UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended
January 28, 2017February 2, 2019
 
Commission File Number:
1-13536
macysinclogo.jpg
7 West Seventh Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 579-7000
and
151 West 34th Street
New York, New York 10001
(212) 494-1602
Incorporated in Delaware I.R.S. No. 13-3324058
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value $.01 per share New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” andfiler,” “smaller reporting company”company,” and “emerging growth company,” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ý
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company  o
 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Emerging growth company  o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (July 30, 2016)(August 4, 2018) was approximately $11,052,402,00011,956,587,132.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at February 24, 2017March 2, 2019
Common Stock, $0.01$.01 par value per share 304,258,647307,800,430 shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Document
Parts Into
Which Incorporated
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 19, 2017 (Proxy Statement)17, 2019Part III
 




Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “Macy’s” or the “Company” are references to Macy’s and its subsidiaries and references to “2018,” “2017,” “2016,” “2015,” “2014,” “2013”“2015” and “2012”“2014” are references to the Company’s fiscal years ended February 2, 2019, February 3, 2018, January 28, 2017, January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively. Fiscal year 2017 included 53 weeks; fiscal years 2018, 2016, 2015 2014 and 20132014 included 52 weeks; fiscal year 2012 included 53 weeks.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report and other reports, statements and information previously or subsequently filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) contain or may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon the beliefs and assumptions of, and on information available to, the management of the Company at the time such statements are made. The following are or may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: (i) statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “future,” “potential,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “think,” “estimate” or “continue” or the negative or other variations thereof, and (ii) statements regarding matters that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties relating to:
the possible invalidity of the underlying beliefs and assumptions;
competitive pressures from departmentthe success of the Company’s operational decisions, such as product sourcing, merchandise mix and specialtypricing, and marketing, and strategic initiatives, such as Growth stores, general merchandise stores, manufacturers’ outlets,Backstage on-mall off-price business, and discount stores, and all other retail channels, including the Internet, catalogs and television;vendor direct expansion;
general consumer-spending levels, including the impact of general economic conditions, consumer disposable income levels, consumer confidence levels, the availability, cost and level of consumer debt, mall vacancy issues, the costs of basic necessities and other goods and the effects of the weather or natural disasters;
competitive pressures from department stores, specialty stores, general merchandise stores, manufacturers’ outlets, off-price and discount stores, and all other retail channels, including the Internet, catalogs and television;
the Company’s ability to remain competitive and relevant as consumers’ shopping behaviors migrate to other shopping channels and to maintain its brand and reputation;
possible systems failures and/or security breaches, including any security breach that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or company information, or the failure to comply with various laws applicable to the Company in the event of such a breach;
the cost of employee benefits as well as attracting and retaining quality employees;
transactions and strategy involving the Company's real estate portfolio;
the seasonal nature of the Company’s business;
conditions to, or changes in the timing of, proposed transactions, and changes in expected synergies, cost savings and non-recurring charges;
transactions involving the Company's real estate portfolio;
possible changes or developments in social, economic, business, industry, market, legal and regulatory circumstances and conditions;
possible actions taken or omitted to be taken by third parties, including customers, suppliers, business partners, competitors and legislative, regulatory, judicial and other governmental authorities and officials;
changes in relationships with vendors and other product and service providers;
currency, interest and exchange rates and other capital market, economic and geo-political conditions;
severe or unseasonable weather, possible outbreaks of epidemic or pandemic diseases and natural disasters;
unstable political conditions, civil unrest, terrorist activities and armed conflicts;
the possible inability of the Company’s manufacturers or transporters to deliver products in a timely manner or meet the Company’s quality standards;
the Company’s reliance on foreign sources of production, including risks related to the disruption of imports by labor disputes, regional health pandemics, and regional political and economic conditions; and
duties, taxes, other charges and quotas on imports; andimports.
possible systems failures and/or security breaches, including, any security breach that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or company information, or the failure to comply with various laws applicable to the Company in the event of such a breach.

In addition to any risks and uncertainties specifically identified in the text surrounding such forward-looking statements, the statements in the immediately preceding sentence and the statements under captions such as “Risk Factors” in reports, statements and information filed by the Company with the SEC from time to time constitute cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual amounts, results, events and circumstances to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.






Item 1.Business.
General
The Company is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1985. The Company and its predecessors have been operating department stores since 1830. The Company operates 829867 stores in 4543 states, the District of Columbia, GuamPuerto Rico and Puerto Rico.Guam. As of January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019, the Company's operations were conducted through Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet, Macy’s Backstage, Bluemercury and Macy’s China Limited.bluemercury. In addition, Bloomingdale's in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Al Zahra, Kuwait are operated under license agreements with Al Tayer Insignia, a company of Al Tayer Group, LLC.
The Company sells a wide range of merchandise, including apparel and accessories (men’s, women’s and children’s)kids'), cosmetics, home furnishings and other consumer goods. The specific assortments vary by size of store, merchandising assortments and character of customers in the trade areas. Most stores are located at urban or suburban sites, principally in densely populated areas across the United States.
For 2016, 2015Disaggregation of the Company's net sales by family of business for 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:2014, the following merchandise constituted the following percentages of sales:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Women’s Accessories, Intimate Apparel, Shoes, Cosmetics and Fragrances38% 38% 38%$9,500
 $9,483
 $9,795
Women’s Apparel23
 23
 23
5,675
 5,807
 6,009
Men’s and Children’s23
 23
 23
Home/Miscellaneous16
 16
 16
100% 100% 100%
Men’s and Kids’5,712
 5,629
 5,844
Home/Other (a)4,084
 4,020
 4,260
Total$24,971
 $24,939
 $25,908
(a) Other primarily includes restaurant sales, certain loyalty program income and breakage income from unredeemed gift cards.

In 2016,2018, the Company’s subsidiaries provided various support functions to the Company’s retail operations on an integrated, company-wide basis.
The Company’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary, FDS Bank, provides credit processing, certain collections, customer service and credit marketing services in respect of all credit card accounts that are owned either by Department Stores National Bank (“DSNB”), a subsidiary of Citibank, N.A., or FDS Bank and that constitute a part of the credit programs of the Company’s retail operations.
Macy’s Systems and Technology, Inc. (“MST”), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company, provides operational electronic data processing and management information services to all of the Company’s operations other than Bluemercury and Macy's China Limited.bluemercury.
Macy’s Merchandising Group, Inc. (“MMG”), a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of the Company, and its subsidiary Macy's Merchandising Group International, LLC, are responsible for the design, development and marketing of Macy’s private label brands and certain licensed brands. Bloomingdale’s uses MMG for a small portion of its private label merchandise. The Company believes that its private label merchandise differentiates its merchandise assortments from those of its competitors and delivers exceptional value to its customers. MMG also offers its services, either directly or indirectly, to unrelated third parties.
Macy’s Logistics and Operations (“Macy’s Logistics”), a division of a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company, provides warehousing and merchandise distribution services for the Company’s operations and digital customer fulfillment.
The Company’s executive offices are located at 7 West 7thSeventh Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, telephone number: (513) 579-7000 and 151 West 34th Street, New York, New York 10001, telephone number: (212) 494-1602.



Employees
As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, excluding seasonal employees, the Company had approximately 148,300130,000 employees, primarily including regular full-time and part-time employees.part-time. Because of the seasonal nature of the retail business, the number of employees peaks in the holiday season. Approximately 10%7% of the Company’s employees as of January 28, 2017were represented by unions.unions as of February 2, 2019.



Seasonality
The retail business is seasonal in nature with a high proportion of sales and operating income generated in the months of November and December. Working capital requirements fluctuate during the year, increasing in mid-summer in anticipation of the fall merchandising season and increasing substantially prior to the holiday season when the Company carries significantly higher inventory levels.
Purchasing
The Company purchases merchandise from many suppliers, no one of which accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s net purchases during 20162018. The Company has no material long-term purchase commitments with any of its suppliers, and believes that it is not dependent on any one supplier. The Company considers its relations with its suppliers to be good.
Private Label Brands and Related Trademarks
The principal private label brands currently offered by the Company include Alfani, American Rag, Aqua, Bar III, Belgique, Charter Club, Club Room, Epic Threads, first impressions, Giani Bernini, Greg Norman for Tasso Elba, Holiday Lane, Home Design, Hotel Collection, Hudson Park, Ideology, I-N-C, jenni, JM Collection, John Ashford, Karen Scott, lune+aster, M-61, Maison Jules, Martha Stewart Collection, Material Girl, Morgan Taylor, Oake, Sky, Style & Co., Sutton Studio, Tasso Elba, Thalia Sodi, the cellar, and Tools of the Trade.
The trademarks associated with the Company's aforementioned private label brands, other than American Rag, Greg Norman for Tasso Elba, Martha Stewart Collection, Material Girl and Thalia Sodi, are owned by the Company. The American Rag, Greg Norman, Martha Stewart Collection, Material Girl and Thalia Sodi brands are owned by third parties, which license the trademarks associated with such brands to Macy’s pursuant to agreements. The agreements which havefor American Rag, Greg Norman, Material Girl, and Thalia Sodi expire at the end of 2019, while the Martha Stewart agreement has renewal rights that extend through 2050, 2020, 2027, 2030 and 2030, respectively.2025.
Competition
The retailingretail industry is intenselyhighly competitive. The Company’s operations compete with many retailingretail formats on the national and local level, including department stores, specialty stores, general merchandise stores, manufacturers' outlets, off-price and discount stores, manufacturers’ outlets, online retailers, catalogs and television shopping, among others. The Company seeks to attract customers by offering most wanteddesirable selections, obvious value, and distinctive marketing in stores that are located in premier locations, and by providing an exciting shopping environment and superior service through an omnichannel experience. Other retailers may compete for customers on some or all of these bases, or on other bases, and may be perceived by some potential customers as being better aligned with their particular preferences.


Available Information
The Company makes its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act available free of charge through its internet website at http:https://www.macysinc.com as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. The public also may read and copy any of these filings at the SEC’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internetinternet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Company’s filings;SEC; the address of that site is http:https://www.sec.gov. In addition, the Company has made the following available free of charge through its website at http:https://www.macysinc.com:
Charters of the Audit Committee, Charter,
Compensation and Management Development Committee, Charter,
Finance Committee, Charter,
and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Charter,
Corporate Governance Principles,
Lead Independent Director Policy,
Non-Employee Director Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and


Code of Conduct.Conduct,
Standards for Director Independence,
Related Person Transactions Policy,
Method to Facilitate Receipt, Retention and Treatment of Communications, and
Proxy Access By-Laws.
Any of these items are also available in print to any shareholder who requests them. Requests should be sent to the Corporate Secretary of Macy’s, Inc. at 7 West 7thSeventh Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 24, 201721, 2019 regarding the executive officersExecutive Officers of the Company:
 
Name Age Position with the Company
Terry J. Lundgren65
Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board; Director
Jeff Gennette 55
President, Chief Executive Officer; Director
Timothy Baxter47
57
 Chief MerchandisingExecutive Officer, Chairman of the Board and Director
Paula A. Price57Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Harry A. Lawton III44President
Elisa D. Garcia 59
61
 Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Robert B. HarrisonDanielle L. Kirgan 53
43
 Chief OmnichannelExecutive Vice President and Operations Officer
Karen M. Hoguet60
Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey A. Kantor58
Chief Stores and Human Resources Officer
Molly Langenstein53
Chief Private Brands Officer
Richard A. Lennox51
Chief Marketing Officer
Justin S. MacFarlane44
Chief Strategy, Analytics and Innovation Officer
Patti H. Ongman61
Chief Merchandise Planning Officer
Tony Spring52
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Bloomingdale's
Felicia Williams 51
53
 ExecutiveSenior Vice President, Controller and Enterprise Risk Officer



Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") Transition

The Company announced that Terry J. Lundgren, the Company’s CEO since 2003 and Chairman since 2004, transitioned the position of CEO to Jeff Gennette on March 23, 2017. The transition is part of the Board of Directors’ succession plan that included Mr. Gennette’s election as president of Macy’s, Inc. in 2014. Mr. Lundgren will continue as Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board and work side-by-side with Mr. Gennette as President and CEO.

Mr. Gennette was named President of Macy’s, Inc. in March 2014 after serving as Macy’s Chief Merchandising Officer since February 2009. From February 2008 to February 2009, Mr. Gennette served as Chairman and CEO of Macy’s West in San Francisco. He began his retail career in 1983 as an executive trainee at Macy’s West. He held positions of increasing responsibilities, including Vice President and Division Merchandise Manager for men’s collection and Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager for men’s and children’s apparel. In 2004, Mr. Gennette was appointed Executive Vice President and Director of Stores at Macy’s Central in Atlanta. From February 2006 to February 2008, Mr. Gennette was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle-based Macy’s Northwest. During his career, Mr. Gennette also served as a Store Manager for FAO Schwarz and Director of Stores for Broadway Stores, Inc. Mr. Gennette, a native of San Diego, is a graduate of Stanford University.

Executive Officer Biographies
Terry J. LundgrenJeff Gennette has been Chief Executive ChairmanOfficer of the Company since March 2017 and Chairman of the Board since January 2004;2018; prior thereto he was Chief Executive Officer of the CompanyPresident from February 2003March 2014 to March 2017.
Jeff Gennette has been Chief Executive Officer since MarchAugust 2017, and President of the Company since March 2014; prior thereto he was the Chief Merchandising Officer from February 2009 to March 2014.2014, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Macy’s West in San Francisco from February 2008 to February 2009 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle-based Macy’s Northwest from February 2006 through February 2008.
Tim BaxterPaula A. Price has been Executive Vice President and Chief MerchandisingFinancial Officer of the Company since February 2015;July 2018; prior thereto she was a full-time lecturer in the Accounting and Management Unit at Harvard Business School from January 2014 to July 2018 and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ahold USA from May 2009 to January 2014.
Harry (Hal) A. Lawton III has been President of the Company since September 2017; prior thereto he was Executive Vice President GMM - Ready to Wear from March 2013 to February 2015; as Executive Vice President - Fashion Office, Licensed Businesses and Multicultural Business Development from March 2012 to March 2013;served as Senior Vice President, - ReadyNorth America at eBay, Inc. from April 2015 to WearSeptember 2017 and held a number of leadership positions at Home Depot, Inc. from June 20112005 to March 2012; as Group2015, including Senior Vice President Ready to Wear - Bridge/Impulse/NC/Neo Collections Sportswear from August 2010 to June 2011;of Merchandising and as Group Vice President Fashion Jewelry, Watches, Sterling Silver from March 2009 to July 2010.head of Home Depot’s online business.
Elisa D. Garcia has been Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of the Company since September 2016; prior thereto she served as Chief Legal Officer of Office Depot, Inc. from December 2013 to September 2016, and as Executive Vice President General Counsel and Secretary from July 2007 to September 2016 and General Counsel from July 2007 to December 2013.
Robert B. HarrisonDanielle L. Kirgan has been Chief Omnichannel and Operations Officer of the Company since February 2017; prior thereto he served as Chief Omnichannel Officer from January 2013 to February 2017; as Executive Vice President - Omnichannel Strategy from July 2012 to January 2013; as Executive Vice President - Finance from 2011 to July 2012 and as President - Stores from 2009 to 2011.
Karen M. Hoguet has been Chief Financial Officer of the Company since October 1997.
Jeffrey A. Kantor has been Chief Stores and Human Resources Officer of the Company since FebruaryOctober 2017; prior thereto he served as Chief Stores Officer from February 2015 to February 2017; as Chairman of macys.com from February 2012 to February 2015; as President - Merchandising for macys.com from August 2010 to February 2012; as President - Merchandising for Home from May 2009 to August 2010 and as President for furniture for Macy’s Home Store from February 2006 to May 2009.
Molly Langenstein has been Chief Private Brands Officer of the Company since February 2015; prior thereto she served as Executive Vice President - Men’s and Kids at Macy’s Private Brands from April 2014 to February 2015; as Executive Vice President GMM - Millennial from March 2012 to March 2014; as Executive Vice President Fashion and New Business Development from July 2010 to March 2012 and as Group Vice President DMM Neo, Impulse and Bridge Sportswear from March 2009 to July 2010.
Richard A. Lennox has been Chief Marketing Officer of the Company since September 2016; prior thereto he served as Senior Vice President, andPeople at American Airlines Group, Inc. from October 2016 to October 2017, Chief Marketing Officer of Toys “R” Us from mid-2014 to September 2016; and as Executive Vice President/Chief Marketing and E-CommerceHuman Resources Officer at Zale’s CorporationDarden Restaurants, Inc. from August 2009January 2015 to July 2014.


Justin MacFarlane has been Chief Strategy, AnalyticsOctober 2016 and Innovation Officer since February 2016; prior thereto he served as Senior Vice President - Corporate Strategy for ANN, Inc., a women's multichannel fashion retailer, from JulyMay 2010, to August 2015 and as Director, Global Retail for AlixPartners, a global restructuring consulting and financial advisory firm, from August 2006 to June 2010.
Patti H. Ongman has been Chief Merchandise Planning Officer of the Company since February 2015; prior thereto she served as Executive Vice President, - Omnichannel StrategiesGlobal Human Resources at ACI Worldwide, Inc. from June 2014 - February 2015; as ExecutiveJanuary 2009 to December 2009, and Vice President, GMM - Center CoreHuman Resources at Conagra Foods, Inc. from October 20102004 to May 2014 and as Executive Vice President GPM - Cosmetics, Fragrances and Shoes from February 2009 to September 2010.
Tony Spring has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bloomingdale’s since February 2014; prior thereto he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from February 2008 to February 2014; as Senior Executive Vice President from July 2005 to January 2008; and as Executive Vice President from April 1998 to July 2005.2008.
Felicia Williams has been ExecutiveSenior Vice President, Controller and Enterprise Risk Officer of the Company since June 2016; prior thereto she served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Risk Management from February 2011 to June 2016; as2016, Senior Vice President, Treasury and Risk Management from September 2009 to February 2011; as2011, Vice President, Finance and Risk Management from October 2008 to September 2009;2009, and as Vice President, Internal Audit from March 2004 to October 2008.


Item 1A.Risk Factors.
In evaluating the Company,Macy's, the risks described below and the matters described in “Forward-Looking Statements” should be considered carefully. Such risks and matters are numerous and diverse, may be experienced continuously or intermittently, and may vary in intensity and effect. Any of such risks and matters, individually or in combination, could have a material adverse effect on the Company'sour business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as on the attractiveness and value of an investment in the Company'sMacy's securities.
The Company faces significant competition in the retail industry
Strategic, Operational and depends on its ability to differentiate itself in retail's ever-changing environment.Competitive Risks
The Company conducts its retail merchandising business under highly competitive conditions. Although the Company is one of the nation’s largest retailers, it has numerous and varied competitors at the national and local levels, including department stores, specialty stores, general merchandise stores, off-price and discount stores, manufacturers’ outlets, online retailers, catalogs and television shopping, among others. Competition
Our strategic initiatives may intensify as the Company’s competitors enter into business combinations or alliances. Competition is characterized by many factors, including assortment, advertising, price, quality, service, location, reputation and credit availability. Any failure by the Company to compete effectivelynot be successful, which could negatively affect our profitability and growth.
We are pursuing strategic initiatives to achieve our objective of accelerating profitable growth in our stores and our digital operations. This includes the Company's businessadoption of new technologies, merchandising strategies and resultscustomer service initiatives all designed to improve the shopping experience. Our ability to achieve profitable growth is subject to the successful implementation of operations.
As consumers continue to migrate online, the Company faces pressures toour strategic plans. If these investments or initiatives do not only compete from a price perspective with its competitors, some of whom sell the same products, but also must differentiate itself to stay relevant in retail's ever-changing industry. The Company continues to significantly invest in its omnichannel capabilities in order to provide a seamless shopping experience to its customers between the Company's brickperform as expected or create implementation or operational difficulties, we may incur impairment charges and mortar locations and its online and mobile environments. Insufficient, untimely or misguided investments in this area could significantly impact the Company'sour profitability and growth and affect the Company's ability to attract new customers as well as maintain its existing ones.could suffer.
The Company’sOur sales and operating results depend on consumer preferences and consumer spending.
The fashion and retail industries are subject to sudden shifts in consumer trends and consumer spending. The Company’sOur sales and operating results depend in part on itsour ability to predict or respond to changes in fashion trends and consumer preferences in a timely manner. The Company developsWe develop new retail concepts and continuously adjusts itsadjust our industry position in certain major and private-label brands and product categories in an effort to satisfyattract and retain customers. Any sustained failure to anticipate, identify and respond to emerging trends in lifestyle and consumer preferences could negatively affect the Company’sour business and results of operations. The Company’s
Our sales are significantly affected by discretionary spending by consumers. Consumer spending may be affected by many factors outside of the Company’sour control, including general economic conditions, consumer disposable income levels, consumer confidence levels, the availability, cost and level of consumer debt, and consumer behaviors towards incurring and paying debt, the costscost of basic necessities and other goods, the strength of the U.S. Dollar relative to foreign currencies and the effects of the weather or natural disasters. These factors can have psychological or economic impacts on consumers that affect their discretionary spending habits. Any decline in discretionary spending by consumers could negatively affect the Company'sour business and results of operations.
We face significant competition in the retail industry.
We conduct our retail merchandising business under highly competitive conditions. Although Macy's is one of the nation’s largest retailers, we have numerous and varied competitors at the national and local levels, including department stores, specialty stores, general merchandise stores, manufacturers’ outlets, off-price and discount stores, online retailers, catalogs and television shopping, among others. Competition is characterized by many factors, including assortment, advertising, price, quality, service, location, reputation and credit availability. Any failure by us to compete effectively could negatively affect our business and results of operations.
We face challenges as consumers migrate to online shopping and we depend on our ability to differentiate Macy's in retail's ever-changing environment.
As consumers continue to migrate online, we face pressures to not only compete from a price perspective with our competitors, some of whom sell the same products, but also to differentiate Macy's to stay relevant in retail's ever-changing environment. We continue to significantly invest in our omnichannel capabilities to provide a seamless shopping experience to our customers between our brick and mortar locations and our online and mobile environments. Insufficient, untimely or misguided investments in this area could significantly impact our profitability and growth and affect our ability to attract new customers, as well as maintain our existing ones.
In addition, declining customer store traffic and migration of sales from brick and mortar stores to digital platforms could lead to store closures, restructuring and other costs that could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.
Our ability to grow depends in part on our brick and mortar stores remaining relevant to customers.
We are investing in facilities and fixtures upgrades, merchandise assortment and customer service in selected stores to improve customer retention rates and overall customer satisfaction. Some stores are receiving targeted local marketing plans to drive customer traffic. While these “Growth” stores have outperformed the remainder of our store fleet, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve continued improvement in our brick and mortar business.


As the Company reliesBecause we rely on the ability of itsour physical retail locations to remain relevant to customers, providing desirable and sought-out shopping experiences is paramountcritical to the Company'sour financial success. Changes in consumer shopping habits, financial difficulties at other anchor tenants, significant mall vacancy issues, mall violence and new mall developments could each adversely impact the traffic at current retail locations and lead to a decline in the Company'sour financial condition or performance.
We may not be able to successfully execute our real estate strategy.
We continue to explore opportunities to monetize our real estate portfolio, including sales of stores as well as non-store real estate such as warehouses, outparcels and parking garages. We also continue to evaluate our real estate portfolio to identify opportunities where the redevelopment value of our real estate exceeds the value of non-strategic operating locations. This strategy is multi-pronged and may include transactions, strategic alliances or other arrangements with mall developers or other unrelated third-parties. Due to the cyclical nature of real estate markets, the performance of our real estate strategy is inherently volatile and could have a significant impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
Our revenues and cash requirements are affected by the seasonal nature of our business.
Our business is seasonal, with a high proportion of revenues and operating cash flows generated during the second half of the year, which includes the fall and holiday selling seasons. A disproportionate amount of our revenues is in the fourth quarter, which coincides with the holiday season. Should holiday sales fall below our expectations, a disproportionately negative impact on our results of operations could occur.
We incur significant additional expenses in the period leading up to the months of November and December in anticipation of higher sales volume in those periods, including costs for additional inventory, advertising and employees. If we are not successful in selling inventory, we may have to sell the inventory at significantly reduced prices or may not be able to sell the inventory at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.
We depend on our ability to attract, train, develop and retain quality employees.
Our business is dependent upon attracting, training, developing and retaining quality employees. Macy's has a large number of employees, many of whom are in entry level or part-time positions with historically high rates of turnover. The Company’sability to meet our labor needs while controlling costs associated with hiring and training new employees is subject to external factors such as unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, minimum wage legislation and changing demographics. In addition, as a large and complex enterprise operating in a highly competitive and challenging business environment, Macy's is highly dependent upon management personnel to develop and effectively execute successful business strategies and tactics. Any circumstances that adversely impact our ability to attract, train, develop and retain quality employees throughout the organization could negatively affect our business and results of operations.
We depend on the success of advertising and marketing programs.
Our business depends on effective marketing to create high customer traffic at stores and online. Macy's has many initiatives in this area, and we often change advertising and marketing programs to attract customers and increase sales. There can be no assurance as to our continued ability to effectively execute our advertising and marketing programs, and any failure to do so could negatively affect our business and results of operations.
If cash flows from our private label credit card decrease, our financial and operational results may be negatively impacted.
We previously sold most of our credit accounts and related receivables to Citibank. Following the sale, we share in the economic performance of the credit card program with Citibank. Deterioration in economic or political conditions could adversely affect the volume of new credit accounts, the amount of credit card program balances and the ability of credit card holders to pay their balances. These conditions could result in Macy’s receiving lower payments under the credit card program.
Credit card operations are subject to many federal and state laws that may impose certain requirements and limitations on credit card providers. Citibank and our subsidiary bank, FDS Bank, may be required to comply with regulations that may negatively impact the operation of our private label credit card. This negative impact may affect our revenue streams derived from the sale of such credit card accounts and our financial results.
Gross margins could suffer if we are unable to effectively manage our inventory.
Our profitability depends on our ability to manage inventory levels and respond to shifts in consumer demand patterns. Overestimating customer demand for merchandise will likely result in the need to record inventory markdowns and sell excess inventory at clearance prices which would negatively impact our gross margins and operating results. Underestimating customer demand for merchandise can lead to inventory shortages, missed sales opportunities and negative customer experiences.


Our defined benefit plan funding requirements or plan settlement expense could impact our financial results and cash flow.
Significant changes in interest rates, decreases in the fair value of plan assets and timing and amount of benefit payments could affect the funded status of our plans and could increase future funding requirements of the plans. A significant increase in future funding requirements could have a negative impact on our cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.
These plans allow eligible retiring employees to receive lump sum distributions of benefits earned. Under applicable accounting rules, if annual lump sum distributions exceed an actuarially determined threshold of the total of the annual service and interest costs, we would be required to recognize in the current period of operations a settlement expense of a portion of the unrecognized actuarial loss and could have a negative impact on our results of operations.
Increases in the cost of employee benefits could impact our financial results and cash flow.
Our expenses relating to employee health benefits are significant. Unfavorable changes in the cost of such benefits could negatively affect our financial results and cash flow. Healthcare costs have risen significantly in recent years, and recent legislative and private sector initiatives regarding healthcare reform have resulted and could continue to result in significant changes to the U.S. healthcare system. Due to uncertainty regarding legislative or regulatory changes, we are not able to fully determine the impact that future healthcare reform will have on our company-sponsored medical plans.
If our company’s reputation and brand are not maintained at a high level, our operations and financial results may suffer.
We believe our reputation and brand are partially based on the perception that we act equitably and honestly in dealing with our customers, employees, business partners and shareholders. Our reputation and brand may be deteriorated by any incident that erodes the trust or confidence of our customers or the general public, particularly if the incident results in significant adverse publicity or governmental inquiry. In addition, information concerning us, whether or not true, may be instantly and easily posted on social media platforms at any time, which information may be adverse to our reputation or brand. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. If our reputation or brand is damaged, our customers may refuse to continue shopping with us, potential employees may be unwilling to work for us, business partners may be discouraged from seeking future business dealings with us and, as a result, our operations and financial results may suffer.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, our brands and business could be damaged.
We believe that our copyrights, trademarks, trade dress, trade secrets and similar intellectual property are important assets and key elements of our strategy, including those related to our private brand merchandise. We rely on copyright and trademark law, trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, vendors and others to protect our proprietary rights. If the steps we take to protect our proprietary rights are inadequate, or if we are unable to protect or preserve the value of our copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other proprietary rights for any reason, our merchandise brands and business could be negatively affected.
Our sales and operating results could be adversely affected by product safety concerns.
If Macy's merchandise offerings do not meet applicable safety standards or consumers' expectations regarding safety, we could experience decreased sales, increased costs and/or be exposed to legal and reputational risk. Events that give rise to actual, potential or perceived product safety concerns could expose Macy's to government enforcement action and/or private litigation. Reputational damage caused by real or perceived product safety concerns could negatively affect our business and results of operations.
A shutdown or disruption in our distribution and fulfillment centers could have an adverse impact on our business and operations.
Our business depends on the orderly receipt and distribution of merchandise and effective management of our distribution and fulfillment centers. Unforeseen disruptions in operations due to fire, severe weather conditions, natural disasters or other catastrophic events, labor disagreements, or other shipping problems may result in the loss or unavailability of inventory and/or delays in the delivery of merchandise to our stores and customers.






Technology and Data Security Risks
A material disruption in our computer systems could adversely affect our business or results of operations.
We rely extensively on our computer systems to process transactions, summarize results and manage our business. Our computer systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, cyber-attack or other security breaches, catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, acts of war or terrorism, and usage errors by our employees. If our computer systems are damaged or cease to function properly, including a material disruption in our ability to authorize and process transactions at our stores or on our online systems, we may have to make a significant investment to fix or replace them, and we may suffer loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in our operations. Any material interruption in our computer systems could negatively affect our business and results of operations.
If our technology-based e-commerce systems do not function properly, our operating results could be negatively affected.
Customers are increasingly using computers, tablets and smart phones to shop online and to do price and comparison shopping. We strive to anticipate and meet our customers’ changing expectations and are focused on building a seamless shopping experience across our omnichannel business. Any failure to provide user-friendly, secure e-commerce platforms that offer a variety of merchandise at competitive prices with low cost and quick delivery options that meet customers’ expectations could place us at a competitive disadvantage, result in the loss of e-commerce and other sales, harm our reputation with customers and have a material adverse impact on the growth of our business and our operating results.
A breach of information technology systems could adversely affect our reputation, business partner and customer relationships and operations, and result in high costs.
Through our sales, marketing activities, and use of third-party information, we collect and store certain non-public personal information that customers provide to purchase products or services, enroll in promotional programs, register on websites, or otherwise communicate to us. This may include phone numbers, driver license numbers, contact preferences, personal information stored on electronic devices, and payment information, including credit and debit card data. We gather and retain information about employees in the normal course of business. We may share information about such persons with vendors that assist with certain aspects of our business. In addition, our online operations depend upon the transmission of confidential information over the Internet, such as information permitting cashless payments.    
We employ safeguards for the protection of this information and have made significant investments to secure access to our information technology network. For instance, we have implemented authentication protocols, installed firewalls and anti-virus/anti-malware software, conducted continuous risk assessments, and established data security breach preparedness and response plans. We also employ encryption and other methods to protect our data, promote security awareness with our associates and work with business partners in an effort to create secure and compliant systems.
However, these protections may be compromised as a result of third-party security breaches, burglaries, cyberattacks, errors by employees or employees of third-party vendors, or contractors, misappropriation of data by employees, vendors or unaffiliated third-parties, or other irregularities that may result in persons obtaining unauthorized access to company data.
Retail data frequently targeted by cybercriminals includes consumer credit card data, personally identifiable information, including social security numbers, and health care information. For retailers, point of sale and e-commerce websites are often attacked through compromised credentials, including those obtained through phishing, vishing and credential stuffing. Other methods of attack include advanced malware, the exploitation of software and operating vulnerabilities, and physical device tampering/skimming at card reader units. We believe these attack methods will continue to evolve.
Despite instituting controls for the protection of such information, no commercial or government entity can be entirely free of vulnerability to attack or compromise given that the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service change frequently. During the normal course of business, we have experienced and expect to continue to experience attempts to compromise our information systems. Unauthorized parties may attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities, or those of third parties with whom we do business, through fraud, trickery, or other forms of deception to employees, contractors, vendors and temporary staff. We may be unable to protect the integrity of our systems or company data. An alleged or actual unauthorized access or unauthorized disclosure of non-public personal information could:


materially damage our reputation and brand, negatively affect customer satisfaction and loyalty, expose us to individual claims or consumer class actions, administrative, civil or criminal investigations or actions, and infringe on proprietary information; and
cause us to incur substantial costs, including costs associated with remediation of information technology systems, customer protection costs and incentive payments for the maintenance of business relationships, litigation costs, lost revenues resulting from negative changes in consumer shopping patterns, unauthorized use of proprietary information or the failure to retain or attract customers following an attack. While we maintain insurance coverage that may, subject to policy terms and conditions, cover certain aspects of cyber risks, such insurance coverage may be unavailable or insufficient to cover all losses or all types of claims that may arise in the continually evolving area of cyber risk.
Supply Chain and Third Party Risks
We depend upon designers, vendors and other sources of merchandise, goods and services. Our business could be affected by disruptions in, or other legal, regulatory, political or economic issues associated with, our supply network.
Our relationships with established and emerging designers have been significant contributors to Macy's past success. Our ability to find qualified vendors and access products in a timely and efficient manner is often challenging, particularly with respect to goods sourced outside the United States. We source the majority of our merchandise from manufacturers located outside the U.S., primarily Asia.  Any major changes in tax policy, such as the disallowance of tax deductions for imported merchandise could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity.
The procurement of all our goods and services are subject to the effects of price increases which we may or may not be able to pass through to our customers. In addition, our procurement of goods and services from outside the U.S. is subject to risks associated with political or financial instability, trade restrictions, tariffs, currency exchange rates, transport capacity and costs and other factors relating to foreign trade. All of these factors may affect our ability to access suitable merchandise on acceptable terms, are beyond our control and could negatively affect our business and results of operations.
On September 18, 2018, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced that the current U.S. Administration would impose a 10% tariff on approximately $200 billion worth of imports from China into the U.S. effective September 24, 2018, which was expected to increase to 25% starting January 1, 2019. On December 19, 2018, the U.S. Trade representative announced a modification to the effective date of the 25% tariffs on China goods from January 1, 2019 to March 2, 2019. We are evaluating the potential impact of the effective and proposed tariffs as well as other recent changes in foreign trade policy on our supply chain, costs, sales and profitability and are considering strategies to mitigate such impact, including reviewing sourcing options and working with our vendors and merchants. While it is too early to predict how these changes in foreign trade policy and any recently enacted, proposed and future tariffs on products imported by us from China will affect our business, these changes could negatively impact our business and results of operations if they seriously disrupt the movement of products through our supply chain or increase their cost. In addition, while we may be able to shift our sourcing options, executing such a shift would be time consuming and would be difficult or impracticable for many products and may result in an increase in our manufacturing costs. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, retaliatory tariffs, or other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, our customers, our suppliers, and/or the U.S. economy, which in turn could adversely impact our results of operations and business.
Disruption of global sourcing activities and quality concerns over our own brands could negatively impact brand reputation and earnings.
Economic and civil unrest in areas of the world where we source products, as well as shipping and dockage issues, could adversely impact the availability or cost of our products, or both. Most of Macy’s goods imported to the U.S. arrive from Asia through ports located on the U.S. west coast and are subject to potential disruption due to labor unrest, security issues or natural disasters affecting any or all of these ports. In addition, in recent years, we have substantially increased the number and types of merchandise that are sold under Macy’s proprietary brands. While we have focused on the quality of our proprietary branded products, we rely on third-parties to manufacture these products. Such third-party manufacturers may prove to be unreliable, the quality of our globally sourced products may vary from expectations and standards, the products may not meet applicable regulatory requirements which may require us to recall these products, or the products may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third-parties. We face challenges in seeking indemnities from manufacturers of these products, including the uncertainty of recovering on such indemnity and the lack of understanding by manufacturers of U.S. product liability laws in certain foreign jurisdictions.


