Dollar Gen (NYSE:DG) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

Dollar Gen

With more than 20,000 locations, Dollar General's banner is nearly ubiquitous across the rural United States. Dollar General serves as a convenient shopping destination for fill-in store trips, with its value proposition most relevant to consumers in small communities with a dearth of shopping options. The retailer operates a frugal store of about 7,500 square feet and primarily offers an assortment of branded and private-label consumable items (80% of net sales) such as paper and cleaning products, packaged and perishable food, tobacco, and health and beauty items at low prices. Dollar General also offers a limited assortment of seasonal merchandise, home products, and apparel. The firm sells most items at a price point of $10 or less.

Dollar General

Large Cap

News

Movers

INTC

MRNA

NBIX

Citigourp Global Markets 2% Protected Notes Linked To The Djia

SMCI

SNAP

10 worst performing large-cap stocks in August: Super Micro, Dollar General, Snap, PDD Holdings, Intel, Tencent Music, Gold Fields, Charles River, Moderna, Neurocrine Biosciences.

Intel, Moderna And Dollar General Were Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers In August: Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

dollar general shutter

Equities

Markets

General

DLTR

Dollar stores face declining sales as Walmart and Target&#39;s aggressive pricing attracts higher-income customers, pressuring market share.






Dollar Stores Struggle When Walmart Performs Well: Report

Walgreens_store

Long Ideas

Pre-Market Outlook

Trading Ideas

Top 3 Defensive Stocks That Could Lead To Your Biggest Gains In September

Dollar General Corp

Decentral Games

DigiByte

DGB ASIA BERHAD by DGB Asia Berhad

Delphi Growth Capital Corp

Dimensional Global Credit ETF

Diagnocure Inc

DigixDAO

Dynasty Gold Corp

Diageo PLC

DIAGEO ADR REP 4 ORD

Deltagen Inc

DONGGUAN RURL CMMCL U/ADR by Dongguan Rural Commercial Bank Co.

Digital X Ltd

Digihost Technology Inc. - Common Subordinate Voting Shares

Digihost Technology Inc

Donegal Group, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

Donegal Group Inc

Donegal Group, Inc. - Class B Common Stock

D7 ENTERPRISES INC by D7 Enterprises Inc.

D7 Enterprises Inc

Digi International Inc

VanEck ETF Trust VanEck Digital India ETF

DIGITCOM INTRACTIVE VIDEO by Digitcom Interactive Video Network

Digitcom Interactive Video Network

DYNA GROUP INTL INC by Dyna Group International, Inc.

Dyna Group International Inc

DELEGATS GROUP LTD by DELEGATS GROUP LTD.

Delegat Group Ltd

Digital Ally Inc

DEGAMA SOFTWARE SLTNS INC by Degama Software Solutions, Inc.

Degama Software Solutions Inc

DIGITAL DOMAIN HLDGS LTD by Digital Domain Hldgs Ltd

Digital Domain Holdings Ltd

DE GREY MINING LTD by De Grey Mining, Ltd.

De Grey Mining Ltd

DIGUANG INTL DEV CO LTD by Diguang International Development Company Ltd.

Diguang Internat Devl Co Ltd

DIAGNAMED HLDGS CORP by Diagnamed Holdings Corp.

Diagnamed Holdings Corp

Diagnos Inc

DIGNITY PLC ORD by Dignity Plc

BLACK DRAGON ACQUISITION CORP. I

DB Gold Double Long ETN due February 15, 2038

CI US QUALITY DVDND GWTH IDX UNT ETF

WISDOMTREE ISSUER ETF

WisdomTree Emerging Markets Quality Dividend Growth Fund

iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF

WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Quality Dividend Growth Fund

WT US QD GROWTH UCITS ETF - USD

WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund

WisdomTree Emerging Market SmallCap Fund

WT EMERGING MARKETS DIV UCITS ETF

SPDR Global Dow ETF (based on The Global Dow)

DIGITIAL CORE REIT MGMT by DIGITIAL CORE REIT MGMT PTE LTD.

Digital Core REIT

DGTL Holdings Inc Ordinary Shares

DGTL Holdings Inc

IS DIGITALISATION UCITS USD ACC ETF

OCI INTL HLDGS LTD by OCI International Holdings Ltd.

OCI International Holdings Ltd

DigitalTown Inc

Dialog Group Bhd

Draegerwerk AG & Co KGaA

DEEP GREEN WASTE INC by Deep Green Waste & Recycling, Inc.

Deep Green Waste & Recycling Inc

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Common Stock

Quest Diagnostics Inc

DB Gold Short ETN due February 15, 2038

Revealing a significant insider sell on September 19, Steven R Deckard, EVP at Dollar Gen (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>), as per the latest SEC filing.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing from the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000029534/000106299324016770//Archives/edgar/data/29534/000106299324016770/0001062993-24-016770-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Thursday showed that Deckard sold 2,010 shares of Dollar Gen. The total transaction amounted to $174,194. 
In the Friday's morning session, Dollar Gen's shares are currently trading at $85.6, experiencing a down of 1.04%.
<h3>Delving into Dollar Gen's Background</h3>
With more than 20,000 locations, Dollar General's banner is nearly ubiquitous across the rural United States. Dollar General serves as a convenient shopping destination for fill-in store trips, with its value proposition most relevant to consumers in small communities with a dearth of shopping options. The retailer operates a frugal store of about 7,500 square feet and primarily offers an assortment of branded and private-label consumable items (80% of net sales) such as paper and cleaning products, packaged and perishable food, tobacco, and health and beauty items at low prices. Dollar General also offers a limited assortment of seasonal merchandise, home products, and apparel. The firm sells most items at a price point of $10 or less.
<h3>Financial Insights: Dollar Gen</h3>
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Dollar Gen's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 4.23% as of 31 July, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Staples sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Navigating Financial Profits:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: With a high gross margin of 29.96%, the company demonstrates effective cost control and strong profitability relative to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Dollar Gen's EPS is a standout, portraying a positive bottom-line trend that exceeds the industry average with a current EPS of 1.7.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Dollar Gen's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 2.51. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.
Navigating Market Valuation:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Dollar Gen's P/E ratio of 13.45 is below the industry average, suggesting the stock may be undervalued.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a lower-than-average P/S ratio of 0.48, the stock presents an attractive valuation, potentially signaling a buying opportunity for investors interested in sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): With an EV/EBITDA ratio lower than industry benchmarks at 11.93, Dollar Gen presents an attractive value opportunity.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization: With restricted market capitalization, the company is positioned below industry averages. This reflects a smaller scale relative to peers.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Navigating the Impact of Insider Transactions on Investments</h3>
It's important to note that insider transactions alone should not dictate investment decisions, but they can provide valuable insights.
In the realm of legality, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are required to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Notably, when a company insider makes a new purchase, it is considered an indicator of their positive expectations for the stock.
Conversely, insider sells may not necessarily signal a bearish stance on the stock and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>Navigating the World of Insider Transaction Codes</h3>
When it comes to transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> tend to focus on those in the open market, detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S indicates a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000029534">Check Out The Full List Of Dollar Gen's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Dollar Gen EVP Trades $174K In Company Stock

