VALUE For All Seasons: Annual Report
VALUE For All Seasons: Annual Report
20 0 8 A N N UA L R E P O R T
8031 Big_Narr:_DT558AnnualReport 5/11/09 3:29 PM Page 2
Contents
Letter to Shareholders from the Chief Executive Officer................................................2
Narrative ........................................................................................................................6
Management’s Discussion & Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations ............................................................13
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm..........................................27
Consolidated Statements of Operations ......................................................................28
Consolidated Balance Sheets ......................................................................................29
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and
Comprehensive Income ................................................................................................30
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ............................................................................31
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ..............................................................32
8031 Big_Narr:_DT558AnnualReport 5/11/09 3:30 PM Page 3
Financial Highlights
2008 2007 2006(a) 2005 2004
Diluted Net Income Per Share 2.53 2.09 1.85 1.60 1.58
Comparable Store Net Sales Increase/(Decrease)(b) 4.1% 2.7% 4.6% (0.8%) 0.5%
Average Net Sales Per Store(b) $ 1.3 $ 1.3 $ 1.3 $ 1.2 $ 1.2
(a) Fiscal 2006 includes 53 weeks, commensurate with the retail calendar, while all other fiscal years reported in the table contain 52 weeks.
(b) Comparable store net sales compare net sales for stores open throughout each of the two periods being compared. Net sales per
store are calculated for stores open throughout the entire period presented.
To Our Shareholders
W Dollar Tree set new records for sales and earnings, increased operating
margin, expanded selling square footage by 6.7%, and grew cash net of debt
by more than $284 million. These are outstanding results by any measure
but especially impressive given the economic backdrop of record-high prices for gasoline, diesel
fuel and utilities, a meltdown in financial markets, declining consumer confidence and rising
unemployment. Our model is resilient and last year was validation of its strength. At Dollar Tree,
we have a long history of industry leading financial performance through good times and bad and
BOB SASSER the reasons are really very basic. We have a concept that consumers love, we are vigilant about
President and Chief Executive Officer
understanding what our customers need and we do our best to give it to them. Results in 2008
demonstrate our continued relevance to our customers and our ability to provide great value in
the products they want and need in a clean, bright, convenient shopping environment.
One key to our relevance in both good times and bad is an increased selection of basic
consumable products, items that are needed every day. During the past few years, we have
grown our store size to accommodate the addition of these “needs-based” products to
our previously mostly discretionary product mix of party supplies, seasonal decor, gifts,
stationery, and higher-margin variety merchandise. Specifically, we have added more health
and beauty care products, household cleaning supplies, food, beverages, and grocery items.
For example, we added freezers and coolers to 135 Dollar Tree stores in 2008; at the end of
the year, we had frozen and refrigerated foods in 1,107 Dollar Tree stores compared to
972 stores at the end of 2007. Although these products are lower margin, they are faster
turning and drive footsteps into our stores on a more frequent basis.
The expansion of payment type acceptance also continues to contribute positively to
our results. Debit card acceptance was rolled out to all stores by mid-2006, yet our debit
card penetration continued to increase in 2008. Visa credit card acceptance was extended
to all of our stores in October 2007. As expected, credit card penetration increased
throughout 2008, and we expect the penetration of credit as well as debit to continue
increasing throughout 2009.
With our increased mix of food items, Food Stamps have also become more relevant.
We currently accept Food Stamps in 2,200 qualified stores, compared with 1,054 stores
last year, and that number will continue to grow as we roll out frozen and refrigerated
product to more stores.
Logistics efficiency was more important than ever as we faced record high fuel costs in
2008. Our logistics team found ways to save costs through greater cube utilization of our
trailers and increased less-than-trailer-load consolidation. In addition, backhauls increased
more than 10% and Distribution Center productivity improved almost 15% over the prior
year. I am very proud of the team; it was a great performance in a challenging environment.
In 2008, inventory turns continued to increase – for the fourth consecutive year. Our
current distribution network has the capacity to handle $6.7 billion in sales volume with no addi-
tional investment. Accordingly, every new store we open makes our network more efficient.
Also in 2008, our already solid and scaleable infrastructure was further strengthened.
Our technology team opened a new data center without interruption. We also launched
a new assortment planning tool and integrated it into the buying process. This new tool
more closely links the buying to the selling at store levels – enabling more efficient
merchandise allocations, increased customer satisfaction, improved sell through, and
increased inventory turns.
Our second priority for 2008 was to optimize our real estate network. This year, we
opened 211 new Dollar Tree stores and 20 new Deal$ stores, finishing the year with 3,591
stores. We also expanded and relocated another 86 stores and grew total square footage
6.7%. Our new stores averaged 10,310 square feet, which is within our targeted size range
of 10,000 to 12,000 square feet. California is our number-one state with 267 stores,
followed by Texas with 227 stores, and Florida with 217 stores. We have plenty of room to
grow: 36 states have less than 100 Dollar Tree stores.
Developing our Deal$ concept was our third priority for 2008. In addition to opening
20 new Deal$ stores, we also expanded the size and skill base of our Deal$ team, including
bringing on new leadership. We focused on developing a more compelling assortment of
high value merchandise for the Deal$ customer, and are seeing positive response. We
believe that Deal$ fills a unique void in the value retail segment, and as we continue to
develop the model, it will give us the ability to serve even more customers in more markets.
The fourth priority for 2008 was the continued development of our people. This goal
of course is of the utmost importance, as retail is ultimately a “people business.” Therefore,
in 2008, we were committed to driving successful talent management throughout our
organization; to improving succession planning, training, and development; and to further
reduce field management turnover. Overall, we continue to build on the positive, high-per-
formance culture at Dollar Tree, because in order to succeed Dollar Tree must be an excit-
ing, motivating, enthusiastic, and fun place to work.
Finally, our fifth goal for 2008 was capital deployment – building value for our
shareholders. This means running the business as effectively as possible, and managing
our capital in a way that enhances shareholder return. For 2008, earnings per diluted share
were $2.53, versus $2.09 in 2007 – a 21% increase. Our share price increased more than
50% for the fiscal year.
Capital expenditures in 2008 were $131 million, compared with $189 million last
year. The majority of capital expenditures this year were for new stores – our best use
of capital – remodeled and relocated stores, and the addition of frozen and refrigerated
capabilities to 135 stores.
Early in the year, we restructured our debt, locking in a $250 million term loan until
2013, and adding the flexibility of a $300 million revolving credit line, if needed. We did
not use the revolving credit line in 2008.
Dollar Tree has long believed that share repurchase can be an effective means of using
excess free cash flow for the benefit of long-term shareholders. In the three years prior to
2008, we invested more than $900 million for repurchase of Dollar Tree stock, including
$473 million in 2007 alone. In 2008, in the face of economic uncertainty, we believed that
the soundest strategy was to build cash, and so we did not repurchase any shares. As a
result, we entered 2009 with more than $364 million in cash and $454 million remaining
in our share repurchase authorization. As has been our practice, we will continue to review
share repurchase opportunistically as a potential tool for building value for our long-term
shareholders.
• In 2008:
• Amending the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to eliminate supermajority
voting, and
• Adopting a policy limiting change of control benefits and providing that no benefits subject
to a performance measure will vest in a change of control unless and until the performance
measure is attained.
In addition, we have added three new independent directors since July 2007.
Above all, we believe in strict adherence to our core values of honesty, integrity, openness and transparency in all aspects
of our business. These values are reflected in the strength of our financial controls and in our relationships with customers,
suppliers, associates and our shareholders. For 2008, we once again earned a “clean bill of health” with no material weakness
noted in our assessment of controls supporting the accounting and reporting processes in compliance with the require-
ments of Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. In 2009, as I have stated in previous years, you can be assured that we will continue to
operate Dollar Tree with an unwavering commitment to financial integrity and the related financial controls as a foundation
for building long-term shareholder value.
Summary
For more than a year, the retail environment has been especially challenging, even before the onset of the current
economic crisis. Pressure on costs, especially diesel fuel and energy, were the most intense they have ever been. But through it
all, Dollar Tree has continued to grow and strengthen.
In 2008, we generated positive comp store sales in every quarter, grew revenue by 9.5%, increased earnings per share by
21%, and improved our operating margin. Our investments in infrastructure continue to translate into better inventory man-
agement, more efficient stores, improved in-stock position, and better execution of our model.
While many other retailers have been pulling back, we continue to open new Dollar Tree stores – including new Deal$
stores, which is an exciting and progressing concept. We have the capital available to support our growth plans, while
generating substantial free cash. And our prudent cash management strategy in 2008 has put us in a strong position going
into 2009, a position with much more flexibility than last year.
Our goals for this year are to continue to drive profitable growth by leveraging our infrastructure to provide our
customers the best imaginable value for their dollar and a better shopping experience than ever. We will also continue to
develop, improve and expand Deal$, striving to build more merchandise excitement for the Deal$ customer. As always,
our people are the key to everything we do. We will strive to develop our people, and provide opportunities for
personal growth and advancement commensurate with a Company that is financially strong and growing. Of course, we
will also strive to build value for long-term shareholders by running the business as efficiently and effectively as possible
and managing our capital for enhanced long-term shareholder return.
As we enter 2009, we know that our customers are under intense pressure. But we also know that they will find no
better place to stretch their dollars than at Dollar Tree. We are squarely in the bull’s-eye of what customers are looking for,
and are selling what they want to buy. In fact, our dollar price point and our increased mix of consumer basics make Dollar
Tree more relevant now than ever. We are determined to do everything we can to be a part of the solution to the daily
challenge of balancing household budgets. All of which means we continue to offer real value – in this season,
as in every season.
