Dillard's, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Results
MWN-AI** Summary
Dillard’s, Inc. announced its fourth-quarter and fiscal year results for the period ending January 31, 2026, revealing mixed financial performance. The company’s CEO, William T. Dillard, II, characterized the year as respectable, citing a retail gross margin of 40.8% despite unpredictable costs and a dynamic merchandise environment. Notably, Dillard's rewarded shareholders with its largest dividend to date while maintaining cash reserves around $1.1 billion.
For the fiscal year, Dillard’s reported net income of $570.2 million, equating to $36.42 per share, compared to $593.5 million, or $36.82 per share, the previous year. The company’s total retail sales were approximately unchanged, remaining steady at $6.232 billion for the fiscal year compared to $6.219 billion the year prior. The comparable store sales mirrored this trend with no significant changes.
In the fourth quarter, net income was recorded at $203.7 million, a decrease from $214.4 million in the previous year's fourth quarter. Total retail sales decreased by 1%, affected partially by disruptions from a winter storm. Retail gross margin remained steady at 36.1%, with slight declines noted in men’s apparel and accessories.
Operating expenses climbed to $463 million in the fourth quarter (23.6% of sales), driven largely by payroll costs. The company also repurchased $107.8 million in stock during the fiscal year, with plans announced for a new store in Beavercreek, Ohio, reinforcing a focus on growth despite the challenging retail landscape.
In summary, while Dillard's exhibited resilience with a strong cash position and significant shareholder returns, it faced pressures on profitability and sales stability amidst changing market conditions.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Dillard's, Inc. has recently reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year results for 2025, showcasing a mixed performance in a challenging retail landscape. Despite flat retail sales and a slight decline in comparable store sales, the company maintained a strong gross margin of 40.8%. However, net income decreased to $570.2 million from $593.5 million in the prior year, indicating a need for strategic reassessment.
Dillard's ended the fiscal year with approximately $1.1 billion in cash, allowing for flexibility in navigating economic uncertainties. The decision to reward shareholders with a substantial dividend reflects confidence in its cash flow but may also signal limitations in reinvestment opportunities. Investors should weigh this positive against the declining net income and rising operating expenses, which increased to 27.2% of sales compared to 26.7% previously.
The recent disruptions from a severe winter storm also underscore the vulnerability of brick-and-mortar sales. Although certain categories, such as ladies’ accessories and lingerie, showed moderate sales growth, declines in other areas, including men’s apparel, could reflect shifting consumer preferences and the competitive pressures from online retailers.
Given these dynamics, I recommend investors adopt a cautious approach toward Dillard's stock. While the dividend yield remains attractive, the stagnation in sales and increased operating costs may limit short-term upside. Additionally, the prevailing macroeconomic conditions—such as inflation and labor shortages—could present further challenges.
Monitoring Dillard’s ongoing strategy to enhance its online presence and manage operating efficiencies will be crucial. The company’s planned expansion with a new store opening can attract attention, but its overall ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving retail environment will ultimately dictate its performance. Investors should remain vigilant about future earnings guidance and any shifts in management's strategic focus.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dillard’s, Inc. (NYSE: DDS) (the “Company” or “Dillard’s”) announced operating results for the 13 and 52 weeks ended January 31, 2026. This release contains certain forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Company’s cautionary statements included below under “Forward-Looking Information.”
Dillard’s Chief Executive Officer William T. Dillard, II commented, “We reported a respectable year. We achieved retail gross margin of 40.8% in a rapidly changing merchandising environment with unpredictable costs. We rewarded our shareholders with the largest dividend in our history and still held around $1.1 billion in cash and short-term investments at year-end.”
Highlights of the Fiscal Year (compared to the prior fiscal year):
- Total retail sales were unchanged as a percentage
- Comparable store sales were unchanged as a percentage
- Net income of $570.2 million compared to $593.5 million
- Earnings per share of $36.42 compared to $36.82
- Retail gross margin of 40.8% of sales compared to 41.0% of sales
- Operating expenses were $1.759 billion (27.2% of sales) compared to $1.731 billion (26.7% of sales)
- Ending inventory increased 2%
Fiscal Year Results
Dillard’s reported net income for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 2026 of $570.2 million, or $36.42 per share, compared to $593.5 million, or $36.82 per share, for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2025.
Included in net income for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 2026 are the following items:
- a pretax gain of $20.4 million ($15.7 million after tax or $1.00 per share) primarily related to the sale of five properties
- federal and state income tax benefits of $35.0 million ($2.24 per share) due to a deduction related to that portion of the special dividend of $30.00 per share that was paid to the Dillard's, Inc. Investment and Employee Stock Ownership Plan during the year
Included in net income for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2025 are federal and state income tax benefits of $30.8 million ($1.91 per share) due to a deduction related to that portion of the special dividend of $25.00 per share that was paid to the Dillard's, Inc. Investment and Employee Stock Ownership Plan during the quarter.
