Activist investors urge Macy's to create a real estate unit among other changes to boost stock
Activist investor Barington Capital Group is calling on department store retailer Macy’s to develop an internal real estate subsidiary, reduce capital expenditures, and explore strategic options for its Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury chains among other changes to boost its slumping stock, according to its proposal made public Monday
NEW YORK (AP) — Activist investor Barington Capital Group is calling on department store retailer Macy's to develop an internal real estate subsidiary, reduce capital expenditures, and explore strategic options for its Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury chains among other changes to boost its slumping stock, according to its proposal made public Monday.
The presentation to Macy's shareholders comes after Barington Capital, which has stakes in such brands as Victoria's Secret, Hanes and Dillard's, has built an undisclosed stake in Macy's. Barington said it has partnered with property owner Thor Equities. They said that Macy's shares are undervalued, and its real estate, including its Macy's flagship at Herald Square, is worth between $5 billion and $9 billion. They believe Macy's should create a separate real estate unit to collect market rents from Macy’s retail operations and pursue other asset sale and redevelopment opportunities.
Macy’s shares fell 4% in morning trading, and they have fallen 12% so far this year and closed on Friday at $16.43. The company is expected to report its fiscal third quarter earnings Wednesday after it announced it is delaying its full quarterly results after it discovered an employee intentionally hid up to $154 million of expenses over several years.
As part of the proposals, Barington and Thor are urging Macy's to cut capital expenditures to between 1.5%to 2% of total sales from the current 4% and repurchase at least $2 billion to $3 billion in stock over the next three years.
