Dollar General battles through retail pressure

• Dollar General (NYSE:DG) reports comparable sales increased 1.0% in Q4 to top the consensus estimate for a 0.3% gain. Strength in the consumables and home products categories is cited.
• Gross margin came in at 31.6% of sales vs. 31.3% consensus and 31.8% a year ago.
• The company paid an effective tax rate of 36.8% in the quarter, compared to 36.1% a year ago.
• Merchandise inventories fell 0.7% on a per-store basis to $3.26B.
• The retailer sees 2017 revenue growth of 4% to 6% and 2017 EPS of $4.24-$4.50 vs. $4.67 consensus.
• Previously: Dollar General beats by $0.08, beats on revenue (March 16)
• Shares of Dollar General are up 3.83% premarket to $75.60.