Dollar General Option Alert: Jan 16 $100 Calls at the Bid: 1500 vs 1605 OI; Earnings 5/29 Before Open [est] 

Dollar General Option Alert: Jan 16 $100 Calls at the Bid: 1500 @ $7.35 vs 1605 OI; Earnings 5/29 Before Open [est] Ref=$87.815

Dollar General (NYSE:DG) Bolsa

DOLLAR GENERAL CORP

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 food, 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

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Dollar General's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) short percent of float has risen 11.18% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 9.86 million shares sold short, which is 5.07% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.77 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Dollar General Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1747148426_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Dollar General has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Dollar General's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Dollar General's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.71%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Looking Into Dollar General's Recent Short Interest

In the last three months, 10 analysts have published ratings on Dollar General (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>), offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $88.4, a high estimate of $105.00, and a low estimate of $69.00. Marking an increase of 2.43%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $86.30. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1746734470_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
A clear picture of Dollar General's perception among financial experts is painted with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>John Heinbockel</td>
<td>Guggenheim</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$93.00</td>
<td>$76.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Lejuez</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$101.00</td>
<td>$69.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peter Keith</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$81.00</td>
<td>$79.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Ohmes</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Lejuez</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$69.00</td>
<td>$73.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Lasser</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$88.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Krisztina Katai</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Dollar General. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of Dollar General compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.</li>
</ul>
To gain a panoramic view of Dollar General's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DG/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Dollar General analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About Dollar General</h2>
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 food, 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>A Deep Dive into Dollar General's Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Falling below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a reduced size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Dollar General's financials over 3M reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 4.52% as of 31 January, 2025, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: Dollar General's net margin is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 1.86%, the company may encounter challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Dollar General's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 2.59%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.61%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: Dollar General's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 2.36. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.
<h2>The Significance of Analyst Ratings Explained</h2>
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
Breaking: Wall Street's Next Big Mover
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

What Analysts Are Saying About Dollar General Stock

Guggenheim analyst John Heinbockel maintains Dollar General (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $100 to $105.

Price Target

Guggenheim Maintains Buy on Dollar General, Raises Price Target to $105

In a recent interview, United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signaled a new wave of regulatory scrutiny headed for America&#8217;s largest food, beverage, and retail brands.
What Happened: Speaking on the All-in Podcast on Sunday, Secretary Rollins discussed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), highlighting its $123 billion annual cost.
She noted that SNAP accounts for 70% of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's budget and roughly 2% of the entire federal budget.
Rollins further adds that roughly 10% of this budget, or $15 billion a year, is spent on soda, with 75% of the population on SNAP being clinically obese. &#8220;Taxpayer dollars be[ing] spent on sugary drinks and junk food that&#8217;s making our kids sick? Absolutely not,&#8221; she says.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/05/45187807/sp-500s-9-day-climb-not-a-recession-signal-argue-analysts-amid-conflicting-research-simply-wrong-lazy-analysis">S&amp;P 500&#8217;s 9-Day Climb Not A Recession Signal, Argue Analysts Amid Conflicting Research: &#8216;Simply Wrong/Lazy Analysis&#8217;</a>
She blames this squarely on the lobbyists, saying that &#8220;the amount of money that is at stake is reflected in the amount of lobbyists that are out and about,&#8221; but adds that the program will not be eliminated, and will instead be realigned to &#8220;make America healthy again.&#8221;
Why It Matters: SNAP benefits have been in focus ever since the new administration took over, with <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/02/43901558/snap-benefits-in-focus-trump-admin-targets-bidens-food-assistance-policies">plenty of pushback</a> against potential cuts, coming from the likes of Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who called it &#8220;slashing benefits for working-class Americans to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-rich.&#8221; 
Several leading food, beverage, and retail brands too face a top-line hit if these changes come into effect, with a substantial portion of their revenues coming from purchases made using SNAP.
According to analyst Alexia Howard from Bernstein, a wide-scale cut to SNAP could hit General Mills Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>) the hardest, given its cereal line-up.
Besides this, there are beverage stocks such as Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>), and Monster Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNST#NASDAQ">MNST</a>), which are likely to be hit hard, according to a Citi Research note.
Among retailers, dollar stores such as 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>) are the most likely to be impacted by cuts to the SNAP program, according to Bernstein analyst Zhihan Ma. &#8220;If you're a dollar store, your full value proposition is predicated on servicing the lower-income consumers,&#8221; Ma said, in a report <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/16/proposed-snap-cuts-pressure-low-income-shoppers-retailers.html">by</a> CNBC. 
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Stock</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year-To-Date Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">General Mills Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-12.79%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+15.86%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-10.96%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Monster Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNST#NASDAQ">MNST</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+14.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+19.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dollar Tree Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+10.23%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture &#x7C; All-In in DC!" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Avlm1GWEgQI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
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Photo courtesy: New Africa / Shutterstock.com

