time during the term of this Agreement. The Executive shall report directly to the Board. The Executive accepts employment upon the terms set forth in this Agreement and will perform diligently to the best of his abilities those duties contemplated by this Agreement in a manner that promotes the interests and goodwill of the Company. The Executive will faithfully devote his commercially reasonable efforts and all his working time to and for the benefit of the Company. The Executive may devote reasonable time and attention to civic, charitable, business or social organizations or speaking engagements so long as such activities do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities under this Agreement and provided the Executive may, with the Board’s prior approval, serve as a director for one publicly traded company (in addition to the Company). The Executive agrees to serve, if requested and without any additional compensation, as a director on the board of directors of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company and/or in one or more officer positions with any subsidiary of the Company. If the Executive’s employment is terminated for any reason, whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary, the Executive shall resign, as applicable, as a director and officer of the Company and any of the Company’s subsidiaries, such resignation to be effective no later than the date of termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company. The permanent place of employment of the Executive shall be the corporate headquarters of the Company which shall be located within thirty (30) miles of the metropolitan Nashville, Tennessee area. The Executive shall not be required to relocate his place of employment outside of such area at any time during the Term without his prior consent, which consent may be withheld by the Executive for any reason he deems appropriate. The Executive will be required to conduct reasonable travel in the course of the performance of his duties on behalf of the Company.

ARTICLE II. TERM

Subject to termination pursuant to Article IV hereof, Executive’s employment by the Company pursuant to this Agreement (as the same may be extended, the “Term”) shall begin on the Effective Date and continue until the third anniversary of the Effective Date.

ARTICLE III. COMPENSATION

Section 3.1 General Terms.

(a)Base Salary. The Company shall pay the Executive base salary at the rate of $1,125,000 per annum (“Minimum Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the Company’s ordinary payroll policies. Executive’s base salary shall be reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board and may be increased in the sole discretion of the Board (such base salary, as the same may be increased, is hereinafter referred to as the “Base Salary”); provided, however that the Base Salary shall at no time during the Term be below the Minimum Base Salary. Any increases in Base Salary that are memorialized in the minutes of the Board shall be incorporated herein by reference without further action by the Executive or the Company.

(b)Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in such bonus plans during the Term as the Board may determine appropriate for executive officers of the Company. Throughout the Term, the Executive’s annual target bonus percentage shall be no less than 125% of the Minimum Base Salary; provided, however, that payment of any bonus shall remain subject to such performance and other criteria as may be established by the Board in accordance with the applicable plan or arrangement.

(c)Equity.

(i) At the first Board meeting following the Effective Date, the Executive will receive the following equity awards:

•a restricted stock unit award with a fair value, as determined by the Board, of $1,500,000. Such restricted stock unit shall vest on the first anniversary of the grant date provided that Executive has been continuously employed by the Company through such date.

•performance share units having a fair value, as determined by the Board, of $2,500,000. The performance targets for the performance share units shall be the same as the targets included in the Company’s performance share unit awards granted in 2019 and shall have the same performance period as those awards.

•restricted stock units, having a fair value, as determined by the Board, of $1,925,000.

•performance share units having a fair value, as determined by the Board, of $1,925,000.

•stock options having a fair value, as determined by the Board, of $1,650,000.

(ii) The Executive shall be eligible to participate in such equity incentive plans during the Term as the Compensation Committee may determine appropriate for executive officers of the Company beginning in 2021.

(d)Signing Bonus; Clawback. The Executive shall be paid a signing bonus in cash in the amount of $1,000,000 (the “Signing Bonus”) payable within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date. The Signing Bonus will vest on the second anniversary of the Effective Date, and Executive shall be required to repay the full amount of the Signing Bonus if Executive voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company on or before the second anniversary of the Effective Date.

(e)Relocation Expenses. Executive shall permanently relocate to Nashville, Tennessee within eight months of the Effective Date. Executive shall be reimbursed reasonable relocation costs and temporary housing costs for a period not to exceed eight months in accordance with Company policy.

Section 3.2 Reimbursement.

It is acknowledged by the parties that the Executive, in connection with the services to be performed by him pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, will be required to make payments for travel, entertainment of business associates and similar business related expenses. The Company will reimburse the Executive for all reasonable, documented expenses of types authorized by the Company and incurred by the Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder. The Executive will comply with such budget limitations and approval and reporting requirements with respect to expenses as the Company may establish from time to time.

Section 3.3 Employee Benefits.

(a)General. During the Term, the Company shall provide the Executive with employee and fringe benefits under any and all employee benefit plans and programs which are from time to time generally made available to the executive officers of the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Company to maintain such plans or programs nor prohibit the Company from terminating, amending or modifying such plans and programs, as the Company, in its sole direction, may deem advisable. In all events, including, but not limited to, the funding, operation, management, participation, vesting, termination, amendment or modification of such plans and programs, the rights and benefits of the Executive shall be governed solely by the terms of the plans and programs, as provided in such plans, programs or any contract or agreement related thereto. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to amend or modify any such plan or program.

(b)Vacation Leave. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the Company’s standard vacation policies for its executive officers as may be in effect from time to time.

ARTICLE IV. TERMINATION

The Executive’s employment by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall not be terminated prior to the end of the Term hereof except as set forth in this Article IV.

Section 4.1 By Mutual Consent.

The Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement may be terminated at any time by the mutual written agreement of the Company and the Executive. In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to this Section 4.1, the Executive shall receive Base Salary and benefits to be paid or provided to the Executive under this Agreement through the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 4.8 hereof) and any other unpaid benefits to which the Executive is otherwise entitled under any plan, policy or program of the Company (including any bonus plan) applicable to the Executive as of the Date of Termination, in accordance with the terms of such plan, policy or program.

Section 4.2 Death.

The Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be terminated upon the death of the Executive, in which event the Executive’s heirs shall receive, when the same would have been paid to the Executive, (i) all Base Salary and benefits to be paid or provided to the Executive under this Agreement through the Date of Termination, (ii) an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the actual cash bonus earned for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, and (iii) any other unpaid benefits (including death benefits) to which he is entitled under any other plan, policy or program of the Company applicable to the Executive as of the Date of Termination, in accordance with the terms of such plan, policy or program. In addition, the Executive shall be fully vested in all then outstanding options to acquire stock of the Company, and, subject to the last sentence of this Section 4.2, all then outstanding restricted shares of stock and restricted stock units of the Company held by the Executive and any such options shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (x) the second anniversary of the Date of Termination and (y) the otherwise applicable normal expiration date of such option. The foregoing provision shall not apply to extend the expiration date of any option that is outstanding (whether vested or unvested) as of the date hereof and that is intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). For the avoidance of doubt, settlement of any restricted stock units, the vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to this Agreement, shall occur upon vesting pursuant to this Section 4.2, subject to any previous legally binding deferral election or contrary payment date provided for in the applicable award agreement regarding such units. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the vesting of any performance share units or performance-based restricted stock or performance-based restricted stock unit awards shall vest according to the terms of the applicable award agreement.

Section 4.3 Disability.

The Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement may be terminated by written notice to the Executive by the Company or to the Company by the Executive (“Notice of Termination”) in the event that the Executive is unable, as reasonably determined by the Board, to perform his regular duties and responsibilities due to physical or mental illness or injury that has lasted (or can reasonably be expected to last) for a period of six (6) consecutive months. In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to this Section 4.3, the Executive shall be entitled to receive, when the same would have been paid to the Executive, (i) any unpaid Base Salary and benefits to be paid or provided to the Executive under this Agreement through the Date of Termination, (ii) an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the

actual cash bonus earned for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, and (iii) any other unpaid benefits (including disability benefits) to which he is otherwise entitled under any other plan, policy or program of the Company applicable to the Executive as of the Date of Termination, in accordance with the terms of such plan, policy or program. In addition, subject to the last sentence of this Section 4.3, the Executive shall be fully vested in all then outstanding options to acquire stock of the Company, and all then outstanding restricted shares of stock and restricted stock units of the Company held by the Executive and any such options shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (x) the second anniversary of the Date of Termination and (y) the otherwise applicable normal expiration date of such option. The foregoing provision shall not apply to extend the expiration date of any option that is outstanding (whether vested or unvested) as of the date hereof and that is intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code. For the avoidance of doubt, settlement of any restricted stock units, the vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to this Agreement, shall occur upon vesting pursuant to this Section 4.3, subject to any previous legally binding deferral election or contrary payment date provided for in the applicable award agreement regarding such units. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the vesting of any performance share units or performance-based restricted stock or performance-based restricted stock unit awards shall vest according to the terms of the applicable award agreement.

