US discount retailer Dollar General has booked higher half-year profits after it increased sales.

Dollar General reported net income of US$427.6m for the six months to 3 August, up from $303m a year earlier. Operating income was $771.5m, compared to $671.6m a year ago. 

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Net sales increased 11.7% to $7.85bn. Dollar General said same-store sales were up 5.9%.

Sales of consumables increased 12.8%, although gross profit as a percentage of sales dipped from 31.7% to 31.8%.

Chairman and CEO Rick Dreiling, reflecting the retailer’s 5.1% increase in second-quarter same-store sales, said the performance “demonstrates the ongoing execution of the initiatives around our key operating priorities and is evidence of our continued importance to our customers”.

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In the quarter, Dollar General said the “most significant growth related to changes in and further expansion of the company’s candy and snacks and perishable foods”.

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The company today (5 September) announced it expects diluted earnings per share to be US$2.77-2.85, up from a previous forecast of $2.68-2.78. Dollar General said it incurred a tax benefit in the second quarter. It also announced a $500m share buyback.