Politics

DLTR

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SNAP Spending Shift Could Hit General Mills, PepsiCo Hard, Warns Analyst

David Perdue, a former U.S. senator from Georgia and close ally of President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45175235/nasdaq-100-leads-wall-street-rally-as-china-signals-openness-to-fentanyl-talks-easing-trade-tensions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has been confirmed as the next U.S.</a> ambassador to China, stepping into a role that will test his political and diplomatic skills amid deepening tensions between Washington and Beijing.
The Senate voted to confirm Perdue on Tuesday, with support largely split along party lines. Fifty-one Republicans, 15 Democrats, and one independent voted in favor, while 28 Democrats and another independent opposed the nomination, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/29/david-perdue-ambassador-china-confirmed-senate-00315468" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> Politico.
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Perdue, who represented Georgia in the Senate from 2015 to 2021, has increasingly voiced hardline positions on China, describing the country as a strategic adversary.
During his confirmation hearing, he warned that Beijing is waging &#8220;a new kind of war&#8221; against the U.S. and pledged to prioritize cutting off chemical exports linked to fentanyl production, the report read.
Once known for advocating trade cooperation with China, Perdue has shifted to a confrontational tone, aligning with Trump&#8217;s more aggressive posture.
The former CEO of Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) and executive at Sara Lee and Reebok now assumes a high-stakes role at a time when the two superpowers are locked in a bitter trade dispute.
Trump&#8217;s recent tariff hike—imposing 145% duties on Chinese imports—has drawn retaliatory measures from Beijing, including a 125% levy on U.S. goods.
Despite the public rhetoric, Chinese officials have been working to win international backing, while Trump insists his administration is &#8220;actively&#8221; engaged with Beijing on trade terms, POLITICO further mentions.
Perdue&#8217;s ability to influence Beijing may hinge less on his past commentary and more on whether he has direct lines to Trump.
&#8220;This is going to be a challenge,&#8221; said Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. &#8220;We need a strong leader like David Perdue at the front of our fight with the Chinese government.&#8221;
Max Baucus, who served as ambassador to China under President Obama, advised Perdue to remain firm but respectful. &#8220;He's more likely to break through the more he shows his respect for China and encourages China to show respect for the United States,&#8221; Baucus said.
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Shares of discount store stocks are trading higher after Five Below raised its Q1 outlook.

