Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong value characteristics for investors to consider today, December 12:ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (ZIM) : This container shipping provider carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 5.7% over the last 60 days.ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 1.22 compared with 9.50 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Scoreof A.NCR Atleos Corporation (N ...

[PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION](index=3&type=section&id=PART%20I.%20FINANCIAL%20INFORMATION) [Item 1. Financial Statements](index=4&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Financial%20Statements) This section presents the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for Dillard's, Inc. for the period ended November 2, 2024, including Balance Sheets, Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Stockholders' Equity, and Cash Flows, with accompanying notes [Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=4&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) Total assets increased to $4.13 billion, driven by higher merchandise inventories and cash, with stockholders' equity rising to $1.96 billion Key Balance Sheet Items (In Thousands) | Account | Nov 2, 2024 | Feb 3, 2024 | Oct 28, 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Assets** | | | | | Cash and cash equivalents | $980,392 | $808,287 | $842,001 | | Merchandise inventories | $1,682,217 | $1,093,999 | $1,629,245 | | Total current assets | $2,942,301 | $2,208,210 | $2,665,561 | | Total assets | $4,133,062 | $3,448,906 | $3,897,934 | | **Liabilities & Equity** | | | | | Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses | $1,214,982 | $782,545 | $1,181,198 | | Total current liabilities | $1,236,733 | $827,756 | $1,202,159 | | Total stockholders' equity | $1,963,395 | $1,697,068 | $1,813,638 | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income](index=5&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Income) Q3 net income decreased to $124.6 million ($7.73 per share) due to lower net sales, with nine-month net income also declining to $379.1 million Quarterly Performance Summary (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) | Metric | Q3 2024 (ended Nov 2) | Q3 2023 (ended Oct 28) | YoY Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Sales | $1,427,009 | $1,476,362 | -3.3% | | Income Before Income Taxes | $162,506 | $199,379 | -18.5% | | Net Income | $124,596 | $155,339 | -19.8% | | Basic and Diluted EPS | $7.73 | $9.49 | -18.5% | Nine-Month Performance Summary (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) | Metric | Nine Months 2024 (ended Nov 2) | Nine Months 2023 (ended Oct 28) | YoY Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Sales | $4,465,998 | $4,627,687 | -3.5% | | Income Before Income Taxes | $494,427 | $634,085 | -22.0% | | Net Income | $379,117 | $488,345 | -22.4% | | Basic and Diluted EPS | $23.42 | $29.38 | -20.3% | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=10&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) Operating cash flow decreased to $349.4 million, while financing cash outflow significantly reduced, leading to an increased cash position of $980.4 million Cash Flow Summary for Nine Months Ended (In Thousands) | Activity | Nov 2, 2024 | Oct 28, 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $349,434 | $447,107 | | Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | ($60,162) | $7,916 | | Net cash used in financing activities | ($117,167) | ($273,353) | | **Increase in cash and cash equivalents** | **$172,105** | **$181,670** | - The decrease in cash from operations was primarily driven by lower net income and a larger increase in merchandise inventories compared to the prior year[30](index=30&type=chunk) - Financing activities included **$105.0 million** in treasury stock purchases and **$12.2 million** in dividend payments for the nine months ended Nov 2, 2024, compared to **$263.2 million** and **$10.1 million**, respectively, in the prior year period[30](index=30&type=chunk) [Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements](index=11&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) Notes detail business segments, share repurchases, credit facilities, and a significant subsequent event: a special dividend of $25.00 per share - The company operates in two reportable segments: retail department stores (retail operations) and a general contracting construction company (construction)[40](index=40&type=chunk) Percentage of Net Sales by Segment and Product Line (Q3 2024) | Category | % of Net Sales | | :--- | :--- | | **Retail Operations Segment** | **95%** | | Cosmetics | 15% | | Ladies' apparel | 21% | | Ladies' accessories and lingerie | 13% | | Juniors' and children's apparel | 9% | | Men's apparel and accessories | 19% | | Shoes | 15% | | Home and furniture | 3% | | **Construction Segment** | **5%** | | **Total** | **100%** | - As of November 2, 2024, the company had **$287.0 million** of authorization remaining under its May 2023 stock repurchase plan[63](index=63&type=chunk) - **Subsequent Event:** On November 21, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of **$25.00 per share**, payable on January 6, 2025[69](index=69&type=chunk)[70](index=70&type=chunk) [Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=22&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Management discusses Q3 performance, noting a 4% retail sales decline, focus on gross margin and expense control, and challenges with inventory and a new credit card alliance [Executive Overview](index=22&type=section&id=Executive%20Overview) Q3 saw a 4% retail sales decline, with management focusing on gross margin maintenance and SG&A control, ending with a strong