Section 4.4 By the Company for Cause.

The Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement may be terminated by the Company at any time by delivery of a Notice of Termination to the Executive upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each of which shall constitute “Cause” for termination): (i) failure or refusal to carry out the lawful directions of the Company, which are reasonably consistent with the responsibilities of the Executive’s position, where such failure or refusal is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice to the Executive; (ii) a material act of dishonesty or disloyalty related to the business of the Company; (iii) conviction of a felony, a lesser crime against the Company, or any crime involving dishonest conduct; (iv) habitual or repeated misuse or habitual or repeated performance of the Executive’s duties under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances; (v) any incident materially compromising the Executive’s reputation or ability to represent the Company with the public; (vi) a material breach or violation of any of the Company’s policies, where such breach or violation is curable and is not cured within thirty (30) days after notice to the Executive; or (vii) any act or omission by the Executive that substantially impairs the Company’s business, good will or reputation. In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to this Section 4.4, the Executive shall be entitled to receive all Base Salary and benefits to be paid or provided to the Executive under this Agreement through the Date of Termination, and any other unpaid benefits to which he is otherwise entitled under any plan, policy or program of the Company (not including any bonus plan) applicable to the Executive as of the Date of Termination, in accordance with the terms of such plan, policy or program.

Section 4.5 By the Company Without Cause.

The Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement may be terminated by the Company upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice without Cause by delivery of a Notice of Termination to the Executive. In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to this Section 4.5 during the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to receive: (i) Base Salary to be provided to the Executive under this Agreement through the second anniversary of the Date of Termination payable in accordance with the Company’s ordinary payroll policies (whether or not the Term shall have expired during such period) with such payments commencing on the first Company payroll period occurring after the thirtieth (30^th) day following the Executive’s Date of Termination; (ii) an amount equal to two (2) times Executive’s target cash bonus for such year multiplied by the average of the bonus percentage applied to other executive

officers’ target cash bonuses for the prior three (3) fiscal years pursuant to any cash bonus plan maintained by the Company in respect of the fiscal years preceding the Date of Termination, payable over the twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination in accordance with the Company’s ordinary payroll practices with such payments commencing on the first Company payroll period occurring after the thirtieth (30^th) day following the Executive’s Date of Termination; (iii) in lieu of any benefits continuation following Termination, the Company shall pay a lump sum payment, in cash, equal to the estimated cost of procuring for the Executive and his dependents: life, disability, accident and health insurance benefits for a period of two years following the Date of Termination, with such payment to be paid on the first Company payroll period occurring after the thirtieth (30^th) day following the Executive’s Date of Termination; and (iv) any other unpaid benefits to which the Executive is otherwise entitled under any other plan, policy or program of the Company applicable to the Executive as of the Date of Termination, in accordance with the terms of such plan, policy or program. In addition, subject to the last sentence of this Section 4.5, the vesting of all then outstanding options to acquire stock of the Company and all then outstanding restricted shares of stock and restricted stock units of the Company held by the Executive and scheduled to vest during the 12 month period following the Date of Termination shall be accelerated, and any such options shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (x) the second anniversary of the Date of Termination and (y) the otherwise applicable normal expiration date of such option (these rights together with the payments and benefits enumerated in subsection (i) through (iv) above and the preceding sentence shall be referred to as the “Severance Payments”). The foregoing provision shall not apply to extend the expiration date of any option that is outstanding (whether vested or unvested) as of the date hereof and that is intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code. For the avoidance of doubt, settlement of any restricted stock units, the vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to this Agreement, shall occur upon vesting pursuant to this Section 4.5, subject to any previous legally binding deferral election or contrary payment date provided for in the applicable award agreement regarding such units. As conditions precedent to receiving the Severance Payments contemplated by this Section 4.5, (a) the Executive agrees to sign, at the time of termination of his employment, a customary release of all claims in favor of the Company, its directors and officers and (b) all applicable revocation periods shall have ended prior to the scheduled receipt of any Severance Payment. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the vesting of any performance share units or performance-based restricted stock or performance-based restricted stock unit awards shall vest according to the terms of the applicable award agreement.

Section 4.6 By the Executive for Good Reason.

The Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement may be terminated by the Executive by written notice of his resignation (“Notice of Resignation”) delivered within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of (i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties materially inconsistent with the Executive’s status as a senior executive officer of the Company; (ii) a substantial adverse alteration in the nature or status of the Executive’s responsibilities; or (iii) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company, in any case, that remains uncured by the Company for a period of sixty (60) days after written notice by the Executive to the Board specifying such assignment, alteration or breach and specifically referencing this section of this Agreement (each of which shall constitute “Good Reason” for resignation). In the event that the Executive resigns for Good Reason pursuant to this Section 4.6 during the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Severance Payments as described in Section 4.5 above. As conditions precedent to receiving the Severance Payments contemplated by this Section 4.6, (a) the Executive agrees to sign, at the time of termination of his employment, a customary release of all claims in favor of the Company, its directors and officers and (b) all applicable revocation periods shall have ended prior to the scheduled receipt of any Severance Payment. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the vesting of any performance share units or performance-based restricted stock or

performance-based restricted stock unit awards shall vest according to the terms of the applicable award agreement.

Section 4.7 By the Executive Without Good Reason.

The Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement may be terminated by the Executive at any time by delivery of a Notice of Resignation to the Company. In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to this Section 4.7, the Executive shall receive Base Salary and benefits to be paid or provided to the Executive under this Agreement through the Date of Termination and any other unpaid benefits to which the Executive is otherwise entitled under any plan, policy or program of the Company (not including any bonus or incentive plan) applicable to the Executive as of the Date of Termination, in accordance with the terms of such plan, policy or program.

Section 4.8 Date of Termination.

The Executive’s Date of Termination shall be (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.1, the date mutually agreed to by the Company and the Executive, (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.2, the last day of the calendar month in which the Executive’s death occurs, (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.3, the last day of the calendar month in which a Notice of Termination is given, (iv) if Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.4, the date on which a Notice of Termination is given, (v) if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.5, thirty (30) days after the date Notice of Termination is given, (vi) if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.6, within ten (10) days of the expiration of the “Cure Period” provided for in Section 4.6 and (vii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 4.7, thirty (30) days after the date Notice of Resignation is given.

Section 4.9 Offset; Termination of Obligation.

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article IV to the contrary, in the event the Company terminates the Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 4.5 or the Executive terminates his employment pursuant to Section 4.6 and the Executive accepts other employment or provides consulting, advisory or other services during the period in which the Company is required to make payments pursuant to Section 4.5 or Section 4.6, the Executive shall notify the Company in writing that he has accepted such employment or agreed to provide such consulting, advisory or other services and the terms of his employment or engagement. To the extent permitted by Section 409A of the Code, the Company’s obligation to make payments pursuant to Section 4.5 or Section 4.6 shall be reduced dollar-for-dollar by the amount of compensation earned by the Executive from such other employment or for providing such services during the period in which the Company is required to make payments pursuant to Section 4.5 or Section 4.6.

(b) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article IV to the contrary, the Company’s obligation to make payments pursuant to Section 4.5 or Section 4.6 shall immediately terminate in the event the Executive violates in any material respect the provisions of Article V or Article VI of this Agreement.

Section 4.10 Section 409A.

(a)Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Severance Payments to be made to the Executive pursuant to Article IV shall be made in reliance upon Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 409A of the Code, including Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) of the Treasury Regulations (including any exceptions from the application of Section 409A thereunder) or Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. For this purpose, each Severance Payment shall be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. However, to the extent any such payments are treated as non-qualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, then (a) no amount shall be payable pursuant to this Article IV unless Executive’s termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Treasury Regulations and (b) if Executive is deemed at the time of his separation from service to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of the Severance Payments to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such portion of Executive’s Severance Payments shall not be provided to Executive prior to the earlier of (x) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of the Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company (as such term is defined in Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Treasury Regulations) or (y) the date of Executive’s death. Upon the earlier of such dates, all payments deferred pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid in a lump sum to the Executive, and any remaining payments due under the Agreement shall be paid as otherwise provided herein. The determination of whether the Executive is a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code as of the time of his separation from service shall be made by the Company in accordance with the terms of Section 409A of the Code and applicable guidance thereunder (including without limitation Section 1.409A-1(i) of the Treasury Regulations and any successor provision thereto). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any Release consideration and revocation period begins and ends in separate years, the payment or commencement of any payments contingent upon the return and non-revocation of the Release, shall be made or commence in the subsequent year in all events.