Even after a powerful rebound after the early-April tariff-driven selloff, Bank of America&#8217;s chief investment strategist Michael Harnett says the case for a lasting bull market still depends on a rare trio of conditions that remains out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/expert-ideas">of reach for now.</a>
In his regular &#8220;The Flow Show&#8221; report, titled &#8220;Stay BIG, sell rips&#8221; and shared Friday, the renowned contrarian strategist said he remains a buyer of dips in bonds, international stocks and gold — forming the acronym BIG — while selling into rallies in U.S. stocks and the dollar.
&#8220;If no recession, equity lows are in, simple; but can&#8217;t jump back on bull&nbsp;unless&nbsp;Treasury yields&nbsp;falling below&nbsp;4%, and&nbsp;earnings growth&nbsp;stays above&nbsp;5%&#8221; Hartnett said.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Are Stocks Still Oversold?</h2>
Despite the recent rebound, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) remains 12% below its all-time highs reached in February. 
Market internals tell a grimmer story: Harnett said that 304 stocks in the S&amp;P 500 and 58 in the Nasdaq 100 are still trading below their 2021-22 highs.
This broad-based weakness highlights what Harnett described as a &#8220;remarkable flip from &#8216;U.S. exceptionalism&#8217; hubris to &#8216;U.S. repudiation.'&#8221;
Technically, only one-third of stocks in the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 are trading above their 200-day moving averages, suggesting the damage from the April selloff runs deep across sectors.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Catalysts Needed For A Sustainable Rally</h2>
For a sustained bull market to materialize, Harnett identified three essential conditions: lower Treasury yields driven by Fed cuts, a meaningful reduction in U.S.-China tariffs, and a robust American consumer.
On monetary policy, the strategist pointed to shifting expectations around rate cuts. Market-implied probabilities show just an 8% chance of a cut at the May 7 Federal Open Market Committee meeting, rising to 65% by June 18 and reaching 100% by July 30.
Regarding trade, Harnett said a minimum requirement would be a U.S.-China peace deal that slashes current tariffs—now standing at 145%—to levels well below the 60% range promised during Donald Trump&#8216;s election campaign.
On the consumer side, Harnett cited immigration data showing Southwest border encounters falling to 11,000 per month in February and March from an average of over 100,000 per month in 2024, and a peak of 300,000 in December 2023. This decline could bolster a tight labor market, supporting consumer spending.
Yet headwinds remain strong. U.S. household equity wealth is down $6 trillion year-to-date, Bank of America data show, putting pressure on the top 10% of earners who account for 50% of U.S. consumer spending—the highest concentration since 1989.
Harnett highlighted that the relative performance of Ferrari N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RACE#NYSE">RACE</a>) compared to Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) is at its lowest in nine months. This signals a broader trend of investors rotating away from luxury and discretionary sectors toward more necessity-driven, defensive stocks.
Inflation expectations, meanwhile, have surged to levels not seen since 1981, threatening to lift household savings rates and curb spending.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Era For Stock Valuations?</h2>
Zooming out, Harnett said 2025 could mark a pivotal turning point for stock valuation. After years of ultra-low rates, massive fiscal stimulus, and booming asset prices, a &#8220;new world order&#8221; on valuations may now emerge.
Historically, the average price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) for the S&amp;P 500 was 14x in the 20th century and 20x in the 21st century. In recent years, 20x acted as a floor thanks to globalization, technology advances and the AI boom.
&#8220;In December 2024, $18tn market cap of&nbsp;Magnificent 7&nbsp;was almost on par with&nbsp;$20tn GDP of G7&nbsp;economies&nbsp;ex-USA,&#8221; Hartnett said. 
Going forward, Harnett said 20x could become the ceiling for valuations, citing the reversal of globalization, diminished Fed independence, and a new inflation normal of 3%-4% outside of recessions.
Read now: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/45003860/us-stock-futures-mixed-after-three-day-winning-streak-expert-dismisses-market-pessimism-says-this-isnt-stuff-you-see-in-bear-market">US Stock Futures Mixed After Three-Day Winning Streak: Expert Dismisses Market Pessimism, Says &#8216;This Isn&#8217;t Stuff You See In Bear Market&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Large Cap