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Dollar Gen. Our analysis of options history for Dollar Gen (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) revealed 9 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 44% of traders were bullish, while 44% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 5 were puts, with a value of $588,385, and 4 were calls, valued at $391,647.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $70.0 to $105.0 for Dollar Gen over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Dollar Gen's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Dollar Gen's whale activity within a strike price range from $70.0 to $105.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Dollar Gen Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726691582_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$11.75</td>
<td>$11.7</td>
<td>$11.75</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$345.4K</td>
<td>588</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">385</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$14.45</td>
<td>$13.05</td>
<td>$13.05</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$261.0K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$12.35</td>
<td>$11.75</td>
<td>$11.75</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$105.7K</td>
<td>588</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$8.15</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$78.4K</td>
<td>6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.75</td>
<td>$8.75</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$68.2K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">78</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Dollar Gen</h3>
With more than 20,000 locations, Dollar General's banner is nearly ubiquitous across the rural United States. Dollar General serves as a convenient shopping destination for fill-in store trips, with its value proposition most relevant to consumers in small communities with a dearth of shopping options. The retailer operates a frugal store of about 7,500 square feet and primarily offers an assortment of branded and private-label consumable items (80% of net sales) such as paper and cleaning products, packaged and perishable food, tobacco, and health and beauty items at low prices. Dollar General also offers a limited assortment of seasonal merchandise, home products, and apparel. The firm sells most items at a price point of $10 or less.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Dollar Gen, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Dollar Gen's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 3,489,659, the price of DG is up 0.99% at $86.86. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 78 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Dollar Gen</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $112.4.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Evercore ISI Group persists with their In-Line rating on Dollar Gen, maintaining a target price of $100. </li>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Wells Fargo keeps a Equal-Weight rating on Dollar Gen with a target price of $130. </li>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Goldman Sachs keeps a Buy rating on Dollar Gen with a target price of $122. </li>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Raymond James keeps a Outperform rating on Dollar Gen with a target price of $120. </li>
<li>An analyst from BMO Capital has decided to maintain their Market Perform rating on Dollar Gen, which currently sits at a price target of $90. </li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Dollar Gen, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Dollar Gen

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Dollar Gen (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in DG usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 16 extraordinary options activities for Dollar Gen. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 31% leaning bullish and 56% bearish. Among these notable options, 4 are puts, totaling $142,112, and 12 are calls, amounting to $608,108.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $40.0 to $115.0 for Dollar Gen over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Dollar Gen's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Dollar Gen's whale trades within a strike price range from $40.0 to $115.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Dollar Gen Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726159099_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$2.17</td>
<td>$2.15</td>
<td>$2.17</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$153.6K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>709</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$3.75</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.65</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$109.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>308</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$6.2</td>
<td>$6.05</td>
<td>$6.1</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$60.3K</td>
<td>959</td>
<td>99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$44.8</td>
<td>$43.8</td>
<td>$43.8</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$43.8K</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$0.82</td>
<td>$0.8</td>
<td>$0.82</td>
<td>$83.00</td>
<td>$41.8K</td>
<td>545</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Dollar Gen</h3>
With more than 20,000 locations, Dollar General's banner is nearly ubiquitous across the rural United States. Dollar General serves as a convenient shopping destination for fill-in store trips, with its value proposition most relevant to consumers in small communities with a dearth of shopping options. The retailer operates a frugal store of about 7,500 square feet and primarily offers an assortment of branded and private-label consumable items (80% of net sales) such as paper and cleaning products, packaged and perishable food, tobacco, and health and beauty items at low prices. Dollar General also offers a limited assortment of seasonal merchandise, home products, and apparel. The firm sells most items at a price point of $10 or less.
In light of the recent options history for Dollar Gen, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Where Is Dollar Gen Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 2,002,248, with DG's price up by 3.56%, positioned at $83.44.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 84 days.</li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Dollar Gen, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