Bob Sasser
President and Chief Executive Officer
Debit
Card
Ridgefield, Washington
February 2004
Briar Creek,
Pennsylvania
August 2001
Salt Lake City, Utah
June 2003 Joliet, Illinois
June 2004
Chesapeake, Virginia
Stockton, California January 1998
January 2000
Distribution Centers
(date opened)
Shading indicates service area
for each Distribution Center.
eople work at Dollar Tree – not employees. the past five years. We are committed to finding,
Bright, fun, friendly Dollar Tree stores strive to bring value to every community in which we operate.
the date of this annual report and you should not • why those net sales, earnings, gross margins and
expect us to do so. costs were different from the year before;
Investors should also be aware that while we do, • how all of this affects our overall financial
from time to time, communicate with securities ana- condition;
lysts and others, we do not, by policy, selectively dis- • what our expenditures for capital projects were in
close to them any material, nonpublic information or 2008 and 2007 and what we expect them to be
other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, in 2009; and
shareholders should not assume that we agree with • where funds will come from to pay for future
any statement or report issued by any securities analyst expenditures.
regardless of the content of the statement or report.
We do not issue detailed financial forecasts or projec- As you read Management’s Discussion and
tions and we do not, by policy, confirm those issued Analysis, please refer to our consolidated financial
by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by statements, included in this Annual Report, which
securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or present the results of operations for the fiscal years
opinions, such reports are not our responsibility. ended January 31, 2009, February 2, 2008 and
INTRODUCTORY NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, February 3, 2007. In Management’s Discussion and
references to “we,” “our” and “Dollar Tree” generally refer Analysis, we analyze and explain the annual changes in
to Dollar Tree, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries some specific line items in the consolidated financial
on a consolidated basis. Unless specifically indicated oth- statements for the fiscal year 2008 compared to the
erwise, any references to “2009” or “fiscal 2009”, “2008” comparable fiscal year 2007 and the fiscal year 2007
or “fiscal 2008”, “2007” or “fiscal 2007”, and “2006” compared to the comparable fiscal year 2006.
or “fiscal 2006,” relate to as of or for the years ended
January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009, February 2, 2008 Key Events and Recent Developments
and February 3, 2007, respectively. Several key events have had or are expected to have a
On March 2, 2008, we reorganized by creating a significant effect on our operations. You should keep
new holding company structure. The new parent com- in mind that:
pany is Dollar Tree, Inc., replacing Dollar Tree Stores,
Inc., which is now an operating subsidiary. • On February 20, 2008, we entered into a five-year
$550.0 million unsecured Credit Agreement
Available Information (the Agreement). The Agreement provides for a
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports $300.0 million revolving line of credit, including
on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and up to $150.0 million in available letters of credit,
amendments to those reports filed or furnished and a $250.0 million term loan. The interest rate
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities on the facility is based, at our option, on a LIBOR
Exchange Act are available free of charge on our rate, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus
website at www.dollartree.com as soon as reasonably a margin. Our March 2004, $450.0
practicable after electronic filing of such reports with million unsecured revolving credit facility was
the SEC. terminated concurrent with entering into the
Agreement.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF • On March 2, 2008, we reorganized by creating a
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS new holding company structure. The new parent
In Management’s Discussion and Analysis, we explain company is Dollar Tree, Inc., replacing Dollar Tree
the general financial condition and the results of oper- Stores, Inc., which is now an operating subsidiary.
ations for our company, including: • On March 20, 2008, we entered into two $75.0
million interest rate swap agreements. These inter-
• what factors affect our business; est rate swaps are used to manage the risk associ-
• what our net sales, earnings, gross margins and ated with interest rate fluctuations on a portion of
costs were in 2008, 2007 and 2006; our $250.0 million variable rate term loan.
• In October 2007, our Board of Directors author- Fiscal 2006 ended on February 3, 2007 and
ized the repurchase of an additional $500.0 mil- included 53 weeks, commensurate with the retail cal-
lion of our common stock. This authorization was endar. The 53rd week in 2006 added approximately
in addition to the November 2006 authorization $70 million in sales. Fiscal 2008 and 2007 ended on
which had approximately $98.4 million remaining. January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively,
At January 31, 2009, we had approximately $453.7 and both years included 52 weeks.
million remaining under Board authorizations. In fiscal 2008, comparable store net sales
increased by 4.1%. The comparable store net sales
Overview increase was the result of increases of 3.7% in the
Our net sales are derived from the sale of merchan- number of transactions and a 0.4% increase in average
dise. Two major factors tend to affect our net sales transaction size. We believe comparable store net sales
trends. First is our success at opening new stores or continue to be positively affected by a number of our
adding new stores through acquisitions. Second, sales initiatives, including expansion of forms of payment
vary at our existing stores from one year to the next. accepted by our stores and the roll-out of freezers and
We refer to this change as a change in comparable coolers to more of our stores. At January 31, 2009 we
store net sales, because we compare only those stores had frozen and refrigerated merchandise in approxi-
that are open throughout both of the periods being mately 1,200 stores compared to approximately 1,100
compared. We include sales from stores expanded dur- stores at February 2, 2008. We believe that this
ing the year in the calculation of comparable store net enables us to increase sales and earnings by increasing
sales, which has the effect of increasing our compara- the number of shopping trips made by our customers
ble store net sales. The term 'expanded' also includes and increasing the average transaction size. In addition,
stores that are relocated. we now accept food stamps in approximately 2,200
At January 31, 2009, we operated 3,591 stores in qualified stores compared to 1,000 at the end of 2007.
48 states, with 30.3 million selling square feet com- Beginning October 31, 2007, all of our stores accept
pared to 3,411 stores with 28.4 million selling square Visa credit which has had a positive impact on our
feet at February 2, 2008. During fiscal 2008, we sales for fiscal 2008.
opened 231 stores, expanded 86 stores and closed 51 With the pressures of the current economic envi-
stores, compared to 240 new stores opened, 102 stores ronment, we have seen an increase in the demand for
expanded and 48 stores closed during fiscal 2007. In basic, consumable merchandise in 2008. As a result,
the current year we increased our selling square we have shifted the mix of inventory carried in our
footage by 6.7%. Of the 1.9 million selling square foot stores to more consumer product merchandise which
increase in 2008, 0.3 million was added by expanding we believe increases the traffic in our stores and has
existing stores. The average size of our stores opened helped to increase our sales even during the current
in 2008 was approximately 8,100 selling square feet economic downturn. This shift has negatively impact-
(or about 10,300 gross square feet). The average new ed our margins in 2008, and we believe that this
store size decreased slightly in 2008 from approxi- increase in basic, consumer product merchandise will
mately 8,500 selling square feet (or about 10,800 negatively impact our margins in the first half of 2009.
gross square feet) for new stores in 2007. For 2009, Our point-of-sale technology provides us with
we continue to plan to open stores that are approxi- valuable sales and inventory information to assist our
mately 8,000–10,000 selling square feet (or about buyers and improve our merchandise allocation to our
10,000–12,000 gross square feet). We believe that this stores. We believe that this has enabled us to better
store size is our optimal size operationally and that manage our inventory flow resulting in more efficient
this size also gives our customers an ideal shopping distribution and store operations and increased inven-
environment that invites them to shop longer and buy tory turnover for each of the last two years. Inventory
more. We expect the majority of our future net sales turnover improved by approximately 5 basis points in
growth to come from the square footage growth 2008 compared to 2007 and by approximately 25
resulting from new store openings and expansion of basis points in 2007 compared to 2006. Fiscal 2008
existing stores. was the fourth consecutive year of increased inventory
turnover. Inventory per selling square foot also On March 25, 2006, we completed our acquisition
decreased 1.2% at January 31, 2009 compared to of 138 Deal$ stores, which included stores that offered
February 2, 2008. an expanded assortment of merchandise including
On May 25, 2007, legislation was enacted that items that sell for more than $1. Most of these stores
increased the Federal Minimum Wage from $5.15 an continue to operate under the Deal$ banner while pro-
hour to $7.25 an hour by July 2009. As a result, our viding us an opportunity to leverage our Dollar Tree
wages will increase in 2009; however, we believe that infrastructure in the testing of new merchandise con-
we can partially offset the increase in payroll costs cepts, including higher price points, without disrupting
through increased store productivity and continued the single-price point model in our Dollar Tree stores.
efficiencies in product flow to our stores. We have opened new Deal$ stores, including some in
We must continue to control our merchandise new markets, and as of January 31, 2009, we have 143
costs, inventory levels and our general and administra- stores under the Deal$ banner that are selling most
tive expenses. Increases in these line items could nega- items for $1 or less but also sell items for more than
tively impact our operating results. $1, compared to 131 stores at February 2, 2008.
Results of Operations
The following table expresses items from our consolidated statements of operations, as a percentage of net sales:
Fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 compared to fiscal year • Payroll-related expenses decreased 10 basis points
ended February 2, 2008 primarily as a result of lower field payroll costs as
Net Sales. Net sales increased 9.5%, or $402.3 million, a percentage of sales, due to the leveraging from
in 2008 compared to 2007, resulting from sales in our the comparable store net sales increase in 2008.
new and expanded stores and a 4.1% increase in com- • Partially offsetting these decreases was an approxi-
parable store net sales. Comparable store net sales are mate 10 basis point increase in store operating
positively affected by our expanded and relocated costs due to increases in repairs and maintenance
stores, which we include in the calculation, and, to a and utility costs in the current year.
lesser extent, are negatively affected when we open
new stores or expand stores near existing ones. Operating Income. Due to the reasons discussed
The following table summarizes the components above, operating income margin was 7.9% in 2008
of the changes in our store count for fiscal years ended compared to 7.8% in 2007.
