Dollar Tree (NASDAQ: DLTR) reported Q4 EPS of $1.39, $0.07 better than the analyst estimate of $1.32. Revenue for the quarter came in at $5.64 billion versus the consensus estimate of $5.62 billion.

• ~ Sales Increased 5.0% to $5.64 Billion ~
• ~ Enterprise Same-Store Sales Increased 1.2% ~
• ~ Same-Store Sales by Segment: Dollar Tree +2.3%, Family Dollar +0.2% ~
• ~ Diluted Earnings per Share Increased 40.2% to $1.36 vs. $0.97 ~
• ~ Earnings Include Expenses of $0.03 per Share for Debt Prepayment ~

"We are pleased with our overall performance for fiscal 2016,” stated Bob Sasser, Chief Executive Officer. \"For the fourth quarter, both the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar banners delivered positive growth in same-store sales. Gross margin and operating margin rates improved and EPS grew 40.2% from the prior year’s quarter, exceeding the upper end of our guidance range. For the year, we opened 584 new stores, exceeded $20 billion in sales, delivered record earnings, and continued to make significant progress on our integration of Family Dollar."

Company Outlook

The Company estimates consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2017 to range from $5.26 billion to $5.35 billion, based on a flat to low single-digit increase in same-store sales for the combined enterprise. Diluted earnings per share are estimated to be in the range of $0.91 to $0.98. This compares to a reported $0.98 per diluted share from the prior year’s first quarter, or $0.89 per diluted share when adjusted for the one-time tax rate benefit of $0.09 per share related to state tax planning.

For fiscal 2017, the Company estimates consolidated net sales will range from $21.94 billion to $22.33 billion. This estimate is based on a flat to low single-digit increase in same-store sales and 3.9% square footage growth. Fiscal 2017 diluted earnings per share are expected to range from $4.20 to $4.56. Fiscal 2017 will include a 53rd week. The extra week, in the fourth quarter, is expected to add $400 million to $430 million to sales and $0.19 to $0.22 to earnings per diluted share, both of which are included in the guidance.

Sasser added, "We believe we are extremely well positioned in the most attractive sector of retail to deliver increased value for our long-term shareholders. Our Dollar Tree and Family Dollar banners are each focused on offering great value and convenience to our shoppers. With two great banners, we can effectively grow our store base and serve more customers across a broad geography and a diverse demographic population with the products they need and want. We have a resilient business model, a focused and energized leadership team, a lengthy runway for store growth, and tremendous opportunities to continue improving our businesses.”

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Dollar Tree (DLTR) click here.