Argus upgrades Dollar General to Buy on growing square footage, positive comps

Argus upgraded Dollar General to Buy from Hold with a $250 price target. The company is a "rare retailer" that is growing square footage and posting positive comparable sales, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The stock is down 17% from its 52-week highs, but this this "leading dollar store" has grown its dividend at a compound annual rate of 15% over the last 5 years and shares now look "relatively attractive" over the next 12 months, Argus adds. The firm also believes that inflation, tight monetary policy, lower tax returns and the expiration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are all "manageable".