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Dollar General Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results

March 13, 2025 6:50 AM

Provides Financial Guidance for Fiscal 2025 Full Year

Outlines Long-Term Financial Framework

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG) today reported financial results for its fourth quarter (13 weeks) and fiscal year (52 weeks) ended January 31, 2025 (“fiscal 2024”).

“We were pleased with the underlying performance of the business in the fourth quarter, including improved execution and solid top-line results,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “As we reflect on our full fiscal 2024 year, we believe our Back to Basics work is resonating with customers, as demonstrated by higher customer satisfaction scores and healthy market share gains.”

“I want to thank each of our associates for their dedication to fulfilling our mission of Serving Others every day. Looking ahead, we believe we are well-positioned to deliver our unique combination of value and convenience at a time when our customers need it most. We have fortified the foundation of this business over the last year and are confident in our plans and initiatives for 2025 and beyond, as we look to further build on this base and create sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.”

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Highlights

Net sales increased 4.5% to $10.3 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $9.9 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The net sales increase was 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 1.2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting an increase of 2.3% in average transaction amount and a decrease of 1.1% in customer traffic. Same-store sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 included growth in the consumables category, partially offset by declines in each of the seasonal, home products, and apparel categories.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 29.4% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to 29.5% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, a decrease of 8 basis points. This gross profit rate decrease was driven primarily by increases in markdowns, inventory damages, and distribution costs, and a greater proportion of sales coming from the consumables category; partially offset by lower shrink and higher inventory markups.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”) as a percentage of net sales were 26.5% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to 23.6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, an increase of 294 basis points. The increase reflects fourth quarter impairment charges totaling $214 million related to the store portfolio optimization review as discussed below under “Store Portfolio Optimization Review”. In addition to these impairment charges, the other expenses that were a higher percentage of net sales in the current year period were retail labor, incentive compensation, repairs and maintenance, depreciation and amortization and technology-related expenses; partially offset by a decrease in professional fees.

Operating profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased 49.2% to $294.2 million compared to $579.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The decrease reflects fourth quarter charges totaling $232 million related to the store portfolio optimization review as discussed below under “Store Portfolio Optimization Review”.

Interest expense for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased 14.5% to $65.9 million compared to $77.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.

The effective income tax rate in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 was 16.2% compared to 20.0% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. This lower effective income tax rate was primarily due to the effect of certain rate-impacting items on lower earnings before taxes.

The Company reported net income of $191.2 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, a decrease of 52.4% compared to $401.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Diluted EPS decreased 52.5% to $0.87 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to diluted EPS of $1.83 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The decrease reflects a negative impact of approximately $0.81 per share in the fourth quarter related to the store portfolio optimization review as discussed below under “Store Portfolio Optimization Review”.

Fiscal Year 2024 Highlights

Fiscal 2024 net sales increased 5.0% to $40.6 billion compared to $38.7 billion in fiscal 2023. 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 1.4% compared to fiscal 2023, reflecting increases of 1.1% in customer traffic and 0.3% in average transaction amount. Same-store sales in fiscal 2024 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 29.6% in fiscal 2024, compared to 30.3% in fiscal 2023, a decrease of 70 basis points. The gross profit rate decrease in 2024 was driven primarily by increased markdowns, a greater proportion of sales coming from the consumables category and increased inventory damages; partially offset by decreased transportation costs.

SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 25.4% in fiscal 2024 compared to 24.0% in fiscal 2023, an increase of 140 basis points. The increase reflects fiscal 2024 impairment charges totaling $214 million related to the store portfolio optimization review as discussed below under “Store Portfolio Optimization Review”. In addition to these impairment charges, the other expenses that were a higher percentage of net sales in the current year period were retail labor, depreciation and amortization, store occupancy costs and incentive compensation.

Operating profit for fiscal 2024 decreased 29.9% to $1.7 billion compared to $2.4 billion in fiscal 2023. The decrease reflects fourth quarter charges totaling $232 million related to the store portfolio optimization review as discussed below under “Store Portfolio Optimization Review”.

Interest expense for fiscal 2024 decreased 16.1% to $274 million compared to $327 million in fiscal 2023.

The effective income tax rate in fiscal 2024 was 21.8% compared to 21.6% in fiscal 2023. This higher effective income tax rate was primarily due to a higher state effective tax rate and a decreased benefit from stock-based compensation, partially offset by the effect of certain rate-impacting items on lower earnings before taxes.

The Company reported net income of $1.1 billion for fiscal 2024, a decrease of 32.3% compared to $1.7 billion in fiscal 2023. Diluted EPS decreased 32.3% to $5.11 for fiscal 2024 compared to diluted EPS of $7.55 in fiscal year 2023. The decrease reflects a negative impact of approximately $0.81 per share in the fourth quarter related to the store portfolio optimization review as discussed below under “Store Portfolio Optimization Review”.

Store Portfolio Optimization Review

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company initiated a store portfolio optimization review of its Dollar General and pOpshelf bannered stores, which involved identifying stores for closure or re-bannering based on an evaluation of individual store performance, expected future performance, and operating conditions, among other factors.

