Dollar Tree Stores 2Q earnings up 17.9%

CHESAPEAKE, Va. Dollar Tree Stores Inc. today reported net earnings per diluted share of 33 cents, for the fiscal second quarter ended Aug. 4, an increase of 17.9% over the 28 cents earnings per diluted share for the same period, one year ago. Sales for the quarter were $971.2 million, a 9.9% increase compared to $883.6 million, for the same period, one year ago. Comparable-store sales increased 4.4% for the quarter.

The company estimates sales for the third quarter of 2007 to be in the range of $1 billion to $1.02 billion, based on a low to low- mid single digit positive comparable-store sales increase. Based upon this sales forecast, diluted earnings per share are estimated to be in the range of 35 cents to 38 cents.

Full year sales are now forecasted to be in the range of $4.28 to $4.35 billion, based on a low to low- mid single digit positive comparable-store sales increase for the full year. Based upon this sales forecast, diluted earnings per share is expected to be $2.04 to $2.14.