Story perspectives

Macy's Fourth Quarter Beats Expectations, Faces Mixed Outlook

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Macy's Inc. posted strong fourth-quarter results with adjusted earnings of $1.67 per share, exceeding expectations.
CEO Tony Spring cited a mixed outlook due to external pressures, including the Iran war and tariffs.
Comparable sales rose 1.8%, and total sales declined to $7.64 billion.
Bloomingdale's posted record holiday sales, driven by new luxury brands.
For fiscal 2026, Macy's expects net sales of $21.4–$21.65 billion and EPS of $1.90–$2.10, below forecasts.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 global financial crisis significantly impacted retail, with U.S. sales plummeting by 10%. Macy's Inc. reported a 7.5% sales decline that year. Today, ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Iran war and tariffs, echo those economic strains, affecting Macy's outlook despite a recent 1.8% rise in comparable sales, highlighting the persistent influence of external factors on consumer behavior.

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Story summary

Macy's Inc. posted strong fourth-quarter results with adjusted earnings of $1.67 per share, exceeding expectations.
CEO Tony Spring cited a mixed outlook due to external pressures, including the Iran war and tariffs.
Comparable sales rose 1.8%, and total sales declined to $7.64 billion.
Bloomingdale's posted record holiday sales, driven by new luxury brands.
For fiscal 2026, Macy's expects net sales of $21.4–$21.65 billion and EPS of $1.90–$2.10, below forecasts.

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