Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ: DLTR) reported its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2024, which ended on August 3, 2024. Despite facing a challenging macroeconomic environment, the company has made continuous progress in its transformation efforts, particularly with the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar brands. Here’s a detailed summary of the key highlights and financial results:
Financial Performance Overview
- Consolidated Net Sales: The company achieved consolidated net sales of $7.37 billion, representing a modest increase of 0.7% compared to the same period in fiscal 2023.
- Same-Store Sales: Enterprise same-store sales grew by 0.7%, with Dollar Tree segment up 1.3% driven by a 1.4% increase in traffic, despite a slight decline in the average ticket. Conversely, Family Dollar’s same-store sales decreased by 0.1%, with a 0.7% increase in traffic offset by a 0.8% decrease in the average ticket.
- Gross Profit: Gross profit increased by 3.7% to $2.21 billion, with gross margin expanding by 80 basis points to 30.0%. The improvement in gross margin was primarily due to lower freight costs, although this was partially offset by increased sales of higher-cost consumable merchandise and higher occupancy and distribution costs.
- Operating Income: Operating income declined by 29.4% to $203.1 million, with operating margin falling by 110 basis points to 2.8%. Adjusted operating income, excluding certain costs, decreased by 24.2% to $218.1 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 3.0%.
- Earnings Per Share: Diluted EPS was $0.62, down by 31.9% from the previous year. Adjusted diluted EPS, which accounts for specific adjustments like store closures and strategic review costs, was $0.67, a decrease of 26.4%.
Operational Highlights
- Store Openings and Conversions: The company opened 127 new Dollar Tree stores and 28 new Family Dollar stores during the quarter. Additionally, approximately 1,600 Dollar Tree stores were converted to the in-line multi-price format, which has been well-received by customers, resulting in a meaningful sales lift.
- Cash Flow: Dollar Tree generated $307 million in net cash from operating activities and repurchased 0.75 million shares for $90.8 million.
- Challenges and Costs: The company faced incremental costs related to general liability claims, which negatively impacted earnings by approximately $0.30 per share. Furthermore, the macroeconomic environment has influenced the purchasing behavior of Dollar Tree’s middle- and higher-income customers, contributing to a shortfall in comparable sales.
Strategic and Operational Adjustments
- Family Dollar Strategic Review: Dollar Tree is in the process of reviewing strategic alternatives for the Family Dollar segment, which could include a sale, spin-off, or other forms of disposition. This review is part of a broader strategy to optimize the company’s store portfolio, which has already led to the closure of approximately 655 underperforming Family Dollar stores, with more closures expected.
- Tornado Damage Recovery: The company’s distribution center in Marietta, Oklahoma, was destroyed by a tornado in April 2024. The total loss, amounting to $117 million, was fully offset by insurance recoveries. Dollar Tree received $70.8 million in insurance proceeds during the quarter, with additional recoveries expected.
Revised Outlook for Fiscal 2024
- Sales Forecast: Dollar Tree has updated its full-year net sales outlook, now expecting to achieve between $30.6 billion and $30.9 billion, reflecting a more conservative sales forecast for the remainder of the year.
- Earnings Forecast: Adjusted diluted EPS is projected to be between $5.20 and $5.60 for fiscal 2024, taking into account second-quarter results, increased costs from the acquisition and conversion of 99 Cents Only Stores leases, and higher depreciation and amortization expenses.
Third Quarter 2024 Outlook
- Net Sales: For the third quarter, consolidated net sales are expected to range between $7.4 billion and $7.6 billion, with comparable store net sales growth anticipated to be in the low single digits for both Dollar Tree and Family Dollar segments.
- Earnings Per Share: Adjusted diluted EPS for the third quarter is estimated to be between $1.05 and $1.15, factoring in the impact of the aforementioned costs related to acquisitions and higher project expenses.
Dollar Tree, Inc. continues to focus on executing its strategic priorities amidst a challenging environment. The company remains committed to its long-term goals, including the ongoing store conversions and the strategic review of Family Dollar, which are expected to drive future growth and profitability.
