Core Viewpoint - Dillard's (DDS) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of changing earnings estimates in determining stock price movements, making it a valuable tool for investors [2][3]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value calculations by institutional investors, resulting in stock price movements [3]. Business Improvement Indicators - The upgrade in Dillard's rating reflects an improvement in the company's underlying business, suggesting that investors may respond positively by driving the stock price higher [4]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending January 2026, Dillard's is expected to earn $32.61 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 5.1% over the past three months [7]. Zacks Rank System Overview - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [6]. - Dillard's upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating strong potential for near-term price appreciation [9].

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets have continued to rise in 2025, with the Dow and S&P 500 gaining 0.3% and 0.1% in November, while the Nasdaq Composite fell by 1.5% [1][2] - Year-to-date performance shows the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite up by 12.6%, 16.7%, and 21.2%, respectively, with expectations of continued growth in December due to a potential interest rate cut by the Fed [3] Investment Opportunities - Recommended stocks for December include Expedia Group Inc. (EXPE), The Allstate Corp. (ALL), Dillard's Inc. (DDS), Kinross Gold Corp. (KGC), and Globus Medical Inc. (GMED), all carrying a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a Zacks Momentum Score of A [4][9] Company Highlights Expedia Group Inc. (EXPE) - Benefits from a strong platform model that enhances customer insights and revenue growth, with an expected revenue growth rate of 6.3% and earnings growth rate of 20.8% for next year [7][8] - Strong liquidity, share buybacks, and dividends highlight financial resilience [8] The Allstate Corp. (ALL) - Consistent growth in premiums with a 7.6% year-over-year increase in net premiums earned in the first nine months of 2025 [10][11] - Expected revenue growth rate of 5.7% and a decline in earnings by 14.5% for next year, with share repurchases totaling $805 million in the first nine months of 2025 [12][11] Dillard's Inc. (DDS) - Capturing growth in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce, with a 1% year-over-year increase in retail sales [13][14] - Expected revenue growth rate of 0.8% and a decline in earnings by 8.2% for next year [16] Kinross Gold Corp. (KGC) - Strong production profile with a focus on organic growth through projects like the Tasiast mine, which has boosted production capacity [17][18] - Expected revenue growth rate of 6.3% and earnings growth rate of 32% for next year [19] Globus Medical Inc. (GMED) - Strengthened position in the musculoskeletal space through acquisitions, with a focus on expanding product offerings [20][21] - Expected revenue growth rate of 7.2% and earnings growth rate of 11.3% for next year [22]

Market Overview - Major U.S. indexes have shown significant year-to-date gains: Nasdaq Composite up 78.1%, S&P 500 up 15.8%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average up 11.5% [1] - Despite strong performance, volatility remains as investors shift to safer sectors, moving away from high-valuation technology and AI stocks [1] - Ongoing instability from government tariff policies and economic uncertainty continues to impact market participants [1] Employment and Economic Data - The unemployment rate for September rose to 4.4%, the highest in four years, while nonfarm payrolls increased by 119,000 [2] - Retail sales in September grew by only 0.2%, below expectations, with higher prices raising affordability concerns [2] - The Producer Price Index (PPI) increased by 0.3% in September, aligning with market expectations [2] - The consumer confidence index fell to 88.7, a seven-month low, significantly below the consensus estimate of 93.5 [2] Federal Reserve Expectations - Investors are anticipating a 25-basis point cut in benchmark interest rates by the Federal Reserve in December to address labor-market softness and support growth [3] Dividend-Paying Stocks - In a volatile market, dividend-paying stocks are recommended for portfolio diversification [4] - Notable dividend-paying companies include: - **Orange County Bancorp, Inc. (OBT)**: Declared an 18-cent dividend with a yield of 1.9% [5][6] - **United Bankshares (UBSI)**: Declared a 38-cent dividend with a yield of 3.9% [7] - **Dillard's (DDS)**: Declared a $30 dividend with a yield of 0.2% [10] - **Patrick Industries (PATK)**: Declared a 47-cent dividend with a yield of 1.5% [11][12] - **Agilent Technologies (A)**: Declared a 26-cent dividend with a yield of 0.6% [13][14] - Companies with consistent dividend payouts indicate a healthy business model and tend to outperform non-dividend-paying entities in volatile markets [4]