Parties with whom Macy's does business may be subject to insolvency risks or may otherwise become unable or unwilling to perform on their obligations to us.
Macy's is a party to contracts, transactions and business relationships with various third parties, including, without limitation, vendors, suppliers, service providers, lenders and participants in joint ventures, strategic alliances and other joint commercial relationships, pursuant to which such third parties have performance, payment and other obligations to Macy's. In some cases, we depend upon such third parties to provide essential leaseholds, products, services or other benefits, including with respect to store and distribution center locations, merchandise, advertising, software development and support, logistics, other agreements for goods and services to operate our business in the ordinary course, extensions of credit, credit card accounts and related receivables, and other vital matters. Current economic, industry and market conditions could result in increased risks to Macy's associated with the potential financial distress or insolvency of such third parties. If any of these third parties were to become subject to bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings, the rights and benefits with respect to our contracts, transactions and business relationships with such third parties could be terminated, modified in a manner adverse to us, or otherwise impaired. We may be unable to arrange for alternate or replacement contracts, transactions or business relationships on terms as favorable as existing contracts, transactions or business relationships. Our inability to do so could negatively affect our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
Global, Legal and External Risks
Macy’s business is subject to unfavorable economic and political conditions and other related risks.
Unfavorable global, domestic or regional economic or political conditions and other developments and risks could negatively affect the Company’sour business and results of operations. For example, unfavorable changes related to interest rates, rates of economic growth, fiscal and monetary policies of governments, inflation, deflation, consumer credit availability, consumer debt levels, consumer debt payment behaviors, tax rates and policy, unemployment trends, energy prices, and other matters that influence the availability and cost of merchandise, consumer confidence, spending and tourism could negatively affect the Company’sour business and results of operations. These same conditions and related risks could affect the success of the Company's credit card program. Following the sale of most of the Company's credit accounts and related receivables to Citibank, the Company shares in the economic performance of the credit card program with CitiBank. Deterioration in economic or political conditions could adversely affect the volume of new credit accounts, the amount of credit card program balances and the ability of credit card holders to pay their balances. These conditions could result in the Company receiving lower payments under the credit card program. In addition, unstable political conditions, civil unrest, terrorist activities and armed conflicts may disrupt commerce and could negatively affect the Company’sour business and results of operations.
The Company'sOur effective tax rate is impacted by a number of factors, including changes in federal or state tax law, interpretation of existing laws and the ability to defend and support the tax positions taken on historical tax returns. Certain changes in any of these factors could materially impact the effective tax rate and the Company's net income.
The Company’s revenues and cash requirements are affected by the seasonal nature of its business.
The Company’s business is seasonal, with a high proportion of revenues and operating cash flows generated during the second half of the year, which includes the fall and holiday selling seasons. A disproportionate amount of the Company's revenues fall in the fourth quarter, which coincides with the holiday season. In addition, the Company incurs significant additional expenses in the period leading up to the months of November and December in anticipation of higher sales volume in those periods, including for additional inventory, advertising and employees.
The Company’sOur business could be affected by extreme weather conditions, regional or global health pandemics or natural disasters.
Extreme weather conditions in the areas in which the Company’sour stores are located could negatively affect the Company’sour business and results of operations. For example, frequent or unusually heavy snowfall, ice storms, rainstorms or other extreme weather conditions over a prolonged period could make it difficult for the Company’sour customers to travel to itsour stores and thereby reduce the Company’sour sales and profitability. The Company’sOur business is also susceptible to unseasonable weather conditions. For example, extended periods of unseasonably warm temperatures during the winter season or cool weather during the summer season could reduce demand for a portion of the Company’sour inventory and thereby reduce the Company'sour sales and profitability. In addition, extreme weather conditions could result in disruption or delay of production and delivery of materials and products in the Company'sour supply chain and cause staffing shortages in the Company'sour stores.
The Company'sOur business and results of operations could also be negatively affected if a regional or global health pandemic were to occur, depending upon its location, duration and severity. To haltCustomers might avoid public places, such as our stores, or delay the spread of disease, local, regional or nationalin extreme cases governments might limit or ban public gatherings or customers might avoid public places, such as the Company's stores.travel. A regional or global health pandemic might also result in disruption or delay of production and delivery of materials and products in the Company'sour supply chain and cause staffing shortages in the Company'sour stores.
In addition, naturalNatural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes, or a combination of these or other factors, could damage or destroy the Company’sour facilities or make it difficult for customers to travel to itsour stores, thereby negatively affecting the Company’sour business and results of operations.



The Company’s defined benefit plan funding requirements or plan settlement expense could impact the Company’s financial results and cash flow.
Significant changes in interest rates, decreases in the fair value of plan assets and benefit payments could affect the funded status of the Company’s plans and could increase future funding requirements of the plans. A significant increase in future funding requirements could have a negative impact on the Company’s cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.
As of January 28, 2017, the Company had unrecognized actuarial losses of $1,232 million for the funded defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”) and $248 million for the unfunded defined benefit supplementary retirement plan (the “SERP”). These plans allow eligible retiring employees to receive lump sum distributions of benefits earned. Under applicable accounting rules, if annual lump sum distributions exceed an actuarially determined threshold of the total of the annual service and interest costs, the Company would be required to recognize in the current period of operations a settlement expense of a portion of the unrecognized actuarial loss and could have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations.
Increases in the cost of employee benefits could impact the Company’s financial results and cash flow.
The Company’s expenses relating to employee health benefits are significant. Unfavorable changes in the cost of such benefits could negatively affect the Company’s financial results and cash flow. Healthcare costs have risen significantly in recent years, and recent legislative and private sector initiatives regarding healthcare reform have resulted and could continue to result in significant changes to the U.S. healthcare system. Due to uncertainty regarding legislative or regulatory changes to the Affordable Care Act and related legislation, the Company is not able at this time to fully determine the impact that future healthcare reform will have on Company-sponsored medical plans.
Inability to access capital markets could adversely affect the Company’s business or financial condition.
Changes in the credit and capital markets, including market disruptions, limited liquidity and interest rate fluctuations, may increase the cost of financing or restrict the Company’s access to this potential source of future liquidity. A decrease in the ratings that rating agencies assign to the Company’s short and long-term debt may negatively impact the Company’s access to the debt capital markets and increase the Company’s cost of borrowing. In addition, the Company’s bank credit agreements require the Company to maintain specified interest coverage and leverage ratios. The Company’s ability to comply with the ratios may be affected by events beyond its control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If the Company’s results of operations or operating ratios deteriorate to a point where the Company is not in compliance with its debt covenants, and the Company is unable to obtain a waiver, much of the Company’s debt would be in default and could become due and payable immediately. The Company’s assets may not be sufficient to repay in full this indebtedness, resulting in a need for an alternate source of funding. The Company cannot make any assurances that it would be able to obtain such an alternate source of funding on satisfactory terms, if at all, and its inability to do so could cause the holders of its securities to experience a partial or total loss of their investments in the Company.
The Company depends on its ability to attract and retain quality employees.
The Company’s business is dependent upon attracting and retaining quality employees. The Company has a large number of employees, many of whom are in entry level or part-time positions with historically high rates of turnover. The Company’s ability to meet its labor needs while controlling the costs associated with hiring and training new employees is subject to external factors such as unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, minimum wage legislation and changing demographics. In addition, as a large and complex enterprise operating in a highly competitive and challenging business environment, the Company is highly dependent upon management personnel to develop and effectively execute successful business strategies and tactics. Any circumstances that adversely impact the Company’s ability to attract, train, develop and retain quality employees throughout the organization could negatively affect the Company’s business and results of operations.
The Company depends upon designers, vendors and other sources of merchandise, goods and services. The Company's business could be affected by disruptions in, or other legal, regulatory, political or economic issues associated with, the Company's supply network.
The Company’s relationships with established and emerging designers have been a significant contributor to the Company’s past success. The Company’s ability to find qualified vendors and access products in a timely and efficient manner is often challenging, particularly with respect to goods sourced outside the United States. The Company’s procurement of goods and services from outside the United States is subject to risks associated with political or financial


instability, trade restrictions, tariffs, currency exchange rates, transport capacity and costs and other factors relating to foreign trade. The Company sources the majority of its merchandise from manufacturers located outside of the U.S., primarily Asia, and any major changes in tax policy or trade relations, such as the disallowance of tax deductions for imported merchandise or the imposition of unilateral tariffs on imported goods, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and liquidity. The Company is also subject to costs and uncertainties associated with efforts to identify and disclose sources of "conflict minerals" used in products that the Company causes to be manufactured and potential sell-through difficulties and reputational damage that may be associated with the inability of the Company to determine that such products are "DRC conflict-free." In addition, the Company’s procurement of all its goods and services is subject to the effects of price increases which the Company may or may not be able to pass through to its customers. All of these factors may affect the Company’s ability to access suitable merchandise on acceptable terms, are beyond the Company’s control and could negatively affect the Company’s business and results of operations
The Company's sales and operating results could be adversely affected by product safety concerns.
If the Company's merchandise offerings do not meet applicable safety standards or consumers' expectations regarding safety, the Company could experience decreased sales, increased costs and/or be exposed to legal and reputational risk. Events that give rise to actual, potential or perceived product safety concerns could expose the Company to government enforcement action and/or private litigation. Reputational damage caused by real or perceived product safety concerns could negatively affect the Company's business and results of operations.
The Company depends on the success of its advertising and marketing programs.
The Company’s business depends on effective marketing and high customer traffic. The Company has many initiatives in this area, and often changes its advertising and marketing programs. There can be no assurance as to the Company’s continued ability to effectively execute its advertising and marketing programs, and any failure to do so could negatively affect the Company’s business and results of operations.
Parties with whom the Company does business may be subject to insolvency risks or may otherwise become unable or unwilling to perform their obligations to the Company.
The Company is a party to contracts, transactions and business relationships with various third parties, including, without limitation, vendors, suppliers, service providers, lenders and participants in joint ventures, strategic alliances and other joint commercial relationships, pursuant to which such third parties have performance, payment and other obligations to the Company. In some cases, the Company depends upon such third parties to provide essential leaseholds, products, services or other benefits, including with respect to store and distribution center locations, merchandise, advertising, software development and support, logistics, other agreements for goods and services in order to operate the Company’s business in the ordinary course, extensions of credit, credit card accounts and related receivables, and other vital matters. Current economic, industry and market conditions could result in increased risks to the Company associated with the potential financial distress or insolvency of such third parties. If any of these third parties were to become subject to bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings, the rights and benefits of the Company in relation to its contracts, transactions and business relationships with such third parties could be terminated, modified in a manner adverse to the Company, or otherwise impaired. The Company cannot make any assurances that it would be able to arrange for alternate or replacement contracts, transactions or business relationships on terms as favorable as the Company’s existing contracts, transactions or business relationships, if at all. Any inability on the part of the Company to do so could negatively affect the Company’s cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
A material disruption in the Company’s computer systems could adversely affect the Company’s business or results of operations.
The Company relies extensively on its computer systems to process transactions, summarize results and manage its business. The Company’s computer systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, cyber-attack or other security breaches, catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, acts of war or terrorism, and usage errors by the Company’s employees. If the Company’s computer systems are damaged or cease to function properly, the Company may have to make a significant investment to fix or replace them, and the Company may suffer loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in its operations. Any material interruption in the Company’s computer systems could negatively affect its business and results of operations.


A breach of information technology systems could adversely affect the Company's reputation, business partner and customer relationships, operations and result in high costs.
Through the Company's sales, marketing activities, and use of third-party information, the Company collects and stores certain non-public personal information that customers provide to purchase products or services, enroll in promotional programs, register on websites, or otherwise communicate to the Company. This may include, but is not limited to, phone numbers, driver license numbers, contact preferences, personal information stored on electronic devices, and payment information, including credit and debit card data. The Company also gathers and retains information about employees in the normal course of business. The Company may share information about such persons with vendors that assist with certain aspects of the Company's business. In addition, the Company's online operations depend upon the transmission of confidential information over the Internet, such as information permitting cashless payments.    
The Company employs safeguards for the protection of such information. These protections may be compromised as a result of third-party security breaches, burglaries, cyberattack, errors by employees or employees of third-party vendors, or contractors, misappropriation of data by employees, vendors or unaffiliated third-parties, or other irregularities that may result in persons obtaining unauthorized access to company data. Despite instituting controls for the protection of such information, no commercial or government entity can be entirely free of vulnerability to attack or compromise given that the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service change frequently. During the normal course of business, the Company has experienced and expects to continue to experience attempts to compromise information systems security. Unauthorized parties may attempt to gain access to the Company's systems or facilities, or those of third parties with whom the Company does business, through fraud, trickery, or other forms of deception to employees, contractors, vendors and temporary staff. The Company may be unable to protect the integrity of systems or company data. Moreover, an alleged or actual unauthorized access or unauthorized disclosure of non-public personal information could:
materially damage the Company's reputation and brand, negatively affect customer satisfaction and loyalty, expose the Company to individual claims or consumer class actions, administrative, civil or criminal investigations or actions, and infringe on proprietary information; and
cause the Company to incur substantial costs, including but not limited to, costs associated with remediation of information technology systems, customer protection costs and incentive payments for the maintenance of business relationships, litigation costs, lost revenues resulting from negative changes in consumer shopping patterns, unauthorized use of proprietary information or the failure to retain or attract customers following an attack. While the Company maintains insurance coverage that may, subject to policy terms and conditions, cover certain aspects of cyber risks, such insurance coverage may be unavailable or insufficient to cover all losses or all types of claims that may arise in the continually evolving area of cyber risk.
Disruption of global sourcing activities and the Company's own brands' quality concerns could negatively impact brand reputation and earnings
Economic and civil unrest in areas of the world where the Company source products, as well as shipping and dockage issues, could adversely impact the availability or cost of the Company’s products, or both. Most of the Company’s goods imported to the U.S. arrive from Asia through ports located on the U.S. west coast and are, therefore, subject to potential disruption due to labor unrest, security issues or natural disasters affecting any or all of these ports. In addition, in recent years, the Company has substantially increased the number and types of merchandise that are sold under the Company’s proprietary brands. While the Company has focused on the quality of its proprietary branded products, the Company relies on third-parties to manufacture these products. Such third-party manufacturers may prove to be unreliable, the quality of the Company’s globally sourced products may vary from the Company’s expectations and standards, such products may not meet applicable regulatory requirements which may require the Company to recall these products, or such products may infringe upon the intellectual propriety rights of other third-parties. Moreover, as the Company seeks indemnities from manufactures of these products, the uncertainty of realization of any such indemnity and the lack of understanding of U.S. product liability laws in certain foreign jurisdictions make it more likely that the Company may have to respond to claims or complaints from customers.
Litigation, legislation or regulatory developments could adversely affect the Company’sour business and results of operations.
The Company isWe are subject to various federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, inquiries and initiatives in connection with both itsour core business operations and itsour credit card and other ancillary operations (including the Credit Card Act of 2009 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”))2010).


Recent and future developments relating to such matters could increase the Company'sour compliance costs and adversely affect the profitability of itsour credit card and other


operations. The Company isWe are also subject to anti-bribery, customs, child labor, truth-in-advertising and other laws, including consumer protection regulations and zoning and occupancy ordinances that regulate retailers generally and/or govern the importation, promotion and sale of merchandise and the operation of retail stores and warehouse facilities. Although the Company undertakeswe undertake to monitor changes in these laws, if these laws change without the Company'sour knowledge, or are violated by importers, designers, manufacturers, distributors or agents, the Companywe could experience delays in shipments and receipt of goods or be subject to fines or other penalties under the controlling regulations, any of which could negatively affect the Company'sour business and results of operations. In addition, the Company iswe are regularly involved in various litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of itsour business. Adverse outcomes in current or future litigation could negatively affect the Company’sour financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The CompanyFinancial Risks
Inability to access capital markets could adversely affect our business or financial condition.
Changes in the credit and capital markets, including market disruptions, limited liquidity and interest rate fluctuations, may not be ableincrease the cost of financing or restrict our access to successfully execute its real estate strategy.
The Company continuesthis potential source of future liquidity. A decrease in the ratings that rating agencies assign to explore opportunities to monetize its real estate portfolioMacy’s short and is focused on opportunities for sale transactions and, in some cases, redevelopment of assets. This strategy is multi-pronged andlong-term debt may include transactions, strategic alliances or other arrangements with mall developers or unrelated third-parties. Duenegatively impact our access to the cyclical naturedebt capital markets and increase our cost of real estate markets,borrowing. In addition, our bank credit agreements require us to maintain specified interest coverage and leverage ratios. Our ability to comply with the performance of the Company's real estate strategy is inherently volatileratios may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and could have a significant impact on the Company’sindustry conditions. If our results of operations or financial condition.operating ratios deteriorate to a point where we are not in compliance with our debt covenants, and we are unable to obtain a waiver, much of our debt would be in default and could become due and payable immediately. Our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full this indebtedness, resulting in a need for an alternate source of funding. We cannot make any assurances that we would be able to obtain such an alternate source of funding on satisfactory terms, if at all, and our inability to do so could cause the holders of our securities to experience a partial or total loss of their investments in Macy's.
Factors beyond the Company’sour control could affect the Company’sMacy's stock price.
The Company’sMacy’s stock price, like that of other retail companies, is subject to significant volatility because of many factors, including factors beyond the control of the Company.our control. These factors may include:
general economic, stock, credit and real estate market conditions;
risks relating to the Company’sMacy’s business and its industry, including those discussed above;
strategic actions by the Companyus or itsour competitors;
adverse business announcements by our competitors;
variations in the Company’sour quarterly results of operations;
future sales or purchases of the Company’sMacy’s common stock; and
investor perceptions of the investment opportunity associated with the Company’sMacy’s common stock relative to other investment alternatives.
In addition, the CompanyWe may fail to meet the expectations of itsour stockholders or of analysts at some time in the future. If the analysts thatwho regularly follow the Company’sMacy’s stock lower their rating or lower their projections for future growth and financial performance, the Company’sMacy’s stock price could decline. Also, sales of a substantial number of shares of the Company’sMacy’s common stock in the public market or the appearance that these shares are available for sale could adversely affect the market price of the Company’sMacy’s common stock.

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
 


Item 2.Properties.
The properties of the Company consist primarily of stores and related facilities, including a logistics network. The Company also owns or leases other properties, including corporate office space in Cincinnati and New York and other facilities at which centralized operational support functions are conducted. As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, the operations of the Company included 829867 stores in 4543 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, comprising a total of approximately130approximately 126 million square feet. Of such stores, 382360 were owned, 330386 were leased, 113117 stores were operated under arrangements where the Company owned the building and leased the land and 4four stores were comprised of partly owned and partly leased buildings. All owned properties are held free and clear of mortgages. Pursuant to various shopping center agreements, the Company is obligated to operate certain stores for periods of up to 2015 years. Some of these agreements require that the stores be operated under a particular name. Most leases require the Company to pay real estate taxes, maintenance and other costs; some also require additional payments based on percentages of sales and some contain purchase options. Certain of the Company’s real estate leases have terms that extend for a significant number of years and provide for rental rates that increase or decrease over time.


The Company's operations were conducted through the following branded store locations:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Macy's673
 737
 773
649
 660
 673
Bloomingdale's55
 54
 50
55
 55
 55
Bluemercury101
 77
 
bluemercury163
 137
 101
829
 868
 823
867
 852
 829

Store count activity was as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Store count at beginning of fiscal year868
 823
 840
852
 829
 868
Stores opened27
 26
 5
Acquisition of Bluemercury stores
 62
 
Stores opened or acquired27
 38
 27
Stores closed or consolidated into existing centers(66) (43) (22)(12) (15) (66)
Store count at end of fiscal year829
 868
 823
867
 852
 829

Additional information about the Company’s stores as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 is as follows:
 
Geographic Region Total Owned Leased 

Subject to
a Ground
Lease
 
Partly Owned and Partly
Leased
 Total Owned Leased 

Subject to
a Ground
Lease
 
Partly Owned and Partly
Leased
North Central 142
 84
 38
 20
 
 144
 76
 48
 19
 1
Northeast 250
 90
 132
 28
 
 258
 84
 144
 30
 
Northwest 131
 44
 62
 22
 3
 136
 43
 71
 20
 2
South 179
 116
 42
 21
 
 195
 110
 60
 25
 
Southwest 127
 48
 56
 22
 1
 134
 47
 63
 23
 1
 829
 382
 330
 113
 4
 867
 360
 386
 117
 4

The five geographic regions detailed in the foregoing table are based on the Company’s Macy’s-branded operational structure. The Company’s retail stores are located at urban or suburban sites, principally in densely populated areas across the United States.



Additional information about the Company’s logistics network as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 is as follows:
Location Primary Function Owned or Leased Square Footage (thousands)
Cheshire, CT Direct to customer Owned 565700
Chicago, IL Stores Owned 861
Denver, CO Stores Leased 20
Goodyear, AZ Direct to customer Owned 9601,560
Hayward, CA Stores Owned 386
Houston, TX Stores Owned 1,124
Joppa, MD Stores Owned 850
Kapolei, HI Stores OwnedLeased 260
Los Angeles, CA Stores Owned 1,178
Martinsburg, WV Direct to customer Owned 1,3002,060
Miami, FL Stores Leased 535
Portland, TN Direct to customer Owned 9501,455
Raritan, NJ Stores Owned 980
Sacramento, CA Direct to customer Leased 385
Secaucus, NJ Stores Leased 675
South Windsor, CT Stores Owned 510670
Stone Mountain, GA Stores Owned 1,000
Tampa, FL Stores Owned 670
Tulsa, OK Direct to customer Owned 1,3002,195
Tukwila, WA Stores Leased 500
Union City, CA Stores Leased 165
Youngstown, OH Stores Owned 851


Item 3.Legal Proceedings.
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various proceedings that are incidental to the normal course of their businesses. As of the date of this report, the Company does not expect that any of such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 



PART II
 
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The Common StockCompany's common stock is listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “M.” As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, the Company had approximately 16,20014,625 stockholders of record. The following table sets forth for each quarter during 2016 and 2015 the high and low sales prices per share of Common Stock as reported on the NYSE and the dividends declared with respect to each quarter on each share of Common Stock.
 2016 2015
 Low High Dividend Low High Dividend
1st Quarter37.71
 45.50
 0.3600
 61.10
 69.98
 0.3125
2nd Quarter29.94
 40.15
 0.3775
 62.80
 73.61
 0.3600
3rd Quarter31.02
 40.98
 0.3775
 47.10
 70.12
 0.3600
4th Quarter28.55
 45.41
 0.3775
 34.05
 52.48
 0.3600

The declaration and payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors, are subject to restrictions under the Company’s credit facility and may be affected by various other factors, including the Company’s earnings, financial condition and legal or contractual restrictions.
The following table provides information regarding the Company’s purchases of Common Stockcommon stock during the fourth quarter of 20162018.
 
 
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price per
Share ($)
 
Number of Shares
Purchased under
Program (1)
 
Open
Authorization
Remaining ($)(1)
 (thousands)   (thousands) (millions)
October 30, 2016 – November 26, 2016727
 42.90
 727
 1,763
November 27, 2016 – December 31, 20161,152
 40.61
 1,152
 1,716
January 1, 2017 – January 28, 2017
 
 
 1,716
 1,879
 41.49
 1,879
  
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average
Price per
Share ($)
Number of Shares
Purchased under
Program (1)
Open
Authorization
Remaining ($)(1)
(thousands)(thousands)(millions)
November 4, 2018 - December 1, 2018


1,716
December 2, 2018 - January 5, 2019


1,716
January 6, 2019 - February 2, 2019


1,716



 ___________________
(1)
Commencing in January 2000, the Company’s Board of Directors has from time to time approved authorizations to purchase, in the aggregate, up to $18 billion of Common Stock. All authorizations are cumulative and do not have an expiration date. As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, $1,716 million of authorization remained unused. The Company may continue, discontinue or resume purchases of Common Stock under these or possible future authorizations in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise at any time and from time to time without prior notice.


The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the Common StockCompany's common stock with the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index and the Company's peer group for the period from January 28, 2012February 1, 2014 through January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019, assuming an initial investment of $100 and the reinvestment of all dividends, if any.
chart-f44db34a0ffc5517813.jpg

The companies included in the peer group are Bed, Bath & Beyond, Dillard's, Gap, J.C. Penney, Kohl's, L Brands, Nordstrom, Ross Stores, Sears Holdings, Target, TJX Companies and Wal-Mart.





Item 6.Selected Financial Data.
The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto and the other information contained elsewhere in this report. The Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, on February 4, 2018 using the full retrospective transition method and recast results from 2017 and 2016. Results from periods prior to 2016 have not been recast for the adoption of this standard.
 
2016 2015 2014 2013 2012*2018 2017* 2016 2015 2014
(millions, except per share)(millions, except per share)
Consolidated Statement of Income Data:                  
Net sales$25,778
 $27,079
 $28,105
 $27,931
 $27,686
$24,971
 $24,939
 $25,908
 $27,079
 $28,105
Cost of sales(15,621) (16,496) (16,863) (16,725) (16,538)
Gross margin10,157
 10,583
 11,242
 11,206
 11,148
Selling, general and administrative expenses(8,265) (8,256) (8,355) (8,440) (8,482)
Impairments, store closing and other costs(479) (288) (87) (88) (5)
Settlement charges(98) 
 
 
 
Gross margin (a)9,756
 9,758
 10,242
 10,583
 11,242
Operating income1,315
 2,039
 2,800
 2,678
 2,661
1,738
 1,864
 1,371
 2,028
 2,773
Interest expense(367) (363) (395) (390) (425)
Premium on early retirement of debt
 
 (17) 
 (137)
Interest income4
 2
 2
 2
 3
Income before income taxes952
 1,678
 2,390
 2,290
 2,102
Federal, state and local income tax expense(341) (608) (864) (804) (767)
Net income611
 1,070
 1,526
 1,486
 1,335
1,098
 1,555
 619
 1,070
 1,526
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest8
 2
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders$619
 $1,072
 $1,526
 $1,486
 $1,335
1,108
 1,566
 627
 1,072
 1,526
                  
Basic earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$2.01
 $3.26
 $4.30
 $3.93
 $3.29
$3.60
 $5.13
 $2.03
 $3.26
 $4.30
Diluted earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$1.99
 $3.22
 $4.22
 $3.86
 $3.24
$3.56
 $5.10
 $2.02
 $3.22
 $4.22
Average number of shares outstanding308.5
 328.4
 355.2
 378.3
 405.5
307.7
 305.4
 308.5
 328.4
 355.2
Cash dividends paid per share$1.4925
 $1.3925
 $1.1875
 $.9500
 $.8000
$1.5100
 $1.5100
 $1.4925
 $1.3925
 $1.1875
Depreciation and amortization$1,058
 $1,061
 $1,036
 $1,020
 $1,049
$962
 $991
 $1,058
 $1,061
 $1,036
Capital expenditures$912
 $1,113
 $1,068
 $863
 $942
$932
 $760
 $912
 $1,113
 $1,068
Balance Sheet Data (at year end):                  
Cash and cash equivalents$1,297
 $1,109
 $2,246
 $2,273
 $1,836
$1,162
 $1,455
 $1,297
 $1,109
 $2,246
Property and equipment - net6,637
 6,672
 7,017
 7,616
 7,800
Total assets19,851
 20,576
 21,330
 21,499
 20,858
19,194
 19,583
 20,082
 20,576
 21,330
Short-term debt309
 642
 76
 463
 124
43
 22
 309
 642
 76
Long-term debt6,562
 6,995
 7,233
 6,688
 6,768
4,708
 5,861
 6,562
 6,995
 7,233
Total Shareholders’ equity4,322
 4,253
 5,378
 6,249
 6,051
6,436
 5,733
 4,375
 4,253
 5,378
 ___________________
*53 weeks
(a) Gross margin is defined as net sales less cost of sales.







Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The discussion in this Item 7 should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report. The discussion in this Item 7 contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's plans, estimates and beliefs. The Company's actual results could materially differ from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to those differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this report, particularly in “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Company Overview

The Company is an omnichannel retail organization operating stores, websites and mobile applications under three brands (Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury)bluemercury) that sell a wide range of merchandise, including apparel and accessories (men's, women's and children's)kids'), cosmetics, home furnishings and other consumer goods. The Company operates 829867 stores in 4543 states, the District of Columbia, GuamPuerto Rico and Puerto Rico.Guam. As of January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019, the Company's operations were conducted through Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet, Macy’s Backstage, Bluemercury and Macy’s China Limitedbluemercury, which are aggregated into one reporting segment in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, “SegmentSegment Reporting.

Bloomingdale's in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Al Zahra, Kuwait are operated under a license agreement with Al Tayer Insignia, a company of the Al Tayer Group, LLC.

Strategic Initiatives and 2018 Summary

The Company continues to be focused on key strategies for growth in sales, earnings and cash flow in the years ahead that include:
Transforming theimplement its North Star strategy to transform its omnichannel business and focusingfocus on key growth areas,
Embracing embrace customer centricity, including a simplified value proposition, and
Optimizing optimize value in theits real estate portfolio. The components to this strategy are:
1.
FromFamiliar to Favorite includes everything the Company does to further its brand awareness and identity to its core customers. Actions include understanding and anticipating customers’ needs, strengthening the Company's fashion authority and executing initiatives around its loyalty and pricing strategies. It celebrates the Company's iconic events and includes strategies to appeal to more value-oriented customers.
2.
It Must Be Macy’s encompasses delivering the products and experiences customers love and are exclusive to the Company. This includes styles and home fashion for every day and special occasions, from the Company's leading private brands, as well as exclusive national brands or assortments.
3.
Every Experience Matters, in-store and online. The Company's competitive advantage is the ability to combine the human touch in its physical stores with cutting-edge technology in its mobile applications and websites. Key to this point is the enhancement of a customer's experienceas they explore the Company's stores, mobile applications and websites, find their favorite styles, sizes and colors, and receive their purchases through the shopping channels they prefer.
4.
Funding our Future represents the decisions and actions the Company takes to identify and realize resourcesto fuel growth. This involves a focus on cost reduction and reinvestment as well as creating value from the Company's real estate portfolio.
5.
What’s New, What’s Next explores and develops innovations to turn consumer and technology trends to the Company's advantage and to drive growth. This includes exploring previously unmet customer needs and making smart investment decisions based on customer insights and analytics.

During 2018, the Company completed the foundational work for five key strategic initiatives underlying components of the North Star strategy. This activity resulted in positive contributions from each initiative during the fiscal year.
The Macy's Star Rewards loyalty program marked its one-year anniversary and continued to offer improved benefits to its members, including exclusive experiences for the program's platinum loyalty members. Loyalty program members are shopping more and spending more in total, resulting in increased penetration of the Company's proprietary credit card. Additionally, a tender-neutral option was launched during 2018, resulting in the addition of more than three million new members to the loyalty program.
Continuing the aggressive expansion of Backstage, Macy's mall-based off-price business, the Company opened more than 120 new Backstage locations within Macy’s stores. This expansion brings the total Backstage locations

These strategies continue
to evolve172 (seven freestanding and 165 inside Macy's stores) as of February 2, 2019. The Company will expand to at least 45 more Backstage locations within Macy's stores in 2019.
The Company enhanced customer options for pick-up, delivery and checkout at Macy's, including the expansion of Buy Online Pickup in Stores ("BOPS"), launch of Buy Online Ship to Store ("BOSS") and creation of At Your Service stations in all stores.
The Company's vendor direct program (merchandise purchased from the Company's websites and digital applications and shipped directly to customers from the respective vendor) continued its expansion during 2018, with increased assortment and the addition of new categories and brands. This program will continue its expansion into more categories and brands in 2019.
The Growth50 locations (a mix of stores where the Company has developed specificaccelerated a number of successful store initiatives, such as facility upgrades, merchandising strategies, and localized marketing) contributed to deliver an exclusive and distinctive merchandise assortment, including the Company's private brands;strong operating results for 2018, with sales results outperforming the other Macy's locations. As a result of the performance of the Growth50 locations, the Company will expand the digital frontier while delivering repeatable, signature encounters;initiative to another 100 stores in 2019, creating the Growth150.

2018 was also a year of innovation. The Company acquired STORY and developinvested in b8ta to integrate in-store experiences with innovative technology and increase customer engagement. STORY is a concept store in New York City that reinvents itself every few weeks to attract new customers and retain existing ones. b8ta is a technology-powered retailer whose software platform provides an omnichannel customer relationship through personalized experiences, powerful brand messagingautomated and strengthened, cross-channel loyalty programs.seamless experience for emerging brands launching a physical retail presence. This technology platform allows the Company to implement its Market @ Macy's concept, also launched during 2018, across its store base at a faster pace. The Company also delivered the first national virtual reality roll-out in retail, opening over 100 virtual reality furniture galleries in 2018.

The Company remainswill carry three of its 2018 strategic initiatives forward into 2019 (Growth150, Backstage, and vendor direct) and will add two new initiatives: 1) the enhancement of the Company's mobile platforms and 2) investment in destination businesses comprising six merchandise categories (dresses, fine jewelry, big ticket, men's tailored, women's shoes and beauty).
As part of the Company's commitment to increased productivity to fund investment in the business, in February 2019 the Company launched a comprehensive, multi-year program focused on driving additional profitable sales growthgrowing its profitability rate by improving productivity across the enterprise. The program includes initiatives to improve margin through enhanced inventory planning and operations, supply chain efficiencies, pricing optimization, improved private brand sourcing and customer acquisition and retention strategies.
As an initial step, the Company developed a series of organic and new business initiatives. The initiatives include a focus on fine jewelry, watches and women’s shoes, a reinventionplan in 2018 that reduces the complexity of the beauty business that includes expansion of Bluemercury freestanding locations and inside existing Macy's stores and a focus on enhancements to digital content and mobile technology, an expansion of "Last Act"- a simplified pricing approach to clearance merchandise in Macy's stores, the expansion of Macy's Backstage within existing Macy's store locations, and utilization of different customer incentive programsupper management structure to increase the speed of decision making, reduce costs and respond to changing customer choiceexpectations. Beginning in 2019, the Company expects the announced restructuring actions to generate annual expense savings of $100 million. In addition to the expected 2019 savings, the Company anticipates that these activities will fuel the productivity plan over the next three to five years and provide value in transactions previously limited by coupon exclusions.

