Dillard’s, Inc. (NYSE: DDS) (the “Company” or “Dillard’s”) announced operating results for the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020. This release contains certain forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Company’s cautionary statements included below under “Forward-Looking Information.” In particular, these results include certain effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which has had, and is continuing to have, a significant negative impact on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position. Given the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects, the related financial impact to fiscal 2020 cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. For a more detailed discussion of the factors that could materially and adversely affect Dillard’s business, financial condition and results of operations, see the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2020, as updated by our periodic filings with the SEC.
Dillard’s Chief Executive Officer William T. Dillard, II stated, “We have worked hard on inventory and expense control in unpredictable conditions throughout the pandemic. We achieved a 249 basis point gross margin improvement for the third quarter with ending inventory down 22%. Additionally, we cut expenses $100 million. As we enter this holiday season, one thing we can predict is the dedication of our associates and their exceptional service to our customers.”
Highlights of the Third Quarter (Compared to the Prior Year Third Quarter)
- Net income of $31.9 million compared to net income of $5.5 million for the prior year third quarter
- Net income of $1.43 per share compared to net income of $0.22 per share
- Comparable store sales decreased approximately 24%.
- Gross margin improved 249 basis points of sales
- Inventory decreased approximately 22%
- Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $99.9 million
- Short-term borrowings of $15.0 million following $229.6 million at August 1, 2020 and compared to $98.6 million at November 2, 2019
- Share repurchases of $19.5 million (0.6 million shares) during the quarter
Third Quarter Results
Dillard’s reported net income for the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2020 of $31.9 million or $1.43 per share, compared to net income of $5.5 million, or $0.22 per share, for the prior year third quarter. Included in net income for the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2020 is a $2.2 million pretax loss ($1.4 million after tax or $0.06 per share) primarily related to the sale of a store property. The Company expects to be in a net operating loss position for the fiscal year. The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, allows for net operating loss carryback to years in which the federal tax rate was 35%. Included in net income for the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2020 is a net tax benefit related to this provision.
Included in net income for the prior year 13 weeks ended November 2, 2019 is a pretax loss of $0.3 million ($0.2 million after tax or $0.01 per share) primarily related to the sale of a store property and $2.8 million ($0.11 per share) in tax benefits related to amended state tax return filings.
Net sales for the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2020 and the 13 weeks ended November 2, 2019 were $1,024.9 million and $1,388.3 million, respectively. Net sales includes the operations of the Company’s construction business, CDI Contractors, LLC (“CDI”).
Total retail sales (which excludes CDI) for the 13-week periods ended October 31, 2020 and November 2, 2019 were $994.6 million and $1,334.2 million, respectively. Total retail sales decreased approximately 25% for the 13-week period ended October 31, 2020. Sales in comparable stores for the same period decreased approximately 24%.
Sales of home and furniture significantly outperformed the other categories followed by ladies’ accessories and lingerie and cosmetics. Sales of ladies’ apparel were significantly below trend. Sales in the Eastern region moderately outperformed the Central and Western regions, respectively.
Gross Margin / Inventory
Consolidated gross margin (which includes CDI) for the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2020 improved 249 basis points of sales to 35.7% compared to 33.2% for the prior year third quarter.
Retail gross margin for the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2020 improved 210 basis points of sales to 36.6% compared to 34.5% for the prior year third quarter primarily due to decreased markdowns.
Inventory at October 31, 2020 decreased approximately 22% compared to November 2, 2019.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (“operating expenses”) for the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2020 decreased $99.9 million to $318.2 million (31.0% of sales) compared to $418.1 million (30.1% of sales) for the prior year third quarter primarily due to decreased payroll expense. While savings were realized in all expense categories, payroll expense declined approximately 28% during the quarter partially as a result of the Company’s reduced operating hours.
Retail operating expenses for the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2020 decreased $100.0 million to $316.7 million (31.9% of sales) compared to $416.7 million (31.2% of sales) for the prior year third quarter.
Share Repurchase
During the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2020, the Company purchased $19.5 million (approximately 0.6 million shares) of Class A Common Stock under its $500 million share repurchase program.
During the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020, the Company purchased $95.6 million (approximately 2.2 million shares) of Class A Common Stock. As of October 31, 2020, authorization of $173.1 million remained under the program. Total shares outstanding (Class A and Class B Common Stock) at October 31, 2020 and November 2, 2019 were 22.0 million and 24.7 million, respectively.
39-Week Results
Dillard’s reported a net loss for the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020 of $138.7 million or $6.05 per share, compared to net income of $43.4 million, or $1.69 per share, for the prior year 39-week period. Included in net loss for the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020 is a $2.2 million pretax loss ($1.4 million after tax or $0.06 per share) primarily related to the sale of a store property. The Company expects to be in a net operating loss position for the fiscal year. The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, allows for net operating loss carryback to years in which the federal tax rate was 35%. Included in net loss for the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020 is a net tax benefit related to this provision.
Included in net income for the prior year 39 weeks ended November 2, 2019 is a pretax gain of $12.0 million ($9.4 million after tax or $0.37 per share) primarily related to the sale of four store properties and $2.8 million ($0.11 per share) in tax benefits related to amended state tax return filings.
Net sales for the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020 and the 39 weeks ended November 2, 2019 were $2,730.6 million and $4,280.6 million, respectively. Net sales includes the operations of the Company’s construction business, CDI Contractors, LLC (“CDI”).
Total retail sales for the 39-week periods ended October 31, 2020 and November 2, 2019 were $2,638.8 million and $4,132.9 million, respectively. Total retail sales decreased approximately 36% for the 39-week period ended October 31, 2020.
Consolidated gross margin for the same 39-week periods was 27.2% and 32.6% of sales, respectively. Retail gross margin for the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020 and November 2, 2019 was 28.0% and 33.7% of sales, respectively.
Consolidated operating expenses for the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020 decreased $356.7 million to $875.7 million (32.1% of sales) compared to $1,232.4 million (28.8% of sales) for the prior year 39-week period primarily due to decreased payroll expense. Payroll expense declined approximately 34% during the 39-week period ended October 31, 2020.
Retail operating expenses for the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020 decreased $356.5 million to $871.1 million (33.0% of sales) compared to $1,227.6 million (29.7% of sales) for the prior year 39-week period.
Store Information
Dillard’s has announced the upcoming closure of its Paradise Valley Mall location in Phoenix, Arizona (200,000 square feet). The Company expects to close the location by the end of the fiscal year. Dillard’s operates 250 Dillard’s locations and 32 clearance centers spanning 29 states and an Internet store at www.dillards.com. Total store square footage at October 31, 2020 was 48.0 million square feet.
