form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

T
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended May 3, 2008
or

£
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________.

Commission file number:  1-6140

DILLARD'S, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
 
71-0388071
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer Identification Number)


1600 CANTRELL ROAD, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS  72201
(Address of principal executive office)
(Zip Code)


(501) 376-5200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
þYes  ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12-b-2 of the Exchange Act.)      ¨Yes  þNo

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
CLASS A COMMON STOCK as of May 31, 2008     71,270,160
CLASS B COMMON STOCK as of May 31, 2008       4,010,929
 


 

 

Index

DILLARD'S, INC.


   
Page
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Number
     
Item 1.
 
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
Item 2.
11
     
Item 3.
21
     
Item 4.
21
     
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
23
     
Item 1A.
23
     
Item 2.
23
     
Item 3.
23
     
Item 4.
23
     
Item 5.
24
     
Item 6.
24
     
24

2


PART 1.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

DILLARD'S, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands)
 
                   
   
May 3,
   
February 2,
   
May 5,
 
   
2008
   
2008
   
2007
 
Assets
             
(As restated. See Note 1)
 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 84,043     $ 88,912     $ 137,915  
Accounts receivable
    9,034       10,880       9,932  
Merchandise inventories
    2,018,406       1,779,279       2,032,711  
Other current assets
    64,658       66,117       42,143  
                         
Total current assets
    2,176,141       1,945,188       2,222,701  
                         
Property and equipment, net
    3,182,271       3,190,444       3,197,530  
Goodwill
    31,912       31,912       34,511  
Other assets
    166,459       170,585       170,959  
                         
Total assets
  $ 5,556,783     $ 5,338,129     $ 5,625,701  
                         
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 957,545     $ 753,309     $ 1,013,659  
Current portion of long-term debt
    100,712       196,446       196,399  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    2,295       2,613       3,027  
Other short-term borrowings
    300,000       195,000       -  
Federal and state income taxes
    39,471       36,802       55,696  
                         
Total current liabilities
    1,400,023       1,184,170       1,268,781  
                         
Long-term debt
    759,981       760,165       860,693  
Capital lease obligations
    25,339       25,739       27,633  
Other liabilities
    219,817       217,403       208,596  
Deferred income taxes
    435,633       436,541       435,835  
Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the
                       
Company’s subordinated debentures
    200,000       200,000       200,000  
                         
Stockholders’ equity:
                       
Common stock
    1,206       1,205       1,204  
Additional paid-in capital
    780,757       778,987       777,628  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (21,786 )     (22,211 )     (20,836 )
Retained earnings
    2,680,373       2,680,690       2,679,135  
Less treasury stock, at cost
    (924,560 )     (924,560 )     (812,968 )
                         
Total stockholders' equity
    2,515,990       2,514,111       2,624,163  
                         
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 5,556,783     $ 5,338,129     $ 5,625,701  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


DILLARD'S, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
   
   
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
May 3,
   
May 5,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net sales
  $ 1,675,554     $ 1,762,954  
Service charges and other income
    38,044       36,500  
                 
      1,713,598       1,799,454  
                 
Cost of sales
    1,118,302       1,126,091  
Advertising, selling, administrative and general expenses
    480,921       498,687  
Depreciation and amortization
    72,075       74,932  
Rentals
    15,677       13,198  
Interest and debt expense, net
    22,113       20,736  
Gain on disposal of assets
    (99 )     ––  
Asset impairment and store closing charges
    925       688  
                 
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures
    3,684       65,122  
Income taxes
    1,610       25,390  
Equity in earnings of joint ventures
    619       3,192  
                 
Net income
    2,693       42,924  
                 
Retained earnings at beginning of period
    2,680,690       2,640,224  
Cash dividends declared
    (3,010 )     (3,210 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change related to adoption of FIN 48
    -       (803 )
                 
Retained earnings at end of period (as restated)
  $ 2,680,373     $ 2,679,135  
                 
Earnings per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.04     $ 0.54  
                 
Diluted
  $ 0.04     $ 0.53  
                 
                 
Cash dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.04  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



DILLARD'S, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands)
 
   
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
May 3,
   
May 5,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 2,693     $ 42,924  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization of property and deferred financing
    72,536       75,410  
Share-based compensation
    15       31  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
    ––       (433 )
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment
    (99 )     16  
Asset impairment and store closing charges
    925       688  
Gain from hurricane insurance proceeds
    ––       (4,072 )
Proceeds from hurricane insurance
    ––       5,881  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease in accounts receivable
    1,846       576  
Increase in merchandise inventories and other current assets
    (246,925 )     (253,210 )
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    3,665       (3,235 )
Increase in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses, other liabilities and income taxes
    201,877       172,472  
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    36,533       37,048  
                 
Investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (46,759 )     (109,106 )
Proceeds from hurricane insurance
    ––       16,101  
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    2       ––  
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (46,757 )     (93,005 )
                 
Financing activities:
               
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
    (96,635 )     (1,501 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    ––       4,606  
Payment of line of credit fees and expenses
    ––       (450 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
    ––       433  
Cash dividends paid
    (3,010 )     (3,210 )
Increase in short-term borrowings
    105,000       ––  
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    5,355       (122 )
                 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (4,869 )     (56,079 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    88,912       193,994  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 84,043     $ 137,915  
                 
Non-cash transactions:
               
Accrued capital expenditures
  $ 17,020     $ 2,635  
Stock bonus awards
    1,756       1,418  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


DILLARD'S, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1.
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Dillard's, Inc. (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, each as promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three months ended May 3, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009 due to the seasonal nature of the business.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2008.