January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate was 36.1% in
January 31, February 2, 2008 compared to 37.1% in 2007. The lower rate in
2009 2008 the current year reflects the recognition of certain tax
New stores 227 208 benefits in accordance with Financial Accounting
Acquired leases 4 32 Standards Board’s Financial Interpretation No. 48,
Expanded or relocated stores 86 102 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48),
Closed stores (51) (48) and a lower blended state tax rate resulting from the
settlement of state tax audits in the current year
Of the 1.9 million selling square foot increase in which allowed us to release income tax reserves and
2008 approximately 0.3 million was added by expand- accrue less interest expense on tax uncertainties in the
ing existing stores. current year. These benefits to the tax rate were par-
tially offset by a reduction in tax-exempt interest
Gross Profit. Gross profit margin decreased to 34.3% income in the current year.
in 2008 compared to 34.4% in 2007. The decrease
was primarily due to a 30 basis point increase in mer- Fiscal year ended February 2, 2008 compared to fiscal year
chandise cost, including inbound freight, resulting from ended February 3, 2007
an increase in the sales mix of higher cost consumer Net Sales. Net sales increased 6.9%, or $273.2 million,
product merchandise and higher diesel fuel costs in 2007 compared to 2006, resulting primarily from
compared with 2007. Partially offsetting this increase sales in our new and expanded stores. Our sales
was a 20 basis point decrease in shrink expense due to increase was also impacted by a 2.7% increase in com-
favorable adjustments to shrink estimates based on parable store net sales for 2007. This increase is based
actual inventory results during the year. on the comparable 52-weeks for both years. These
increases were partially offset by an extra week of
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, sales in 2006 due to the 53-week retail calendar for
general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of 2006. On a comparative 52-week basis, sales increased
net sales, decreased to 26.4% for 2008 compared to approximately 8.8% in 2007 compared to 2006.
26.6% for 2007. The decrease is primarily due to the Comparable store net sales are positively affected by
following: our expanded and relocated stores, which we include
in the calculation, and, to a lesser extent, are negative-
• Depreciation expense decreased 25 basis points ly affected when we open new stores or expand stores
primarily due to the leveraging associated with near existing ones.
the comparable store net sales increase for the year.
The following table summarizes the components • Occupancy costs increased 15 basis points prima-
of the changes in our store count for fiscal years ended rily due to increased repairs and maintenance
February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007. costs in 2007.
• Partially offsetting these increases was an approxi-
February 2, February 3, mate 15 basis point decrease in depreciation
2008 2007 expense due to the expiration of the depreciable
New stores 208 190 life on much of the supply chain hardware and
Deal$ acquisition — 138 software placed in service in 2002.
Acquired leases 32 21
Expanded or relocated stores 102 85 Operating Income. Due to the reasons discussed above,
Closed stores (48) (44) operating income margin was 7.8% in 2007 and 2006.
Of the 2.1 million selling square foot increase in Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate was 37.1% in
2007 approximately 0.4 million was added by expand- 2007 compared to 36.6% in 2006. The increase in the
ing existing stores. rate for 2007 reflects a reduction of tax-exempt inter-
est income in the current year due to lower invest-
Gross Profit. Gross profit margin increased to 34.4% ment levels resulting from increased share repurchase
in 2007 compared to 34.2% in 2006. The increase was activity and an increase in tax reserves in accordance
primarily due to a 50 basis point decrease in merchan- with FIN 48. These increases more than offset a slight
dise cost, including inbound freight, due to improved decrease in our net state tax rate.
initial mark-up in many categories in 2007. This
decrease was partially offset by a 40 basis point Liquidity and Capital Resources
increase in occupancy costs due to the loss of leverage Our business requires capital to build and open new
from the extra week of sales in 2006. stores, expand our distribution network and operate
existing stores. Our working capital requirements for
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, existing stores are seasonal and usually reach their
general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of peak in September and October. Historically, we have
net sales, increased to 26.6% for 2007 compared to satisfied our seasonal working capital requirements for
26.4% for 2006. The increase is primarily due to the existing stores and have funded our store opening and
following: distribution network expansion programs from inter-
nally generated funds and borrowings under our credit
• Operating and corporate expenses increased facilities.
approximately 25 basis points due to increased
debit and credit fees resulting from increased
debit transactions in 2007 and the rollout of VISA
credit at October 31, 2007. Also, in 2006, we had
approximately 10 basis points of income related
to early lease terminations.
The following table compares cash-related information for the years ended January 31, 2009, February 2, 2008,
and February 3, 2007:
Net cash provided by operating activities In the current year, financing activities provided
increased $35.8 million compared to last year due to cash of $22.7 million as a result of stock option exer-
increased earnings before income taxes, depreciation cises and employee stock plan purchases. In the prior
and amortization in the current year and lower pre- year, net cash used in financing activities was $389.0
paid rent amounts at the end of January 2009. million. This was the result of share repurchases of
February 2008 rent payments were made prior to the $473.0 million for fiscal 2007, partially offset by stock
end of fiscal 2007 which resulted in a prepaid asset in option exercises resulting from the Company’s stock
fiscal 2007 whereas February 2009 rent was paid in price last year being higher than it had been in the
fiscal 2009. prior several years.
Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash used in financing activities increased
decreased $45.5 million in 2007 compared to 2006 $186.1 million in 2007 due primarily to increased
due to increased working capital requirements in 2007 share repurchases in 2007 partially offset by increased
and increases in the provision for deferred taxes, par- proceeds from stock option exercises in 2007 resulting
tially offset by improved earnings before depreciation from the Company’s higher stock price earlier in the
and amortization in 2007. year.
Net cash used in investing activities increased At January 31, 2009, our long-term borrowings
$79.3 million in the current year. Net proceeds from were $267.6 million and our capital lease commit-
the sale of short-term investments were higher in the ments were $0.6 million. We also have $121.5 million
prior year in order to fund share repurchases. Overall, and $50.0 million Letter of Credit Reimbursement
short-term investment activity has decreased in the and Security Agreements, under which approximately
current year resulting from the liquidation of our $97.8 million were committed to letters of credit
short-term investments early in the current year due issued for routine purchases of imported merchandise
to market conditions. These amounts were primarily at January 31, 2009.
invested in cash equivalent money market accounts. On February 20, 2008, we entered into a five-year
Partially offsetting the decrease in net proceeds from $550.0 million unsecured Credit Agreement (the
the sales of short-term investments was higher capital Agreement). The Agreement provides for a $300.0
expenditures ($57.7 million higher) in the prior year million revolving line of credit, including up to $150.0
due to the expansions of the Briar Creek distribution million in available letters of credit, and a $250.0 mil-
center and corporate headquarters. lion term loan. The interest rate on the Agreement is
Net cash used in investing activities decreased based, at our option, on a LIBOR rate, plus a margin,
$168.0 million in 2007 compared to 2006. This or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The revolving
decrease is due to $129.1 million of increased pro- line of credit also bears a facilities fee, calculated as a
ceeds from short-term investment activity in 2007 to percentage, as defined, of the amount available under
fund increased share repurchases and $54.1 million the line of credit, payable quarterly. The term loan is
used in 2006 to acquire Deal$ assets. These were par- due and payable in full at the five year maturity date
tially offset by increased capital expenditures in 2007 of the Agreement. The Agreement also bears an
resulting from the Briar Creek distribution center and administrative fee payable annually. The Agreement,
the corporate headquarters expansions. among other things, requires the maintenance of cer-
tain specified financial ratios, restricts the payment of and approximately 8.8 million shares for approximate-
certain distributions and prohibits the incurrence of ly $248.2 million in fiscal 2006. We had no share
certain new indebtedness. Our March 2004, $450.0 repurchases in fiscal 2008. At January 31, 2009, we
million unsecured revolving credit facility was termi- have approximately $453.7 million remaining under
nated concurrent with entering into the Agreement. Board authorization.
As of January 31, 2009, the $250.0 million term loan
is outstanding under the Agreement. Funding Requirements
In March 2005, our Board of Directors authorized Overview
the repurchase of up to $300.0 million of our com- We expect our cash needs for opening new stores and
mon stock through March 2008. In November 2006, expanding existing stores in fiscal 2009 to total
our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of approximately $138.1 million, which includes capital
up to $500.0 million of our common stock. This expenditures, initial inventory and pre-opening costs.
amount was in addition to the $27.0 million remain- Our estimated capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 are
ing on the March 2005 authorization. Then, in between $135.0 and $145.0 million, including
October 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the planned expenditures for our new and expanded
repurchase of an additional $500.0 million of our stores and the addition of freezers and coolers to
common stock. This authorization was in addition to approximately 175 stores. We believe that we can
the November 2006 authorization which had approxi- adequately fund our working capital requirements and
mately $98.4 million remaining at the time. planned capital expenditures for the next few years
We repurchased approximately 12.8 million from net cash provided by operations and potential
shares for approximately $473.0 million in fiscal 2007 borrowings under our existing credit facility.
