November 13, 2025 — Dillard’s, Inc. (NYSE: DDS) jumped sharply today after the department store chain reported stronger‑than‑expected fiscal third‑quarter results and continued share repurchases. Intraday, shares were up more than 16% as investors reacted to better sales, wider margins, and a steady cadence of buybacks heading into the holiday season. 1
Earnings at a glance
- EPS: $8.31 vs. Wall Street expectations near $6.43.
- Revenue:$1.47 billion, ahead of consensus around $1.42 billion.
- Comparable store sales:+3%; total retail sales:+3% year over year.
These headline beats were confirmed by Associated Press/Zacks snapshots and earnings recaps. 2
What powered the quarter
Dillard’s said retail gross margin improved to 45.3% from 44.5% a year ago, with strength in ladies’ accessories & lingerie, juniors’ & children’s apparel, and ladies’ apparel. Inventory ended the quarter up 2% year over year. Operating expenses were $440.4 million (30.0% of sales) versus $418.9 million (29.4%) last year, reflecting higher payroll‑related costs. Net sales for the quarter were $1.469 billion (including CDI Contractors), and net income rose to $129.8 million. 3
Stock reaction
The stock spiked after the release, with the rally attributed to the sales growth, sustained margin expansion, and the amplifying effect of buybacks on per‑share earnings. By early afternoon, DDS was up more than 16%. 1
Capital returns still front and center
Through the first 39 weeks of the fiscal year, Dillard’s repurchased ~300,000 shares for $107.8 million at an average price of $359.16. Management also noted that $165.2 million remained under the May 2023 repurchase authorization as of Nov. 1, 2025. 1
On the dividend front, Dillard’s most recent regular payout of $0.30 per share was paid on Nov. 3, 2025; the retailer also has a history of occasional special dividends. 4
Footprint update: Plano, Texas closure as mall redevelops
Beyond the numbers, Dillard’s confirmed it will close its store at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas in January 2026, a move tied to a large‑scale redevelopment of the property. A state WARN notice indicates 93 layoffs; local coverage pegs the shutdown window between Jan. 12 and Jan. 25. The company currently operates 272 stores across 30 states (including 28 clearance centers) plus online at dillards.com. 5
By the numbers (context)
- Consolidated gross margin:43.4% vs. 42.6% last year.
- Total retail sales (ex‑CDI):$1.401 billion vs. $1.356 billion.
- Category mix: strongest gains in women’s and kids’ apparel; moderate in shoes; slight in home, men’s and cosmetics. 3
What to watch next
With comps trending positive and retail margins firmer, the holiday quarter becomes the next proving ground. Points to monitor include:
- Traffic and ticket growth across core apparel categories highlighted as Q3 winners. 3
- Inventory discipline (up 2% year over year) to support margins while meeting holiday demand. 3
- Ongoing capital returns, given remaining buyback authorization and a regular dividend cadence. 6
- Real estate optimization, including the Plano exit amid redevelopment, and any further pruning or relocations. 5
Bottom line: On Nov. 13, 2025, Dillard’s delivered a clean earnings beat, healthier margins, and more buybacks—fuel for a double‑digit stock pop. Store‑fleet fine‑tuning continues with the Willow Bend closure, while the retailer enters the holiday stretch with tighter inventories, a lean cost structure, and momentum in key women’s and kids’ categories. 2
This article is for informational purposes and is not investment advice.