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Econ #s

Economics

Federal Reserve

Tech

ETFs

RACE

'Stay BIG, Sell Rips': Hartnett Doubts Bull Market Without 3 Key Catalysts

Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>) and Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) shares may be breaking out. This action suggests a continued move higher.
This is why our technical analysis team has picked them as our Stocks of the Day.
Stocks trend higher due to an imbalance in supply and demand. If there are more shares to be bought than for sale, buyers need to outbid each other. They know sellers will go to whoever wants to pay the highest price. This action forces the shares into an uptrend.
At resistance levels, there are as many or possibly even more shares for sale than there are to be bought. This is why rallies end or pause when they reach these levels.
Sometimes, stocks roll over and trend lower after they reach resistance. This happens when some traders and investors who created the resistance with their sell orders become anxious.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="563" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22130949/DLTR-1024x563.png" alt="" class="wp-image-882505" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22130949/DLTR-1024x563.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22130949/DLTR-300x165.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22130949/DLTR-768x422.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22130949/DLTR.png 1507w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="569" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22131024/DG-1024x569.png" alt="" class="wp-image-882506" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22131024/DG-1024x569.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22131024/DG-300x167.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22131024/DG-768x427.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/22131024/DG.png 1501w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44926902/imf-slashes-us-growth-outlook-as-trump-tariffs-bite-raises-recession-odds-to-40">IMF Slashes US Growth Outlook As Trump Tariffs Bite, Raises Recession Odds To 40%</a>
They know buyers will go to whoever sells them shares at the lowest price. These anxious sellers don't want to miss out on the trade, so they reduce the prices they are willing to sell their shares.
Other anxious sellers see this and do the same thing. This can force the stock into a downtrend.
But sometimes, when a stock reaches a resistance level, buyers overpower the sellers and push the price higher. When this happens, traders say that it is a breakout.
As you can see on the charts of Dollar General and Dollar Tree, they may be breaking out.
Breakouts tend to be bullish. They show that the investors and traders who created the resistance with their sell orders have finished or canceled their orders.
With this large amount of supply taken out of the market, the stage could be set for a move higher. Those who wish to buy will be forced to outbid each other again to draw the sellers back in.
This could result in another bidding war that forces the price even higher. It may be about to happen with both of these stocks.
Read Next: • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44925313/tesla-q1-earnings-preview-shareholders-analysts-want-answers-on-guidance-tariffs-fsd-and-more">Tesla Q1 Earnings Preview: Shareholders, Analysts Want Answers On Guidance, Tariffs, FSD And More</a>

Photos: Dollar Tree via Shutterstock, Dollar General courtesy Dollar General

Technicals

Stocks Of The Day: Will Dollar Tree, Dollar General Breakout?

BRBR

CASY

Coca-Cola European Partners plc Ordinary Shares

CCEP

COKE

FIZZ

PSMT

SISI

SMPL

Shares of several consumer staples stocks are trading higher. The sector may be moving up as investors gravitate towards more defensive assets following market-wide volatility and uncertainty.

Gordon Haskett analyst Chuck Grom downgrades Dollar General (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) from Hold to Reduce.

Downgrades

Gordon Haskett Downgrades Dollar General to Reduce

Truist Securities analyst Scot Ciccarelli maintains Dollar General (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) with a Hold and raises the price target from $76 to $93.

Truist Securities Maintains Hold on Dollar General, Raises Price Target to $93

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Compass Point analyst Giuliano Bologna upgraded Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALLY#NYSE">ALLY</a>) from Neutral to Buy and raised the price target from $37 to $41. Ally Financial shares closed at $32.12 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ALY/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Jefferies analyst Jonathan Matuszewski upgraded the rating for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMG#NYSE">SMG</a>) from Hold to Buy and lowered the price target from $72 to $69. Scotts Miracle Gro shares closed at $51.41 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SMG/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez upgraded Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) from Sell to Neutral and raisesd the price target from $69 to $101. Dollar General shares closed at $92.62 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DG/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Baird analyst David George upgraded the rating for Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FITB#NASDAQ">FITB</a>) from Neutral to Outperform and maintained the price target of $47. Fifth Third Bancorp shares closed at $33.75 on Friday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FITB/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Redburn Atlantic analyst Hamilton Faber upgraded Roku, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROKU#NASDAQ">ROKU</a>) from Neutral to Buy and announced a $100 price target. Roku shares closed at $55.28 on Friday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ROKU/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying ROKU stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="blob:https://editorial.benzinga.com/b1d2fb5c-b882-4b56-8b24-a4753f96c5ca" alt="" style="width:516px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44665280/how-to-earn-500-a-month-from-walgreens-stock-ahead-of-q2-earnings">How To Earn $500 A Month From Walgreens Stock Ahead Of Q2 Earnings</a> </li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

Upgrades

ALLY

FITB

ROKU

This Roku Analyst Turns Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Upgrades For Monday