A Closer Look at Dollar Gen's Options Market Dynamics

These ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers in August. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) stock lost 34.89% in August. The company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40602417" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delayed filing its 10-K</a>.</li>
<li>Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) stock decreased 30.95%. The company posted worse-than-expected second-quarter earnings, and many analysts cut the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40656935" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Snap Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNAP#NYSE">SNAP</a>) stock dived 27.09%. The company posted a revenue miss for the second quarter, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40132594" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts slashed the price target</a>.</li>
<li>Temu parent PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>) shares fell 24.81%. The company reported quarterly results, in which the CEO highlighted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40548945/temu-parent-pdd-posts-86-q2-topline-growth-stock-drops-after-ceo-flags-upcoming-challenges?_gl=1%2A2quf99%2A_gcl_au%2ANzQ5NDg4Nzg3LjE3MjI5NDg1NTA.%2A_ga%2AMTUwODg0NTczNy4xNzE1MTcxNjk4%2A_ga_V7ZK73W7N0%2AMTcyNTYyNjczNi4xMzIuMS4xNzI1NjQ0MzU2LjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges for the rest of the year</a>.</li>
<li>Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) stock plummeted 24.13% after the company reported weak results and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40115276" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a 15% headcount reduction plan</a>.</li>
<li>Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TME#NYSE">TME</a>) stock declined 21.44%. It reported a second-quarter revenue miss and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40373910" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts lowered the price target</a>.</li>
<li>Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFI#NYSE">GFI</a>) shares went down 18.99%. It disclosed the acquisition of<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40309407" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40309407" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osisko Mining</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40309407" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> for $1.57 billion in cash</a>.</li>
<li>Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRL#NYSE">CRL</a>) shares fell 18.57%. The company warned about softer demand trends from global biopharmaceutical <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40222523" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clients in the quarterly result</a>.</li>
<li>Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40514864" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shares decreased 17.81%</a>.</li>
<li>Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBIX#NASDAQ">NBIX</a>) stock dived 17.04%. It presented topline data for its Phase 2 clinical study of NBI-1117568 (NBI-‘568) in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40632561" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adults with schizophrenia</a>.</li>
</ol>
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40764288/affirm-shopify-and-starbucks-were-among-top-10-large-cap-best-performers-for-august-are-the-others" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Affirm, Shopify And Starbucks Were Among Top 10 Large Cap Best Performers For August: Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Dollar Gen (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in DG usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 8 extraordinary options activities for Dollar Gen. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 25% leaning bullish and 50% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $160,315, and 5 are calls, amounting to $587,120.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $55.0 to $95.0 for Dollar Gen during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Dollar Gen options trades today is 443.29 with a total volume of 984.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Dollar Gen's big money trades within a strike price range of $55.0 to $95.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Dollar Gen Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725653788_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$6.05</td>
<td>$5.75</td>
<td>$5.95</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$446.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">794</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.62</td>
<td>$1.26</td>
<td>$1.5</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$90.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">80</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">670</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$14.3</td>
<td>$14.05</td>
<td>$14.05</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$51.9K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">110</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$9.25</td>
<td>$8.9</td>
<td>$9.1</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$38.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">559</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$18.75</td>
<td>$17.2</td>
<td>$17.4</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$34.8K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">223</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Dollar Gen</h3>
With more than 20,000 locations, Dollar General's banner is nearly ubiquitous across the rural United States. Dollar General serves as a convenient shopping destination for fill-in store trips, with its value proposition most relevant to consumers in small communities with a dearth of shopping options. The retailer operates a frugal store of about 7,500 square feet and primarily offers an assortment of branded and private-label consumable items (80% of net sales) such as paper and cleaning products, packaged and perishable food, tobacco, and health and beauty items at low prices. Dollar General also offers a limited assortment of seasonal merchandise, home products, and apparel. The firm sells most items at a price point of $10 or less.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Dollar Gen, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Where Is Dollar Gen Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 6,185,810, the price of DG is up 2.85% at $82.7. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 90 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Dollar Gen</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $125.2.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Evercore ISI Group has decided to maintain their In-Line rating on Dollar Gen, which currently sits at a price target of $100. </li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from UBS continues to hold a Buy rating for Dollar Gen, targeting a price of $108. </li>
<li>An analyst from Telsey Advisory Group persists with their Outperform rating on Dollar Gen, maintaining a target price of $168. </li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Truist Securities continues to hold a Hold rating for Dollar Gen, targeting a price of $130. </li>
<li>An analyst from Raymond James persists with their Outperform rating on Dollar Gen, maintaining a target price of $120. </li>
</ul>
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Dollar Gen with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Dollar Gen's Options Frenzy: What You Need to Know

Dollar stores are experiencing a rough patch. Rising competition from Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) and Target Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) is undermining their market dominance and threatening their financial outlook.
Walmart, in particular, has been successful in drawing away customers from dollar chains by appealing to higher-income consumers, CNN reports.
Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>) shares tumbled 20% on Wednesday after the company revised its annual outlook downward, attributing the cut to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40716274" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant pressure</a> on its low- and middle-income customers.
This slump follows Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) reducing its full-year forecast, with shares hitting their worst day on record last week.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40623595/dollar-general-q2-earnings-earnings-miss-slashed-outlook-and-shrinking-margins" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dollar General Q2 Earnings: Earnings Miss, Slashed Outlook And Shrinking Margins</a>
The dollar store sector is struggling as Walmart and Target aggressively lower prices to attract inflation-weary shoppers, impacting foot traffic to dollar stores.
Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos acknowledged that Walmart&#8217;s strong performance in attracting budget-conscious shoppers has contributed to the struggles of dollar stores.
&#8220;While we believe the softer sales trends are partially attributable to a core customer who feels financially constrained, we know the importance of controlling what we can control,&#8221; the CEO said in a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/08/b40621521/dollar-general-corporation-reports-second-quarter-2024-results" rel="noreferrer noopener"> press release</a> last week.
Despite historical trends where dollar stores benefited from middle-income households trading down during financial stress, this shift has not occurred recently.
Instead, more affluent customers have increased their spending at Walmart and Target, further affecting dollar store sales.
David D&#8217;Arezzo, a former executive at Dollar General, pointed out the close competition between Dollar General and Walmart, noting that when Walmart performs well, dollar stores tend to face more challenges.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40735749/whats-going-on-with-target-corporation-shares-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What&#8217;s Going On With Target Corporation Shares Today?</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo via Shutterstock

The most oversold stocks in the consumer staples sector presents an opportunity to buy into undervalued companies.
The RSI is a momentum indicator, which compares a stock&#8217;s strength on days when prices go up to its strength on days when prices go down. When compared to a stock&#8217;s price action, it can give traders a better sense of how a stock may perform in the short term. An asset is typically considered oversold when the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/rsi">RSI is below 30</a>, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Here's the latest list of major oversold players in this sector, having an RSI near or below 30.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Sept. 4, B of A Securities analyst Allen Lutz maintained Walgreens Boots Alliance with an Underperform and lowered the price target from $11 to $7.5. The company's stock fell around 19% over the past month and has a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WBA">52-week low of $8.62</a>.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 25.14</li>
<li>WBA Price Action: Shares of Walgreens fell 3.6% to close at $8.65 on Wednesday.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent090524&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"> latest WBA news.</a> </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="483" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05085714/image-39-1024x483.png" alt="" class="wp-image-531969" style="width:628px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05085714/image-39-1024x483.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05085714/image-39-300x141.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05085714/image-39-768x362.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05085714/image-39-1536x724.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05085714/image-39.png 1828w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dollar General Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>)&nbsp;</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Aug. 29, Dollar General reported worse-than-expected second-quarter results and lowered its 2024 guidance. The retail behemoth reported second-quarter earnings per share of $1.70, missing the analyst consensus of $1.78. Quarterly sales of $10.21 billion (+4.2% year over year) missed the street view of $10.368 billion.. The company's stock fell around 35% over the past five days. It<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DG"> has a 52-week low</a> of $79.36.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 16.90</li>
<li>DG Price Action: Shares of Dollar General fell 3.2% to close at $81.08 on Wednesday.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s charting tool helped identify the<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent090524&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"> trend in DG stock. </a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent090524&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="912" height="843" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05062653/image-30.png" alt="" class="wp-image-531526" style="width:669px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05062653/image-30.png 912w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05062653/image-30-300x277.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05062653/image-30-768x710.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 912px) 100vw, 912px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dollar Tree Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Sept. 4, Dollar Tree reported worse-than-expected second-quarter 2024 earnings. The discount variety stores chain reported an adjusted EPS of $0.67, missing the consensus of $1.04, and down 26.4% year over year. Chief Financial Officer Jeff Davis added, &#8220;Our adjusted EPS of $0.67 was $0.38 below the midpoint of our previous outlook range. While the vast majority of this variance was attributable to an adjustment of our general liability accrual, a portion was attributable to a comp shortfall, which reflected the increasing effect of macro pressures on the purchasing behavior of Dollar Tree&#8217;s middle- and higher-income customers.&#8221;. The company's shares fell around 34% over the past five days and has a 52-week <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DLTR">low of $60.82</a>.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 11.87</li>
<li>DLTR Price Action: Shares of Dollar Tree dipped 22.2% to close at $63.56 on Wednesday.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s signals feature notified of a potential <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent090524&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">breakout in DLTR shares. </a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent090524&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="877" height="845" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05062820/image-31.png" alt="" class="wp-image-531530" style="width:614px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05062820/image-31.png 877w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05062820/image-31-300x289.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/05062820/image-31-768x740.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 877px) 100vw, 877px" /></a></figure>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/09/40720418/wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-weigh-in-on-3-energy-stocks-with-over-7-dividend-yields"> Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts Weigh In On 3 Energy Stocks With Over 7% Dividend Yields</a></li>
</ul>