Macy’s will continuecontribute significantly to focus on customer initiatives includingprofitable growth. For 2018, the developmentCompany recorded expense of approximately $80 million of severance and testing of new merchandise concepts and categories, new services to increase traffic and new technology to improve the customer experience and the store’s ability to operate more efficiently. Such initiatives will enable the Company’s stores to personalize and simplify its customers’ shopping experiences, develop meaningful relationshipsother human resource-related costs associated with new customers and deepen relationships with its existing ones.

these restructuring activities.
In January 2017,2018, the Company announced a series of actionscontinued to streamline its store portfolio, intensify cost efficiency efforts and execute on its real estate strategy. These actions are intended to support the Company's strategy to further invest in omnichannel capabilities, improve customer experience and create shareholder value. In August 2016, the Company announced its intention to close approximately 100 Macy’s stores. The Company subsequently announced in January 2017, the closure of sixty-eight Macy’s stores by mid-2017, with the balance closing as leases and certain operating covenants expire or are amended and waived. In addition, the Company announced the reorganization of the field structure that supports the remaining stores and a significant restructuring of the Company's central operations to focus resources on strategic priorities, improve organizational agility and reduce expense.







The Company’s real estate strategy is designed to create value through both monetization and redevelopment of certain assets:

In January 2016, the Company completed a $270 million real estate transaction to recreate Macy's Brooklyn store. The Company continues to own and operate the first four floors and lower level of its existing nine-story retail store, which is currently being reconfigured and remodeled. The remaining portion of the store and its nearby parking facility were sold to Tishman Speyer in a single sales transaction. As the sales agreement required the Company to conduct certain redevelopment activities at Macy's Brooklyn store, the Company is recognizing the gain on the transaction, approximately $250 million, under the percentage of completion method of accounting over the redevelopment period. Accordingly, $117 million has been recognized to-date and the remaining gain is anticipated to be recognized over the next two years.
In 2016,assets. Overall, the Company had property and equipment sales, primarily related to real estate,asset sale gains of $389 million, totaling $673$474 million in cash proceeds in 2018. Included in these gains and recognized real estate gains of $209 million. This includesproceeds are the sale of its 248,000 square-footthe former I. Magnin building in Union Square Men’s building in San Francisco, for approximately $250 million in January 2017. The Company will use partthe sale of the proceeds to consolidate the Men’s store into its main Union Square store. The Company will lease the Men’s store property for two to three years as it completes the reconfigurationupper seven floors of the main store. The Company is expected to recognize aMacy's State Street store in Chicago, as well as the continued recognition of the deferred gain of approximately $235 millionfrom Macy's Brooklyn transaction executed in January 2018.2015.
In January 2017,During 2018, the Company finalizedannounced a retail store strategy for Macy's that focuses on identifying a scalable investment strategy for all of the formationbrand's stores, improving the customer's experience and growing total sales profitably. This strategy includes categorization of a strategic alliance with Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager,the Company's Macy's stores into three groups: Flagship, Magnet and Neighborhood stores.
Flagship stores include Herald Square and 10 other regional flagship stores which serve as premier retail destinations within their respective regions.
Magnet stores are retail destinations within major markets that offer an expanded selection of merchandise. Included within these stores are the Growth50 stores, which, as noted previously, will be expanded to create increased valueanother 100 stores in its real estate portfolio. Under the alliance, Brookfield has an exclusive right for up to 24 months to create a “pre-development plan” for each of approximately 50 Macy’s real estate assets, with an option for Macy’s to continue to identify and add assets into the alliance. The breadth of opportunity within the portfolio ranges from the additional development on a portion of an asset (such as a Company-controlled land parcel adjacent to a store) to the complete redevelopment of an existing store.  Once a "pre-development plan" is created, the Company has the option to contribute the asset into a joint venture for the development plan to commence or sell the asset to Brookfield. If the Company chooses to contribute the asset into a joint venture, the Company may elect to participate as a funding or non-funding partner. After development, the joint venture may sell the asset and distribute proceeds accordingly.
On February 28, 2017, the Company sold its downtown Minneapolis store and parking facility for $59 million of proceeds and a gain of approximately $47 million that is expected to be recognized in the first quarter of 2017. The downtown Minneapolis store will close in early 2017.2019.

In 2015,
Neighborhood stores are smaller locations that are visited primarily for convenience and on-line order fulfillment.
Bloomingdale's had a strong 2018, including an improved trend in stores performance and online growth. Notably, the renovation of Bloomingdale’s flagship store at 59th Street brought new energy, products and experiences to this location, serving as a shopping destination for both locals and tourists.

The Company opened the first sixcontinued its growth of its luxury beauty products and spa retailer, bluemercury, by opening additional freestanding pilotbluemercury stores in Macy's new off-price business, Macy's Backstage, in the New York City metro area. The Macy's Backstage locations average about 30,000 square feeturban and sell an assortment of women's, men'ssuburban markets and children's apparel, cosmetics, shoes, fashion accessories, housewares, home textiles, toys intimate appareladding bluemercury products and jewelry. The Company is now focused on opening Macy's Backstage stores within existing Macy's store locations as a way of increasing store productivity, increasing the number of shopping tripsboutiques to Macy's and attracting new customers.stores. As of January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019, the Company is operating 22 Macy's Backstage183 bluemercury locations (7(163 freestanding and 1520 inside Macy's stores).

In March 2015,January 2019, the Company completed its acquisition of Bluemercury, Inc., a luxury beauty products and spa retailer. The Company is focused on acceleratingended the growth of sales in freestanding Bluemercury stores in urban and suburban markets, enhancing its online capabilities and adding Bluemercury products and boutiques to Macy's stores. During 2016, the Company opened 24 new freestanding Bluemercury stores and 15 new Bluemercury locations inside existing Macy's stores and as of January 28, 2017, the Company is operating 120 Bluemercury locations (101 freestanding and 19 inside Macy's stores).

In August 2015, the Company established a joint venture Macy's China Limited, of which the Company holds a sixty-five percent ownership interest and Hong Kong-basedwith Fung Retailing Limited holdsafter winding down the remaining thirty-five percent ownership interest. Macy's China Limited began selling merchandise in China in the fourth quarter of 2015 through an e-commerce presence on Alibaba Group's Tmall Global. The Company's reporting includes the financial operations of Macy's China Limited earlier in 2018. In conjunction with the termination of the joint venture, the Company acquired the noncontrolling interest in Macy's China Limited from Fung Retailing Limited, resulting in one hundred percent ownership. For the period of time prior to the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest, Fung Retailing Limited's thirty-five percent ownershipproportionate share of the results of Macy's China Limited was reported as a noncontrolling interest.interest in the Consolidated Financial Statements.


Overview of 2018 Financial Results

In early 2017,2018 saw the Company opened a Macy’s store at Fashion Place in Murray, UT and plans to open a store at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, CA, later in the year. In addition, the Company expects to open approximately 30 additional Bluemercury locations and approximately 30 Macy’s Backstage locations inside Macy’s stores. Announced new stores in future years include Bloomingdale’s in San Jose, CA (2019), and Norwalk, CT (2019). In addition, under license agreements with Al Tayer Group, a new Bloomingdale’s store opened at 360 Mall in Al Zahra, Kuwait in March 2017 and new Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores are planned to open in Al Maryah Central in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 2018.
2016 Overview
2016 was another challenging year due in part to changes in consumer buying habits and spending. However, the Company began implementationexecution of a number of initiatives, including those announced in 2015 as well as a major organizational restructuring and streamlining the Company's store portfolio,North Star strategy which are expected to improve performanceresulted in the coming years.
Selectedhealthier stores and continued e-commerce growth. 2018 ended with a solid fourth quarter and selected results of 20162018 include:
Net sales increased 0.1% compared to 2017, which included a 53rd week of operations.
Comparable sales on an owned basis decreased 3.5%increased 1.7% and comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis decreased 2.9%increased 2.0%.
OperatingAsset sale gains decreased $155 million to $389 million compared to 2017.
Federal, state, and local income tax expense for 20162018 was $1.892 billion or 7.3%$322 million compared to a benefit of sales, excluding impairments, store closing and other costs and settlement charges,$39 million in 2017, which included a non-cash tax benefit of $584 million associated with the remeasurement of the Company's deferred tax balances due to U.S. federal tax reform enacted in 2017. As a result of U.S. federal tax reform, the Company's federal statutory effective tax rate declined to 21% in January 2018 from 35%.
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders for 2018 was $1,108 million, a decrease of 18.7% and 130 basis points as a percent of sales$458 million from 2015 on a comparable basis.$1,566 million in 2017.
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders decreased to $3.56 in 2018 compared to $5.10 in 2017. Excluding restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs, settlement charges, losses and gains on early retirement of debt and the deferred tax effects of U.S. federal tax reform, adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders increased to $4.18 in 2018 from $3.79 in 2017. In addition, excluding certain items, declined 17.5%asset sales gains, adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to $3.11Macy's, Inc. shareholders increased to $3.26 in 20162018 from $3.77$2.69 in 2015.2017.
Adjusted EBITDA (earningsEarnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization impairments,excluding restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs and settlement charges) as a percent to net salescharges ("Adjusted EBITDA") was 11.4%$2,877 million in 2016,2018, as compared to 12.5%$3,109 million in 2015.2017.
Return on invested capital ("ROIC"), a key measure of operating productivity, was 18.5%, a decrease from 20.1% in 2015.
Net cash provided by operating activities, net of cash used by investing activities increased significantly in 2016 as19.9% for 2018 compared to 2015.20.8% for 2017.
The Company repurchased 7.9$1,094 million shares of its common stock for $316debt in 2018, consisting of $344 million in 2016, and increased its annualized dividend rate to $1.51 per share. This annualized dividend rate represents an increase of 5% and is the sixth increasedebt repurchased in the dividendopen market and $750 million of debt repurchased in the past five years.a tender offer ("tender offer").
See pages 2029 to 2332 for reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures presented above to the most comparable GAAPU.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") financial measures and other important information.




Results of Operations
  2018  2017  2016 
  Amount % to Sales  Amount % to Sales  Amount % to Sales 
  (dollars in millions, except per share figures) 
Net sales $24,971
    $24,939
    $25,908
   
Increase (decrease) in comparable sales 1.7
%  (2.2)%  (3.5)% 
Credit card revenues, net 768
 3.1
%702
 2.8
%656
 2.5
%
               
Cost of sales (15,215) (60.9)%(15,181) (60.9)%(15,666) (60.5)%
Selling, general and administrative expenses (9,039) (36.2)%(8,954) (35.9)%(9,257) (35.7)%
Gains on sale of real estate 389
 1.5
%544
 2.2
%209
 0.8
%
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs (136) (0.5)%(186) (0.7)%(479) (1.8)%
Operating income 1,738
 7.0
%1,864
 7.5
%1,371
 5.3
%
Benefit plan income, net 39
   57
   55
   
Settlement charges (88)   (105)   (98)   
Interest expense - net (236)    (310)    (363)   
Gains (losses) on early retirement of debt (33)    10
    
   
Income before income taxes 1,420
    1,516
    965
   
Federal, state and local income tax benefit (expense) (322)    39
    (346)   
Net income 1,098
    1,555
    619
   
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 10
    11
    8
   
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders $1,108
 4.4
%$1,566
 6.3
%$627
 2.4
%
                
Diluted earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
 $3.56
    $5.10
    $2.02
   
                
Supplemental Financial Measure               
Gross margin $9,756
 39.1
%$9,758
 39.1
%$10,242
 39.5
%
                
Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures               
Increase (decrease) in comparable sales on
an owned plus licensed basis
 2.0
%  (1.9)%  (2.9)% 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
 $4.18
    $3.79
    $3.14
  
Adjusted EBITDA $2,877
   $3,109
   $2,971
  
ROIC 19.9
%  20.8
%  18.5
% 
                
See pages 29 to 32 for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP financial measure and for other important information.
                
Store information (at year-end):               
Stores operated 867
    852
    829
   
Square footage (in millions) 126.0
    127.7
    130.2
   



Comparison of 2018 and 2017
Net Sales and Comparable Sales
Net sales for 2018 were $24,971 million, an increase of $32 million, or 0.1%, from 2017, which included a 53rd week of operations. The increase in comparable sales on an owned basis, which excludes the 53rd week of sales in 2017, for 2018 was 1.7% compared to 2017. The increase in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis for 2018 was 2.0% compared to 2017. Geographically, sales in 2018 were strongest in the South, Southwest and Northeast regions of the country. Digital sales continued to be strong in 2018 and experienced double digit growth. By family of business, sales in 2018 were strongest in active apparel, fine jewelry, fragrances, men's tailored clothing, kids', women's shoes, dresses and furniture. Sales in 2018 were less strong in women's sportswear collections, handbags, fashion watches and color cosmetics. Sales of the Company's private label brands represented approximately 20% of net sales in the Macy's-branded operations in both 2018 and 2017.
Credit Card Revenues, Net
Net credit card revenues were $768 million for 2018, an increase of $66 million compared to $702 million recognized in 2017. Increased proprietary card usage driven by the enhanced Macy's Star Rewards loyalty program and higher consumer credit balances drove the favorable results. Proprietary card penetration increased to 46.9% in 2018 from 46.2% in 2017.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for 2018 increased $34 million from 2017. The cost of sales rate as a percent to net sales of 60.9% in 2018 was flat to 2017, primarily due to lower merchandise costs, including lower markdowns, which offset higher delivery expenses associated with the Company's omnichannel activities, free shipping promotions and loyalty programs.
Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses
SG&A expenses for 2018 increased $85 million from 2017 and the SG&A rate as a percent to net sales increased 30 basis points to 36.2% as compared to 2017. The dollar and rate increase compared to 2017 was primarily reflective of investments in the Company's strategic initiatives, technology and the Company's new employee incentive plan. In addition, advertising expense, net of cooperative advertising allowances, increased to $1,162 million in 2018 from $1,108 million in 2017.
Gains on Sale of Real Estate
The Company recognized gains of $389 million in 2018 associated with sales of real estate, as compared to $544 million in 2017. 2018 included gains of $178 million related to the I. Magnin building in Union Square San Francisco and $58 million related to the continued recognition of the deferred gain from the Macy's Brooklyn transaction which closed in 2015. 2017 included gains of $234 million related to the Macy's Union Square location, $71 million related to the Macy's Brooklyn transaction, $47 million related to the downtown Minneapolis properties and $40 million related to the downtown Seattle Macy's location.
Restructuring, Impairment, Store Closing and Other Costs
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs for 2018 and 2017 of $136 million and $186 million, respectively, included severance and other human resource-related costs, asset impairment charges and other costs associated with organizational changes and store closings. 2018 included costs and expenses primarily associated with the organizational changes and store closings announced in January 2019, while 2017 included costs and expenses primarily associated with the organizational changes and store closings announced in August 2017 and January 2018.
Benefit Plan Income, Net
2018 and 2017 included $39 million and $57 million, respectively, of non-cash net benefit plan income relating to the Company's defined benefit plans. This income includes the net of: interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of prior service costs or credits and actuarial gains and losses.
Settlement Charges
$88 million and $105 million of non-cash settlement charges were recognized in 2018 and 2017, respectively. These charges relate to the pro-rata recognition of net actuarial losses associated with the Company’s defined benefit retirement


plans and are the result of an increase in lump sum distributions associated with retiree distribution elections and restructuring activity.
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense, excluding losses and gains on early retirement of debt, for 2018 decreased $74 million from 2017. This decrease was primarily driven by the reduction in the Company's debt resulting from the tender offer repurchases in 2017 and open market repurchases in 2018.
Losses and Gains on Early Retirement of Debt
In 2018, the Company repurchased approximately $344 million face value of senior notes and debentures and completed a tender offer debt repurchase of $750 million face value of senior notes and debentures. As a result of these transactions, the Company recognized $33 million in expenses and fees net of the write-off of unamortized debt premiums.
In 2017, the Company repurchased approximately $247 million face value of senior notes and debentures and completed a tender offer debt repurchase of $400 million face value of senior notes and debentures. As a result of these transactions, the Company recognized a $10 million benefit related to the write-off of the unamortized premium associated with the debt repayments, net of the premium costs and other expenses.
Effective Tax Rate
The Company's effective tax rate was expense of 22.7% for 2018 and a benefit of 2.6% for 2017. On a comparative basis, the 2018 rate reflects the Company's lower federal income tax statutory rate of 21% as compared to 35% resulting from the U.S. federal tax reform enacted in 2017. 2017 included the recognition of a non-cash tax benefit of $584 million associated with the remeasurement of the Company's deferred tax balances due to U.S. federal tax reform. Further, 2017 included the recognition of approximately $15 million of net tax shortfalls associated with share-based payment awards.

Net Income Attributable to Macy's, Inc. Shareholders
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders for 2018 decreased $458 million compared to 2017, driven by higher taxes and lower earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT"), partially offset by higher credit card revenue and lower net interest expense.
Comparison of 2017 and 2016
Net Sales and Comparable Sales
Net sales for 2017, which included a 53rd week, decreased $969 million or 3.7% compared to 2016. The decrease in comparable sales on an owned basis for 2017 was 2.2% compared to 2016. The decrease in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis for 2017 was 1.9% compared to 2016. Geographically, sales in 2017 were strongest in Florida, Eastern Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, Oregon, Southern California and Arizona. Digital sales continued to be strong in 2017 and experienced double digit growth. By family of business, sales in 2017 were strongest in active apparel, fine jewelry, fragrances, dresses and men's tailored clothing. Sales in 2017 were less strong in handbags although the trend improved in the second half of the year. Sales of the Company's private label brands represented approximately 20% of net sales in the Macy's-branded operations in 2017 and 2016.
Credit Card Revenues, Net
Credit card revenues, net were $702 million for 2017, an increase of $46 million compared to $656 million recognized in 2016. Increased proprietary card usage driven by the enhanced Macy's Star Rewards loyalty program drove the favorable results.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for 2017 decreased $485 million from 2016. The cost of sales rate as a percent to net sales of 60.9% was 40 basis points higher in 2017, as compared to 60.5% in 2016, primarily due to higher delivery expenses associated with the Company's omnichannel activities and free shipping promotions.
SG&A Expenses
SG&A expenses for 2017 decreased $303 million from 2016, however, the SG&A rate as a percent to net sales of 35.9% was 20 basis points higher in 2017, as compared to 2016. The dollar decrease from 2016 was mainly due to store closings and the restructuring activities announced in 2016 and 2017, offset slightly by higher expenses associated with the continued investments in the Company's omnichannel operations, and investments in bluemercury and Macy's Backstage. 


Advertising expense, net of cooperative advertising allowances, was $1,108 million for 2017 compared to $1,153 million for 2016.
Gains on Sale of Real Estate
The Company recognized gains of $544 million in 2017 associated with sales of real estate, as compared to $209 million in 2016. 2017 included gains of $234 million related to the Macy's Union Square location, $71 million related to the Macy's Brooklyn transaction, $47 million related to the downtown Minneapolis properties and $40 million related to the downtown Seattle Macy's location. 2016 included $33 million of gains related to the Macy's Brooklyn transaction.
Restructuring, Impairment, Store Closing and Other Costs
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs for 2017 and 2016 of $186 million and $479 million, respectively, included severance and other human resource-related costs, asset impairment charges and other costs associated with organizational changes and store closings. 2017 included costs and expenses primarily associated with the organizational changes and store closings announced in August 2017 and January 2018, while 2016 included costs and expenses primarily associated with the organizational changes and store closings announced in August 2016 and January 2017.
Benefit Plan Income, Net
2017 and 2016 included $57 million and $55 million, respectively, of non-cash net benefit plan income relating to the Company's defined benefit plans. This income includes the net of: interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of prior service costs or credits and actuarial gains and losses.
Settlement Charges
$105 million and $98 million of non-cash settlement charges were recognized in 2017 and 2016, respectively. These charges relate to the pro-rata recognition of net actuarial losses associated with the Company’s defined benefit retirement plans and are the result of an increase in lump sum distributions associated with retiree distribution elections and restructuring activity.
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense, excluding gains on early retirement of debt, for 2017 decreased $53 million from 2016. This decrease was primarily driven by the early repayment of $647 million of debt and the repayment at maturity of $300 million of debt in 2017.
Gains on Early Retirement of Debt
In 2017, the Company repurchased approximately $247 million face value of senior notes and debentures and completed a tender offer debt repurchase of $400 million face value of senior notes and debentures. As a result of these transactions, the Company recognized a $10 million benefit related to the write-off of the unamortized premium associated with the debt repayments, net of the premium costs and other expenses.
Effective Tax Rate
The Company's effective tax rate was a benefit of 2.6% for 2017 and expense of 35.9% for 2016. As previously discussed, 2017 differs from the federal income tax statutory rate of 33.7%, principally due to U.S. federal tax reform enacted in 2017 that led to the recognition of a non-cash tax benefit of $584 million associated with the remeasurement of the Company's deferred tax balances. Further, 2017 included the recognition of approximately $15 million of net tax shortfalls associated with share-based payment awards.
Net Income Attributable to Macy's, Inc. Shareholders
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders for 2017 increased compared to 2016, driven by higher operating income due to higher asset sale gains, lower SG&A expenses, restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs, partially offset by lower sales and gross margin. Coupled with higher credit card revenue, lower net interest expense and a net income tax benefit resulted in net income attributable to Macy's Inc. shareholders increasing by $939 million in 2017 as compared to 2016.




Guidance

The Company's operations are impacted by competitive pressures from department stores, specialty stores, general merchandise stores, manufacturers' outlets, off-price and discount stores, online retailers, catalogs and television shopping, among others. The Company's operations are also impacted by general consumer spending levels, including the impact of general economic conditions, consumer disposable income levels, consumer confidence levels, the availability, cost and level of consumer debt, the costs of basic necessities and other goods and the effects of weather or natural disasters and other factors over which the Company has little or no control.
In recent years, consumer spending levels have been affected to varying degrees by a number of factors, including modest economic growth, uncertainty regarding governmental spending and tax policies, unemployment levels, tightened consumer credit, and a fluctuating housing and stock market. In addition, consumer spending levels of international customers are impacted by the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies. These factors have affected, to varying degrees, the amount of funds that consumers are willing and able to spend for discretionary purchases, including purchases of some of the merchandise offered by the Company.
All economic conditions ultimately affect the Company's overall operations. However, the effects of economic conditions can be experienced differently and at different times, in the various geographic regions in which the Company operates, in relation to the different types of merchandise that the Company offers for sale, or in relation to each of the Company's branded operations.
Based on its assessment of current and anticipated market conditions and its recent performance, the Company's 2019 guidance assumptions include the following:
Net sales are estimated to be approximately flat to 2018.
Comparable sales on both an owned and owned plus licensed basis are estimated to be flat to up 1.0%.
Credit revenue is estimated to be approximately $740 million to $765 million.
Gross margin rate is estimated to be down moderately in the first half and down slightly in the second half of the year.
SG&A expense rate is expected to be up slightly with expense savings increasing throughout the year and helping to offset incremental investment spend.
Benefit plan income is estimated to be approximately $25 million.
Estimated asset sale gains of approximately $100 million.
Estimated interest expense of approximately $190 million.
Effective tax rate is expected to be 23.0%.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is expected to be $3.05 to $3.25. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding asset sale gains, is expected to be $2.80 to $3.00.
Estimated depreciation and amortization of approximately $975 million.
Capital expenditures are estimated at approximately $1 billion.





Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's principal sources of liquidity are cash from operations, cash on hand and the credit facility described below.

Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,735 million in 2018 compared to $1,976 million in 2017. The decline was driven by lower earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and higher net inventory investment. These declines in operating cash flows were partially offset by lower cash paid for taxes in 2018 compared to 2017.
Investing Activities
Net cash used by investing activities for 2018 was $456 million, compared to net cash used by investing activities of $351 million for 2017. Investing activities for 2018 included purchases of property and equipment totaling $657 million and capitalized software of $275 million, compared to purchases of property and equipment totaling $487 million and capitalized software of $273 million for 2017.
Capital expenditures were higher by $172 million in 2018 as compared to 2017. This increase in capital expenditures was largely driven by the Company's Growth50 and Backstage strategic initiatives.
In 2018, the Company continued to execute on its real estate strategy that includes creating value through monetization and, in some cases, redevelopment of real estate assets. Overall, property and equipment sales, primarily related to real estate, generated cash proceeds of $474 million in 2018 compared to $411 million in 2017.
Financing Activities
Net cash used by the Company for financing activities was $1,544 million for 2018, including the repayment of $1,149 million of debt and the payment of $463 million of cash dividends, partially offset by the issuance of $45 million of common stock, primarily related to the exercise of stock options, and proceeds of $7 million received from Macy's China Limited's noncontrolling interest shareholder.

During December 2018, the Company completed a tender offer and purchased $750 million in aggregate principal amount of certain senior unsecured notes and debentures. The purchased senior unsecured notes and debentures included $164 million of 6.65% senior debentures due 2024, $155 million of 7.0% senior debentures due 2028, $114 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2029, $103 million of 4.5% senior notes due 2034, $94 million of 6.79% senior debentures due 2027, $35 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2034, $34 million of 6.375% senior notes due 2037, $34 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2028, $10 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2032, $5 million of 8.75% senior debentures due 2029, and $2 million of 7.875% senior debentures due 2030. The total cash cost for the tender offer was $789 million. The Company recognized $28 million of expense related to the recognition of the tender premium and other costs partially offset by the unamortized debt premium associated with this debt. This expense is presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income during 2018.

During 2018, the Company repurchased $344 million face value of senior notes and debentures. The debt repurchases were made in the open market for a total cost of $354 million, including expenses and other fees related to the transactions. Such repurchases resulted in the recognition of expense of $5 million during 2018 presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Net cash used by the Company for financing activities was $1,446 million for 2017, including the repayment of $988 million of debt and the payment of $461 million of cash dividends, partially offset by the issuance of $6 million of common stock, primarily related to the exercise of stock options, and proceeds of $13 million received from Macy's China Limited's noncontrolling interest shareholder.

During December 2017, the Company completed a tender offer and purchased $400 million in aggregate principal amount of certain senior unsecured notes and debentures. The purchased senior unsecured notes and debentures included $147 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2032, $108 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2034, $96 million of 6.375% senior notes due 2037, $43 million of 8.75% senior debentures due 2029, and $6 million of 7.875% senior debentures due 2030. The total cash cost for the tender offer was $423 million. The Company recognized $11 million of income related to the recognition of the unamortized debt premium partially offset by the tender premium and other costs


associated with this debt. This income is presented as gains on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income during 2017.

In July 2017, the Company paid $300 million of debt at maturity. During the first and second quarters of 2017, the Company repurchased $247 million face value of senior notes and debentures. The debt repurchases were made in the open market for a total cash cost of $257 million, including expenses related to the transactions. Such repurchases resulted in the recognition of expense of $1 million during 2017 presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company entered into a credit agreement with certain financial institutions as of May 6, 2016 providing for revolving credit borrowings and letters of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,500 million (which may be increased to $1,750 million at the option of the Company, subject to the willingness of existing or new lenders to provide commitments for such additional financing) outstanding at any particular time. This agreement is set to expire May 6, 2021 and replaced the prior agreement which was set to expire May 10, 2018.

As of February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, there were no revolving credit loans outstanding under this credit agreement, and there were no borrowings under the agreement during 2018 and 2017. In addition, there were no standby letters of credit outstanding at February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018. Revolving loans under the credit agreement bear interest based on various published rates.

The Company is party to a $1,500 million unsecured commercial paper program. The Company may issue and sell commercial paper in an aggregate amount outstanding at any particular time not to exceed its then-current combined borrowing availability under the bank credit agreement with certain financial institutions. There were no borrowings under the program during 2018 and 2017. As of February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, there were no remaining borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper program.
The credit agreement requires the Company to maintain a specified interest coverage ratio for the latest four quarters of no less than 3.25 and a specified leverage ratio as of and for the latest four quarters of no more than 3.75. The Company's interest coverage ratio for 2018 was 11.22 and its leverage ratio at February 2, 2019 was 1.74, in each case as calculated in accordance with the credit agreement. The interest coverage ratio is defined as EBITDA divided by net interest expense and the leverage ratio is defined as debt divided by EBITDA. For purposes of these calculations EBITDA is calculated as net income plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash impairment of goodwill, intangibles and real estate, non-recurring cash charges not to exceed in the aggregate $300 million and extraordinary losses less interest income and non-recurring or extraordinary gains. Debt is adjusted to exclude the premium on acquired debt and net interest is adjusted to exclude the amortization of premium on acquired debt and premium on early retirement of debt.
A breach of a restrictive covenant in the Company's credit agreement or the inability of the Company to maintain the financial ratios described above could result in an event of default under the credit agreement. In addition, an event of default would occur under the credit agreement if any indebtedness of the Company in excess of an aggregate principal amount of $150 million becomes due prior to its stated maturity or the holders of such indebtedness become able to cause it to become due prior to its stated maturity. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders could, subject to the terms and conditions of the credit agreement, elect to declare the outstanding principal, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. Moreover, most of the Company's senior notes and debentures contain cross-default provisions based on the non-payment at maturity, or other default after an applicable grace period, of any other debt, the unpaid principal amount of which is not less than $100 million that could be triggered by an event of default under the credit agreement. In such an event, the Company's senior notes and debentures that contain cross-default provisions would also be subject to acceleration.
At February 2, 2019, no notes or debentures contain provisions requiring acceleration of payment upon a debt rating downgrade. However, the terms of approximately $3,759 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company's senior notes outstanding at that date require the Company to offer to purchase such notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest in specified circumstances involving both a change of control (as defined in the applicable indenture) of the Company and the rating of the notes by specified rating agencies at a level below investment grade.


As of February 2, 2019, the Company had $1,716 million of authorization remaining under its share repurchase program. The Company may continue or, from time to time, suspend repurchases of shares under its share repurchase program, depending on prevailing market conditions, alternate uses of capital and other factors.
On February 22, 2019, the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 37.75 cents per share on its common stock, payable April 1, 2019, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2019.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
At February 2, 2019, the Company had contractual obligations (within the scope of Item 303(a)(5) of Regulation S-K) as follows:
 Obligations Due, by Period
Total 
Less than
1 Year
 
1 – 3
Years
 
3 – 5
Years
 
More than
5 Years
(millions)
Short-term debt$42
 $42
 $
 $
 $
Long-term debt4,671
 
 1,092
 1,150
 2,429
Interest on debt2,069
 214
 402
 327
 1,126
Capital lease obligations46
 3
 6
 6
 31
Operating leases (a)
4,254
 325
 624
 547
 2,758
Letters of credit28
 28
 
 
 
Other obligations5,022
 3,188
 825
 299
 710
 $16,132
 $3,800
 $2,949
 $2,329
 $7,054
(a) Operating leases include executed leases not yet commenced.
“Other obligations” in the foregoing table includes post employment and postretirement benefits, self-insurance reserves, group medical/dental/life insurance programs, merchandise purchase obligations and obligations under outsourcing arrangements, construction contracts, energy and other supply agreements identified by the Company and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits that the Company expects to settle in cash in the next year excluding interest and penalties. The Company's merchandise purchase obligations fluctuate on a seasonal basis, typically being higher in the summer and early fall and being lower in the late winter and early spring. The Company purchases a substantial portion of its merchandise inventories and other goods and services otherwise than through binding contracts. Consequently, the amounts shown as “Other obligations” in the foregoing table do not reflect the total amounts that the Company would need to spend on goods and services in order to operate its businesses in the ordinary course.
Of the Company's $149 million of unrecognized tax benefits at February 2, 2019, within "other obligations" in the foregoing table, the Company has excluded $4 million of deferred tax assets and $117 million of long-term liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits for various tax positions taken. The table also excludes federal, state and local interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $56 million. These liabilities may increase or decrease over time as a result of tax examinations, and given the status of examinations, the Company cannot reliably estimate the period of any cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Outlook
Management believes that, with respect to the Company's current operations, cash on hand and funds from operations, together with its credit facility and other capital resources, will be sufficient to cover the Company's reasonably foreseeable working capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirements and other cash requirements in both the near term and over the longer term. The Company's ability to generate funds from operations may be affected by numerous factors, including general economic conditions and levels of consumer confidence and demand; however, the Company expects to be able to manage its working capital levels and capital expenditure amounts so as to maintain sufficient levels of liquidity. To the extent that the Company's cash balances from time to time exceed amounts that are needed to fund its immediate liquidity requirements, the Company will consider alternative uses of some or all of such excess cash. Such alternative uses may include, among others, the redemption or repurchase of debt, equity or other securities through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and the funding of pension related obligations. Depending upon its actual and anticipated sources and uses of liquidity, conditions in the capital markets and other factors, the Company will from time to time consider the issuance of debt or other securities, or other possible capital markets transactions, for the purpose of raising capital which could be used to refinance current indebtedness or for other corporate


purposes including the redemption or repurchase of debt, equity or other securities through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and the funding of pension related obligations.
The Company intends from time to time to consider additional acquisitions of, and investments in, retail businesses and other complementary assets and companies. Acquisition transactions, if any, are expected to be financed from one or more of the following sources: cash on hand, cash from operations, borrowings under existing or new credit facilities and the issuance of long-term debt or other securities, including common stock.

Important Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial MeasuresEffective Tax Rate
The Company reports its financial resultsCompany's effective tax rate was expense of 22.7% for 2018 and a benefit of 2.6% for 2017. On a comparative basis, the 2018 rate reflects the Company's lower federal income tax statutory rate of 21% as compared to 35% resulting from the U.S. federal tax reform enacted in accordance2017. 2017 included the recognition of a non-cash tax benefit of $584 million associated with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide usersthe remeasurement of the Company's financial informationdeferred tax balances due to U.S. federal tax reform. Further, 2017 included the recognition of approximately $15 million of net tax shortfalls associated with additional useful information in evaluating operating performance. Management believes that providing supplemental changes in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis, which includes the impact of growth in comparable sales of departments licensed to third parties, assists in evaluating the Company's ability to generate sales growth, whether through owned businesses or departments licensed to third parties, and in evaluating the impact of changes in the manner in which certain departments are operated. Management believes that excluding certain items that may vary substantially in frequency and magnitude period-to-period from diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders and from operating income and EBITDA as percentages to sales provides useful supplemental measures that assist in evaluating the Company's ability to generate earnings and leverage sales, respectively, and to more readily compare these metrics between past and future periods. Management also believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are frequently used by investors and securities analysts in their evaluations of companies, and that such supplemental measures facilitate comparisons between companies that have different capital and financing structures and/or tax rates. In addition, management believes that ROIC is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating how efficiently the Company employs its capital. The Company uses some of these non-GAAP financial measures as performance measures for components of executive compensation.
The reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measure of changes in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis to GAAP comparable sales (i.e., on an owned basis) is in the same manner as illustrated below, where the impact of growth in comparable sales of departments licensed to third parties is the only reconciling item. In addition, the Company does not provide the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure of diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy’s, Inc. shareholders because the timing and amount of excluded items (e.g., asset impairment charges, retirement settlement charges and other store closing related costs) are unreasonably difficult to fully and accurately estimate.
Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed as supplementing, and not as an alternative or substitute for, the Company's financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Certain of the items that may be excluded or included in non-GAAP financial measures may be significant items that could impact the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows and should therefore be considered in assessing the Company's actual and future financial condition and performance. Additionally, the amounts received by the Company on account of sales of departments licensed to third parties are limited to commissions received on such sales. The methods used by the Company to calculate its non-GAAP financial measures may differ significantly from methods used by other companies to compute similar measures. As a result, any non-GAAP financial measures presented herein may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies.share-based payment awards.


