With a market cap of $27.8 billion, Dollar General Corporation (DG) is an American neighborhood retailer focused on providing affordable everyday essentials, employment opportunities, and literacy and education support in the communities it serves. As of July 31, 2026, the company operated 21,148 stores across the United States and Mexico, offering food, health and wellness products, household supplies, beauty items, and seasonal merchandise through its store brands and leading national brands.
The Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based company is expected to release its fiscal Q3 2026 results soon. Ahead of this event, analysts forecast DG to report an EPS of $1.40, a rise of 9.4% from $1.28 in the year-ago quarter. It has surpassed Wall Street's earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters.
For fiscal 2026, analysts predict the discount retailer to report an EPS of $7.70, up 12.4% from $6.85 in fiscal 2025.
Shares of Dollar General have increased 27.6% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 11.8% gain and the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF’s (XLP) 14.6% rise over the same period.
Dollar General shares rose 2.5% on Aug. 27 after the company reported strong Q2 2026 results, with net sales increasing 5.2% to $11.3 billion, same-store sales rising 3.5%, and EPS jumping 33.3% to $2.48. Profitability improved significantly as operating profit surged 29.2% to $769.2 million and gross margin expanded 127 basis points to 32.6%, supported by tariff refunds, a lower LIFO provision, reduced distribution costs, customer traffic growth of 2%, and positive comparable sales across all four merchandising categories.
The shares gained further support from the company raising its fiscal 2026 outlook for sales growth to 4% - 4.3%, same-store sales growth to 2.5% - 2.9%, and EPS to $7.80 - $8 and planning up to $700 million in share repurchases.
Analysts' consensus view on DG stock is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 29 analysts covering the stock, 11 recommend "Strong Buy," one suggests "Moderate Buy," 16 advise "Hold," and one "Strong Sell." The average analyst price target is $143.60, indicating a potential upside of 12.4% from the current levels.
On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not directly have a position in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.