Jim Cramer attempted to calm investors&#8217; fears of a recession on Wednesday. He highlighted gains in various sectors and emphasized the need for an economic slowdown to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40714894/stocks-rebound-chipmakers-halt-bloodbath-as-traders-upgrade-rate-cut-wagers-tesla-rises-do">prompt Federal Reserve rate cuts</a>.
What Happened: Cramer the host of CNBC&#8217;s &#8220;Mad Money,&#8221; <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/04/jim-cramer-cuts-through-the-markets-gloom-as-the-market-wavers.html">noted</a> that the market&#8217;s recent performance is not entirely negative. He pointed out that sectors like health care, consumer packaged goods, financials, and utilities are showing strength.
Cramer acknowledged the economy&#8217;s slowdown, citing falling shares of retailers like Dollar General Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) and Dollar Tree Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>). He explained that stocks expected to perform well in a slower economy, such as consumer packaged goods and utilities, are gaining.
He advised investors to anticipate these moves if they want the Fed to act, emphasizing that the central bank only cuts rates during periods of economic weakness, not when business is strong.
He also addressed concerns about the tech sector&#8217;s weakness, particularly Nvidia Corp.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) $279 billion market capitalization fall. Cramer argued that the loss is not alarming given Nvidia&#8217;s significant rise this year &#8211; the AI leader&#8217;s stock is up more than 120% this year.
&#8220;If you have a market that's been driven by a handful of stocks and then suddenly it's being driven by health care, consumer packaged goods and financials, utilities, are we to presume that's somehow a bad thing?&#8221; Cramer asked, urging investors to focus on positive developments as well.
&#8220;Look, I'm not trying to call a bottom — I want to make that crystal clear — but I think it's worth taking a hard look at what's actually going right, not just what's going wrong," Cramer added.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40685346/if-you-invested-1000-in-bitcoin-when-eminem-mentioned-the-crypto-in-best-selling-album-kam?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If You Invested $1000 In Bitcoin When Eminem Mentioned The Crypto In Best-Selling Album &#8216;Kamikaze&#8217;, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have Today</a>
Why It Matters: The market&#8217;s recent turbulence has been a focal point for investors. Tom Lee, a well-known equity strategist, warned of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40701071/market-bull-warns-of-up-to-10-september-pullback-urges-caution-but-stresses-be-read">potential 7%-10% market pullback</a> in September, urging caution but also advising to &#8220;buy that dip.&#8221;
Adding to the uncertainty, JPMorgan cautioned that anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40700320/jpmorgan-warns-anticipated-rate-cuts-may-not-significantly-boost-stock-markets-fed-will-start-ea">might not significantly boost</a> the stock market, suggesting that the Fed&#8217;s actions would be more reactive than proactive.
Moreover, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40718185/could-august-jobs-numbers-keep-recession-fears-at-bay-this-time-is-different-analys">August jobs report</a>, anticipated as a key economic indicator, is being closely watched for signs of a rebound in the U.S. labor market. Analysts believe this could help keep recession fears at bay.
On Wednesday, markets saw a slight <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40714894/stocks-rebound-chipmakers-halt-bloodbath-as-traders-upgrade-rate-cut-wagers-tesla-rises-do">rebound after Tuesday&#8217;s sharp sell-off</a>, particularly in the chipmaker sector, with Nvidia shedding around $279 billion in market value, marking the largest single-day drop in history.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40681423/softbank-walmart-backed-robotics-giant-sees-9b-wipeout-in-founders-wealth-after-company-stock-th?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SoftBank, Walmart-Backed Robotics Giant Sees $9B Wipeout In Founder&#8217;s Wealth After Company Stock That Surged Nearly 325% Last Year Takes A Steep Decline</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Global

NVDA

Jim Cramer Tries To Quell Investor Fears Amid Nvidia Selloff: 'If You Have A Market That's Been Driven By A Handful Of Stocks…'

Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>) shares are trading lower after the company reported worse-than-expected second-quarter financial results and cut the outlook.
The discount variety stores chain reported an adjusted EPS of $0.67,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">missing the consensus of $1.04</a>, and down 26.4% year over year.
Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane reiterated the Buy rating on the stock, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DLTR/analyst-ratings">with a price forecast of $145.</a>
Following the results, the analyst has expressed doubts regarding several aspects: the comparative performance at Family Dollar, the details behind the decline in ticket size during the quarter, and current trends for the quarter-to-date.
In the quarter under review, the adjusted gross margin increase of 88 bps was driven by lower freight costs, partially offset by an unfavorable sales mix and higher occupancy costs.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/09/40705415/dollar-tree-q2-earnings-revenue-and-eps-miss-cuts-annual-forecasts-as-customers-feel-macro-pressure" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Dollar Tree Q2 Earnings: Revenue And EPS Miss, Cuts Annual Forecasts As Customers Feel Macro Pressure On Spending, Stock Tumbles</a>
The adjusted EBIT margin of 3.0% fell short of the GS/consensus estimates of 4.5%/4.4%.
McShane is also inquisitive about the firm&#8217;s performance across various categories, market share details, inflation and pricing dynamics, and the impact of promotional activities and competitive pressures.
Additionally, there&#8217;s uncertainty about the effects of shrinkage and product mix, as well as the outlook for freight costs.
Telsey Advisory Group analyst Joseph Feldman reiterated the Outperform rating on Dollar Tree with a price forecast of $120.
The analyst expressed disappointment with the weak second-quarter results and the substantial reduction in 2024 guidance.
Similar to Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>), the company pointed out macroeconomic difficulties, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40623595">particularly affecting middle and upper-income consumers.</a>
These challenges, coupled with issues related to its transformation efforts, have put pressure on its performance, Feldman writes.
The macroeconomic commentary mirrors that of Dollar General, and Dollar Tree is contending with an ongoing long-term business transformation, the analyst writes.
Price Action: DLTR shares are trading lower by 24.5% to $61.64 at last check Wednesday.
Photo via Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40704367/exclusive-vivani-medical-reveals-positive-preclinical-liver-fat-results-from-miniature-glp-1-impl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: Vivani Medical Reveals Positive Preclinical Liver Fat Results From Miniature GLP-1 Implant For Obesity</a>.</li>
</ul>