Change in Comparable Sales
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure of changes in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis, to GAAP comparable sales (i.e., on an owned basis), which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
  2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Increase (decrease) in comparable sales on an owned
basis (note 1)
 (3.5)% (3.0)% 0.7% 1.9% 3.7%
Impact of growth in comparable sales of departments licensed
to third parties (note 2)
 0.6% 0.5% 0.7% 0.9% 0.3%
Increase (decrease) in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis (2.9)% (2.5)% 1.4% 2.8% 4.0%
Notes:
(1)Represents the period-to-period percentage change in net sales from stores in operation throughout the year presented and the immediately preceding year and all online sales of macys.com and bloomingdales.com, adjusting for the 53rd week in 2012, excluding commissions from departments licensed to third parties. Stores undergoing remodeling, expansion or relocation remain in the comparable sales calculation unless the store is closed for a significant period of time. Definitions and calculations of comparable sales differ among companies in the retail industry.

(2)Represents the impact of including the sales of departments licensed to third parties occurring in stores in operation throughout the year presented and the immediately preceding year and all online sales of macys.com and bloomingdales.com, adjusting for the 53rd week in 2012, in the calculation of comparable sales. The Company licenses third parties to operate certain departments in its stores and online and receives commissions from these third parties based on a percentage of their net sales. In its financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP, the Company includes these commissions (rather than sales of the departments licensed to third parties) in its net sales. The Company does not, however, include any amounts in respect of licensed department sales (or any commissions earned on such sales) in its comparable sales in accordance with GAAP (i.e., on an owned basis). The amounts of commissions earned on sales of departments licensed to third parties are not material to its net sales for the periods presented.
Operating Income, Excluding Certain Items, as a Percent to Net Sales
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure operating income, excluding certain items, as a percent to net sales to GAAP operating income as a percent to net sales, which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
  2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
  (millions, except percentages)
Net sales $25,778
 $27,079
 $28,105
 $27,931
 $27,686
           
Operating income $1,315
 $2,039
 $2,800
 $2,678
 $2,661
           
Operating income as a percent to net sales 5.1% 7.5% 10.0% 9.6% 9.6%
           
Operating income $1,315
 $2,039
 $2,800
 $2,678
 $2,661
Add back impairments, store closing and
other costs
 479
 288
 87
 88
 5
Add back settlement charges 98
 
 
 
 
Operating income, excluding certain items $1,892
 $2,327
 $2,887
 $2,766
 $2,666
Operating income, excluding certain items, as a
percent to net sales
 7.3% 8.6% 10.3% 9.9% 9.6%


Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to Macy's, Inc. Shareholders, Excluding Certain Items
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders, excluding certain items, to GAAP diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders, which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
  2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Diluted earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
 $1.99
 $3.22
 $4.22
 $3.86
 $3.24
Add back the pre-tax impact of impairments, store closing and other costs 1.54
 0.86
 0.24
 0.23
 0.01
Add back the pre-tax impact of settlement charges 0.31
 
 
 
 
Add back the pre-tax impact of premium on early
retirement of debt
 
 
 0.05
 
 0.33
Deduct the income tax impact of impairments, store closing and other costs, settlement charges and premium on early retirement of debt (0.73) (0.31) (0.11) (0.09) (0.12)
Diluted earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders, excluding the impact
of impairments, store closing and other costs, settlement charges and premium on early retirement of debt
 $3.11
 $3.77
 $4.40
 $4.00
 $3.46
Adjusted EBITDA as a Percent to Net Sales
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), as adjusted to exclude premium on early retirement of debt, impairments, store closing and other costs and settlement charges ("Adjusted EBITDA"), as a percent to net sales to GAAP net income as a percent to net sales, which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
  2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
  (millions, except percentages)
Net sales $25,778
 $27,079
 $28,105
 $27,931
 $27,686
           
Net income $611
 $1,070
 $1,526
 $1,486
 $1,335
           
Net income as a percent to net sales 2.4% 4.0% 5.4% 5.3% 4.8%
           
Net income $611
 $1,070
 $1,526
 $1,486
 $1,335
Add back impairments, store
closing and other costs
 479
 288
 87
 88
 5
Add back settlement charges 98
 
 
 
 
Add back interest expense - net 363
 361
 393
 388
 422
Add back premium on early retirement
of debt
 
 
 17
 
 137
Add back federal, state and local income
tax expense
 341
 608
 864
 804
 767
Add back depreciation and amortization 1,058
 1,061
 1,036
 1,020
 1,049
Adjusted EBITDA $2,950
 $3,388
 $3,923
 $3,786
 $3,715
Adjusted EBITDA as a percent to net sales 11.4% 12.5% 14.0% 13.6% 13.4%



ROIC
The Company defines ROIC as adjusted operating income as a percent to average invested capital. Average invested capital is comprised of an annual two-point (i.e., end of the year presented and the immediately preceding year) average of gross property and equipment, a capitalized value of non-capitalized leases equal to periodic annual reported net rent expense multiplied by a factor of eight and a four-point (i.e., end of each quarter within the period presented) average of other selected assets and liabilities. The calculation of the capitalized value of non-capitalized leases is consistent with industry and credit rating agency practice and the specified assets are subject to a four-point average to compensate for seasonal fluctuations.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure of ROIC to operating income as a percent to property and equipment - net, which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
  2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
  (millions, except percentages)
Operating income $1,315
 $2,039
 $2,800
 $2,678
 $2,661
           
Property and equipment - net $7,317
 $7,708
 $7,865
 $8,063
 $8,308
           
Operating income as a percent to property and
equipment - net
 18.0% 26.5% 35.6% 33.2% 32.0%
           
Operating income $1,315
 $2,039
 $2,800
 $2,678
 $2,661
Add back impairments, store closing and
other costs
 479
 288
 87
 88
 5
Add back settlement charges 98
 
 
 
 
Add back depreciation and amortization 1,058
 1,061
 1,036
 1,020
 1,049
Add back rent expense, net          
Real estate 319
 301
 279
 268
 258
Personal property 11
 12
 12
 11
 11
Deferred rent amortization 9
 8
 7
 8
 7
Adjusted operating income $3,289
 $3,709
 $4,221
 $4,073
 $3,991
           
Property and equipment - net $7,317
 $7,708
 $7,865
 $8,063
 $8,308
Add back accumulated depreciation and amortization 5,088
 5,457
 5,830
 6,007
 5,967
Add capitalized value of non-capitalized leases 2,712
 2,568
 2,384
 2,296
 2,208
Add (deduct) other selected assets and liabilities:          
Receivables 411
 338
 336
 339
 322
Merchandise inventories 6,012
 6,226
 6,155
 6,065
 5,754
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 456
 453
 443
 398
 390
Other assets 881
 775
 784
 659
 579
Merchandise accounts payable (2,182) (2,366) (2,472) (2,520) (2,362)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (2,924) (2,677) (2,511) (2,328) (2,333)
Total average invested capital $17,771
 $18,482
 $18,814
 $18,979
 $18,833
           
ROIC 18.5% 20.1% 22.4% 21.5% 21.2%





Results of Operations
  2016  2015  2014 
  Amount % to Sales  Amount % to Sales  Amount % to Sales 
  (dollars in millions, except per share figures) 
Net sales $25,778
    $27,079
    $28,105
   
Increase (decrease) in sales (4.8)%  (3.7)%  0.6
% 
Increase (decrease) in comparable sales (3.5)%  (3.0)%  0.7
% 
Cost of sales (15,621) (60.6)%(16,496) (60.9)%(16,863) (60.0)%
Gross margin 10,157
 39.4
%10,583
 39.1
%11,242
 40.0
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses (8,265) (32.0)%(8,256) (30.5)%(8,355) (29.7)%
Impairments, store closing and other costs (479) (1.9)%(288) (1.1)%(87) (0.3)%
Settlement charges (98) (0.4)%
 
%
 
%
Operating income 1,315
 5.1
%2,039
 7.5
%2,800
 10.0
%
Interest expense - net (363)    (361)    (393)   
Premium on early retirement of debt 
    
    (17)   
Income before income taxes 952
    1,678
    2,390
   
Federal, state and local income tax expense (341)    (608)    (864)   
Net income 611
    1,070
    1,526
   
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 8
    2
    
   
Net income attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
 $619
 2.0 %%$1,072
 4.0
%$1,526
 5.4
%
                
Diluted earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
 $1.99
    $3.22
    $4.22
   
                
Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures               
Increase (decrease) in comparable sales on
an owned plus licensed basis
 (2.9)%  (2.5)%  1.4
% 
Operating income, excluding certain items $1,892
 7.3
%$2,327
 8.6
%$2,887
 10.3
%
Diluted earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders, excluding
certain items
 $3.11
    $3.77
    $4.40
  
Adjusted EBITDA as a percent to net sales 11.4
%  12.5
%  14.0
% 
ROIC 18.5
%  20.1
%  22.4
% 
                
See pages 20 to 23 for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP financial measure and for other important information.
                
Store information (at year-end):               
Stores operated 829
    868
    823
   
Square footage (in millions) 130.2
    141.9
    147.4
   



Comparison of 2016 and 2015
Net Income Attributable to Macy's, Inc. Shareholders
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders for 20162018 decreased $458 million compared to 2015, reflecting2017, driven by higher taxes and lower salesearnings before interest and gross margin and higher selling, general and administrative expenses, impairments, store closing costs and other costs, settlement charges and net interest expense,taxes ("EBIT"), partially offset by higher credit card revenue and lower income taxes innet interest expense.
Comparison of 2017 and 2016 as compared to 2015.
Net Sales and Comparable Sales
Net sales for 20162017, which included a 53rd week, decreased $1,301$969 million or 4.8%3.7% compared to 2015.2016. The decrease in comparable sales on an owned basis for 20162017 was 3.5%2.2% compared to 2015.2016. The decrease in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis for 20162017 was 2.9%1.9% compared to 2015. (See pages 20 and 21 for information regarding the Company's calculation of comparable sales, a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measure which takes into account sales of departments licensed to third parties to the most comparable GAAP measure and other important information). The Company experienced an overall weakness in sales, but geographically2016. Geographically, sales in 20162017 were strongest in the Southwest, particularly southern California.Florida, Eastern Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, Oregon, Southern California and Arizona. Digital sales continued to be strong in 20162017 and experienced double digit growth. By family of business, sales in 20162017 were strongest in active apparel, fine jewelry, shoes, intimate apparelfragrances, dresses and fragrances.men's tailored clothing. Sales in 20162017 were less strong in fashion jewelry, handbags and fashion watches.although the trend improved in the second half of the year. Sales of the Company's private label brands represented approximately 20% of net sales in the Macy's-branded operations in 20162017 and 2015.2016.
Credit Card Revenues, Net
Credit card revenues, net were $702 million for 2017, an increase of $46 million compared to $656 million recognized in 2016. Increased proprietary card usage driven by the enhanced Macy's Star Rewards loyalty program drove the favorable results.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for 20162017 decreased $875$485 million from 2015.2016. The cost of sales rate as a percent to net sales of 60.6%60.9% was 3040 basis points lowerhigher in 2016,2017, as compared to 60.9%60.5% in 2015,2016, primarily due to fewer markdowns taken in 2016 as compared to 2015 and offset slightly by higher delivery expenses associated with the Company's omnichannel activities and free shipping promotions. The application of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) retail inventory method did not result in the recognition of any LIFO charges or credits affecting cost of sales in either period.
SG&A Expenses
SG&A expenses for 2016 increased $92017 decreased $303 million from 2015 and2016, however, the SG&A rate as a percent to net sales of 32.0%35.9% was 15020 basis points higher in 2016,2017, as compared to 2015. SG&A expenses2016. The dollar decrease from 2016 was mainly due to store closings and the restructuring activities announced in 2016 were impacted and 2017, offset slightly by lower income from credit operations and higher expenses associated with the continued investments in the Company's omnichannel operations, and investments in Bluemercury, Macy's Backstagebluemercury and Macy's China Limited. These increases were partially offset by lower retirement expenses (including Pension Plan, SERP and defined contribution plan expenses), lower advertising expense, net of cooperative advertising allowances and the impact of the restructuring announced at the end of 2015. Income from credit operations was $736 million in 2016 as compared to $831 million in 2015. SG&A expenses included gains on the sales of certain store locations and surplus properties of $209 million in 2016 compared to $212 million in 2015. Retirement expenses were $44 million in 2016 as compared to $77 million in 2015. Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,058 million for 2016, compared to $1,061 million for 2015. Backstage. 


Advertising expense, net of cooperative advertising allowances, was $1,108 million for 2017 compared to $1,153 million for 20162016.
Gains on Sale of Real Estate
The Company recognized gains of $544 million in 2017 associated with sales of real estate, as compared to $1,173$209 million for 2015. Advertising expense, netin 2016. 2017 included gains of cooperative advertising allowances, as a percent$234 million related to net sales was 4.5% forthe Macy's Union Square location, $71 million related to the Macy's Brooklyn transaction, $47 million related to the downtown Minneapolis properties and $40 million related to the downtown Seattle Macy's location. 2016 and 4.3% for 2015.included $33 million of gains related to the Macy's Brooklyn transaction.
Impairments,Restructuring, Impairment, Store Closing and Other Costs
Impairments,Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs for 2017 and 2016 includes of $186 million and $479 million, respectively, included severance and other human resource-related costs, asset impairment charges and other costs associated with organizational changes and store closings. 2017 included costs and expenses primarily associated with the organizational changes and store closings announced in August 2017 and January 2017. During 2018, while 2016, these costs and expenses included asset impairment charges of $265 million, $168 million of severance and other human resource-related costs and $46 million of other related costs and expenses. Impairments, store closing and other costs for 2015 included costs and expenses primarily associated with organizationthe organizational changes and store closings announced in August 2016 and January 2016. During 2015, these2017.
Benefit Plan Income, Net
2017 and 2016 included $57 million and $55 million, respectively, of non-cash net benefit plan income relating to the Company's defined benefit plans. This income includes the net of: interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of prior service costs or credits and expenses included asset impairment charges of $148 million, $123 million of severanceactuarial gains and other human resource-related costs and $17 million of other related costs and expenses.losses.
Settlement Charges
$98105 million and $98 million of non-cash settlement charges were recognized in 2016.2017 and 2016, respectively. These charges relate to the pro-rata recognition of net actuarial losses associated with the Company’s defined benefit retirement plans and are the result of an increase in lump sum distributions associated with retiree distribution elections and restructuring activity.
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense, excluding gains on early retirement of debt, for 2017 decreased $53 million from 2016. This decrease was primarily driven by the early repayment of $647 million of debt and the repayment at maturity of $300 million of debt in 2017.
Gains on Early Retirement of Debt
In 2017, the Company repurchased approximately $247 million face value of senior notes and debentures and completed a tender offer debt repurchase of $400 million face value of senior notes and debentures. As a result of these transactions, the Company recognized a $10 million benefit related to the write-off of the unamortized premium associated with the debt repayments, net of the premium costs and other expenses.
Effective Tax Rate
The Company's effective tax rate was a benefit of 2.6% for 2017 and expense of 35.9% for 2016. As previously discussed, 2017 differs from the federal income tax statutory rate of 33.7%, principally due to U.S. federal tax reform enacted in 2017 that led to the recognition of a non-cash tax benefit of $584 million associated with the remeasurement of the Company's deferred tax balances. Further, 2017 included the recognition of approximately $15 million of net tax shortfalls associated with share-based payment awards.
Net Income Attributable to Macy's, Inc. Shareholders
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders for 2017 increased compared to 2016, driven by higher operating income due to higher asset sale gains, lower SG&A expenses, restructuring, impairment, store closings,closing and other costs, partially offset by lower sales and gross margin. Coupled with higher credit card revenue, lower net interest expense and a voluntary separation program, organizational restructuring, and periodic distribution activity.net income tax benefit resulted in net income attributable to Macy's Inc. shareholders increasing by $939 million in 2017 as compared to 2016.




Guidance

The Company's operations are impacted by competitive pressures from department stores, specialty stores, general merchandise stores, manufacturers' outlets, off-price and discount stores, online retailers, catalogs and television shopping, among others. The Company's operations are also impacted by general consumer spending levels, including the impact of general economic conditions, consumer disposable income levels, consumer confidence levels, the availability, cost and level of consumer debt, the costs of basic necessities and other goods and the effects of weather or natural disasters and other factors over which the Company has little or no control.
In recent years, consumer spending levels have been affected to varying degrees by a number of factors, including modest economic growth, uncertainty regarding governmental spending and tax policies, unemployment levels, tightened consumer credit, and a fluctuating housing and stock market. In addition, consumer spending levels of international customers are impacted by the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies. These factors have affected, to varying degrees, the amount of funds that consumers are willing and able to spend for discretionary purchases, including purchases of some of the merchandise offered by the Company.
All economic conditions ultimately affect the Company's overall operations. However, the effects of economic conditions can be experienced differently and at different times, in the various geographic regions in which the Company operates, in relation to the different types of merchandise that the Company offers for sale, or in relation to each of the Company's branded operations.
Based on its assessment of current and anticipated market conditions and its recent performance, the Company's 2019 guidance assumptions include the following:
Net Interest Expensesales are estimated to be approximately flat to 2018.
Comparable sales on both an owned and owned plus licensed basis are estimated to be flat to up 1.0%.
Credit revenue is estimated to be approximately $740 million to $765 million.
Gross margin rate is estimated to be down moderately in the first half and down slightly in the second half of the year.
SG&A expense rate is expected to be up slightly with expense savings increasing throughout the year and helping to offset incremental investment spend.
Benefit plan income is estimated to be approximately $25 million.
Estimated asset sale gains of approximately $100 million.
Estimated interest expense of approximately $190 million.
Effective tax rate is expected to be 23.0%.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is expected to be $3.05 to $3.25. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding asset sale gains, is expected to be $2.80 to $3.00.
Estimated depreciation and amortization of approximately $975 million.
Capital expenditures are estimated at approximately $1 billion.





Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's principal sources of liquidity are cash from operations, cash on hand and the credit facility described below.

Operating Activities
Net interest expense for 2016 increased $2cash provided by operating activities was $1,735 million from 2015. Net interest expense for 2016 in 2018 compared to $1,976 million in 2017. The decline was impacteddriven by lower capitalizedearnings before interest, associated with the Company's construction projects,taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and higher net inventory investment. These declines in operating cash flows were partially offset slightly by lower rates on outstanding borrowingscash paid for taxes in 2018 compared to 2017.
Investing Activities
Net cash used by investing activities for 2018 was $456 million, compared to net cash used by investing activities of $351 million for 2017. Investing activities for 2018 included purchases of property and equipment totaling $657 million and capitalized software of $275 million, compared to purchases of property and equipment totaling $487 million and capitalized software of $273 million for 2017.
Capital expenditures were higher by $172 million in 2018 as compared to 2017. This increase in capital expenditures was largely driven by the Company's Growth50 and Backstage strategic initiatives.
In 2018, the Company continued to execute on its real estate strategy that includes creating value through monetization and, in some cases, redevelopment of real estate assets. Overall, property and equipment sales, primarily related to real estate, generated cash proceeds of $474 million in 2018 compared to $411 million in 2017.
Financing Activities
Net cash used by the Company for financing activities was $1,544 million for 2018, including the repayment of $1,149 million of debt and the payment of $463 million of cash dividends, partially offset by the issuance of $45 million of common stock, primarily related to the exercise of stock options, and proceeds of $7 million received from Macy's China Limited's noncontrolling interest shareholder.

During December 2018, the Company completed a tender offer and purchased $750 million in aggregate principal amount of certain senior unsecured notes and debentures. The purchased senior unsecured notes and debentures included $164 million of 6.65% senior debentures due 2024, $155 million of 7.0% senior debentures due 2028, $114 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2029, $103 million of 4.5% senior notes due 2034, $94 million of 6.79% senior debentures due 2027, $35 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2034, $34 million of 6.375% senior notes due 2037, $34 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2028, $10 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2032, $5 million of 8.75% senior debentures due 2029, and $2 million of 7.875% senior debentures due 2030. The total cash cost for the tender offer was $789 million. The Company recognized $28 million of expense related to the recognition of the tender premium and other costs partially offset by the unamortized debt premium associated with this debt. This expense is presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income during 2018.

During 2018, the Company repurchased $344 million face value of senior notes and debentures. The debt repurchases were made in the open market for a total cost of $354 million, including expenses and other fees related to the transactions. Such repurchases resulted in the recognition of expense of $5 million during 2018 presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Net cash used by the Company for financing activities was $1,446 million for 2017, including the repayment of $988 million of debt and the payment of $461 million of cash dividends, partially offset by the issuance of $6 million of common stock, primarily related to the exercise of stock options, and proceeds of $13 million received from Macy's China Limited's noncontrolling interest shareholder.

During December 2017, the Company completed a tender offer and purchased $400 million in aggregate principal amount of certain senior unsecured notes and debentures. The purchased senior unsecured notes and debentures included $147 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2032, $108 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2034, $96 million of 6.375% senior notes due 2037, $43 million of 8.75% senior debentures due 2029, and $6 million of 7.875% senior debentures due 2030. The total cash cost for the tender offer was $423 million. The Company recognized $11 million of income related to the recognition of the unamortized debt premium partially offset by the tender premium and other costs


associated with this debt. This income is presented as gains on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income during 2017.

In July 2017, the Company paid $300 million of debt at maturity. During the first and second quarters of 2017, the Company repurchased $247 million face value of senior notes and debentures. The debt repurchases were made in the open market for a total cash cost of $257 million, including expenses related to the transactions. Such repurchases resulted in the recognition of expense of $1 million during 2017 presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company entered into a credit agreement with certain financial institutions as of May 6, 2016 providing for revolving credit borrowings and letters of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,500 million (which may be increased to $1,750 million at the option of the Company, subject to the willingness of existing or new lenders to provide commitments for such additional financing) outstanding at any particular time. This agreement is set to expire May 6, 2021 and replaced the prior agreement which was set to expire May 10, 2018.

As of February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, there were no revolving credit loans outstanding under this credit agreement, and there were no borrowings under the agreement during 2018 and 2017. In addition, there were no standby letters of credit outstanding at February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018. Revolving loans under the credit agreement bear interest based on various published rates.

The Company is party to a $1,500 million unsecured commercial paper program. The Company may issue and sell commercial paper in an aggregate amount outstanding at any particular time not to exceed its then-current combined borrowing availability under the bank credit agreement with certain financial institutions. There were no borrowings under the program during 2018 and 2017. As of February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, there were no remaining borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper program.
The credit agreement requires the Company to maintain a specified interest coverage ratio for the latest four quarters of no less than 3.25 and a specified leverage ratio as of and for the latest four quarters of no more than 3.75. The Company's interest coverage ratio for 2018 was 11.22 and its leverage ratio at February 2, 2019 was 1.74, in each case as calculated in accordance with the credit agreement. The interest coverage ratio is defined as EBITDA divided by net interest expense and the leverage ratio is defined as debt divided by EBITDA. For purposes of these calculations EBITDA is calculated as net income plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash impairment of goodwill, intangibles and real estate, non-recurring cash charges not to exceed in the aggregate $300 million and extraordinary losses less interest income and non-recurring or extraordinary gains. Debt is adjusted to exclude the premium on acquired debt and net interest is adjusted to exclude the amortization of premium on acquired debt and premium on early retirement of debt.
A breach of a restrictive covenant in the Company's credit agreement or the inability of the Company to maintain the financial ratios described above could result in an event of default under the credit agreement. In addition, an event of default would occur under the credit agreement if any indebtedness of the Company in excess of an aggregate principal amount of $150 million becomes due prior to its stated maturity or the holders of such indebtedness become able to cause it to become due prior to its stated maturity. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders could, subject to the terms and conditions of the credit agreement, elect to declare the outstanding principal, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. Moreover, most of the Company's senior notes and debentures contain cross-default provisions based on the non-payment at maturity, or other default after an applicable grace period, of any other debt, the unpaid principal amount of which is not less than $100 million that could be triggered by an event of default under the credit agreement. In such an event, the Company's senior notes and debentures that contain cross-default provisions would also be subject to acceleration.
At 2015February 2, 2019., no notes or debentures contain provisions requiring acceleration of payment upon a debt rating downgrade. However, the terms of approximately $3,759 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company's senior notes outstanding at that date require the Company to offer to purchase such notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest in specified circumstances involving both a change of control (as defined in the applicable indenture) of the Company and the rating of the notes by specified rating agencies at a level below investment grade.


As of February 2, 2019, the Company had $1,716 million of authorization remaining under its share repurchase program. The Company may continue or, from time to time, suspend repurchases of shares under its share repurchase program, depending on prevailing market conditions, alternate uses of capital and other factors.
On February 22, 2019, the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 37.75 cents per share on its common stock, payable April 1, 2019, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2019.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
At February 2, 2019, the Company had contractual obligations (within the scope of Item 303(a)(5) of Regulation S-K) as follows:
 Obligations Due, by Period
Total 
Less than
1 Year
 
1 – 3
Years
 
3 – 5
Years
 
More than
5 Years
(millions)
Short-term debt$42
 $42
 $
 $
 $
Long-term debt4,671
 
 1,092
 1,150
 2,429
Interest on debt2,069
 214
 402
 327
 1,126
Capital lease obligations46
 3
 6
 6
 31
Operating leases (a)
4,254
 325
 624
 547
 2,758
Letters of credit28
 28
 
 
 
Other obligations5,022
 3,188
 825
 299
 710
 $16,132
 $3,800
 $2,949
 $2,329
 $7,054
(a) Operating leases include executed leases not yet commenced.
“Other obligations” in the foregoing table includes post employment and postretirement benefits, self-insurance reserves, group medical/dental/life insurance programs, merchandise purchase obligations and obligations under outsourcing arrangements, construction contracts, energy and other supply agreements identified by the Company and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits that the Company expects to settle in cash in the next year excluding interest and penalties. The Company's merchandise purchase obligations fluctuate on a seasonal basis, typically being higher in the summer and early fall and being lower in the late winter and early spring. The Company purchases a substantial portion of its merchandise inventories and other goods and services otherwise than through binding contracts. Consequently, the amounts shown as “Other obligations” in the foregoing table do not reflect the total amounts that the Company would need to spend on goods and services in order to operate its businesses in the ordinary course.
Of the Company's $149 million of unrecognized tax benefits at February 2, 2019, within "other obligations" in the foregoing table, the Company has excluded $4 million of deferred tax assets and $117 million of long-term liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits for various tax positions taken. The table also excludes federal, state and local interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $56 million. These liabilities may increase or decrease over time as a result of tax examinations, and given the status of examinations, the Company cannot reliably estimate the period of any cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Outlook
Management believes that, with respect to the Company's current operations, cash on hand and funds from operations, together with its credit facility and other capital resources, will be sufficient to cover the Company's reasonably foreseeable working capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirements and other cash requirements in both the near term and over the longer term. The Company's ability to generate funds from operations may be affected by numerous factors, including general economic conditions and levels of consumer confidence and demand; however, the Company expects to be able to manage its working capital levels and capital expenditure amounts so as to maintain sufficient levels of liquidity. To the extent that the Company's cash balances from time to time exceed amounts that are needed to fund its immediate liquidity requirements, the Company will consider alternative uses of some or all of such excess cash. Such alternative uses may include, among others, the redemption or repurchase of debt, equity or other securities through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and the funding of pension related obligations. Depending upon its actual and anticipated sources and uses of liquidity, conditions in the capital markets and other factors, the Company will from time to time consider the issuance of debt or other securities, or other possible capital markets transactions, for the purpose of raising capital which could be used to refinance current indebtedness or for other corporate


purposes including the redemption or repurchase of debt, equity or other securities through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and the funding of pension related obligations.
The Company intends from time to time to consider additional acquisitions of, and investments in, retail businesses and other complementary assets and companies. Acquisition transactions, if any, are expected to be financed from one or more of the following sources: cash on hand, cash from operations, borrowings under existing or new credit facilities and the issuance of long-term debt or other securities, including common stock.

Effective Tax Rate
The Company's effective tax rate was expense of 35.8%22.7% for 20162018 and 36.2%a benefit of 2.6% for 20152017 differ from. On a comparative basis, the 2018 rate reflects the Company's lower federal income tax statutory rate of 21% as compared to 35%, and on resulting from the U.S. federal tax reform enacted in 2017. 2017 included the recognition of a comparative basis, principally becausenon-cash tax benefit of $584 million associated with the remeasurement of the effectCompany's deferred tax balances due to U.S. federal tax reform. Further, 2017 included the recognition of state and local income taxes, including the settlementapproximately $15 million of variousnet tax issues and tax examinations.shortfalls associated with share-based payment awards.
Comparison of 2015 and 2014
Net Income Attributable to Macy's, Inc. Shareholders
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders for 20152018 decreased $458 million compared to 2014, reflecting2017, driven by higher taxes and lower salesearnings before interest and gross margin and higher impairments, store closing costs and other costs,taxes ("EBIT"), partially offset by higher credit card revenue and lower selling, generalnet interest expense.
Comparison of 2017 and administrative expenses, interest expense and income taxes in 2015 as compared to 2014.2016
Net Sales and Comparable Sales
Net sales for 20152017, which included a 53rd week, decreased $1,026$969 million or 3.7% compared to 2014.2016. The decrease in comparable sales on an owned basis for 20152017 was 3.0%2.2% compared to 2014.2016. The decrease in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis for 20152017 was 2.5%1.9% compared to 2014. (See pages 20 and 21 for information regarding the Company's calculation of comparable sales, a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measure which takes into account sales of departments licensed to third parties to the most comparable GAAP measure and other important information). The Company experienced an overall weakness in sales, but geographically2016. Geographically, sales in 20152017 were strongerstrongest in the westernFlorida, Eastern Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, Oregon, Southern California and southern regions, where weather was less of a factor, while sales at locations that are frequented by international tourists, such as New York City, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Chicago were negatively impacted by lower levels of spending by these tourists.Arizona. Digital sales growth continued to be strong in 2015.2017 and experienced double digit growth. By family of business, sales in 20152017 were strongest in active apparel, cosmeticsfine jewelry, fragrances, dresses and fragrances and furniture and mattresses.men's tailored clothing. Sales in 20152017 were less strong in fashion watches, cold weather items, andhandbags although the housewares and tabletop businesses.trend improved in the second half of the year. Sales of the Company's private label brands represented approximately 20% of net sales in the Macy's-branded operations in 2015.2017 and 2016.
Credit Card Revenues, Net
Credit card revenues, net were $702 million for 2017, an increase of $46 million compared to $656 million recognized in 2016. Increased proprietary card usage driven by the enhanced Macy's Star Rewards loyalty program drove the favorable results.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for 20152017 decreased $367$485 million from 2014.2016. The cost of sales rate as a percent to net sales of 60.9% was 9040 basis points higher in 2015,2017, as compared to 60.0%60.5% in 2014,2016, primarily due to higher markdowns resulting fromdelivery expenses associated with the need to clear inventory based on the weaker sales trend as well as continued growth of theCompany's omnichannel businessesactivities and the resulting impact of free shipping. The application of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) retail inventory method did not result in the recognition of any LIFO charges or credits affecting cost of sales in either period.shipping promotions.
SG&A Expenses
SG&A expenses for 20152017 decreased $99$303 million from 2014,2016, however, the SG&A rate as a percent to net sales of 30.5%35.9% was 8020 basis points higher in 2015,2017, as compared to 2014. SG&A expenses2016. The dollar decrease from 2016 was mainly due to store closings and the restructuring activities announced in 2015 benefited from higher income from credit operations2016 and higher gains on the sale of certain store locations and surplus properties, partially2017, offset slightly by higher retirement expenses (including Pension Plan, SERP and defined contribution plan expenses), higher expenses associated with the continued investments in the Company's omnichannel operations, and investments in Bluemercury, Macy's Backstagebluemercury and Macy's China Limited and higher depreciation and amortization expense. Income from credit operations was $831 million in 2015 as compared to $776 million in 2014. SG&A expenses included gains on the sales of certain store locations and surplus properties of $212 million in 2015 as compared to $92 million in 2014. Included in the gains on the sales of store locations and surplus properties in 2015 was $84 million related to the sale of Brooklyn real estate and $57 million related to the downtown Seattle real estate transaction. Retirement expenses were $77 million in 2015 as compared to $65 million in 2014. Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,061 million for 2015, compared to $1,036 million for 2014. Backstage. 


Advertising expense, net of cooperative advertising allowances, was $1,173$1,108 million for 20152017 compared to $1,177$1,153 million for 2014. Advertising expense, net2016.
Gains on Sale of cooperative advertising allowances,Real Estate
The Company recognized gains of $544 million in 2017 associated with sales of real estate, as a percentcompared to net sales was 4.3% for 2015$209 million in 2016. 2017 included gains of $234 million related to the Macy's Union Square location, $71 million related to the Macy's Brooklyn transaction, $47 million related to the downtown Minneapolis properties and 4.2% for 2014.$40 million related to the downtown Seattle Macy's location. 2016 included $33 million of gains related to the Macy's Brooklyn transaction.




