Dillard's, Inc. Reports First Quarter Results

Business Wire,  May 22, 2008  

Tags: Dillard's Inc.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Dillard's, Inc. (NYSE: DDS) (the "Company" or "Dillard's") announced operating results for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008. This release contains certain forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Company's cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information included below under "Forward-Looking Information".

Net income for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008 was $2.7 million ($0.04 per diluted share) compared to net income of $42.9 million ($0.53 per diluted share) for the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007. Included in net income for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008 are asset impairment and store closing charges of $0.9 million ($0.6 million after tax or $0.01 per share). Included in net income for the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007 is a pretax $4.1 million hurricane recovery gain ($2.6 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and asset impairment and store closings charges of $0.7 million ($0.4 million after tax or $0.01 per share).

Dillard's Chief Executive Officer, William T. Dillard, II, stated, "Our first quarter performance was certainly disappointing. The weak economic conditions, particularly in Florida, made it extremely difficult to achieve profitable sales levels. The detrimental effect on our gross margin performance was dramatic as we worked to control inventory position. We will continue to run our business conservatively to navigate the near-term economic uncertainty." Specifically, Dillard's has announced plans to close under-performing stores, reduce capital expenditures, reduce expenses and continue to change its merchandise mix to strengthen its appeal to aspirational, upscale and contemporary shoppers.

Accordingly, during the quarter, the Company cut advertising, selling, administrative and general expenses ("S G & A") by $17.8 million and announced six more store closures for 2008. Management believes expense saving measures implemented in the first quarter could result in savings of approximately $50 million for the 2008 fiscal year. Dillard's will continue to evaluate its store base for additional closures and will seek additional expense saving measures throughout the year.

Revenues

Net sales for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008 were $1.676 billion compared to sales for the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007 of $1.763 billion. Total net sales declined 5% during the 13-week period. Sales in comparable stores declined 6%.

During the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008, net sales were slightly above the Company's average performance trend in the Central region, consistent with trend in the Western region and slightly below trend in the Eastern region. Sales of home merchandise and furniture declined more than the average performance trend during the period.

Gross Margin/Cost of Sales

Cost of sales as a percentage of sales increased to 66.7% during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008 compared to 63.9% for the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007 resulting in gross margin decline of 280 basis points of sales. Excluding the hurricane recovery gain of $4.1 million during the first quarter of 2007, the gross margin decline was 260 basis points of sales. The decline was primarily due to the Company's response to weak sales as it worked to control inventory levels with significantly higher markdown activity compared to the prior year first quarter. Inventory in comparable stores declined 3% as of May 3, 2008 compared to May 5, 2007.

Advertising, Selling, Administrative and General Expenses

S G & A expenses declined $17.8 million during the first quarter as the Company implemented expense saving measures. S G & A expenses were $480.9 million and $498.7 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively. Notable savings in payroll, advertising, insurance, supplies and services purchased were partially offset by increases in utilities and pre-opening expenses.

Interest and Debt Expense

Net interest and debt expense increased $1.4 million for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008 compared to the 13 weeks ended May 5, 2007 as a result of lower short term investment income. Interest and debt expense was $22.1 million and $20.7 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.

As of May 3, 2008, short-term borrowings of $300 million and letters of credit totaling $67.5 million were outstanding under the Company's $1.2 billion revolving credit facility.

Closure of Distribution Center

During the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008, Dillard's closed its distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky. In connection with the closure, the Company recorded $0.9 million ($0.6 million after tax or $0.01 per share) of asset impairment and store closing charges.

Store Information

Dillard's opened six new locations during the first quarter of 2008:

[TABLE OMITTED]

(1) Replacing store damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

During the first quarter of 2008, Dillard's closed its clearance center in Jonesboro, Arkansas (75,000 square feet). Additionally, Dillard's announced the upcoming closures of the following locations. These stores are expected to close during the second quarter of 2008: