Form 10Q - Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Q3, ended 10/28/06
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)
 
(X)
  
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 28, 2006

OR
 
(  )
  
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File Number: 0-25464


DOLLAR TREE STORES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Virginia
  
54-1387365
(State or other jurisdiction of
  
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
  
Identification No.)

500 Volvo Parkway
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
(Address of principal executive offices)

Telephone Number (757) 321-5000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes (X)
No (  )


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  
    Large accelerated filer (X)
Accelerated filer (  )
Non accelerated filer (  )

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes (  )
No (X)


As of December 1, 2006, there were 102,604,338 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.





DOLLAR TREE STORES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX
 

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
Page
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
  
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements for the 13 Weeks and 39 Weeks Ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 28, 2006, January 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005
4
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 39 Weeks Ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005
5
     
 
6
     
Item 2.
13
     
Item 3.
19
     
Item 4.
19

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION
     
Item 1.
20
     
Item 1A.
21
     
Item 2.
21
     
Item 3.
21
     
Item 4.
21
     
Item 5.
21
     
Item 6.
21
     
 
Signatures
22



2
DOLLAR TREE STORES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

   
13 Weeks Ended
 
39 Weeks Ended
 
   
October 28,
  
October 29,
 
October 28,
  
October 29,
 
(In millions, except per share data)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2006
  
2005
  
                   
Net sales
 
$
910.4
  
$
796.8
  
$
2,650.5
  
$
2,314.9
  
Cost of sales
   
602.9
   
520.5
   
1,763.6
   
1,522.9
 
Gross profit
   
307.5
   
276.3
   
886.9
   
792.0
 
                           
Selling, general and administrative
                          
expenses
    
254.2
   
224.1
   
732.2
   
645.2
 
                           
Operating income
   
53.3
   
52.2
   
154.7
   
146.8
 
                           
Interest expense, net
   
2.7
   
2.2
   
5.2
   
6.3
 
                           
Income before income taxes
   
50.6
   
50.0
   
149.5
   
140.5
 
                           
Provision for income taxes
   
18.1
   
18.9
   
55.1
   
53.1
 
                           
Net income
 
$
32.5
  
$
31.1
  
$
94.4
  
$
87.4
  
                           
Net income per share:
                          
Basic
 
$
0.32
  
$
0.29
  
$
0.91
  
$
0.80
  
Diluted
 
$
0.32
  
$
0.29
  
$
0.90
  
$
0.80
  
                           


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Back to Index
3
DOLLAR TREE STORES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


   
October 28,
  
January 28,
  
October 29,
  
(In millions)
  
2006
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
ASSETS
              
Current assets:
              
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
58.1
  
$
65.8
  
$
95.2
  
Short-term investments
   
60.8
   
274.0
   
34.6
 
Merchandise inventories
   
793.8
   
576.5
   
750.4
 
Other current assets
   
24.6
   
27.4
   
36.2
 
Total current assets
   
937.3
   
943.7
   
916.4
 
                     
Property, leaseholds and equipment, net
   
721.5
   
681.8
   
694.0
 
Intangibles, net
   
147.7
   
129.3
   
130.8
 
Other assets, net
   
44.5
   
43.6
   
28.0
 
                     
TOTAL ASSETS
  
$
1,851.0
  
$
1,798.4
  
$
1,769.2
  
                     
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                    
Current liabilities:
                    
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
18.8
  
$
19.0
  
$
19.0
  
Accounts payable
   
230.0
   
135.6
   
211.4
 
Other current liabilities
   
112.7
   
99.2
   
107.6
 
Income taxes payable
   
11.3
   
41.7
   
16.0
 
Total current liabilities
   
372.8
   
295.5
   
354.0
 
                     
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
   
250.0
   
250.0
   
250.0
 
Other liabilities
   
69.6
   
80.6
   
84.4
 
                     
Total liabilities
   
692.4
   
626.1
   
688.4
 
                     
Shareholders' equity
    
1,158.6
   
1,172.3
   
1,080.8
 
                     
Commitments and contingencies
             
                     
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
1,851.0
  
$
1,798.4
  
$
1,769.2
  
                     
Common shares outstanding
    
102.4
   
106.5
   
106.4
 


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Back to Index
4
DOLLAR TREE STORES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
39 Weeks Ended  
  
   
 October 28,
 
October 29,
 
(In millions)
  
 2006
 
2005
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
 
$
94.4
  
$
87.4
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
             
provided by operating activities:
              
Depreciation and amortization
   
113.7
   
104.0
 
Other non-cash adjustments to net income
   
(12.4
)
  
(15.1
)
Changes in working capital
    
(105.0
)
  
(52.3
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
90.7
   
124.0
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
              
Capital expenditures
   
(139.9
)
  
(114.2
)
Purchase of short-term investments
   
(535.9
)
  
(449.0
)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments
   
749.1
   
625.7
 
Purchase of Deal$ assets, net of cash aquired of $0.3
    
(54.1
)
  
-
 
Purchase of restricted investments
    
-
   
(15.2
)
Acquisition of favorable lease rights
    
(4.7
)
  
(4.0
)
Net cash provided by investing activities
   
14.5
   
43.3
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
              
Principal payments under long-term debt
             
and capital lease obligations
    
(0.5
)
  
(5.3
)
Payments for share repurchases
    
(148.2
)
  
(180.4
)
Proceeds from stock issued pursuant to stock-based
             
compensation plans
   
32.2
   
7.1
 
Tax benefit of stock options exercised
    
3.6
   
-
 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(112.9
)
  
(178.6
)
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(7.7
)
  
(11.3
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
65.8
   
106.5
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
   
58.1
 
$
95.2
  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
              
Cash paid for:
              
Interest, net of amount capitalized
 
$
9.9
  
$
8.5
  
Income taxes
 
$
103.4
  
$
91.1
  

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Back to Index
5
 
DOLLAR TREE STORES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the year ended January 28, 2006 contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) filed April 12, 2006.  The results of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year ending February 3, 2007.