Impairments,Restructuring, Impairment, Store Closing and Other Costs
Impairments,Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs for 20152017 and 2016 of $186 million and $479 million, respectively, included severance and other human resource-related costs, asset impairment charges and other costs associated with organizational changes and store closings. 2017 included costs and expenses primarily associated with the cost efficiency initiativesorganizational changes and store closings announced in August 2017 and January 2016. During 2015, these costs and expenses included $123 million of severance and other human resource-related costs and asset impairment charges of $148 million. Impairments, store closing and other costs for 20142018, while 2016 included costs and expenses primarily associated with organizationthe organizational changes and store closings announced in August 2016 and January 2015. During 2014, these2017.
Benefit Plan Income, Net
2017 and 2016 included $57 million and $55 million, respectively, of non-cash net benefit plan income relating to the Company's defined benefit plans. This income includes the net of: interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of prior service costs or credits and expenses included $46actuarial gains and losses.
Settlement Charges
$105 million and $98 million of severancenon-cash settlement charges were recognized in 2017 and other human resource-related costs2016, respectively. These charges relate to the pro-rata recognition of net actuarial losses associated with the Company’s defined benefit retirement plans and asset impairment chargesare the result of $33 million.an increase in lump sum distributions associated with retiree distribution elections and restructuring activity.
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense, excluding gains on early retirement of debt, for 20152017 decreased $32$53 million from 2014. Net interest expense for 2015 benefited from lower rates on outstanding borrowings as compared to 2014 and from2016. This decrease was primarily driven by the recognitionearly repayment of unamortized debt premium associated with the $76$647 million of 8.125% senior debentures due 2035 which were redeemeddebt and the repayment at par on August 17, 2015, pursuant to the termsmaturity of the debentures.$300 million of debt in 2017.
PremiumGains on Early Retirement of Debt
On November 14, 2014,In 2017, the Company providedrepurchased approximately $247 million face value of senior notes and debentures and completed a noticetender offer debt repurchase of redemption$400 million face value of senior notes and debentures. As a result of these transactions, the Company recognized a $10 million benefit related to allthe write-off of the $407 million of 7.875% senior notes due 2015, as allowed underunamortized premium associated with the termsdebt repayments, net of the indenture. The price for the redemption was calculated pursuant to the indenturepremium costs and resulted in the recognition of additional interest expense of $17 million during 2014. The additional interest expense resulting from this transaction is presented as premium on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income.other expenses.
Effective Tax Rate
The Company's effective tax rate was a benefit of 36.2%2.6% for 20152017 and 2014 differexpense of 35.9% for 2016. As previously discussed, 2017 differs from the federal income tax statutory rate of 35%33.7%, and onprincipally due to U.S. federal tax reform enacted in 2017 that led to the recognition of a comparative basis, principally becausenon-cash tax benefit of $584 million associated with the remeasurement of the effectCompany's deferred tax balances. Further, 2017 included the recognition of stateapproximately $15 million of net tax shortfalls associated with share-based payment awards.
Net Income Attributable to Macy's, Inc. Shareholders
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders for 2017 increased compared to 2016, driven by higher operating income due to higher asset sale gains, lower SG&A expenses, restructuring, impairment, store closing and local income taxes, including the settlement of various tax issuesother costs, partially offset by lower sales and tax examinations. Additionally,gross margin. Coupled with higher credit card revenue, lower net interest expense and a net income tax expense for 2015 and 2014 benefited from historic rehabilitation tax credits.benefit resulted in net income attributable to Macy's Inc. shareholders increasing by $939 million in 2017 as compared to 2016.




Guidance

The Company's operations are impacted by competitive pressures from department stores, specialty stores, mass merchandisers,general merchandise stores, manufacturers' outlets, off-price and discount stores, online retailers, catalogs and all other retail channels.television shopping, among others. The Company's operations are also impacted by general consumer spending levels, including the impact of general economic conditions, consumer disposable income levels, consumer confidence levels, the availability, cost and level of consumer debt, the costs of basic necessities and other goods and the effects of weather or natural disasters and other factors over which the Company has little or no control.
In recent years, consumer spending levels have been affected to varying degrees by a number of factors, including modest economic growth, uncertainty regarding governmental spending and tax policies, unemployment levels, tightened consumer credit, an improving housing market and a fluctuating housing and stock market. In addition, consumer spending levels of international customers are impacted by the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies. These factors have affected, to varying degrees, the amount of funds that consumers are willing and able to spend for discretionary purchases, including purchases of some of the merchandise offered by the Company.
All economic conditions ultimately affect the Company's overall operations. However, the effects of economic conditions can be experienced differently and at different times, in the various geographic regions in which the Company operates, in relation to the different types of merchandise that the Company offers for sale, or in relation to each of the Company's branded operations.
Based on its assessment of current and anticipated market conditions and its recent performance, the Company's 20172019 guidance assumptions include the following:
TotalNet sales decline ofare estimated to be approximately 3.2% - 4.3% from 2016 levels. Total sales in 2017 reflect a 53rd week of sales, whereas comparable sales below are on a 52-week basis.flat to 2018.
Comparable sales decrease on both an owned basis of approximately 2.2% - 3.3%, with comparable sales on anand owned plus licensed basis are estimated to decline approximately 2% - 3%be flat to up 1.0%.
AssetCredit revenue is estimated to be approximately $740 million to $765 million.
Gross margin rate is estimated to be down moderately in the first half and down slightly in the second half of the year.
SG&A expense rate is expected to be up slightly with expense savings increasing throughout the year and helping to offset incremental investment spend.
Benefit plan income is estimated to be approximately $25 million.
Estimated asset sale gains of approximately $415 million - $435 million, including an expected $235 million gain associated with the sale of the Company's Union Square Macy's store and $100 million of additional gain from the sale of the Brooklyn real estate.million.
Selling, general and administrativeEstimated interest expense savings of approximately $550 million from the restructuring and store closures announced at the end of 2016, partially offset by increased growth spending of approximately $250 million (resulting in a net expense savings of approximately $300 million).$190 million.
Credit income of approximately $740 million - $760 million.Effective tax rate is expected to be 23.0%.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders of $3.37 to $3.62, excluding any charges associated with store closures, restructuring, or settlement charges associated with Company's defined benefit plans. Included in this guidance is the expected gain of approximately $235 million, or approximately $.47 per diluted share, associated with the sale of the Company's Union Square Macy's Men's store.
Capital expenditures of approximately $900 million.
Excess cash after capital expenditures, payment of the Company's dividends and the $300 million debt maturity in July 2017 is expected to be used$3.05 to repurchase debt.$3.25. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding asset sale gains, is expected to be $2.80 to $3.00.
The Company's budgeted capitalEstimated depreciation and amortization of approximately $975 million.
Capital expenditures are primarily related to new stores, store remodels, development costs associated with the Brookfield Strategic Alliance joint venture, technology and omnichannel investments, distribution network improvements and new growth initiatives. In early 2017, the Company opened a Macy’s storeestimated at Fashion Place in Murray, UT and plans to open a store at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, CA, later in the year. In addition, the Company expects to open approximately 30 additional Bluemercury locations and approximately 30 Macy’s Backstage locations inside Macy’s stores. Announced new stores in future years include Bloomingdale’s in San Jose, CA (2019), and Norwalk, CT (2019). In addition, under license agreements with Al Tayer Group, a new Bloomingdale’s store opened at 360 Mall in Al Zahra, Kuwait in March 2017 and new Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores are planned to open in Al Maryah Central in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 2018.$1 billion.





Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's principal sources of liquidity are cash from operations, cash on hand and the credit facility described below.

Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,8011,735 million in 20162018 compared to $1,9841,976 million in 20152017, reflecting. The decline was driven by lower earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and higher net income.inventory investment. These declines in operating cash flows were partially offset by lower cash paid for taxes in 2018 compared to 2017.
Investing Activities
Net cash used by investing activities for 20162018 was $187456 million, compared to net cash used by investing activities of $1,092351 million for 20152017. Investing activities for 20162018 included purchases of property and equipment totaling $596657 million and capitalized software of $316275 million, compared to purchases of property and equipment totaling $777487 million and capitalized software of $336273 million for 20152017. Investing activities for 2015 includes
Capital expenditures were higher by $172 million in 2018 as compared to 2017. This increase in capital expenditures was largely driven by the acquisition of Bluemercury, Inc., net of cash acquired, for $212 million.Company's Growth50 and Backstage strategic initiatives.
In 2016,2018, the Company continued to execute on its real estate strategy that includes creating value through monetization and, in some case,cases, redevelopment of real estate assets. Overall, property and equipment sales, primarily related to real estate, generated cash proceeds of $673$474 million in 2016,2018 compared to $204$411 million in 2015.
During 2016, the Company opened one new Macy's store, one new Bloomingdale's The Outlet store, one new freestanding Macy's Backstage store and 24 new freestanding Bluemercury stores. During 2015, the Company opened one new Macy's store, one new Bloomingdale's store, three new Bloomingdale's The Outlet stores, six new Macy's freestanding Backstage stores and 15 new freestanding Bluemercury stores. Since the acquisition of Bluemercury in March 2015, the Company has opened 39 freestanding Bluemercury stores and 19 locations within an existing Macy's.2017.
Financing Activities
Net cash used by the Company for financing activities was $1,426$1,544 million for 2016,2018, including the acquisition of the Company's common stock under its share repurchase program at an approximate cost of $316 million, the repayment of $751$1,149 million of debt and the payment of $459$463 million of cash dividends, partially offset by the issuance of $36$45 million of common stock, primarily related to the exercise of stock options, and an increase in outstanding checksproceeds of $61 million.$7 million received from Macy's China Limited's noncontrolling interest shareholder.

On August 15, 2016,During December 2018, the Company redeemed at par thecompleted a tender offer and purchased $750 million in aggregate principal amount of $108certain senior unsecured notes and debentures. The purchased senior unsecured notes and debentures included $164 million of 6.65% senior debentures due 2024, $155 million of 7.0% senior debentures due 2028, $114 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2029, $103 million of 4.5% senior notes due 2034, $94 million of 6.79% senior debentures due 2027, $35 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2034, $34 million of 6.375% senior notes due 2037, $34 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2028, $10 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2032, $5 million of 8.75% senior debentures due 2029, and $2 million of 7.875% senior debentures due 2036, pursuant2030. The total cash cost for the tender offer was $789 million. The Company recognized $28 million of expense related to the termsrecognition of the debentures. Interest expense in 2016 benefited fromtender premium and other costs partially offset by the recognition of unamortized debt premium associated with this debt. On October 14, 2016,This expense is presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income during 2018.

During 2018, the Company repaid $59repurchased $344 million face value of senior notes and debentures. The debt repurchases were made in the open market for a total cost of $354 million, including expenses and other fees related to the transactions. Such repurchases resulted in the recognition of expense of $5 million during 2018 presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Net cash used by the Company for financing activities was $1,446 million for 2017, including the repayment of $988 million of 7.45%debt and the payment of $461 million of cash dividends, partially offset by the issuance of $6 million of common stock, primarily related to the exercise of stock options, and proceeds of $13 million received from Macy's China Limited's noncontrolling interest shareholder.

During December 2017, the Company completed a tender offer and purchased $400 million in aggregate principal amount of certain senior unsecured notes and debentures. The purchased senior unsecured notes and debentures included $147 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2032, $108 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2034, $96 million of 6.375% senior notes due 2037, $43 million of 8.75% senior debentures due 2029, and $6 million of 7.875% senior debentures due 2030. The total cash cost for the tender offer was $423 million. The Company recognized $11 million of income related to the recognition of the unamortized debt premium partially offset by the tender premium and other costs


associated with this debt. This income is presented as gains on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income during 2017.

In July 2017, the Company paid $300 million of debt at maturity. On December 1, 2016,During the first and second quarters of 2017, the Company repaid $577repurchased $247 million face value of 5.9% senior notes at maturity.and debentures. The debt repurchases were made in the open market for a total cash cost of $257 million, including expenses related to the transactions. Such repurchases resulted in the recognition of expense of $1 million during 2017 presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company entered into a new credit agreement with certain financial institutions onas of May 6, 2016 providing for revolving credit borrowings and letters of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,500 million (which may be increased to $1,750 million at the option of the Company, subject to the willingness of existing or new lenders to provide commitments for such additional financing) outstanding at any particular time. This agreement is set to expire May 6, 2021 and replaced the prior agreement which was set to expire May 10, 2018.

As of January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016,February 3, 2018, there were no revolving credit loans outstanding under this credit agreement, and there were no borrowings under the agreement throughout all of 2016during 2018 and 2015.2017. In addition, there were no standby letters of credit outstanding at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and there were less than $1 million of standby letters of credit outstanding at January 30, 2016.February 3, 2018. Revolving loans under the credit agreement bear interest based on various published rates.

The Company is party to a $1,500 million unsecured commercial paper program. The Company may issue and sell commercial paper in an aggregate amount outstanding at any particular time not to exceed its then-current combined borrowing availability under the bank credit agreement with certain financial institutions. The amount ofThere were no borrowings under the commercial paper program increased to its highest level for 2016 of approximately $388 million during the fourth quarter.2018 and 2017. As of January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, there were no remaining borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper program.


Net cash used by the Company for financing activities was $2,029 million for 2015 and included the acquisition of the Company's common stock under its share repurchase program at an approximate cost of $2,000 million, the repayment of $152 million of debt and the payment of $456 million of cash dividends and a decrease in outstanding checks of $83 million, partially offset by the issuance of approximately $500 million of debt and the issuance of $163 million of common stock, primarily related to the exercise of stock options.
On June 1, 2015, the Company repaid $69 million of 7.5% senior debentures at maturity. On August 17, 2015, the Company redeemed at par the principal amount of $76 million of 8.125% senior debentures due 2035, pursuant to the terms of the debentures. Interest expense in 2015 benefited from the recognition of unamortized debt premium associated with the $76 million of 8.125% senior debentures.
The credit agreement requires the Company to maintain a specified interest coverage ratio for the latest four quarters of no less than 3.25 and a specified leverage ratio as of and for the latest four quarters of no more than 3.75. The Company's interest coverage ratio for 20162018 was 7.3611.22 and its leverage ratio at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 was 2.38,1.74, in each case as calculated in accordance with the credit agreement. The interest coverage ratio is defined as EBITDA divided by net interest expense and the leverage ratio is defined as debt divided by EBITDA. For purposes of these calculations EBITDA is calculated as net income plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash impairment of goodwill, intangibles and real estate, non-recurring cash charges not to exceed in the aggregate $300 million and extraordinary losses less interest income and non-recurring or extraordinary gains. Debt is adjusted to exclude the premium on acquired debt and net interest is adjusted to exclude the amortization of premium on acquired debt and premium on early retirement of debt.
A breach of a restrictive covenant in the Company's credit agreement or the inability of the Company to maintain the financial ratios described above could result in an event of default under the credit agreement. In addition, an event of default would occur under the credit agreement if any indebtedness of the Company in excess of an aggregate principal amount of $150 million becomes due prior to its stated maturity or the holders of such indebtedness become able to cause it to become due prior to its stated maturity. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders could, subject to the terms and conditions of the credit agreement, elect to declare the outstanding principal, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. Moreover, most of the Company's senior notes and debentures contain cross-default provisions based on the non-payment at maturity, or other default after an applicable grace period, of any other debt, the unpaid principal amount of which is not less than $100 million that could be triggered by an event of default under the credit agreement. In such an event, the Company's senior notes and debentures that contain cross-default provisions would also be subject to acceleration.
At January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, no notes or debentures contain provisions requiring acceleration of payment upon a debt rating downgrade. However, the terms of approximately $4,250$3,759 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company's senior notes outstanding at that date require the Company to offer to purchase such notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest in specified circumstances involving both a change of control (as defined in the applicable indenture) of the Company and the rating of the notes by specified rating agencies at a level below investment grade.


On February 26, 2016, the Company's board of directors approved an additional $1,500 million in authorization to purchase Common Stock. During 2016, the Company repurchased approximately 7.9 million shares of its common stock for a total of approximately $316 million. As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, the Company had $1,716 million of authorization remaining under its share repurchase program. The Company may continue or, from time to time, suspend repurchases of shares under its share repurchase program, depending on prevailing market conditions, alternate uses of capital and other factors.
On February 24, 2017,22, 2019, the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 37.75 cents per share on its common stock, payable April 3, 20171, 2019, to Macy's shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2017.2019.


Contractual Obligations and Commitments
At January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019, the Company had contractual obligations (within the scope of Item 303(a)(5) of Regulation S-K) as follows:
Obligations Due, by PeriodObligations Due, by Period
Total 
Less than
1 Year
 
1 – 3
Years
 
3 – 5
Years
 
More than
5 Years
Total 
Less than
1 Year
 
1 – 3
Years
 
3 – 5
Years
 
More than
5 Years
(millions)
Short-term debt$308
 $308
 $
 $
 $
$42
 $42
 $
 $
 $
Long-term debt6,459
 
 48
 1,092
 5,319
4,671
 
 1,092
 1,150
 2,429
Interest on debt4,162
 342
 658
 631
 2,531
2,069
 214
 402
 327
 1,126
Capital lease obligations52
 3
 6
 6
 37
46
 3
 6
 6
 31
Operating leases(a)3,683
 321
 587
 486
 2,289
4,254
 325
 624
 547
 2,758
Letters of credit30
 30
 
 
 
28
 28
 
 
 
Other obligations4,325
 2,744
 470
 279
 832
5,022
 3,188
 825
 299
 710
$19,019
 $3,748
 $1,769
 $2,494
 $11,008
$16,132
 $3,800
 $2,949
 $2,329
 $7,054
(a) Operating leases include executed leases not yet commenced.
“Other obligations” in the foregoing table includes post employment and postretirement benefits, self-insurance reserves, group medical/dental/life insurance programs, merchandise purchase obligations and obligations under outsourcing arrangements, construction contracts, energy and other supply agreements identified by the Company and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits that the Company expects to settle in cash in the next year.year excluding interest and penalties. The Company's merchandise purchase obligations fluctuate on a seasonal basis, typically being higher in the summer and early fall and being lower in the late winter and early spring. The Company purchases a substantial portion of its merchandise inventories and other goods and services otherwise than through binding contracts. Consequently, the amounts shown as “Other obligations” in the foregoing table do not reflect the total amounts that the Company would need to spend on goods and services in order to operate its businesses in the ordinary course.
TheOf the Company's $149 million of unrecognized tax benefits at February 2, 2019, within "other obligations" in the foregoing table, the Company has not included in the contractual obligations table $157excluded $4 million of deferred tax assets and $117 million of long-term liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits for various tax positions taken or $54 million of related accruedtaken. The table also excludes federal, state and local interest and penalties.penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $56 million. These liabilities may increase or decrease over time as a result of tax examinations, and given the status of examinations, the Company cannot reliably estimate the period of any cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities. The Company has included in the contractual obligations table $6 million of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits that the Company expects to settle in cash in the next year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Outlook
Management believes that, with respect to the Company's current operations, cash on hand and funds from operations, together with its credit facility and other capital resources, will be sufficient to cover the Company's reasonably foreseeable working capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirements and other cash requirements in both the near term and over the longer term. The Company's ability to generate funds from operations may be affected by numerous factors, including general economic conditions and levels of consumer confidence and demand; however, the Company expects to be able to manage its working capital levels and capital expenditure amounts so as to maintain sufficient levels of liquidity. To the extent that the Company's cash balances from time to time exceed amounts that are needed to fund its immediate liquidity requirements, the Company will consider alternative uses of some or all of such excess cash. Such alternative uses may include, among others, the redemption or repurchase of debt, equity or other securities through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and the funding of pension related obligations. Depending upon its actual and anticipated sources and uses of liquidity, conditions in the capital markets and other factors, the Company will from time to time consider the issuance of debt or other securities, or other possible capital markets transactions, for the purpose of raising capital which could be used to refinance current indebtedness or for other corporate


purposes including the redemption or repurchase of debt, equity or other securities through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and the funding of pension related obligations.


The Company intends from time to time to consider additional acquisitions of, and investments in, retail businesses and other complementary assets and companies. Acquisition transactions, if any, are expected to be financed from one or more of the following sources: cash on hand, cash from operations, borrowings under existing or new credit facilities and the issuance of long-term debt or other securities, including common stock.

Important Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide users of the Company's financial information with additional useful information in evaluating operating performance. Management believes that providing supplemental changes in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis, which includes the impact of growth in comparable sales of departments licensed to third parties, assists in evaluating the Company's ability to generate sales growth, whether through owned businesses or departments licensed to third parties, on a comparable basis, and in evaluating the impact of changes in the manner in which certain departments are operated. In addition, management believes that excluding certain items that are not associated with the Company's core operations and that may vary substantially in frequency and magnitude period-to-period from diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders, EBIT and EBITDA, including as a percent to sales, provide useful supplemental measures that assist in evaluating the Company's ability to generate earnings and leverage sales, respectively, and to more readily compare these metrics between past and future periods. Management also believes that EBIT, EBITDA, Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are frequently used by investors and securities analysts in their evaluations of companies, and that such supplemental measures facilitate comparisons between companies that have different capital and financing structures and/or tax rates. In addition, management believes that ROIC is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating how efficiently the Company employs its capital. The Company uses some of these non-GAAP financial measures as performance measures for components of executive compensation.
The reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measure of changes in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis to GAAP comparable sales (i.e., on an owned basis) is in the same manner as illustrated below, where the impact of growth in comparable sales of departments licensed to third parties is the only reconciling item. In addition, the Company does not provide the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure of diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy’s, Inc. shareholders excluding certain items because the timing and amount of excluded items are unreasonably difficult to fully and accurately estimate.
Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed as supplementing, and not as an alternative or substitute for, the Company's financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Certain of the items that may be excluded or included in non-GAAP financial measures may be significant items that could impact the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and should therefore be considered in assessing the Company's actual and future financial condition and performance. Additionally, the amounts received by the Company on account of sales of departments licensed to third parties are limited to commissions received on such sales. The methods used by the Company to calculate its non-GAAP financial measures may differ significantly from methods used by other companies to compute similar measures. As a result, any non-GAAP financial measures presented herein may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies.



Changes in Comparable Sales
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure of changes in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis, to GAAP comparable sales (i.e., on an owned basis), which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
  2018 2017 2016
Increase (decrease) in comparable sales on an owned basis (note 1) 1.7% (2.2)% (3.5)%
Impact of growth in comparable sales of departments licensed to third parties (note 2) 0.3% 0.3 % 0.6 %
Increase (decrease) in comparable sales on an owned plus licensed basis 2.0% (1.9)% (2.9)%
Notes:
(1)Represents the period-to-period percentage change in net sales from stores in operation throughout the year presented and the immediately preceding year and all online sales, adjusting for the 53rd week in 2017, excluding commissions from departments licensed to third parties. Stores impacted by a natural disaster or undergoing significant expansion or shrinkage remain in the comparable sales calculation unless the store, or a material portion of the store, is closed for a significant period of time. Definitions and calculations of comparable sales differ among companies in the retail industry.

(2)Represents the impact of including the sales of departments licensed to third parties occurring in stores in operation throughout the year presented and the immediately preceding year and all online sales, adjusting for the 53rd week in 2017, in the calculation of comparable sales. The Company licenses third parties to operate certain departments in its stores and online and receives commissions from these third parties based on a percentage of their net sales. In its financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP, the Company includes these commissions (rather than sales of the departments licensed to third parties) in its net sales. The Company does not, however, include any amounts in respect of licensed department sales (or any commissions earned on such sales) in its comparable sales in accordance with GAAP (i.e., on an owned basis). The amounts of commissions earned on sales of departments licensed to third parties are not material to its net sales for the periods presented.
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to Macy's, Inc. Shareholders
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders, excluding certain items, to GAAP diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders, which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
  2018 2017 2016
As reported $3.56
 $5.10
 $2.02
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs (a)
 0.41
 0.61
 1.54
Settlement charges 0.28
 0.34
 0.31
Losses (gains) on early retirement of debt 0.11
 (0.03) 
Income tax impact of certain items identified above (0.18) (0.33) (0.73)
Deferred tax effects of federal tax reform 
 (1.90) 
As adjusted $4.18
 $3.79
 $3.14
Gains on sale of real estate (1.25) $(1.77) (0.67)
Income tax impact of gains on sale of real estate 0.33
 $0.67
 0.26
As adjusted excluding gains on sale of real estate $3.26
 $2.69
 $2.73
(a) 2018 excludes impairment, restructuring, and other costs attributable to the noncontrollling interest shareholder of $8 million.





Adjusted EBIT and EBITDA as a Percent to Net Sales
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure EBIT and EBITDA, as adjusted to exclude certain items ("Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA"), as a percent to net sales to GAAP net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders as a percent to net sales, which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
  2018 2017 2016
  (millions, except percentages)
Net sales $24,971
 $24,939
 $25,908
       
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders $1,108
 $1,566
 $627
       
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders
    as a percent to net sales
 4.4% 6.3% 2.4%
       
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders $1,108
 $1,566
 $627
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs (a)
 128
 186
 479
Settlement charges 88
 105
 98
Interest expense - net 236
 310
 363
Losses (gains) on early retirement of debt 33
 (10) 
Federal, state and local income tax expense (benefit) 322
 (39) 346
Adjusted EBIT $1,915
 $2,118
 $1,913
Adjusted EBIT as a percent to net sales 7.7% 8.5% 7.4%
       
Add back depreciation and amortization 962
 991
 1,058
Adjusted EBITDA $2,877
 $3,109
 $2,971
Adjusted EBITDA as a percent to net sales 11.5% 12.5% 11.5%
(a) 2018 excludes impairment, restructuring, and other costs attributable to the noncontrollling interest shareholder of $8 million.


ROIC
The Company defines ROIC as adjusted EBITDA, excluding net rent expense, as a percent to average invested capital. Average invested capital is comprised of an annual two-point (i.e., end of the year presented and the immediately preceding year) average of gross property and equipment, a capitalized value of non-capitalized leases equal to periodic annual reported net rent expense multiplied by a factor of eight and a four-point (i.e., end of each quarter within the period presented) average of other selected assets and liabilities. The calculation of the capitalized value of non-capitalized leases is consistent with industry and credit rating agency practice and the specified assets are subject to a four-point average to compensate for seasonal fluctuations.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure of ROIC to net income as a percent to property and equipment - net, which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
  2018 2017 2016
  (millions, except percentages)
Net income $1,098
 $1,555
 $619
       
Property and equipment - net $6,655
 $6,845
 $7,317
       
Net income as a percent to property and
equipment - net
 16.5% 22.7% 8.5%
       
Net income $1,098
 $1,555
 $619
Add back interest expense, net 236
 310
 363
Add back (deduct) losses (gains) on early retirement of debt 33
 (10) 
Add back (deduct) federal, state and local tax expense (benefit) 322
 (39) 346
Add back restructuring, impairment, store closing and
other costs
 136
 186
 479
Add back settlement charges 88
 105
 98
Add back depreciation and amortization 962
 991
 1,058
Add back rent expense, net      
Real estate 327
 310
 306
Personal property 9
 10
 11
Deferred rent amortization 14
 14
 9
Adjusted EBITDA $3,225
 $3,432
 $3,289
       
Property and equipment - net $6,655
 $6,845
 $7,317
Add back accumulated depreciation and amortization 4,553
 4,733
 5,088
Add capitalized value of non-capitalized leases 2,800
 2,672
 2,608
Add (deduct) other selected assets and liabilities:      
Receivables 273
 327
 402
Merchandise inventories 5,664
 5,712
 6,012
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 608
 616
 687
Other assets 803
 830
 881
Merchandise accounts payable (2,219) (2,115) (2,173)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (2,917) (3,127) (3,075)
Total average invested capital $16,220
 $16,493
 $17,747
       
ROIC 19.9% 20.8% 18.5%



Critical Accounting Policies
Merchandise Inventories
Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method, inventory is segregated into departments of merchandise having similar characteristics, and is stated at its current retail selling value. The retail inventory method inherently requires management judgments and estimates, such as the amount and timing of permanent markdowns to clear unproductive or slow-moving inventory, which may impact the ending inventory valuation as well as gross margins.
Permanent markdowns designated for clearance activity are recorded when the utility of the inventory has diminished. Factors considered in the determination of permanent markdowns include current and anticipated demand, customer preferences, age of the merchandise and fashion trends. When a decision is made to permanently mark down merchandise, the resulting gross profitmargin reduction is recognized in the period the markdown is recorded.
Long-Lived Asset Impairment and Restructuring Charges
The carrying values of long-lived assets are periodically reviewed by the Company whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, such as historical operating losses or plans to close stores before the end of their previously estimated useful lives. Additionally, on an annual basis, the recoverability of the carrying values of individual stores is evaluated. A potential impairment has occurred if projected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets. The estimate of cash flows includes management's assumptions of cash inflows and outflows directly resulting from the use of those assets in operations. When a potential impairment has occurred, an impairment write-down is recorded if the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. The Company believes its estimated cash flows are sufficient to support the carrying value of its long-lived assets. If estimated cash flows significantly differ in the future, the Company may be required to record asset impairment write-downs.
If the Company commits to a plan to dispose of a long-lived asset before the end of its previously estimated useful life, estimated cash flows are revised accordingly, and the Company may be required to record an asset impairment write-down. Additionally, related liabilities arise such as severance, contractual obligations and other accruals associated with store closings from decisions to dispose of assets. The Company estimates these liabilities based on the facts and circumstances in existence for each restructuring decision. The amounts the Company will ultimately realize or disburse could differ from the amounts assumed in arriving at the asset impairment and restructuring charge recorded.


Income Taxes
Income taxes are estimated based on the tax statutes, regulations and case law of the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred income tax assets are evaluated for recoverability based on all available evidence, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, and the feasibility of tax planning strategies. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.
Uncertain tax positions are recognized if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Uncertain tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are then measured to determine the amount of benefit eligible for recognition in the financial statements. Each uncertain tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Uncertain tax positions are evaluated and adjusted as appropriate, while taking into account the progress of audits of various taxing jurisdictions. The Company does not anticipate that resolutionResolution of these matters willcould have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's uncertain tax positions, provision for income taxes, and any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. Although the Company believes that its judgments are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which is reflected in the Company's historical income provisions and accruals.


Pension and Supplementary Retirement Plans
The Company has a funded defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”) and an unfunded defined benefit supplementary retirement plan (the “SERP”). The Company accounts for these plans in accordance with ASC Topic 715, “CompensationCompensation - Retirement Benefits. Under ASC Topic 715, an employer recognizes the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability on the balance sheet and recognizes changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. Additionally, pension expense is generally recognized on an accrual basis over the average remaining lifetime of participants. The pension expense calculation is generally independent of funding decisions or requirements.
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 provides the funding requirements for the Pension Plan which are different from the employer's accounting for the plan as outlined in ASC Topic 715. No funding contributions were required, and the Company made no funding contributions to the Pension Plan in 2016.2018 and 2017. As of the date of this report, the Company does not anticipate making funding contributions to the Pension Plan in 2017.2019. Management believes that, with respect to the Company's current operations, cash on hand and funds from operations, together with available borrowing under its credit facility and other capital resources, will be sufficient to cover the Company's Pension Plan cash requirements in both the near term and also over the longer term.
At January 28, 2017, the Company had unrecognized actuarial losses of $1,232 million for the Pension Plan and $248 million for the SERP. The unrecognized losses for the Pension Plan and the SERP will be recognized as a component of pension expense in future years in accordance with ASC Topic 715, and is expected to impact 2017 Pension and SERP net periodic benefit costs by approximately $41 million. The Company generally amortizes unrecognized gains and losses on a straight-line basis over the average remaining lifetime of participants using the corridor approach. In addition, approximately $80 to 90 million of net actuarial losses are also expected to be recognized in 2017 as part of a non-cash settlement charge, resulting from an anticipated increase in lump sum distributions associated with store closings, a voluntary separation program and organizational restructuring and small balance force outs, in addition to annual distribution activity.
The calculation of pension expense and pension liabilities requires the use of a number of assumptions. Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience may differ significantly from current expectations. The Company believes that the most critical assumptions relate to the long-term rate of return on plan assets (in the case of the Pension Plan) and the discount rate used to determine the present value of projected benefit obligations.


As of January 31, 2015, the Company lowered theThe Company's assumed annual long-term rate of return for the Pension Plan's assets from 7.50% towas 6.75% for 2018, and 7.00% for 2017 and 2016 based on expected future returns on the portfolio of assets. For 2019, the Company is lowering the assumed annual long-term rate of return to 6.50% based on expected future returns of the portfolio of assets. The Company develops its expected long-term rate of return assumption by evaluating input from several professional advisors taking into account the asset allocation of the portfolio and long-term asset class return expectations, as well as long-term inflation assumptions. Pension expense increases or decreases as the expected rate of return on the assets of the Pension Plan decreases or increases, respectively. Lowering or raising the expected long-term rate of return assumption on the Pension Plan's assets by 0.25% would increase or decrease the estimated 20172019 pension expense by approximately $8$7 million.
The Company discounted its future pension obligations using a weighted-average rate of 4.00%4.03% at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and 4.17%3.74% at January 30, 2016February 3, 2018 for the Pension Plan and 4.07%4.10% at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and 4.23%3.78% at January 30, 2016February 3, 2018 for the SERP. The discount rate used to determine the present value of the Company's Pension Plan and SERP obligations is based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high quality corporate debt securities with various maturities. Each year's expected future benefit payments are discounted to their present value at the appropriate yield curve rate, thereby generating the overall discount rate for Pension Plan and SERP obligations. As the discount rate is reduced or increased, the pension liability would increase or decrease, respectively, and future pension expense would decrease or increase, respectively. Lowering the discount rates by 0.25% would increase the projected benefit obligations at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 by approximately $105$77 million and would decrease estimated 20172019 pension expense by approximately $3 million. Increasing the discount rates by 0.25% would decrease the projected benefit obligations at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 by approximately $99$72 million and would increase estimated 20172019 pension expense by approximately $3 million.
In 2016, theThe Company changed the method used to estimateestimates the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs for the Pension Plan and SERP. The newThis method uses a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components of net periodic benefit costs. Under this approach, the Company applies discounting using individual spot rates from the yield curve composed of the rates of return from a portfolio of high quality corporate debt securities available at the measurement date. These spot rates align to each of the projected benefit obligation and service cost cash flows. Historically, the Company estimated the service and interest cost components using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligations.
The Company made this change to improve the correlation between projected benefit cash flows and the corresponding yield curve spot rates and to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs. The Company accounted for this change as a change in estimate prospectively starting in 2016. The 2016 reduction in service cost and interest cost for the Pension Plan and SERP associated with this change was approximately $36 million.



New Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FinancialSee Note 1, "Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which establishes principles to report useful information to financial statements users about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue from contracts with customers. ASU No. 2014-09 along with related amendments ASU Nos. 2016-20, 2016-12, 2016-10, 2016-08, and 2015-14 comprise ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and provide guidance that is applicable to all contracts with customers regardless of industry-specific or transaction-specific fact patterns . The new standard and its related updates are effective for the Company beginning on February 4, 2018. Early adoption is permitted in 2017; however, Macy's will not early adopt the new guidance. On the effective date, the Company will apply the new guidance retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluating the methods of adoption and has not yet decided on the method to be applied when the new revenue guidance is effective.
Combined with the guidance in ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20), the Company currently estimates the material impacts to its consolidated financial statements to include changes in the presentation of estimates for future sales returns and related recoverable assets, presentation of earnings from credit operations, timing of certain real estate gains (particularly those with leaseback components) and the presentation of certain consignment and license arrangements.
The Company does not expect the new guidance to materially impact the revenue recognition associated with gift card breakage as well as the accounting for its warranty arrangements, loyalty programs and other customer incentive arrangements. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impactPolicies," of the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion on new standards and the final determinations of the impact of the new guidance may differ from these initial estimates.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize substantially all leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right of use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement.
The new standard is effective for the Company on February 3, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The new standard is to be adopted utilizing a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the consolidated financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company has not yet decided whether it will early adopt the new standard but the Company currently plans to elect all of the standard's available practical expedients on adoption.
The Company expects that the new lease standard will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. While the Company is continuing to assess the effects of adoption, the Company currently believes the most significant changes relate to the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets for real property and personal property operating leases as well as changes to the timing of recognition of certain real estate asset sale gains in the consolidated statements of income due to application of the new sale-leaseback guidance and ASU No. 2017-05 as discussed above. The Company expects that substantially all of its operating lease commitments disclosed in Note 4, "Properties and Leases", to the consolidated financial statements will be subject to the new guidance and will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and ROU assets upon adoption. A significant change in leasing activity between the date of this report and adoption is not expected.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The new guidance includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments, including accounting for income taxes, earnings per share and forfeitures. This guidance requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in income tax expense when the awards vest or are settled, with prospective application required. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 29, 2017. The impact of the new standard will vary based on the intrinsic value of vested awards when exercised or expired but is not currently expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.pronouncements.


