** Dollar Tree DLTR.O forecast third-quarter profit below analysts' estimates on Wednesday, as tariffs drive up costs, but raised annual sales projection
** Shares down as much as 3.2% on Thursday
PRICING STRATEGY, NEW CUSTOMERS TO HELP OFFSET TARIFF GLOOM
** Citi ("buy", cuts PT by $6 to $140) says not to get too turned off with Q3 sales hinted to decelerate compared to Q2, expects company' multi-tier pricing strategy to support Q3 growth
** J.P.Morgan ("overweight", raises PT by $2 to $140) sees boost from pricing strategy bringing new higher income shoppers, who can drive sales across price points
** Telsey Advisory Group ("outperform", PT: $130) says company signaling tariff pressure to be greater than expected a quarter ago is not surprising; sees new consumer share gains, pricing strategy, new stores and Uber Eats partnership generating long-term growth
** Jefferies ("hold", cuts PT by $20 to $110) says tariff mitigation strategy key to second half of year as company becomes more focused following Family Dollar sale
(Reporting by Anshi Sancheti and Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru)
((Anshi.Sancheti@thomsonreuters.com))