In the Company’s opinion, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein contain all adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation of its financial position as of October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The January 28, 2006 balance sheet information was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. 

2. NET INCOME PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share:

   
13 Weeks Ended
  
39 Weeks Ended
  
   
October 28,
  
October 29,
  
October 28,
  
October 29,
  
(In millions, except per share data)
  
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
Basic net income per share:
                  
Net income
 
$
32.5
  
$
31.1
  
$
94.4
  
$
87.4
  
Weighted average number of
                         
shares outstanding
    
102.2
   
107.3
   
104.0
   
108.9
 
Basic net income per share
 
$
0.32
  
$
0.29
  
$
0.91
  
$
0.80
  
                           
Diluted net income per share:
                          
Net income
 
$
32.5
  
$
31.1
  
$
94.4
  
$
87.4
  
Weighted average number of
                         
shares outstanding
   
102.2
   
107.3
   
104.0
   
108.9
 
Dilutive effect of stock options and
                          
restricted stock units (as determined
                          
by applying the treasury stock method)
   
0.6
   
0.3
   
0.5
   
0.5
 
Weighted average number of shares and
                          
dilutive potential shares outstanding
   
102.8
   
107.6
   
104.5
   
109.4
 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
0.32
  
$
0.29
  
$
0.90
  
$
0.80
  
                           




6
 
For the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005, approximately 1.2 million and 4.3 million stock options, respectively, are not included in the calculation of the weighted average number of shares and dilutive potential shares outstanding because their effect would be anti-dilutive. For the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005, approximately 1.6 million and 3.3 million stock options, respectively, are not included in the calculation of the weighted average number of shares and dilutive potential shares outstanding because their effect would be anti-dilutive.
 
3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Effective, January 29, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” (SFAS 123R). This statement is a revision of SFAS 123 and supersedes Accounting Principle Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (APB Opinion 25). SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective method, which requires application of the standard to all awards granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled on or after January 29, 2006, and to all awards granted to employees that were unvested as of January 29, 2006. In accordance with the modified prospective method of implementation, prior period financial statements have not been restated to reflect the impact of SFAS 123R. During the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Company recognized $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense as a result of the adoption of SFAS 123R. Total stock-based compensation expense for the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 was $1.8 million and $5.3 million, respectively. Through January 28, 2006, the Company applied the intrinsic value recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for its stock-based employee compensation plans. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company reported all tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options as operating cash flows in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. SFAS 123R requires cash flows resulting from the tax deductions in excess of the tax benefits of the related compensation cost recognized in the financial statements (excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows. Thus, the Company has classified the $3.6 million of excess tax benefits recognized in the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 as financing cash flows. In the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2005, excess tax benefits of $0.7 million recognized prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R are classified as operating cash flows.

If the accounting provisions of SFAS 123R had been applied in the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 29, 2005, the Company's net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated in the following table:

   
13 Weeks
 
39 Weeks
  
   
Ended
 
Ended
  
   
October 29,
 
October 29,
  
(In millions, except per share data)
  
2005
 
2005
 
           
Net income, as reported
  
$
31.1
  
$
87.4
  
Add: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
              
included in net income, net of related tax effects
    
0.5
   
0.9
 
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation determined
              
under fair value-based method, net of related tax effects
    
(2.4
)
  
(7.0
)
Pro forma net income
 
$
29.2
  
$
81.3
  
               
Net income per share:
              
Basic, as reported
 
$
0.29
  
$
0.80
  
Basic, pro forma
 
$
0.27
  
$
0.75
  
               
Diluted, as reported
 
$
0.29
  
$
0.80
  
Diluted, pro forma
 
$
0.27
  
$
0.74
  
               




7
On December 15, 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved the acceleration of the vesting date of all previously issued, outstanding and unvested options under all current stock option plans, including the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2004 Executive Officer Equity Plan, effective as of December 15, 2005. At the effective date, almost all of these options had exercise prices higher than the then current market price for the Company’s stock. The Company made the decision to accelerate vesting of these options to give employees increased performance incentives and to enhance current retention. This decision also eliminated non-cash compensation expense that would have been recorded in future periods following the Company’s adoption of SFAS 123R on January 29, 2006. Future compensation expense has been reduced by approximately $14.9 million, over a period of four years during which the options would have vested, as a result of the option acceleration program, including approximately $2.2 million and $6.5 million that would have been recognized in the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, respectively.

The Company grants stock based compensation awards from the plans described below.

Under the Company’s 2003 Equity Incentive Plan (EIP), the Company may grant up to 6.0 million shares of its Common Stock, plus any shares available for future awards under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan, to the Company’s employees, including executive officers and independent contractors. The EIP permits the Company to grant equity awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock. The exercise price of each stock option granted equals the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. The options generally vest over a three-year period and have a maximum term of 10 years.
 
