On May 18, 2005, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based Dollar General Corp. to an investment-grade 'BBB-' from 'BB+'. The outlook is positive. The upgrade reflects positive operating performance over the past few years and financial metrics that are consistent with an investment-grade rating. The rating is also supported by the final settlement with the SEC regarding the restatement of the company's financial results for the fiscal years 1998 through 2000. The final resolution of the SEC investigation is viewed positively, and Standard&Poor's expects the company to maintain internal controls, financial policies, and credit protection measures consistent with the investment-grade rating. The ratings on Dollar General Corp.
