Macy’s Projects Earnings Higher Than Analysts’ Estimates

Macy’s Inc. (M), the second-largest U.S. department-store chain, rose after forecasting annual profit that was higher than analysts’ estimates amid a surge in online sales.

The shares advanced 2.8 percent to $39.59 at the close in New York. They’ve gained 1.5 percent this year, compared with a 6 percent gain for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Retailing Index.

Earnings per share for the fiscal year ending January 2014 will advance to as much as $3.95, the Cincinnati-based retailer said in a statement today. Analysts projected $3.84, the average of 18 estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

Chief Executive Officer Terry Lundgren has focused on tailoring merchandise to suit local tastes and benefited from exclusive Tommy Hilfiger, Sean John and Madonna products. Fourth-quarter revenue climbed 7.2 percent to $9.35 billion while online sales soared 48 percent, Macy’s said today.

Net income in the quarter ended Feb. 2 fell 2 percent to $730 million, or $1.83 a share, from $745 million, or $1.74, a year earlier, when it booked one-time gains from the sale of store leases, Macy’s said.

Gross margin, or the percentage of sales left after the cost of goods sold, narrowed to 40.6 percent from 41 percent a year earlier.

To contact the reporter on this story: Cotten Timberlake in Washington at ctimberlake@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Robin Ajello at rajello@bloomberg.net

Enlarge image

Macy's Jumps After Annual Forecast Exceeds Analysts' Estimates

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

A man carries Macy's Inc. shopping bags while walking through the Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia.

A man carries Macy's Inc. shopping bags while walking through the Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg