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DDS vs M
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Dillard's, Inc. (DDS) vs. Macy's, Inc. (M) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Dillard's, Inc. (DDS) reported second-quarter 2026 net income of $97.7 million, up from $72.8 million a year earlier, supported by retail gross margin expansion to 40.9% and tariff refunds.
- Macy's, Inc. (M) delivered 3.0% comparable sales growth in its first quarter of 2026, exceeding guidance and marking its strongest first-quarter performance in four years.
- Both companies operate in the department store retail sector, with DDS emphasizing regional operations and M leveraging a broader national footprint including luxury banners.
- DDS maintains a stronger balance sheet with substantial cash reserves and low debt levels relative to its market capitalization.
- M has shown stronger one-year share price appreciation amid strategic execution under its "Bold New Chapter" initiative.
- Recent market activity reflects resilient consumer demand in select segments for both retailers, though broader sector pressures from tariffs and inventory management persist.
Introduction
Department store operators DDS and M provide a focused lens on the evolving retail landscape, where traditional brick-and-mortar models intersect with omnichannel strategies and shifting consumer preferences. This comparison examines their business models, recent financial results, and market positioning to assist institutional investors, active traders, and portfolio managers evaluating relative value within the consumer discretionary sector. The analysis draws on verifiable developments over recent weeks to highlight contrasts in scale, operational efficiency, and external influences such as trade policy impacts.
DDS Overview and Recent Performance
Dillard's, Inc. (DDS) operates a chain of department stores primarily in the southeastern, southwestern, and midwestern United States, focusing on apparel, home goods, and cosmetics. In the second quarter of 2026, the company reported net sales of approximately $1.51 billion, essentially flat year over year, with retail sales rising 1%. Net income reached $97.7 million ($6.25 per share), compared with $72.8 million ($4.66 per share) in the prior-year period, aided by a higher retail gross margin of 40.9% that included benefits from tariff refunds. The firm maintains a robust balance sheet with significant cash holdings and limited debt. Recent market activity has featured dividend declarations and product collaborations, contributing to steady sentiment amid broader retail sector volatility.
M Overview and Recent Performance
Macy's, Inc. (M) runs a national portfolio of department stores under the Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Bluemercury banners, emphasizing omnichannel integration and selective store optimization. The company achieved 3.0% comparable sales growth in its first quarter of 2026, surpassing internal targets and reflecting broad-based gains across nameplates. Adjusted earnings and revenue exceeded expectations, prompting an upward revision to full-year guidance. Upcoming second-quarter results, scheduled for release in mid-September 2026, represent a key near-term catalyst. Recent market activity shows continued focus on luxury and beauty segments, alongside strategic initiatives that have supported relative share price resilience in the consumer discretionary space.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
In business model terms, DDS maintains a more concentrated regional presence with a focus on core department store operations, while M operates at larger scale with diversified banners that include luxury and beauty formats. Growth drivers differ as DDS has benefited from margin expansion tied to one-time tariff adjustments and litigation settlements, whereas M emphasizes ongoing comparable sales momentum and store reimagination initiatives. Recent momentum favors M on a one-year price return basis, though DDS exhibits greater earnings stability and a lower valuation multiple. Risk factors include shared exposure to consumer spending fluctuations and tariff-related cost pressures; DDS carries lower leverage, while M faces higher share count and potential store closure impacts. Sector exposure remains aligned within broadline retail, with market sentiment reflecting cautious optimism for both amid economic uncertainty.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as recent trend consistency in earnings delivery, balance sheet stability, and relative positioning within the retail sector, Tickeron’s AI models may currently assign a modest probabilistic edge to DDS. The company’s demonstrated margin resilience and cash generation in the latest reporting period provide a foundation for steadier performance under prevailing market conditions, though outcomes remain subject to broader economic variables and upcoming data releases.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is DDS is a Buy and M is a Buy.
DDS | M | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 36 | 70 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 51 Fair valued | 65 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 15 | 86 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 31 | 53 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 48 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | 64 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 90 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
DDS's Valuation (51) in the Department Stores industry is in the same range as M (65). This means that DDS’s stock grew similarly to M’s over the last 12 months.
DDS's Profit vs Risk Rating (15) in the Department Stores industry is significantly better than the same rating for M (86). This means that DDS’s stock grew significantly faster than M’s over the last 12 months.
DDS's SMR Rating (31) in the Department Stores industry is in the same range as M (53). This means that DDS’s stock grew similarly to M’s over the last 12 months.
DDS's Price Growth Rating (45) in the Department Stores industry is in the same range as M (48). This means that DDS’s stock grew similarly to M’s over the last 12 months.
DDS's P/E Growth Rating (56) in the Department Stores industry is in the same range as M (64). This means that DDS’s stock grew similarly to M’s over the last 12 months.
| DDS | M | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 77% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 78% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 80% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 74% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 77% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 78% | 2 days ago 76% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | 2 days ago 75% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 14 days ago 65% | 6 days ago 75% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 89% | 2 days ago 80% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 75% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
DDS’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while M’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- DDS’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- M’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
DDS’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while M’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DDS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- M’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
DDS (@Department Stores) experienced а -2.04% price change this week, while M (@Department Stores) price change was -0.89% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Department Stores industry was +4.10%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.34%, and the average quarterly price growth was +11.29%.
Reported Earning Dates
DDS is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
M is expected to report earnings on Nov 12, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Department Stores (+4.10% weekly)A department store sells a wide variety of consumer goods under different “departments,” including (but not necessarily limited to) apparel, household appliances, home furnishings, personal care products, cosmetics, consumer electronics. During healthy macroeconomic conditions, consumers typically won’t shy away from big-ticket purchases; but during a downturn, consumer spending might get limited to the most necessary/daily essentials. Several department stores purchase items on bulk from manufacturers for resale to consumers at a profit. Some of the largest department stores companies in the U.S. include Kohl’s Corporation, Macy’s Inc., and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc.
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DDS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DDS has been loosely correlated with M. These tickers have moved in lockstep 54% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if DDS jumps, then M could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To DDS | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDS | 100% | +0.45% | ||
| M - DDS | 54% Loosely correlated | +1.14% | ||
| KSS - DDS | 53% Loosely correlated | +5.32% | ||
| DDT - DDS | 15% Poorly correlated | -0.24% | ||
| PLBL - DDS | 3% Poorly correlated | +15.40% |
M and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, M has been loosely correlated with DDS. These tickers have moved in lockstep 56% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if M jumps, then DDS could also see price increases.