Any restricted stock or restricted stock units (RSUs) awarded are subject to certain general restrictions. The restricted stock shares may not be sold, transferred, pledged or disposed of until the restrictions on the shares have lapsed or have been removed under the provisions of the plan. In addition, if a holder of the restricted shares ceases to be employed by the Company, any shares in which the restrictions have not lapsed will be forfeited, unless the holder meets certain retirement criteria.
 
The 2004 Executive Officer Equity Plan (EOEP) is available only to the Chief Executive Officer and certain other executive officers. These officers no longer receive awards under the EIP. The EOEP allows the Company to grant the same type of equity awards as does the EIP. These awards generally vest over a three-year period, with a maximum term of 10 years.

The 2003 Director Deferred Compensation Plan (DDCP) permits any of the Company's directors who receive a retainer or other fees for Board or committee service to defer all or a portion of such fees until a future date, at which time they may be paid in cash or shares of the Company's common stock, or to receive all or a portion of such fees in non-statutory stock options. Deferred fees that are paid out in cash will earn interest at the 30-year Treasury Bond Rate. If a director elects to be paid in common stock, the number of shares will be determined by dividing the deferred fee amount by the current market price of a share of the Company's common stock at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The number of options issued to a director will equal the deferred fee amount divided by 33% of the price of a share of the Company's common stock. The exercise price will equal the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date the option was issued. The options are fully vested when issued and have a term of 10 years.

Stock Options

In the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Company granted a total of 339,900 stock options from the EIP, EOEP and the DDCP. The fair value of the 2006 options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Expected term in years
    
6.0
 
Expected volatility
    
30.2
%
Annual dividend yield
    
-
 
Risk free interest rate
    
4.8
%
 
8
The fair value of these stock options granted of $3.4 million, net of expected forfeitures, is being recognized over the three-year vesting period of these options, or a shorter period based on the retirement eligibility of the grantee. During the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Company recognized $0.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of expense related to these option grants. The expected term of the awards granted was calculated using the “simplified method” in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. Expected volatility is derived from an analysis of the historical and implied volatility of the Company’s publicly traded stock. The risk free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates on the grant date with maturity dates approximating the expected life of the option on the grant date.

The following tables summarize the Company's various option plans as of October 28, 2006 and information about fixed options outstanding at October 28, 2006.

   
October 28, 2006
  
   
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
Weighted
 
Aggregate
 
 
 
 
 
Per Share
 
Average
 
Intrinsic
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise
 
Remaining
 
Value (in
 
 
 
Shares
 
Price
 
Term
 
millions)
  
                   
Outstanding at January 29, 2006
    
5,990,757
 
$
24.71
              
Granted
   
339,900
   
27.65
             
Exercised
   
(1,368,409
)
  
21.84
             
Forfeited
    
(121,052
)
  
29.22
             
Outstanding at October 28, 2006
    
4,841,196
   
25.62
   
5.8
 
$
24.9
  
                           
Options vested and expected
                         
to vest at October 28, 2006
    
4,807,133
   
25.60
   
5.8
   
24.9
 
                           
Options exercisable at end of period
   
4,498,696
   
25.47
   
5.5
   
23.8
 
                           
Weighted average fair value of options
                          
granted during the period
        
$
10.93
              

     Options Outstanding  
Options Exercisable
  
 
 
Options
 
 
 
 
 
Options
 
 
 
Range of
 
Outstanding
 
Weighted Avg.
 
Weighted Avg.
 
Exercisable
 
Weighted Avg.
 
Exercise
 
at October 28,
 
Remaining
 
Exercise
 
at October 28,
 
Exercise
 
Prices
 
2006
 
Contractual Life
 
Price
 
2006
 
Price
  
                       
$0.86
   
7,264
   
N/A
    
0.86
 
  
7,264
   
0.86
 
$2.95 to $10.98
   
12,700
   
0.8
 
 
10.13
   
12,700
   
10.13
 
$10.99 to $21.28
   
1,017,314
   
5.5
 
 
19.23
   
1,017,314
   
19.23
 
$21.29 to $29.79
   
2,621,100
   
6.1
 
 
25.24
   
2,278,600
   
24.89
 
$29.80 to $42.56
   
1,182,818
   
5.2
 
 
32.27
   
1,182,818
   
32.27
 
                                 
$0.86 to $42.56
   
4,841,196
               
4,498,696
       

    The intrinsic value of options exercised during the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 was approximately $8.0 million.

9
Restricted Stock

The Company granted 281,047 RSUs, net of forfeitures in the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006. In fiscal 2005, the Company granted 252,936 RSUs, net of forfeitures. These were granted from the EIP and the EOEP to the Company’s employees and officers. The fair value of all of these RSUs of $14.0 million is being expensed ratably over the three-year vesting periods, or a shorter period based on the retirement eligibility of the grantee. The fair value was determined using the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant. The Company recognized $1.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively, of expense related to the RSUs for the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006. As of October 28, 2006 there was approximately $9.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to these RSUs which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 26 months. For the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 29, 2005, the Company recognized approximately $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of expense for the RSUs granted in 2005.

In 2005, the Company granted 40,000 RSUs from the 2004 EOEP to certain officers of the Company, contingent on the Company meeting certain performance targets in 2005 and future service of these officers through various points through July 2007. The Company met these performance targets in fiscal 2005; therefore, the fair value of these RSUs of $1.0 million is being expensed over the service period. The fair value of these RSUs was determined using the Company’s closing stock price January 28, 2006 (the last day of fiscal 2005), when the performance targets were satisfied. The Company has recognized $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of expense related to these RSUs in the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006. The remaining $0.1 million will be recognized over the vesting periods through 2007. For the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 29, 2005, the Company recognized $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for these RSUs.