The following tables summarize our material contractual obligations at January 31, 2009, including both on-
and off-balance sheet arrangements, and our commitments, including interest on long-term borrowings (in millions):
Lease Financing line of credit, payable quarterly. The term loan is due
Operating Lease Obligations. Our operating lease and payable in full at the five year maturity date of the
obligations are primarily for payments under Agreement. The Agreement also bears an administra-
noncancelable store leases. The commitment includes tive fee payable annually. The Agreement, among
amounts for leases that were signed prior to other things, requires the maintenance of certain spec-
January 31, 2009 for stores that were not yet open ified financial ratios, restricts the payment of certain
on January 31, 2009. distributions and prohibits the incurrence of certain
new indebtedness. As of January 31, 2009, we had
Capital Lease Obligations. Our capital lease obliga- $250.0 million outstanding on the Agreement. Our
tions are primarily for distribution center equipment March 2004, $450.0 million unsecured revolving
and computer equipment at the store support center. credit facility was terminated concurrent with entering
into the Agreement.
Credit Agreement. On February 20, 2008, we entered
into a five-year $550.0 million unsecured Credit Revenue Bond Financing. In May 1998, we entered
Agreement (the Agreement). The Agreement provides into an agreement with the Mississippi Business
for a $300.0 million revolving line of credit, including Finance Corporation under which it issued $19.0 mil-
up to $150.0 million in available letters of credit, and lion of variable-rate demand revenue bonds. We used
a $250.0 million term loan. The interest rate on the the proceeds from the bonds to finance the acquisi-
facility is based, at our option, on a LIBOR rate, plus a tion, construction and installation of land, buildings,
margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. This machinery and equipment for our distribution facility
rate was 1.21% at January 31, 2009. The revolving line in Olive Branch, Mississippi. At January 31, 2009, the
of credit also bears a facilities fee, calculated as a per- balance outstanding on the bonds was $17.6 million.
centage, as defined, of the amount available under the These bonds are due to be fully repaid in June 2018.
The bonds do not have a prepayment penalty as long variable rate on the debt, excluding the credit spread.
as the interest rate remains variable. The bonds con- These swaps qualify for hedge accounting treatment
tain a demand provision and, therefore, outstanding pursuant to SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
amounts are classified as current liabilities. We pay Instruments and Hedging Activities. These swaps expire
interest monthly based on a variable interest rate, in March 2011.
which was 1.50% at January 31, 2009. We are party to one additional interest rate swap,
which allows us to manage the risk associated with
Interest on Long-term Borrowings. This amount repre- interest rate fluctuations on the demand revenue
sents interest payments on the Credit Agreement and bonds. The swap is based on a notional amount of
the revenue bond financing using the interest rates for $17.6 million. Under the $17.6 million agreement, as
each at January 31, 2009. amended, we pay interest to the bank that provided
the swap at a fixed rate. In exchange, the financial
Commitments institution pays us at a variable-interest rate, which is
Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds. In March 2001, similar to the rate on the demand revenue bonds. The
we entered into a Letter of Credit Reimbursement variable-interest rate on the interest rate swap is set
and Security Agreement, which provides $121.5 monthly. No payments are made by either party under
million for letters of credit. In December 2004, we the swap for monthly periods with an established
entered into an additional Letter of Credit interest rate greater than a predetermined rate (the
Reimbursement and Security Agreement, which pro- knock-out rate). The swap may be canceled by the
vides $50.0 million for letters of credit. Letters of bank or us and settled for the fair value of the swap as
credit are generally issued for the routine purchase of determined by market rates and expires in 2009.
imported merchandise and we had approximately Because of the knock-out provision in the $17.6
$97.8 million of purchases committed under these million swap, changes in the fair value of that swap are
letters of credit at January 31, 2009. recorded in earnings. For more information on the
We also have approximately $26.5 million of let- interest rate swaps, see “Quantitative and Qualitative
ters of credit or surety bonds outstanding for our self- Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk.”
insurance programs and certain utility payment
obligations at some of our stores. Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements requires the
Freight Contracts. We have contracted outbound use of estimates. Certain of our estimates require a
freight services from various carriers with contracts high level of judgment and have the potential to have
expiring through February 2013. The total amount of a material effect on the financial statements if actual
these commitments is approximately $109.6 million. results vary significantly from those estimates.
Following is a discussion of the estimates that we
Technology Assets. We have commitments totaling consider critical.
approximately $3.2 million to primarily purchase
store technology assets for our stores during 2009. Inventory Valuation
As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial
Derivative Financial Instruments Statements, inventories at the distribution centers are
On March 20, 2008, we entered into two $75.0 mil- stated at the lower of cost or market with cost deter-
lion interest rate swap agreements. These interest rate mined on a weighted-average basis. Cost is assigned to
swaps are used to manage the risk associated with store inventories using the retail inventory method on
interest rate fluctuations on a portion of our $250.0 a weighted-average basis. Under the retail inventory
million variable rate term loan. Under these agree- method, the valuation of inventories at cost and the
ments, we pay interest to financial institutions at a resulting gross margins are computed by applying a
fixed rate of 2.8%. In exchange, the financial institu- calculated cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of
tions pay us at a variable rate, which approximates the inventories. The retail inventory method is an averag-
ing method that has been widely used in the retail Accrued Expenses
industry and results in valuing inventories at lower of On a monthly basis, we estimate certain expenses in
cost or market when markdowns are taken as a reduc- an effort to record those expenses in the period
tion of the retail value of inventories on a timely basis. incurred. Our most material estimates include domes-
Inventory valuation methods require certain sig- tic freight expenses, self-insurance programs, store-
nificant management estimates and judgments, includ- level operating expenses, such as property taxes and
ing estimates of future merchandise markdowns and utilities, and certain other expenses. Our freight and
shrink, which significantly affect the ending inventory store-level operating expenses are estimated based on
valuation at cost as well as the resulting gross margins. current activity and historical trends and results. Our
The averaging required in applying the retail inventory workers' compensation and general liability insurance
method and the estimates of shrink and markdowns accruals are recorded based on actuarial valuations
could, under certain circumstances, result in costs not which are adjusted at least annually based on a review
being recorded in the proper period. performed by a third-party actuary. These actuarial
We estimate our markdown reserve based on the valuations are estimates based on our historical loss
consideration of a variety of factors, including, but not development factors. Certain other expenses are esti-
limited to, quantities of slow moving or seasonal, mated and recorded in the periods that management
carryover merchandise on hand, historical markdown becomes aware of them. The related accruals are
statistics and future merchandising plans. The accuracy adjusted as management’s estimates change.
of our estimates can be affected by many factors, some Differences in management's estimates and assump-
of which are outside of our control, including changes tions could result in an accrual materially different
in economic conditions and consumer buying trends. from the calculated accrual. Our experience has been
Historically, we have not experienced significant dif- that some of our estimates are too high and others are
ferences in our estimated reserve for markdowns com- too low. Historically, the net total of these differences
pared with actual results. has not had a material effect on our financial condi-
Our accrual for shrink is based on the actual, his- tion or results of operations.
torical shrink results of our most recent physical
inventories adjusted, if necessary, for current economic Income Taxes
conditions. These estimates are compared to actual On a quarterly basis, we estimate our required income
results as physical inventory counts are taken and rec- tax liability and assess the recoverability of our
onciled to the general ledger. Our physical inventory deferred tax assets. Our income taxes payable are esti-
counts are generally taken between January and mated based on enacted tax rates, including estimated
September of each year; therefore, the shrink accrual tax rates in states where our store base is growing,
recorded at January 31, 2009 is based on estimated applied to the income expected to be taxed currently.
shrink for most of 2008, including the fourth quarter. Management assesses the recoverability of deferred tax
We have not experienced significant fluctuations in assets based on the availability of carrybacks of future
historical shrink rates beyond approximately 10-20 deductible amounts and management’s projections for
basis points in our Dollar Tree stores for the last few future taxable income. We cannot guarantee that we
years. However, we have sometimes experienced high- will generate taxable income in future years.
er than typical shrink in acquired stores in the year Historically, we have not experienced significant dif-
following an acquisition. We periodically adjust our ferences in our estimates of our tax accrual.
shrink estimates to address these factors as they In addition, we have a recorded liability for our
become apparent. estimate of uncertain tax positions taken or expected
Our management believes that our application of to be taken in our tax returns. Judgment is required in
the retail inventory method results in an inventory val- evaluating the application of federal and state tax laws,
uation that reasonably approximates cost and results including relevant case law, and assessing whether it is
in carrying inventory at the lower of cost or market more likely than not that a tax position will be sus-
each year on a consistent basis. tained on examination and, if so, judgment is also
required as to the measurement of the amount of tax sales were below seasonal norms during the fourth
benefit that will be realized upon settlement with the quarter or during the Easter season for any reason,
taxing authority. Income tax expense is adjusted in the including merchandise delivery delays due to receiving
period in which new information about a tax position or distribution problems, consumer sentiment or
becomes available or the final outcome differs from inclement weather.
the amounts recorded. We believe that our liability Our unaudited results of operations for the eight
for uncertain tax positions is adequate. For further most recent quarters are shown in a table in Note 12
discussion of our changes in reserves during 2008, see of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Inflation and Other Economic Factors
Our ability to provide quality merchandise at a fixed
Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations price and on a profitable basis may be subject to eco-
We experience seasonal fluctuations in our net sales, nomic factors and influences that we cannot control.
comparable store net sales, operating income and net Consumer spending could decline because of econom-
income and expect this trend to continue. Our results ic pressures, including unemployment and rising fuel
of operations may also fluctuate significantly as a prices. Reductions in consumer confidence and spend-
result of a variety of factors, including: ing could have an adverse effect on our sales. National
or international events, including war or terrorism,
• Shifts in the timing of certain holidays, especially could lead to disruptions in economies in the United
Easter; States or in foreign countries where we purchase some
• The timing of new store openings; of our merchandise. These and other factors could
• The net sales contributed by new stores; increase our merchandise costs and other costs that
• Changes in our merchandise mix; and are critical to our operations, such as shipping and
• Competition. wage rates.
