Macy's(US:M)2025-03-06 20:33Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter net sales were approximately $7.8 billion, down from $8.1 billion in the previous year, aligning with guidance [31] - Total enterprise comparable sales increased by 0.2%, marking the highest quarterly results since Q1 2022 [31] - Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter was $1.8, exceeding guidance due to better-than-expected SG&A and credit card revenues [13][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Macy's net sales decreased by 5.3%, with comparable sales down 0.9% [32] - Bloomingdale's achieved a 6.5% increase in comparable sales, the strongest fourth quarter volume in its history [17] - Blue Mercury's net sales rose by 2.4%, with comparable sales increasing by 6.2% [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first fifty Macy's locations saw a positive 1.2% comparable sales growth, while the remaining locations lagged behind [14] - The luxury segment, particularly Bloomingdale's, showed strong performance, indicating a robust demand in that market [17][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The "Bold New Chapter" strategy aims to return the company to sustainable profitable growth by focusing on customer needs and improving the store environment [7][8] - The company plans to close approximately 150 underperforming stores to concentrate resources on more productive locations [15][100] - Investments in digital improvements and marketing strategies are being prioritized to enhance customer experience [16][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic shifts made, despite acknowledging ongoing external uncertainties affecting consumer behavior [21][30] - The company anticipates a challenging environment in 2025, with guidance reflecting caution due to economic pressures [38][90] Other Important Information - The company generated $679 million in free cash flow, a 71% increase from the previous year, and returned $192 million to shareholders through dividends [11][36] - The company is committed to reducing capital expenditures while prioritizing investments that support long-term growth [21][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on 2025 and same-store sales constraints - Management highlighted progress in the first year of the strategy, with growth in the first fifty stores and closing of underperforming locations [47] Question: Drivers of SG&A rate pressure - Management indicated that SG&A pressures are being managed through reinvestment in customer experience and operational efficiencies [51] Question: Engaging various customer demographics - Management emphasized the strength of the Macy's portfolio and its ability to adapt to changing consumer needs across different demographics [58] Question: Overall consumer health and promotional levels - Management noted that consumer health remains under pressure but emphasized the importance of creating compelling offerings to drive sales [72] Question: Trends in go-forward comps and category dynamics - Management reported strong performance in ready-to-wear and beauty categories, while acknowledging challenges in the home segment [84]