(b)Certain Reductions in Payment.

(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit the Executive would receive from the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Payment”, “Payments” in the aggregate) would, as determined by tax counsel to the Company reasonably acceptable to the Executive (“Tax Counsel”), (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this Section 4.10, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then the Payments will be adjusted to equal the Reduced Amount. The “Reduced Amount” will be either (1) the largest portion of the Payments that would result in no portion of the Payments (after reduction) being subject to the Excise Tax or (2) the entire amount of the Payments, whichever amount after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from a deduction of such state and local taxes), results in the Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of the Payments. If a reduction in Payments is to be made so that the Payments equal the Reduced Amount, (x) the Payments will be paid only to the extent permitted under the Reduced Amount alternative, and the Executive will have no rights to any additional payments and/or benefits constituting the Payments. In no event will the Company or any stockholder be liable to the Executive for any amounts not paid as a result of the operation of this Section 4.10. No portion of any Payment shall be taken into account which in the opinion of Tax Counsel does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G(b)(2).

(2)The Company shall reduce or eliminate the Payments by (i) first reducing or eliminating those payments or benefits which are payable in cash and (ii) then reducing or eliminating non-cash payments. Any reduction made pursuant to the preceding sentence shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing Executive’s rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation. In applying these principles, any reduction or elimination of the Payments shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and where two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but payable at different times, such amounts shall be reduced on a pro rata basis but not below zero.

(c)Except as otherwise provided herein, the payments provided for in Article IV (as adjusted by Section 4.10 hereof) shall be made not later than the tenth business day following the Date of Termination, with the payment date determined by the Company in its sole discretion.

(d)The Executive and the Company shall each reasonably cooperate with the other in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings concerning the existence or amount of liability for Excise Tax with respect to the Payments. The Company shall pay to the Executive all legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of Section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit provided hereunder, provided that, in either case, Executive prevails on the merits of such action. Such amounts shall be paid in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, including Sections 1.409A-1(b)(11), 1.409A-3(g) and 1.409A-3(i)(1)(v) of the Treasury Regulations. In the event of a claim as to which Executive only obtains partial recovery or relief, Executive shall be considered to have prevailed if Executive should receive more than 50% of the amount or relief claimed. Such payments shall be made within five (5) business days after the later of (y) delivery of the Executive's written requests for payment accompanied with such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company reasonably may require delivered within 20 days of a final, non-appealable judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction or the binding conclusion of an audit, investigation or proceeding by the IRS or applicable agency and (z) a final, non-appealable judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction or the binding conclusion of an audit, investigation or proceeding by the IRS or applicable agency.

(e)All reimbursements and in-kind benefits described in this Agreement shall be made in accordance with Treasury Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) to the extent applicable, including the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, and the in-kind benefits provided, during any year pursuant to this Agreement shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other year, the reimbursement is made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year the expense was incurred, and the right to reimbursement or in kind benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(f)Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A of the Code.

(g)For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that the amount of any Company-paid premiums for the health insurance benefits provided pursuant to this Article IV shall be taxable to the Executive and included in the Executive’s gross income, and that none of the amounts payable hereunder are intended to reimburse Executive for any income taxes payable with respect to such income.

ARTICLE V. COVENANTS OF THE EXECUTIVE

Section 5.1 Definitions.

(a)“Company Property” means all records, data, files, manuals, memoranda, documents, supplies, computer materials, equipment, inventory and other materials that have been created, used or obtained by the Company, including but not limited to pagers, databases, security cards and badges, insurance cards, keys, computer manuals, company or employee manuals, credit cards, computers, laptops, printers, fax machines, cellular and landline phones, and copiers, as well as Confidential and Proprietary Information and Technology and all business revenues and fees produced or transacted through the efforts of the Company.

(b)“Confidential and Proprietary Information” means all information, not generally known to the public, that relates to the business, technology, manner of operation, subscribers, customers, finances, employees, plans, proposals or practices of the Company or of any third parties doing business with the Company, and includes, without limitation, the identities of and other information regarding the Company’s subscribers, customers and prospects, supplier lists, employee information, business plans and proposals, software programs, marketing plans and proposals, technical plans and proposals, research and development, budgets and projections, nonpublic financial information, all other information the Company designates as “confidential,” and all other information and matters not generally known to the public. Excluded from the definition of Confidential and Proprietary Information is information (A) that is or becomes part of the public domain, other than through the breach of this Agreement by the Executive or (B) regarding the Company’s business or industry properly acquired by the Executive in the course of his career as an executive in the Company’s industry and independent of his employment by the Company. For this purpose, information known or available generally within the trade or industry of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company shall be deemed to be known to the public.

(c)“Disparage the Company” means, except in the good faith performance of the Executive’s duties, conduct by which he criticizes, denigrates or otherwise speaks adversely, or discloses negative information about, the operations, management or performance of the Company, an affiliate of the Company, or about any director, officer, employee or agent of any of the above.

(d)“Solicitation” means (A) the direct or indirect solicitation of, inducement of, or attempt to induce, any employees, agents, or consultants of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to leave the employ of, or stop providing services to, the Company or such subsidiary; (B) the direct or indirect offering or aiding another to offer employment to, or interfere or attempt to interfere with, the Company’s or such subsidiary’s relationship with any employees or consultants of the Company or such subsidiary; or (C) the direct or indirect solicitation, or assistance to any entity or person in solicitation of, any subscribers or customers of the Company to discontinue doing business with the Company.

(e)“Technology” means all inventions, discoveries, designs, developments, improvements, copyrightable materials, trade secrets, new concepts, new ideas and expressions of ideas (including computer programs and software), which relate to the Company’s present or prospective businesses or have been created using Company property, Confidential or Proprietary Information of the Company, the advice or help of other Company employees, independent contractors or other third parties, or other resources of the Company. The Executive understands and agrees that this definition of “Technology” applies even if a patent or copyright cannot be issued or claimed, and even if the Company does not intend to exploit, work or develop the Technology.

Section 5.2 Nondisclosure of Confidential and Proprietary Information.

The Executive understands and agrees that Confidential and Proprietary Information will be considered the trade secrets of the Company and will be entitled to all protections given by law to trade secrets and that the provisions of this Agreement apply to every form in which Confidential and Proprietary Information exists, including, without limitation, written or printed information, films, tapes, computer disks or data, or any other form of memory device, media or method by which information is stored or maintained. The Executive acknowledges that in the course of employment with the Company, he has received and may receive Confidential and Proprietary Information of the Company. The Executive further acknowledges that Confidential and Proprietary Information is a valuable, unique and special asset belonging to the Company. For these reasons, and except as otherwise directed by the Company, the Executive agrees, during his employment, and at all times after the termination of his employment with the Company, that he will not disclose or disseminate to anyone outside the Company, nor use for any purpose other than his work for the Company, nor assist anyone else in any such disclosure or use of, any Confidential or Proprietary Information of the Company.

The Executive further agrees, during his employment and for a period of two (2) years after his employment terminates, that he will not engage in any activities or accept any employment or work assignment that would compromise the confidentiality, or result in the direct or indirect disclosure or use, of any Confidential and Proprietary Information of the Company.

Section 5.3 Company Technology/Assignment of Inventions.

The Executive recognizes and agrees that all present and future Technology, whether conceived, developed or reduced to practice during his employment by others or by himself, solely or jointly, is and will become the property of the Company. To the extent permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.) and any successor statute thereto, the Executive agrees that any copyrightable materials that he has created or creates during his employment that directly relate to the Company’s then current or anticipated business, operations or plans will constitute “works made for hire,” and the ownership of such materials will vest in the Company at the time they are created. The Executive agrees to assign and does hereby assign to the Company (or any person or entity designated by the Company) all his rights, title and interests in and to all Technology and all related patents, patent applications, copyrights and copyright applications. The Executive further agrees, both while employed by the Company and at the time his employment with the Company is terminated, to disclose promptly to the Company all Technology that has been made or conceived by him while employed by the Company. Both during and at all times after his employment with the Company is terminated, the Executive will, upon

request, assist the Company to protect the Company’s ownership of Technology and to obtain and protect any and all patents and copyrights covering any Technology. To this end, the Executive agrees to sign all papers, including, without limitation, copyright applications, patent applications, declarations, oaths, formal assignments, assignment of priority rights, and powers of attorney that the Company may deem necessary or desirable in order to protect its rights and interests in any Technology.

