Dollar General’s core consumer is “always strained” due to their economic status, but also resourceful, CEO Todd Vasos said.

Low-income Americans’ financial condition has gotten worse over the last year and more shoppers are going without basic necessities.

Tariffs and potential changes to government entitlement programs present potential further headwinds for core customers, said CEO Todd Vasos.

Dollar General (DG), often seen as a barometer for the economic health of value-conscious consumers, delivered mixed financial results in its latest earnings report, yet CEO Todd Vasos pointedly warned investors about deteriorating consumer conditions.

Dollar General (NYSE:DG) rallied on Thursday after the retailer's Q4 earnings was better than feared. Sales increased 4.5% year-over-year during the quarter to $10.3 billion. The sales increase was driven by positive sales contributions from new stores and growth in same-store sales,