The following table summarizes the status of RSUs as of October 28, 2006, and changes during the 39 weeks then ended.

       
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Grant
 
 
 
 
 
Date Fair
 
 
 
Shares
 
Value
  
           
Nonvested at January 28, 2006
    
295,507
 
$
25.00
  
Granted
   
291,697
   
27.67
 
Vested
    
(101,482
)
  
25.02
 
Forfeited
    
(17,578
)
  
26.63
 
Nonvested at October 28, 2006
    
468,144
   
26.57
 


 
10
Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Under the Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), the Company is authorized to issue up to 1,040,780 shares of common stock to eligible employees. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can choose to have up to 10% of their annual base earnings withheld to purchase the Company's common stock up to an annual maximum of $25,000 of the Company’s common stock measured using the common stock price at the beginning of each quarter. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the lower of the price at the beginning or the end of the quarterly offering period. The fair value of the employees' purchase rights granted in the 13 weeks ended April 29, 2006, July 29, 2006 and October 28, 2006 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:


 
13 weeks
 
13 weeks
 
13 weeks
 
ended
 
ended
 
ended
 
October 28, 2006
 
July 29, 2006
 
April 29, 2006
Expected term
3 months
 
3 months
 
3 months
Expected volatility
16.1%
 
12.9%
 
14.3%
Annual dividend yield
-
 
-
 
-
Risk free interest rate
5.2%
 
5.2%
 
4.4%

The weighted average per share fair value of those purchase rights granted in the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2006, July 30, 2006 and April 29, 2006 was $4.73, $4.59 and $4.20, respectively. The Company recognized $0.1 million and $0.4 million of compensation expense in the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, respectively, for the purchase rights granted during 2006.

4. DEAL$ ACQUISITION

On March 25, 2006, the Company completed its acquisition of 138 Deal$ stores. These stores are located primarily in the Midwest part of the United States and the Company has existing logistics capacity to service these stores. This acquisition also includes a few “combo” stores that offer an expanded assortment of merchandise including items that sell for more than $1. Substantially all Deal$ stores acquired will continue to operate under the Deal$ banner while providing the Company an opportunity to leverage its Dollar Tree infrastructure in the testing of new merchandise concepts, including higher price points, without disrupting the single-price point model in its Dollar Tree stores.

The Company paid approximately $32.0 million for store-related and other assets and $22.1 million for store and distribution center inventory. This amount includes approximately $0.6 million of direct costs associated with the acquisition. The results of Deal$ store operations are included in the Company’s financial statements since the acquisition date and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s operating results through October 28, 2006. This acquisition is immaterial to the Company’s operations as a whole and therefore no proforma disclosure of financial information has been presented. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the assets acquired.

(In millions)
      
Inventory
  
$
22.1
  
Other current assets
    
0.1
 
Property and equipment
    
15.1
 
Goodwill
   
14.7
 
Other intangibles
    
2.1
 
   
$
54.1
  

The goodwill resulting from this acquisition will not be amortized but will be tested annually for impairment. Included in other intangibles is approximately $2.1 million related to net favorable lease rights for operating leases for retail locations. This amount is being amortized on a straight-line basis to rent expense over 35 months, the weighted average remaining initial lease term of the locations purchased.

11
5. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Comprehensive Income

The Company's comprehensive income reflects the effect of recording derivative financial instruments pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to total comprehensive income:

   
13 Weeks Ended
 
39 Weeks Ended
   
October 28,
 
October 29,
 
October 28,
 
October 29,
  
(In millions)
  
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
                   
Net income
 
$
32.5
  
$
31.1
  
$
94.4
  
$
87.4
  
                           
Fair value adjustment-derivative
                          
cash flow hedging instrument
   
-
   
0.1
   
-
   
0.5
 
Income tax expense
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
(0.2
)
Fair value adjustment, net of tax
   
-
   
0.1
   
-
   
0.3
 
                           
Reclassification for amounts included
                          
in net income
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Income tax benefit
    
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Reclassification for amounts included
                          
in net income, net of tax
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                           
Total comprehensive income
 
$
32.5
  
$
31.2
  
$
94.4
  
$
87.7
  

The transition adjustment resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 133 was recorded in "accumulated other comprehensive income" and is being amortized to expense over the remaining life of the related interest rate swap.

Share Repurchase Program
In March 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $300.0 million of the Company’s stock through March 2008. During the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Company repurchased approximately 0.3 million shares and 5.7 million shares for approximately $9.3 million and $148.2 million, respectively under the March 2005 authorization. As of October 28, 2006, approximately $26.7 million remains under this authorization.

In November 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s stock.  This authorization is in addition to the March 2005 authorization.
 
6. LITIGATION MATTERS

In 2003, the Company was served with a lawsuit in California state court by a former employee who alleged that employees did not properly receive sufficient meal breaks and paid rest periods along with other alleged wage and hourly violations. The suit requested that the California state court certify the case as a class action. This suit was dismissed with prejudice in May 2005, and the dismissal has been appealed. A California appeals court granted the appeal and now the Company is seeking a rehearing from that Court; should that fail, the Company will appeal to the California Supreme Court.  