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), which requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from other components of net periodic benefit costs and to disclose the amounts of net periodic benefit costs that are included in each income statement line item. The standard requires employers to report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs and to report the other components of net periodic benefit costs (which include interest costs, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost or credits and actuarial gains and losses) separately and outside a subtotal of operating income. The income statement guidance requires application on a retrospective basis. The new standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows and related disclosures. The Company plans to adopt this standard on February 4, 2018.
The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of any other recent accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.



Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates that may adversely affect its financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In seeking to minimize the risks from interest rate fluctuations, the Company manages exposures through its regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. The Company does not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes and is not a party to any leveraged financial instruments.
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk through its borrowing activities, which are described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. All of the Company’s borrowings are under fixed rate instruments. However, the Company, from time to time, may use interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements to help manage its exposure to interest rate movements and reduce borrowing costs. At January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, the Company was not a party to any derivative financial instruments and based on the Company’s lack of market risk sensitive instruments outstanding at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, the Company has determined that there was no material market risk exposure to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as of such date.
 
Item 8.Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Information called for by this item is set forth in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data contained in this report and is incorporated herein by this reference. Specific financial statements and supplementary data can be found at the pages listed in the following index:

INDEX
 
 Page
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended
February 2, 2019, February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015
February 3, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended
February 2, 2019, February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended
February 2, 2019, February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015



Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
 
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures.
a. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have carried out, as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, with the participation of the Company’s management, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of February 2, 2019 the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports the Company files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
b. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s management conducted an assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, the Company’s management has concluded that, as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and has issued an attestation report expressing an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as stated in their report located on page F-3.
c. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
ThereFrom time to time major organizational restructuring and realignment occurs for which the Company reviews its internal control over financial reporting. As a result of this review, there were no changes in the Company’s internal controlscontrol over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recently completed quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


PART III
 
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information required by this item for executive officers is set forth under “Item 1. Business - Executive Officers of the Registrant” in this report. The other information called for by this item is set forth under “Item 1 -1. Election of Directors” and “Further Information Concerning the Board of Directors - Committees of the Board” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the 20172019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Proxy Statement”), and incorporated herein by reference.
The Company’s Code of Conduct is in compliance with the applicable rules of the SEC that apply to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or comptroller, or persons performing similar functions.  A copy of the Code of Conduct is available, free of charge, through the Company’s website at
http:https://www.macysinc.com. We intend to satisfy any disclosure requirement under Item 5 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Conduct by posting such information to the Company’s website at the address and location specified above.



Set forth below are the names, ages and principal occupations of the Company's non-employee directors as of March 24, 2017.21, 2019.
Name Age Director Since Principal Occupation Age Director Since Principal Occupation
David P. Abney 63 2018 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UPS, Inc., a multinational package delivery and supply chain management company, since 2016 and 2014, respectively. Chief Operating Officer of UPS, Inc. since 2007.
Francis S. Blake 67 2015 Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Home Depot, Inc. 69 2015 Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Home Depot, Inc., a multinational home improvement retailer.
John A. Bryant 51 2015 Chairman of the Board of Kellogg Company since July 2014 and President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2011. 53 2015 Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kellogg Company, a multinational cereal and snack food producer.
Deirdre P. Connelly 56 2008 Former President, North American Pharmaceuticals of GlaxoSmithKline, a global pharmaceutical company. 58 2008 Former President, North American Pharmaceuticals of GlaxoSmithKline, a global pharmaceutical company.
Leslie D. Hale 44 2015 Chief Operating Officer since 2016, Chief Financial Officer since 2007 and Executive Vice President since 2013 of RLJ Lodging Trust, a publicly-traded lodging real estate investment trust. 46 2015 President and Chief Executive Officer of RLJ Lodging Trust, a publicly-traded lodging real estate investment trust, since 2018.
William H. Lenehan 40 2016 President and Chief Executive Officer of Four Corners Property Trust, Inc., a real estate investment trust, since August 2015. 42 2016 President and Chief Executive Officer of Four Corners Property Trust, Inc., a real estate investment trust, since 2015.
Sara Levinson 66 1997 Co-Founder and Director of Katapult, a digital entertainment company making products for today's creative generation, since April 2013. 68 1997 Co-Founder and Director of Katapult, a digital entertainment company making products for today's creative generation, since 2013.
Joyce M. Roché 70 2006 Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Girls Incorporated, a national non-profit research, education and advocacy organization. 72 2006 Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Girls Incorporated, a national non-profit research, education and advocacy organization.
Paul C. Varga 53 2012 Chairman of Brown-Forman Corporation, a spirits and wine company, since August 2007 and Chief Executive Officer since 2005. 55 2012 Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Brown-Forman Corporation, a spirits and wine company.
Marna C. Whittington 69 1993 Former Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Global Investors Capital, a diversified global investment firm. 71 1993 Former Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Global Investors Capital, a diversified global investment firm.
Annie Young-Scrivner 48 2014 Executive Vice President of Starbucks Corporation since September 2009, with responsibility for global loyalty and digital development since September 2015.



Item 11.Executive Compensation.
Information called for by this item is set forth under “Compensation Discussion & Analysis,” “Compensation of the Named Executives for 20162018,” “Compensation Committee Report”,Report,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and "Further Information Concerning the Board of Directors-RiskDirectors – Risk Oversight" in the Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information called for by this item is set forth under “Stock Ownership – Certain Beneficial Owners”Owners,” “Stock Ownership – Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans,” and “Stock Ownership – Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers” in the Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information called for by this item is set forth under “Further Information Concerning the Board of Directors – Director Independence” and “Policy on Related Person Transactions” in the Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Information called for by this item is set forth under “Item 2 –2. Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.



PART IV
 
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements:
The list of financial statements required by this item is set forth in Item 8 “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and is incorporated herein by reference.
2. Financial Statement Schedules:
All schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable, not required, or the information is included elsewhere in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto.
3. Exhibits:

Exhibit
Number
 Description Document if Incorporated by Reference
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation 
     
3.1.1 Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock 
     
3.1.2 Article Seventh of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation 
     
3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws 
     
4.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation 
     
4.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws 
     
4.3 Indenture, dated as of January 15, 1991, among the Company (as successor to The May Department Stores Company (“May Delaware”)), Macy's Retail Holdings, Inc. (“Macy's Retail”) (f/k/a The May Department Stores Company (NY) or “May New York”) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (“BNY Mellon”, successor to J.P. Morgan Trust Company and as successor to The First National Bank of Chicago), as Trustee (the “1991(“1991 Indenture”) Exhibit 4(2) to May New York’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 15, 1991
     
4.3.1 Guarantee of Securities, dated as of August 30, 2005, by the Company relating to the 1991 Indenture 
     
4.4 Indenture, dated as of December 15, 1994, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association (successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee (the “1994(“1994 Indenture”) Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-88328) filed on January 9, 1995
     
4.4.1 EighthNinth Supplemental Indenture to the 1994 Indenture, dated as of July 14, 1997, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association (successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee 
     


Exhibit
Number
 Description Document if Incorporated by Reference
4.4.2 Ninth Supplemental Indenture to the 1994 Indenture, dated as of July 14, 1997, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association (successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and The First National Bank of Boston), as TrusteeExhibit 3 to the July 15, 1997 Form 8-K
4.4.3Tenth Supplemental Indenture to the 1994 Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2005, among the Company, Macy's Retail and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company and as successor to The First National Bank of Boston), as Trustee 
     
4.4.44.4.3 Guarantee of Securities, dated as of August 30, 2005, by the Company relating to the 1994 Indenture 
     
4.5 Indenture, dated as of September 10, 1997, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association (successor to Citibank, N.A.), as Trustee (the “1997(“1997 Indenture”) 
     
4.5.1 First Supplemental Indenture to the 1997 Indenture, dated as of February 6, 1998, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association (successor to Citibank, N.A.), as Trustee 
     
4.5.2 Third Supplemental Indenture to the 1997 Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1999, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association (successor to Citibank, N.A.), as Trustee 
     
4.5.3 Seventh Supplemental Indenture to the 1997 Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2005 among the Company, Macy's Retail and U.S. Bank National Association (successor to Citibank, N.A.), as Trustee 
     
4.5.4 Guarantee of Securities, dated as of August 30, 2005, by the Company relating to the 1997 Indenture 
     
4.6 Indenture, dated as of June 17, 1996, among the Company (as successor to May Delaware), Macy's Retail (f/k/a May New York) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (“BNY Mellon”, successor to J.P. Morgan Trust Company), as Trustee (the “1996(“1996 Indenture”) 
     
4.6.1 First Supplemental Indenture to the 1996 Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2005, by and among the Company (as successor to May Delaware), Macy's Retail (f/k/a May New York) and BNY Mellon (successor to J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association), as Trustee 
     
4.7 Indenture, dated as of July 20, 2004, among the Company (as successor to May Delaware), Macy's Retail (f/k/a May New York) and BNY Mellon, as Trustee (the “2004(“2004 Indenture”) 
     
4.7.1 First Supplemental Indenture to the 2004 Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2005 among the Company (as successor to May Delaware), Macy's Retail and BNY Mellon (successor to J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association), as Trustee 
     
4.8 Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2006, by and among Macy's Retail, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “2006(“2006 Indenture”) 
4.8.1Third Supplemental Indenture to 2006 Indenture, dated March 12, 2007, among Macy's Retail, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee
     


Exhibit
Number
 Description Document if Incorporated by Reference
4.8.1First Supplemental Indenture to the 2006 Indenture, dated November 29, 2006, among Macy's Retail, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as TrusteeExhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2006
4.8.2Third Supplemental Indenture to the 2006 Indenture, dated March 12, 2007, among Macy's Retail, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as TrusteeExhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2007
4.8.3 Sixth Supplemental Indenture to the 2006 Indenture, dated December 10, 2015, among Macy's Retail, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee 
     
4.9 Indenture, dated as of January 13, 2012, among Macy's Retail, the Company and BNY Mellon, as Trustee (the "2012("2012 Indenture") 
     
4.9.1 First Supplemental Trust Indenture to the 2012 Indenture, dated as of January 13, 2012, among Macy's Retail, as issuer, the Company, as guarantor, and BNY Mellon, as trustee 
     
4.9.2 Second Supplemental Trust Indenture to the 2012 Indenture, dated as of January 13, 2012, among Macy's Retail, as issuer, the Company, as guarantor, and BNY Mellon, as trustee 
     
4.9.3 Third Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2012, among Macy's Retail, as issuer, the Company, as guarantor, and BNY Mellon, as trustee 
     
4.9.4 Fourth Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2012, among Macy's Retail, as issuer, the Company, as guarantor, and BNY Mellon, as trustee 
     
4.9.5 Fifth Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated as of September 6, 2013, among Macy's Retail, as issuer, the Company, as guarantor, and BNY Mellon, as trustee 
     
4.9.6 Sixth Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2014, among Macy's Retail, as issuer, the Company, as guarantor, and BNY Mellon, as trustee 
     
4.9.7 Seventh Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated as of November 18, 2014, among Macy's Retail, as issuer, the Company, as guarantor, and BNY Mellon, as trustee 
     
10.1 Credit Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2016, among the Company, Macy's Retail, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and paying agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent 
     
10.2 Guarantee Agreement, dated as of May 16,6, 2016, among the Company, Macy's Retail, certain subsidiary guarantors and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as paying agent 
     
10.3 Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2014, among Macy's, Inc. and members of the Affiliated Group 
     


Exhibit
Number
DescriptionDocument if Incorporated by Reference
10.4+ Amended and Restated Credit Card Program Agreement, dated November 10, 2014, among the Company, FDS Bank, Macy's Credit and Customer Services, Inc. (“MCCS”), Macy's West Stores, Inc., Bloomingdales, Inc., Department Stores National Bank ("DSNB") and Citibank, N.A. 
     
10.5 1995 Executive Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of June 1, 2007 (the “1995 Plan”) *Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-13536) for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 (the “2008 Form 10-K”)
10.6Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan * 
10.71994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of June 1, 2007 *Exhibit 10.13 to the 2008 Form 10-K
10.8Form of Indemnification Agreement *Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 1-10951), filed on November 27, 1991
10.9Executive Severance Plan, effective November 1, 2009, as revised and restated January 1, 2014 *Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-13536) for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014 (the “2013 Form 10-K”)
10.10Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for the 1995 Plan (for Executives and Key Employees) *Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 29, 2005
10.10.1Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for the 1995 Plan (for Executives and Key Employees), as amended *Exhibit 10.33.1 to the Company's Annual Report Form 10-K (File No. 1-13536) for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006
10.10.2Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan *Exhibit 10.7 to the Current Report on From 8-K (File No. 001-00079) filed on March 23, 2005 by May Delaware (the “March 23, 2005 Form 8-K”)
10.10.3Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (for Executives and Key Employees) *Exhibit 10.15.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-13536) for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 (the "2012 Form 10-K")
10.10.4Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (for Executives and Key Employees) *Exhibit 10.14.4 to the 2014 Form 10-K
10.11Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2007, by and between the Company and Terry Lundgren *Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2007
10.12Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan *Exhibit 10.4 to the March 23, 2005 Form 8-K
10.12.1
Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan *
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 25, 2010
10.13Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan for the 2015-2017 performance period *Exhibit 10.17.2 to the 2014 Form 10-K
10.13.12016-2018 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Terms and Conditions *Exhibit 10.13.2 to the 2015 Form 10-K
10.13.22017-2019 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Terms and Conditions *


Exhibit
Number
DescriptionDocument if Incorporated by Reference
10.14Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan *Exhibit 10.19 to the 2012 Form 10-K
10.14.1Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan *Exhibit 10.18.1 to the 2014 Form 10-K
10.15Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan *Exhibit 10.29 to the 2008 Form 10-K
10.15.1First Amendment to the Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan effective January 1, 2012 *Exhibit 10.21.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-13536) for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012
10.15.2Second Amendment to Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan effective January 1, 2012 *Exhibit 10.20.2 to the 2012 Form 10-K
10.15.3Third Amendment to Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan effective December 31, 2013 *Exhibit 10.20.3 to the 2013 Form 10-K
10.16Executive Deferred Compensation Plan *Exhibit 10.30 to the 2008 Form 10-K
10.16.1First Amendment to Executive Deferred Compensation Plan effective December 19, 2013 *Exhibit 10.21.1 to the 2013 Form 10-K
10.17Macy's, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Investment Plan (the "Plan") (amending and restating the Macy's, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Investment Plan) effective as of January 1, 2014 *Exhibit 10.22 to the 2013 Form 10-K
10.17.1First Amendment to the Plan regarding matching contributions with respect to the Plan’s plan years beginning on and after January 1, 2014, effective January 1, 2014 *Exhibit 10.21.1 to the 2014 Form 10-K
10.17.2Second Amendment to the Plan regarding marriage status, effective January 1, 2014 *Exhibit 10.21.2 to the 2014 Form 10-K
10.17.3Third Amendment to the Plan regarding matching contributions with respect to the Plan’s plan years beginning on and after January 1, 2014 *Exhibit 10.21.3 to the 2014 Form 10-K
10.17.4Fourth Amendment to the Plan regarding rules applicable to Puerto Rico participants effective January 1, 2011 (and for the Plan's plan years beginning on and after that date)*Exhibit 10.17.4 to the 2015 Form 10-K
10.17.5Fifth Amendment to the Plan regarding eligible associates to participate (pre-tax deferrals only, no match) immediately upon hire*Exhibit 10.17.5 to the 2015 Form 10-K
10.18Director Deferred Compensation Plan *Exhibit 10.33 to the 2008 Form 10-K
10.19Macy's, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan *Appendix B to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April 2, 2014
10.20
Macy's, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan *2017

Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-192917) filed on December 18, 2013
10.20.1First Amendment to Deferred Compensation Plan regarding special rules of eligibility for newly eligible participants, effective April 1, 2014 *Exhibit 10.24.1 to the 2014 Form 10-K
     


Exhibit
Number
 Description Document if Incorporated by Reference
10.61994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of June 1, 2007 *
10.7Form of Indemnification Agreement *Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 1-10951), filed November 27, 1991
10.8Executive Severance Plan, effective November 1, 2009, as revised and restated January 1, 2014 *
10.8.1Senior Executive Severance Plan effective as of April 1, 2018 *
10.9Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan *
10.9.1Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (for Executives and Key Employees) *
10.9.2Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (for Executives and Key Employees) *
10.9.3Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (for Executives and Key Employees), as amended *
10.9.4

10.10Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan *
10.10.1
Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan *
10.112016-2018 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Terms and Conditions under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan *
10.11.12017-2019 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Terms and Conditions under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan *
10.11.22018-2020 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Terms and Conditions under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan *
10.11.3

10.12Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan *


Exhibit
Number
DescriptionDocument if Incorporated by Reference
10.12.1Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan *
10.12.2Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (with dividend equivalents) *
10.12.3
Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended *


10.12.4

10.13Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan *
10.13.1First Amendment to the Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan effective January 1, 2012 *
10.13.2Second Amendment to Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan effective January 1, 2012 *
10.13.3Third Amendment to Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan effective December 31, 2013 *
10.14Executive Deferred Compensation Plan *
10.14.1First Amendment to Executive Deferred Compensation Plan effective December 31, 2013 *
10.15Macy's, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Investment Plan (the "Plan") (amending and restating the Macy's, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Investment Plan) effective as of January 1, 2014 *
10.15.1First Amendment to the Plan regarding matching contributions with respect to the Plan’s plan years beginning on and after January 1, 2014, effective January 1, 2014 *
10.15.2Second Amendment to the Plan regarding marriage status, effective January 1, 2014 *
10.15.3Third Amendment to the Plan regarding matching contributions with respect to the Plan’s plan years beginning on and after January 1, 2014 *
10.15.4Fourth Amendment to the Plan regarding rules applicable to Puerto Rico participants effective January 1, 2011 (and for the Plan's plan years beginning on and after that date)*
10.15.5Fifth Amendment to the Plan regarding eligible associates to participate (pre-tax deferrals only, no match) immediately upon hire effective as of January 1, 2014*
10.16Director Deferred Compensation Plan *
10.17Macy's, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan *


Exhibit
Number
DescriptionDocument if Incorporated by Reference
10.18Macy's, Inc. 2018 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan *
10.19
Macy's, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan *

10.19.1First Amendment to Deferred Compensation Plan regarding special rules of eligibility for newly eligible participants, effective April 1, 2014 *
10.19.2 Second Amendment to Deferred Compensation Plan regarding payment rules for plan years that begin on or after January 1, 2015, effective January 1, 2014 * 
     
10.20.310.19.3 Third Amendment to Deferred Compensation Plan regarding a lump sum distribution from account if its balance does not exceed a certain amount, effective July 1, 2015* 
     
10.2110.20 Change in Control Plan, effective November 1, 2009, as revised and restated Januaryeffective April 1, 20142018 * 
10.21Time Sharing Agreement between Macy's, Inc. and Jeff Gennette, dated June 14, 2017 *
     
10.22 Amended and Restated Time SharingRetention Letter Agreement between Macy's, Inc. and Terry J. Lundgren,Karen Hoguet dated August 21, 2014April 3, 2018 * 
10.23General Release with Addendum between Macy's, Inc. and Peter R. Sachse *April 6, 2018
     
21   
     
23   
     
24   
     
31.1   
     
31.2   
     
32.1   
     
32.2   
     
101 The following financial statements from Macy's, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019, filed on March 29, 2017,April 3, 2019, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocksblock of text and in detail.  
___________________
+Portions of the exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. The confidential portions have been provided to the SEC.
*Constitutes a compensatory plan or arrangement.



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 MACY’S, INC.
   
 By:
/s/    ELISA D. GARCIA        
  
Elisa D. Garcia
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Date: March 29, 2017April 3, 2019
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 29, 2017April 3, 2019.
 
     
* * *
Jeff Gennette Karen M. HoguetPaula A. Price Felicia Williams
     
President, Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer), Chairman of the Board and Director Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) ExecutiveSenior Vice President, Controller and Enterprise Risk Officer (principal accounting officer)
     
* * *
Terry J. LundgrenDavid P. Abney Francis S. Blake John A. Bryant
     
Executive Chairman, Chairman of the Board and Director Director Director
     
* * *
Deirdre P. Connelly Leslie D. Hale William H. Lenehan
     
Director Director Director
     
* * *
Sara Levinson Joyce M. Roché Paul C. Varga
     
Director Director Director
     
* *  
Marna C. Whittington Annie Young-Scrivner  
     
Director Director
  
 ___________________
*The undersigned, by signing hisher name hereto, does sign and execute this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to the Powers of Attorney executed by the above-named officers and directors and filed herewith.

 By:
/s/    ELISA D. GARCIA       
  
Elisa D. Garcia
Attorney-in-Fact


INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 Page
Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended
February 2, 2019, February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended
February 2, 2019, February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended
February 2, 2019, February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended
February 2, 2019, February 3, 2018, and January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
To the Shareholders of
Macy’s, Inc.:
The integrity and consistency of the Consolidated Financial Statements of Macy’s, Inc. and subsidiaries, which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, are the responsibility of management and properly include some amounts that are based upon estimates and judgments.
The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls, which is supported by a program of internal audits with appropriate management follow-up action, to provide reasonable assurance, at appropriate cost, that the Company’s assets are protected and transactions are properly recorded. Additionally, the integrity of the financial accounting system is based on careful selection and training of qualified personnel, organizational arrangements which provide for appropriate division of responsibilities and communication of established written policies and procedures.
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and has issued Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been audited by KPMG LLP. Their report expresses their opinion as to the fair presentation, in all material respects, of the financial statements and is based upon their independent audits.
The Audit Committee, composed solely of outside directors, meets periodically with KPMG LLP, the internal auditors and representatives of management to discuss auditing and financial reporting matters. In addition, KPMG LLP and the Company’s internal auditors meet periodically with the Audit Committee without management representatives present and have free access to the Audit Committee at any time. The Audit Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm and the general oversight review of management’s discharge of its responsibilities with respect to the matters referred to above.

Terry J. Lundgren
Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board

Jeff Gennette
President and Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and Director
Karen M. HoguetPaula A. Price
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Felicia Williams
ExecutiveSenior Vice President, Controller and Enterprise Risk Officer


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
TheTo the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Macy’s, Inc.:

Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Macy’s, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016, andFebruary 3, 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended January 28, 2017.February 2, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited Macy’s, Inc.’sthe Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework 2013 (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Macy’s, Inc.’sCommission.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended February 2, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 2, 2019 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A(b), “Management’s Report Onon Internal Control over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on thesethe Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on Macy’s, Inc.’sthe Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessingstatements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, andas well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statement presentation.statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and


that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Macy’s, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended January 28, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, Macy’s, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1988.
Cincinnati, Ohio
March 29, 2017April 3, 2019



MACY’S, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(millions, except per share data)
 
          
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Net sales$25,778
 $27,079
 $28,105
$24,971
 $24,939
 $25,908
Credit card revenues, net768
 702
 656
     
Cost of sales(15,621) (16,496) (16,863)(15,215) (15,181) (15,666)
Gross margin10,157
 10,583
 11,242
Selling, general and administrative expenses(8,265) (8,256) (8,355)(9,039) (8,954) (9,257)
Impairments, store closing and other costs(479) (288) (87)
Gains on sale of real estate389
 544
 209
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs(136) (186) (479)
Operating income1,738
 1,864
 1,371
Benefit plan income, net39
 57
 55
Settlement charges(98) 
 
(88) (105) (98)
Operating income1,315
 2,039
 2,800
Interest expense(367) (363) (395)(261) (321) (367)
Premium on early retirement of debt
 
 (17)
Gains (losses) on early retirement of debt(33) 10
 
Interest income4
 2
 2
25
 11
 4
Income before income taxes952
 1,678
 2,390
1,420
 1,516
 965
Federal, state and local income tax expense(341) (608) (864)
Federal, state and local income tax benefit (expense)(322) 39
 (346)
Net income611
 1,070
 1,526
1,098
 1,555
 619
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest8
 2
 
10
 11
 8
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders$619
 $1,072
 $1,526
$1,108
 $1,566
 $627
Basic earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$2.01
 $3.26
 $4.30
$3.60
 $5.13
 $2.03
Diluted earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$1.99
 $3.22
 $4.22
$3.56
 $5.10
 $2.02

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.


MACY’S, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(millions)
 
          
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Net income$611
 $1,070
 $1,526
$1,098
 $1,555
 $619
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:          
Actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost on post employment
and postretirement benefit plans, net of tax effect of
$42 million and $269 million
65
 
 (422)
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service credit on post employment and postretirement benefit plans, net of tax effect of $52 million, $37 million and $42 million(151) 82
 65
Reclassifications to net income:          
Net actuarial loss on post employment and postretirement
benefit plans, net of tax effect of $14 million, $19 million
and $10 million
22
 29
 15
Settlement charges, net of tax effect of $38 million60
 
 
Net actuarial loss and prior service cost on post employment and postretirement benefit plans, net of tax effect of $7 million, $13 million and $14 million23
 22
 22
Settlement charges, net of tax effect of $23 million, $37 million and $38 million65
 68
 60
Total other comprehensive income (loss)147
 29
 (407)(63) 172
 147
Comprehensive income758
 1,099
 1,119
1,035
 1,727
 766
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest8
 2
 
10
 11
 8
Comprehensive income attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$766
 $1,101
 $1,119
$1,045
 $1,738
 $774

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.




MACY’S, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(millions)
 
      
January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016February 2, 2019 February 3, 2018
ASSETS      
Current Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$1,297
 $1,109
$1,162
 $1,455
Receivables522
 558
400
 363
Merchandise inventories5,399
 5,506
5,263
 5,178
Prepaid expenses and other current assets408
 479
620
 650
Total Current Assets7,626
 7,652
7,445
 7,646
Property and Equipment – net7,017
 7,616
6,637
 6,672
Goodwill3,897
 3,897
3,908
 3,897
Other Intangible Assets – net498
 514
478
 488
Other Assets813
 897
726
 880
Total Assets$19,851
 $20,576
$19,194
 $19,583
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current Liabilities:      
Short-term debt$309
 $642
$43
 $22
Merchandise accounts payable1,423
 1,526
1,655
 1,590
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities3,563
 3,333
3,366
 3,271
Income taxes352
 227
168
 296
Total Current Liabilities5,647
 5,728
5,232
 5,179
Long-Term Debt6,562
 6,995
4,708
 5,861
Deferred Income Taxes1,443
 1,477
1,238
 1,148
Other Liabilities1,877
 2,123
1,580
 1,662
Shareholders’ Equity:      
Common stock (304.1 and 310.3 shares outstanding)3
 3
Common stock (307.5 and 304.8 shares outstanding)3
 3
Additional paid-in capital617
 621
652
 676
Accumulated equity6,088
 6,334
8,050
 7,246
Treasury stock(1,489) (1,665)(1,318) (1,456)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(896) (1,043)(951) (724)
Total Macy's, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity4,323
 4,250
6,436
 5,745
Noncontrolling interest(1) 3

 (12)
Total Shareholders' Equity4,322
 4,253
6,436
 5,733
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$19,851
 $20,576
$19,194
 $19,583

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



MACY’S, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(millions)
                              
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Accumulated
Equity
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Macy's, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Non-controlling
Interest
 Total Shareholders' Equity
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Accumulated
Equity
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Macy's, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Non-controlling
Interest
 Total Shareholders' Equity
Balance at February 1, 2014$4
 $2,522
 $6,235
 $(1,847) $(665) $6,249
 $
 $6,249
Net income    1,526
     1,526
   1,526
Other comprehensive income        (407) (407)   (407)
Common stock dividends
($1.1875 per share)
    (421)     (421)   (421)
Stock repurchases      (1,901)   (1,901)   (1,901)
Stock-based compensation
expense
  72
       72
   72
Stock issued under stock plans  (66)   324
   258
   258
Retirement of common stock  (1,480)   1,480
   
   
Deferred compensation
plan distributions
      2
   2
   2
Balance at January 31, 20154
 1,048
 7,340
 (1,942) (1,072) 5,378
 
 5,378
Net income (loss)    1,072
     1,072
 (2) 1,070
Other comprehensive loss        29
 29
   29
Common stock dividends ($1.3925 per share)    (456)     (456)   (456)
Stock repurchases      (2,001)   (2,001)   (2,001)
Stock-based compensation
expense
  64
       64
   64
Stock issued under stock plans  (64)   226
   162
   162
Retirement of common stock(1) (427) (1,622) 2,050
   
   
Deferred compensation
plan distributions
      2
   2
   2
Macy's China Limited          
 5
 5
Balance at January 30, 20163
 621
 6,334
 (1,665) (1,043) 4,250
 3
 4,253
$3
 $621
 $6,334
 $(1,665) $(1,043) $4,250
 $3
 $4,253
Cumulative-effect adjustment (a)    45
     45
   45
Net income (loss)    619
     619
 (8) 611
    627
     627
 (8) 619
Other comprehensive income        147
 147
   147
        147
 147
   147
Common stock dividends ($1.4925 per share)    (459)     (459)   (459)    (459)     (459)   (459)
Stock repurchases      (316)   (316)   (316)      (316)   (316)   (316)
Stock-based compensation
expense
  60
       60
   60
  60
       60
   60
Stock issued under stock plans  (64)   81
   17
   17
  (64)   81
   17
   17
Retirement of common stock
 

 (406) 406
   
   

 
 (406) 406
   
   
Deferred compensation
plan distributions
      5
   5
   5
      5
   5
   5
Macy's China Limited          
 4
 4
          
 4
 4
Balance at January 28, 2017$3
 $617
 $6,088
 $(1,489) $(896) $4,323
 $(1) $4,322
3
 617
 6,141
 (1,489) (896) 4,376
 (1) 4,375
Net income (loss)    1,566
     1,566
 (11) 1,555
Other comprehensive income        172
 172
   172
Common stock dividends ($1.51 per share)    (461)     (461)   (461)
Stock repurchases      (1)   (1)   (1)
Stock-based compensation
expense
  58
       58
   58
Stock issued under stock plans  (24)   27
   3
   3
Deferred compensation
plan distributions
      7
   7
   7
Other  25
       25
   25
Balance at February 3, 20183
 676
 7,246
 (1,456) (724) 5,745
 (12) 5,733
Net income (loss)    1,108
     1,108
 (10) 1,098
Other comprehensive loss        (63) (63)   (63)
Common stock dividends ($1.51 per share)    (468)     (468)   (468)
Stock-based compensation
expense
  63
       63
   63
Stock issued under stock plans  (87)   135
   48
   48
Deferred compensation
plan distributions
      3
   3
   3
Stranded tax costs (b)    164
   (164) 
   
Macy's China Limited          
 22
 22
Balance at February 2, 2019$3
 $652
 $8,050
 $(1,318) $(951) $6,436
 $
 $6,436
(a) Represents the cumulative-effect adjustment for the adoption of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
(b) Represents the reclassification of stranded tax effects to retained earnings as a result of U.S. federal tax reform.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.


MACY’S, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(millions)
          
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$611
 $1,070
 $1,526
$1,098
 $1,555
 $619
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Impairments, store closing and other costs479
 288
 87
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs136
 186
 479
Settlement charges98
 
 
88
 105
 98
Depreciation and amortization1,058
 1,061
 1,036
962
 991
 1,058
Stock-based compensation expense61
 65
 73
63
 58
 61
Gains on sale of real estate(209) (212) (92)(389) (544) (209)
Amortization of financing costs and premium on acquired debt(14) (14) (5)(15) (45) (14)
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
(Increase) decrease in receivables(1) (45) 22
(61) 120
 (1)
(Increase) decrease in merchandise inventories107
 (60) 44
(87) 221
 107
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets(8) 
 (3)
Increase in other assets not separately identified
 (1) (61)
Decrease in merchandise accounts payable(132) (78) (21)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets21
 17
 37
Increase (decrease) in merchandise accounts payable55
 162
 (132)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued
liabilities and other items not separately identified
(162) 68
 129
44
 (186) (185)
Increase (decrease) in current income taxes125
 (69) (65)(136) (114) 125
Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes(139) (1) 29
112
 (421) (134)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities not separately identified(73) (88) 10
Change in other assets and liabilities not separately identified(156) (129) (108)
Net cash provided by operating activities1,801
 1,984
 2,709
1,735
 1,976
 1,801
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchase of property and equipment(596) (777) (770)(657) (487) (596)
Capitalized software(316) (336) (298)(275) (273) (316)
Acquisition of Bluemercury, Inc., net of cash acquired
 (212) 
Disposition of property and equipment673
 204
 172
474
 411
 673
Other, net52
 29
 (74)2
 (2) (4)
Net cash used by investing activities(187) (1,092) (970)(456) (351) (243)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Debt issued2
 499
 1,044
Financing costs(3) (4) (9)
Debt repaid(751) (152) (870)(1,149) (988) (754)
Dividends paid(459) (456) (421)(463) (461) (459)
Increase (decrease) in outstanding checks61
 (83) 133
16
 (15) 61
Acquisition of treasury stock(316) (2,001) (1,901)
 (1) (316)
Issuance of common stock36
 163
 258
45
 6
 36
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest4
 5
 
7
 13
 6
Net cash used by financing activities(1,426) (2,029) (1,766)(1,544) (1,446) (1,426)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents188
 (1,137) (27)
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period1,109
 2,246
 2,273
Cash and cash equivalents end of period$1,297
 $1,109
 $2,246
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(265) 179
 132
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash beginning of period1,513
 1,334
 1,202
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash end of period$1,248
 $1,513
 $1,334
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Interest paid$396
 $383
 $413
$328
 $361
 $396
Interest received4
 2
 2
25
 12
 4
Income taxes paid (net of refunds received)352
 635
 834
345
 496
 352
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.


