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Dollar General Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Results

March 14, 2024 6:55 AM

Provides Financial Guidance for Fiscal 2024 First Quarter and Full Year

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG) today reported financial results for its fiscal year 2023 fourth quarter (13 weeks) and fiscal year (52 weeks) ended February 2, 2024 (“fiscal 2023”).

Note: Dollar General's results for the fiscal full year and fourth quarter ended February 3, 2023 (“fiscal 2022”) contain an additional, non-comparable week, or the "53rd week”, when compared to the full year and fourth quarter results for the respective 52- and 13-week periods ended February 2, 2024. By definition, the Company's same-store sales growth calculations do not include the non-comparable 53rd week in the fiscal 2022 periods. Financial metrics discussed in this release, such as net sales, operating income, net income and earnings per share (“EPS”), are calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and therefore include the 53rd week for the applicable fiscal 2022 periods.

“We were pleased to deliver fourth quarter top and bottom-line results at the upper end of our internal expectations,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “With customer traffic growth and market share gains during the quarter, we believe our actions are resonating with customers as they turn to Dollar General for our unique combination of value and convenience.”

“We have made solid progress executing on our Back to Basics strategy, which we believe supported our improved operational performance during the quarter. While we are pleased with the operational improvement we have seen, we believe that significant opportunity remains, as we continue to focus on enhancing the way we support our teams and serve our customers.”

“I want to thank our associates for their resilience and commitment to serving our customers every day. Looking ahead, we are excited about our plans for 2024 and are confident that we are taking the right actions to further solidify our foundation for future growth and create sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.”

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2023 Highlights
Net sales decreased 3.4% to $9.9 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared to $10.2 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, which included net sales for the 53rd week of $678.1 million. The net sales decrease was primarily driven by the period containing one less week of sales than the prior year period, as well as the impact of store closures; partially offset by positive sales contributions from new stores and growth in same-store sales. Same-store sales increased 0.7% compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, driven by an increase in customer traffic, partially offset by a decrease in average transaction amount. Same-store sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 included growth in the consumables category, partially offset by declines in each of the home products, seasonal, and apparel categories.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 29.5% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared to 30.9% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, a decrease of 138 basis points. This gross profit rate decrease was primarily attributable to increased shrink and inventory markdowns, lower inventory markups, and a greater proportion of sales coming from the consumables category, which generally has a lower gross profit rate than other product categories. These factors were partially offset by a lower LIFO provision and decreased transportation costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) as a percentage of net sales were 23.6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared to 21.7% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, an increase of 189 basis points. The primary expenses that were a greater percentage of net sales in the current year period were retail labor, store occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization, repairs and maintenance, and other services purchased, including debit and credit card transaction fees. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in incentive compensation.

Operating profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 decreased 37.9% to $579.7 million compared to $933.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.

Interest expense for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 increased 3.1% to $77.1 million compared to $74.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.

The effective income tax rate in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 was 20.0% compared to 23.2% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. This lower effective income tax rate was primarily due to the effect of certain rate-impacting items (such as federal tax credits) on lower earnings before taxes, and a lower state effective rate resulting from increased recognition of state tax credits.

The Company reported net income of $401.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, a decrease of 39.0% compared to $659.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Diluted EPS decreased 38.2% to $1.83 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared to diluted EPS of $2.96 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.

Fiscal Year 2023 Highlights
Fiscal 2023 net sales increased 2.2% to $38.7 billion compared to $37.8 billion in fiscal 2022, which included net sales for the 53rd week of $678.1 million. The net sales increase was primarily driven by positive sales contributions from new stores and growth in same-store sales, partially offset by the impact of store closures. Same-store sales increased 0.2% compared to fiscal 2022, driven by an increase in customer traffic, partially offset by a decline in average transaction amount. Same-store sales increased in the consumables category, and declined in the home products, seasonal and apparel categories.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 30.3% in fiscal 2023, compared to 31.2% in fiscal 2022, a decrease of 94 basis points. The gross profit rate decrease in 2023 was primarily driven by increased shrink and inventory markdowns, lower inventory markups, a greater proportion of sales coming from the lower margin consumables sales category, and increased damages. These factors were partially offset by a lower LIFO provision and decreased transportation costs.

SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 24.0% in fiscal 2023 compared to 22.4% in fiscal 2022, an increase of 153 basis points. The primary expenses that were a higher percentage of net sales in the current year were retail labor, store occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization, repairs and maintenance, and other services purchased, including debit and credit card transaction fees. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in incentive compensation.