 
12
In 2005, the Company was served with a lawsuit by former employees in Oregon who allege that they did not properly receive sufficient meal breaks and paid rest periods. They also allege other wage and hour violations. The plantiffs requested the court to certify classes for their various claims and the presiding judge recently did so with respect to two classes, one alleging that Dollar Tree's Oregon employees, in violation of that state's labor laws, were not paid for rest breaks and the other that upon termination of employment, employees were not tendered their final pay in a timely manner.  Other claims of the plaintiffs were dismissed by an earlier Order of the Court and are being appealed by the plaintiffs.
 
In 2006, the Company was served with a lawsuit by a former employee in a California state court alleging that she was paid for wages with a check drawn on a bank which did not have any branches in the state, an alleged violation of the state's labor code; that she was paid less for her work than other similar employees with the same job title based on her gender; and that the Company did not pay her final wages in a timely manner, also an alleged violation of the labor code. The plaintiff requested the court to certify the case as a class action. The Company has been successful in removing the case from the state to the federal court level.

In 2006, the Company was served with a lawsuit filed in federal court in the state of Alabama by a former store manager. She claims that she should have been classified as a non-exempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act and, therefore should have received overtime compensation and other benefits. She filed the case as a collective action on behalf of herself and all other employees (store managers) similarly situated. The Company is preparing to file a motion requesting that the case be transferred from Alabama to Virginia.

The Company will vigorously defend itself in these lawsuits. The Company does not believe that any of these matters will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition. The Company cannot give assurance, however, that one or more of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on its results of operations for the period in which they are resolved.


INTRODUCTORY NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, references to "we," "our" and "us" generally refer to Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This document contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements address future events, developments or results and typically use words such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," “view,” “target” or "estimate." For example, our forward-looking statements include statements regarding:

·  
our anticipated sales, including comparable store net sales, net sales growth, earnings growth and new store growth;

·  
the average size of our stores to be added for the remainder of 2006 and 2007 and their performance compared with other store sizes;

·  
the effect of a slight shift in merchandise mix to consumables and of the roll-out of freezers and coolers on gross profit margin and sales;

·  
the possible effect of inflation and other economic changes on our future costs and profitability, including the possible effect of future changes in shipping rates, fuel costs and federal and state minimum wage laws;

·  
our cash needs, including our ability to fund our future capital expenditures and working capital requirements;

·  
the impact, capacity, performance and cost of our existing distribution centers;

·  
our integration and future operations of the recently acquired Deal$ stores;

·  
the future reliability of, and cost associated with, our sources of supply, particularly imported goods such as those sourced from China and Hong Kong;

·  
costs of pending and possible future legal claims;

13
·  
the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting;

For a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect our future events, developments or results, you should carefully review the risk factors summarized below and the more detailed discussions in the "Risk Factors” and “Business” sections in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 12, 2006. Also see section 1A. “Risk Factors” in Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

·  
Our profitability is affected by the mix of products we sell.

·  
Our profitability is especially vulnerable to cost increases.

·  
We may be unable to expand our square footage as profitably as planned.

·  
A downturn in economic conditions could adversely affect our sales.

·  
Our sales and profits rely on imported merchandise, which may increase in cost or become unavailable.

·  
We could encounter disruptions or additional costs in receiving and distributing merchandise.

·  
Sales below our expectations during peak seasons may cause our operating results to suffer materially.

·  
Pressure from competitors may reduce our sales and profits.

Our forward-looking statements could be wrong in light of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The future events, developments or results described in this report could turn out to be materially different. We have no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements after the date of this quarterly report and you should not expect us to do so.

Investors should also be aware that while we do, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts and others, it is against our policy to selectively disclose to them any material nonpublic information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that we agree with any statement or report issued by any analyst regardless of the content of the statement or report, as we have a policy against confirming information issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any financial projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not our responsibility.

Overview

Our net sales are derived from the sale of merchandise. Two major factors tend to affect our net sales trends. First is our success at opening new stores or adding new stores through mergers or acquisitions. Second is the performance of stores once they are open. Sales vary at our existing stores from one year to the next. We refer to this change as a change in comparable store net sales, because we include only those stores that are open throughout both of the periods being compared beginning after the first fifteen months of operation. We include sales from stores expanded during the period in the calculation of comparable store net sales, which has the effect of increasing our comparable store net sales. The term ‘expanded’ also includes stores that are relocated.
 
14
At October 28, 2006 we operated 3,192 stores in 48 states, with 25.9 million selling square feet compared to 2,899 stores with 22.7 million selling square feet at October 29, 2005. During the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, we opened 171 stores, expanded 76 stores and closed 31 stores, compared to 203 stores opened, 78 stores expanded and 39 stores closed during the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2005. In addition, we acquired 138 Deal$ stores on March 25, 2006. As of the end of the third quarter, we are behind our internal plans for new store openings for the year, however we expect to make up this deficit in the fourth quarter and are still expecting to achieve our 12%-14% square footage growth target for fiscal 2006. In the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, we added approximately 0.5 million and 2.9 million selling square feet, respectively, of which approximately 0.1 million and 0.4 million, respectively, was added through expanding existing stores. Included in the 2.9 million selling square feet added in the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 is 1.2 million resulting from the acquisition of the Deal$ stores. The average size of stores opened during the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 was approximately 9,000 selling square feet (or about 11,000 gross square feet). For the remainder of 2006 and 2007, we continue to plan to open stores around 9,300 selling square feet (or about 11,400 gross square feet). We believe that the 11,000-12,500 square foot size store is our optimal size operationally and that this size also gives the customer an improved shopping environment that invites them to shop longer and buy more.

