U.S. retail operator Dollar General continues to achieve strong operating performance and has reduced debt, resulting in better-than-expected credit measures. We are raising our corporate credit rating on the company to 'BB' from 'BB-' because of improving credit measures and our expectations that positive operating momentum will continue in 2010, albeit with sales growth at a much slower pace. We are also raising the issue ratings and revised the recovery ratings on the company's secured debt due to meaningful debt repayment. The stable outlook reflects our expectations that Dollar General's extreme value proposition, good execution of its merchandising strategy, and improved operating efficiency to support its current operating momentum and propel profitability. On June 8, 2010, Standard&Poor's Ratings