The Executive understands that his obligation to assign will not apply to any Technology that he develops or developed entirely on his own time without using the Company’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or Confidential and Proprietary Information, unless the Technology (a) relates at the time of conception or reduction to practice directly to the Company’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company, or (b) results from any work performed by him for the Company.

Section 5.4 Company Property.

The Executive agrees to preserve, use and hold Company Property, which is and remains the property of the Company, only for the benefit of the Company to carry out the Company’s business. The Executive agrees that, on or before the day on which his employment with the Company is terminated, he will deliver or return to the Company all the Company Property, including all copies of the Company Property, in his possession or control. The Executive further agrees not to use any computer access code or password belonging to the Company and not to access any computer or database in the possession or control of the Company after his employment with the Company is terminated.

Section 5.5 Nondisparagement.

During the Term and thereafter, the Executive will not Disparage the Company. This Section 5.5 shall not be deemed breached unless the violation is willful, with the intent to damage, in a public forum or intended to become public, and is of a material nature.

ARTICLE VI. NONCOMPETITION AND NONSOLICITATION

Section 6.1 Noncompetition.

In consideration for the benefits the Executive is receiving hereunder, the Executive hereby acknowledges, and for other good and valuable consideration, agrees that during the Executive’s employment and for two (2) years following the termination of his employment, and without the prior written consent of the Company, the Executive will not, in any manner, directly or indirectly, own any interest in, operate, join, control or participate as a partner, director, principal, officer or agent or, enter into the employment of, act as a consultant to, or perform any services for any retailer principally in the farm and ranch, pet or animal products and services sectors.

Section 6.2 Nonsolicitation.

During the Executive’s employment and for two (2) years following the termination of his employment, he will not engage in any Solicitation, provided that Solicitation will not be considered to have occurred by the general advertising for hiring of employees by entities with which the Executive is associated, as long as he does not directly or indirectly induce employees to leave the Company.

Section 6.3 Reformation and Severance.

If a judicial determination is made that any of the provisions of the restrictions contained in this Article VI constitute an unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable restriction against the Executive, it shall be rendered void only to the extent that such judicial determination finds such provisions to be unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable. In this regard, the parties hereby agree that any judicial authority construing this Agreement shall be empowered to sever any portion of the prohibited business activity from the coverage of this restriction and to apply the restriction to the remaining portion of the business activities not so severed by such judicial authority.

ARTICLE VII. ARBITRATION

Section 7.1 Scope.

The Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that any claim or controversy arising out of or relating to Article IV of this Agreement shall be settled by binding arbitration in Nashville, Tennessee, in accordance with the National Rules of the American Arbitration Association for the Resolution of Employment Disputes in effect on the date of the event giving rise to the claim or controversy. The Company and the Executive further acknowledge and agree that either party must request arbitration of any claim or controversy within ninety (90) days of the date of the event giving rise to the claim or controversy by giving written notice of the party’s request for arbitration. Failure to give notice of any claim or controversy within ninety (90) days of the event giving rise to the claim or controversy shall constitute waiver of the claim or controversy.

Section 7.2 Procedures.

All claims or controversies subject to arbitration shall be submitted to arbitration within six months from the date that a written notice of request for arbitration is effective. All claims or controversies shall be resolved by a panel of three arbitrators who are licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee and who are experienced in the arbitration of employment disputes. These arbitrators shall be selected in accordance with the National Rules of the American Arbitration Association for the Resolution of Employment Disputes in effect at the time the claim or controversy arises. The arbitrators shall issue a written decision with respect to all claims or controversies within 30 days from the date the claims or controversies are submitted to arbitration. The parties shall be entitled to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration proceedings. The Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that the non-prevailing party (as determined by the arbitrators) in such arbitration will bear the cost of the arbitration proceeding, and each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, if any, unless the arbitrators determine otherwise. To the extent applicable, the arbitration provisions of this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Code.

Section 7.3 Enforcement.

The Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that the arbitration provisions in this Agreement may be specifically enforced by either party and that submission to arbitration proceedings may be compelled by any court of competent jurisdiction. The Company and the Executive further acknowledge and agree that the decision of the arbitrators may be specifically enforced by either party in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Section 7.4 Limitations.

Notwithstanding the arbitration provisions set forth herein, Employee and the Company acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require the arbitration of any claim or controversy arising under Articles V or VI of this Agreement. These provisions shall be enforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and shall not be subject to arbitration except by mutual written consent of the parties signed after the dispute arises, any such consent, and the terms and conditions thereof, then becoming binding on the parties. The Executive and the Company further acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require arbitration of any claim for workers’ compensation or unemployment compensation.

ARTICLE VIII. GENERAL TERMS

Section 8.1 Notices.

All notices and other communications hereunder will be in writing or by written telecommunication, and will be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by written telecommunication, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication will have specified to the other party hereto in accordance with this Section 8.1:

If to the Company, to:

Tractor Supply Company

5401 Virginia Way

Brentwood, Tennessee 37027

Attention: General Counsel

If to the Executive, to:

Harry A. Lawton III

_________________

Section 8.2 Withholding.

All payments required to be made by the Company under this Agreement to the Executive will be subject to the withholding of such amounts, if any, relating to federal, state and local taxes as may be required by law.

Section 8.3 Entire Agreement; Modification.

The Company and Executive intend to enter into a Change in Control Agreement on or about the Effective Date (as such agreement may be extended, modified, amended or restated from time to time, the “Change in Control Agreement”). Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, in the event that Executive is entitled to severance or other benefits following a Change in Control (as defined in the Change in Control Agreement) and during the Term of the Change in Control Agreement, other than (A) by the Company for Cause, (B) by reason of death, Disability or Retirement, or (C) by the Executive without Good Reason (each as defined in the Change in Control Agreement), pursuant to the Change in

Control Agreement, the terms of the Change in Control Agreement shall govern, and Executive shall not be entitled to Severance Payments or other benefits pursuant to this Agreement including Section 4.5 or Section 4.6 hereof. This Agreement and the Change of Control Agreement constitute the complete and entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements between the parties. The parties have executed this Agreement based upon the express terms and provisions set forth herein and have not relied on any communications or representations, oral or written, which are not set forth in this Agreement.

Section 8.4 Amendment.

The covenants or provisions of this Agreement may not be modified by an subsequent agreement unless the modifying agreement: (i) is in writing; (ii) contains an express provision referencing this Agreement; (iii) is signed and executed on behalf of the Company by an officer of the Company other than the Executive; (iv) is approved by resolution of the Board; (v) is signed by the Executive; and (vi) to the extent applicable, complies with Section 409A of the Code.

Section 8.5 Legal Consultation.

Both parties have been accorded a reasonable opportunity to review this Agreement with legal counsel prior to executing this Agreement.

Section 8.6 Choice of Law.

This Agreement and the performance hereof will be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its choice of law principles.

Section 8.7 Successors and Assigns.

(a) The obligations, duties and responsibilities of the Executive under this Agreement are personal and shall not be assignable. In the event of the Executive’s death or disability, this Agreement shall be enforceable by the Executive’s estate, executors or legal representatives.

(b) In addition to any obligations imposed by law upon any successor to the Company, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in accordance with its terms. Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption and agreement prior to or upon the effectiveness of any such succession shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement. If the Company successfully obtains such assumption and agreement prior to or upon the effectiveness of any such succession and the successor extends an offer of employment to the Executive, any termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company incident to such succession shall be ignored for purposes of this Agreement, to the extent consistent with Section 409A of the Code.

Section 8.8 Waiver of Provisions.

Any waiver of any terms and conditions hereof must be in writing and signed by the parties hereto. The waiver of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other terms and conditions hereof.

Section 8.9 Severability.

The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable, and if any portion shall be held invalid, illegal or enforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall be effective and binding upon the parties provided that the substance of the economic relationship created by this Agreement remains materially unchanged.

Section 8.10 Remedies.