For the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, we experienced an increase in comparable store net sales of 4.0% and 4.2%, respectively. For the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the comparable store net sales increase was the result of increases of 2.3% in the number of transactions and 1.7% in transaction size, compared to the 13 weeks ended October 29, 2005. The number of transactions and transaction size increased 1.2% and 2.9%, respectively, in the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 as compared to the same period last year. We believe comparable store net sales were positively affected by the initiatives we began putting in place in 2005, which we believe are also helping to mitigate the effect that higher fuel costs have had on our customers in 2006 and 2005. These initiatives include expansion of forms of payment accepted by our stores and the roll-out of freezers and coolers to more of our stores. During the second quarter of 2006 we completed the roll-out of debit card acceptance to virtually all of our stores, and we believe this has helped increase the average size of transactions in our stores.

In 2006, we continued to experience a slight shift in the mix of merchandise sold to more consumables which we believe increases the traffic and the efficiency in our stores but have a lower margin. The planned shift in mix to more consumables is the result of the roll-out of freezers and coolers to more stores in 2005 and 2006. At October 28, 2006 we had freezers and coolers in approximately 530 stores compared to approximately 225 at October 29, 2005. We plan to add freezers and coolers to 100 additional stores during the fourth quarter of 2006, which will continue to pressure margins, as a percentage of sales, for the remainder of the year. However, we believe that this will enable us to increase sales and earnings in the future by increasing the number of shopping trips made by our customers.

Our point-of-sale technology is now in all of our stores, and this technology provides us with valuable sales and inventory information to assist our buyers and improve merchandise allocation to the stores. We believe that it has enabled us to better control our inventory, resulting in more efficient distribution and store operations and increased inventory turnover. Using the data captured at the point of sale has enabled us to better plan our inventory purchases and helped us reduce our inventory investment per store by approximately 4% at October 28, 2006 compared to October 29, 2005.

We estimate that sales for the fourth quarter of 2006 will be in the range of $1.28 billion to $1.31 billion and earnings per diluted share will be in the range of $0.87 to $0.93. For fiscal 2006, we estimate sales will be in the range of $3.93 billion to $3.96 billion and diluted earnings per share will be in the range of $1.77 to $1.83. Guidance for the fourth quarter of 2006 and full year fiscal 2006 is based on low single digit comparable store net sales growth. The guidance for earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2006 and full year fiscal 2006 reflects the impact of our share repurchase program through October 28, 2006.

On March 25, 2006, we completed our acquisition of 138 Deal$ stores. These stores are located primarily in the Midwest part of the United States and we have existing logistics capacity to service these stores. This acquisition also includes a few “combo” stores that offer an expanded assortment of merchandise including items that sell for more than $1. Substantially all Deal$ stores acquired will continue to operate under the Deal$ banner while providing us an opportunity to leverage our Dollar Tree infrastructure in the testing of new merchandise concepts, including higher price points, without disrupting the single-price point model in our Dollar Tree stores.  At October 28, 2006, 122 of these stores were selling items priced at over $1.00.
15
We paid approximately $32.0 million for store-related and other assets and $22.1 million for store and distribution center inventory. This amount includes approximately $0.6 million of direct costs associated with the acquisition. The results of Deal$ store operations are included in our financial statements since the acquisition date and did not have a significant impact on our operating results through October 28, 2006. This acquisition is immaterial to our operations as a whole and therefore no proforma disclosure of financial information has been presented.
 
Results of Operations

13 Weeks Ended October 28, 2006 Compared to the 13 Weeks Ended October 29, 2005

Net sales. Net sales increased 14.3%, or $113.6 million, over last year’s third quarter resulting from sales in our new and expanded stores, including 138 Deal$ stores acquired in March 2006. Our sales increase was also impacted by a 4.0% increase in comparable store net sales in the current quarter. Comparable store net sales are positively affected by our expanded and relocated stores, which we include in the calculation, and, to a lesser extent, are negatively affected when we open new stores or expand stores near existing stores.

Gross Profit. Gross profit margin decreased to 33.8% in the current quarter compared to 34.7% in the prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily due to the following:
 
·  
A 45 basis point increase in shrink expense due to an increase in the shrink rate to 2.05% at retail compared to 1.9% in the prior year. The shrink rate was increased in the current quarter due to the physical inventories completed in the third quarter having higher shrink rates than those completed earlier in the year.
·  
A 45 basis point increase in occupancy costs due to a higher occupancy rate for the Deal$ stores and higher rents, CAM and real estate taxes in the current quarter.
·  
Merchandise costs, including inbound freight, increased 20 basis points due primarily to a slight shift in mix to more consumables, which have a lower margin, higher cost merchandise at our Deal$ stores and increased inbound domestic freight costs.
·  
A small offset to the aforementioned rate increase was a 10 basis point improvement in markdowns, as the prior year third quarter included $1.6 million of markdowns as a result of hurricanes.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the current quarter decreased to 27.9%, as a percentage of net sales, compared to 28.1% for the same period last year. This decrease was primarily due to the leveraging associated with positive comparable store net sales in the period and the following:

·  
A 50 basis point decrease in operating and corporate expenses due primarily to payments received of approximately $4.1 million in the quarter for vacating two stores prior to the end of our leases. The prior year included $1.4 million of income resulting from insurance proceeds received as a result of a fire at one of our stores.
·  
The aforementioned rate improvement was partially offset by a 20 basis point increase in payroll and benefit costs due to increased incentive compensation costs resulting from better overall company performance in the current period as compared to the prior year period, and increased stock-based compensation expense in the current year.
·  
The selling, general and administrative component of store occupancy costs also increased 20 basis points due to higher utility costs and higher personal property tax rates in the current year.
 
