Core Viewpoint - JPMorgan upgraded Dollar General to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $166, anticipating sustained same-store sales growth and expanding profitability [1] Group 1: Sales Growth and Profitability - Dollar General is expected to achieve 2% to 3% or higher same-store sales growth over multiple years, driven by new store openings and renovation initiatives contributing approximately 200 basis points [2] - The firm projects around 2.5% same-store sales growth, 1% to 2% net store growth, and about 30 basis points of annual gross margin expansion, supported by improved initial markups and reduced shrink [3] Group 2: Macroeconomic Factors - A supportive macroeconomic environment is anticipated for Dollar General's core customers, with positive impacts from trade-in and trade-down behavior and improving employment conditions [3] Group 3: Financial Projections - SG&A leverage is projected at just over 3% comparable sales growth, leading to estimated earnings per share growth of 12% to 13% [4] - Dollar General is expected to generate more than $1 billion in annual free cash flow after dividends [4]

Core Viewpoint - Walmart Inc. reported strong quarterly earnings, exceeding profit expectations and raising its outlook for the upcoming year, yet its stock price fell [1][2]. Financial Performance - Walmart's third-quarter adjusted earnings were 62 cents per share, surpassing the Street's estimate of 60 cents [2]. - The company raised its adjusted EPS forecast for 2026 to a range of $2.58–$2.63, up from the previous range of $2.52–$2.62 [2]. Analyst Ratings and Forecasts - Analysts maintain a positive outlook on Walmart, citing strong momentum in value, convenience, and higher-margin services like advertising and marketplace [3]. - Bank of America Securities analyst Robert F. Ohmes maintained a Buy rating with a price target of $125, emphasizing Walmart's value proposition and digital convenience [4]. - Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane reiterated a Buy rating and increased her forecast from $114 to $121, highlighting Walmart's potential for solid earnings growth [5]. - JPMorgan analyst Christopher Horvers raised his forecast from $128 to $129, noting that results alleviated concerns about consumer health and earnings momentum [6]. - DA Davidson's Michael Baker raised his forecast from $117 to $130, while increasing EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 to $2.64 and $2.85, respectively [7]. - BTIG analyst Robert Drbul lifted his forecast from $120 to $125, stating Walmart has the potential to achieve its fiscal 2026 sales growth goal of 3% to 4% [8]. - Guggenheim's John Heinbockel raised his forecast from $115 to $120, noting Walmart's strong performance compared to the S&P 500 [9]. - KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst Bradley B. Thomas increased his forecast from $110 to $120, citing growth initiatives and supply chain automation [10]. - RBC Capital Markets analyst Steven Shemesh maintained an Outperform rating with a $116 forecast, highlighting the benefits of Walmart's third-party marketplace [11]. - Telsey Advisory Group's Joseph Feldman raised his forecast from $118 to $130, encouraged by Walmart's expansion beyond core retail and e-commerce [12].