Macy's (M) posted better-than-expected third quarter results on Wednesday while offering a cautious outlook for the holiday quarter. The retailer said net sales for the fourth quarter are expected to fall 3%-5% from a year ago to a range of $7.35 billion-$7.5 billion. In the third quarter, Macy's posted revenue of $4.7 billion, in line with last year and slightly more than Wall Street's estimates of $4.6 billion, per Bloomberg consensus data. That's alongside adjusted earnings per share of $0.04, better ...

Core Insights - Macy's has raised its full-year sales guidance and reported its highest comparable sales growth in 13 quarters, indicating positive results from its turnaround plan [1][7] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company increased its sales guidance for the full year to a range of $21.48 billion to $21.63 billion, up from a previous range of $21.15 billion to $21.45 billion [7] - Adjusted per-share earnings are expected to be between $2.00 and $2.20, an increase from the prior estimate of $1.70 to $2.05 [7] - Macy's reported a 31% increase in stock price this year, despite a recent decline of 0.79% to $22.53 [4] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - The company has implemented a plan to close underperforming locations, enhance the shopping experience, simplify operations, and capture a larger share of the luxury market [2] - Macy's has introduced newer and more fashionable products from brands like Rodd & Gun, Reiss, and Prada Beauty, aiming to leverage new trends [4] - Investments in employee education have led to a record high in the third-quarter net promoter score, reflecting improved customer feedback [4] Group 3: Consumer Behavior - The company anticipates a "more choiceful" consumer during the fourth quarter, which includes the holiday season [3] - Despite expectations of choosiness among consumers, Macy's has observed continued spending from its predominantly middle to upper-income customer base [5] Group 4: Cost Management - To mitigate extra costs from tariffs, Macy's has been raising prices, collaborating with suppliers to share costs, and relocating production to countries with lower duties [6] - The impact of tariffs in the third quarter was less than expected, reducing the gross margin rate by 50 basis points [6]

Market Overview - The market opened in the red following a disappointing ADP private payroll report, which indicated a loss of 32,000 jobs in November, raising expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut [2][9]. - Major indexes are being dragged down by Microsoft, which is reportedly cutting software sales quotas related to artificial intelligence, negatively impacting the broader AI sector [3][4]. Company Performance - Macy's reported an upside quarter but issued a cautious outlook for the holiday season, leading to a lackluster stock reaction [5][9]. - American Eagle, in contrast, raised its full-year forecast and saw its stock rise by double digits, indicating a strong start to the holiday shopping season [5]. - Apple shares have gained 6.6% over the past seven sessions, driven by strong consumer interest and positive expectations for the upcoming year [10][41]. Cryptocurrency Insights - Bitcoin has stabilized above the $90,000 level after a volatile trading session, with some analysts expressing optimism about its long-term outlook despite recent fluctuations [7][12]. - The crypto market is influenced by macroeconomic factors, particularly expectations around Federal Reserve rate cuts, which have provided support for Bitcoin prices [15][32]. - Institutional interest in Bitcoin remains strong, with firms like Bank of America recommending crypto allocations for wealth clients, indicating a shift in sentiment compared to previous years [21]. Economic Indicators - The ADP report suggests a cooling U.S. economy, with small businesses experiencing significant job losses, contributing to concerns about consumer spending and economic stability [24][35]. - Despite the negative job report, consumer spending during the holiday season remains robust, with $44 billion spent over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, indicating a disconnect between consumer behavior and economic data [25][36]. Industry Trends - The retail sector is showing signs of a K-shaped recovery, where high-income consumers are thriving while lower-income shoppers face challenges [34][36]. - The AI sector continues to attract investment, with companies like Dell pivoting towards AI infrastructure, although concerns about rising memory chip prices may impact production costs [44][46][49].

We are joined by bloomberg host Romaine Bostick who spoke with the retailer's ceo tony spring. Earlier this morning for me. Thanks for joining us, danny.What did you do. Any shopping. I did, but not at Macy's.I got to be honest. Yeah, well, I mean, the interesting thing I mean, I did ask him a lot about what foot traffic was. Was there an actual increase.He did say he was happy with foot traffic, but he also seemed to imply here that a lot of the revenue gains that they've seen in this most recent quarter w ...

Macy's - Macy's reported its strongest sales growth in over three years, with adjusted EPS of 9 cents per share, surpassing expectations of a loss [1][2] - Revenue reached $4.7 billion, also better than expected, and the company has lifted its full-year sales and earnings outlook for the second consecutive quarter [2][3] - Full-year sales are now expected to be between $21.4 billion and $21.63 billion, but shares are declining due to caution around holiday spending as consumers are becoming more selective [3][4] - Bloomingdale's showed significant growth with a 9% increase in comparable sales, while Blue Mercury saw a 1.1% increase [4] CrowdStrike - CrowdStrike's adjusted EPS came in at 96 cents, slightly above the expected 94 cents, with revenue of $1.23 billion, also beating expectations [6][7] - The company provided an upbeat Q4 forecast, guiding for revenue between $1.29 billion and $1.3 billion, which is above Wall Street's expectations [8] - Annual recurring revenue rose 23% to nearly $4.92 billion, indicating strong subscription trends and demand for its AI-powered cybersecurity tools [9] Oaka - Oaka reported adjusted EPS of 82 cents, exceeding the expected 75 cents, with revenue of $742 million, also above the forecast of $730 million [11] - Total revenue grew by 12%, and subscription revenue increased by 11%, while free cash flow jumped to $211 million from $154 million a year ago [12] - The company withheld fiscal 2027 guidance, citing a need for conservatism, which negatively impacted investor sentiment [13]