cash position Q3 Key Performance Indicators (vs. Prior Year Q3) | Indicator | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net sales (in millions) | $1,427.0 | $1,476.4 | | Comparable retail stores sales trend | (4)% | (6)% | | Retail gross margin % of retail net sales | 44.5% | 45.3% | | SG&A % of net sales | 29.4% | 28.6% | | Retail store inventory trend | 3% | (1)% | - The company reported net income of **$124.6 million** (**$7.73 per share**) for Q3 2024, compared to **$155.3 million** (**$9.49 per share**) for Q3 2023[75](index=75&type=chunk) [Results of Operations](index=26&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) Q3 net sales decreased by 3.3% to $1.43 billion due to retail segment decline, with gross margin contracting and SG&A expenses increasing as a percentage of sales - In Q3 2024, retail operations sales decreased by approximately **4%**, with the largest declines in juniors' and children's apparel (**-7.8%**) and men's apparel and accessories (**-6.4%**), while cosmetics saw growth (**+1.6%**)[93](index=93&type=chunk) - Gross margin from retail operations decreased to **44.5%** from **45.3%** in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to increased markdowns[109](index=109&type=chunk) - Income from the company's credit card alliances decreased by **$3.5 million** in Q3 year-over-year, primarily due to higher credit losses and lower finance charge income[102](index=102&type=chunk) - SG&A expenses decreased by **$2.9 million** year-over-year in Q3, but increased as a percentage of sales from **28.6%** to **29.4%**[115](index=115&type=chunk) [Financial Condition and Liquidity](index=34&type=section&id=Financial%20Condition%20and%20Liquidity) The company maintains a strong financial position with $980.4 million in cash and significant credit availability, having repurchased $107.0 million in stock and launched a new credit card program - The company entered into a new 10-year agreement with Citibank for its credit card program, launched in August 2024, with management expecting initially lower cash flows compared to the prior Wells Fargo Alliance[128](index=128&type=chunk)[130](index=130&type=chunk)[133](index=133&type=chunk) - Capital expenditures were **$89.1 million** for the first nine months of fiscal 2024, down from **$104.7 million** in the prior year[134](index=134&type=chunk) - During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, the company repurchased **0.3 million shares** for **$107.0 million**[141](index=141&type=chunk) - A special dividend of **$25.00 per share** was declared on November 21, 2024, to be paid in January 2025, funded from cash flows from operations[143](index=143&type=chunk) [Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=42&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) No material changes have occurred in the company's market risk disclosures since the last Annual Report on Form 10-K - There have been no material changes in the information regarding quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk since the last Annual Report on Form 10-K[152](index=152&type=chunk) [Item 4. Controls and Procedures](index=42&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective, with no material changes to internal control over financial reporting during the quarter - The company's management concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the fiscal quarter[153](index=153&type=chunk) - No changes in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal controls[154](index=154&type=chunk) [PART II. OTHER INFORMATION](index=43&type=section&id=PART%20II.%20OTHER%20INFORMATION) [Item 1. Legal Proceedings](index=43&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Legal%20Proceedings) The company is not party to any legal proceedings expected to have a material adverse effect on its business or financial results - As of December 6, 2024, the company is not party to any legal proceedings expected to have a material adverse effect on its business[157](index=157&type=chunk) [Item 1A. Risk Factors](index=43&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) No material changes have occurred in the company's risk factors since the last Annual Report on Form 10-K - There have been no material changes in risk factors from the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K[158](index=158&type=chunk) [Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds](index=43&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Unregistered%20Sales%20of%20Equity%20Securities%20and%20Use%20of%20Proceeds) The company repurchased 293,583 shares for $107.0 million under the May 2023 Stock Plan, with $287.0 million remaining authorized Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (Q3 2024) | Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans | Approx. Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Aug 4 - Aug 31, 2024 | 54,775 | $346.84 | 54,775 | $374,998,500 | | Sep 1 - Oct 5, 2024 | 132,646 | $361.83 | 132,646 | $327,002,805 | | Oct 6 - Nov 2, 2024 | 106,162 | $376.75 | 106,162 | $287,005,827 | | **Total** | **293,583** | **$364.43** | **293,583** | **$287,005,827** | - During the three months ended November 2, 2024, the company repurchased **0.3 million shares** for **$107.0 million**, with **$287.0 million** of authorization remaining under the May 2023 Stock Plan[160](index=160&type=chunk) [Item 6. Exhibits](index=45&type=section&id=Item%206.%20Exhibits) This section lists exhibits filed with the Form 10-Q, including required certifications from the CEO and Co-Principal Financial Officers and XBRL data files - The report includes required certifications from the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Principal Financial Officers pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002[164](index=164&type=chunk)