Reclassifications – Asset impairment and store closing charges of $0.7 million were reclassed from advertising, selling, administrative and general expenses to their own line item in the Company’s prior period condensed consolidated statement of income to conform to the 2008 presentation.

Restatement – As previously reported in Note 2 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2008, property and equipment, deferred income taxes and retained earnings were restated on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 3, 2007.  The Company identified an error in accounting for its share of the equity in earnings of CDI Contractors LLC (“CDI”), a 50%-owned, equity method joint venture investment of the Company that is also a general contractor that constructs stores for the Company.  The Company discovered that CDI had recorded profit on the Company’s construction projects in excess of what CDI had previously reported and which, therefore, was not properly eliminated.

The following table reflects the effects of the restatement on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Retained Earnings as of May 5, 2007 (in thousands):

   
As Previously
Reported
   
Restatement
Adjustments
   
As
Restated
 
Property and equipment, net
  $ 3,208,810     $ (11,280 )   $ 3,197,530  
Total assets
    5,636,981       (11,280 )     5,625,701  
Deferred income taxes
    439,951       (4,116 )     435,835  
Retained earnings
    2,686,299       (7,164 )     2,679,135  
Total stockholders’ equity
    2,631,327       (7,164 )     2,624,163  
Total liabilities and  stockholders’ equity
    5,636,981       (11,280 )     5,625,701  

Note 2.
Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has various stock option plans that provide for the granting of options to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock to certain key employees of the Company.  Exercise and vesting terms for options granted under the plans are determined at each grant date.  There were no stock options granted during the three months ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007.

6


Stock option transactions for the three months ended May 3, 2008 are summarized as follows:

         
Weighted-Average
 
Fixed Options
 
Shares
   
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding, beginning of period
    5,376,375     $ 25.92  
Granted
    -       -  
Exercised
    -       -  
Forfeited
    (40,000 )     25.74  
Outstanding, end of period
    5,336,375     $ 25.92  
Options exercisable at period end
    5,316,375     $ 25.92  

At May 3, 2008, the intrinsic value of outstanding stock options and exercisable stock options was $0.

Note 3.
Asset Impairment and Store Closing Charges

During the quarter ended May 3, 2008, the Company recorded a pretax charge of $0.9 million for asset impairment and store closing costs.  The charge consists of a write-off of equipment and an accrual for future rent on a distribution center that was closed during the quarter.

During the quarter ended May 5, 2007, the Company recorded a pretax charge of $0.7 million for asset impairment and store closing costs.  The charge consists of a write-down of property and equipment for a store that had been closed.

Following is a summary of the activity in the reserve established for store closing charges for the quarter ended May 3, 2008:

(in thousands)
 
Balance, Beginning
of Quarter
   
Charges
   
Cash Payments
   
Balance,
End of Quarter
 
                         
Rentals, property taxes and utilities
  $ 4,355     $ 1,159     $ 959     $ 4,555  

Reserve amounts are included in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities.

Note 4.
Earnings Per Share Data

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data).

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
May 3,
   
May 5,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Basic:
           
Net income
  $ 2,693     $ 42,924  
                 
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
    75,200       80,197  
                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.54  

7


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
May 3,
   
May 5,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Diluted:
           
Net income
  $ 2,693     $ 42,924  
                 
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
    75,200       80,197  
Stock options
    -       1,360  
Total weighted average equivalent shares
    75,200       81,557  
                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.53  

Total stock options outstanding were 5,336,375 and 5,769,994 at May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.  Of these, options to purchase 5,336,375 shares of Class A common stock at prices ranging from $24.01 to $30.47 per share were outstanding at May 3, 2008 but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would be antidilutive.  No options outstanding were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended May 5, 2007 as none were antidilutive.

Note 5.
Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive loss only consists of the minimum pension liability, which is calculated annually in the fourth quarter.  The following table shows the computation of comprehensive income (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
May 3,
   
May 5,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net income
  $ 2,693     $ 42,924  
Other comprehensive loss:
               
Amortization of minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes
    425       393  
Total comprehensive income
  $ 3,118     $ 43,317  

Note 6.
Commitments and Contingencies

Various legal proceedings in the form of lawsuits and claims, which occur in the normal course of business, are pending against the Company and its subsidiaries.  In the opinion of management, disposition of these matters is not expected to materially affect the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

At May 3, 2008, letters of credit totaling $67.5 million were issued under the Company’s $1.2 billion line of credit facility.

Note 7.
Benefit Plans
 
The Company has a nonqualified defined benefit plan for its officers.  The plan is noncontributory and provides benefits based on years of service and compensation during employment.  Pension expense is determined using various actuarial cost methods to estimate the total benefits ultimately payable to officers and allocates this cost to service periods.  The pension plan is unfunded.  The actuarial assumptions used to calculate pension costs are reviewed annually.  The Company made contributions of $0.9 million during the quarter ended May 3, 2008.  The Company expects to make contributions to the pension plan of approximately $3.1 million for the remainder of fiscal 2008.
 

