Dollar Tree forecasts tepid annual profit as US spending slowdown bites

(Reuters) -Dollar Tree forecast annual profit largely below estimates on Thursday as it expects a hit from a shift in spending towards lower-margin consumables, with Americans under pressure from still-high inflation.

Shares of the Chesapeake, Virginia-based retailer fell 9.3% in premarket trading.

Consumers, especially from low- and middle-income groups, are turning price-sensitive as they feel the pinch of a steady rise in the cost of everything from groceries to consumer durables, and buying more essentials, which are typically lower margin.

“Outlook takes into consideration several factors including shifting sales mix, unfavorable shrink trends, higher diesel fuel prices, incremental savings on ocean freight,” said CFO Jeff Davis.

Dollar Tree (NASDAQ:) said it now expects to earn in the range of $5.78 to $6.08 per share in fiscal 2023, compared with its prior outlook of between $5.73 and $6.13.

Analysts on average expect earnings per share of $6.03, according to Refinitiv IBES data.