Analyst Color

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

Dollar Tree's Q2 Struggles: Analysts Question Pricing, Shrinkage, And Transformation Amid Macro Challenges

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Dollar Gen (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with DG, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 16 uncommon options trades for Dollar Gen.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 50% bullish and 25%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 7 are puts, for a total amount of $327,507, and 9 are calls, for a total amount of $396,908.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $75.0 to $125.0 for Dollar Gen during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Dollar Gen's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Dollar Gen's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $75.0 to $125.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Dollar Gen Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725376544_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$3.95</td>
<td>$3.95</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$118.5K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$1.87</td>
<td>$1.49</td>
<td>$1.65</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$84.2K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$1.43</td>
<td>$0.96</td>
<td>$1.43</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$71.5K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$1.82</td>
<td>$1.59</td>
<td>$1.65</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$64.0K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$43.05</td>
<td>$39.15</td>
<td>$41.1</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$41.1K</td>
<td>361</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Dollar Gen</h3>
With more than 20,000 locations, Dollar General's banner is nearly ubiquitous across the rural United States. Dollar General serves as a convenient shopping destination for fill-in store trips, with its value proposition most relevant to consumers in small communities with a dearth of shopping options. The retailer operates a frugal store of about 7,500 square feet and primarily offers an assortment of branded and private-label consumable items (80% of net sales) such as paper and cleaning products, packaged and perishable food, tobacco, and health and beauty items at low prices. Dollar General also offers a limited assortment of seasonal merchandise, home products, and apparel. The firm sells most items at a price point of $10 or less.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Dollar Gen, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Dollar Gen</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 3,678,363, the DG's price is up by 2.16%, now at $84.77. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 93 days.</li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Dollar Gen, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

What the Options Market Tells Us About Dollar Gen

Barclays analyst Karen Short maintains Dollar Gen (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $154 to $102.

Barclays Maintains Overweight on Dollar Gen, Lowers Price Target to $102

Goldman Sachs Removes Dollar General From Its U.S. Conviction List

These ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) shares dipped 32.42% after the company reported worse-than-expected second-quarter earnings and sales <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40623595" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and lowered its 2024 guidance</a>. Many analysts cut the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40656935" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Super Micro Computer, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) stock dived 20.21% after the company announced<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40602417" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> that it would delay filing its 10-K</a>.</li>
<li>Okta, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKTA#NASDAQ">OKTA</a>) stock fell 18.69% after its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40613044" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second-quarter financial results</a>. Several analysts trimmed the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40625762" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">company's price target</a>.</li>
<li>Pure Storage, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSTG#NYSE">PSTG</a>) stock tumbled 16.88% after it reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40613896" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second-quarter financial results</a>. Analysts cut the price <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/pstg/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">target on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBIX#NASDAQ">NBIX</a>) stock decreased 15.66%. The company presented topline data for its Phase 2 clinical study of NBI-1117568 (NBI-‘568) in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40632561" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adults with schizophrenia</a>.</li>
<li>Symbotic Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYM#NASDAQ">SYM</a>) stock fell 16.52% last week. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40575289" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jim Cramer said</a>, "The company is not the one you want to be in. It is too high, even after this comedown."</li>
<li>Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>) shares declined 12.18% after Dollar General reported worse-than-expected <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40625537" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earnings and lowered its 2024 guidance</a>.</li>
<li>Temu parent PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>) stock fell 12.80% in the last week following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40548945" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Q2 financial results</a>, in which the CEO highlighted challenges for the rest of the year.</li>
<li>Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) shares declined 7.71%.</li>
<li>MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) stock fell 9.76%.</li>
</ol>
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40674984/affirm-mongodb-and-best-buy-are-among-top-10-large-cap-gainers-last-week-aug-25-aug-31-are-the-oth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Affirm, Mongodb And Best Buy Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (Aug 25-Aug 31): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

COIN

MSTR

OKTA

PSTG

Dollar General, Temu Parent PDD And Super Micro Computer Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (Aug 25-Aug 31): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

The past week was filled with high-stakes economic predictions, political confrontations, and revealing corporate disclosures. From economist Peter Schiff sounding the alarm on potential Federal Reserve missteps to JD Vance criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris over a controversial Chinese battery plant, the news cycle was anything but dull. Here&#8217;s a closer look at the top stories.
Economist Peter Schiff Warns of Fed Misstep
As the dollar weakens in anticipation of Fed rate cuts, renowned economist Peter Schiff voiced his concerns about the potential inflationary impact of a weaker dollar. Schiff&#8217;s warning comes as the U.S. dollar hit an eight-month low against the Swiss franc.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40594093/economist-peter-schiff-warns-fed-may-be-committing-mistake-by-lowering-rates-in-sep">Read the full article here.</a>
JD Vance Criticizes Kamala Harris Over Chinese Battery Plant
Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance expressed strong opposition to the planned establishment of a Chinese battery plant in Michigan, attributing the decision to Democratic policies. Vance accused Vice President Kamala Harris of enabling Chinese battery maker Gotion to access clean-energy companies.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40591746/jd-vance-lashes-out-at-kamala-harris-for-allowing-chinese-battery-plant-in-michigan-she-wants-to-pay">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40596411/nasdaq-s-p-500-futures-flatline-as-traders-await-earnings-report-from-ai-barometer-nvidia-fund-mana?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wall Street On Wait-and-Watch Mode Ahead Of Nvidia Earnings</a>
Dollar General&#8217;s Financial Struggles
Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) announced disappointing second-quarter earnings, attributing the results to financially strained lower-income consumers. The discount retailer&#8217;s core customers, primarily households earning less than $35,000 annually, are reportedly feeling more financially pressured than six months ago.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40643827/dollar-general-says-majority-of-people-who-shop-there-feel-worse-off-financially-compared-with-6">Read the full article here.</a>
Former Trump Rival Warns Against Kamala Harris&#8217; Economic Policies
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate and Donald Trump rival, criticized Kamala Harris‘ economic agenda, particularly her proposed price controls, citing the failures of such policies in other countries.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40569702/former-trump-rival-warns-against-kamala-harris-venezuelan-style-economic-policies-w">Read the full article here.</a>
Kamala Harris&#8217;s Lead Over Trump On Economy
Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman highlighted a Michigan survey revealing that Vice President Kamala Harris is leading Former President Donald Trump on economic issues. The survey indicates that Harris is favored over Trump on the economy by a margin of 41-38.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40567353/kamala-harriss-lead-over-trump-on-economy-was-positive-for-the-last-three-months-notes-paul-krugman">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/08/40650834/feds-preferred-inflation-gauge-falls-short-of-expectations-in-july-personal-spend?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fed&#8217;s Preferred Inflation Gauge Falls Short Of Expectations In July, Personal Spending Accelerates</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Politics