The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that upon any breach by the Executive of his obligations under Articles V or VI hereof, the Company would suffer irreparable injury and will have no adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, the Company will be entitled to seek specific performance and other appropriate injunctive and equitable relief without the necessity of proving actual damages. No remedy set forth in this Agreement or otherwise conferred upon or reserved to any party shall be considered exclusive of any other remedy available to any party, but the same shall be distinct, separate and cumulative and may be exercised from time to time as often as occasion may arise or as may be deemed expedient. The Executive represents that enforcement of a remedy by way of injunction will not prevent him from earning a livelihood. The Executive further represents and admits that time periods contained in Article VI are reasonably necessary to protect the interest of the Company and would not unfairly or unreasonably restrict the Executive.

Section 8.11 Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, and all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

Section 8.12 Compliance with Section 409A.

The parties acknowledge and agree that, to the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with, and the parties agree to use their best efforts to achieve timely compliance with, Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Company determines that any compensation or benefits payable or provided under this Agreement may be subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Company may, with the consent of the Executive, adopt such limited amendments to this Agreement and appropriate policies and procedures, including amendments and policies with retroactive effect, that the Company reasonably determines are necessary or appropriate to (i) exempt the compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the compensation and benefits provided with respect to this Agreement or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. By accepting this agreement, Executive hereby agrees and acknowledges that the Company makes no representations with respect to the application of Section 409A of the Code to any tax, economic, or legal consequences of any payments payable to Executive hereunder (including, without limitation, payments pursuant to Article IV above) and, by the acceptance of this Agreement, Executive agree to accept the potential application of Section 409A of the Code to the tax and legal consequences of payments payable to Employee hereunder (including, without limitation, payments pursuant to Article IV above).

[Signature page follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first written above.

EXECUTIVE:

/s/ Harry A. Lawton III

Harry A. Lawton III

COMPANY:

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

By: /s/ C. T. Jamison

Its: Director, Chairman of the Board

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT, executed this 4^th day of December, 2019, to be effective as of January 13, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is made by and between Tractor Supply Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Harry A. Lawton III (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to foster the continued employment of key management personnel; and

WHEREAS, the Board recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, the possibility of a Change in Control exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of certain members of the Company's senior management, including the Executive, to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a Change in Control.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

1.Defined Terms. The definitions of capitalized terms used in this Agreement are provided in the last Section hereof.

2.Term of Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in effect through February 28, 2021 (“Term”); provided, however, that if a Change in Control occurs during the Term, the Term shall expire no earlier than the second anniversary of the date on which such Change in Control occurs.

3.Company's Covenants. In order to induce the Executive to remain in the employ of the Company and in consideration of the Executive's covenants set forth in Section 4 hereof, the Company agrees, under the conditions described herein, to pay the Executive the Severance Payments and the other payments and benefits described herein. No Severance Payments or other benefits shall be payable or provided under this Agreement unless there shall have been (or, under the terms of the last sentence of the paragraph following Section 6(a)(vi) hereof, there shall be deemed to have been) a termination of the Executive's employment with the Company on or following a Change in Control and during the Term. This Agreement shall not be construed as creating an express or implied contract of employment and, except as otherwise agreed in writing between the Executive and the Company, the Executive shall not have any right to be retained in the employ of the Company.

4.The Executive's Covenants.

(a) Employment. The Executive agrees that, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control during the Term, the Executive will remain in the employ of the Company until the earliest of (i) a date which is six (6) months from the date of such Change in Control, (ii) the Date of Termination by the Executive of the Executive's employment for Good Reason or by reason of death, Disability or Retirement, or (iii) the termination by the Company of the Executive's employment for any reason.

(b) Noncompetition, etc. The Executive agrees that the Executive will not, during Executive’s employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the Date of Termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company following a Change in Control, (i) in any manner, directly or indirectly, own any interest in, operate, join, control or participate as a partner, director, principal, officer or agent or, enter into employment of, act as a consultant to, or perform any services for any retailer principally in the farm and ranch, pet or animal products and services sectors, (ii) directly or indirectly solicit or hire, or encourage the solicitation or hiring of, any person who was an employee of the Company at any time on or after such Date of Termination (unless more than six months shall have elapsed between the last day of such person's employment by the Company and the first date of such solicitation or hiring), or (iii) disparage the name, business reputation or business practices of the Company or any of its officers or directors, or interfere with the Company's existing or prospective business relationships. The Executive also agrees that the Executive will not, during Executive’s employment and following the Date of Termination of Executive’s employment, without the written consent of the Company, disclose to any person, other than as required by law or court order, any confidential information or trade secrets obtained by the Executive while in the employ of the Company; provided, however, that confidential information shall not include any information known generally to the public (other than as a result of unauthorized disclosure by the Executive) or any specific information or type of information generally not considered confidential by persons engaged in the same business as the Company. The Executive acknowledges that these restrictions are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company's legitimate interests, that the Company would not have entered into this Agreement in the absence of such restrictions, and that any violation of these restrictions will result in irreparable harm to the Company. The Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, without the necessity of proving actual damages, as well as an equitable accounting of all earnings, profits and other benefits arising from any violation hereof, which rights shall be cumulative and in addition to any other rights or remedies to which the Company may be entitled. Executive further agrees to make any person or entity with whom Executive becomes employed or affiliated with during the eighteen (18) month period from the Date of Termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company following a Change in Control aware of the provisions of this Section 4(b) upon commencing employment or affiliation with such person or entity.

(c) Return of Confidential Information. Upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or at any other time upon the Company’s request, Executive shall promptly return to the Company all originals and all copies (including photocopies and facsimiles and copies on computers or other means of electronic storage) of all materials relating in any way to confidential information or the business of the Company or any affiliates of the Company, whether made or compiled by Executive or furnished to Executive by virtue of his or her employment with the Company and will so represent to the Company. Upon Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, Executive shall also return to the Company all Company property in his or her possession.

5.Compensation Other Than Severance Payments.

(a) If the Executive's employment shall be terminated for any reason following a Change in Control and during the Term, the Company shall pay the Executive's full salary to the Executive through the Date of Termination (the “Accrued Salary”) at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination or, if higher, the rate in effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or circumstance constituting Good Reason, together with all compensation and benefits payable to the Executive through the Date of Termination under and in accordance with the terms of the Company's compensation and benefit plans, programs or arrangements as in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of

an event or circumstance constituting Good Reason. The Accrued Salary shall be paid to the Executive within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination, with the payment date determined by the Company in its sole discretion.

(b) If the Executive's employment shall terminate for any reason following a Change in Control and during the Term, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Executive's normal post-termination compensation and benefits, if any; provided, however, that, the severance benefits provided in Section 6 hereof shall be exclusive and the Executive shall not be entitled to participate in, or receive severance benefits under, any other severance plan or program that may be adopted by the Company or any other employment agreement. Any post-termination compensation and benefits shall be determined under, and paid in accordance with, the Company's retirement, insurance and other compensation or benefit plans, programs and arrangements as in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect immediately prior to the occurrence of the first event or circumstance constituting Good Reason.

6.Severance Payments.

(a) Severance Payments. If the Executive's employment is terminated following a Change in Control and during the Term, other than (A) by the Company for Cause, (B) by reason of death, Disability or Retirement, or (C) by the Executive without Good Reason, then the Company shall pay the Executive the following amounts, and provide the Executive the following benefits (collectively, the “Severance Payments”), in addition to any payments and benefits to which the Executive is entitled under Section 5 hereof:

(i) In lieu of any further salary payments to the Executive for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination and in lieu of any severance benefit otherwise payable to the Executive (including pursuant to the Employment Agreement between the Executive and the Company dated December 4^th, 2019), the Company shall pay to the Executive cash severance payments in an aggregate amount equal to two (2) times (x) the Executive's base salary as in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination or, if higher, in effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or circumstance constituting Good Reason, and (y) Executive’s target annual cash bonus in the fiscal year of (a) the Date of Termination or, (b) if higher, in respect of the fiscal year preceding the Change in Control (the higher of (a) or (b) being the “Measurement Period”) pursuant to any cash bonus plan maintained by the Company in respect of the fiscal years preceding the Date of Termination or Change in Control, multiplied by the average of the bonus percentage applied to the other executive officers’ target cash bonus for the three (3) fiscal years preceding the Measurement Period, with such payments commencing on the first Company payroll period occurring after the thirtieth (30th) day following the Executive’s Date of Termination (the “Severance Delay Period”), and payable over the twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination, where the initial payment will include any payments that would have been made during the Severance Delay Period.