In the latest quarter, 11 analysts provided ratings for Dollar General (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>), showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $87.18, a high estimate of $101.00, and a low estimate of $69.00. A negative shift in sentiment is evident as analysts have decreased the average price target by 3.42%. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744030832_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
The standing of Dollar General among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
&#x7C; Analyst &#x7C; Analyst Firm &#x7C; Action Taken &#x7C; Rating &#x7C;Current Price Target&#x7C; Prior Price Target &#x7C; 
&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;---------------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C; 
&#x7C;Paul Lejuez &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $101.00&#x7C;$69.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Peter Keith &#x7C;Piper Sandler &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $81.00&#x7C;$79.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Robert Ohmes &#x7C;B of A Securities &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $90.00&#x7C;$95.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Joseph Feldman &#x7C;Telsey Advisory Group&#x7C;Maintains &#x7C;Market Perform &#x7C; $85.00&#x7C;$85.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Paul Lejuez &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Sell &#x7C; $69.00&#x7C;$73.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Michael Lasser &#x7C;UBS &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $95.00&#x7C;$108.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Joseph Feldman &#x7C;Telsey Advisory Group&#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Market Perform &#x7C; $85.00&#x7C;$88.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Krisztina Katai &#x7C;Deutsche Bank &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Hold &#x7C; $80.00&#x7C;$90.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Kate McShane &#x7C;Goldman Sachs &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $93.00&#x7C;$104.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Simeon Gutman &#x7C;Morgan Stanley &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Equal-Weight &#x7C; $80.00&#x7C;$100.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Karen Short &#x7C;Barclays &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $100.00&#x7C;$102.00 &#x7C;
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Dollar General. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of Dollar General compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Dollar General's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Capture valuable insights into Dollar General's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DG/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Dollar General analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Dollar General's Background</h2>
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 food, 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>Breaking Down Dollar General's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company exhibits a lower market capitalization profile, positioning itself below industry averages. This suggests a smaller scale relative to peers.
Revenue Growth: Dollar General displayed positive results in 3M. As of 31 January, 2025, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 4.52%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 1.86%, the company may need to address challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Dollar General's ROE falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of 2.59%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): Dollar General's ROA is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.61%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: Dollar General's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 2.36. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.
<h2>What Are Analyst Ratings?</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

11 Analysts Have This To Say About Dollar General

Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez upgrades Dollar General (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) from Sell to Neutral and raises the price target from $69 to $101.

Citigroup Upgrades Dollar General to Neutral, Raises Price Target to $101

The S&amp;P 500 index fell about 9.1% last week (Mar 31-Apr 4), making it one of the worst performances for the benchmark. These large-cap stocks defied the index. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) stock gained 19.55% last week on reports that Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google is looking to rent Nvidia's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) Blackwell Chips from the company.</li>
<li>Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKT#NYSE">RKT</a>) shares surged 18.19% after Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods upgraded the stock from Underperform to Market Perform and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44612611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised its price forecast from $12 to $14</a>.</li>
<li>GameStop Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>) upped 8.10% last week after it raised $1.5 billion in a private offering and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44638041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryan Cohen increasing his stake</a> in the company.</li>
<li>Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) stock upped 7.58%. Shares of consumer staples stocks gained as tariff uncertainty may be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44641614" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">driving a shift toward defensive stocks</a>.</li>
<li>Molina Healthcare Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOH#NYSE">MOH</a>) shares increased 7.39%. The company recently reported that it has 1.75 million shares sold short, which is 4.16% of all regular shares <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44634528" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">available for trading</a>.</li>
<li>Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPC#NASDAQ">PPC</a>) stock rose 5.63%.</li>
<li>Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROST#NASDAQ">ROST</a>) shares were up 3.90%. Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez upgraded the company from Neutral to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/rost/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Buy and announced $146 price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>) stock gained 3.72% last week.</li>
<li>TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TJX#NYSE">TJX</a>) shares increased 3.34%. Citigroup analyst Paul Lejuez upgraded the company from Neutral to Buy and raised the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/tjx/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> price forecast from $128 to $140</a>.</li>
<li>NVR, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVR#NYSE">NVR</a>) shares increased 3.19% amid a drop in Treasury yields.</li>
</ol>
Image via Shutterstock

Movers

CRWV

GOOG

GOOGL

ROST

In One Of The Worst Week, These Large Cap Stocks Emerged As Winners (Mar 31-Apr 4): Are These In Your Portfolio?