Economics

Schiff's Fed Warning, Vance's Critique Of Harris, Dollar General's Financial Woes, And More: This Week In Economics

August saw the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40648231/wall-street-poised-for-strong-start-as-inflation-data-looms-strategist-says-brace-for-volatile-fall">equity market make good the losses</a> it experienced post its mid-July peak, with earnings and benign data helping the fightback. With August in the rearview mirror, here&#8217;s a look at the leaders and laggards among the S&amp;P 500 Index, a broader gauge of market performance.
3-Part Trend: The month&#8217;s trading could be characterized as a tale of three trends. Stocks extended the weakness into August, with the S&amp;P 500 bottoming on Aug. 5, coinciding with the collapse of the global equity markets. The unwinding of the yen carry trades due to the yen&#8217;s strength perked up risk aversion, sending Japanese stocks into a tailspin, and the reverberations became evident elsewhere.
The S&amp;P 500 Index fell 4.3% intraday on Aug. 5, which happened to be a Monday. The collapse was promptly dubbed Black Monday 2.0 to differentiate it from the Black Monday crash of Oct. 1987. The CBOE Volatility Index, commonly called VIX, more than doubled to 65.73 intraday before pulling back. 
On a positive note, the S&amp;P 500 closed off the lows of the day and was down a more modest 3% by the close.
The market saw a steady recovery from the low through Aug. 22, thanks to a slew of catalysts that reinforced expectations that the Federal Open Market Committee would begin cutting rates at its September meeting.
The strong and rapid recovery pushed traders on the defensive, and the market has been moving sideways since then. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="630" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/31133559/image-325.png" alt="" class="wp-image-524474" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/31133559/image-325.png 819w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/31133559/image-325-300x231.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/31133559/image-325-768x591.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
Source: Yahoo Finance
For August, the S&amp;P 500 Index gained 2.28%, ending the month at 5,648.40, off its record closing high of 5,667.20 hit on July 16.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-growth-stocks">Best Growth Stocks Right Now</a>
The Leaders: None of the Magnificent seven stocks, which have been spearheading the broader market uptrend since the start of the 2023, made it to the list of the top 10 gainers. The list featured two cybersecurity companies, namely CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) and Fortinet, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTNT#NASDAQ">FTNT</a>). CrowdStrike was rebounding from its global-outage-induced slump seen since July 19. 
Fortinet was helped by a strong post-earnings rally.
Two household and personal care products companies also made the cut, while a management change did the truck for coffee chain Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>).
The top 10 gainers for the month are:
<ul>
<li>Packaged food company Kellanova&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/K#NYSE">K</a>) (+38.62%) (upside primarily due to the rumors of a buyout by privately-held Mars and the subsequent confirmation of the deal)</li>
<li>Fortinet (+32.17%)</li>
<li>Starbucks (+26.52%)</li>
<li>Axon Enterprise, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>) (+21.65%); Much of the gains stemmed from a post-earnings bump seen on Aug.7)</li>
<li>Clorox Company&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLX#NYSE">CLX</a>) (+21.02%)</li>
<li>CrowdStrike (+19.54%)</li>
<li>Kenvue Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KVUE#NYSE">KVUE</a>) (+19.88%)</li>
<li>Best Buy, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBY#NYSE">BBY</a>) (+16.04%)</li>
<li>Arch Capital Group Ltd.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACGL#NYSE">ACGL</a>) (+18.07%)</li>
<li>Progressive Corporation&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGR#NYSE">PGR</a>) (+17.78%)</li>
</ul>
The Laggards: Artificial intelligence server manufacturer Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), which had a dream run after its inclusion in the S&amp;P 500 Index, plummeted following a short report and the delay flagged by the company in filing its 10-K report. Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), which is fraught with fundamental risk, was also one of the worst performers for the month.
A few retailers ended up in the list of the top 10 S&amp;P 500 decliners for August.
The top 10 losers for the month are:
<ul>
<li>Super Micro (-37.62%)</li>
<li>Moderna, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) (-35.08%)</li>
<li>Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) (-31.08%)</li>
<li>Intel (-27.86%)</li>
<li>Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>) (-20.19%)</li>
<li>Dollar Tree, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>) (-19.02%)</li>
<li>Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRL#NYSE">CRL</a>) (-18.99%)</li>
<li>Airbnb, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABNB#NASDAQ">ABNB</a>) (-15.94)</li>
<li>Bath &amp; Body Works, Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBWI#NYSE">BBWI</a>) (-15.80%)</li>
<li>Etsy, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ETSY#NASDAQ">ETSY</a>) (-15.43%)</li>
</ul>
Earnings reactions triggered the weakness seen in some of these stocks, including Intel, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40139012/moderna-stock-trading-lower-on-dismal-guidance-analysts-cuts-price-targets-noting-c">Moderna, which reduced its full-year forecast.</a>
With the Fed all but decided on a September rate cut, some of these beaten-down stocks, especially those in the retail space, could stage a turnaround. 
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), an exchange-traded fund that tracks the S&amp;P 500 Index, ended Friday&#8217;s session up 0.95% at $563.68, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro data.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40594093/economist-peter-schiff-warns-fed-may-be-committing-mistake-by-lowering-rates-in-sep">Economist Peter Schiff Warns Fed May Be Committing Mistake By Lowering Rates In September As Dollar Index Falls To Lowest In Over A Year</a></li>
</ul>

ABNB

ACGL

AXON

BBWI

CRWD

ETSY

FTNT

GDDY

KVUE

MPWR

SBUX

UBER

Magnificent 7 Miss Out, 2 Cybersecurity Stocks Stand Firm, Retailers Lag In Volatile August: Here Are The Top S&P 500 Gainers And Losers