(ii) In lieu of the Company’s payment for any benefits continuation following Termination, the Company shall pay to Executive a lump sum payment, in cash, equal to the estimated cost of procuring for the Executive and his dependents: life, disability, accident and health insurance benefits for a period of two years following the Date of Termination, with such payment to be paid on the first Company payroll period occurring after the thirtieth (30^th) day following the Executive’s Date of Termination. The Executive will continue to be eligible to elect any statutory continuation rights or any portability rights the Executive may have, in accordance with the applicable requirements of such rights, at the sole cost of the Executive.

(iii) Notwithstanding any provision of any stock option plan, stock incentive plan, restricted stock plan or similar plan or agreement to the contrary, as of the Date of Termination, (x) the Executive shall be fully vested in all outstanding options to acquire stock of the Company (or the options of any parent, surviving, or acquiring company then held by the Executive) and all then outstanding restricted shares of stock of the Company and other equity-based awards (including restricted stock units of the Company and, except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, any awards subject to performance-vesting conditions shall be settled assuming the "target" level of performance shall have been achieved) (or, in each case, such parent, surviving or acquiring company) held by the Executive, and (y) subject to any limitation on exercise in any such plan or agreement that may not be amended without stockholder approval, all options referred to in clause (x) above shall be immediately exercisable and shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (1) the second anniversary of the Date of Termination, or (2) the otherwise applicable expiration date of the term of such option. For the avoidance of doubt, settlement of any restricted stock units, the vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to this Agreement, shall occur upon vesting pursuant to this Section 6(a)(iii), subject to any previous legally binding deferral election or payment schedule regarding such units.

(iv) To the extent that the full vesting of any stock option, share of restricted stock or other equity-based award, or the full exercisability of any stock option or other equity-based award, provided for in Section 6(a)(iii) should violate any law, rule or regulation of any governmental authority or self-regulatory organization applicable to the Company, or to the extent otherwise determined by the Company in its sole discretion, the Company may, in lieu of providing any vesting or exercisability rights pursuant to Section 6(a)(iii), (x) cancel any or all of the Executive’s outstanding options in exchange for a lump sum payment, in cash, equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of stock underlying such options (whether or not vested or exercisable) on the Date of Termination (as reasonably determined by the Board in good faith) over the aggregate exercise price provided for in such stock options, and (y) repurchase any shares of restricted stock or other equity-based awards (including restricted stock units of the Company) at their fair market value (as determined by the Board without regard to the restrictions on such shares of stock). The lump sum payment provided for in this Section 6(a)(iv) shall be made, if at all, within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination, with the payment date determined by the Company in its sole discretion. For the avoidance of doubt, settlement of any restricted stock units, the vesting of which is accelerated pursuant to this Agreement, shall occur pursuant to this Section 6(a)(iv), subject to any previous legally binding deferral election or payment schedule regarding such units.

(v) The Company shall pay to the Executive a lump sum amount, in cash, equal to Executive’s target annual cash bonus pursuant to any cash bonus plan maintained by the Company in the fiscal year of the Date of Termination, multiplied by the average of the bonus percentage applied to the other executive officers’ target cash bonus for the three (3) most recent fiscal years which occurred immediately prior to the Date of Termination, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through and including the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365. The lump sum payment provided for in this Section 6(a)(v) shall be made, if at all, within thirty (30) days of the Date of Termination, with the payment date determined by the Company in its sole discretion.

(vi) The Company shall provide the Executive with outplacement services suitable to the Executive's position not to exceed $40,000 in amount and in no event shall such amount be paid to Executive.

For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive's employment shall be deemed to have been terminated following a Change in Control by the Company without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason, if within six (6) months prior to a Change in Control where the Change in Control was under consideration at the time of the following applicable termination event (x) the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, or (y) the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason within six (6) months of the occurrence of the event which constitutes Good Reason, or if shorter, the end of the Term.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Severance Payments and/or other benefits to be made to the Executive pursuant to this Section 6(a) shall be made in reliance upon Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 409A of the Code, including Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) of the Treasury Regulations (including any exceptions from the application of Section 409A thereunder) and Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. For this purpose, each Severance Payment shall be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. However, to the extent any such payments are treated as non-qualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, then (a) no amount shall be payable pursuant to this Section 6(a) unless Executive’s termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Treasury Regulations and (b) if Executive is deemed at the time of his separation from service to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of the Severance Payments to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such portion of Executive’s Severance Payments shall not be provided to Executive prior to the earlier of (x) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of the Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company (as such term is defined in Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Treasury Regulations) or (y) the date of Executive’s death. Upon the earlier of such dates, all payments deferred pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid in a lump sum to the Executive, and any remaining payments due under the Agreement shall be paid as otherwise provided herein. The determination of whether the Executive is a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code as of the time of his separation from service shall be made by the Company in accordance with the terms of Section 409A of the Code and applicable guidance thereunder (including without limitation Section 1.409A-1(i) of the Treasury Regulations and any successor provision thereto). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any Release consideration and revocation period begins and ends in separate years, the payment or commencement of any payments contingent upon the return and non-revocation of the Release, shall be made or commence in the subsequent year in all events.

(b) Certain Reductions in Payment

(i) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit the Executive would receive from the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Payment”, “Payments” in the aggregate) would, as determined by tax counsel to the Company reasonably acceptable to the Executive (“Tax Counsel”), (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this Section 6(b), be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then the Payments will be adjusted to equal the Reduced Amount. The “Reduced Amount” will be either (1) the largest portion of the Payments that

would result in no portion of the Payments (after reduction) being subject to the Excise Tax or (2) the entire amount of the Payments, whichever amount after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from a deduction of such state and local taxes), results in the Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of the Payments. If a reduction in Payments is to be made so that the Payments equal the Reduced Amount, the Payments will be paid only to the extent permitted under the Reduced Amount alternative, and the Executive will have no rights to any additional payments and/or benefits constituting the Payments. In no event will the Company or any stockholder be liable to the Executive for any amounts not paid as a result of the operation of this Section 6(b). No portion of any Payment shall be taken into account which in the opinion of Tax Counsel does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G(b)(2), including by reason of Code Section 280G(b)(4)(A) (regarding reasonable compensation for services rendered after a change in control).

(ii) The Company shall reduce or eliminate the Payments by (i) first reducing or eliminating those payments or benefits which are payable in cash and (ii) then reducing or eliminating non-cash payments, in each case in reverse order beginning with payments or benefits which are to be paid the furthest in time from the Change in Control. Any reduction made pursuant to the preceding sentence shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing Executive’s rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation. In applying these principles, any reduction or elimination of the Payments shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and where two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but payable at different times, such amounts shall be reduced on a pro rata basis but not below zero.

(c) The lump sum payments provided for in Section 9(a) (as adjusted by Section 6(b)(i)) hereof shall be made not later than the tenth business day following the Date of Termination, with the payment date determined by the Company in its sole discretion.

(d) The Company shall engage the accounting firm engaged by the Company for general audit purposes, or a law firm regularly providing legal services to the Company, as of the date immediately prior to the effective date of the Change in Control, to perform any calculation necessary to determine the Reduced Payments, if any, payable pursuant to Section 6(b). If the accounting firm so engaged by the Company is also serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group that will control the Company following the Change in Control, the Company may appoint a nationally recognized accounting firm other than the accounting firm engaged by the Company for general audit purposes to make the determinations required hereunder. The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such accounting firm required to be made hereunder. Any good faith determinations of the accounting firm or law firm made hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company and Executive, subject to any governmental proceedings challenging such determinations.

(e) The Executive and the Company shall each reasonably cooperate with the other in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings concerning the existence or amount of liability for Excise Tax with respect to the Payments. The Company shall pay to the Executive all legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive (i) in obtaining or enforcing any benefit or right provided by this Agreement or (ii) in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of Section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit provided hereunder, provided that, in either case, Executive prevails on the merits of such action. Such amounts shall be paid in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, including Sections 1.409A-1(b)(11), 1.409A-3(g) and 1.409A-3(i)(1)(v) of the Treasury Regulations. In the event of a claim as to which Executive only obtains partial recovery or

relief, Executive shall be considered to have prevailed if Executive should receive more than 50% of the amount or relief claimed. Such payments shall be made within five (5) business days after the later of (y) delivery of the Executive's written requests for payment accompanied with such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company reasonably may require delivered within 20 days of a final, non-appealable judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction or the binding conclusion of an audit, investigation or proceeding by the IRS or applicable agency and (z) a final, non-appealable judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction or the binding conclusion of an audit, investigation or proceeding by the IRS or applicable agency.

(f) All reimbursements and in-kind benefits described in this Agreement shall be made in accordance with Treasury Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) to the extent applicable, including the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, and the in-kind benefits provided, during any year pursuant to this Agreement shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other year, the reimbursement is made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year the expense was incurred, and the right to reimbursement or in kind benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(g) For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that the amount of any payments under Section 6(a)(ii) of this Agreement shall be taxable to the Executive and included in the Executive’s gross income, and that none of the amounts payable hereunder are intended to reimburse Executive for any income taxes payable with respect to such income.

7.Termination Procedures and Compensation During Dispute.

(a) Notice of Termination. After a Change in Control and during the Term, any purported termination of the Executive's employment (other than by reason of death) shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination from one party hereto to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 10 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated. Further, a Notice of Termination for Cause is required to include an invitation to attend a meeting of the Board, to be held no sooner than fifteen (15) days and no later than thirty (30) days following the date of such Notice of Termination for the purpose of considering whether Cause existed for the Executive’s termination. If the Executive elects to attend the meeting, the Executive and his or her counsel shall be given the opportunity to address the Board. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board shall vote whether the Executive was guilty of conduct giving rise to Cause hereunder, which vote shall require not less than three-quarters (3/4) of the entire membership of the Board in order to confirm the Executive’s termination for Cause. If the Board fails to confirm the Executive’s termination for Cause, the Board may elect to reinstate the Executive or treat the termination as a termination without Cause for purposes of this Agreement. The Company shall have no liability to the Executive with respect to any benefit other than cash compensation that is denied the Executive during the period between the delivery of a Notice of Termination for Cause and the Board’s subsequent failure to confirm that Cause existed. Notice of Termination due to a Good Reason must be provided by the Executive to the Company within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of the event which is the basis for such Good Reason.

(b) Date of Termination. The “Date of Termination,” with respect to any termination of the Executive's employment after a Change in Control and during the Term, shall mean the date specified in the Notice of Termination which, except in the case of a termination for Cause, shall not be less than fifteen (15) days and no more than thirty (30) days from the date such Notice of Termination is given and

in the case of a “Good Reason,” shall mean the notice and cure period requirements contained in Sections 7(a) and 16(m) herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have the right to restrict the Executive’s access to Company facilities and properties, and to terminate the Executive’s authority to act on behalf of the Company, in such manner as the Company, in its sole discretion, shall deem appropriate during the period between the delivery of such a Notice of Termination and the Date of Termination. The Date of Termination with respect to a termination for Cause shall be the date the Notice of Termination is delivered to the Executive or such later date as the Company shall expressly provide; provided, however, that if a Notice of Termination for Cause is delivered to the Executive and the Board subsequently determines pursuant to Section 7(a) hereof that Cause did not exist but does not reinstate the Executive, the Date of Termination shall be deemed to be the date of such Board determination.

8.No Mitigation. The Company agrees that, if the Executive's employment with the Company terminates during the Term, the Executive is not required to seek other employment or to attempt in any way to reduce any amounts payable to the Executive by the Company pursuant to Section 6 hereof. Further, the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise except as set forth in Section 6 or as otherwise expressly provided herein.

9.Successors; Binding Agreement.

(a) In addition to any obligations imposed by law upon any successor to the Company, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption and agreement prior to or upon the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Executive to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms (except, such amount shall be paid in a lump sum as provided in Section 6(c)) as the Executive would be entitled to hereunder if the Executive were to terminate the Executive's employment for Good Reason after a Change in Control (a “Change in Control Payment”) except that, for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination. For purposes of a Change in Control Payment described in the previous sentence, such payment shall only occur if the succession is a “change in control” of the Company as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(5). For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive receives a Change in Control Payment pursuant to this Section 9(a), then the Executive shall not be entitled to any Payment under Section 6(a) following his subsequent termination of employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company successfully obtains such assumption and agreement prior to or upon the effectiveness of any such succession and the successor extends an offer of employment to the Executive, any termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company incident to such succession shall be ignored for purposes of this Agreement; provided that nothing contained in this Section 9(a) shall limit the Executive’s right to terminate employment with the successor for Good Reason if the succession constitutes a Change in Control and the successor takes any action subsequent to such succession that would constitute Good Reason hereunder.

(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive shall die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive hereunder (other than amounts which, by their terms, terminate upon the death of the Executive) if the Executive had continued

to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executive's estate.

10.Notices. For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed, if to the Executive, to the address inserted below the Executive's signature on the final page hereof and, if to the Company, to the address set forth below, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon actual receipt:

To the Company:

Tractor Supply Company

5401 Virginia Way

Brentwood, TN 37027

Attention: Corporate Secretary

11.Miscellaneous. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and such officer as may be designated by the Board and complies with Section 409A of the Code. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or of any lack of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee. All references to sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law and any additional withholding to which the Executive has agreed. The obligations of the Company and the Executive under this Agreement which by their nature may require either partial or total performance after the expiration of the Term (including, without limitation, those under Sections 4, 6 and 7 hereof) shall survive such expiration.

12.Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

13.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

14.Settlement of Disputes. Except as otherwise provided by law, this Agreement or the specific terms of any employee benefit plan of the Company, all claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to and determined by the Board and shall be in writing. The Executive shall provide the Board with all materials and information reasonably requested by the Board in connection with its review of any such claim. Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing within 90 days of its receipt of the claim and shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial, the specific provisions of this Agreement relied upon, a description of any additional material or information necessary to perfect the claim, and a statement of the Executive’s right to file an action under ERISA. The Board shall afford a reasonable opportunity to the Executive for a review of the decision denying a claim and shall further allow the Executive to appeal to the Board a decision of the Board within sixty (60) days after notification by the Board that the Executive's claim has been denied. In pursuing his or her appeal, the Executive shall be permitted to submit written comments, documents, records or other relevant information relating to his or her claim. In addition, the Executive will be provided, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to his or her claim. The Company’s review will take into account all information submitted by the Executive regarding the claim, regardless of whether or not such information was submitted or considered in the initial determination. The Company will render its decision on such review within a reasonable period of time, but not later than 60 days from the Company’s receipt of the Executive’s written appeal. If the appeal is denied in whole or in part, the Executive will receive a written notification of the denial which will include (i) the specific reasons for the denial, (ii) reference to the specific provisions of the Agreement upon which the denial was based and (iii) a statement of the Executive’s right to bring an action under ERISA. The resolution of any disputes shall be made strictly in accordance with Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder, to the extent applicable.

15.Compliance with Section 409A. The parties acknowledge and agree that, to the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with, and the parties agree to use their best efforts to achieve timely compliance with, Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Company determines that any compensation or benefits payable or provided under this Agreement may be subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Company may adopt such limited amendments to this Agreement and appropriate policies and procedures, including amendments and policies with retroactive effect, that the Company reasonably determines are necessary or appropriate to (i) exempt the compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the compensation and benefits provided with respect to this Agreement or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

16.Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:

(a) “Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

(b) “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

(d) “Cause” for termination by the Company of the Executive's employment shall mean (i) Executive’s failure or refusal to carry out the lawful directions of the Company, which are reasonably consistent with the responsibilities of the Executive’s position; (ii) a material act of dishonesty or disloyalty by Executive related to the business of the Company; (iii) Executive’s conviction of a felony, a lesser crime against the Company, or any crime involving dishonest conduct; (iv) Executive’s habitual or repeated misuse or habitual or repeated performance of the Executive’s duties under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances; (v) any incident materially compromising the Executive’s reputation or ability to represent the Company with the public or any act or omission by the Executive that substantially impairs the Company’s business, good will or reputation; or (vi) Executive’s breach of the noncompetition or confidentiality provisions of Section 4(b).

