Dillard’s continues to hold its own. The Little Rock, Ark.-based department store chain reported a rise in both net income and sales in the third quarter ended Nov. 1. More from WWD In the period, the company posted net income of $129.8 million, or $8.31 a share, up 4.2 percent from the $124.6 million, or $7.73, in the prior-year period. Total retail sales rose 3 percent to $1.4 billion from $1.36 billion in the 13 weeks ended Nov. 2, 2024. Comparable-store sales also rose 3 percent. Dillard’s also owns ...

Core Insights - Dillard's, Inc. reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter results, with earnings per share of $8.31, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $5.79 [1] - The company demonstrated solid retail momentum, with quarterly sales of $1.469 billion exceeding the expected $1.438 billion [2] - Dillard's outlined a disciplined spending outlook for the upcoming year, indicating a focus on maintaining financial health [1] Financial Performance - Total retail sales and comparable store sales each increased by 3% [2] - Retail gross margin improved to 45.3% of sales, up from 44.5% [2] - Operating expenses rose to $440.4 million, representing 30.0% of sales, compared to $418.9 million or 29.4% of sales previously [2] Sales Breakdown - Significant year-over-year sales growth was observed in ladies' accessories and lingerie, juniors' and children's apparel, and ladies' apparel [3] - Moderate growth was noted in shoes, while home and furniture, men's apparel and accessories, and cosmetics experienced slight gains [3] - Inventory increased by 2% year-over-year as of November 1 [3] Balance Sheet Metrics - Dillard's ended the quarter with cash and equivalents totaling $1.149 billion [4] - Merchandise inventories rose to $1.718 billion from $1.682 billion a year ago [4] - Long-term debt decreased to $225.7 million from $321.6 million [4] Future Outlook - The company projected depreciation and amortization at $180 million for the year ending January 31, 2026, slightly above the previous year's $178 million [5] - Rental expense is expected to be $20 million, down from $21 million in the prior year [5] - Capital expenditures are forecasted at $100 million, a decrease from the actual spending of $105 million last year [5] Stock Performance - Dillard's shares rose by 9.69% to $664.70 in premarket trading [6]