The battle over consumer spending on food and household items continues to heat up and big-box retailers may be taking more market share from dollar stores <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/retail-stocks">across several categories</a>.
What Happened: Discount retailer Dollar General Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40623595/dollar-general-q2-earnings-earnings-miss-slashed-outlook-and-shrinking-margins">reported second-quarter financial results</a> that saw revenue and earnings per share both miss estimates from analysts.
The company also lowered its full-year revenue and earnings per share outlook as the company may be losing market share to larger competitors Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) and Target Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>).
Dollar General was asked about competition during its second-quarter conference call.
"We fundamentally don't believe at all that the model is structurally challenged. But there are challenges to the business as this quarter indicated," Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said.
Vasos said the company is gaining market share from new store openings. The CEO brushed off concerns of competition and placed the blame on the weaker than expected quarter on the financial constraint of the company's core customer who makes under $35,000 annually.
"What we also saw was that while we're not losing share, we're actually gaining share against all classes of trade in the consumable realm."
Vasos said the company is not seeing any competitor take Dollar General's core customer.
"We continue to feel very good about our everyday low-price position relative to competitors and other classes of trade."
Dollar General shares trade at $86.43 versus a 52-week trading range of $83.76 to $151.22. Dollar General stock is down 38.5% year-to-date as seen on the <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent083024&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro chart</a> below.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent083024&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="496" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30123522/Screenshot-155.png" alt="" class="wp-image-523709" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30123522/Screenshot-155.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30123522/Screenshot-155-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30123522/Screenshot-155-768x382.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40643827/dollar-general-says-majority-of-people-who-shop-there-feel-worse-off-financially-compared-with-6">Dollar General Says Majority Of People Who Shop There &#8216;Feel Worse Off Financially&#8217; Compared With 6 Months Ago Amid Price Hikes, Softer Employment Levels</a>
Walmart, Target Winning: Walmart and Target have both recently reported financial results and shown strength of consumer spending.
Walmart <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40391777/walmart-q2-earnings-e-commerce-and-advertising-businesses-fuel-revenue-and-profit-beat-hikes-annual">beat revenue and earnings</a> per share estimates from analysts. The company also raised full year financial guidance. Walmart reported a 4.2% increase in U.S. same store sales.
Several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40420968/walmart-stock-one-of-the-most-compelling-retail-investments-7-analysts-highlight-ma">highlighted the results</a> showing Walmart winning market share across multiple income levels, which could indicate taking market share from the core dollar store customer.
Target also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40482203/target-q2-earnings-revenue-and-profit-beat-digital-sales-boost-annual-profit-outlook-hiked">beat revenue and earnings </a>per share estimates from analysts in its recently reported quarter.
Both Walmart and Target have expanded their product assortments and are focusing on the consumer who continues to be impacted by above average inflation. Both retailers are leaning into private label brands that have cheaper price points and on expanding lower cost options across a variety of product categories.
While Dollar General isn't worried about competition, the results from Walmart and Target might say otherwise.
Walmart shares trade at $76.59 versus a 52-week trading range of $49.85 to $76.75. Walmart stock is up 44% year-to-date in 2024.
Target shares trade at $152.77 versus a 52-week trading range of $102.93 to $181.86. Target stock is up 7% year-to-date in 2024.
Dollar Tree Up Next: Discount retailer Dollar Tree Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>), which owns the namesake Dollar Tree brand along with Family Dollar, could continue to illustrate the market share losses for dollar stores to big-box retailers.
Dollar Tree reports second-quarter financial results on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Analysts expect the company to report earnings of $1.04 per share and revenue of $7.49 billion according to data <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent083024&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">from Benzinga Pro.</a>
The company reported earnings of 91 cents and revenue of $7.33 billion in last year's second quarter. Analysts see both figures increasing for this year. The earnings report could show whether Dollar Tree is seeing increased competition from other retailers.
Investors and analysts may pay particular attention to the conference call when questions about competition could come up. The company's commentary on market share, competition and core customers could show whether Walmart and Target are major concerns for the retailer.
Dollar Tree has missed earnings estimates from analysts in three of the last five quarters and beat revenue estimates in three of the last five quarters.
Dollar Tree shares trade at $84.29 versus a 52-week trading range of $83.76 to $151.22. Dollar Tree stock is down 41% year-to-date in 2024.
Read Next: 
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40634810/inflation-is-eating-into-sales-of-companies-across-the-board-even-this-household-food-name">Inflation Is Eating Into Sales Of Companies Across The Board, Even This Household Food Name</a>

Walmart, Target Are Eating Dollar Stores' Lunch: Dollar General Lowers Guidance, Will Dollar Tree Be Next?

