Macy’s shares tumble as company cuts net sales guidance despite Q2 beat

Shares in Macy’s (M) fell 8.5% in premarket trading Wednesday after the company cut its sales guidance for the fiscal 2025, missing consensus estimates.

For the fiscal Q2 2025, the department store chain reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.53, significantly above the consensus estimate of $0.30. The company posted revenue of $5.1 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.06 billion.

Comparable sales on an owned basis declined by 4%, while owned plus licensed comparable sales decreased by 3.3%, against an estimated increase of 0.63%.

Macy’s (NYSE:) reported a gross margin of 40.5%, higher than the previous year’s 38.1% and above the estimated 39.8%.

Inventory stood at $4.38 billion, marking a 6% year-over-year increase and exceeding the estimate of $4.21 billion.

Looking ahead, Macy’s expects full-year EPS to range between $2.55 and $2.90, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.78.

Notably, its net sales forecast range has been revised down to $22.1 billion – $22.4 billion, down from the previous guidance of $22.3 billion – $22.9 billion, with the consensus estimate at $22.66 billion.

The company now anticipates owned plus licensed comparable sales to decline by 0.5% to 2%, a revision from the earlier forecast of -1% to +1.5%, against the estimate of a 0.68% increase.

“During the second quarter, we delivered strong earnings performance in a challenging consumer environment,” said Tony Spring, chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc.

“We are seeing signs of our strategy taking root, including two consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales in Macy’s First 50 locations. We are encouraged by the early traction of our Bold New Chapter and remain committed to returning Macy’s, Inc. to sustainable profitable growth.”