Sales – Fiscal Year
Net sales for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 2026 and February 1, 2025 were $6.474 billion and $6.483 billion, respectively. Net sales includes the operations of the Company’s construction business, CDI Contractors, LLC (“CDI”).
Total retail sales (which excludes CDI) for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 2026 and February 1, 2025 were $6.232 billion and $6.219 billion, respectively. Total retail sales were unchanged as a percentage for the 52-week period ended January 31, 2026 compared to the 52-week period ended February 1, 2025. Sales in comparable stores for the same period were unchanged as a percentage.
Gross Margin – Fiscal Year
Consolidated gross margin for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 2026 was 39.5% of sales compared to 39.5% of sales for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2025.
Retail gross margin (which excludes CDI) for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 2026 was 40.8% of sales compared to 41.0% of sales for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2025.
Inventory increased 2% at January 31, 2026 compared to February 1, 2025.
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses – Fiscal Year
Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (“operating expenses”) for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 2026 were $1.759 billion (27.2% of sales) compared to $1.731 billion (26.7% of sales) for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2025.
Highlights of the Fourth Quarter (compared to the prior year fourth quarter):
- Total retail sales decreased 1%
- Comparable store sales decreased 1%
- Net income of $203.7 million compared to $214.4 million
- Earnings per share of $13.05 compared to $13.48
- Retail gross margin of 36.1% of sales compared to 36.1% of sales
- Operating expenses were $463.0 million (23.6% of sales) compared to $452.0 million (22.4% of sales)
Fourth Quarter Results
Dillard’s reported net income for the 13 weeks ended January 31, 2026 of $203.7 million, or $13.05 per share, compared to $214.4 million, or $13.48 per share, for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2025. Included in net income for the 13 weeks ended January 31, 2026 are the following items:
- a pretax gain of $14.9 million ($11.5 million after tax or $0.73 per share) primarily related to the sale of a store property
- federal and state income tax benefits of $35.0 million ($2.24 per share) due to a deduction related to that portion of the special dividend of $30.00 per share that was paid to the Dillard's, Inc. Investment and Employee Stock Ownership Plan during the quarter
Included in net income for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2025 are federal and state income tax benefits of $30.8 million ($1.94 per share) due to a deduction related to that portion of the special dividend of $25.00 per share that was paid to the Dillard's, Inc. Investment and Employee Stock Ownership Plan during the quarter.
Sales – Fourth Quarter
Net sales for the 13 weeks ended January 31, 2026 and February 1, 2025 were $1.962 billion and $2.017 billion, respectively.
Total retail sales for the 13 weeks ended January 31, 2026 and February 1, 2025 were $1.916 billion and $1.943 billion, respectively. Total retail sales decreased 1% for the 13-week period ended January 31, 2026 compared to the 13-week period ended February 1, 2025. Sales in comparable stores for the same period decreased 1%. The Company notes that sales in over a third of its stores were disrupted by a winter storm event in the third weekend of January 2026.
Compared to the prior year fourth quarter, sales increased moderately in ladies’ accessories and lingerie. Sales were unchanged as a percentage in shoes with moderate declines noted in ladies’ apparel, cosmetics, men’s apparel and accessories, juniors’ and children’s apparel and home and furniture.
Gross Margin – Fourth Quarter
Consolidated gross margin for the 13 weeks ended January 31, 2026 was 35.4% of sales compared to 34.9% of sales for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2025.
Retail gross margin for the 13 weeks ended January 31, 2026 was 36.1% of sales compared to 36.1% of sales for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2025. Compared to the prior year fourth quarter, retail gross margin increased moderately in ladies’ apparel and juniors’ and children’s apparel. Retail gross margin was unchanged in ladies’ accessories and lingerie, shoes, cosmetics and home and furniture. Retail gross margin declined moderately in men’s apparel and accessories.
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses – Fourth Quarter
Operating expenses for the 13 weeks ended January 31, 2026 were $463.0 million (23.6% of sales) and $452.0 million (22.4% of sales) for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2025. The increase is notably due to payroll and payroll-related expenses.
Share Repurchase
During the 52 weeks ended January 31, 2026, the Company purchased $107.8 million (approximately 300,000 shares) of Class A Common Stock at an average price of $359.16 per share.
As of January 31, 2026, authorization of $165.2 million remained under the May 2023 program.
Total shares outstanding (Class A and Class B Common Stock) at January 31, 2026 and February 1, 2025 were 15.6 million and 15.9 million, respectively.