My previous investment thought on Dillard’s (NYSE: DDS ) (published on 27 th Aug) was a hold rating because of the macro headwind that it is facing and that its elevated inventory positionI focus on long-term investments while incorporating short-term shorts to uncover alpha opportunities. My investment approach revolves around bottom-up analysis, delving into the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of individual companies. My investment duration is the medium to long-term. Ultimately, I aim to identify co ...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dillard's, Inc. (NYSE: DDS) (the "Company" or "Dillard's") announced that the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $25.00 per share on the Class A and Class B Common Stock of the Company. The special dividend is payable January 6, 2025 to shareholders of record as of December 13, 2024. In a joint statement, Dillard's Chief Executive Officer, William Dillard, II and President Alex Dillard shared, "We are pleased to announce a $25.00 special di ...

This is the official page of Croatian-American media personality Albert Anthony. Since 2023 he has been a media contributor to global financial media portal Seeking Alpha, reaching +1MM investors worldwide & his content often averaging +25,000 views monthly. As an independent contributor, his content on the Seeking Alpha portal provides curated analysis of stocks trading on major US exchanges, and building a diversified dividend income portfolio, but also a forward- looking view of where he thinks a stock w ...

Dillard's Inc. (DDS) posted third-quarter fiscal 2024 results, wherein the top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Meanwhile, the company’s sales and earnings declined year over year. A tough consumer landscape adversely impacted sales and comparable store sales (comps). However, DDS maintained a strong gross margin rate and delivered lower operating expenses, driven by stringent expense-control initiatives.Earnings per share of $7.73 surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.47. How ...

Exhibit 99.1 Dillard's, Inc. Reports Third Quarter and Year-to-Date Results LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) –November 14, 2024 - Dillard's, Inc. (NYSE: DDS) (the "Company" or "Dillard's") announced operating results for the 13 and 39 weeks ended November 2, 2024. This release contains certain forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Company's cautionary statements included below under "ForwardLooking Information." Dillard's Chief Executive Officer William T. Dillard, II stated, "While retail sales ...

Dillard's (DDS) came out with quarterly earnings of $7.73 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.47 per share. This compares to earnings of $9.30 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for nonrecurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 19.47%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this department store operator would post earnings of $5.91 per share when it actually produced earnings of $4.59, delivering a surprise of -22.34%. Over the last four quarters, ...

