Sales, earnings grow on Dollar Tree

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Dollar Tree reported that consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter were $2.25 billion, a 15.4% increase compared with $1.95 billion reported for the quarter ended Jan. 28, 2012. Comparable-store sales increased 2.4%, on top of a 7.3% increase for the fourth quarter 2011.

Earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter were $1.01, an increase of 26.3% compared with the 80 cents earnings per diluted share reported for the fourth quarter 2011.

“I am pleased with the growth of Dollar Tree’s sales and earnings in the fourth quarter and for the year of 2012,” said president and CEO Bob Sasser. “On top of a very strong fourth quarter performance in 2011, average basket size increased and customers responded this year in record numbers. These results were achieved through the efforts of thousands of Dollar Tree associates across North America, working every day to provide a unique assortment of merchandise at great values in stores that are clean, bright, and fun to shop.”

During the fourth quarter, Dollar Tree opened 47 stores, expanded or relocated 6 stores, and closed 6 stores. Retail selling square footage increased 7.7% compared to a year ago, to 40.5 million square feet.

The company estimates sales for the first quarter of 2013 to be in the range of $1.84 billion to $1.89 billion, based on low single-digit positive comparable-store sales and 6.8% square footage growth. Diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of 53 cents to 58 cents.