Dillards (DDS) Stock

I maintain a hold rating on Dillard's due to ongoing macro headwinds, poor demand outlook, and risks to gross margin performance. 3Q24 results showed a 3.8% revenue decline, with negative same-store sales and margin contractions. The promotional environment is intense, and DDS may need to mark down inventory, further risking margin contraction amid already poor demand.

Dillard's gets downgraded to a neutral/hold rating from my prior buy rating, while it also has kept its Fitch BBB- investment-grade rating this year. Lackluster YoY retail sales growth forecasts this holiday season, combined with weak market share vs major retail peers, is not a winning combo punch. The bright spot for Dillard's is a strong profit margin vs. peers, as well as low debt-to-equity.

DDS showcases better-than-expected Q3 performance driven by stringent expense management leading to strong retail gross margins and lower operating expenses.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Nov. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 “Forward-Looking Information.”

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dillard's, Inc. (“Dillard's”) (NYSE: DDS) is pleased to present Darby Fallon Clark for Edgehill, a limited-edition capsule collection for children now available exclusively at Dillard's.

I recommend a hold rating for Dillard's due to an unfavorable macro backdrop and growing inventory risks impacting near-term performance. DDS reported disappointing 2Q24 results, with declining sales, margins, and continued negative same-store sales growth, leading to a significant stock price drop. High inventory levels and weak consumer spending environment pose downside risks to DDS's gross margins and profitability in the near term.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Aug. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dillard's, Inc. (DDS-NYSE) (the “Company” or “Dillard's”) announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share on the Class A and Class B Common Stock of the Company. The dividend is payable November 4, 2024 to shareholders of record as of September 30, 2024.

Dillard's (DDS) shares sank over 10% Thursday after the department store chain reported second-quarter results that missed analysts' estimates as inflation-weary consumers cut back on discretionary spending and the company's costs rose.

Dillard's reported Q2 results with below-expectation comparable store sales, related to continuing challenges in consumer spending. The weak sales are in part related to macroeconomic worries, but in light of recent performance against peers, Dillard's Q2 could also be a sign of company-specific traffic weakness. Worryingly, Dillard's didn't manage to adapt costs to the weaker consumer spending, only starting to adapt after Q2.