Macerich (MAC) Moves 6.8% Higher: Will This Strength Last?

Core Viewpoint - Macerich's stock experienced a significant rally of 6.8% to close at $17.9, driven by increased trading volume and a stock rating upgrade from B of A Securities from "neutral" to "buy" [1]. Financial Performance Expectations - The upcoming quarterly funds from operations (FFO) for Macerich are expected to be $0.37 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 2.6%. Revenue is projected to be $256.34 million, which is an increase of 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year [2]. - The consensus estimate for FFO per share has been revised slightly higher over the past 30 days, indicating a positive trend that typically correlates with stock price appreciation [3]. Industry Context - Macerich is categorized under the Zacks REIT and Equity Trust - Retail industry, holding a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold). Another company in the same industry, Realty Income Corp., saw a 0.9% increase in its stock price, closing at $60.32, with a 2.9% return over the past month [4]. - Realty Income Corp.'s consensus estimate for FFO per share remains unchanged at $1.07, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.9%, and it also holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5].