Dillard’s Q2 EPS up 25 percent

REPORT_ Dillard’s had a 25 percent increase in second quarter earnings per share

compared to the prior year. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 26.9 percent of sales and 26.8 percent of sales during the 13 weeks ended August 3, 2013, and the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2012, respectively. As of August 3, 2013, the company operated 282 Dillard's locations and 18 clearance centers.

Gross margin from retail operations (which excludes CDI) improved 10 basis points of sales to 34.4 percent for the 13 weeks ended August 3, 2013, compared to 34.3 percent for the prior year second quarter. Consolidated gross margin for the 13 weeks ended August 3, 2013, improved 40 basis points of sales to 34 percent from 33.6 percent during the prior year second quarter. Inventory increased 7 percent at August 3, 2013, compared to July 28, 2012.

Dillard’s is based in Arkansas. Dillard's Chief Executive Officer, William T. Dillard, stated, "Following a strong start to the year, we made further progress in the second quarter. Positive comparable store sales and gross margin expansion combined with continued expense control enabled us to report another quarter of year-over-year improvement at Dillard's."