Store Information
The Company plans to open a 160,000 square foot location at The Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek, Ohio in March of this year.
The Company operates 271 Dillard’s stores, including 28 clearance centers, spanning 30 states (totaling 46.0 million square feet) and an Internet store at dillards.com.
| Dillard’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (In Millions, Except Per Share Data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13 Weeks Ended | 13 Weeks Ended | 52 Weeks Ended | 52 Weeks Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 31, 2026 | February 1, 2025 | January 31, 2026 | February 1, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % of | % of | % of | % of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net | Net | Net | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Sales | Amount | Sales | Amount | Sales | Amount | Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,962.2 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,016.6 | 100.0 | % | $ | 6,473.6 | 100.0 | % | $ | 6,482.6 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Service charges and other income | 27.2 | 1.4 | 35.0 | 1.7 | 89.7 | 1.4 | 107.6 | 1.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1,989.4 | 101.4 | 2,051.6 | 101.7 | 6,563.3 | 101.4 | 6,590.2 | 101.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | 1,268.2 | 64.6 | 1,312.1 | 65.1 | 3,916.9 | 60.5 | 3,919.5 | 60.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 463.0 | 23.6 | 452.0 | 22.4 | 1,759.2 | 27.2 | 1,731.2 | 26.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 45.8 | 2.3 | 41.3 | 2.0 | 179.3 | 2.8 | 177.9 | 2.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Rentals | 5.7 | 0.3 | 6.5 | 0.3 | 19.2 | 0.3 | 21.4 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and debt (income) expense, net | (0.9 | ) | (0.0 | ) | (1.8 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (6.2 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (13.7 | ) | (0.2 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Other expense | 5.1 | 0.3 | 6.2 | 0.3 | 20.8 | 0.3 | 24.7 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on disposal of assets | 14.9 | 0.8 | — | — | 20.4 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures | 217.4 | 11.1 | 235.3 | 11.7 | 694.5 | 10.7 | 729.7 | 11.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income taxes | 14.1 | 20.9 | 124.7 | 136.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings of joint ventures | 0.4 | — | 0.4 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 203.7 | 10.4 | % | $ | 214.4 | 10.6 | % | $ | 570.2 | 8.8 | % | $ | 593.5 | 9.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted earnings per share | $ | 13.05 | $ | 13.48 | $ | 36.42 | $ | 36.82 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 15.6 | 15.9 | 15.7 | 16.1 |
| Dillard’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (In Millions) | ||||||||
| January 31, | February 1, | |||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 861.5 | $ | 717.9 | ||||
| Accounts receivable | 39.7 | 55.7 | ||||||
| Short-term investments | 211.5 | 325.7 | ||||||
| Merchandise inventories | 1,201.1 | 1,172.0 | ||||||
| Other current assets | 72.8 | 96.8 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 2,386.6 | 2,368.1 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 911.8 | 1,002.2 | ||||||
| Operating lease assets | 36.2 | 33.6 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 77.4 | 69.1 | ||||||
| Other assets | 93.0 | 58.1 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 3,505.0 | $ | 3,531.1 | ||||
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 772.4 | $ | 795.0 | ||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 96.0 | — | ||||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 9.6 | 11.4 | ||||||
| Federal and state income taxes | 24.1 | 28.5 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 902.1 | 834.9 | ||||||
| Long-term debt | 225.7 | 321.6 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 26.3 | 22.3 | ||||||
| Other liabilities | 371.9 | 356.1 | ||||||
| Subordinated debentures | 200.0 | 200.0 | ||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 1,779.0 | 1,796.2 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 3,505.0 | $ | 3,531.1 |
| Dillard’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In Millions) | ||||||||
| 52 Weeks Ended | 52 Weeks Ended | |||||||
| January 31, | February 1, | |||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
| Operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | 570.2 | $ | 593.5 | ||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization of property and other deferred costs | 180.9 | 179.5 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (7.3 | ) | (9.0 | ) | ||||
| Gain on disposal of assets | (20.4 | ) | (0.5 | ) | ||||
| Accrued interest on short-term investments | (8.8 | ) | (11.8 | ) | ||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Decrease in accounts receivable | 16.0 | 4.8 | ||||||
| Increase in merchandise inventories | (29.0 | ) | (78.0 | ) | ||||
| Decrease in other current assets | 21.7 | 2.3 | ||||||
| Decrease (increase) in other assets | 0.6 | (0.8 | ) | |||||
| (Decrease) increase in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities | (2.3 | ) | 36.5 | |||||
| Decrease in income taxes payable | (4.6 | ) | (2.4 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 717.0 | 714.1 | ||||||
| Investing activities: | ||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment and capitalized software | (93.4 | ) | (104.6 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from disposal of assets | 25.7 | 0.7 | ||||||
| Proceeds from insurance | 1.5 | — | ||||||
| Investments related to joint ventures | (34.3 | ) | — | |||||
| Purchase of short-term investments | (534.6 | ) | (696.7 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments | 657.6 | 530.9 | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 22.5 | (269.7 | ) | |||||
| Financing activities: | ||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | (484.8 | ) | (413.8 | ) | ||||
| Purchase of treasury stock | (107.8 | ) | (121.0 | ) | ||||
| Issuance cost of line of credit | (3.3 | ) | — | |||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (595.9 | ) | (534.8 | ) | ||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 143.6 | (90.4 | ) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 717.9 | 808.3 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 861.5 | $ | 717.9 | ||||
| Non-cash transactions: | ||||||||
| Accrued capital expenditures | $ | 7.1 | $ | 6.8 | ||||
| Accrued purchase of treasury stock and excise taxes | 1.0 | 1.2 | ||||||
| Stock awards | 3.8 | 4.2 | ||||||
| Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | 14.6 | 2.9 |
Estimates for 2026
The Company is providing the following estimates for certain financial statement items for the 52-week period ending January 30, 2027 based upon current conditions. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates as conditions and factors change – See “Forward-Looking Information.”
