Dollar General reported fiscal second-quarter earnings that comfortably beat Wall Street expectations, underscoring resilient demand for its low-price assortment as consumers grapple with higher living costs. Diluted earnings per share rose 9.4% to $1.86, well ahead of the $1.56 consensus, while net sales increased 5.1% year over year to $10.73 billion. Comparable sales grew 2.8%, driven by a 5% gain in consumables, and operating profit advanced 8.3% to $595.4 million. Net income reached $411 million. Management said traffic gains and tighter inventory management—down 6% from a year earlier—helped performance, adding that the chain’s value positioning remains attractive as shoppers contend with lingering inflation and the recently enacted 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods. Cash flow from operations for the year to date climbed nearly 10% to $1.8 billion. On the back of the stronger quarter, the retailer lifted its full-year outlook, projecting fiscal 2025 EPS of $5.80 to $6.30, up from $5.20 to $5.80 previously, and expects net-sales growth of roughly 4.3% to 4.8%. The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.59 per share. The stock rose about 6% in pre-market trading following the announcement.