Core Viewpoint - Macy's Inc reported stronger sales and profit but experienced a decline in stock price, indicating market skepticism despite positive financial results [1][9]. Financial Performance - Quarterly sales reached $4.713 billion, a decrease of 0.6% year over year, surpassing analyst expectations of $4.621 billion [1]. - Adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter were 9 cents [4]. - Gross margin rate was 39.4%, down 20 basis points, primarily due to a 50-basis-point tariff impact [4]. - Adjusted EBITDA totaled $285 million, representing 5.8% of total revenue [4]. Comparable Sales Growth - Comparable sales increased by 2.5% on an owned basis and 3.2% on an owned-plus-licensed-plus-marketplace basis [2]. - Bloomingdale's saw an 8.8% increase in comparable sales on an owned basis, marking its strongest performance in over three years [3]. Shareholder Returns - The company returned approximately $99 million to shareholders through $49 million in dividends and $50 million in share repurchases [4]. - A regular quarterly dividend of 18.24 cents per share was declared, payable on January 2, 2026 [5]. Financial Outlook - Macy's raised its fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings outlook to $2.00–$2.20 per share, up from a previous range of $1.70–$2.05, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1.96 [6]. - The fiscal 2025 sales forecast was lifted to $21.475 billion–$21.625 billion from $21.150 billion–$21.450 billion, compared to the analyst estimate of $21.501 billion [6]. Market Sentiment - The company expressed a cautious tone ahead of the holiday season, noting that customers are becoming more selective and that higher tariffs will impact earnings [8]. - Management is taking a "prudent view" of the upcoming quarter due to challenging year-over-year comparisons [8].

Core Insights - Macy's has raised its sales forecasts for the financial year, expecting full-year sales between $21.5 billion and $21.6 billion, indicating strong consumer spending despite economic concerns [1] - The company reported a sales growth of approximately 3% in the quarter ending Nov. 1, marking its strongest performance in over three years [1] Consumer Behavior - The U.S. retail economy shows that consumers are still willing to spend but are becoming more selective in their purchases [2] - A record $11.8 billion was spent online during Black Friday, reflecting consumer engagement with discounts offered by retailers [2] Strategic Initiatives - Macy's CEO Tony Spring emphasized the importance of price cuts and a compelling product offering as the company enters the holiday season [3] - The increase in sales is attributed to Macy's ability to cater to a diverse consumer base, including both discount shoppers and luxury buyers, with significant sales growth at Bloomingdale's [3] Company Developments - Since joining Macy's in 2024, CEO Spring has focused on investing in high-performing stores by increasing staff and advertising as part of a turnaround strategy [4] - Despite low consumer confidence and predictions of reduced holiday spending, the National Retail Federation reported a rise in shoppers during the Thanksgiving weekend, with 203 million people participating, up from 197 million the previous year [5] Market Trends - Dollar Tree reported a 9.4% sales growth in its latest quarter, benefiting from consumers opting for budget-friendly options [5]

