Dollar General has cut its annual sales forecast following disappointing second-quarter earnings, attributing the decline to financially constrained core customers. The discount retailer reported earnings per share of $1.70, missing the estimated $1.79, and revenue of $10.21 billion, below the expected $10.4 billion. Comparable sales increased by only 0.5% against an anticipated 2.07%. Dollar General's shares plummeted by 26% in premarket trading, marking the steepest intraday decline in its history. The company has also reduced its fiscal year 2024 earnings per share guidance to a range of $5.50 to $6.20, down from a previous estimate of $6.80 to $7.55, and expects net sales growth of 4.7% to 5.3%. The retailer's struggles highlight the challenges faced by cost-conscious consumers amid intensifying competition. Additionally, Q2 net income decreased by 20.2%, and EPS fell 20% year-over-year.