Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M) today reported results for the first quarter of 2020. As previously reported, the company had net sales of $3.017 billion.
Nearly all of the company’s stores have now reopened, including stores in the major metropolitan regions. Stores continued to perform ahead of expectations through May and June, and the company’s digital business sales remained strong across geographies. The company continues to expect a gradual sales recovery.
“The first quarter of 2020 was challenging for the country, the industry and Macy’s, Inc. While our stores are re-opened, we expect that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to impact the country for the remainder of the year. We do not anticipate another full shutdown, but we are staying flexible and are prepared to address increases in cases on a regional level,” said Jeff Gennette, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, Inc. “We are meeting our customers how and where they are shopping and have enhanced our fulfillment options and health precautions to ensure a safe and welcoming shopping experience.”
“While we continue to see challenges ahead, we’ve taken the necessary actions to stabilize our business and give us financial flexibility. We are confident we have the right strategy and plans in place to navigate the shifting retail landscape,” Gennette continued.
Primarily as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s long-term projections and market capitalization changed, requiring interim impairment assessments for its goodwill and long-lived assets. As a result of these assessments, the company recognized pre-tax, non-cash goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges of $3.1 billion and $80 million, respectively, during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2020. The company is now reporting a Diluted loss per share of $11.53 and Adjusted Diluted loss per share of $2.03.
First Quarter Asset Sale Gains
Asset sale gains for the first quarter of 2020 totaled $16 million pre-tax, or $12 million after-tax and $0.04 per diluted share. This compares to the first quarter of 2019, when asset sale gains totaled $43 million pre-tax, or $31 million after-tax and $0.10 per diluted share.
2020 Guidance
The company previously withdrew its 2020 sales and earnings guidance and is not currently providing an updated outlook.