(e) “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:

(i) Any one person or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B) of the Treasury Regulations) acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons), ownership of the securities of the Company representing more than 35% of the total voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; provided, however, that no Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of a change in ownership percentage resulting solely from an acquisition of securities by the Company; or

(ii) During any twelve (12) month period during the Term, the majority of the individuals who at the beginning of such twelve (12) month period constitute the Board and any new director whose election to the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved (such individuals and any such new director being referred to as the “Incumbent Board”) are replaced; provided, however, that to the extent consistent with Section 409A of the Code, that no individual shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board if such individual initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board (a “Proxy Contest”) including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Proxy Contest; or

(iii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the company resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a company which, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the outstanding voting securities of the Company; or

(iv) A sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (other than in a transaction in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such sale or other disposition beneficially own, directly or indirectly, substantially all of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the acquirer of such assets (either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such sale or other disposition), or the approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, the definition of a Change in Control in this Section 16(e) is intended to comply with and shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations and any inconsistencies between such section and this definition (except for the selection of a higher percentage or more stringent ownership requirement contained in this Section 16(e)) shall be reformed to the definition of an applicable “change in the ownership,” change in the effective control” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company, as such terms are defined in Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) if the Treasury Regulations. As a result, a Change in Control shall only be deemed to occur if such event meets the requirements of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury Regulations, as such definition may be permissibly limited by this Section 16(e).

(f) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(g) “Company” shall mean Tractor Supply Company and, except in determining whether or not any Change in Control of the Company has occurred, shall include any successor to its business or assets which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

(h) “Date of Termination” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(b) and Section 9 hereof.

(i) “Disability” shall be deemed the reason for the termination by the Company of the Executive's employment, if, as a result of the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness, the Executive shall have been absent from the full-time performance of the Executive's duties with the Company for a period of six (6) consecutive months, the Company shall have given the Executive a Notice of Termination for Disability, and, within thirty (30) days after such Notice of Termination is given, the Executive shall not have returned to the full-time performance of the Executive's duties.

(j) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

(k) “Excise Tax” shall mean any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code.

(l) “Executive” shall mean the individual named in the preamble to this Agreement.

(m) “Good Reason” for termination by the Executive of the Executive's employment shall mean the occurrence (without the Executive's express written consent) after any Change in Control, of any one of the following acts by the Company, or failures by the Company to act, unless, in the case of any act or failure to act described below, such act or failure to act is corrected within the later of 30 days of the Company’s receipt of notice of Good Reason from the Executive or prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination given in respect thereof:

(i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties materially inconsistent with the Executive's status as a senior executive officer of the Company or a material adverse alteration in the nature or status of the Executive's responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control;

(ii) a material reduction by the Company in the Executive's annual base salary as in effect on the date hereof or as the same may be increased from time to time;

(iii) the relocation of the Executive's principal place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the Executive's principal place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control or the Company's requiring the Executive to be based anywhere other than such principal place of employment (or permitted relocation thereof) except for required travel on the Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive's present business travel obligations;

(iv) the failure by the Company to pay to the Executive any material portion of the Executive's current compensation, or to pay to the Executive any material portion of an installment of deferred compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within seven (7) days of the date such compensation is due;

(v) the failure by the Company to continue in effect any compensation plan in which the Executive participates immediately prior to the Change in Control which is material to the Executive's total compensation, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan, or the failure by the Company to continue the Executive's participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount or timing of payment of benefits provided and the level of the Executive's participation relative to other participants, as existed immediately prior to the Change in Control; or

(vi) the failure by the Company to continue to provide the Executive with benefits substantially similar to those enjoyed by the Executive under any of the Company's pension, savings, life insurance, medical, health and accident, or disability plans in which the Executive was participating immediately prior to the Change in Control (except for across the board changes similarly affecting all senior executives of the Company and all senior executives of any Person in control of the Company), the taking of any other action by the Company which would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive the Executive of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by the Executive at the time of the Change in Control, or the failure by the Company to provide the Executive with the number of paid vacation days to which the Executive is entitled in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy in effect at the time of the Change in Control.

The Executive's right to terminate the Executive's employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive's continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder.

(n) “Notice of Termination” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(a) hereof.

(o) “Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (i) the Company or any of its Affiliates, (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities or (iv) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

(p) “Retirement” shall be deemed the reason for the termination by the Executive of the Executive's employment if such employment is terminated in accordance with the Company's retirement policy, including early retirement, generally applicable to its salaried employees.

(q) “Severance Payments” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) hereof.

(r) “Term” shall mean the period of time described in Section 2 hereof (including any extension, continuation or termination described therein).

17.Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the complete and entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

IT WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

By: /s/ C. T. Jamison

Name: Cynthia T. Jamison

Title: Director, Chairman of the Board

EXECUTIVE

/s/ Harry A. Lawton III

Name: Harry A. Lawton III

Address: ____________________

____________________

www.TractorSupply.com

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TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY ANNOUNCES CEO SUCCESSION PLAN;

NAMES HAL LAWTON PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 13, 2020

•Lawton Brings Leadership Experience Across Retail with Strong Digital Expertise

•Greg Sandfort Will Remain as Advisor and on the Board of Directors to Support Transition

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BRENTWOOD, TN, December 5, 2019 - Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, announced today that its Board of Directors has named Hal Lawton as its President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective January 13, 2020. Lawton, who is currently President of Macy’s, will succeed Tractor Supply’s Chief Executive Officer Greg Sandfort, who previously announced his intent to retire.

“After conducting a robust search process, the Board is convinced Hal Lawton is the right CEO to build on Tractor Supply’s success and lead the next stage of the Company’s growth,” said Cynthia Jamison, Tractor Supply’s Chairman of the Board. “Hal is a proven leader with a unique omnichannel experience to deliver on our customer’s evolving expectations as we look to the future of retail. With a strong track record of results across different companies, responsibilities and cultures, Hal has a broad base of experience in retail with a proven ability to drive innovative growth strategies. The Board is delighted to welcome Hal to the role and believes he is the right person to extend the remarkable track record of success under Greg’s leadership.”

“I am extremely excited and honored to join Tractor Supply as I have long admired the Company for its strong brand and focus on serving the Out Here lifestyle,” Lawton said. “Greg and the team have built a tremendous company culture, and I look forward to an exciting future and continuing to drive growth and shareholder value.”

Commenting on Greg Sandfort’s retirement, Jamison stated, “The Board is immensely grateful to Greg for his outstanding leadership. His contributions have been innumerable. Throughout his 41-year career in retail, including 12 years at Tractor Supply, Greg has served with a level of distinction reserved only for the very best. Looking ahead, we are pleased Greg will work closely with Hal to ensure a smooth transition.”

Sandfort said, “Leading Tractor Supply has been a tremendous honor, and I am exceptionally proud of all that our team members have accomplished together. Hal is a great cultural fit and the right leader for the future growth of Tractor Supply. I believe Tractor Supply has a very bright future. I am committed to working closely with Hal to ensure a smooth transition.”

Sandfort, 64, will remain with the Company through February 29, 2020, and then serve as advisor until August 31, 2020, to ensure a seamless transition. He will serve out his term on the Board until May 7, 2020.

About Hal Lawton

Hal Lawton, 45, most recently served as President of Macy’s, since September 2017. As President, Lawton had responsibility for all aspects of the Macy’s brand, including merchandising, marketing, stores, operations, technology and consumer insights and analytics. Previously, Lawton was Senior Vice President, eBay North America from August 2015 to September 2017. In that role, Lawton oversaw all aspects of eBay’s Americas business unit, including marketing, merchandising, operations, business selling, consumer selling and advertising, as well as global responsibility for shipping, payments, risk and trust. Prior to joining eBay, Lawton spent 10 years in various leadership roles at Home Depot, where he most recently was Senior Vice President for merchandising. Lawton was responsible for starting Home Depot’s Internet business and building it to nearly $2 billion in sales. Prior to that, Lawton was an associate principal at McKinsey & Co., providing strategic advice to executive teams in consumer-packaged goods and manufacturing industries.

Lawton holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia. Lawton serves on the board of Sealed Air. He and his family plan to relocate to the Nashville area.

About Tractor Supply Company

Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has been passionate about serving its unique niche, as a one-stop shop for recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle, for more than 80 years. Tractor Supply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer service that addresses the needs of the Out Here lifestyle. With nearly 32,000 team members, the Company leverages its physical store assets with digital capabilities to offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday low prices they deserve. At September 28, 2019, the Company operated 1,814 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.TractorSupply.com.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At September 28, 2019, the Company operated 176 Petsense stores in 26 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www.Petsense.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release are not historical facts and are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “future,” “may,” “will,” “anticipate” or other comparable terminology. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company’s expected growth, future success, strategy, plans, intentions or beliefs about future occurrences or results. Because such forward-looking statements contain risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements are also qualified by the cautionary statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.