Dollar General vs Ross Stores (DG vs ROST)
Dollar General (DG) vs Ross Stores (ROST) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Dollar General (DG) and Ross Stores (ROST) compete in retail. Here are Dollar General and Ross Stores side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Dollar General or Ross Stores.
Dollar General vs Ross Stores: the figures
| Figure | Dollar General | Ross Stores |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $141.64 (November 4, 2026) | $245.74 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $31.2 billion | $78.8 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 18.4x | 29.7x |
| Forward P/E | 17.0x | 27.3x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +5.2% | +13.3% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 3.9% | 10.8% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 4.0x | 0.1x |
| Dividend yield | 1.81% | 0.77% |
| Beta | 0.19 | 0.85 |
Dollar General and Ross Stores figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Dollar General or Ross Stores figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Dollar General and Ross Stores
- Valuation: Ross Stores trades at 29.7x its annual earnings and Dollar General at 18.4x; the market pays more for each dollar of Ross Stores profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Debt: Dollar General owes 4.0x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Ross Stores owes 0.1x its EBITDA.
- Volatility: Ross Stores stock moves more (beta 0.85) than Dollar General (beta 0.19); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
Dollar General or Ross Stores: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Ross Stores is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Dollar General pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Ross Stores has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Dollar General trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Dollar General nor Ross Stores wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Dollar General and Ross Stores make money
Dollar General (DG)
Dollar General runs a large network of small-format discount stores across the United States, mostly in rural towns. It groups sales into consumables, the biggest category, covering food, cleaning supplies and paper products, plus seasonal items, home products and apparel. It also operates the pOpshelf store concept. Full Dollar General analysis.
Ross Stores (ROST)
Ross Stores runs off-price stores across the United States under two banners: Ross Dress for Less, the main chain, and dd's DISCOUNTS, aimed at lower-income households. It sells brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories and home goods below department-store prices by snapping up closeouts and excess seasonal inventory. Full Ross Stores analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Dollar General vs Ross Stores
Is Dollar General or Ross Stores the better stock?
Choosing between Dollar General and Ross Stores depends on what you are looking for. Ross Stores is growing faster right now, and Dollar General trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Dollar General or Ross Stores: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Dollar General or Ross Stores?
As of November 4, 2026, Dollar General yields 1.81% and Ross Stores yields 0.77%. Also check how much of their profit Dollar General and Ross Stores pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Dollar General or Ross Stores?
On P/E, Ross Stores (29.7x) is more expensive than Dollar General (18.4x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Dollar General and Ross Stores?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Dollar General and Ross Stores, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Dollar General or Ross Stores.
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More companies like Dollar General and Ross Stores: retail stocks. Educational content about Dollar General and Ross Stores, not investment advice.