Losing inventory is a major cause of financial distress for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/retail">retailers</a>, some of whom have reported rising levels of "shrink." 
"Shrink continues to be a significant headwind," said Kelly Dilts, CFO of Dollar General Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) on Thursday.
The company's shares dropped over 30% after the release of lackluster <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40623595">financial results for the second quarter</a>.
Dollar General disappointed investors by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40656935/dollar-general-market-share-loss-to-walmart-is-opposite-of-what-historically-happen">missing analyst expectations</a>. Operating profit dropped 20.6%, despite an increase in both same-store sales and consumer traffic. 
The results also took down shares of Dollar Tree Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>), which have fallen 14% in the last five trading days, including a substantial 10% drop between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
What Is Shrink? "Shrinkage" or "shrink" is the term accountants use to describe the differences between real product stock and what inventory says should be there.
The term &#8220;shrink,&#8221; colloquially, comes from shoplifting. But there are other factors behind it: employee theft, administrative errors, vendor fraud and product damage. This can occur during transportation as well as when products expire.
Shrink accounted for $112.1 billion in losses for U.S. businesses in 2022, <a href="https://nrf.com/research/national-retail-security-survey-2023">according</a> to the National Retail Federation. That's 1.6% of all sales.
The figure was up from 2021 by 20 basis points, and preliminary data coming from corporate this year calls hints that it may be increasing even more for some retail categories.
According to a Fortune <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/01/09/why-retail-100-billion-shrink-crisis-may-shoplifting/">report</a>, shrink has doubled in the last five years across U.S. stores.
A Money-Tight Consumer: Dollar General CEO Todd J. Vasos said on Thursday that his company's softer-than-anticipated sales performance is attributable to a "core customer that is less confident of their financial position."
As one Truist Securities analyst suggested, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40656935">the company could be losing share to Walmart Inc</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>).
Dollar General's core consumer comes predominantly from households earning less than $35,000 annually.
Although consumer spending <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40494701/is-the-consumer-ok-what-we-know-from-retailers-about-spending-in-2024">continues to exceed expectations on a national level</a>, the company's description of low-income consumer behavior is a testament for the negative effects of high inflation on the lowest economic cohorts.
In July, the Personal Consumption Expenditures index, which is the Fed's preferred measure for inflation, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/08/40650834/feds-preferred-inflation-gauge-falls-short-of-expectations-in-july-personal-spend">grew 2.5% compared to the same period last year</a>.
"Inflation prints are slowly but <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/08/40654794/inflation-is-becoming-boring-again-as-numbers-are-right-on-target-economists">surely becoming boring again</a>," said one pundit on Friday.
Inflation data is strengthening assumptions that the Fed will cut interest rates in its September meeting.
Read also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40634810">Inflation Is Eating Into Sales Of Companies Across The Board, Even This Household Food Name</a>
Company brass said during the call that they're "cautiously optimistic" that shrink will turn to a tailwind by the end of the year.
During its<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39181520"> latest earnings call</a>, competitor Dollar Tree also said shrink has been on the rise in its stores.
"Shrink is still a problem, but it&#8217;s not deteriorating like it was last year, said CEO and Chairman Rick Dreiling in June.
One solution the company found, said Dreiling, is to directly eliminate high-shrink products from stores.
"We started that about a year ago. And we&#8217;ve also placed things behind the checks — check stand counters where we can control them," said Dreiling.
The company's upcoming earnings call for the second quarter, on Sept. 4, might shed some light to the results of these actions in Dollar Tree's inventory.
Is Best Buy Doing It Right? Dollar store companies might take a page out of Best Buy Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBY#NYSE">BBY</a>), a company that has put a grip on shrink, at least when it comes to store theft.
The company's stock is up over 12% since Thursday after presenting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40624075">better-than-expected quarterly results</a>.
Some months ago, CNN <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/24/business/best-buy-shoplifting-prevention/index.html">reported</a> that Best Buy is dealing with shoplifters by increasing the amount of in-store employees.
According <a href="https://cdn.nrf.com/sites/default/files/2022-09/National%20Retail%20Security%20Survey%20Organized%20Retail%20Crime%202022.pdf">to</a> a National Retail Federation, electronics and appliances, like those sold at Best Buy stores, are stolen the most. Other categories include apparel, health and beauty, food and beverage, footwear, home furnishings and housewares, home improvement, eyewear, office supplies, infant care and toys.
Shrink as a term has been absent from Best Buy earning call conversations for the past four consecutive quarters.
In August 2023, Best Buy CEO Corie Sue Barry said that shrink as a percent of our revenue was "within 10 basis points of pre-pandemic" levels during the second quarter of 2023.
The "high-ticket nature" of the products it sells has caused the company to historically address shrink as a standard practice. 
"It's really embedded in the culture," said Barry. "We usually just have one entrance in our stores. We tend to have less self-checkout," she said.
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40658989">Best Buy&#8217;s Growth Will Be Driven By AI And Margin Expansion Despite Mixed Sector Challenges: Analysts</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Dollar General Newsroom.

Retail Sales

Dollar Stores Could Take A Page From Best Buy When It Comes To Shoplifting

Wells Fargo analyst Edward Kelly maintains Dollar Gen (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $130 to $90.

Wells Fargo Maintains Equal-Weight on Dollar Gen, Lowers Price Target to $90

Editor&#8217;s note: This story has been corrected to reflect that analyst Koji Ikeda covers Elastic N.V. for Bank of America Securities.
Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page.</a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/58e64305b85e9300014c97f9/wamsi-mohan">B of A Securities analyst Koji Ikeda</a> downgraded the rating for Elastic N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESTC#NYSE">ESTC</a>) from Buy to Neutral and lowered the price target from $140 to $94. Elastic shares gained 0.6% to close at $103.64 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/estc/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Gordon Haskett analyst Chuck Grom downgraded Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) from Buy to Hold and announces $90 price target. Dollar General shares fell 32.2% to close at $84.03 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/dg/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/59c264af6e84a70001eb1bb9/oliver-chen">TD Cowen analyst Oliver Chen</a> downgraded the rating for Kohl&#8217;s Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KSS#NYSE">KSS</a>) from Buy to Hold and lowered the price target from $25 to $21. Kohl&#8217;s shares rose 0.6% to close at $19.77 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/kss/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Stifel analyst Selman Akyol downgraded the rating for EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENLC#NYSE">ENLC</a>) from Buy to Hold and maintained the price target of $15. EnLink Midstream shares gained 9.4% to settle at $14.40 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/enlc/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/620ce684a9d04f0001c832d4/leo-you">CLSA analyst Leo You</a> downgraded Baozun Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BZUN#NASDAQ">BZUN</a>) from Outperform to Hold and cut the price target from $2.8 to $2.2. Baozun shares gained 4.5% to close at $2.32 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/bzun/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying DG stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="523" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30085157/image-317-1024x523.png" alt="" class="wp-image-523090" style="width:605px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30085157/image-317-1024x523.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30085157/image-317-300x153.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30085157/image-317-768x392.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30085157/image-317.png 1327w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>

Downgrades

BZUN

ENLC

ESTC

This Dollar General Analyst Is No Longer Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Downgrades For Friday (CORRECTED)

JP Morgan analyst Matthew Boss maintains Dollar Gen (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $130 to $97.

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on Dollar Gen, Lowers Price Target to $97

The Price Is Right To Buy Dollar General Stock

Q4 Approaches: What's Been Happening In The Market And How To Position For It

Navigating Earnings Season: In The Middle Of The Muddle

Insider trades: Notable buys and sells by significant shareholders, executives and directors

The U.S. economy has slowed. But "slowed" requires a bit of context. There is no shortage of ways to parse the economic outlook, and—with the benefit of hindsight—point out the places and times the variables appear to have broken.

Analyst Simeon Gutman of Morgan Stanley maintained a Hold rating on Dollar General (DG – Research Report), retaining the price target of $100.00. S...

Dollar General: Hold Rating with Cautious Optimism Amidst Market Challenges

Despite Dollar General's Struggles, Don't Panic

While the might of Amazon and its overwhelming ten-figure market capitalization illustrate the prevalence of eCommerce, in-store experiences are showing signs of fighting back.

Can Brick And Mortar Retail Stocks Still Inspire Investors In 2024?

The large-cap S&P 500 and Russell 1,000 are both now up more than 10% since the summer low made on August 5th.

Get Our Top Trade Ideas Delivered Daily - 65% Off Now

Get Our Top Trade Ideas Delivered Daily - 65% Off Now

Comments

Dollar Gen

Dollar Gen (DG) Forecast

Dollar Gen (NYSE:DG) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas