How Family Dollar Is Holding Dollar Tree Back

Retail

Published: November 29, 2018 9:45 am

Last Updated: January 11, 2020 2:21 pm

Dollar Tree Inc. (NASDAQ: DLTR) released its most recent quarterly results before the markets opened on Thursday. The dollar store said that it had $1.18 in earnings per share (EPS) and $5.54 billion in revenue, compared with consensus estimates that called for $1.14 in EPS and $5.55 billion in revenue. The same period of last year reportedly had EPS of $1.01 and $5.32 billion in revenue.

During the latest quarter, enterprise same-store sales increased 1.0% and same-store sales for the Dollar Tree banner increased 2.3% on a constant currency basis (or 2.2% when adjusted to include the impact of Canadian currency fluctuations).

Same-store sales for the Family Dollar banner decreased by 0.4%. In terms of the Family Dollar integration, the company noted that it has made significant progress. While there is more to be done, management believes that Family Dollar will demonstrate its potential as the store optimization program and integration initiatives are implemented and gain traction throughout 2019.

Looking ahead, the company expects to see EPS in the range of $1.86 to $1.95 and net sales between $6.10 billion and $6.21 billion. Consensus estimates call for $2.00 in EPS and $6.23 billion in revenue for the current quarter.

Gary Philbin, president and CEO, commented:

We delivered earnings within the range of our expectations despite continued cost pressures related to domestic freight and our investment in store wages. Dollar Tree delivered its 43rd consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth, with increases in both customer transactions and average ticket. We are pleased with the performance of our newly renovated Family Dollar stores. Additionally, we have begun the important phase of consolidating our store support centers into our Chesapeake campus, which will improve our ability to support Family Dollar stores through enhanced collaboration, communication and teamwork.

Shares of Dollar Tree traded up 4.4% early Thursday to $87.00, in a 52-week range of $78.78 to $116.65. The consensus analyst target is $95.71.