Bull case
DG would need investors to value it at roughly 41x earnings — about 25x more generous than today's 16x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Three scenarios for where DG stock could go
DG would need investors to value it at roughly 41x earnings — about 25x more generous than today's 16x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
At 18x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
If investor confidence fades or macro conditions deteriorate, a 3x multiple contraction could push DG down roughly 21% from where it trades now.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.

Dollar General is a discount retailer operating thousands of small-format stores primarily in rural and suburban communities across the United States. It generates revenue primarily from consumable goods — including food, household essentials, and health/beauty products — which represent about 80% of sales, with the remainder from seasonal items and home products. The company's competitive advantage lies in its extensive rural footprint — often being the only convenient retailer in underserved communities — and its disciplined low-cost operating model that keeps prices consistently below traditional retailers.
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2025 | $1.78/$1.48 | +20.3% | $10.4B/$10.3B | +1.4% |
| Q3 2025 | $1.86/$1.58 | +17.7% | $10.7B/$10.7B | +0.5% |
| Q4 2025 | $1.28/$0.94 | +35.4% | $10.6B/$10.6B | +0.3% |
| Q1 2026 | $1.93/$1.66 | +16.3% | $10.9B/$10.8B | +0.9% |
DG beat EPS estimates in 4 of 4 tracked quarters. A perfect track record raises the bar for the upcoming report.
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Latest annual revenue by reported region
Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Fair value est. $185 — implies +61.4% from today's price.
| Metric | DG | S&P 500 | Consumer Defensive | 5Y Avg DG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 16.0x | 19.1x-16% | 14.6x | — |
| Trailing PE | 17.0x | 25.2x-33% | 19.6x-13% | 18.9x |
| PEG Ratio | — | 1.75x | 1.85x | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 12.4x | 15.3x-19% | 11.4x | 14.7x-16% |
| Price/FCF | 10.7x | 21.3x-50% | 15.7x-32% | 42.9x-75% |
| Price/Sales | 0.6x | 3.1x-81% | 0.8x-29% | 0.9x-36% |
| Dividend Yield | 2.02% | 1.88% | 2.73% | 1.69% |
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolDG returns 2.0% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
~4.7 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
* Elevated by buyback-compressed equity — compare ROIC (7.0%) for an undistorted picture of capital efficiency.
How capital is returned to owners
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt). ROE marked * where buyback-compressed equity base may inflate the figure.
Open full ratios pageKey factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated April 29, 2026
Dollar General carries a significant amount of debt, which poses risks if the company struggles to meet its obligations. The company's liabilities outweigh its cash and near-term receivables, indicating substantial leverage that could impact financial stability.
Economic factors such as inflation and changes in consumer spending patterns can significantly reduce customer spending. This impairment in consumer behavior may lead to decreased sales and profitability for Dollar General.
Intensifying competition from major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Aldi poses a substantial risk to Dollar General. The company's concentration in rural and low-income markets with limited product selection may hinder its ability to maintain growth in the face of this competition.
Interruptions in the supply chain can adversely affect Dollar General's operational efficiency. Such disruptions may lead to increased costs and impact the company's ability to meet customer demand.
Claims related to product liability, recalls, or safety issues could negatively impact Dollar General's business and reputation. Reliance on vendors for product compliance increases the risk of significant adverse effects if issues arise.
Implementing new operational procedures across a large store network is complex and can lead to temporary disruptions. These disruptions may impact sales and customer satisfaction, with associated costs potentially pressuring margins.
Technology and cybersecurity risks present potential challenges for Dollar General. Disruptions in information systems could lead to unexpected costs and operational inefficiencies.
Uncertainty surrounding a new CEO in 2027 poses a potential risk to Dollar General's strategic direction and operational stability. Leadership changes can impact investor confidence and company performance.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated April 29, 2026
Dollar General operates over 20,500 stores across 48 states, often serving as the only retail option in rural areas. This unique positioning provides a stable customer base that relies on its convenient locations and consistently low prices for essential goods.
New leadership is focusing on stabilizing operations through measures like reducing shrink, remodeling stores, and expanding higher-margin growth areas such as pOpshelf and digital offerings. If these initiatives gain traction, they could help offset cost pressures and improve profitability.
Analysts suggest that margin recovery and share buybacks could drive double-digit earnings growth, making DG a durable compounder with substantial long-term upside.
Some analysts believe that at current valuations, DG trades at a discount that underestimates its earnings power, especially considering its potential for margin recovery and operational improvements.
The company's focus on non-consumable merchandise and private label offerings gives it a competitive edge in its target markets.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DG DG Dollar General Corporation | $25.6B | 16.0x | +4.3% | 3.5% | Buy | +24.6% |
DLT DLTR Dollar Tree, Inc. | $19.2B | 14.3x | +6.4% | 6.6% | Buy | +33.7% |
FIV FIVE Five Below, Inc. | $12.9B | 36.7x | +9.8% | 7.5% | Buy | -6.3% |
WMT WMT Walmart Inc. | $1.04T | 44.7x | +5.9% | 3.3% | Buy | +5.4% |
TGT TGT Target Corporation | $59.3B | 16.3x | +0.1% | 3.8% | Hold | -11.4% |
COS COST Costco Wholesale Corporation | $441.4B | 48.7x | +5.7% | 3.0% | Buy | +7.5% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
DG returns 2.0% total yield, led by a 2.02% dividend.
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1.18 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $2.36 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1.6% |
| 2024 | $2.36 | +33.3% | 0.0% | 3.3% |
| 2023 | $1.77 | -32.4% | 0.0% | 1.7% |
| 2022 | $2.62 | +61.7% | 5.3% | 6.3% |
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
Dollar General Corporation (DG) is rated Buy by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 50 analysts covering the stock, 27 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 20 rate it Hold, and 3 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $145, implying +24.6% from the current price of $116. The bear case scenario is $92 and the bull case is $299.
The Wall Street consensus price target for DG is $145 based on 50 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $170 (+46.1% from today), and the low-end target is $111 (-4.6%). The base case model target is $132.
DG trades at 16.0x times forward earnings. The stock currently trades at a discount to the broader market. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals significantly undervalued. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
The primary risks for DG in 2026 are: (1) Debt Levels — Dollar General carries a significant amount of debt, which poses risks if the company struggles to meet its obligations. (2) Economic Conditions — Economic factors such as inflation and changes in consumer spending patterns can significantly reduce customer spending. (3) Competition — Intensifying competition from major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Aldi poses a substantial risk to Dollar General. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
Analyst consensus estimates DG will report consensus revenue of $44.5B (+4.3% year-over-year) and EPS of $7.24 (+5.9% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $46.6B in revenue.
A confirmed upcoming earnings date for DG is not yet available. Check the Earnings section above for the most recent quarterly report dates and forward estimates.
Dollar General Corporation (DG) generated $3.1B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 7.2%. DG returns capital to shareholders through dividends (2.0% yield) and share repurchases ($0 TTM).