Core Insights - Dillard's reported a decline in retail sales and net income for the third quarter, with total retail sales decreasing by 4% compared to the previous year [1][4][9] - The company maintained a strong gross margin of 44.5% despite the sales decline, focusing on expense control and cash management [1][6][8] - Dillard's has significant cash reserves, reporting over $1.1 billion in cash and short-term investments after a stock repurchase program [1][13] Sales Performance - Total net sales for the third quarter were $1.427 billion, down from $1.476 billion in the same period last year [3][10] - Comparable store sales also decreased by 4%, with the strongest performance in cosmetics and the weakest in juniors' and children's apparel [4][6] Financial Results - Net income for the third quarter was $124.6 million, a decrease from $155.3 million in the prior year, resulting in earnings per share of $7.73 compared to $9.49 [2][9] - For the 39 weeks ended November 2, 2024, net income was $379.1 million, down from $488.3 million, with earnings per share of $23.42 compared to $29.38 [9][10] Gross Margin Analysis - Retail gross margin for the third quarter was 44.5%, slightly down from 45.3% in the previous year, with variations across merchandise categories [6][11] - Consolidated gross margin for the 39 weeks was 41.6%, compared to 42.0% in the prior year [11] Operating Expenses - Operating expenses for the third quarter were $418.9 million, slightly lower than $421.8 million in the previous year, representing 29.4% of sales [8][12] - For the 39 weeks, operating expenses increased to $1,279.2 million, or 28.6% of sales, compared to 26.8% in the prior year [12] Inventory Management - Ending inventory increased by 3% compared to the previous year, with the company noting a shorter selling period between Thanksgiving and Christmas [7][10] Share Repurchase Activity - During the third quarter, Dillard's repurchased $107 million worth of stock, reducing total shares outstanding to 15.9 million [1][13]

Core Viewpoint - Dillard's, Inc. is anticipated to report year-over-year declines in both revenue and earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, with revenues expected to be $1.4 billion, reflecting a 3.8% decrease, and earnings per share projected at $6.47, indicating a 30.4% decline from the previous year [1]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a revenue decline of 3.8% year-over-year for the fiscal third quarter, with earnings expected to decrease by 30.4% compared to the same quarter last year [1]. - In the last reported quarter, Dillard's experienced a negative earnings surprise of 22.3%, while it has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of 12.4% over the trailing four quarters [2]. Earnings Prediction - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Dillard's, as it has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3]. Market Trends - Dillard's has been affected by a challenging retail environment, leading to cautious consumer buying behavior, which has negatively impacted sales and comparable-store sales [4]. - A predicted decline of 2.4% in comparable-store sales is expected due to the tough retail conditions, with overall retail sales anticipated to drop by 2.7% year-over-year in the fiscal third quarter [5]. Operating Expenses - Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses are expected to rise by 5.3% for the third quarter, with the SG&A expense rate projected to increase by 240 basis points to 30.4% [6]. - Operating margin is anticipated to decline by 370 basis points, with operating income expected to decrease by 30% year-over-year in dollar terms [6]. Strategic Initiatives - Dillard's has been improving its inventory management and responding to strong consumer demand, which has positioned the company favorably in the competitive retail landscape [7]. - The company is focusing on growth opportunities in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce, enhancing brand relationships, remodeling stores, and optimizing its activewear segment [8]. E-commerce and Store Performance - Dillard's has made gains through initiatives aimed at enhancing brand relations, focusing on trending categories, and increasing rewards for store personnel, which are expected to contribute positively to sales [9]. - The e-commerce segment has benefited from improved merchandise assortments and effective inventory management, with expectations of enhanced productivity at existing stores and improved omnichannel operations [9]. Valuation Metrics - Dillard's is currently trading at a premium compared to industry benchmarks, with a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 1x, which is below its five-year high of 1.22x but higher than the industry average of 0.36x [10]. - Over the past three months, Dillard's shares have increased by 2.8%, outperforming the industry's growth of 1.5% [10].