As U.S. markets witnessed a blood bath on Thursday, owing to the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration and growing recessionary fears, a handful of stocks thoroughly defied the odds, rallying amid the broader chaos.
What Happened: The Dow, S&amp;P 500, and the Nasdaq, all witnessed their steepest declines since the pandemic, with most U.S. stocks ending the day in the red.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44641009/ford-launches-from-america-for-america-discount-program-as-tariffs-threaten-vehicle-price-surge">Ford Launches &#8216;From America, For America&#8217; Discount Program As Tariffs Threaten Vehicle Price Surge</a>
Yet, a few outliers such as the Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Co (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GT#NASDAQ">GT</a>), Lamb Weston Holdings Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LW#NYSE">LW</a>), First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>), Dollar General Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>), and the American Water Works Company Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWK#NYSE">AWK</a>) have managed to win the day.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Company</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Yesterday</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year-to-Date</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">52-Week Range</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Co. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GT#NASDAQ">GT</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+11.73%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+16.46%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$7.27 &#8211; $13.78</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LW#NYSE">LW</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+10.01%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-9.80%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$47.90 &#8211; $89.51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">First Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+4.94%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-26.94%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$120.60 &#8211; $306.77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+4.66%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+24.83%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$66.43 &#8211; $164.12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">American Water Works Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWK#NYSE">AWK</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+3.95%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+22.69%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$66.43 &#8211; $164.12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1) Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Co.</h3>
Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber was a bright spot on Thursday, rallying nearly 12% amidst all the chaos, making it the day&#8217;s top gainer.
Edison Yu, an analyst at Deutsche Bank, believes Goodyear to be <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/04/44614534/5-car-stocks-that-will-benefit-from-trumps-liberation-day">a &#8216;relative winner&#8217; of Trump&#8217;s trade wars</a>, as most of its U.S. demand is filled with domestic manufacturing. As a result, it is less exposed to tariffs on imports, relative to peers in this industry.
Yu further adds that Goodyear&#8217;s focus on replacement tires, which make up 85% of its revenue, is set to benefit from the auto tariffs, as consumers will stick with their vehicles longer, leading to more tire changes. The stock has been upgraded to a &#8216;BUY&#8217; with a price target of $13, as <a href="https://www.investing.com/analysis/why-goodyear-tire-stock-is-a-relative-winner-amid-tariff-turmoil-200659060">reported</a> by Investing.com.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2) Lamb Weston Holdings Inc</h3>
Consumer staples were, in fact, only 1 of 11 sectors in the S&amp;P 500 to finish the day higher, as investors rushed to safe havens, and Lamb Weston Holdings was one of them, gaining 10%.
Analysts like Citi&#8217;s Filippo Falorni have long considered staples to be recession-proof and resilient in the face of uncertainty, telling the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/consumer-staples-gain-on-rush-to-safety-after-tariffs-spark-market-rout-45d2582b">Wall Street Journal</a> that investors can expect &#8216;stable earnings and revenue even in a tough environment.&#8217;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3) First Solar Inc</h3>
First Solar rallied nearly 5% on Thursday, being an American-made solar panel company, which allows it to dodge tariffs that apply to its competitors.
Chinese-made solar panels, which were the company&#8217;s biggest competitors, are now at a considerable disadvantage. <a href="https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/energy-business/why-is-first-solar-stock-soaring-while-much-of-the-market-sags/">Renewable Energy World</a> reports that investors in solar energy will seek to avoid the massive 54% tax on Chinese panels, while also earning the tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, giving a strong impetus to First Solar.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4) Dollar General</h3>
Investors likely pursued Dollar General as another recession-proof stock, being a major discount retailer with nearly 20,000 stores, leading to a 4% spike on Thursday, and an 18% rally since the beginning of March. 
However, this theory doesn&#8217;t hold up too well, as Billy Duberstein <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/04/03/dollar-general-rallied-18-in-march-market-crash/">writes</a> for the Motley Fool, that during the post-pandemic inflationary period, Dollar General was hit with an expensive combination of inflation hitting its low-income customers&#8217; purchasing power, along with a rise in theft. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5) American Water Works </h3>
A public utility that provides water and wastewater solutions, American Water Works is well insulated from global trade, tariffs, and geopolitics, making it the perfect safe haven stock.
People are unlikely to stop using water during a recession, and add to this, the stock offers an annualized yield of 2%, making it a great pick for those looking to overcome the tariff upheaval. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="168" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/04021828/Screenshot-2025-04-04-at-11.46.51-AM-1024x168.png" alt="" class="wp-image-856846" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/04021828/Screenshot-2025-04-04-at-11.46.51-AM-1024x168.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/04021828/Screenshot-2025-04-04-at-11.46.51-AM-300x49.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/04021828/Screenshot-2025-04-04-at-11.46.51-AM-768x126.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/04021828/Screenshot-2025-04-04-at-11.46.51-AM.png 1412w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
According to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, Dollar General paints a pretty mixed picture as of now, but what about the others on this list? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Sign up to Benzinga Edge</a> today and find out.
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Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44640798/trump-ends-de-minimis-exemptions-shopify-bigcommerce-and-lightspeed-face-new-headwinds">Trump Ends De Minimis Exemptions: Shopify, BigCommerce And Lightspeed Face New Headwinds</a>

As Trump Tariffs Rippled Through The Markets, Goodyear Tire And These Stocks Defied The Downturn — Here's Why

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Dollar General (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://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 15 uncommon options trades for Dollar General.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 60% bullish and 33%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $112,500, and 13 are calls, for a total amount of $2,805,926.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $70.0 and $110.0 for Dollar General, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing 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 General'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 General's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $70.0 to $110.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Dollar General 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743711347_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>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.35</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$625.5K</td>
<td>3.8K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.3</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$528.7K</td>
<td>3.8K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.3</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$396.7K</td>
<td>3.8K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.35</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$391.5K</td>
<td>3.8K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.65</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$379.7K</td>
<td>3.8K</td>
<td>535</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Dollar General</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 food, 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 General, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Dollar General</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 10,462,984, the price of DG is down -1.57% at $88.78. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 56 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Dollar General</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $84.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B of A Securities has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Dollar General, which currently sits at a price target of $90. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Telsey Advisory Group keeps a Market Perform rating on Dollar General with a target price of $85. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS persists with their Buy rating on Dollar General, maintaining a target price of $95. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup has decided to maintain their Sell rating on Dollar General, which currently sits at a price target of $69. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Piper Sandler continues to hold a Neutral rating for Dollar General, targeting a price of $81. 
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 General, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

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

Dollar General's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) short percent of float has risen 8.81% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 11.54 million shares sold short, which is 5.93% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.28 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Dollar General Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743615921_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Dollar General has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Dollar General's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Dollar General's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.15%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

What Does the Market Think About Dollar General?

Shares of consumer staples stocks are trading higher as tariffs uncertainty may be driving a shift towards defensive stocks.

BofA Securities analyst Robert F. Ohmes reiterated a Buy rating on the shares of Dollar General Corporation&nbsp;&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) on Thursday with a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DLTR/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast of $90.00.</a>
Dollar General is expected to benefit from increasing trade-in activity, which should help drive comparable sales and stabilize demand from its core customers, said the analyst.
The company saw early signs of this trend in the late third quarter, with more significant trade-in levels in the fourth quarter, leading to larger basket sizes in both dollar value and units.
While rising credit card debt may have delayed trade-in from middle-income consumers, reaching debt limits could further support this trend, noted the analyst.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/25/03/44532830/rocket-lab-joins-us-space-forces-5-6-billion-launch-program-stock-soars" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocket Lab Joins US Space Force&#8217;s $5.6 Billion Launch Program; Stock Soars</a>
DG has seen inventory levels improve throughout 2024, following aggressive reductions that are expected to continue into the first quarter of 2025.
Store manager turnover also improved year-over-year and is projected to stabilize by late 2025. With slower store expansion, DG anticipates less cannibalization from new locations.
Additionally, an accelerated store remodeling plan covering 20% of stores annually is expected to reduce shrink, lower maintenance costs, and minimize operational disruptions, the analyst opined.
The company has several drivers for gross margin expansion, including strategic initiatives, shrink reduction, and lower damages.
A key contributor will be the DG Media Network, along with efforts to increase non-consumable sales by 100 basis points by 2027.
Dollar General&#8217;s Back to Basics strategy aims to enhance efficiency and reduce SG&amp;A costs through initiatives like further SKU rationalization (building on ~1,000 net SKU reductions in 2024), inventory reduction, distribution center resets, and case pack optimization.
Price Action: DG shares traded lower by 2.24% at $85.58 at last check Friday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44539316/nasa-and-boeing-push-forward-with-starliner-crew-certification" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA And Boeing Push Forward With Starliner Crew Certification</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

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