8


The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
May 3, 2008
   
May 5, 2007
 
Components of net periodic benefit costs:
           
Service cost
  $ 626     $ 517  
Interest cost
    1,764       1,500  
Net actuarial loss
    513       518  
Amortization of prior service cost
    157       157  
Net periodic benefit costs
  $ 3,060     $ 2,692  

Note 8.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”).  SFAS 161 requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures related to how an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivatives are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities and how derivative instruments and the related hedged items impact an entity’s financial statements.  The provisions of SFAS 161 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early adoption encouraged.  We expect that the adoption of SFAS 161 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R)'s objective is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects.  SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after December 31, 2008.  We expect that the adoption of SFAS 141(R) will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS 160”).  SFAS 160's objective is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We expect that the adoption of SFAS 160 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  SFAS 159 was effective February 3, 2008, and we have elected not to measure any financial instruments or certain other items at fair value.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having concluded in those other accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. This statement was effective for financial assets and liabilities in financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The adoption of this portion of the statement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 157-2, Effective Date for FASB Statement No. 157.  This FSP permits the delayed application of SFAS 157 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  We have chosen to adopt SFAS 157 in accordance with the guidance of FSP SFAS 157-2 as stated above.


9


Note 9.
Revolving Credit Agreement

At May 3, 2008, the Company maintained a $1.2 billion revolving credit facility (“credit agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“JPMorgan”) as agent for various banks, secured by the inventory of Dillard’s, Inc. operating subsidiaries.  The credit agreement expires December 12, 2012.  Borrowings under the credit agreement accrue interest at either JPMorgan’s Base Rate minus 0.5% or LIBOR plus 1.0% (currently 3.70%) subject to certain availability thresholds as defined in the credit agreement.  Limited to 85% of the inventory of certain Company subsidiaries, availability for borrowings and letter of credit obligations under the credit agreement was approximately $1.2 billion at May 3, 2008.  Borrowings of $300 million were outstanding and letters of credit totaling $67.5 million were issued under this credit agreement leaving unutilized availability under the facility of $818 million at May 3, 2008.  There are no financial covenant requirements under the credit agreement provided availability exceeds $100 million.  The Company pays an annual commitment fee to the banks of 0.25% of the committed amount less outstanding borrowings and letters of credit.

Note 10.
Share Repurchase Program

The Company was authorized by its board of directors in November 2007 to repurchase up to $200 million of its Class A Common Stock under an open-ended plan.  No shares were repurchased during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 under this plan leaving $200 million in share repurchase authorization remaining at May 3, 2008.  No shares were repurchased during the quarter ended May 5, 2007 under previous plans.

Note 11.
Income Taxes

FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”) clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109.  The Company classifies accrued interest and penalties relating to income tax in the financial statements as income tax expense.  The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of May 3, 2008 was $25.4 million, of which $17.0 million would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate.  The total amount of accrued interest and penalties as of May 3, 2008 was $9.1 million.

The Company is currently being examined by the Internal Revenue Service for the fiscal tax years 2003 through 2005.  The Company is also under examination by various state and local taxing jurisdictions for various fiscal years.  The tax years that remain subject to examination for major tax jurisdictions are fiscal tax years 2003 and forward, with the exception of fiscal 1997 through 2002 amended state and local tax returns related to the reporting of federal audit adjustments.  The Company has taken positions in certain taxing jurisdictions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease within the next twelve months.  The possible decrease could result from the finalization of the Company’s federal and various state income tax audits.  The Company’s federal income tax audit uncertainties primarily relate to research and development credits, while various state income tax audit uncertainties primarily relate to income from intangibles.  The estimated range of the reasonably possible uncertain tax benefit decrease in the next twelve months is between $1 million and $5 million.

The federal and state income tax rates were approximately 37.4% and 37.2% for the three months ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.  During the three months ended May 3, 2008, income taxes included the net increase in FIN 48 liabilities of approximately $0.2 million and included the net recognition of tax benefits of approximately $0.2 million due to tax credits.

10


Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
 
Dillard’s, Inc. (the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) operated 324 Dillard’s locations and seven clearance centers spanning 29 states as of May 3, 2008.  Our stores are located in fashion-oriented shopping malls and open-air centers and offer a broad selection of fashion apparel and home furnishings.  We offer an appealing and attractive assortment of merchandise to our customers at a fair price.  We seek to enhance our income by maximizing the sale of this merchandise to our customers.  We do this by promoting and advertising our merchandise and by making our stores an attractive and convenient place for our customers to shop.

Fundamentally, our business model is to offer the customer a compelling price/value relationship through the combination of high quality, fashionable products and services at a competitive price.  We seek to deliver a high level of profitability and cash flow.

Our performance in the opening quarter of 2008 was disappointing.  Weak economic conditions made it extremely difficult to achieve more profitable sales levels, and our gross margin performance was impacted negatively as we worked to control inventory levels.

In an effort to strengthen our position, we have announced plans to close under-performing stores, reduce capital expenditures, reduce expenses and continue to change our merchandise mix to enhance our appeal to aspirational, upscale and contemporary shoppers.