As a result of this review, the Company plans to close 96 Dollar General stores and 45 pOpshelf stores, and convert an additional six pOpshelf stores to Dollar General stores in the first quarter of the 52-week fiscal year ending January 30, 2026 (“fiscal 2025”). The Company’s operating profit for the fourth of quarter of fiscal 2024 included charges of $232 million, which resulted in a negative impact to EPS of approximately $0.81, primarily due to these store closures as well as pOpshelf impairment charges.

“As we look to build on the substantial progress we made on our Back to Basics work in fiscal 2024, we believe this review was appropriate to further strengthen the foundation of our business,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “While the number of closings represents less than one percent of our overall store base, we believe this decision better positions us to serve our customers and communities.”

Merchandise Inventories

As of January 31, 2025, total merchandise inventories, at cost, were $6.7 billion compared to $7.0 billion as of February 2, 2024, a decrease of 6.9% on an average per-store basis.

Capital Expenditures

Total additions to property and equipment in fiscal 2024 were $1.3 billion, including approximately: $605 million for improvements, upgrades, remodels and relocations of existing stores; $343 million for distribution and transportation-related projects; $296 million related to store facilities, primarily for leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment in new stores; and $52 million for information systems upgrades and technology-related projects. During fiscal 2024, the Company opened 725 new stores, remodeled 1,621 stores, and relocated 85 stores.

Share Repurchases

In fiscal 2024, as planned, the Company did not repurchase any shares under its share repurchase program.

Dividend

On March 11, 2025, 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 22, 2025 to shareholders of record on April 8, 2025. 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 2025 Financial Guidance and Store Growth Outlook

For fiscal 2025, the Company expects the following:

The Company is also reiterating its plans to execute approximately 4,885 real estate projects in fiscal 2025, including opening approximately 575 new stores in the U.S. and up to 15 new stores in Mexico, fully remodeling approximately 2,000 stores, remodeling approximately 2,250 stores through Project Elevate, and relocating approximately 45 stores.

The Company’s financial guidance also assumes no share repurchases in fiscal 2025.

Long-Term Financial Framework

The Company has updated its long-term financial framework, and is targeting the following metrics over the next five years:

Key Metric

Annual Goal

Beginning

Net Sales Growth

Approximately 3.5% - 4%

2025

Same-Store Sales Growth

Approximately 2% - 3%

2025 - 2026

Operating Margin*

Approximately 6% - 7%

2028 - 2029

Diluted Earnings Per Share Growth*

10%+

2026

New Unit Growth

Approximately 2%

2025

Capital Expenditures

Approximately 3% of Net Sales

2025

* On an adjusted basis, when applicable

“As we build on our Back to Basics progress in 2025, we believe we are making the right investments and taking the appropriate actions to begin moving toward our updated long-term financial goals in the years ahead,” said Kelly Dilts, Dollar General’s chief financial officer. “We are confident in the future of this business, and we are focused on driving sustainable long-term growth on both the top and bottom lines, while creating long-term shareholder value.”

Conference Call Information

The Company will hold a conference call on March 13, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. CT/9:00 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 13751722. 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 10, 2025, and will be accessible via webcast replay or by calling (877) 660-6853. The conference ID for the telephonic replay is 13751722.

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 “Store Portfolio Optimization Review,” “Dividend,” “Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Guidance and Store Growth Outlook,” and “Long-Term Financial Framework.”

A reader can identify forward-looking statements because they are not limited to historical fact or they use words such as “accelerate,” “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “beyond,” “can,” “committed,” “confident,” “continue,” “could,” “drive,” “estimate,” “expect,” “focus on,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “intend,” “investments,” “likely,” “long-term,” “looking ahead,” “look to,” “may,” “model,” “moving toward,” “near-term,” “ongoing,” “opportunities,” “outcome,” “outlook,” “plan,” “position,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “prospects,” “seek,” “should,” “subject to,” “target,” “uncertain,” “well-positioned,” “will,” “would,” or “years ahead,” and similar expressions that concern the Company’s outlook, long-term financial framework, 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 January 31, 2025, the Company’s 20,594 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
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
January 31, February 2,

2025

2024

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

$

932,576

$

537,283

Merchandise inventories

6,711,242

6,994,266

Income taxes receivable

127,132

112,262

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

392,975

366,913

Total current assets

8,163,925

8,010,724

Net property and equipment

6,209,481

6,087,722

Operating lease assets

11,163,763

11,098,228

Goodwill

4,338,589

4,338,589

Other intangible assets, net

1,199,700

1,199,700

Other assets, net

57,275

60,628

Total assets

$

31,132,733

$

30,795,591

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

$

519,463

$

768,645

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

1,460,114

1,387,083

Accounts payable

3,833,133

3,587,374

Accrued expenses and other

1,045,856

971,890

Income taxes payable

10,136

10,709

Total current liabilities

6,868,702

6,725,701

Long-term obligations

5,719,025

6,231,539

Long-term operating lease liabilities

9,764,783

9,703,499

Deferred income taxes

1,103,701

1,133,784

Other liabilities

262,815

251,949

Total liabilities

23,719,026

24,046,472

Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock

-

-

Common stock

192,447

192,206

Additional paid-in capital

3,812,590

3,757,005

Retained earnings

3,405,683

2,799,415

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

2,987

493

Total shareholders' equity

7,413,707

6,749,119

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

31,132,733

$

30,795,591

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
For the Quarter Ended
January 31, % of Net February 2, % of Net

