Deutsche Bank Previews Family Dollar Stores Q1 Print, Expects Below Consensus EPS

is expected to report its first quarter 2015 results on Thursday before market open. Shares are Hold rated with a price target raised to $58 from a previous $55. Paul Trussell of Deutsche Bank previewed the company's expected quarterly results on Wednesday and expects the company to earn $0.59 per share, below the consensus estimate of $0.62, while same-store sales are expected to rise by 1.5 percent. “Although lower income consumer tailwinds namely from falling gas prices should help, we believe this as more than offset by price investments and a fierce competitive environment,” Trussell wrote. The analyst adds that the company has yet to convert more aggressive pricing into a meaningful sales lift while at the same time markdowns and a competitive environment remain ongoing headwinds. The analyst adds that the company's guidance during its post-earnings conference call could provide “broader positive implications” for its peers