Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:DG)

The financial data over the observed period reveals several noteworthy trends regarding profitability and sales performance.

Net Sales

Net sales consistently increased year over year, beginning from approximately 11.8 billion USD in early 2010 and rising steadily to nearly 38.7 billion USD by early 2024. This trend indicates sustained revenue growth, reflecting an expanding market presence or increased demand for the company's offerings.

Operating Profit

Operating profit demonstrated an overall upward trajectory from about 953 million USD in early 2010 to a peak exceeding 3.5 billion USD in early 2021. However, it declined noticeably thereafter, descending to roughly 2.4 billion USD by early 2024. This pattern suggests improved operational efficiency or cost management through 2021, followed by challenges impacting profitability in subsequent years.

Operating Profit Margin

The operating profit margin fluctuated over the years, peaking at 10.53% in early 2021. Margins were generally stable around 8 to 10% for much of the earlier period, reflecting consistent profitability relative to sales. After the 2021 peak, the margin decreased sharply to 6.32% by early 2024, pointing to increased costs, pricing pressure, or other operational difficulties reducing profitability.

In summary, the company experienced strong revenue growth combined with increasing operating profits until 2021, supported by improving operating margins. The notable contraction in operating profit and margin after 2021, despite continued revenue growth, indicates emerging operational or market challenges impacting efficiency and profitability in the most recent years.