Revenue Beat Extends Dollar Tree Stock's Rally

The retailer reported better-than-expected same-store sales, too

Discount retailer Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ:DLTR) stock has risen 3.4% this morning to trade at $103 -- looking to clock its fourth straight win -- after the firm shared second-quarter revenue and same-store sales that exceeded analysts' estimates. Dollar Tree also lifted its yearly forecast, though that doesn't assume the impact of increased tariffs on Chinese goods

Since its annual high atop the $113 region earlier this summer, the stock pulled back considerably, dipping back below previous support at the 160-day moving average. Today, however, DLTR could topple this trendline for the first time in nearly a month.

Analysts have yet to chime in after earnings. Prior to today,nine of the 16 brokerage firms in coverage called DLTR a "buy" or better, but the rest still say "hold." This leaves the door open for potential equity-boosting upgrades. What's more, the consensus 12-month price target of $111.81 is at a slimpremium to current levels, suggesting price-target hikes could be in store.

Options traders were quite bullish ahead of earnings, with almost three calls bought to open for every put during the last two weeks on the the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX). This ratio sits in the 83rd percentile of its annual range, too, suggesting a healthier-than-usual appetite for long calls of late.