Operating profit for fiscal 2023 decreased 26.5% to $2.4 billion compared to $3.3 billion in fiscal 2022.

Interest expense for fiscal 2023 increased 54.7% to $327 million compared to $211 million in fiscal 2022, primarily driven by higher average borrowings and higher interest rates.

The effective income tax rate in fiscal 2023 was 21.6% compared to 22.5% in fiscal 2022. This lower effective income tax rate was primarily due to the effect of certain rate-impacting items (such as federal tax credits) on lower earnings before taxes, and a lower state effective rate resulting from increased recognition of state tax credits compared to fiscal 2022.

The Company reported net income of $1.7 billion for fiscal 2023, a decrease of 31.2% compared to $2.4 billion in fiscal 2022. Diluted EPS decreased 29.3% to $7.55 for fiscal 2023 compared to diluted EPS of $10.68 in fiscal year 2022. The decrease in diluted EPS includes estimated negative impacts of approximately four percentage points due to lapping the fiscal 2022 53rd week, and approximately four percentage points due to higher interest expense in fiscal 2023.

Merchandise Inventories
As of February 2, 2024, total merchandise inventories, at cost, were $7.0 billion compared to $6.8 billion as of February 3, 2023, a decrease of 1.1% on a per-store basis.

Capital Expenditures
Total additions to property and equipment in fiscal 2023 were $1.7 billion, including approximately: $683 million for improvements, upgrades, remodels and relocations of existing stores; $542 million for distribution and transportation-related projects; $390 million related to store facilities, primarily for leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment in new stores; and $67 million for information systems upgrades and technology-related projects. During fiscal year 2023, the Company opened 987 new stores, remodeled 2,007 stores, and relocated 129 stores.

Share Repurchases
In fiscal 2023, as planned, the Company did not repurchase any shares under its share repurchase program. The total remaining authorization for future repurchases was $1.4 billion at the end of fiscal 2023.

Under the authorization, repurchases may be made from time to time in open market transactions, including pursuant to trading plans adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing, manner and number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including price, market conditions, compliance with the covenants and restrictions under the Company’s debt agreements, cash requirements, excess debt capacity, results of operations, financial condition and other factors. The authorization has no expiration date. See also “Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Guidance and Store Growth Outlook.”

Dividend
On March 13, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.59 per share on the Company’s common stock, payable on or before April 23, 2024 to shareholders of record on April 9, 2024. While the Board of Directors currently intends to continue regular cash dividends, the declaration and amount of future dividends are subject to the sole discretion of the Board and will depend upon, among other things, the Company’s results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, excess debt capacity, and other factors the Board may deem relevant in its sole discretion.

Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Guidance and Store Growth Outlook
For the 52-week fiscal year ending January 31, 2025 (“fiscal year 2024”), the Company expects the following:

The Company is also reiterating its plans to execute approximately 2,385 real estate projects in fiscal year 2024, including approximately 800 new store openings, 1,500 remodels, and 85 store relocations.

The Company’s guidance assumes no share repurchases in fiscal year 2024.

Fiscal Year 2024 First Quarter Financial Guidance
For the 13-week quarter ending May 3, 2024, the Company currently expects a same-store sales increase of 1.5% to 2.0%, and Diluted EPS in the range of $1.50 to $1.60.

“We are encouraged by the progress we are making with our efforts in getting Back to the Basics, and we anticipate the benefit of these actions will continue to grow as we move throughout fiscal year 2024,” said Kelly Dilts, Dollar General’s chief financial officer. “While we anticipate the first quarter will be pressured by our lowest expected same-store-sales increase of any quarter in fiscal 2024, as well as the annualization of prior year headwinds such as retail labor and shrink, we are focused on delivering our full year plans, including anticipated strong EPS growth in the back half of the year.”