Core Viewpoint - Kohl's stock has recently gained attention due to a significant price surge, but it is likely a stock to avoid for long-term investors due to ongoing revenue decline and lack of competitive advantage [2][10]. Company Performance - Kohl's stock surged nearly 43% in a single trading session following its Q3 2025 earnings report, which included an improved outlook for 2025 [3][4]. - The company has made efforts to refinance debt at favorable interest rates and cut costs, while also partnering with Sephora to attract younger customers [5]. - Despite these efforts, net sales fell by 4% in the first nine months of 2025, totaling $9.8 billion, indicating ongoing challenges in revenue generation [8]. Financial Metrics - Kohl's current market capitalization stands at $3 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio just above 15 [7]. - Net income improved from $61 million to $147 million in the first nine months of 2025, but this improvement is primarily due to cost-cutting measures rather than revenue growth [9]. Competitive Landscape - Kohl's lacks a meaningful competitive moat, as its products can be found elsewhere, making it vulnerable in an intensely competitive market [7][10]. - The company has not demonstrated a clear strategy to reverse declining sales, which raises concerns about its long-term viability [10][11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Macy's Inc reported net sales of $4.7 billion, a decrease of 0.6% year-over-year, primarily due to the closure of 64 non-Go-Forward stores, which contributed approximately $160 million to sales in the previous year [23][24] - Comparable sales increased by 3.2%, marking the strongest growth in 13 quarters, with Go-Forward comparable sales up 3.4% [22][23] - Adjusted EPS was $0.09, significantly above the guidance range of a loss of $0.15-$0.20 and higher than last year's $0.04 [7][27] - Core adjusted EBITDA was $273 million, or 5.6% of total revenue, exceeding guidance of 3.3%-3.7% [27][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Macy's nameplate achieved 2% comparable sales growth, while Go-Forward Macy's saw a 2.3% increase, and Reimagined 125 stores rose by 2.7% [8][23] - Bloomingdale's reported a 9% increase in comparable sales, its best performance in 13 quarters, with net sales rising by 8.6% [15][24] - Bluemercury experienced a 1.1% increase in comparable sales, driven by dermatological skincare and expanded brand partnerships [19][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail landscape is evolving, with consumers becoming more discerning in their spending habits, seeking curated product assortments and seamless omnichannel experiences [8][20] - Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade attracted over 34 million viewers, setting a new record and highlighting the company's strong brand presence [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Bold New Chapter" strategy, which includes strengthening the Macy's nameplate, differentiating luxury offerings, and modernizing operations [5][8] - Macy's aims to enhance customer experience through improved product curation and operational efficiency, with a strong emphasis on omnichannel retailing [8][11] - The company is committed to closing underperforming stores while investing in growth areas to drive sustainable profitability [27][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of its middle to upper-income customer base and the effectiveness of its inventory and marketing strategies [20][66] - The company anticipates a strong holiday season, supported by a compelling mix of categories and brands, despite a cautious outlook on consumer behavior [30][31] - Management acknowledged the ongoing impact of tariffs but emphasized proactive mitigation efforts to minimize their effects on margins [49][50] Other Important Information - The company opened a new distribution center in China Grove, North Carolina, which incorporates automation and AI to enhance delivery efficiency [19][29] - Macy's returned $350 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, with approximately $1.2 billion remaining on its buyback authorization [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak to traction with reimagined store initiatives and November comp trends? - Management noted positive growth in reimagined stores, with consistent traffic and improved average unit retail (AUR) [40][41] Question: What are the key drivers for sustaining momentum into 2026? - Key drivers include product assortment, omnichannel balance, and shedding underperforming stores, with a focus on mitigating tariff impacts [44][46] Question: How confident is the company in the consumer outlook compared to 90 days ago? - Management expressed increased confidence in strategy execution and inventory quality, despite a cautious approach to guidance [66][67] Question: Can you elaborate on pricing increases and consumer response? - Pricing on new products has had little impact on consumer spending, with strong demand across various price points [82][84] Question: How is the credit business trending? - The credit business has seen a significant increase in applications and revenue, indicating strong customer engagement [85][86] Question: What is the status of the store closure program? - The company closed 64 stores last year and remains committed to optimizing its store fleet, with updates expected in the fourth quarter [91][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Macy's Inc. reported net sales of $4.7 billion, a decrease of 0.6% year-over-year, attributed to the closure of 64 non-Go Forward stores, which contributed approximately $160 million to sales in the previous year [22][23] - Comparable sales increased by 3.2%, marking the strongest growth in 13 quarters, with Go Forward comparable sales rising by 3.4% [21][22] - Adjusted EPS was $0.09, significantly above the guidance range of a loss of $0.15-$0.20 and higher than last year's $0.04 [7][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Macy's nameplate achieved 2% comparable sales growth, while Go Forward Macy's saw a 2.3% increase, and Reimagined 125 stores reported a 2.7% rise in comparable sales [8][22] - Bloomingdale's experienced a 9% increase in comparable sales, its best performance in 13 quarters, while Bluemercury recorded a 1.1% growth in comparable sales [15][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail landscape is evolving, with consumers becoming more selective in their spending, seeking curated assortments and seamless omnichannel experiences [8][20] - Macy's reported a positive response to improvements in customer experience, reflected in the highest third-quarter Net Promoter Score on record [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Bold New Chapter" strategy, which includes strengthening the Macy's nameplate, differentiating luxury offerings, and modernizing operations [5][8] - Macy's aims to enhance its product assortment and customer experience, with a commitment to bringing new brands and categories to the forefront [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of their customer base and the effectiveness of their strategies, despite acknowledging a more cautious consumer environment [20][30] - The company anticipates a strong holiday season, supported by a compelling mix of categories and brands, and is optimistic about the fourth quarter performance [29][30] Other Important Information - The company opened a new distribution center in China Grove, North Carolina, which incorporates automation and AI to enhance delivery efficiency [19][28] - Macy's returned $350 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, with approximately $1.2 billion remaining on its buyback authorization [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak to traction with reimagined store initiatives and November comp trends? - Management noted positive growth in reimagined stores, with consistent traffic and improved average unit retail (AUR) [38][39] Question: What are the key drivers for sustaining momentum into 2026? - Key drivers include product assortment, omnichannel balance, and shedding underperforming stores, with a focus on mitigating tariff impacts [42][44] Question: How confident is the company in the consumer outlook compared to 90 days ago? - Management expressed increased confidence in their strategy and performance, despite a cautious approach to guidance [63][64] Question: Can you elaborate on pricing increases and consumer response? - Pricing on new products has had little impact on consumer appetite, with strong promotional strategies in place [80][81] Question: What is the status of the store closure program? - The company closed 64 stores last year and remains committed to optimizing its store fleet, with further details expected in the fourth quarter call [89]