Operating Income. Due to the reasons discussed above, operating income decreased as a percentage of net sales to 5.9% in the third quarter of 2006 compared to 6.5% in the same period of 2005.

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate was 35.8% in the third quarter of 2006 compared to 37.8% for the same period last year. The decreased tax rate for 2006 was the result of benefits recorded for the resolution of various state income tax issues related to prior years.
 
16
39 Weeks Ended October 28, 2006 Compared to the 39 Weeks Ended October 29, 2005

Net sales. Net sales increased 14.5%, or $335.6 million, for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 resulting from sales in our new and expanded stores, including 138 Deal$ stores acquired in March 2006. Our sales were also impacted by a 4.2% increase in comparable store net sales in the current year. Comparable store net sales are positively affected by our expanded and relocated stores, which we include in the calculation, and, to a lesser extent, are negatively affected when we open new stores or expand stores near existing stores.

Gross Profit. Gross profit margin decreased to 33.5% in the current period compared to 34.2% in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to the following:
 
·  
Merchandise costs, including inbound freight, increased 50 basis points due primarily to a slight shift in mix to more consumables, which have a lower margin, and increased inbound domestic freight costs. Inbound domestic freight costs have increased primarily due to higher fuel costs.
·  
A 25 basis point increase in occupancy costs due to a higher occupancy rate for the Deal$ stores and higher rents, CAM and real estate taxes in the current year.
·  
A 20 basis point increase in shrink expense due to an increase in the shrink rate to 2.05% at retail compared to 1.9% in the prior year.
·  
Partially offsetting these rate increases was a 15 basis point improvement in markdowns, as the prior year included hurricane related markdowns.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 decreased to 27.6%, as a percentage of net sales, compared to 27.9% for the same period last year. This decrease was primarily due to the leverage associated with positive comparative store net sales and the following:
·  
A 40 basis point decrease in operating and corporate expenses due primarily to payments received of approximately $4.1 million in the current year for vacating two stores prior to the end of our leases and decreased advertising in the current year as a result of more efficient and targeted spending. The prior year included $1.4 million of income resulting from insurance proceeds received as a result of a fire at one of our stores.
·  
The aforementioned rate improvement was partially offset by a 20 basis point increase in payroll and benefit costs due to increased incentive compensation costs resulting from better overall company performance in the current year as compared to the prior year, and increased stock-based compensation expense in the current year.

Operating Income. Due to the reasons discussed above, operating income decreased as a percentage of net sales to 5.8% in the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 compared to 6.3% in the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2005.

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net, has decreased in the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 compared to the same period last year due primarily to increased interest income arising from higher rates of return on higher investment balances.

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate was 36.9% for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 compared to 37.8% for the same period last year. The decreased tax rate for 2006 was the result of benefits recorded for the resolution of various state income tax issues related to prior years.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our business requires capital to open new stores, expand our distribution network and operate existing stores. Our working capital requirements for existing stores are seasonal in nature and typically reach their peak in the months of September and October. Historically, we have satisfied our seasonal working capital requirements for existing stores and funded our store opening and expansion programs from internally generated funds and borrowings under our credit facilities.

17
The following table compares cash flow information for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005:

   
39 Weeks ended  
 
 
 
October 28,
 
 October 29,
 
(In millions)
  
2006
 
2005  
  
Net cash provided by (used in):
           
            
Operating activities
  
$
90.7
  
$
124.0
  
               
Investing activities
    
14.5
   
43.3
 
               
Financing activities
    
(112.9
)
  
(178.6
)

The $33.3 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to increased working capital requirements due to increased investment for Deal$ and new Dollar Tree Stores including frozen and refrigerated product, partially offset by increased earnings before depreciation and amortization in the current year and better payment terms with our suppliers.

In the current year, cash provided by investing activities decreased $28.8 million as compared to the prior year. This decrease is due to the payment of $54.1 million for the Deal$ assets in the current year and an increase of $25.7 million in capital expenditures due primarily to new store growth and the installation of freezers and coolers at certain stores. These uses of cash were partially offset by a $36.5 million increase in net proceeds from investing activities used to help fund stock repurchases and the Deal$ acquisition. Included in the prior year net proceeds from investing activities is the purchase of $15.2 million of investments that are in a restricted account to collateralize certain long-term insurance obligations.
 
The $65.7 million decline in cash used in financing activities resulted primarily from lower stock repurchases in the current year and increased proceeds from stock option exercises as compared to the prior year.

At October 28, 2006, our long-term borrowings were $268.8 million and our capital lease commitments were $0.8 million. As of October 28, 2006, we had $200.0 million available under our revolving credit facility. We also have $125.0 million and $50.0 million Letter of Credit Reimbursement and Security Agreements, under which approximately $85.2 million was committed to letters of credit issued for routine purchases of imported merchandise as of October 28, 2006.

In March 2005, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $300.0 million of our stock through March 2008. During the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, we repurchased approximately 0.3 million shares and 5.7 million shares for approximately $9.3 million and $148.2 million, respectively under the March 2005 authorization. As of October 28, 2006, we have approximately $26.7 million remaining under this authorization.

In November 2006, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of our stock.  This authorization is in addition to the March 2005 authorization.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2006, the Emerging Issues Tax Force (EITF) issued EITF 06-03, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That is, Gross versus Net Presentation).” This EITF requires disclosure beginning in fiscal 2007 of our accounting policies for any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction (i.e. sales tax) on a gross (included in revenues and costs) or net (excluded from revenues) basis. We have consistently reported these taxes on a net basis and will include such disclosure in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending February 3, 2007.
 
18
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” This Interpretation clarifies accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” We will adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 and we are currently evaluating the impact, if any, on our financial statements.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R). This statement is a revision of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. We adopted this standard as required in the first quarter of 2006 (See Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).


We are exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of our business, including the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency rate fluctuations. We may enter into interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to interest rate changes, and we may employ other risk management strategies, including the use of foreign currency forward contracts. We do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging purposes. Our $25.0 million interest rate swap that qualified for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS No. 138, expired during the first quarter of fiscal 2006. Our remaining interest rate swap does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS No. 138, because it contains provisions that "knockout" the swap when the variable interest rate exceeds a predetermined rate.

Interest Rate Risk

The following table summarizes the financial terms and fair values of our interest rate swap agreement at October 28, 2006:

 
Receive
Pay
Knockout
 
Fair Value
Hedging Instrument
Variable
Fixed
Rate
Expiration
Asset
$18.8 million interest rate swap
LIBOR
4.88%
7.75%
4/1/2009
0.0 million

Due to the many variables involved in determining the fair value, management is not able to predict the changes in fair value of our interest rate swap. The fair value is the estimated amount we would pay or receive to terminate the agreement as of the reporting date. The fair value is obtained from an outside financial institution.


As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There have been no material changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended October 28, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


19
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


In 2003, we were served with a lawsuit in California state court by a former employee who alleged that employees did not properly receive sufficient meal breaks and paid rest periods, along with other alleged wage and hourly violations. The suit requested that the California state court certify the case as a class action. This suit was dismissed with prejudice in May 2005, and the dismissal has been appealed. A California appeals court granted the appeal and now we are seeking a rehearing from that Court; should that fail, we will appeal to the California Supreme Court.

In 2005, we were served with a lawsuit by former employees in Oregon who allege that they did not properly receive sufficient meal breaks and paid rest periods. They also allege other wage and hour violations. The plaintiffs requested the court to certify classes for their various claims and the presiding judge recently did so with respect to two classes, one alleging that our Oregon employees, in violation of that state's labor laws, were not paid for rest breaks and the other that upon termination of employment, employees were not tendered their final pay in a timely manner.  Other claims of the plaintiffs were dismissed by an earlier Order of the Court and are being appealed by the plaintiffs.
 
In 2006, we were served with a lawsuit by a former employee in a California state court alleging that she was paid for wages with a check drawn on a bank which did not have any branches in the state, an alleged violation of the state's labor code; that she was paid less for her work than other similar employees with the same job title based on her gender; and that we did not pay her final wages in a timely manner, also an alleged violation of the labor code. The plaintiff requested the court to certify the case as a class action. We have been successful in removing the case from state to the federal court level.

In 2006, we were served with a lawsuit filed in federal court in the state of Alabama by a former store manager. She claims that she should have been classified as a non-exempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act and, therefore, should have received overtime compensation and other benefits. She filed the case as a collective action on behalf of herself and all other employees (store managers) similarly situated. We are preparing to file a motion requesting that the case be transferred from Alabama to Virginia.
 
From time to time we are defendants in ordinary, routine litigation and proceedings incidental to our business, including:

·  
employment-related matters;

·  
the infringement of the intellectual property rights of others;

·  
product safety matters, including product recalls by the Consumer Products Safety Commission;

·  
personal injury claims; and

·  
real estate matters related to store leases.

We will vigorously defend ourselves in these lawsuits. We do not believe that any of these matters will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. We cannot give assurance, however, that one or more of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the period in which they are resolved.



20
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
 
There have been no material changes to the risk factors described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 12, 2006.
 

The following table presents our share repurchase activity for the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2006.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Approximate 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
dollar value 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total number 
 
 
  
of shares that 
  
 
              
 
  
of shares 
  
 
  
may yet be 
  
               
 
  
purchased as 
  
 
  
purchased under 
  
 
  
 
  
Total number 
  
Average
 
 
  
part of publicly 
  
 
  
the plans or 
  
 
  
 
  
of shares 
  
price paid
  
 
  
announced plans 
  
 
  
programs 
  
Period
    
purchased 
  
per share
  
 
  
or programs 
  
 
  
(in millions) 
  
July 30, 2006 to August 26, 2006
          
247,696
 
$
27.52
          
247,696
       
$
29.2
  
August 27, 2006 to September 30, 2006
          
86,100
   
28.71
         
86,100
         
26.7
 
October 1, 2006 to October 28, 2006
          
-
   
-
         
-
         
26.7
 
Total
          
333,796
 
$
27.82
          
333,796
       
$
26.7
  
 
In November 2006, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of our stock.  This authorization is in addition to the $26.7 million remaining on the March 2005 authorization in the table above.


None.


None.


None.

Item 6. EXHIBITS.

31. Certifications required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act



32. Certifications required under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
 
 

21
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

     
  DOLLAR TREE STORES, INC.
 
 		  
 		  
 
Date:  December 6, 2006 By:   /s/ Kent A. Kleeberger
 
Kent A. Kleeberger
 
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)

 
 
 
 
 
 
22