Accordingly, we cut advertising, selling, administrative and general expenses by $17.8 million during the quarter and have announced ten more store closures for 2008 to date.  Management believes expense saving measures implemented in this first quarter could result in savings of approximately $50 million for the 2008 fiscal year.  We will continue to evaluate our store base for additional closures and will seek additional expense saving measures throughout the year.


Trends and uncertainties

We have identified the following key uncertainties whose fluctuations may have a material effect on our operating results.

 
·
Cash flow – Cash from operating activities is a primary source of liquidity that is adversely affected when the industry faces market driven challenges and new and existing competitors seek areas of growth to expand their businesses.
 
·
Pricing – If our customers do not purchase our merchandise offerings in sufficient quantities, we respond by taking markdowns.  If we have to reduce our prices, the cost of goods sold on our income statement will correspondingly rise, thus reducing our income.
 
·
Success of brand – The success of our exclusive brand merchandise is dependent upon customer fashion preferences.
 
·
Store growth – Our growth is dependent on a number of factors which could prevent the opening of new stores, such as identifying suitable markets and locations.
 
·
Sourcing – Store merchandise is dependent upon adequate and stable availability of materials and production facilities from which the Company sources its merchandise.

11


2008 Guidance
 
A summary of guidance on key financial measures for 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), is shown below.  See “forward-looking information” below.

(in millions of dollars)
 
2008
   
2007
 
   
Estimated
   
Actual
 
             
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 290     $ 299  
Rental expense
    62       60  
Interest and debt expense, net
    92       92  
Capital expenditures
    204       396  


General
 
Net sales.  Net sales include sales of comparable and non-comparable stores.  Comparable store sales include sales for those stores which were in operation for a full period in both the current month and the corresponding month for the prior year.  Non-comparable store sales include sales in the current fiscal year from stores opened during the previous fiscal year before they are considered comparable stores, sales from new stores opened in the current fiscal year and sales in the previous fiscal year for stores that were closed in the current fiscal year.

Service charges and other income.  Service charges and other income include income generated through the long-term marketing and servicing alliance between the Company and GE Consumer Finance (“GE”).  Other income relates to rental income, shipping and handling fees and lease income on leased departments.

Cost of sales.  Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise sold (net of purchase discounts), bankcard fees, freight to the distribution centers, employee and promotional discounts, non-specific vendor allowances and direct payroll for salon personnel.

Advertising, selling, administrative and general expenses.  Advertising, selling, administrative and general expenses include buying, occupancy, selling, distribution, warehousing, store and corporate expenses (including payroll and employee benefits), insurance, employment taxes, advertising, management information systems, legal and other corporate level expenses.  Buying expenses consist of payroll, employee benefits and travel for design, buying and merchandising personnel.

Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expenses include depreciation and amortization on property and equipment.

Rentals.  Rentals include expenses for store leases and data processing and other equipment rentals.

Interest and debt expense, net.  Interest and debt expense includes interest, net of interest income, relating to the Company’s unsecured notes, mortgage notes, the guaranteed beneficial interests in the Company’s subordinated debentures, gains and losses on note repurchases, amortization of financing costs, call premiums and interest on capital lease obligations.

Gain on disposal of assets.  Gain on disposal of assets includes the net gain or loss on the sale or disposal of property and equipment and joint ventures.

Asset impairment and store closing charges.  Asset impairment and store closing charges consist of write-downs to fair value of under-performing properties and exit costs associated with the closure of certain stores.  Exit costs include future rent, taxes and common area maintenance expenses from the time the stores are closed.

Equity in earnings of joint ventures.  Equity in earnings of joint ventures includes the Company’s portion of the income or loss of the Company’s unconsolidated joint ventures.

12


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.  As disclosed in this note, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  The Company evaluates its estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and predicates those estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty, actual results will differ from those estimates.

Management of the Company believes the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Merchandise inventory.  Approximately 98% of the inventories are valued at lower of cost or market using the retail last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) inventory method.  Under the retail inventory method (“RIM”), the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a calculated cost to retail ratio to the retail value of inventories.  RIM is an averaging method that is widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality.  Additionally, it is recognized that the use of RIM will result in valuing inventories at the lower of cost or market if markdowns are currently taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventories.  Inherent in the RIM calculation are certain significant management judgments including, among others, merchandise markon, markups, and markdowns, which significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the resulting gross margins.  Management believes that the Company’s RIM provides an inventory valuation which results in a carrying value at the lower of cost or market. The remaining 2% of the inventories are valued at lower of cost or market using the specific identified cost method.  A 1% change in markdowns would have impacted net income by approximately $3 million for the quarter ended May 3, 2008.

Revenue recognition. The Company recognizes revenue upon the sale of merchandise to its customers, net of anticipated returns.  The provision for sales returns is based on historical evidence of our return rate.  We recorded an allowance for sales returns of $8.6 million and $8.0 million for the quarters ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.  Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to estimates on our sales return provision have been insignificant for the quarters ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007.

The Company’s share of income earned under the long-term marketing and servicing alliance with GE involving the Dillard’s branded proprietary credit cards is included as a component of service charges and other income.  The Company received income of approximately $26.4 million and $27.8 million from GE during the quarters ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.  Further pursuant to this agreement, the Company has no continuing involvement other than to honor the proprietary credit cards in its stores.  Although not obligated to a specific level of marketing commitment, the Company participates in the marketing of the proprietary credit cards and accepts payments on the proprietary credit cards in its stores as a convenience to customers who prefer to pay in person rather than by mailing their payments to GE.

Merchandise vendor allowances.  The Company receives concessions from its merchandise vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements, including cooperative advertising, payroll reimbursements and margin maintenance programs.

Cooperative advertising allowances are reported as a reduction of advertising expense in the period in which the advertising occurred.  If vendor advertising allowances were substantially reduced or eliminated, the Company would likely consider other methods of advertising as well as the volume and frequency of our product advertising, which could increase or decrease our expenditures.  Similarly, we are not able to assess the impact of vendor advertising allowances on creating additional revenues, as such allowances do not directly generate revenue for our stores.

Payroll reimbursements are reported as a reduction of payroll expense in the period in which the reimbursement occurred.  All other merchandise vendor allowances are recognized as a reduction of cost purchases when received.  Accordingly, a reduction or increase in vendor concessions has an inverse impact on cost of sales and/or selling and administrative expenses.  The amounts recognized as a reduction in cost of sales have not varied significantly for the quarters ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007.

13


Insurance accruals.  The Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets include liabilities with respect to self-insured workers’ compensation (with a self-insured retention of $4 million per claim) and general liability (with a self-insured retention of $1 million per claim) claims. The Company estimates the required liability of such claims, utilizing an actuarial method, based upon various assumptions, which include, but are not limited to, our historical loss experience, projected loss development factors, actual payroll and other data. The required liability is also subject to adjustment in the future based upon the changes in claims experience, including changes in the number of incidents (frequency) and changes in the ultimate cost per incident (severity).  As of May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, insurance accruals of $55.4 million and $55.4 million, respectively, were recorded in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities.  Adjustments to earnings resulting from changes in historical loss trends have been insignificant for the quarters ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007.

Finite-lived assets.  The Company’s judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators is based on market and operational performance.  We assess the impairment of long-lived assets, primarily fixed assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:

 
·
Significant changes in the manner of our use of assets or the strategy for the overall business;
 
·
Significant negative industry or economic trends; or
 
·
Store closings.

The Company performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related finite-lived assets.  If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Various factors including future sales growth and profit margins are included in this analysis.  To the extent these future projections or the Company’s strategies change, the conclusion regarding impairment may differ from the current estimates.

Goodwill.  The Company evaluates goodwill annually as of the last day of the fourth quarter and whenever events and changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable from its estimated future cash flows.  To the extent these future projections or our strategies change, the conclusion regarding impairment may differ from the current estimates.

Estimates of fair value are primarily determined using projected discounted cash flows and are based on our best estimate of future revenue and operating costs and general market conditions. These estimates are subject to review and approval by senior management. This approach uses significant assumptions, including projected future cash flows, the discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows and a terminal growth rate.

Income taxes. Temporary differences arising from differing treatment of income and expense items for tax and financial reporting purposes result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are recorded on the balance sheet.  These balances, as well as income tax expense, are determined through management’s estimations, interpretation of tax law for multiple jurisdictions and tax planning. If the Company’s actual results differ from estimated results due to changes in tax laws, new store locations or tax planning, the Company’s effective tax rate and tax balances could be affected.  As such these estimates may require adjustment in the future as additional facts become known or as circumstances change.

FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109.  The Company classifies interest and penalties relating to income tax in the financial statements as income tax expense.  The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of May 3, 2008 was $25.4 million, of which $17.0 million would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate.  The total amount of accrued interest and penalties as of May 3, 2008 was $9.1 million.

The Company is currently being examined by the Internal Revenue Service for the fiscal tax years 2003 through 2005.  The Company is also under examination by various state and local taxing jurisdictions for various fiscal years.  The tax years that remain subject to examination for major tax jurisdictions are fiscal tax years 2003 and forward, with the exception of fiscal 1997 through 2002 amended state and local tax returns related to the reporting of federal audit adjustments. The Company has taken positions in certain taxing jurisdictions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease within the next twelve months.  The possible decrease could result from the finalization of the Company’s federal and various state income tax audits.  The Company’s federal income tax audit uncertainties primarily relate to research and development credits, while various state income tax audit uncertainties primarily relate to income from intangibles.  The estimated range of the reasonably possible uncertain tax benefit decrease in the next twelve months is between $1 million and $5 million.

14


Discount rate.  The discount rate that the Company utilizes for determining future pension obligations is based on the Citigroup High Grade Corporate Yield Curve on its annual measurement date and is matched to the future expected cash flows of the benefit plans by annual periods.   The discount rate had increased to 6.3% as of February 2, 2008 from 5.9% as of February 3, 2007.  We believe that these assumptions have been appropriate and that, based on these assumptions, the pension liability of $114 million was appropriately stated as of February 2, 2008; however, actual results may differ materially from those estimated and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  A further 50 basis point change in the discount rate would generate an experience gain or loss of approximately $8.0 million.


Seasonality and Inflation
 
Our business, like many other retailers, is subject to seasonal influences, with the major portion of sales and income typically realized during the last quarter of each fiscal year due to the holiday season.  Because of the seasonality of our business, results from any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our results during the periods presented; however, there can be no assurance that our business will not be affected by such factors in the future.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table sets forth the results of operations, expressed as a percentage of net sales, for the periods indicated.
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
May 3,
   
May 5,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Service charges and other income
    2.2       2.1  
                 
      102.2       102.1  
                 
Cost of sales
    66.7       63.9  
Advertising, selling, administrative and general expenses
    28.7       28.3  
Depreciation and amortization
    4.3       4.3  
Rentals
    0.9       0.7  
Interest and debt expense, net
    1.3       1.2  
Gain on disposal of assets
    -       -  
Asset impairment and store closing charges
    0.1       -  
                 
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures
    0.2       3.7  
Income taxes
    -       1.5  
Equity in earnings of joint ventures
    -       0.2  
                 
Net income
    0.2 %     2.4 %

15


Net Sales
 
The percent change by category in the Company’s sales for the three months ended May 3, 2008 compared to the three months ended May 5, 2007 is as follows:

   
% Change
 
      08-07  
Cosmetics
    -2.9 %
Ladies’ apparel and accessories
    -2.8 %
Juniors’ and children’s apparel
    -7.9 %
Men’s apparel and accessories
    -4.7 %
Shoes
    -5.5 %
Home and furniture
    -12.4 %

The percent change by region in the Company’s total sales for the three months ended May 3, 2008 compared to the three months ended May 5, 2007 is as follows:

   
% Change
 
      08-07  
Eastern
    -6.0 %
Central
    -3.7 %
Western
    -4.4 %

Net sales decreased 5% in total stores and decreased 6% in comparable stores during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 compared to the quarter ended May 5, 2007.  All sales categories experienced declines with a significant decline noted in the home and furniture category.

During the quarter ended May 3, 2008, sales were above the average Company trend in the Central region and slightly below trend in the Western region.  Net sales were below trend in the Eastern region.


Service Charges and Other Income
 
(in millions of dollars)
   
Three Months Ended
       
   
May 3, 2008
   
May 5, 2007
   
Dollar Change
   
Percent Change
 
Leased department income
  $ 3.3     $ 2.6     $ 0.7       26.9 %
Income from GE marketing and servicing alliance
    26.4       27.8       (1.4 )     (5.0 )
Other
    8.3       6.1       2.2       36.1  
Total
  $ 38.0     $ 36.5     $ 1.5       4.1 %

Service charges and other income for the quarter ended May 3, 2008 increased to $38.0 million or 2.2% of net sales compared to $36.5 million or 2.1% of net sales for the quarter ended May 5, 2007.  The largest single item influencing this increase was an increase in leased department income.


Cost of Sales
 
Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 66.7% during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 compared to 63.9% for the quarter ended May 5, 2007 resulting in gross margin decline of 280 basis points of sales.  Excluding a $4.1 million hurricane recovery gain recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 that related to the losses incurred during the hurricanes of 2005, gross margin declined 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 declined 1% in total stores and 3% in comparable stores as of May 3, 2008 compared to May 5, 2007.

16


Gross margin was up slightly in cosmetics during the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in the prior year.  All other merchandise categories experienced declines in gross margin, with a slight decline in shoes and significant declines in ladies’ apparel and accessories and juniors’ and children’s apparel.


Advertising, Selling, Administrative and General Expenses
 
Advertising, selling, administrative and general expenses ("SG&A") declined $17.8 million during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 compared to the quarter ended May 5, 2007 while SG&A as a percent of sales increased to 28.7% of net sales in the current quarter from 28.3% of net sales in the prior quarter due to a lack of sales leverage.  The total dollar decrease in SG&A primarily resulted from savings in payroll ($8.2 million), services purchased ($4.2 million), insurance ($4.1 million), advertising ($3.1 million) and supplies ($2.4 million) that were partially offset by increases in pre-opening expenses ($1.9 million) and utilities ($1.4 million).


Depreciation and Amortization Expense
 
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $72.0 million during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 compared to $74.9 million for the quarter ended May 5, 2007.  This decrease of $2.9 million was primarily due to the Company’s shift from purchasing new equipment to leasing new equipment which began in the second quarter of 2007.


Rentals
 
Rental expense increased $2.5 million during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 to $15.7 million compared to $13.2 million for the quarter ended May 5, 2007.  The increase in rentals is mainly due to the increase of leased equipment.


Interest and Debt Expense, Net
 
Net interest and debt expense increased to $22.1 million during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 from $20.7 million for the quarter ended May 3, 2007.  This increase of $1.4 million was primarily a result of lower short-term investment income.  Total weighted average debt outstanding declined approximately $20.1 million during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 compared to the same period in fiscal 2007.


Asset Impairment and Store Closing Charges
 
Asset impairment and store closing charges increased to $0.9 million during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 from $0.7 million during the quarter ended May 5, 2007.

During the quarter ended May 3, 2008, the Company recorded a pretax charge of $0.9 million for asset impairment and store closing costs.  The charge consists of a write-off of equipment and an accrual for future rent on a distribution center that was closed during the quarter.

During the quarter ended May 5, 2007, the Company recorded a pretax charge of $0.7 million for asset impairment and store closing costs.  The charge consists of a write-down of property and equipment for a store that had been closed.


Income Taxes
 
The federal and state income tax rates were approximately 37.4% and 37.2% for the three months ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.  During the three months ended May 3, 2008, income taxes included the net increase in FIN 48 liabilities of approximately $0.2 million and included the net recognition of tax benefits of approximately $0.2 million due to tax credits.

17


Our income tax rate for the remainder of fiscal 2008 is dependent upon results of operations and may change if the results for fiscal 2008 are different from current expectations. We currently estimate that our effective rate for the remainder of fiscal 2008 will approximate 37%.


FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
Financial Position Summary

(in thousands of dollars)
 
May 3, 2008
   
February 2, 2008
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 84,043     $ 88,912       (4,869 )     (5.5 )
Other short-term borrowings
    300,000       195,000       105,000       53.8  
Current portion of long-term debt
    100,712       196,446       (95,734 )     (48.7 )
Long-term debt
    759,981       760,165       (184 )     -  
Guaranteed beneficial interests
    200,000       200,000       -       -  
Stockholders’ equity
    2,515,990       2,514,111       1,879       0.1  
                                 
Current ratio
    1.55       1.64                  
Debt to capitalization
    35.1 %     35.0 %                

(in thousands of dollars)
 
May 3, 2008
   
May 5, 2007
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 84,043     $ 137,915       (53,872 )     (39.1 )
Other short-term borrowings
    300,000       -       300,000       -  
Current portion of long-term debt
    100,712       196,399       (95,687 )     (48.7 )
Long-term debt
    759,981       860,693       (100,712 )     (11.7 )
Guaranteed beneficial interests
    200,000       200,000       -       -  
Stockholders’ equity
    2,515,990       2,624,163       (108,173 )     (4.1 )
                                 
Current ratio
    1.55       1.75                  
Debt to capitalization
    35.1 %     32.4 %                

Net cash flows from operations decreased to $36.5 million during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 compared to $37.0 million for the quarter ended May 5, 2007.  This decrease of $0.5 million was a result of lower net income, as adjusted for non-cash items, of $38.5 million.  Hurricane insurance proceeds of $5.9 million received during the prior year relating to recovery from damages incurred during the hurricanes of 2005 also contributed to the decrease.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $43.9 million related to changes in working capital items.

GE owns and manages the Company’s private label credit card business under a long-term marketing and servicing alliance (“alliance”) that expires in fiscal 2014.  The alliance provides for certain payments to be made by GE to the Company, including a revenue sharing and marketing reimbursement.  The Company received income of approximately $26.4 million and $27.8 million from GE during the quarters ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.  While the Company does not expect future cash flows under this alliance to vary significantly from historical levels, future amounts are difficult to predict.  The amount the Company receives is dependent on the level of sales on GE accounts, the level of balances carried on the GE accounts by GE customers, payment rates on GE accounts, finance charge rates and other fees on GE accounts, the level of credit losses for the GE accounts as well as GE’s funding costs.

Capital expenditures were $46.8 million and $109.1 million for the quarters ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.  These expenditures consisted primarily of the construction of new stores, remodeling of existing stores and investments in technology.  The Company opened the following six locations during the quarter ended May 3, 2008:

18


New Locations
City
 
Square Feet
 
Market Street at Heath Brook
Ocala, Florida
    126,000  
Shops at Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu, Arizona
    98,000  
Shoppes at River Crossing
Macon, Georgia
    162,000  
Pier Park
Panama City, Florida
    126,000  
Uptown Village at Cedar Hill
Cedar Hill, Texas
    145,000  
Edgewater Mall*
Biloxi, Mississippi
    180,000  
Total new square footage
      837,000  

*This store was previously closed as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2008 are expected to be approximately $204 million compared to actual expenditures of $396 million during fiscal 2007.  The reduction in capital expenditures is a part of the Company’s plan to control costs in 2008 given the weak economic environment.

The Company plans to open four additional locations totaling 450,000 square feet, net of replaced square footage, and expand two locations totaling 115,000 square feet.  The Company closed a clearance center in Jonesboro, Arkansas totaling 75,000 square feet during the quarter ended May 3, 2008.  The Company has announced the plans to close the following ten under-performing stores during fiscal 2008:

Locations to Close
City
 
Square Feet
 
Turfland Mall
Lexington, Kentucky
    214,000  
Chesterfield Town Center
Richmond, Virginia
    110,000  
Greeley Mall
Greeley, Colorado
    124,000  
McFarland Mall
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
    180,000  
Pine Ridge Mall
Pocatello, Idaho
    120,000  
Towne Mall
Franklin, Ohio
    113,000  
Knoxville Center
Knoxville, Tennessee
    200,000  
Hickory Hollow Mall
Antioch, Tennessee
    115,000  
Rivercenter
San Antonio, Texas
    120,000  
Eastland Mall (clearance center)
Charlotte, North Carolina
    162,000  
Total square footage to close
      1,458,000  

The Company will consider the closure of additional facilities in fiscal 2008 where conditions warrant.

Insurance proceeds of $16.1 million were received during the quarter ended May 5, 2007 in settlement with our insurance carriers over property damages incurred during the 2005 hurricane season.  These proceeds were used for capital expenditures to repair and reconstruct damaged stores during the remainder of fiscal 2007.

The Company had cash on hand of $84 million as of May 3, 2008.  As part of its overall liquidity management strategy and for peak working capital requirements, the Company has a $1.2 billion credit facility.  Limited to 85% of the inventory of certain Company subsidiaries, availability for borrowings and letter of credit obligations under the credit agreement was approximately $1.2 billion at May 3, 2008.  Borrowings of $300 million were outstanding and letters of credit totaling $67.5 million were issued under this credit agreement leaving unutilized availability under the facility of $818 million at May 3, 2008.
 
Cash provided by financing activities for the quarter ended May 3, 2008 totaled $5.4 million compared to cash used of $0.1 million for the quarter ended May 5, 2007.  This increase of cash flow was primarily a result of an increase in short-term borrowings of $105.0 million during the current quarter under the Company’s credit facility.  These increases were partially offset by principal payments of the Company’s long-term debt of $96.6 million at their normal maturities.    No treasury stock was repurchased during the quarters ended May 3, 2008 or May 5, 2007.
 
During fiscal 2008, the Company expects to finance its capital expenditures and its working capital requirements including required debt repayments and stock repurchases, if any, from cash on hand, cash flows generated from operations and utilization of the credit facility.  The Company expects peak funding requirements of approximately $600 million during fiscal 2008.  Depending on conditions in the capital markets and other factors, the Company will from time to time consider possible other financing transactions, the proceeds of which could be used to refinance current indebtedness or other corporate purposes. 
 
19


There have been no material changes in the information set forth under caption “Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments” in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.


OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
The Company does not have any arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into the financial statements that are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s liquidity or the availability of capital resources.


NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”).  SFAS 161 requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures related to how an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivatives are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities and how derivative instruments and the related hedged items impact an entity’s financial statements.  The provisions of SFAS 161 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early adoption encouraged.  The Company expects that the adoption of SFAS 161 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R)'s objective is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects.  SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after December 31, 2008.  The Company expects that the adoption of SFAS 141(R) will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS 160”).  SFAS 160's objective is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company expects that the adoption of SFAS 160 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  SFAS 159 was effective February 3, 2008, and the Company has elected not to measure any financial instruments or certain other items at fair value.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having concluded in those other accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. This statement was effective for financial assets and liabilities in financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The adoption of this portion of the statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 157-2, Effective Date for FASB Statement No. 157.  This FSP permits the delayed application of SFAS 157 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company has chosen to adopt SFAS 157 in accordance with the guidance of FSP SFAS 157-2 as stated above.

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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) Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “believe,” “expect,” “future,” “potential,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “continue,” or the negative or other variations thereof, and (b) statements regarding matters that are not historical facts.  Statements made in this report regarding the Company’s plans to close under-performing stores, reduce capital expenditures, reduce expenses, make changes to its merchandise mix, and the Company’s estimates of depreciation and amortization, rental expense, interest and debt expense, capital expenditures, peak borrowing requirements and expense savings for fiscal 2008 are some examples of forward looking statements.  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; 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 impact of competitive pressures in the department store industry and other retail channels including specialty, off-price, discount, internet, and mail-order retailers; changes in consumer spending patterns, debt levels and their ability to meet credit obligations; adequate and stable availability 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; 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 LIBOR and other base borrowing rates; potential disruption from terrorist activity and the effect on ongoing consumer confidence; epidemic, pandemic or other public health issues; potential disruption of international trade and supply chain efficiencies; world conflict and the possible impact on consumer spending patterns and other economic and demographic changes of similar or dissimilar  nature.  The Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its report on From 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008, contain other information on factors that may affect financial results or cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements. 


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
 
There have been no material changes in the information set forth under caption “Item 7A-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.


Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains “disclosure controls and procedures”, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports, pursuant to the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosures.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

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As of May 3, 2008, the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of Company’s management, including William Dillard, II, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer), and James I. Freeman, Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), of the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based on their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.  There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended May 3, 2008 to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business.  Such issues may relate to litigation with customers, employment related lawsuits, class action lawsuits, purported class action lawsuits and actions brought by governmental authorities.  As of June 10, 2008, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.  However, the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.


Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the information set forth under caption “Item 1A-Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased
(b) Average Price Paid per Share
(c)Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
(d) Approximate Dollar Value that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
February 3, 2008 through March 1, 2008
-
$-
-
$200,000,000
March 2, 2008 through April 5, 2008
-
-
-
200,000,000
April 6, 2008 through May 3, 2008
-
-
-
200,000,000
Total
-
$-
-
$200,000,000

In November 2007, the Company’s board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $200 million of the Company’s Class A Common Stock.  The plan has no expiration date.


Item 3.  Defaults upon Senior Securities

None


Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

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Item 5.  Other Information

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges:

The Company has calculated the ratio of earnings to fixed charges pursuant to Item 503 of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Act as follows:

Three Months Ended
 
Fiscal Years Ended
                         
May 3,
 
May 5,
 
February 2,
 
February 3,
 
January 28,
 
January 29,
 
January 31,
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007*
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
                         
1.14
 
3.42
 
1.54
 
3.34
 
2.01
 
2.12
 
1.05

* 53 weeks

Item 6.  Exhibits

Number
 
Description
     
 
Statement re:  Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
     
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).
     
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
DILLARD'S, INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
   
   
Date:  June 10, 2008
/s/ James I. Freeman
 
James I. Freeman
 
Senior Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
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