| In Millions | ||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
| Estimated | Actual | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | 175 | $ | 179 | ||||
| Rentals | 18 | 19 | ||||||
| Interest and debt (income) expense, net | (5 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||
| Capital expenditures | 130 | 93 |
Forward-Looking Information
This report contains certain forward-looking statements. The following are or may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: (a) statements including words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “future,” “potential,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “continue,” or the negative or other variations thereof; (b) statements regarding matters that are not historical facts; and (c) statements about the Company’s future occurrences, plans and objectives, including those statements under the heading “Estimates for 2026” regarding certain financial statement items for the 52-week period ended January 30, 2027. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements contained in this report are based on estimates, projections, beliefs and assumptions of management and information available to management at the time of such statements and are not guarantees of future performance. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements based on the occurrence of future events, the receipt of new information or otherwise. Forward-looking statements of the Company involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors. Actual future performance, outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by the Company and its management as a result of a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Representative examples of those factors include (without limitation) general retail industry conditions and macro-economic conditions including inflation, economic recession and changes in traffic at malls and shopping centers; economic and weather conditions for regions in which the Company’s stores are located and the effect of these factors on the buying patterns of the Company’s customers, including the effect of changes in prices and availability of oil and natural gas; the availability of and interest rates on consumer credit; the impact of competitive pressures in the department store industry and other retail channels including specialty, off-price, discount and Internet retailers; changes in the Company’s ability to meet labor needs amid nationwide labor shortages and an intense competition for talent; changes in consumer spending patterns, debt levels and their ability to meet credit obligations; high levels of unemployment; changes in tax legislation; trade disputes and changes in trade policies including the imposition (or threat) of new or increased duties, taxes, tariffs and other charges impacting our products or supply chain; changes in legislation and governmental regulations; adequate and stable availability and pricing of materials, production facilities and labor from which the Company sources its merchandise; changes in operating expenses, including employee wages, commission structures and related benefits; system failures or data security breaches; possible future acquisitions of store properties from other department store operators; the continued availability of financing in amounts and at the terms necessary to support the Company’s future business; fluctuations in SOFR and other base borrowing rates; potential disruption from terrorist activity and the effect on ongoing consumer confidence; epidemic, pandemic or public health issues and their effects on public health, our supply chain, the health and well-being of our employees and customers and the retail industry in general; potential disruption of international trade and supply chain efficiencies; global conflicts (including the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine) and the possible impact on consumer spending patterns and other economic and demographic changes of similar or dissimilar nature, and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly those set forth under the caption “Item 1A, Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2025.
CONTACT:
Dillard’s, Inc.
Julie J. Guymon
501-376-5965
julie.guymon@dillards.com
FAQ**
How does Dillard's Inc. DDS plan to maintain or improve its retail gross margin, especially after reporting a slight decrease from 41.0% to 40.8% in the past fiscal year?
What strategies is Dillard's Inc. DDS implementing to address the unchanged comparable store sales, and how do those strategies align with current economic conditions?
Given the $1.1 billion in cash and investments reported, what are Dillard's Inc. DDS's priorities for deploying this capital in the upcoming fiscal year?
How does Dillard's Inc. DDS intend to navigate the competitive pressures from online retailers and various retail channels, especially in light of its recent financial performance?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Dillard's Inc. (NYSE: DDS).
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