Our highest sales periods are the Christmas and Shipping Costs. Currently, trans-Pacific shipping rates
Easter seasons. Easter was observed on April 8, 2007, are negotiated with individual freight lines and are
March 23, 2008, and will be observed on April 12, subject to fluctuation based on supply and demand for
2009. We believe that the later Easter in 2009 could containers and current fuel costs. We can give no
result in a $25.0 million increase in sales in the first assurances as to the final actual rates for 2009, as we
quarter of 2009 as compared to the first quarter of are in the early stages of our negotiations.
2008. We generally realize a disproportionate amount
of our net sales and of our operating and net income Minimum Wage. On May 25, 2007, legislation was
during the fourth quarter. In anticipation of increased enacted that increased the Federal Minimum Wage
sales activity during these months, we purchase sub- from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour by July 2009. As
stantial amounts of inventory and hire a significant a result, our wages will increase in 2009; however, we
number of temporary employees to supplement our believe that we can partially offset the increase in pay-
continuing store staff. Our operating results, particu- roll costs through increased store productivity and
larly operating and net income, could suffer if our net continued efficiencies in product flow to our stores.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT To meet this objective, we entered into derivative
MARKET RISK instruments in the form of interest rate swaps to man-
We are exposed to various types of market risk in the age fluctuations in cash flows resulting from changes
normal course of our business, including the impact of in the variable-interest rates on a portion of our
interest rate changes and foreign currency rate fluctua- $250.0 million term loan and on our Demand
tions. We may enter into interest rate swaps to manage Revenue Bonds. The interest rate swaps reduce the
exposure to interest rate changes, and we may employ interest rate exposure on these variable-rate obliga-
other risk management strategies, including the use of tions. Under the interest rate swaps, we pay the bank
foreign currency forward contracts. We do not enter at a fixed-rate and receive variable-interest at a rate
into derivative instruments for any purpose other than approximating the variable-rate on the obligation,
cash flow hedging and we do not hold derivative thereby creating the economic equivalent of a fixed-
instruments for trading purposes. rate obligation. We entered into two $75.0 million
interest rate swap agreements in March 2008 to man-
Interest Rate Risk age the risk associated with the interest rate fluctua-
We use variable-rate debt to finance certain of our tions on a portion of our $250.0 million variable rate
operations and capital improvements. These obligations term loan and we have an additional $17.6 million
expose us to variability in interest payments due to interest rate swap to manage the risk associated with
changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the interest rate fluctuations on our Demand Revenue
interest expense increases. Conversely, if interest rates Bonds. Under this $17.6 million swap, no payments
decrease, interest expense also decreases. We believe are made by parties under the swap for monthly peri-
it is beneficial to limit the variability of our interest ods in which the variable-interest rate is greater than
payments. the predetermined knock-out rate.
The following table summarizes the financial terms of our interest rate swap agreements and the fair value of
the interest rate swaps at January 31, 2009:
Hypothetically, a 1% change in interest rates results in an approximate $1.7 million change in the amount
paid or received under the terms of the interest rate swap agreement on an annual basis. Due to many factors,
management is not able to predict the changes in the fair values of our interest rate swaps. These fair values are
obtained from our outside financial institutions.
Norfolk, Virginia
March 26, 2009
Accumulated
Other
Common Additional Comprehensive
Stock Common Paid-in Income Retained Shareholders’
(in millions) Shares Stock Capital (Loss) Earnings Equity
Balance at January 28, 2006 106.5 $1.1 $11.4 $0.1 $1,159.7 $1,172.3
Net income for the year ended
February 3, 2007 — — — — 192.0 192.0
Other comprehensive income — — — — — —
Total comprehensive income 192.0
Issuance of stock under Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (Note 9) 0.1 — 2.8 — — 2.8
Exercise of stock options,
including income tax benefit
of $5.6 (Note 9) 1.7 — 43.1 — — 43.1
Repurchase and retirement of
shares (Note 7) (8.8) (0.1) (63.0) — (185.1) (248.2)
Stock-based compensation,
net (Notes 1 and 9) 0.1 — 5.7 — — 5.7
Balance at February 3, 2007 99.6 1.0 — 0.1 1,166.6 1,167.7
Net income for the year ended
February 2, 2008 — — — — 201.3 201.3
Other comprehensive income — — — — — —
Total comprehensive income 201.3
Adoption of FIN 48 (Note 3) — — — — (0.6) (0.6)
Issuance of stock under Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (Note 9) 0.1 — — — 3.5 3.5
Exercise of stock options,
including income tax benefit
of $13.0 (Note 9) 2.7 — — — 81.1 81.1
Repurchase and retirement of
shares (Note 7) (12.8) (0.1) — — (472.9) (473.0)
Stock-based compensation,
net (Notes 1 and 9) 0.2 — — — 8.4 8.4
Balance at February 2, 2008 89.8 0.9 — 0.1 987.4 988.4
Net income for the year ended
January 31, 2009 — — — — 229.5 229.5
Other comprehensive loss, net of
income tax benefit of $1.7 — — — (2.7) — (2.7)
Total comprehensive income 226.8
Issuance of stock under Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (Note 9) 0.1 — 3.6 — — 3.6
Exercise of stock options,
including income tax benefit
of $2.3 (Note 9) 0.7 — 20.3 — — 20.3
Stock-based compensation,
net (Notes 1 and 9) 0.2 — 14.1 — — 14.1
Balance at January 31, 2009 90.8 $ 0.9 $ 38.0 $(2.6) $ 1,216.9 $ 1,253.2
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Costs directly associated with warehousing and No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
distribution are capitalized as merchandise inventories. Long-Lived Assets (SFAS 144). The Company performs
Total warehousing and distribution costs capitalized its annual assessment of impairment following the
into inventory amounted to $26.9 million and $26.3 finalization of each November’s financial statements
million at January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, and as a result determined no impairment loss existed
respectively. in the current year.
Property, Plant and Equipment Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and to Be Disposed Of
depreciated using the straight-line method over the The Company reviews its long-lived assets and certain
estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows: identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
Buildings 39 to 40 years carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, in
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 3 to 15 years accordance with SFAS 144. Recoverability of assets to
be held and used is measured by comparing the carry-
Leasehold improvements and assets held under ing amount of an asset to future net undiscounted
capital leases are amortized over the estimated useful cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If
lives of the respective assets or the committed terms such assets are considered to be impaired, the impair-
of the related leases, whichever is shorter. Amortization ment to be recognized is measured as the amount by
is included in "selling, general and administrative which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the
expenses" on the accompanying consolidated state- fair value of the assets based on discounted cash flows
ments of operations. or other readily available evidence of fair value, if any.
Costs incurred related to software developed for Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of
internal use are capitalized and amortized over three the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. In
years. Costs capitalized include those incurred in the fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded
application development stage as defined in Statement charges of $1.2 million, $0.8 million and $0.5 million,
of Position 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer respectively, to write down certain assets. These
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use. charges are recorded as a component of "selling, gener-
al and administrative expenses" in the accompanying
Goodwill consolidated statements of operations.
Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for
impairment at least annually in accordance with SFAS Financial Instruments
No. 142. In addition, goodwill will be tested on an The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments
interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that to reduce its exposure to market risks from changes in
it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has interest rates. By entering into receive-variable, pay-
been incurred. The Company performed its annual fixed interest rate swaps, the Company limits its expo-
impairment testing in November 2008 and determined sure to changes in variable interest rates. The
that no impairment loss existed. Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the
event of non-performance by the counterparty to the
Other Assets, Net interest rate swaps. However, these swaps are in a net
Other assets, net consists primarily of restricted invest- liability position as of January 31, 2009, therefore no
ments and intangible assets. Restricted investments credit risk exists as of that date. Interest rate differen-
were $58.5 million and $47.6 million at January 31, tials paid or received on the swaps are recognized as
2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively and were adjustments to interest expense in the period earned
purchased to collateralize long-term insurance obliga- or incurred. The Company formally documents all
tions. These investments consist primarily of govern- hedging relationships, if applicable, and assesses hedge
ment-sponsored municipal bonds, similar to the effectiveness both at inception and on an ongoing
Company’s short-term investments and money market basis. These interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge
securities. These investments are classified as available accounting are recorded at fair value in the accompa-
for sale and are recorded at fair value, which approxi- nying consolidated balance sheets as a component of
mates cost. Intangible assets primarily include favor- “other liabilities” (note 6). Changes in the fair value of
able lease rights with finite useful lives and are these interest rate swaps are recorded in “accumulated
amortized over their respective estimated useful lives other comprehensive income (loss)”, net of tax, in the
and reviewed for impairment in accordance with accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) One of the Company’s interest rate swaps does
not qualify for hedge accounting treatment pursuant January 31, 2009. As required by SFAS 157, financial
to the provisions of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS based on the lowest level of input that is significant to
133). This interest rate swap is recorded at fair value the fair value measurement. The Company's assess-
in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as a ment of the significance of a particular input to the
component of “other liabilities” (see Note 6). Changes fair value measurement requires judgment, and may
in the fair value of this interest rate swap are recorded affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities
as "interest expense” in the accompanying consolidated and their placement within the fair value hierarchy
statements of operations. levels. The fair value of the Company’s cash and cash
equivalents and restricted investments was $364.4 mil-
Fair Value Measurements lion and $58.5 million, respectively at January 31,
The Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value 2009. These fair values were determined using Level 1
Measurements” (SFAS 157) on February 3, 2008. This measurements in the fair value hierarchy. The fair
statement defines fair value, establishes a framework value of the swaps as of January 31, 2009 was a liabili-
for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about ty of $4.5 million. These fair values were estimated
fair value measurements. Additionally, on February 3, using Level 2 measurements in the fair value hierar-
2008, the Company elected the partial adoption of chy. These estimates used discounted cash flow calcu-
SFAS 157 under the provisions of Financial lations based upon forward interest-rate yield curves.
