Why did DG's Q2 2025 EPS fall short of forecasts?

The EPS of Dollar General (DG) for Q2 2025 fell short of forecasts due to several key factors:

1. Strategic Initiatives: DG has been implementing a "back to basics" strategy, which includes aligning pricing with major competitors like Walmart and capitalizing on consumer trade-down trends. While these initiatives have shown progress, they may have had a temporary impact on margins and profitability.
2. Market Conditions: The broader retail environment is challenging, with ongoing inflationary pressures and consumer trade-down trends. This has likely affected DG's pricing power and sales volumes, leading to a decline in EPS.
3. Economic Pressures: Economic headwinds, including trade tariffs and uncertain economic conditions, have impacted consumer spending habits and contributed to a decline in DG's EPS. Despite these challenges, DG has shown resilience in navigating market volatility.

In summary, DG's Q2 2025 EPS falling short of forecasts can be attributed to a combination of strategic initiatives, market conditions, and economic pressures. These factors have collectively impacted the company's profitability for the period.