MACY’S, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

1.Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
Macy’s, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an omnichannel retail organization operating stores, websites and mobile applications under three brands (Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury)bluemercury) that sell a wide range of merchandise, including apparel and accessories (men's, women's and children's)kids'), cosmetics, home furnishings and other consumer goods. The Company has stores in 4543 states, the District of Columbia, GuamPuerto Rico and Puerto Rico.Guam. As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, the Company’s operations and reportableoperating segments were conducted through Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet, Macy's Backstage, Bluemercury and Macy's China Limited,bluemercury, which are aggregated into one reporting segment in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, “SegmentSegment Reporting. The metrics used by management to assess the performance of the Company’s operating divisions include sales trends, gross margin rates, expense rates, and rates of earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). The Company’s operating divisions have historically had similar economic characteristics and are expected to have similar economic characteristics and long-term financial performance in future periods.
For 2016, 2015 and 2014, the following merchandise constituted the following percentages of sales:
 2016 2015 2014
Women’s Accessories, Intimate Apparel, Shoes, Cosmetics and Fragrances38% 38% 38%
Women’s Apparel23
 23
 23
Men’s and Children’s23
 23
 23
Home/Miscellaneous16
 16
 16
 100% 100% 100%

Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal years 20162018, 20152017 and 20142016 ended onFebruary 2, 2019, February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, January 30,respectively. Fiscal years 2018 and 2016 and January 31, 2015, respectively, and each included 52 weeks and fiscal year 2017 included 53 weeks. References to years in the Consolidated Financial Statements relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.
Basis of Presentation
In August 2015, the Company established a joint venture, Macy's China Limited, of which the Company holdsheld a sixty-five percent ownership interest and Hong Kong-based Fung Retailing Limited holdsheld the remaining thirty-five percent ownership interest. Macy's China Limited sellssold merchandise in China through an e-commerce presence on Alibaba Group's Tmall Global. TheIn January 2019, the Company ended the joint venture with Fung Retailing Limited after winding down the operations of Macy's China Limited earlier in 2018. In conjunction with the termination of the joint venture, the Company acquired the noncontrolling interest in Macy's China Limited from Fung Retailing Limited, resulting in one hundred percent ownership. For the period of time prior to the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest, Fung Retailing Limited's thirty-five percent proportionate share of the results of Macy's China Limited was reported as noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Financial Statements. All significant intercompany transactions were eliminated.
For 2018, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Macy's, Inc. and its 100%-owned subsidiaries and, for the newly establishedapplicable periods, the majority-owned subsidiary, Macy's China Limited. The noncontrolling interest represents the Fung Retailing Limited's thirty-five percent proportionate share of the results of Macy's China Limited. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Certain reclassifications were made to prior years’years' amounts to conform towith the classifications of such amounts forin the most recent year.years.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates and assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainties, which may result in actual amounts differing from reported amounts.
Net Sales
Revenue is recognized when customers obtain control of goods and services promised by the Company. The amount of revenue recognized is based on the amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received in exchange for those respective goods and services. See Note 2 "Revenue" for further discussion of the Company's accounting policies for revenue from contracts with customers.

F-9


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


Net Sales
Net sales include merchandise sales, licensed department income, shipping and handling fees, sales of private brand goods directly to third party retailers and sales of excess inventory to third parties. Sales of merchandise are recorded at the time of delivery to the customer and are reported net of merchandise returns. The Company licenses third parties to operate certain departments in its stores. The Company receives commissions from these licensed departments based on a percentage of net sales. Commissions are recognized as income at the time merchandise is sold to customers. Sales taxes collected from customers are not considered revenue and are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities until remitted to the taxing authorities.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales consists of the cost of merchandise, including inbound freight, and shipping and handling costs.costs, and depreciation. An estimated allowance for future sales returns is recorded and cost of sales is adjusted accordingly.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents includes amounts due in respect of credit card sales transactions that are settled early in the following period in the amount of $119114 million at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and $128102 million at January 30, 2016February 3, 2018.
Investments
The Company from time to time invests in debt and equity securities, including companies engaged in complementary businesses. All marketable equity and debt securities held by the Company are accounted for under ASC Topic 320, “InvestmentsInvestments – Debt andSecurities, while all marketable securities held by the Company are accounted for under ASC Topic 321, Investments – Equity Securities. Unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities and equity securities with a readily determinable fair value are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income and unrealizedIncome. Equity securities without a readily determinable fair value are generally recorded at cost. Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income tax effect, until realized. At January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019, the Company did not hold any held-to-maturity or available-for-sale securities.
Receivables
In connection withReceivables were $400 million at February 2, 2019, compared to $363 million at February 3, 2018.
The Company and Citibank, the saleowner of most of the Company’sCompany's credit assets, are party to Citibank, the Company and Citibank entered into a long-term marketing and servicing alliance pursuant to the terms of a Credit Card Program Agreement (the “Program Agreement”). Income earned under the Program Agreement is treated as a reduction of selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expensescredit card revenues, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under the Program Agreement, Citibank offers proprietary and non-proprietary credit cards to the Company’s customers through previously existing and newly opened accounts.
Loyalty Programs
The Company maintains customer loyalty programs in which customers earn points based on their spending. Under the Macy’s brand, the Company participates in a coalition program (Plenti) whereby customers can earn points based on spending levels with bonus opportunities through various targeted offers and promotions at Macy's and other partners.  Coalition partners currently include - American Express, AT&T, Direct Energy, Exxon Mobil, Hulu, Nationwide, and Rite Aid. Under the Bloomingdale’s brand, the Company offers a tender neutral points-based program. Benefits also include free delivery and gift wrap services. The Company recognizes the estimated net amount of the rewards that will be earned and redeemed as a reduction to net sales.

F-10


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


Merchandise Inventories
Merchandise inventories are valued at lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method, inventory is segregated into departments of merchandise having similar characteristics, and is stated at its current retail selling value. Inventory retail values are converted to a cost basis by applying specific average cost factors for each merchandise department. Cost factors represent the average cost-to-retail ratio for each merchandise department based on beginning inventory and the annual purchase activity. At January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018, merchandise inventories valued at LIFO, including adjustments as necessary to record inventory at the lower of cost or market, approximated the cost of such inventories using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) retail inventory method. The application of the LIFO retail inventory method did not result in the recognition of any LIFO charges or credits affecting cost of sales for 20162018, 20152017 or 20142016. The retail inventory method inherently requires management judgments and estimates, such as the amount and timing of permanent markdowns to clear unproductive or slow-moving inventory, which may impact the ending inventory valuation as well as gross margins.
Permanent markdowns designated for clearance activity are recorded when the utility of the inventory has diminished. Factors considered in the determination of permanent markdowns include current and anticipated demand, customer preferences, age of the merchandise and fashion trends. When a decision is made to permanently markdown merchandise, the resulting gross margin reduction is recognized in the period the markdown is recorded.
Physical inventories are generally taken within each merchandise department annually, and inventory records are adjusted accordingly, resulting in the recording of actual shrinkage. Physical inventories are taken at all store locations for substantially all merchandise categories approximately three weeks before the end of the year. Shrinkage is estimated as a percentage of sales at interim periods and for this approximate three-week period, based on historical shrinkage rates. While it is not possible to quantify the impact from each cause of shrinkage, the Company has loss prevention programs and policies that are intended to minimize shrinkage, including the use of radio frequency identification cycle counts and interim inventories to keep the Company's merchandise files accurate.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


Vendor Allowances
The Company receives certain allowances as reimbursement for markdowns taken and/or to support the gross margins earned in connection with the sales of merchandise. These allowances are recognized when earned in accordance with ASC Subtopic 605-50, “Customer Payments and Incentives.”earned. The Company also receives advertising allowances from approximately 1,000800 of its merchandise vendors pursuant to cooperative advertising programs, with some vendors participating in multiple programs. These allowances represent reimbursements by vendors of costs incurred by the Company to promote the vendors’ merchandise and are netted against advertising and promotional costs when the related costs are incurred in accordance with ASC Subtopic 605-50.incurred. Advertising allowances in excess of costs incurred are recorded as a reduction of merchandise costs and, ultimately, through cost of sales when the merchandise is sold.
The arrangements pursuant to which the Company’s vendors provide allowances, while binding, are generally informal in nature and one year or less in duration. The terms and conditions of these arrangements vary significantly from vendor to vendor and are influenced by, among other things, the type of merchandise to be supported.

F-11


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


Advertising
Advertising
Department store non-direct response advertising and promotional costs are generally expensed either as incurred or theat first time the advertising occurs. Direct response advertising and promotional costs are deferred and expensed over the period during which the sales are expected to occur, generally one to four months.showing. Advertising and promotional costs and cooperative advertising allowances were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
Gross advertising and promotional costs$1,547
 $1,587
 $1,602
$1,358
 $1,397
 $1,547
Cooperative advertising allowances394
 414
 425
196
 289
 394
Advertising and promotional costs, net of
cooperative advertising allowances
$1,153
 $1,173
 $1,177
$1,162
 $1,108
 $1,153
Net sales$25,778
 $27,079
 $28,105
$24,971
 $24,939
 $25,908
Advertising and promotional costs, net of cooperative
advertising allowances, as a percent to net sales
4.5% 4.3% 4.2%4.7% 4.4% 4.5%
Property and Equipment
Depreciation of owned properties is provided primarily on a straight-line basis over the estimated asset lives, which range from fifteen to fifty years for buildings and building equipment and three to fifteen years for fixtures and equipment. Real estate taxes and interest on construction in progress and land under development are capitalized. Amounts capitalized are amortized over the estimated lives of the related depreciable assets. The Company receives contributions from developers and merchandise vendors to fund building improvement and the construction of vendor shops. Such contributions are generally netted against the capital expenditures.
Buildings on leased land and leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term, beginning on the date the asset is put into use.
The carrying value of long-lived assets is periodically reviewed by the Company whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a potential impairment has occurred. For long-lived assets held for use, a potential impairment has occurred if projected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets. The estimate of cash flows includes management’s assumptions of cash inflows and outflows directly resulting from the use of those assets in operations. When a potential impairment has occurred, an impairment write-down is recorded if the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. The Company believes its estimated cash flows are sufficient to support the carrying value of its long-lived assets. If estimated cash flows significantly differ in the future, the Company may be required to record asset impairment write-downs.
If the Company commits to a plan to dispose of a long-lived asset before the end of its previously estimated useful life, estimated cash flows are revised accordingly, and the Company may be required to record an asset impairment write-down. Additionally, related liabilities arise such as severance, contractual obligations and other accruals associated with store closings from decisions to dispose of assets. The Company estimates these liabilities based on the facts and circumstances in existence for each restructuring decision. The amounts the Company will ultimately realize or disburse could differ from the amounts assumed in arriving at the asset impairment and restructuring charge recorded.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


The Company classifies certain long-lived assets as held for disposal by sale and ceases depreciation when the particular criteria for such classification are met, including the probable sale within one year. For long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale, an impairment charge is recorded if the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value less costs to sell. Such valuations include estimations of fair values and incremental direct costs to transact a sale.

F-12


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


Leases
The Company recognizes operating lease minimum rentals on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Executory costs such as real estate taxes and maintenance, and contingent rentals such as those based on a percentage of sales are recognized as incurred.
The lease term, which includes all renewal periods that are considered to be reasonably assured, begins on the date the Company has access to the leased property. The Company receives contributions from landlords to fund buildings and leasehold improvements. Such contributions are recorded as deferred rent and amortized as reductions to lease expense over the lease term.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed at least annually for possible impairment in accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-20, “Goodwill.”Goodwill, including the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, in the fourth quarter of 2017. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives have been assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing. The reporting units are the Company’s retail operating divisions. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually at the end of the fiscal month of May. The Company evaluates qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value and whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment process. If required, the first stepCompany performs a quantitative impairment test which involves a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value and the Company estimates fair value based on discounted cash flows. The reporting unit’s discounted cash flows require significant management judgment with respect to sales, gross margin and SG&A rates, capital expenditures and the selection and use of an appropriate discount rate. The projected sales, gross margin and SG&A expense rate assumptions and capital expenditures are based on the Company’s annual business plan or other forecasted results. Discount rates reflect market-based estimates of the risks associated with the projected cash flows directly resulting from the use of those assets in operations. The estimates of fair value of reporting units are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in the first step, a second step is performed, in which the reporting unit’s goodwill is written downan amount equal to its implied fair value. The second step requires the Company to allocate the fair value of the reporting unit derived in the first stepsuch excess, limited to the fair valuetotal amount of the reporting unit’s net assets, with any fair value in excess of amountsgoodwill allocated to such net assets representing the implied fair value of goodwill for that reporting unit. If the carrying value of an individual indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, such individual indefinite-lived intangible asset is written down by an amount equal to such excess.
Capitalized Software
The Company capitalizes purchased and internally developed software and amortizes such costs to expense on a straight-line basis generally over twothree to five years. Capitalized software is included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Gift Cards
The Company only offers no-fee, non-expiring gift cards to its customers. At the time gift cards are sold or issued, no revenue is recognized; rather, the Company records an accrued liability to customers. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized equal to the amount redeemed at the time gift cards are redeemed for merchandise. The Company records incomerevenue from unredeemed gift cards (breakage) asin net sales on a reduction of SG&A expenses, and income is recorded in proportion andpro-rata basis over the time period gift cards are actually redeemed. At least three years of historical data, updated annually, is used to determine actual redemption patterns. The Company records breakage income within net sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Loyalty Programs
The Company maintains customer loyalty programs in which customers earn points based on their purchases. Under the Macy’s Star Rewards loyalty program, points are earned based on customers’ spending on Macy’s private label and co-branded credit cards as well as non-proprietary cards during certain tender-neutral promotional events. Under the Macy’s brand, the Company previously participated in a coalition program (Plenti) whereby customers could earn points based on spending levels with bonus opportunities through various targeted offers and promotions at Macy's and other partners. The

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


Company's participation in Plenti ended on May 3, 2018. Under the Bloomingdale’s Loyallist program, the Company offers a tender neutral points-based program. The Company recognizes the estimated net amount of the rewards that will be earned and redeemed as a reduction to net sales at the time of the initial transaction and as tender when the points are subsequently redeemed by a customer.
Self-Insurance Reserves
The Company, through its insurance subsidiary, is self-insured for workers compensation and general liability claims up to certain maximum liability amounts. Although the amounts accrued are actuarially determined based on analysis of historical trends of losses, settlements, litigation costs and other factors, the amounts the Company will ultimately disburse could differ from such accrued amounts.

F-13


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


Post Employment and Postretirement Obligations
The Company, through its actuaries, utilizes assumptions when estimating the liabilities for pension and other employee benefit plans. These assumptions, where applicable, include the discount rates used to determine the actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations, the rate of increase in future compensation levels, mortality rates, the long-term rate of return on assets and the growth in health care costs. The Company measures post employment and postretirement assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the Company's fiscal year-end.year-end or an interim period quarter-end if a plan is determined to qualify for a remeasurement. The benefit expense is generally recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements on an accrual basis over the average remaining lifetime of participants, and the accrued benefits are reported in other assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as appropriate.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.
Derivatives
The Company records derivative transactions according to the provisions of ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging,” which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities and requires recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measurement of those instruments at fair value. The Company makes limited use of derivative financial instruments. The Company does not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes and is not a party to any leveraged financial instruments. On the date that the Company enters into a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative instrument as either a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge or as a free-standing derivative instrument, each of which would receive different accounting treatment. Prior to entering into a hedge transaction, the Company formally documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Derivative instruments that the Company may use as part of its interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements and Treasury lock agreements. At January 28, 2017, the Company was not a party to any derivative financial instruments.
Stock Based Compensation
The Company records stock-based compensation expense according to the provisions of ASC Topic 718, “CompensationCompensation – Stock Compensation. ASC Topic 718 requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. Under the provisions of ASC Topic 718, the Company determines the appropriate fair value model to be used for valuing share-based payments and the amortization method for compensation cost.
Comprehensive Income
Total comprehensive income represents the change in equity during a period from sources other than transactions with shareholders and, as such, includes net income. For the Company, the only other components of total comprehensive income for 2018, 2017 and 2016 relate to post employment and postretirement plan items. Settlement charges incurred are included as a separate component of income before income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Amortization reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (income) and are included in benefit plan income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which established principles to report useful information to financial statements users about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue from contracts with customers. ASU No. 2014-09 along with various related amendments comprise ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and provide guidance that is applicable to all contracts with customers regardless of industry-specific or transaction-specific fact patterns. The new standard and its related updates were adopted by the

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)



Company on February 4, 2018. On the effective date, the Company elected to apply the new guidance retrospectively to each prior period presented.
Overall, the new standard did not have a material impact on the results of the Company's operations or consolidated statements of financial position, but impacted the presentation and timing of certain revenue transactions. Specifically, the changes included gross presentation of the Company's estimates for future sales returns and related recoverable assets, presenting income from credit operations, gift card breakage income, and certain loyalty program income as separate components of revenue and recognizing gift card breakage revenue over the period of redemption for gift cards associated with certain returns. The Company's evaluation of the new standards included a review of certain vendor arrangements to determine whether the Company acts as principal or agent in such arrangements and such evaluation did not result in any material changes in gross versus net presentation as a result of the adoption of the new standards.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (ASC Topic 715), which requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from other components of net periodic benefit costs and to disclose the amounts of net periodic benefit costs that are included in each income statement line item. The standard requires employers to report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs and to report the other components of net periodic benefit costs (which include interest costs, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost or credits and actuarial gains and losses) separately and outside a subtotal of operating income. The Company adopted this standard effective February 4, 2018 on a retrospective basis to each prior period presented and has recognized its net periodic benefit costs, excluding service costs, in benefit plan income, net on its Consolidated Statements of Income.
In 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (ASC Topic 230): Restricted Cash, and ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (ASC Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. These standards were issued to resolve numerous diversities in practice with regard to the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The standards were effective for the Company on February 4, 2018, and were adopted using a retrospective transition method to each prior period presented. As of February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, restricted cash balances were primarily included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following summarizes the beginning-of-period and end-of-period restricted cash balances included for 2018, 2017 and 2016 when reconciling the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows movement.
 2018 2017 2016
 (millions)
Beginning-of-period restricted cash balances$58
 $37
 $93
End-of-period restricted cash balances86
 58
 37
In addition to these changes, the Company changed the classification of $34 million of cash payments for the prepayment of debt from an operating outflow to a financing outflow for 2017.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows for stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from H.R. 1, originally known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” to be reclassified to retained earnings. The Company early adopted this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and, as a result, reclassified $164 million of stranded tax effects to retained earnings.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize substantially all leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right of use ("ROU") model that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for the Company on February 3, 2019 and will be adopted utilizing a modified retrospective approach that allows for transition in the period of adoption, with certain practical expedients available.
The Company estimates the adoption of the standard will result in total assets and liabilities increasing by approximately $2.4 billion to $3.0 billion as of February 3, 2019. The standard is not expected to materially affect consolidated net income, which is expected to be impacted by changes to the timing of recognition of certain real estate asset sale gains due to application of the new sale-leaseback guidance and ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20).



F-14


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


2.Impairments,Revenue
Net sales
Revenue is recognized when customers obtain control of goods and services promised by the Company. The amount of revenue recognized is based on the amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received in exchange for those respective goods and services. For 2018, 2017 and 2016, Macy's accounted for approximately 89% of the Company's net sales. Disaggregation of the Company's net sales by family of business for 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
Women’s Accessories, Intimate Apparel, Shoes, Cosmetics and Fragrances$9,500
 $9,483
 $9,795
Women’s Apparel5,675
 5,807
 6,009
Men’s and Kids’5,712
 5,629
 5,844
Home/Other (a)
4,084
 4,020
 4,260
Total$24,971
 $24,939
 $25,908
(a) Other primarily includes restaurant sales, certain loyalty program income and breakage income from unredeemed gift cards.

The Company's revenue generating activities include the following:
Retail Sales
Retail sales include merchandise sales, inclusive of delivery income, licensed department income, sales of private brand goods directly to third party retailers and sales of excess inventory to third parties. Sales of merchandise are recorded at the time of shipment to the customer and are reported net of estimated merchandise returns and certain customer incentives. Commissions earned on sales generated by licensed departments are included as a component of total net sales and are recognized as revenue at the time merchandise is sold to customers. Service revenues (e.g., alteration and cosmetic services) are recorded at the time the customer receives the benefit of the service. The Company has elected to present sales taxes on a net basis and, as such, sales taxes are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities until remitted to the taxing authorities.
Merchandise Returns
The Company estimates merchandise returns using historical data and recognizes an allowance that reduces net sales and cost of sales. The liability for merchandise returns is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and was $269 million as of February 2, 2019 and $291 million as of February 3, 2018. Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets is an asset totaling $188 million as of February 2, 2019 and $201 million as of February 3, 2018 for the recoverable cost of merchandise estimated to be returned by customers.
Gift Cards and Customer Loyalty Programs
The liability for unredeemed gift cards and customer loyalty programs is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and was $856 million as of February 2, 2019 and $906 million as of February 3, 2018. During 2018, the Company recognized approximately $40 million in breakage income related to changes in breakage rate estimates. Changes in the liability for unredeemed gift cards and customer loyalty programs are as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
 (millions)
Balance, beginning of year$906
 $911
 $874
Liabilities issued but not redeemed (a)
570
 551
 635
Revenue recognized from beginning liability(620) (556) (598)
Balance, end of year$856
 $906
 $911
(a) Net of estimated breakage income.




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


Credit Card Revenues, net
In connection with the sale of most of the Company's credit card accounts and related receivable balances to Citibank, the Company and Citibank entered into a long-term marketing and servicing alliance pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated Credit Card Program Agreement ("Credit Card Program"). The Program Agreement expires March 31, 2025, subject to an additional renewal term of three years. The Program Agreement provides for, among other things, (i) the ownership by Citibank of the accounts purchased by Citibank, (ii) the ownership by Citibank of new accounts opened by the Company’s customers, (iii) the provision of credit by Citibank to the holders of the credit cards associated with the foregoing accounts, (iv) the servicing of the foregoing accounts, and (v) the allocation between Citibank and the Company of the economic benefits and burdens associated with the foregoing and other aspects of the alliance.
As part of the Program Agreement, the Company receives payments for providing a combination of interrelated services and intellectual property to Citibank in support of the underlying Credit Card Program. Revenue based on the spending activity of the underlying accounts is recognized as the respective card purchases occur and the Company’s profit share is recognized based on the performance of the underlying portfolio. Revenue associated with the establishment of new credit accounts and assisting in the receipt of payments for existing accounts is recognized as such activities occur. Credit card revenues include finance charges, late fees and other revenue generated by the Company’s Credit Card Program, net of fraud losses and expenses associated with establishing new accounts.
Pursuant to the Program Agreement, the Company continues to provide certain servicing functions related to the accounts and related receivables owned by Citibank and receives compensation from Citibank for these services. The amounts earned under the Program Agreement related to the servicing functions are deemed adequate compensation and, accordingly, no servicing asset or liability has been recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts received under the Program Agreement were $966 million for 2018, $929 million for 2017 and $912 million for 2016, and are included within credit card revenues, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company’s credit card revenues, net were $768 million for 2018, $702 million for 2017, and $656 million for 2016. This revenue was net of servicing and other credit related expenses, including new account originations and fraudulent transactions incurred on the Company’s private label credit cards.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


3.Restructuring, Impairment, Store Closing and Other Costs
Impairments,Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs (income) consist of the following:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
Restructuring$80
 $142
 $168
Asset Impairments$265
 $148
 $33
64
 53
 265
Severance168
 123
 46
Other46
 17
 8
(8) (9) 46
$479
 $288
 $87
$136
 $186
 $479

During 2018, the Company closed or announced the closure of ten Macy's stores. Additionally as part the Company's commitment to increased productivity to fund investment in the business, in February 2019, the Company launched a comprehensive, multi-year program focused on growing its profitability rate by improving productivity across the enterprise. The program includes initiatives to improve margin through enhanced inventory planning and operations, supply chain efficiencies, pricing optimization, improved private brand sourcing and customer acquisition and retention strategies. As an initial step, the Company developed a plan in 2018 that reduces the complexity of the upper management structure to increase the speed of decision making, reduce costs and respond to changing customer expectations. Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs for 2018 included costs and expenses, including severance and other human-resource related costs, primarily associated with the organizational changes and store closings announced in January 2019. For 2018, the Company recorded expense of approximately $80 million of severance and other human resource-related costs associated with these restructuring activities.

During 2017, the Company closed or announced the closure of sixteen Macy's stores, part of the approximately 100 planned closings announced in August 2016. During January 2018 and August 2017, the Company announced restructuring efforts, including the consolidation of three functions (merchandising, planning and private brands) into a single merchandising function as well as organizational changes for certain store and non-store functions. Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs for 2017 included costs and expenses, including severance and other human-resource related costs, primarily associated with the organizational changes and store closings announced in January 2018 and August 2017.

During January 2017, the Company announced a series of actions to streamline its store portfolio, intensify cost efficiency efforts and execute its real estate strategy. These actions are intended to support the Company's strategy to further invest in omnichannel capabilities, improve customer experience and create shareholder value. These actions includeincluded the announced closure of sixty-eight Macy's stores, part of the approximately 100 planned closings announced in August 2016, and the reorganization of the field structure that supports the remaining stores and a significant restructuring of the Company's operations to focus resources on strategic priorities, improve organizational agility and reduce expense.
During January Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs for 2016 the Company announced a series of cost-efficiencyincluded costs and process improvement measures,expenses, including organization changes that combine certain regionseverance and district organizations of the My Macy's store management structure, adjusting staffing levels in each Macy's and Bloomingdale's store, implementing a voluntary separation opportunity for certain senior executives in stores, office and support functions who meet certain age and service requirements, reducing additional positions in back-office organizations, consolidating the four existing Macy's, Inc. credit and customer service center facilities into three, and decreasing non-payroll budgets company-wide.
During January 2015, the Company announced a series of initiatives to evolve its business model and invest in continued growth opportunities, including a restructuring of merchandising and marketing functions at Macy's and Bloomingdale's consistentother human-resource related costs, primarily associated with the Company's omnichannel approach to retailing, as well as a series of adjustments to its fieldorganizational changes and store operations to increase productivity and efficiency.
During January 2017, the Company announced the closure of sixty-eight Macy's stores, part of the approximately 100 planned closings announced in January 2017 and August 2016; during January 2016, the Company announced the closure of forty Macy's stores; and during January 2015, the Company announced the closure of fourteen Macy’s stores.
In connection with these announcements and the plans to dispose of these locations, the Company incurred severance and other human resource-related costs and other costs related to obligations and other store liabilities.2016.
As a result of the Company’s projected undiscounted future cash flows related to certain store locations and other assets being less than their carrying value, the Company recorded impairment charges, including properties that were the subject of announced store closings. The fair values of these assets were calculated based on the projected cash flows and an estimated risk-adjusted rate of return that would be used by market participants in valuing these assets or based on prices of similar assets.
The Company expects to pay out the majority of the 20162018 accrued severance costs, which are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, prior to July 29, 2017.the end of the second quarter of 2019. The 20152017 and 20142016 accrued severance costs, which were included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were paid out in the year subsequent to incurring such severance costs.


F-15


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


3.Receivables
Receivables were $522 million at January 28, 2017, compared to $558 million at January 30, 2016.
In January 2016, the Company completed a $270 million real estate transaction that will enable a re-creation of Macy’s Brooklyn store. The Company will continue to own and operate the first four floors and lower level of its existing nine-story retail store, which will be reconfigured and remodeled. The remaining portion of the store and its nearby parking facility were sold to Tishman Speyer in a single sales transaction. The Company has received approximately $209 million of cash ($68 million in 2015 and $141 million in 2016) from Tishman Speyer for these real estate assets and will receive $61 million of additional cash over the next two years,. This receivable is backed by a guarantee.
In connection with the sale of most of the Company's credit card accounts and related receivable balances to Citibank, the Company and Citibank entered into a long-term marketing and servicing alliance pursuant to the terms of a Credit Card Program Agreement with an initial term of 10 years which was to expire on July 17, 2016. During 2014, the Company entered into an amended and restated Credit Card Program Agreement (the “Program Agreement”) with substantially similar financial terms as the prior credit card program agreement. The Program Agreement is now set to expire March 31, 2025, subject to an additional renewal term of three years. The Program Agreement provides for, among other things, (i) the ownership by Citibank of the accounts purchased by Citibank, (ii) the ownership by Citibank of new accounts opened by the Company’s customers, (iii) the provision of credit by Citibank to the holders of the credit cards associated with the foregoing accounts, (iv) the servicing of the foregoing accounts, and (v) the allocation between Citibank and the Company of the economic benefits and burdens associated with the foregoing and other aspects of the alliance.
Pursuant to the Program Agreement, the Company continues to provide certain servicing functions related to the accounts and related receivables owned by Citibank and receives compensation from Citibank for these services. The amounts earned under the Program Agreement related to the servicing functions are deemed adequate compensation and, accordingly, no servicing asset or liability has been recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Amounts received under the Program Agreement were $912 million for 2016, $1,026 million for 2015 and $975 million for 2014, and are treated as reductions of SG&A expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s earnings from credit operations, net of servicing expenses, were $736 million for 2016, $831 million for 2015, and $776 million for 2014.

F-16


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


4.Properties and Leases
The major classes of property and equipment, net as of February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018 are as follows: 
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
February 2,
2019
 February 3,
2018
(millions)(millions)
Land$1,541
 $1,629
$1,454
 $1,494
Buildings on owned land4,212
 4,690
4,019
 4,106
Buildings on leased land and leasehold improvements1,545
 1,672
1,404
 1,444
Fixtures and equipment4,541
 4,910
4,230
 4,204
Leased properties under capitalized leases34
 34
25
 34
11,873
 12,935
11,132
 11,282
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization4,856
 5,319
4,495
 4,610
$7,017
 $7,616
$6,637
 $6,672

In connection with various shopping center agreements, the Company is obligated to operate certain stores within the centers for periods of up to twentyfifteen years. Some of these agreements require that the stores be operated under a particular name.
The Company leases a portion of the real estate and personal property used in its operations. Most leases require the Company to pay real estate taxes, maintenance and other executory costs; some also require additional payments based on percentages of sales and some contain purchase options. Certain of the Company’s real estate leases have terms that extend for significant numbers of years and provide for rental rates that increase or decrease over time. In addition, certain of these leases contain covenants that restrict the ability of the tenant (typically a subsidiary of the Company) to take specified actions (including the payment of dividends or other amounts on account of its capital stock) unless the tenant satisfies certain financial tests.
MinimumAs of February 2, 2019, minimum rental commitments (excluding executory costs) at January 28, 2017, for noncancellable leases, are:including executed leases not yet commenced, are as follows:
 
Capitalized
Leases
 
Operating
Leases
 Total
Capitalized
Leases
 
Operating
Leases
 Total
(millions)(millions)
Fiscal year          
2017$3
 $321
 $324
20183
 304
 307
20193
 283
 286
$3
 $325
 $328
20203
 249
 252
3
 315
 318
20213
 237
 240
3
 309
 312
After 202137
 2,289
 2,326
20223
 283
 286
20233
 264
 267
After 202331
 2,758
 2,789
Total minimum lease payments52
 $3,683
 $3,735
46
 $4,254
 $4,300
Less amount representing interest24
    20
    
Present value of net minimum capitalized lease payments$28
    $26
    

Capitalized leases are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as property and equipment while the related obligation is included in short-term ($1 million) and long-term ($2725 million) debt. Amortization of assets subject to capitalized leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense. Total minimum lease payments shown above have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $171 million on operating leases.

F-17


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


The Company is a guarantor with respect to certain lease obligations associated with The May Department Stores Company and previously disposed subsidiaries or businesses. The leases, one of which includes potential extensions to 2070, have future minimum lease payments aggregating $284$240 million and are offset by payments from existing tenants and subtenants. In addition, the Company is contingently liable for other expenses related to the above leases, such as property taxes and common area maintenance, which are also payable by existing tenants and subtenants. Potential liabilities related to these guarantees are subject to certain defenses by the Company. The Company believes that the risk of significant loss from the guarantees of these lease obligations is remote.
Rental expense consists of:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
Real estate (excluding executory costs)          
Capitalized leases –     
Contingent rentals$
 $
 $
Operating leases –          
Minimum rentals312
 288
 265
$317
 $317
 $312
Contingent rentals12
 19
 22
11
 11
 12
324
 307
 287
328
 328
 324
Less income from subleases –          
Operating leases(5) (6) (8)(1) (3) (5)
$319
 $301
 $279
$327
 $325
 $319
Personal property – Operating leases$11
 $12
 $12
$9
 $10
 $11

Included as a reduction to the expense above is deferred rent amortization of $914 million, $8 million for 2018 and 2017, and $79 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to contributions received from landlords.


F-18


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


5.Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following summarizes the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets:
 
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
February 2,
2019
 February 3,
2018
(millions)(millions)
Non-amortizing intangible assets      
Goodwill$9,279
 $9,279
$9,290
 $9,279
Accumulated impairment losses(5,382) (5,382)(5,382) (5,382)
3,897
 3,897
3,908
 3,897
Tradenames403
 414
403
 403
$4,300
 $4,311
$4,311
 $4,300
Amortizing intangible assets      
Favorable leases and other contractual assets$141
 $149
$136
 $136
Tradenames43
 43
43
 43
184
 192
179
 179
Accumulated amortization      
Favorable leases and other contractual assets(85) (90)(95) (87)
Tradenames(4) (2)(9) (7)
(89) (92)(104) (94)
$95
 $100
$75
 $85
   
Capitalized software   
Gross balance$1,316
 $1,364
Accumulated amortization(646) (663)
$670
 $701
In March 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Bluemercury, Inc., a luxury beauty products and spa retailer. Goodwill during 2015 increased as a result of this acquisition. Also as a result of the acquisition of Bluemercury, the Company established intangible assets relating to definite lived tradenames and favorable leases.
DefiniteFinite lived tradenames are being amortized over their respective useful lives of 20 years. Favorable lease intangible assets are being amortized over their respective lease terms (weighted average remaining life of approximately six years). Customer relationship intangible
Favorable leases, other contractual assets, relating to the acquisition of The May Department Stores Company were being amortized in 2015 and 2014 and were fully amortized as of January 30, 2016.
Intangibletradenames amortization expense amounted to $10$10 million for 20162018, $23 million for 20152017 and $31 million for 20142016. Capitalized software amortization expense amounted to $296 million for 2018, $301 million for 2017 and $293 million for 2016.
Future estimated intangible amortization expense for assets, excluding in-process capitalized software of $58 million not yet placed in service as of February 2, 2019, is shown below:
 
Amortizing intangible assets Capitalized Software
(millions)(millions)
Fiscal year    
2017$10
201810
20199
$9
 $254
20208
8
 192
20216
6
 123
20226
 41
20236
 2


F-19


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


6.Financing
The Company’s debt is as follows:
 
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
February 2,
2019
 February 3,
2018
(millions)(millions)
Short-term debt:      
7.45% Senior debentures due 2017$300
 $
5.9% Senior notes due 2016
 577
7.45% Senior debentures due 2016
 59
8.5% Senior debentures due 2019$36
 $
Capital lease and current portion of other long-term obligations9
 6
7
 22
$309
 $642
$43
 $22
Long-term debt:      
2.875% Senior notes due 2023$750
 $750
$750
 $750
3.875% Senior notes due 2022550
 550
550
 550
4.5% Senior notes due 2034550
 550
367
 550
3.45% Senior notes due 2021500
 500
500
 500
3.625% Senior notes due 2024500
 500
500
 500
4.375% Senior notes due 2023400
 400
5.125% Senior debentures due 2042250
 250
4.3% Senior notes due 2043250
 250
6.7% Senior debentures due 2034201
 264
6.9% Senior debentures due 2029192
 397
6.375% Senior notes due 2037500
 500
192
 269
4.375% Senior notes due 2023400
 400
6.9% Senior debentures due 2029400
 400
6.7% Senior debentures due 2034400
 400
7.45% Senior debentures due 2017
 300
6.65% Senior debentures due 2024300
 300
122
 296
7.0% Senior debentures due 2028300
 300
117
 298
6.9% Senior debentures due 2032250
 250
5.125% Senior debentures due 2042250
 250
4.3% Senior notes due 2043250
 250
6.7% Senior debentures due 2028200
 200
103
 197
6.79% Senior debentures due 2027165
 165
71
 165
7.875% Senior debentures due 2036
 108
8.75% Senior debentures due 202961
 61
6.9% Senior debentures due 203217
 31
8.5% Senior debentures due 201936
 36

 36
10.25% Senior debentures due 202133
 33
33
 33
7.6% Senior debentures due 202524
 24
24
 24
8.75% Senior debentures due 202913
 18
7.875% Senior debentures due 203018
 18
10
 12
9.5% amortizing debentures due 202114
 17
6
 10
9.75% amortizing debentures due 20218
 9
3
 6
Unamortized debt issue costs(29) (32)(18) (25)
Unamortized debt discount(16) (16)(9) (13)
Premium on acquired debt, using an effective
interest yield of 5.542% to 6.021%
121
 143
Premium on acquired debt, using an effective
interest yield of 5.542% to 7.144%
39
 67
Capital lease and other long-term obligations27
 29
25
 26
$6,562
 $6,995
$4,708
 $5,861
 


F-20


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


Interest expense and premiumlosses (gains) on early retirement of debt isare as follows:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
Interest on debt$392
 $393
 $411
$269
 $332
 $392
Amortization of debt premium(22) (21) (12)(7) (9) (22)
Amortization of financing costs and debt discount5
 6
 7
7
 7
 5
Interest on capitalized leases2
 2
 2
2
 2
 2
377
 380
 408
271
 332
 377
Less interest capitalized on construction10
 17
 13
10
 11
 10
Interest expense$367
 $363
 $395
$261
 $321
 $367
Premium on early retirement of debt$
 $
 $17
Losses (gains) on early retirement of debt$33
 $(10) $

OnDuring 2018, the Company repurchased $344 million face value of senior notes and debentures. The debt repurchases were made in the open market for a total cost of $354 million, including expenses and other fees related to the transactions. Such repurchases resulted in the recognition of expense of $5 million during 2018 presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

During December 2018, the Company completed a tender offer and purchased $750 million in aggregate principal amount of certain senior unsecured notes and debentures. The purchased senior unsecured notes and debentures included $164 million of 6.65% senior debentures due 2024, $155 million of 7.0% senior debentures due 2028, $114 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2029, $103 million of 4.5% senior notes due 2034, $94 million of 6.79% senior debentures due 2027, $35 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2034, $34 million of 6.375% senior notes due 2037, $34 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2028, $10 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2032, $5 million of 8.75% senior debentures due 2029, and $2 million of 7.875% senior debentures due 2030. The total cash cost for the tender offer was $789 million. The Company recognized $28 million of expense related to the recognition of the tender premium and other costs partially offset by the unamortized debt premium associated with this debt. This expense is presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income during 2018.