Accounting Standards Board Staff Position FAS 157-2, The curves were obtained from independent pricing
which amends SFAS 157 to allow an entity to delay services reflecting broker market quotes.
the application of this statement until fiscal 2009 for The carrying value of the Company's long-term
certain non-financial assets and liabilities. The adop- debt approximates its fair value because the debt’s
tion of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on interest rates vary with market interest rates and was
the condensed consolidated financial statements. recently renegotiated.
SFAS 157 clarifies that fair value is an exit price,
representing the amount that would be received to Lease Accounting
sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly The Company leases all of its retail locations under
transaction between market participants. As such, fair operating leases. The Company recognizes minimum
value is a market-based measurement that should be rent expense starting when possession of the property
determined based on assumptions that market partici- is taken from the landlord, which normally includes a
pants would use in pricing an asset and liability. As a construction period prior to store opening. When a
basis for considering such assumptions, SFAS 157 lease contains a predetermined fixed escalation of the
establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the minimum rent, the Company recognizes the related
inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives rent expense on a straight-line basis and records the
the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in difference between the recognized rental expense and
active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 the amounts payable under the lease as deferred rent.
measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable The Company also receives tenant allowances, which
inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the are recorded in deferred rent and are amortized as a
fair value hierarchy defined by SFAS 157 are as follows: reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease.
Pre-Opening Costs line basis. The fair value of stock option grants is esti-
The Company expenses pre-opening costs for new, mated on the date of grant using the Black Scholes
expanded and relocated stores, as incurred. option pricing model. The fair value of the RSUs is
determined using the closing price of the Company’s
Advertising Costs common stock on the date of grant.
The Company expenses advertising costs as they are
incurred and they are included in “selling, general and Net Income Per Share
administrative expenses” on the accompanying consoli- Basic net income per share has been computed by
dated statements of operations. Advertising costs dividing net income by the weighted average number
approximated $6.6 million, $8.4 million and $10.6 of shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share
million for the years ended January 31, 2009, reflects the potential dilution that could occur assum-
February 2, 2008, and February 3, 2007, respectively. ing the inclusion of dilutive potential shares and has
been computed by dividing net income by the weight-
Income Taxes ed average number of shares and dilutive potential
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and shares outstanding. Dilutive potential shares include all
liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are outstanding stock options and unvested restricted
recognized for the future tax consequences attributa- stock, excluding certain performance-based restricted
ble to differences between financial statement carrying stock grants, after applying the treasury stock method.
amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities NOTE 2 – BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS
are measured using enacted tax rates expected to Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
apply to taxable income in the years in which those Property, plant and equipment, net, as of January 31,
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or 2009 and February 2, 2008 consists of the following:
settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities
of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the January 31, February 2,
period that includes the enactment date of such change. (in millions) 2009 2008
On February 4, 2007, the Company adopted Land $ 29.4 $ 29.4
Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation Buildings 181.9 172.7
No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes Improvements 590.9 535.1
(FIN 48), which clarified the accounting for uncertain- Furniture, fixtures and
ty in income taxes recognized in the financial state- equipment 856.0 785.0
ments in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting Construction in progress 22.4 52.9
for Income Taxes. With the adoption of FIN 48, the
Company includes interest and penalties in the provi- Total property, plant
sion for income tax expense and income taxes payable. and equipment 1,680.6 1,575.1
The Company does not provide for any penalties asso- Less: accumulated
ciated with tax contingencies unless they are consid- depreciation
ered probable of assessment. and amortization 970.3 831.5
Total property, plant
Stock-Based Compensation and equipment, net $ 710.3 $ 743.6
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation
in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards, No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Depreciation expense was $161.1 million, $158.5
Payment, (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R requires all share- million and $158.2 million for the years ended January
based payments to employees, including grants of 31, 2009, February 2, 2008, and February 3, 2007,
employee stock options, to be recognized in the finan- respectively.
cial statements based on their fair values. Total stock-
based compensation expense for 2008, 2007 and 2006
was $16.7 million, $11.3 million and $6.7 million,
respectively.
The Company recognizes expense related to the
fair value of stock options and restricted stock units
(RSUs) over the requisite service period on a straight-
Included in current tax expense for the years ended January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, are amounts
related to uncertain tax positions associated with temporary differences, in accordance with FIN 48.
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective rate follows:
The rate reduction in “other, net” consists primarily of benefits from the resolution of tax uncertainties, inter-
est on tax reserves, federal jobs credits and tax exempt interest.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are classified on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets based on the classification of
the underlying asset or liability. Significant components of the Company's net deferred tax assets (liabilities) follows:
A valuation allowance of $4.9 million, net of Federal tax benefits, has been provided principally for certain
state credit net operating losses and carryforwards. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the
Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred taxes will not be
realized. Based upon the availability of carrybacks of future deductible amounts to the past two years’ taxable
income and the Company's projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax
assets are deductible, the Company believes it is more likely than not the remaining existing deductible tempo-
rary differences will reverse during periods in which carrybacks are available or in which the Company generates
net taxable income.
The Internal Revenue Service completed its Most of the change in the Company’s reserve for
examination of the 2004 federal income tax return uncertain tax positions relates to a reduction of tem-
during 2008 and is currently auditing the 2005-2007 porary differences and related interest expense for
consolidated federal income tax returns. In addition, which accounting method changes were filed at the
several states completed their examination of fiscal beginning of fiscal year 2008 with the Internal
years prior to 2005. In general, fiscal years 2005 and Revenue Service. Voluntarily filing accounting
forward are within the statute of limitations for method changes provides audit protection for the
Federal and state tax purposes. The statute of limita- issues involved for the open periods in exchange for
tions is still open prior to 2005 for some states. agreeing to pay the tax over a prescribed period of
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards time.
Board issued FIN 48. This Interpretation clarifies It is possible that state tax reserves will be
accounting for income tax uncertainties recognized in reduced for audit settlements and statute expirations
an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with within the next 12 months. At this point it is not pos-
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, sible to estimate a range associated with these audits.
Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recog-
nition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax NOTE 4 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Operating Lease Commitments
Under the guidelines of FIN 48, an entity should rec- Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable
ognize a financial statement benefit for a tax position stores and distribution center operating leases are as
if it determines that it is more likely than not that the follows:
position will be sustained upon examination. The
Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on (in millions)
February 4, 2007, the first day of fiscal 2007. 2009 $ 348.1
The balance for unrecognized tax benefits at 2010 304.6
January 31, 2009, was $14.8 million. The total amount 2011 251.4
of unrecognized tax benefits at January 31, 2009, that, 2012 194.8
if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was 2013 130.1
$9.8 million (net of the federal tax benefit). The fol- Thereafter 210.4
lowing is a reconciliation of the Company’s total gross
Total minimum lease payments $1,439.4
unrecognized tax benefits for the year-to-date period
ended January 31, 2009:
The above future minimum lease payments
include amounts for leases that were signed prior to
(in millions)
January 31, 2009 for stores that were not open as of
Balance at February 2, 2008 $55.0 January 31, 2009.
Additions, based on tax positions
related to current year 0.8 Minimum rental payments for operating leases do
Additions for tax positions of prior years 1.6 not include contingent rentals that may be paid under
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (36.5) certain store leases based on a percentage of sales in
Settlements (3.8) excess of stipulated amounts. Future minimum lease
Lapses in statute of limitations (2.3) payments have not been reduced by expected future
Balance at January 31, 2009 $14.8 minimum sublease rentals of $1.7 million under oper-
ating leases.
During fiscal 2008, the Company accrued poten-
tial interest of $0.7 million, related to these unrecog-
nized tax benefits. No potential penalties were
accrued during 2008 related to the unrecognized tax
benefits. As of January 31, 2009, the Company has
recorded a liability for potential penalties and interest
of $0.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
to decertify the collective action and other defensive tions. The Court ordered notice to be sent to female
motions late this summer. If the Court eventually cer- individuals employed by the Company as a store man-
tifies a class, the case has been scheduled for trial in ager between February 1, 2006 and January 30, 2009
January 2010. (3,320 in number) to participate as a member of a
In April 2007, the Company was served with a potential class. A second notice was sent to 215 female
lawsuit filed in federal court in the state of California store managers in California employed during the
by one present and one former store manager. They period March 1, 2006 through February 27, 2009. The
claim they should have been classified as non-exempt opt in period ends April 23, 2009, so the Company
employees under both the California Labor Code and does not know at this date the number of persons who
the Fair Labor Standards Act. They filed the case as a will elect to opt in. Discovery is now ongoing. The
class action on behalf of California-based store man- Company expects that the Court will consider a
agers employed by the Company for the four years motion to decertify the collective action and other
prior to the filing of the suit. The Company was there- defensive motions at a future date. The case has not
after served with a second suit in a California state been set for trial.
court which alleges essentially the same claims as In May and June of 2008, 29 present or former
those contained in the federal action and which like- female store managers filed claims with the Norfolk,
wise seeks class certification of all California store Virginia office of the EEOC alleging employment dis-
managers. The Company has removed the case to the crimination pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights
same federal court as the first suit, answered it and the Act on the grounds that women store managers
two cases have been consolidated. The plaintiffs’ throughout the Company are paid less than their male
motion to seek class certification should be decided counterparts. Eventually the EEOC issued Right to
this spring or summer. No trial date has been scheduled. Sue letters to the complaining parties. All are repre-
In July 2008, the Company was served with a sented by the attorneys for the plaintiffs in the exist-
lawsuit filed in federal court in the state of Alabama ing pay discrimination case, who, following the letters,
by one present and one former store manager, both sought to amend the existing Complaint to include
females, alleging that they and other female store the Title VII charges. The Court presently has that
managers similarly situated were deprived of their matter under consideration.
rights under the Equal Pay Act, 29 U.S.C. 206(d) in The Company will vigorously defend itself in
that they were paid less than male store managers for these lawsuits. The Company cannot give assurance,
performing jobs of equal skill and effort. They seek an however, that one or more of these lawsuits will not
unspecified amount of monetary damages, back pay, have a material adverse effect on its results of opera-
injunctive and other relief. The Company has tions for the period in which they are resolved.
answered the Complaint denying the plaintiffs’ allega-
Maturities of long-term debt are as follows: 2009 - $17.6 million and 2013 - $250.0 million.