Market Overview - Wall Street is attempting to rebound after volatility in October and November, but concerns over high inflation, economic health, and uncertainty regarding a Federal Reserve rate cut in December persist [1] - Consumer confidence remains low, which could lead to further market volatility [2] Consumer Sentiment - Consumer sentiment declined to a record low of 51 in November, down from 53.6 in October, representing a 29% year-over-year decrease [3] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points in September and October, but high inflation remains a concern, complicating potential future cuts [4] - A shrinking labor market raises fears of a slowing economy, with expectations that the Federal Reserve may cautiously approach rate cuts in 2026 [4] Impact of Tariffs - President Trump's tariffs have increased commodity prices, leading consumers to reduce spending ahead of the holiday season, which may contribute to prolonged market volatility [5] Dividend-Paying Stocks - Cautious investors may consider dividend-paying stocks for steady income and capital protection amid market uncertainty [2] - Three notable stocks include: - **Orange County Bancorp, Inc. (OBT)**: Announced a dividend of $0.18 per share with a yield of 1.90%, having increased dividends four times in the past five years [6][7] - **Dillard's, Inc. (DDS)**: Declared a dividend of $30 per share with a yield of 0.18%, having increased dividends eight times in the past five years [8][10] - **United Bankshares, Inc. (UBSI)**: Announced a dividend of $0.38 per share with a yield of 3.93%, having increased dividends three times in the past five years [11][12]

Core Points - Dillard's, Inc. announced a special dividend of $30.00 per share on its Class A and Class B Common Stock, marking the largest dividend in the company's history [1][2] - The special dividend is scheduled to be paid on January 5, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 12, 2025 [1] - Additionally, the company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its Class A and Class B Common Stock, payable on February 2, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2025 [2] Management Statement - Dillard's CEO William Dillard, II and President Alex Dillard expressed excitement over the announcement, highlighting the commitment to shareholders, many of whom are associates of the company [2] - The management thanked customers and associates for their support, which contributed to the company's ability to declare this dividend [2]

Core Insights - Dillard's Inc. reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 results with both earnings and sales exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth [1][2][9] Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) reached $8.31, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.43, and increased by 7.5% from $7.73 in the same quarter last year [1][9] - Net sales amounted to $1.469 billion, a 2.9% increase from the prior-year quarter, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1.425 billion [2][9] - Total retail sales (excluding CDI Contractors, LLC) rose 3.3% year over year to $1.401 billion, with comparable sales also increasing by 3% [3][9] Category Performance - Strong sales growth was observed in ladies' accessories and lingerie, juniors' and children's apparel, and ladies' apparel, while shoes saw moderate growth [3] - Home and furniture, men's apparel and accessories, and cosmetics experienced slight growth [3] Margin and Expenses - Consolidated gross margin expanded by 80 basis points to 43.4%, with retail gross margin also increasing by 80 basis points to 45.3% [4][9] - Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) as a percentage of sales were 30%, up 60 basis points from the prior year, with total SG&A expenses increasing by 5.1% year over year to $440.4 million [5][9] Cash Flow and Share Repurchase - Dillard's ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $1.149 billion and long-term debt of $225.7 million [7] - The company repurchased 30,000 shares for $107.8 million, averaging $359.16 per share, with $165.2 million remaining under its current share repurchase authorization [8] Future Outlook - For fiscal 2025, Dillard's forecasts capital expenditure of $100 million, a decrease from $105 million in fiscal 2024 [10] - The company expects depreciation and amortization expenses of $180 million and projects interest and debt income of $7 million [11]

Core Insights - Dillard's, Inc. has launched a limited-edition capsule collection named Sydney Silverman x Gianni Bini, available on dillards.com and in stores nationwide, featuring a blend of luxury and West Coast style [9][15][16] Product Offerings - The collection includes a variety of items such as pants, jackets, tops, dresses, outerwear, and footwear, with sizes ranging from 0-14 for apparel and 5-12 for footwear [16] - Specific items highlighted include the Rudman Top, Antoci Pant, Haslee Boot, Anya Top, Good Jean, Lily Top, and Bailey Pant, all available exclusively at Dillard's [4][11][7][8] Design Inspiration - The collection is described as defining a new American classic, combining Western edge with city sophistication, featuring materials like plush knits and tailored denim in rich, cozy neutrals [15] Brand Collaboration - Sydney Silverman, a fashion influencer, expresses excitement about the collaboration, citing her personal journey and connection to Dillard's as significant [16] - Dillard's Vice-President of Merchandising, Alexandra Dillard Lucie, emphasizes the anticipation from customers and the blend of Silverman's Colorado roots with urban experiences in the collection [16] Brand Background - Gianni Bini, launched in 2001, is Dillard's largest ladies' contemporary brand, focusing on high-quality, trend-forward designs that cater to modern women's lifestyles [18] - Sydney Silverman is recognized for her polished yet approachable style, resonating with a loyal community and collaborating with various leading brands [17]