Conference Call Information
The Company will hold a conference call on March 14, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT/10:00 a.m. ET, hosted by Todd Vasos, chief executive officer, and Kelly Dilts, chief financial officer. To participate via telephone, please call (877) 407-0890 at least 10 minutes before the conference call is scheduled to begin. The conference ID is 13743905. There will also be a live webcast of the call available at https://investor.dollargeneral.com under “News & Events, Events & Presentations.” A replay of the conference call will be available through April 11, 2024, and will be accessible via webcast replay or by calling (877) 660-6853. The conference ID for the telephonic replay is 13743905.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Forward-looking statements include those regarding the Company’s outlook, strategy, initiatives, plans, intentions or beliefs, including, but not limited to, statements made within the quotations of Mr. Vasos and Ms. Dilts, and in the sections entitled “Share Repurchases,” “Dividend,” “Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Guidance and Store Growth Outlook,” and “Fiscal Year 2024 First Quarter Financial Guidance.” A reader can identify forward-looking statements because they are not limited to historical fact or they use words such as “outlook,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “can,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “project,” “expect,” “estimate,” “target,” “forecast,” “accelerate,” “predict,” “position,” “assume,” “opportunities,” “prospects,” “investments,” “intend,” “continue,” “future,” “beyond,” “ongoing,” “potential,” “long-term,” “longer term,” “near-term,” “guidance,” “goal,” “outcome,” “uncertainty,” “look to,” “move into,” “moving forward,” “looking ahead,” “years ahead,” “subject to,” “committed,” “confident,” “focus on,” or “likely to,” and similar expressions that concern the Company’s outlook, strategies, plans, initiatives, intentions or beliefs about future occurrences or results. These matters involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may change at any time and may cause actual results to differ materially from those which the Company expected. Many of these statements are derived from the Company’s operating budgets and forecasts as of the date of this release, which are based on many detailed assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are reasonable. However, it is very difficult to predict the effect of known factors on future results, and the Company cannot anticipate all factors that could affect future results that may be important to an investor. All forward-looking information should be evaluated in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by these and other cautionary statements that the Company makes from time to time in its SEC filings and public communications. The Company cannot assure the reader that it will realize the results or developments the Company anticipates or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect the Company or its operations in the way the Company expects. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any duty, to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included herein or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company.

Investors should also be aware that while the Company does, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts and others, it is against the Company’s policy to disclose to them any material, nonpublic information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the Company agrees with any statement or report issued by any securities analyst regardless of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, the Company has a policy against confirming projections, forecasts or opinions issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the Company’s responsibility.

About Dollar General Corporation
Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG) is proud to serve as America’s neighborhood general store. Founded in 1939, Dollar General lives its mission of Serving Others every day by providing access to affordable products and services for its customers, career opportunities for its employees, and literacy and education support for its hometown communities. As of February 2, 2024, the Company’s 19,986 Dollar General, DG Market, DGX and pOpshelf stores across the United States and Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico provide everyday essentials including food, health and wellness products, cleaning and laundry supplies, self-care and beauty items, and seasonal décor from our high-quality private brands alongside many of the world’s most trusted brands such as Coca Cola, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, General Mills, Hershey, J.M. Smucker, Kraft, Mars, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble and Unilever.

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
February 2 February 3,

2024

2023

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

$

537,283

$

381,576

Merchandise inventories

6,994,266

6,760,733

Income taxes receivable

112,262

135,775

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

366,913

302,925

Total current assets

8,010,724

7,581,009

Net property and equipment

6,087,722

5,236,309

Operating lease assets

11,098,228

10,670,014

Goodwill

4,338,589

4,338,589

Other intangible assets, net

1,199,700

1,199,700

Other assets, net

60,628

57,746

Total assets

$

30,795,591

$

29,083,367

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term obligations

$

768,645

$

-

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

1,387,083

1,288,939

Accounts payable

3,587,374

3,552,991

Accrued expenses and other

971,890

1,036,919

Income taxes payable

10,709

8,919

Total current liabilities

6,725,701

5,887,768

Long-term obligations

6,231,539

7,009,399

Long-term operating lease liabilities

9,703,499

9,362,761

Deferred income taxes

1,133,784

1,060,906

Other liabilities

251,949

220,761

Total liabilities

24,046,472

23,541,595

Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock

-

-

Common stock

192,206

191,718

Additional paid-in capital

3,757,005

3,693,871

Retained earnings

2,799,415

1,656,140

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

493

43

Total shareholders' equity

6,749,119

5,541,772

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

30,795,591

$

29,083,367

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
For the Quarter Ended
(13 Weeks) (14 Weeks)
February 2 % of Net February 3, % of Net

2024

Sales

2023

Sales
Net sales

$

9,858,514

100.00

%

$

10,202,907

100.00

%

Cost of goods sold

6,952,178

70.52

7,054,590

69.14

Gross profit

2,906,336

29.48

3,148,317

30.86

Selling, general and administrative expenses

2,326,682

23.60

2,215,143

21.71

Operating profit

579,654

5.88

933,174

9.15

Interest expense

77,117

0.78

74,818

0.73

Income before income taxes

502,537

5.10

858,356

8.41

Income tax expense

100,724

1.02

199,221

1.95

Net income

$

401,813

4.08

%

$

659,135

6.46

%

Earnings per share:
Basic

$

1.83

$

2.97

Diluted

$

1.83

$

2.96

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic

219,585

221,564

Diluted

219,893

222,702

For the Year Ended
(52 Weeks) (53 Weeks)
February 2 % of Net February 3, % of Net

2024

Sales

2023

Sales
Net sales

$

38,691,609

100.00

%

$

37,844,863

100.00

%

Cost of goods sold

26,972,585

69.71

26,024,765

68.77

Gross profit

11,719,024

30.29

11,820,098

31.23

Selling, general and administrative expenses

9,272,724

23.97

8,491,796

22.44

Operating profit

2,446,300

6.32

3,328,302

8.79

Interest expense

326,781

0.84

211,273

0.56

Other (income) expense

-

0.00

415

0.00

Income before income taxes

2,119,519

5.48

3,116,614

8.24

Income tax expense

458,245

1.18

700,625

1.85

Net income

$

1,661,274

4.29

%

$

2,415,989

6.38

%

Earnings per share:
Basic

$

7.57

$

10.73

Diluted

$

7.55

$

10.68

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic

219,415

225,148

Diluted

219,938

226,297

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
For the Year Ended
(52 Weeks) (53 Weeks)
February 2 February 3,

2024

2023

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income

$

1,661,274

$

2,415,989

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization

848,793

724,877

Deferred income taxes

72,847

235,299

Noncash share-based compensation

51,891

72,712

Other noncash (gains) and losses

88,982

530,530

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories

(299,066

)

(1,665,352

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(63,576

)

(65,102

)

Accounts payable

36,940

(194,722

)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

(39,189

)

(25,409

)

Income taxes

25,303

(37,517

)

Other

7,599

(6,750

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

2,391,798

1,984,555

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment

(1,700,222

)

(1,560,582

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

6,199

5,236

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(1,694,023

)

(1,555,346

)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of long-term obligations

1,498,260

2,296,053

Repayments of long-term obligations

(19,723

)

(911,330

)

Net increase (decrease) in commercial paper outstanding

(1,501,900

)

1,447,600

Borrowings under revolving credit facilities

500,000

-

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facilities

(500,000

)

-

Costs associated with issuance of debt

(12,438

)

(16,925

)

Repurchases of common stock

-

(2,748,014

)

Payments of cash dividends

(517,979

)

(493,726

)

Other equity and related transactions

11,712

33,880

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(542,068

)

(392,462

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

155,707

36,747

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

381,576

344,829

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

537,283

$

381,576

Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for:
Interest

$

352,473

$

195,312

Income taxes

$

359,578

$

500,814

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

$

1,804,934

$

1,836,718

Purchases of property and equipment awaiting processing for payment,
included in Accounts payable

$

148,137

$

150,694

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Selected Additional Information
(Unaudited)
Sales by Category (in thousands)
For the Quarter Ended
(13 Weeks) (14 Weeks)
February 2 February 3,

2024

2023

% Change
Consumables

$

7,897,564

$

8,054,072

-1.9

%

Seasonal

1,104,316

1,191,702

-7.3

%

Home products

581,501

658,398

-11.7

%

Apparel

275,133

298,735

-7.9

%

Net sales

$

9,858,514

$

10,202,907

-3.4

%

For the Year Ended
(52 Weeks) (53 Weeks)
February 2 February 3,

2024

2023

% Change
Consumables

$

31,342,595

$

30,155,218

3.9

%

Seasonal

4,083,790

4,182,815

-2.4

%

Home products

2,163,806

2,332,411

-7.2

%

Apparel

1,101,418

1,174,419

-6.2

%

Net sales

$

38,691,609

$

37,844,863

2.2

%

Store Activity
For the 52 Weeks Ended
(52 Weeks) (53 Weeks)
February 2 February 3,

2024

2023

Beginning store count

19,104

18,130

New store openings

987

1,039

Store closings

(105

)

(65

)

Net new stores

882

974

Ending store count

19,986

19,104

Total selling square footage (000's)

151,095

142,987

Growth rate (square footage)

5.7

%

6.3

%

Investor Contact:

[email protected]

Media Contact:

[email protected]

Source: Dollar General Corporation

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