2025

Sales

2024

Sales
Net sales

$

10,304,498

100.00

%

$

9,858,514

100.00

%

Cost of goods sold

7,274,929

70.60

6,952,178

70.52

Gross profit

3,029,569

29.40

2,906,336

29.48

Selling, general and administrative expenses

2,735,363

26.55

2,326,682

23.60

Operating profit

294,206

2.86

579,654

5.88

Interest expense, net

65,908

0.64

77,117

0.78

Income before income taxes

228,298

2.22

502,537

5.10

Income tax expense

37,081

0.36

100,724

1.02

Net income

$

191,217

1.86

%

$

401,813

4.08

%

Earnings per share:
Basic

$

0.87

$

1.83

Diluted

$

0.87

$

1.83

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic

219,934

219,585

Diluted

219,996

219,893

For the Year Ended

January 31,

% of Net

February 2,

% of Net

2025

Sales

2024

Sales

Net sales

$

40,612,308

100.00

%

$

38,691,609

100.00

%

Cost of goods sold

28,594,811

70.41

26,972,585

69.71

Gross profit

12,017,497

29.59

11,719,024

30.29

Selling, general and administrative expenses

10,303,423

25.37

9,272,724

23.97

Operating profit

1,714,074

4.22

2,446,300

6.32

Interest expense, net

274,320

0.68

326,781

0.84

Income before income taxes

1,439,754

3.55

2,119,519

5.48

Income tax expense

314,501

0.77

458,245

1.18

Net income

$

1,125,253

2.77

%

$

1,661,274

4.29

%

Earnings per share:
Basic

$

5.12

$

7.57

Diluted

$

5.11

$

7.55

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic

219,877

219,415

Diluted

220,027

219,938

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
For the Year Ended
January 31, February 2,

2025

2024

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income

$

1,125,253

$

1,661,274

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

971,703

848,793

Deferred income taxes

(30,345

)

72,847

Noncash share-based compensation

58,738

51,891

Other noncash (gains) and losses

296,184

88,982

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories

230,208

(299,066

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(23,864

)

(63,576

)

Accounts payable

302,915

36,940

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

91,813

(39,189

)

Income taxes

(15,443

)

25,303

Other

(11,098

)

7,599

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

2,996,064

2,391,798

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment

(1,309,888

)

(1,700,222

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

3,561

6,199

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(1,306,327

)

(1,694,023

)

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

-

1,498,260

Repayments of long-term obligations

(770,230

)

(19,723

)

Net increase (decrease) in commercial paper outstanding

-

(1,501,900

)

Borrowings under revolving credit facilities

-

500,000

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facilities

-

(500,000

)

Costs associated with issuance of debt

(2,319

)

(12,438

)

Payments of cash dividends

(518,983

)

(517,979

)

Other equity and related transactions

(2,912

)

11,712

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(1,294,444

)

(542,068

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

395,293

155,707

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

537,283

381,576

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

932,576

$

537,283

Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for:
Interest

$

336,625

$

352,473

Income taxes

$

354,727

$

359,578

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

$

1,592,510

$

1,804,934

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

$

90,981

$

148,137

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Selected Additional Information
(Unaudited)
Sales by Category (in thousands)
For the Quarter Ended
January 31, February 2,

2025

2024

% Change
Consumables

$

8,317,184

$

7,897,566

5.3

%

Seasonal

1,114,808

1,104,314

1.0

%

Home products

593,010

581,501

2.0

%

Apparel

279,496

275,133

1.6

%

Net sales

$

10,304,498

$

9,858,514

4.5

%

For the Year Ended
January 31, February 2,

2025

2024

% Change
Consumables

$

33,370,910

$

31,342,595

6.5

%

Seasonal

4,073,317

4,083,790

-0.3

%

Home products

2,074,379

2,163,806

-4.1

%

Apparel

1,093,702

1,101,418

-0.7

%

Net sales

$

40,612,308

$

38,691,609

5.0

%

Store Activity
For the Year Ended
January 31, February 2,

2025

2024

Beginning store count

19,986

19,104

New store openings

725

987

Store closings

(117

)

(105

)

Net new stores

608

882

Ending store count

20,594

19,986

Total selling square footage (000's)

156,882

151,095

Growth rate (square footage)

3.8

%

5.7

%

Investor Contact:

[email protected]

Media Contact:

[email protected]

Source: Dollar General Corporation

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