** Shares of discount retailer Dollar General DG.N up about 5% at $113.35 premarket

** Co raises its annual profit forecast as shoppers seek affordable essentials amid economic uncertainty

** Expects fiscal 2026 earnings per share of $7.20 to $7.45, up from its prior outlook of $7.10 to $7.35

** Maintains annual same-store sales to grow between 2.2% and 2.7%

** Logs Q1 EPS of $2.00 compared to estimates of $1.89 - data compiled by LSEG

** Reports Q1 net sales of $10.79 billion vs estimates of $10.81 billion

** As of last close, shares down ~17% YTD