Core Insights - Dillard's Inc. reported third-quarter earnings significantly above analyst expectations, leading to a more than 20% increase in share price during intra-day trading [1] Financial Performance - The company posted earnings per share of $8.31 for the quarter ended November 1, 2025, exceeding analysts' estimates of $5.80 [2] - Revenue for the quarter was $1.47 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.41 billion [2] - Net income reached $129.8 million, an increase from $124.6 million a year earlier [3] Sales Growth - Total retail sales increased by 3% year over year, with comparable store sales also rising by 3% [2] - Retail gross margin improved to 45.3% of sales, compared to 44.5% in the same period last year, indicating stronger performance across multiple product categories [3]

Financial Performance - Dillard's reported net income of $129.8 million, or $8.31 per share, for the third quarter, compared to $124.6 million, or $7.73 per share, in the prior year[2] - Net sales for the third quarter were $1.469 billion, an increase of 3% from $1.427 billion in the same period last year[3] - Total retail sales, excluding CDI, increased 3% to $1.401 billion for the third quarter compared to $1.356 billion in the prior year[4] - For the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2025, net income was $366.5 million, or $23.39 per share, compared to $379.1 million, or $23.42 per share, in the prior year[12] - Total retail sales for the 39 weeks increased 1% to $4.315 billion from $4.275 billion in the prior year[13] - Net income for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2025, was $366.5 million, a decrease of 3.4% compared to $379.1 million for the same period in 2024[21] Operating Expenses and Margins - Retail gross margin improved to 45.3% of sales from 44.5% in the prior year third quarter[9] - Operating expenses for the third quarter were $440.4 million, representing 30.0% of sales, up from $418.9 million, or 29.4% of sales, in the prior year[11] Cash Flow and Assets - Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $505.8 million, up 44.7% from $349.4 million in the prior year[21] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period rose to $1,149.2 million, compared to $980.4 million at the end of the previous year[21] - Total assets increased to $4.298 billion as of November 1, 2025, from $4.133 billion a year earlier[20] Shareholder Actions - The company purchased $107.8 million of Class A Common Stock during the 39 weeks, with approximately $165.2 million remaining under the share repurchase program[17] - Cash dividends paid decreased slightly to $11.8 million from $12.2 million in the prior year[21] Future Projections and Risks - Estimated depreciation and amortization for 2025 is projected at $180 million, slightly higher than the actual $178 million in 2024[22] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are estimated to be $100 million, down from $105 million in 2024[22] - The company anticipates a net interest and debt expense of $(7) million for 2025, an improvement from $(14) million in 2024[22] - The company is facing various risks including inflation, economic recession, and changes in consumer spending patterns that may impact future performance[23] - Forward-looking statements indicate potential disruptions from global conflicts and public health issues affecting consumer confidence and spending[24] Inventory Changes - The company has reported an increase in merchandise inventories by $546.0 million, compared to a decrease of $588.2 million in the previous year[21] Store Closures - Dillard's announced the closure of its store at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas, expected in January 2026[18]

Group 1 - Dillard's reported quarterly earnings of $8.31 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.5%, surpassing analyst expectations [1] - The strong earnings performance of Dillard's is seen as a positive indicator ahead of major retail earnings reports [1] - The stock of Dillard's broke out past a buy area, indicating strong market interest [1] Group 2 - Kohl's received a Relative Strength Rating upgrade to 91, indicating improving technical performance [2][4] - Dillard's earned a Relative Strength Rating of 92, showcasing its market leadership [4] - Macy's chart improved following a Q2 earnings beat, with a key metric reaching a three-year high [4]