This swap reduces the Company's exposure to the variable interest rate related to the Demand Revenue
Bonds (see Note 5). The fair value of this swap as of January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008 was a liability of
$0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
At January 31, 2009, February 2, 2008, and February 3, 2007, 0.5 million, 0.4 million, and 1.5 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.
Share Repurchase Programs December 15, 2006, representing the minimum num-
In December 2006, the Company entered into two ber of shares to be received based on a calculation
agreements with a third party to repurchase approxi- using the “cap” or high-end of the price range of the
mately $100.0 million of the Company’s common collar. The number of shares received under the agree-
shares under an Accelerated Share Repurchase ment was determined based on the weighted average
Agreement. market price of the Company’s common stock, net of
The first $50.0 million was executed in an a predetermined discount, during the time after the
“uncollared” agreement. In this transaction the initial execution date through March 8, 2007. The cal-
Company initially received 1.7 million shares based on culated weighted average market price through March
the market price of the Company’s stock of $30.19 as 8, 2007, net of a predetermined discount, as defined in
of the trade date (December 8, 2006). A weighted the “collared” agreement, was $31.97. Therefore, on
average price of $32.17 was calculated using stock March 8, 2007, the Company received an additional
prices from December 16, 2006 – March 8, 2007. This 0.1 million shares under the “collared” agreement
represented the calculation period for the weighted resulting in 1.6 million total shares being repurchased
average price. Based on this weighted average price, under this agreement.
the Company paid the third party an additional $3.3 On March 29, 2007, the Company entered into
million on March 8, 2007 for the 1.7 million shares an agreement with a third party to repurchase $150.0
delivered under this agreement. million of the Company’s common shares under an
The remaining $50.0 million was executed under Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement. The entire
a “collared” agreement. Under this agreement, the $150.0 million was executed under a “collared” agree-
Company initially received 1.5 million shares through ment. Under this agreement, the Company initially
received 3.6 million shares through April 12, 2007, The Company repurchased approximately 12.8
representing the minimum number of shares to be million shares for approximately $473.0 million in fis-
received based on a calculation using the “cap” or cal 2007 and approximately 8.8 million shares for
high-end of the price range of the collar. The maxi- approximately $248.2 million in fiscal 2006. The
mum number of shares that could have been received Company had no share repurchases in fiscal 2008. At
under the agreement was 4.1 million. The number of January 31, 2009, the Company had approximately
shares was determined based on the weighted average $453.7 remaining under Board authorization.
market price of the Company’s common stock during
the four months after the initial execution date. The NOTE 8 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
calculated weighted average market price through July Profit Sharing and 401(k) Retirement Plan
30, 2007, net of a predetermined discount, as defined The Company maintains a defined contribution profit
in the “collared” agreement, was $40.78. Therefore, on sharing and 401(k) plan which is available to all
July 30, 2007, the Company received an additional employees over 21 years of age who have completed
0.1 million shares under the “collared” agreement one year of service in which they have worked at least
resulting in 3.7 million total shares being repurchased 1,000 hours. Eligible employees may make elective
under this agreement. salary deferrals. The Company may make contribu-
On August 30, 2007, the Company entered into tions at its discretion.
an agreement with a third party to repurchase $100.0 Contributions to and reimbursements by the
million of the Company’s common shares under an Company of expenses of the plan included in the
Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement. The entire accompanying consolidated statements of operations
$100.0 million was executed under a “collared” agree- were as follows:
ment. Under this agreement, the Company initially
received 2.1 million shares through September 10, Year Ended January 31, 2009 $21.6 million
2007, representing the minimum number of shares to Year Ended February 2, 2008 19.0 million
be received based on a calculation using the “cap” or Year Ended February 3, 2007 16.8 million
high-end of the price range of the collar. The number
of shares received under the agreement was deter- Eligible employees hired prior to January 1, 2007
mined based on the weighted average market price of are immediately vested in the Company’s profit sharing
the Company’s common stock, net of a predetermined contributions. Eligible employees hired on or subse-
discount, during the time after the initial execution quent to January 1, 2007 vest in the Company’s profit
date through a period of up to four and one half sharing contributions based on the following schedule:
months. The contract terminated on October 22, 2007
and the weighted average price through that date was • 25% after three years of service
$41.16. Therefore, on October 22, 2007, the • 50% after four years of service
Company received an additional 0.3 million shares • 100% after five years of service
resulting in 2.4 million total shares repurchased under
this agreement. All eligible employees are immediately vested in
In March 2005, the Company’s Board of any Company match contributions under the 401(k)
Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $300.0 portion of the plan.
million of the Company’s common stock through
March 2008. In November 2006, the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan
Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to The Company has a deferred compensation plan
$500.0 million of the Company’s common stock. This which provides certain officers and executives the
amount was in addition to the $27.0 million remain- ability to defer a portion of their base compensation
ing on the March 2005 authorization. In October and bonuses and invest their deferred amounts. The
2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized plan is a nonqualified plan and the Company may
the repurchase of an additional $500.0 million of the make discretionary contributions. The deferred
Company’s common stock. This authorization was in amounts and earnings thereon are payable to partici-
addition to the November 2006 authorization which pants, or designated beneficiaries, at specified future
had approximately $98.4 million remaining. dates, or upon retirement or death. Total cumulative
participant deferrals were approximately $1.5 million Options issued as a result of this conversion were fully
and $2.5 million, respectively, at January 31, 2009 and vested as of the date of the merger.
February 2, 2008, and are included in "other liabilities" Under the 1998 Special Stock Option Plan
on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The (Special Plan), options to purchase 247,500 shares
related assets are included in "other assets, net" on the were granted to five former officers of 98 Cent
accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Clearance Center who were serving as employees or
Company did not make any discretionary contribu- consultants of the Company following the merger. The
tions in the years ended January 31, 2009, February 2, options were granted as consideration for entering into
2008, or February 3, 2007. non-competition agreements and a consulting agree-
All of the employee benefit plans noted above ment. The exercise price of each option equaled the
were adopted by Dollar Tree, Inc. on March 2, 2008 as market price of the Company's stock at the date of
a part of the holding company reorganization. Refer grant, and the options' maximum term was 10 years.
to Note 1 for a discussion of the holding company Options granted under the Special Plan vested over a
reorganization. five-year period. As of January 31, 2009, all of these
options have been exercised or have expired.
NOTE 9 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS The EIP replaces the Company's SIP discussed
At January 31, 2009, the Company has eight stock- above. Under the EIP, the Company may grant up to
based compensation plans. Each plan and the account- 6.0 million shares of its Common Stock, plus any
ing method are described below. shares available for future awards under the SIP, to the
Company’s employees, including executive officers
Fixed Stock Option Compensation Plans and independent contractors. The EIP permits the
Under the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (SOP), Company to grant equity awards in the form of stock
the Company granted options to its employees for options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock.
1,047,264 shares of Common Stock in 1993 and The exercise price of each stock option granted equals
1,048,289 shares in 1994. Options granted under the the market price of the Company’s stock at the date
SOP have an exercise price of $0.86 and are fully of grant. The options generally vest over a three-year
vested at the date of grant. period and have a maximum term of 10 years.
Under the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (SIP), the The EOEP is available only to the Chief
Company granted options to its employees for the pur- Executive Officer and certain other executive officers.
chase of up to 12.6 million shares of Common Stock. These officers no longer receive awards under the EIP.
The exercise price of each option equaled the market The EOEP allows the Company to grant the same
price of the Company's stock at the date of grant, type of equity awards as does the EIP. These awards
unless a higher price was established by the Board of generally vest over a three-year period, with a maxi-
Directors, and an option's maximum term is 10 years. mum term of 10 years.
Options granted under the SIP generally vested over a Stock appreciation rights may be awarded alone
three-year period. This plan was terminated on July 1, or in tandem with stock options. When the stock
2003 and replaced with the Company’s 2003 Equity appreciation rights are exercisable, the holder may sur-
Incentive Plan, discussed below. render all or a portion of the unexercised stock appre-
The Step Ahead Investments, Inc. Long-Term ciation right and receive in exchange an amount equal
Incentive Plan (SAI Plan) provided for the issuance of to the excess of the fair market value at the date of
stock options, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock exercise over the fair market value at the date of the
and restricted stock awards to officers and key grant. No stock appreciation rights have been granted
employees. Effective with the merger with 98 Cent to date.
