Dollar Tree Inc. (DLTR - Analyst Report), one of the leading operators of discount stores, came out with second-quarter fiscal 2015 results, with earnings of 25 cents per share representing a plunge of 59% from the prior-year quarter and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 67 cents. However, earnings for the Dollar Tree segment, excluding the acquisition-related charges and costs, came in at 67 cents per share.

Earnings Estimate Revision: The Zacks Consensus Estimates for fiscal 2015 have witnessed a downtrend in the last 30 days. However, the company surprise history gives a mixed picture. Of the trailing four quarters, including the quarter under review, the company has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two quarters, summing to an average positive surprise of 0.7%.

Revenues: Dollar Tree generated total revenue of $3,011.2 million that increased 48.3% year over year and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,668 million. During the quarter, sales were driven by contributions from Family Dollar since the closing of acquisition and a 2.7% increase in comparable store sales (comps), on a constant currency basis, at Dollar Tree.

The company provided net sales guidance for the third quarter and fiscal 2015. Management forecasts net sales for fiscal 2015 in the band of $15.30 to $15.52 billion. For the third quarter sales is projected between $4.78 billion and $4.87 billion. Comps for both periods are expected to grow in the low single-digit range.

Key Events: The second quarter marked a key milestone for Dollar Tree as it successfully completed the acquisition of Family Dollar Stores Inc. and kicked off its integration plans. Other major accomplishments in the quarter included the ground-breaking for its southeast distribution center in South Carolina as well as 30th straight quarter of delivering positive comps.

Zacks Rank: Currently, Dollar Tree carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) which is subject to change following the earnings announcement.

Stock Movement: Dollar shares are currently down around 8% in early trading. Investors were disappointed with the earnings miss in the second quarter and remain cautious due to the ongoing integration of Family Dollar, which may attract increased costs.