Clearance Center in December 1998 and in accor- Any restricted stock or RSUs awarded are subject
dance with the terms of the SAI Plan, outstanding 98 to certain general restrictions. The restricted stock
Cent Clearance Center options were assumed by the shares or units may not be sold, transferred, pledged or
Company and converted, based on 1.6818 Company disposed of until the restrictions on the shares or units
options for each 98 Cent Clearance Center option, to have lapsed or have been removed under the provi-
options to purchase the Company's common stock. sions of the plan. In addition, if a holder of restricted
shares or units ceases to be employed by the During 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company recog-
Company, any shares or units in which the restrictions nized $4.7 million, $2.7 million and $1.3 million,
have not lapsed will be forfeited. respectively of expense related to these stock option
The 2003 Non-Employee Director Stock Option grants. As of January 31, 2009, there was approximate-
Plan (NEDP) provides non-qualified stock options to ly $6.0 million of total unrecognized compensation
non-employee members of the Company's Board of expense related to these stock options which is
Directors. The stock options are functionally equiva- expected to be recognized over a weighted average
lent to such options issued under the EIP discussed period of 23 months.
above. The exercise price of each stock option granted In 2008, the Company granted 0.1 million stock
equals the market price of the Company’s stock at the options from the EIP and the EOEP to certain officers
date of grant. The options generally vest immediately. of the Company, contingent on the Company meeting
The 2003 Director Deferred Compensation Plan certain performance targets in 2008 and future service
permits any of the Company's directors who receive a of these officers through fiscal 2009. The Company
retainer or other fees for Board or Board committee met these performance targets in fiscal 2008; therefore,
service to defer all or a portion of such fees until a the fair value of these stock options of $1.0 million is
future date, at which time they may be paid in cash or being expensed over the service period. The Company
shares of the Company's common stock, or receive all recognized $0.5 million of expense on these stock
or a portion of such fees in non-statutory stock options in 2008. The fair value of these stock options
options. Deferred fees that are paid out in cash will was determined using the Company’s closing stock
earn interest at the 30-year Treasury Bond Rate. If a price on the grant date in accordance with FAS 123R.
director elects to be paid in common stock, the num- The fair value of each option grant was estimated
ber of shares will be determined by dividing the on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-
deferred fee amount by the current market price of a pricing model. The expected term of the awards grant-
share of the Company's common stock on the date of ed was calculated using the “simplified method” in
deferral. The number of options issued to a director accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107.
will equal the deferred fee amount divided by 33% of Expected volatility is derived from an analysis of the
the price of a share of the Company's common stock. historical and implied volatility of the Company’s
The exercise price will equal the fair market value of publicly traded stock. The risk free rate is based on the
the Company's common stock at the date the option U.S. Treasury rates on the grant date with maturity
is issued. The options are fully vested when issued and dates approximating the expected life of the option on
have a term of 10 years. the grant date. The weighted average assumptions used
All of the shareholder approved plans noted in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for grants in
above were adopted by Dollar Tree, Inc. on March 2, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
2008 as a part of the holding company reorganization.
Refer to Note 1 for a discussion of the holding compa- Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal
ny reorganization. 2008 2007 2006
Expected term in years 6.0 6.0 6.0
Stock Options Expected volatility 45.7% 28.4% 30.2%
In 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company granted a total Annual dividend yield — — —
of 0.5 million, 0.4 million and 0.3 million stock Risk free interest rate 2.8% 4.5% 4.8%
options from the EIP, EOEP and the NEDP, respec- Weighted average fair
tively. The fair value of all of these options is being value of options
expensed ratably over the three-year vesting periods, granted during
or a shorter period based on the retirement eligibility the period $13.45 $14.33 $10.93
of the grantee. All options granted to directors vest Options granted 558,293 386,490 342,216
immediately and are expensed on the grant date.
The following tables summarize the Company's various option plans and information about options out-
standing at January 31, 2009 and changes during the year then ended.
The intrinsic value of options exercised during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $7.2 million, $32.8
million and $13.1 million, respectively.
future service of the these officers through fiscal 2006. choose to have up to 10% of their annual base earn-
The Company met these performance targets in fiscal ings withheld to purchase the Company's common
2006; therefore, the Company recognized the fair stock. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the
value of these RSUs of $0.2 million during fiscal 2006. lower of the price at the beginning or the end of the
The fair value of these RSUs was determined using the quarterly offering period. Under the ESPP, the
Company’s closing stock price on the grant date in Company has sold 1,213,640 shares as of January 31,
accordance with SFAS 123R. 2009.
In 2005, the Company granted less than 0.1 mil- The fair value of the employees' purchase rights is
lion RSUs from the EOEP to certain officers of the estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
Company, contingent on the Company meeting cer- option-pricing model with the following weighted
tain performance targets in 2005 and future service of average assumptions:
these officers through various points through July
2007. The Company met these performance targets in Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal
fiscal 2005; therefore, the fair value of these RSUs of 2008 2007 2006
$1.0 million was expensed over the service period. Expected term 3 months 3 months 3 months
The fair value of these RSUs was determined using the Expected volatility 14.4% 16.3% 13.1%
Company’s closing stock price January 28, 2006 (the Annual dividend yield — — —
last day of fiscal 2005), when the performance targets Risk free interest rate 3.8% 4.4% 4.8%
were satisfied. The Company recognized $0.3 million
and $0.7 million, of expense related to these RSUs in The weighted average per share fair value of those
2006 and 2005, respectively. The amount recognized purchase rights granted in 2008, 2007 and 2006 was
in 2007 was less than $0.1 million. $5.64, $5.74 and $4.59, respectively. Total expense
The following table summarizes the status of recognized for these purchase rights was $0.8 million,
RSUs as of January 31, 2009, and changes during the $0.9 million and $0.4 million in 2008, 2007 and
year then ended: 2006, respectively.
On March 2, 2008, the ESPP was adopted by
Weighted Dollar Tree, Inc. as a part of the holding company
Average reorganization. Refer to Note 1 for discussion of the
Grant holding company reorganization.
Date Fair
Shares Value NOTE 10 – ACQUISITION
Nonvested at February 2, 2008 555,935 $26.57 On March 25, 2006, the Company completed its
Granted 469,645 27.05 acquisition of 138 Deal$ stores. These stores are located
Vested (256,870) 31.20 primarily in the Midwest part of the United States and
Forfeited (21,217) 31.57 the Company has existing logistics capacity to service
Nonvested at January 31, 2009 747,493 $30.13 these stores. This acquisition included stores that offer
an expanded assortment of merchandise including
In connection with the vesting of RSUs in 2008 items that sell for more than $1. Substantially all
and 2007, certain employees elected to receive shares Deal$ stores acquired continue to operate under the
net of minimum statutory tax withholding amounts Deal$ banner while providing the Company an oppor-
which totaled $2.6 million and $2.9 million, respec- tunity to leverage its Dollar Tree infrastructure in the
tively. The total fair value of the restricted shares vest- testing of new merchandise concepts, including higher
ed during the years ended January 31, 2009 and price points, without disrupting the single-price point
February 2, 2008 was $8.0 million and $8.2 million, model in its Dollar Tree stores.
respectively. The Company paid approximately $32.0 million
for store-related and other assets and $22.1 million for
Employee Stock Purchase Plan inventory. This amount includes approximately $0.6
Under the Dollar Tree, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase million of direct costs associated with the acquisition.
Plan (ESPP), the Company is authorized to issue up to The results of Deal$ store operations are included in
1,759,375 shares of common stock to eligible employ- the Company’s financial statements since the acquisi-
ees. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can tion date and did not have a significant impact on the
Company’s operating results in 2006. This acquisition of 53.1%. One of the Company's current directors,
is immaterial to the Company’s operations as a whole Thomas Saunders, is a principal member of SKM
and therefore no proforma disclosure of financial Partners, L.L.C., which serves as the general partner of
information has been presented. The following table SKM Equity. The $4.0 million investment in Ollie's is
summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to accounted for under the cost method and is included
the fair value of the assets acquired. in "other assets" in the accompanying consolidated bal-
ance sheets.
(in millions)
Inventory $22.1 NOTE 12 – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Other current assets 0.1 (UNAUDITED)
Property and equipment 15.1 The following table sets forth certain items from the
Goodwill 14.6 Company's unaudited consolidated statements of
Other intangibles 2.2 operations for each quarter of fiscal year 2008 and
2007. The unaudited information has been prepared
$54.1
on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial
statements appearing elsewhere in this report and
NOTE 11 – INVESTMENT
includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal
The Company has a $4.0 million investment which
recurring adjustments, which management considers
represents a 10.5% fully diluted interest in Ollie's
necessary for a fair presentation of the financial data
Holdings, Inc. (Ollie's), a multi-price point discount
shown. The operating results for any quarter are not
retailer located in the mid-Atlantic region. In addi-
necessarily indicative of results for a full year or for
tion, the SKM Equity Fund III, L.P. (SKM Equity)
any future period.
and SKM Investment Fund (SKM Investment)
acquired a combined fully diluted interest in Ollie's
Fiscal 2007:
Net sales $ 975.0 $ 971.2 $ 997.8 $1,298.6
Gross profit $ 325.3 $ 326.6 $ 343.9 $ 465.3
Operating income $ 62.3 $ 53.4 $ 60.2 $ 154.4
Net income $ 38.1 $ 32.6 $ 35.9 $ 94.7
Diluted net income per share $ 0.38 $ 0.33 $ 0.38 $ 1.04
Stores open at end of quarter 3,280 3,334 3,401 3,411
Comparable store net sales change 5.8% 4.4% 1.9% (0.8%)
(1) Easter was observed on March 23, 2008 and April 8, 2007.
TM
VALUE for All Seasons