During 2017, the Company completed a tender offer and purchased $400 million in aggregate principal amount of certain senior unsecured notes and debentures. The purchased senior unsecured notes and debentures included $147 million of 6.9% senior debentures due 2032, $108 million of 6.7% senior debentures due 2034, $96 million of 6.375% senior notes due 2037, $43 million of 8.75% senior debentures due 2029, and $6 million of 7.875% senior debentures due 2030. The total cash cost for the tender offer was $423 million. The Company recognized $11 million of income related to the recognition of the unamortized debt premium partially offset by the tender premium and other costs associated with this debt as gains on early retirement of debt. This income is presented as gains on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income during 2017.

During 2017, the Company repurchased $247 million face value of senior notes and debentures. The debt repurchases were made in the open market for a total cash cost of $257 million, including expenses related to the transactions. Such repurchases resulted in the recognition of expense of $1 million during 2017 presented as losses on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

During August 15, 2016, the Company redeemed at par the principal amount of $108 million of 7.875% senior debentures due 2036, pursuant to the terms of the debentures. Interest expense in 2016 benefited from the recognition of unamortized debt premium associated with this debt.

On August 17, 2015, the Company redeemed at par the principal amount of $76 million of 8.125% senior debentures due 2035, pursuant to the terms of the debentures. Interest expense in 2015 benefited from the recognition of unamortized debt premium associated with this debt.
On November 14, 2014, the Company provided a notice of redemption related to all of the $407 million of 7.875% senior notes due 2015, as allowed under the terms of the indenture. The price for the redemption was calculated pursuant to the indenture and resulted in the recognition of additional interest expense of $17 million during 2014. This additional interest expense is presented as premium on early retirement of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Future maturities of long-term debt, other than capitalized leases, are shown below:
 (millions)
Fiscal year 
2018$6
201942
2020539
2021553
2022
After 20225,319

During 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company repaid $636 million, $69 million and $453 million, respectively, of indebtedness at maturity.
On December 7, 2015, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.45% senior notes due 2021, the proceeds of which were used for general corporate purposes.
On November 18, 2014, the Company issued $550 million aggregate principal amount of 4.5% senior notes due 2034. This debt was used to pay for the redemption of the $407 million of 7.875% senior notes due 2015 described above.
On May 23, 2014, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.625% senior unsecured notes due 2024, the proceeds of which were used for general corporate purposes.


F-21


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


Future maturities of long-term debt, other than capitalized leases, are shown below:
 (millions)
Fiscal year 
2020$539
2021553
2022
20231,150
2024622
After 20241,807

During 2017 and 2016, the Company repaid $300 million and $636 million, respectively, of indebtedness at maturity.
The following table shows the detail of debt repayments:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
6.9% Senior debentures due 2029$204
 $3
 $
4.5% Senior notes due 2034183
 
 
7.0% Senior debentures due 2028182
 2
 
6.65% Senior debentures due 2024175
 4
 
7.45% Senior debentures due 2017
 300
 
6.7% Senior debentures due 202894
 3
 
6.79% Senior debentures due 202794
 
 
6.375% Senior notes due 203777
 231
 
6.7% Senior debentures due 203463
 136
 
6.9% Senior debentures due 203215
 219
 
8.75% Senior debentures due 20295
 43
 
7.875% Senior debentures due 20302
 6
 
5.9% Senior notes due 2016$577
 $
 $

 
 577
7.875% Senior notes due 2036108
 
 

 
 108
7.45% Senior debentures due 201659
 
 

 
 59
7.5% Senior debentures due 2015
 69
 
8.125% Senior debentures due 2035
 76
 
5.75% Senior notes due 2014
 
 453
7.875% Senior debentures due 2015
 
 407
9.5% amortizing debentures due 20214
 4
 4
4
 4
 4
9.75% amortizing debentures due 20212
 3
 2
2
 2
 2
Capital leases and other obligations1
 
 4
1
 1
 1
$751
 $152
 $870
$1,101
 $954
 $751

The following summarizes certain components of the Company’s debt:
Bank Credit Agreement
The Company entered into a new credit agreement with certain financial institutions onas of May 6, 2016 providing for revolving credit borrowings and letters of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,500 million (which may be increased to $1,750 million at the option of the Company, subject to the willingness of existing or new lenders to provide commitments for such additional financing) outstanding at any particular time. The agreement is set to expire May 6, 2021 and replaced the prior agreement which was set to expire May 10, 2018.
As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018, there were no revolving credit loans outstanding under this credit agreement, and there were no borrowings under the agreement throughout all ofduring 20162018 and 20152017. In addition, there were no standby letters of credit outstanding at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and there were less than $1 million of standby letters of credit outstanding at January 30, 2016February 3, 2018. Revolving loans under the credit agreement bear interest based on various published rates.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


The Company's credit agreement, which is an obligation of a 100%-owned subsidiary of Macy’s, Inc. (“Parent”), is not secured. However, Parent has fully and unconditionally guaranteed this obligation, subject to specified limitations. The Company’s interest coverage ratio for 2016 was 7.36 and its leverage ratio at January 28, 2017 was 2.38, in each case as calculated in accordance with the credit agreement.obligation. The credit agreement requires the Company to maintain a specified interest coverage ratio for the latest four quarters of no less than 3.25 and a specified leverage ratio as of and for the latest four quarters of no more than 3.75. The Company’s interest coverage ratio for 3.752018. was 11.22 and its leverage ratio at February 2, 2019 was 1.74, in each case as calculated in accordance with the credit agreement. The interest coverage ratio is defined as EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) divided by net interest expense and the leverage ratio is defined as debt divided by EBITDA. For purposes of these calculations EBITDA is calculated as net income plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash impairment of goodwill, intangibles and real estate, non-recurring cash charges not to exceed in the aggregate $300 million and extraordinary losses less interest income and non-recurring or extraordinary gains. Debt is adjusted to exclude the premium on acquired debt and net interest is adjusted to exclude the amortization of premium on acquired debt and premium on early retirement of debt.
A breach of a restrictive covenant in the Company’s credit agreement or the inability of the Company to maintain the financial ratios described above could result in an event of default under the credit agreement. In addition, an event of default would occur under the credit agreement if any indebtedness of the Company in excess of an aggregate principal amount of $150 million becomes due prior to its stated maturity or the holders of such indebtedness become able to cause it to become due prior to its stated maturity. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders could, subject to the terms and conditions of the credit agreement, elect to declare the outstanding principal, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. Moreover, most of the Company’s senior notes and debentures contain cross-default provisions based on the non-payment at maturity, or other default after an applicable grace period, of any other debt, the unpaid principal amount of which is not less than $100 million that could be triggered by an event of default under the credit agreement. In such an event, the Company’s senior notes and debentures that contain cross-default provisions would also be subject to acceleration.

F-22


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


Commercial Paper
The Company is a party to a $1,500 million unsecured commercial paper program. The Company may issue and sell commercial paper in an aggregate amount outstanding at any particular time not to exceed its then-current combined borrowing availability under the bank credit agreement described above. The issuance of commercial paper will have the effect, while such commercial paper is outstanding, of reducing the Company’s borrowing capacity under the bank credit agreement by an amount equal to the principal amount of such commercial paper. During 2016, and 2015, the Company utilized seasonal borrowings available under this commercial paper program. The amount ofThere were no borrowings under the commercial paper program increased to its highest level for 2016 of approximately $388 million during the fourth quarter.2018 and 2017. As of January 28, 2017,February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, there were no remaining borrowings outstanding under the commercial paper program.
This program, which is an obligation of a 100%-owned subsidiary of Macy’s, Inc., is not secured. However, Parent has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations.
Senior Notes and Debentures
The senior notes and the senior debentures are unsecured obligations of a 100%-owned subsidiary of Macy’s, Inc. and Parent has fully and unconditionally guaranteed these obligations (see Note 16, “Condensed Consolidating Financial Information”).
Other Financing Arrangements
At January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018, the Company had dedicated $37 million of cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, which is used to collateralize the Company’s issuances of standby letters of credit. There were $3028 million and $21 million of other standby letters of credit outstanding at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018, respectively..


F-23


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


7.Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
 
 January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
 (millions)
Accounts payable$754
 $814
Gift cards and customer rewards970
 920
Deferred real estate gains340
 104
Current portion of post employment and postretirement benefits208
 257
Taxes other than income taxes166
 184
Lease related liabilities174
 165
Accrued wages and vacation215
 153
Current portion of workers’ compensation and general liability reserves119
 127
Severance and relocation166
 123
Allowance for future sales returns96
 112
Accrued interest74
 88
Other281
 286
 $3,563
 $3,333

Adjustments to the allowance for future sales returns, which amounted to a credit of $16 million, and charges of $19 million and $8 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are reflected in cost of sales.
 February 2,
2019
 February 3,
2018
 (millions)
Accounts payable$983
 $735
Gift cards and customer rewards856
 906
Accrued wages and vacation268
 229
Allowance for future sales returns269
 291
Current portion of post employment and postretirement benefits194
 194
Taxes other than income taxes134
 157
Lease related liabilities180
 189
Current portion of workers’ compensation and general liability reserves112
 108
Restructuring accruals, including severance67
 93
Accrued interest51
 70
Deferred real estate gains24
 65
Other228
 234
 $3,366
 $3,271
Changes in workers’ compensation and general liability reserves, including the current portion, are as follows:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
Balance, beginning of year$508
 $505
 $497
$497
 $503
 $508
Charged to costs and expenses145
 159
 160
130
 144
 145
Payments, net of recoveries(150) (156) (152)(140) (150) (150)
Balance, end of year$503
 $508
 $505
$487
 $497
 $503

The non-current portion of workers’ compensation and general liability reserves is included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018, workers’ compensation and general liability reserves included $112$112 million of liabilities which are covered by deposits and receivables included in current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


F-24


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


8.Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Current Deferred Total Current Deferred Total Current Deferred TotalCurrent Deferred Total Current Deferred Total Current Deferred Total
(millions)(millions)
Federal$433
 $(125) $308
 $536
 $
 $536
 $743
 $28
 $771
$156
 $79
 $235
 $367
 $(462) $(95) $433
 $(121) $312
State and local37
 (4) 33
 72
 
 72
 92
 1
 93
53
 34
 87
 16
 40
 56
 37
 (3) 34
$470
 $(129) $341
 $608
 $
 $608
 $835
 $29
 $864
$209
 $113
 $322
 $383
 $(422) $(39) $470
 $(124) $346
On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1 was enacted into law. This new tax legislation, among other things, reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018.
In applying the impacts of the new tax legislation to its 2017 income tax provision, the Company remeasured its deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally a 21% federal tax rate and its related impact on the state tax rates. The resulting impact was the recognition of an income tax benefit of $584 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.  In addition, applying the new U.S. federal corporate tax rate of 21% on January 1, 2018, resulted in a federal income tax statutory rate of 33.7% in 2017. Combining the impacts on the Company’s current income tax provision and the remeasurement of its deferred tax balances, the Company’s effective income tax rate was a benefit of 2.6% in 2017.

The income tax expense (benefit) reported differs from the expected tax computed by applying the federal income tax statutory rate of 35%21% for 2018, 33.7% for 20162017, and 35% for 2015 and 20142016 to income before income taxes.taxes net of noncontrolling interest. The reasons for this difference and their tax effects are as follows:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
Expected tax$333
 $587
 $836
$300
 $515
 $341
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit(a)12
 43
 59
59
 19
 12
Historic rehabilitation tax credit(1) (12) (20)
Federal tax reform deferred tax remeasurement(17) (584) 
Tax impact of equity awards (a)

 14
 
Federal tax credits(16) (16) (12)
Change in valuation allowance9
 3
 1
10
 18
 9
Other(12) (13) (12)(14) (5) (4)
$341
 $608
 $864
$322
 $(39) $346
(a) 2017 included the recognition of approximately $15 million of net tax shortfalls associated with share-based payment awards due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Historically, the Company had recognized such amounts as an offset to accumulated excess tax benefits previously recognized in additional paid-in capital.

The Company participates in the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Compliance Assurance Program ("CAP"). As part of the CAP, tax years are audited on a contemporaneous basis so that all or most issues are resolved prior to the filing of the tax return. The IRS has completed examinations of 20152016 and all prior tax years.

F-25


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
 
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
February 2,
2019
 February 3,
2018
(millions)(millions)
Deferred tax assets      
Post employment and postretirement benefits$405
 $536
$208
 $188
Accrued liabilities accounted for on a cash basis for tax purposes379
 340
222
 218
Long-term debt63
 73
18
 25
Unrecognized state tax benefits and accrued interest76
 79
39
 39
State operating loss and credit carryforwards79
 82
103
 101
Other347
 206
154
 158
Valuation allowance(36) (27)(75) (65)
Total deferred tax assets1,313
 1,289
669
 664
Deferred tax liabilities      
Excess of book basis over tax basis of property and equipment(1,381) (1,485)(987) (923)
Merchandise inventories(604) (606)(398) (389)
Intangible assets(380) (345)(308) (276)
Other(391) (330)(214) (224)
Total deferred tax liabilities(2,756) (2,766)(1,907) (1,812)
Net deferred tax liability$(1,443) $(1,477)$(1,238) $(1,148)

The valuation allowance at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018 relates to net deferred tax assets for state net operating loss and credit carryforwards. The net change in the valuation allowance amounted to an increase of $9$10 million for 20162018 and. In 2017, the net change in the valuation allowance amounted to an increase of $329 million for 2015., which includes $11 million due to the impact of the deferred tax remeasurement associated with the U.S. federal tax reform.
As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, the Company had no federal net operating loss carryforwards, state net operating loss carryforwards, net of valuation allowances, of $374 million, and state credit carryforwards, net of valuation allowances, of $3111 million, which will expire between 20172019 and 2036.2038.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
 January 31,
2015
February 2,
2019
 February 3,
2018
 January 28,
2017
(millions)(millions)
Balance, beginning of year$178
 $172
 $189
$140
 $167
 $178
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year16
 30
 33
17
 7
 16
Additions for tax positions of prior years
 
 
13
 
 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(12) (7) (15)(12) (23) (12)
Settlements(4) (3) (23)
 (2) (4)
Statute expirations(11) (14) (12)(9) (9) (11)
Balance, end of year$167
 $178
 $172
$149
 $140
 $167
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at
January 28, 2017, January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015
     
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets     
Current income taxes$6
 $12
 $11
$28
 $11
 $6
Long-term deferred income taxes4
 5
 6
Deferred income taxes4
 4
 4
Other liabilities(a)157
 161
 155
117
 125
 157
$167
 $178
 $172
$149
 $140
 $167
(a) Unrecognized tax benefits not expected to be settled within one year are included within other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


F-26


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


As of January 28, 2017Additional information regarding unrecognized benefits and January 30, 2016, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, net of deferred tax assets, that, if recognized would affect the effective income tax rate, was $109 millionrelated interest and $115 million, respectively.penalties is as follow:
The Company classifies unrecognized tax benefits not expected to be settled within one year as other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 February 2,
2019
 February 3,
2018
 
 (millions)
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits, net of deferred tax assets, that if recognized would affect the effective tax rate$120
 $111
 
Accrued federal, state and local interest and penalties56
 51
 
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets    
Current income taxes28
 27
 
Other liabilities28
 24
 
The Company classifies federal, state and local interest and penalties not expected to be settled within one year as other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and follows a policy of recognizing all interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Federal, state and local interest and penalties, which amounted to an expense of $2 million for 2016, an expense of $1 million for 2015, and a credit of $3 million for 2014, are reflected in income tax expense.
The Company had $55 million and $53 million accrued for the payment of federal, state and local interest and penalties at January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, respectively. The accrued federal, state and local interest and penalties primarily relatesrelate to state tax issues and the amount of penalties paid in prior periods, and the amount of penalties accrued at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018, are insignificant. At January 28, 2017, $54 million of federal,Federal, state and local interest and penalties is included in other liabilities andamounted to expense of $15 million is included in current income taxes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.for 2018, a credit of $3 million for 2017, and an expense of $2 million for 2016.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013.2015. With respect to state and local jurisdictions, with limited exceptions, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax audits for years before 2007.2009. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, the Company believes that adequate amounts of tax, interest and penalties have been accrued for any adjustments that are expected to result from the years still subject to examination.
As of February 2, 2019, the Company believes it is reasonably possible that certain unrecognized tax benefits ranging from zero to $55 million may be recognized by the end of 2019. It is reasonably possible that there could be other material changes to the amount of uncertain tax positions due to activities of the taxing authorities, settlement of audit issues or the reassessment of existing uncertain tax positions; however, the Company is not able to estimate the impact of these items at this time.




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


9.Retirement Plans
The Company has defined contribution plans which cover substantially all employees who work 1,000 hours or more in a year. In addition, the Company has a funded defined benefit plan (“Pension Plan”) and an unfunded defined benefit supplementary retirement plan (“SERP”), which provides benefits, for certain employees, in excess of qualified plan limitations. Effective January 1, 2012, the Pension Plan was closed to new participants, with limited exceptions, and effective January 2, 2012, the SERP was closed to new participants.
In February 2013, the Company announced changes to the Pension Plan and SERP whereby eligible employees no longer earn future pension service credits after December 31, 2013, with limited exceptions. All retirement benefits attributable to service in subsequent periods are provided through defined contribution plans.
Retirement expenses, excluding settlement charges, included the following components:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
401(k) Qualified Defined Contribution Plan$94
 $88
 $89
$96
 $93
 $94
Non-Qualified Defined Contribution Plan2
 2
 2
1
 1
 2
Pension Plan(83) (54) (64)(64) (82) (83)
Supplementary Retirement Plan31
 41
 38
31
 31
 31
$44
 $77
 $65
$64
 $43
 $44
In 2016, theThe Company changed the method used to estimateestimates the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs for the Pension Plan and SERP. The newThis method uses a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components of net periodic benefit costs. Under this approach, the Company applies discounting using individual spot rates from the yield curve composed of the rates of return from a portfolio of high quality corporate debt securities available at the measurement date. These spot rates align to each of the projected benefit obligationsobligation and service cost cash flows. Historically, the Company estimated the service and interest cost components using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligations.
The Company made this change to improve the correlation between projected benefit cash flows and the corresponding yield curve spot rates and to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs. The Company accounted for this change as a change in estimate prospectively starting in 2016. The discount rates that would have been used to measure the 2016 service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs as of the beginning of the year under the single weighted-average discount rate was 4.17% and 4.23%, respectively. The 2016 reduction in service cost and interest cost for the Pension Plan and SERP associated with this change was approximately $36 million.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company has a qualified plan that permits participating associates to defer eligible compensation up to the maximum limits allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. Beginning January 1, 2014, the Company has a non-qualified plan which permits participating associates to defer eligible compensation above the limits of the qualified plan. The Company contributes a matching percentage of employee contributions under both the qualified and non-qualified plans. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company's matching contribution to the qualified plan was enhanced for all participating employees, with limited exceptions. Prior to January 1, 2014, the matching contribution rate under the qualified plan was higher for those employees not eligible for the Pension Plan than for employees eligible for the Pension Plan.
The liability related to the qualified plan matching contribution, which is reflected in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $102$103 million at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and $97$101 million January 30, 2016.at February 3, 2018. Expense related to matching contributions for the qualified plan amounted to $96 million for 2018, $93 million for 2017 and $94 million for 2016, $88 million for 2015 and $89 million for 2014.2016.
At January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016,February 3, 2018, the liability under the non-qualified plan, which is reflected in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $20$27 million and $13$25 million, respectively. The liability related to the non-qualified plan matching contribution, which is reflected in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $2 million at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016.$1 million at February 3, 2018. Expense related to matching contributions for the non-qualified plan amounted to $1 million for 2018 and 2017, and $2 million for 2016 and 2015.2016. In connection with the non-qualified plan, the Company had mutual fund investments at February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018 of $27 million and $25 million, respectively, which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


F-27


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


had mutual fund investments at January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016 of $20 million and $13 million, respectively, which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company has an additional deferred compensation plan wherein eligible executives elected to defer a portion of their compensation each year as either stock credits or cash credits. Effective January 1, 2015, no additional compensation is eligible for deferral. The Company has transferred shares to a trust to cover the number estimated for distribution on account of stock credits currently outstanding. At January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, the liability under the plan, which is reflected in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $37 million and $39 million, respectively. Expense for 2016, 2015 and 2014 was immaterial.
Pension Plan
The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets, and funded status of the Pension Plan as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018:
 
2016 20152018 2017
(millions)(millions)
Change in projected benefit obligation      
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year$3,585
 $3,966
$3,271
 $3,469
Service cost5
 6
5
 6
Interest cost108
 137
109
 104
Actuarial (gain) loss55
 (282)(27) 82
Benefits paid(284) (242)(347) (390)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year3,469
 3,585
3,011
 3,271
Changes in plan assets      
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year3,256
 3,636
3,409
 3,374
Actual return on plan assets402
 (138)(44) 425
Company contributions
 

 
Benefits paid(284) (242)(347) (390)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year3,374
 3,256
3,018
 3,409
Funded status at end of year$(95) $(329)$7
 $138
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at
January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016
   
Other liabilities$(95) $(329)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at
February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018
   
Other assets$7
 $138

 

 
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at
January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016
   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at
February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018
   
Net actuarial loss$1,232
 $1,451
$1,109
 $992

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Pension Plan was $3,4643,010 million as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and $3,5743,268 million as of January 30, 2016February 3, 2018.

F-28


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


Net pension costs, settlement charges and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss for the Pension Plan included the following actuarially determined components:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
Net Periodic Pension Cost          
Service cost$5
 $6
 $6
$5
 $6
 $5
Interest cost108
 137
 151
109
 104
 108
Expected return on assets(227) (235) (246)(206) (223) (227)
Amortization of net actuarial loss31
 38
 25
28
 31
 31
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 

 
 
(83) (54) (64)(64) (82) (83)
          
Settlement charges68
 
 
78
 89
 68
          
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Projected Benefit Obligation
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss
          
Net actuarial (gain) loss(120) 92
 491
223
 (120) (120)
Amortization of net actuarial loss(31) (38) (25)(28) (31) (31)
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 
Settlement charges(68) 
 
(78) (89) (68)
(219) 54
 466
117
 (240) (219)
Total recognized$(234) $
 $402
$131
 $(233) $(234)

The estimated net actuarial loss for the Pension Plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during 20172019 is $3330 million.
The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the projected benefit obligations for the Pension Plan at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018:
 
2016 20152018 2017
Discount rate4.00% 4.17%4.03% 3.74%
Rate of compensation increases4.10% 4.10%4.00% 4.00%

The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic pension cost for the Pension Plan:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Discount rate used to measure service cost3.79% - 4.26%
 3.55% 4.50%3.77% - 4.46%
 3.75% - 4.06%
 3.79% - 4.26%
Discount rate used to measure interest cost2.96% - 3.30%
 3.55% 4.50%3.39% - 4.06%
 3.12% - 3.31%
 2.96% - 3.30%
Expected long-term return on plan assets7.00% 7.00% 7.50%6.75% 7.00% 7.00%
Rate of compensation increases4.10% 4.10% 4.10%4.00% 4.10% 4.10%

The Pension Plan’s assumptions are evaluated annually, and at interim re-measurements if required, and updated as necessary. Due to settlement accounting and re-measurements during 2018, 2017 and 2016, the discount rate used to measure service cost and the discount rate used to measure interest cost varied between periods. The table above shows the range of rates used to determine net periodic expense for the Pension Plan.



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


The discount rate used to determine the present value of the projected benefit obligation for the Pension Plan is based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high quality corporate debt securities with various maturities. Each year’s expected future benefit payments are discounted to their present value at the appropriate yield curve rate, thereby generating the overall discount rate for the projected benefit obligation.

F-29


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


Due to settlement accounting and re-measurements during 2016, the discount rate used to measure service cost and the discount rate to measure interest cost varied between periods. The table above shows the range of rates used to determine net periodic expense for the Pension Plan.
The Company develops its expected long-term rate of return on plan asset assumption by evaluating input from several professional advisors taking into account the asset allocation of the portfolio and long-term asset class return expectations, as well as long-term inflation assumptions. Expected returns for each major asset class are considered along with their volatility and the expected correlations among them. These expectations are based upon historical relationships as well as forecasts of how future returns may vary from historical returns. Returns by asset class and correlations among asset classes are combined using the target asset allocation to derive an expected return for the portfolio as a whole. Long-term historical returns of the portfolio are also considered. Portfolio returns are calculated net of all expenses, therefore, the Company also analyzes expected costs and expenses, including investment management fees, administrative expenses, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation premiums and other costs and expenses. As of January 31, 2015,February 2, 2019, the Company lowered the assumed annual long-term rate of return for the Pension Plan's assets from 7.50%6.75% to 7.00%6.50% based on expected future returns on the portfolio of assets.
The Company develops its rate of compensation increase assumption based on recent experience and reflects an estimate of future compensation levels taking into account general increase levels, seniority, promotions and other factors. The salary increase assumption is used to project employees’ pay in future years and its impact on the projected benefit obligation for the Pension Plan.
The assets of the Pension Plan are managed by investment specialists with the primary objectives of payment of benefit obligations to Plan participants and an ultimate realization of investment returns over longer periods in excess of inflation. The Company employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of domestic and foreign equity securities, fixed income securities and other investments is used to maximize the long-term return on the assets of the Pension Plan for a prudent level of risk. Risks are mitigated through asset diversification and the use of multiple investment managers. The target allocation for plan assets is currently 50%30% equity securities, 40%63% debt securities, 5%2% real estate and 5% private equities.
The Company generally employs investment managers to specialize in a specific asset class. These managers are chosen and monitored with the assistance of professional advisors, using criteria that include organizational structure, investment philosophy, investment process, performance compared to market benchmarks and peer groups.
The Company periodically conducts an analysis of the behavior of the Pension Plan’s assets and liabilities under various economic and interest rate scenarios to ensure that the long-term target asset allocation is appropriate given the liabilities.

F-30


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


The fair values of the Pension Plan assets as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, excluding interest and dividend receivables and pending investment purchases and sales, by asset category are as follows:
 
Fair Value MeasurementsFair Value Measurements
Total 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
(millions)(millions)
Short term investments$14
 $
 $14
 $
$1
 $
 $1
 $
Money market funds74
 74
 
 
33
 33
 
 
Equity securities:              
U.S. stocks309
 309
 
 
117
 117
 
 
U.S. pooled funds (a)654
 446
 
 
398
 398
 
 
International pooled funds (a)649
 131
 
 
347
 78
 
 
Fixed income securities:              
U. S. Treasury bonds194
 
 194
 
U.S. Treasury bonds52
 
 52
 
Other Government bonds40
 
 40
 
53
 
 53
 
Agency backed bonds24
 
 24
 
11
 
 11
 
Corporate bonds453
 
 453
 
513
 
 513
 
Mortgage-backed securities85
 
 85
 
15
 
 15
 
Asset-backed securities17
 
 17
 
11
 
 11
 
Pooled funds461
 461
 
 
1,270
 1,270
 
 
Other types of investments:              
Real estate (a)223
 
 
 
56
 
 
 
Private equity (a)186
 
 
 
185
 
 
 
Derivatives in a positive position13
 
 13
 
6
 
 6
 
Derivatives in a negative position(19) 
 (19) 
(2) 
 (2) 
Total$3,377
 $1,421
 $821
 $
$3,066
 $1,896
 $660
 $
(a) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in these tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the fair value of plan assets.


F-31


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


The fair values of the Pension Plan assets as of January 30, 2016February 3, 2018, excluding interest and dividend receivables and pending investment purchases and sales, by asset category are as follows:
 
Fair Value MeasurementsFair Value Measurements
Total 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
(millions)(millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$15
 $15
 $
 $
Short term investments36
 
 36
 
$5
 $
 $5
 $
Money market funds46
 46
 
 
35
 35
 
 
Equity securities:       

      
U.S. stocks280
 280
 
 
157
 157
 
 
U.S. pooled funds (a)391
 207
 
 
U.S. pooled funds481
 481
 
 
International pooled funds (a)575
 336
 
 
447
 114
 
 
Fixed income securities:       

      
U. S. Treasury bonds233
 
 233
 
U.S. Treasury bonds44
 
 44
 
Other Government bonds41
 
 41
 
59
 
 59
 
Agency backed bonds31
 
 31
 
13
 
 13
 
Corporate bonds433
 
 433
 
538
 
 538
 
Mortgage-backed securities112
 
 112
 
15
 
 15
 
Asset-backed securities28
 
 28
 
6
 
 6
 
Pooled funds427
 427
 
 
1,310
 1,310
 
 
Other types of investments:       

      
Real estate (a)238
 
 
 
148
 
 
 
Hedge funds (a)179
 
 
 
Private equity (a)188
 
 
 
183
 
 
 
Derivatives in a positive position15
 
 15
 
9
 
 9
 
Derivatives in a negative position(22) 
 (22) 
(3) 
 (3) 
Total$3,246
 $1,311
 $907
 $
$3,447
 $2,097
 $686
 $
(a) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in these tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the fair value of plan assets.

Corporate bonds consist primarily of investment grade bonds of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.
The fair value of certain pooled funds including equity securities, real estate, hedge funds and private equity investments represents the reported net asset value of shares or underlying assets of the investment as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. International equity pooled funds seek to provide long-term capital growth and income by investing in equity securities of non-U.S. companies located both in developed and emerging markets. There are generally no redemption restrictions or unfunded commitments related to these equity securities.

F-32


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


Real estate investments include several funds which seek risk-adjusted return by providing a stable, income-driven rate of return over the long term with high potential for growth of net investment income and appreciation of value. The real estate investments are diversified across property types and geographical areas primarily in the United States of America. Private equity investments have an objective of realizing aggregate long-term returns in excess of those available from investments in the public equity markets. Private equity investments generally consist of limited partnerships in the United States of America, Europe and Asia. Private equity and real estate investments are valued using fair values per the most recent financial reports provided by the investment sponsor, adjusted as appropriate for any lag between the date of the financial reports and the Company’s reporting date. Hedge fund investments seek to provide strong downside protection qualities and to produce long-term risk-adjusted returns with low volatility through active asset management among a select group of U.S. and non-U.S. investment partnerships and companies, managed funds, separately managed accounts, securities and commodities held in segregated accounts and other investment vehicles.
Due to the nature of the underlying assets of the real estate hedge funds and private equity investments, changes in market conditions and the economic environment may significantly impact the net asset value of these investments and, consequently, the fair value of the Pension Plan’s investments. These investments are redeemable at net asset value to the extent provided in the documentation governing the investments. However, these redemption rights may be restricted in accordance with the governing documents. Redemption of these investments is subject to restrictions including lock-up periods where no redemptions are allowed, restrictions on redemption frequency and advance notice periods for redemptions. As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018, certain of these investments are generally subject to lock-up periods, ranging from twoone to fourteennine years, certain of these investments are subject to restrictions on redemption frequency, ranging from daily to twicefour times per year, and certain of these investments are subject to advance notice requirements, ranging from sixty-day notification to ninety-day notification.requirements. As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018, the Pension Plan had unfunded commitments related to certain of these investments totaling $72$49 million and $9664 million, respectively.

The Company does not anticipate making funding contributions to the Pension Plan in 2017.2019.
The following benefit payments are estimated to be paid from the Pension Plan:
 
(millions)(millions)
Fiscal year  
2017$383
2018309
2019299
$325
2020286
287
2021246
269
2022-20261,113
2022260
2023235
2024-20281,018


F-33


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


Supplementary Retirement Plan
The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the supplementary retirement plan as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018:
 
2016 20152018 2017
(millions)(millions)
Change in projected benefit obligation      
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year$823
 $920
$703
 $747
Service cost
 

 
Interest cost22
 31
23
 22
Actuarial (gain) loss26
 (70)(9) 20
Benefits paid(124) (58)(73) (86)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year747
 823
644
 703
Change in plan assets      
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year
 

 
Company contributions124
 58
73
 86
Benefits paid(124) (58)(73) (86)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year
 

 
Funded status at end of year$(747) $(823)$(644) $(703)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at
January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016
   
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at
February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018
   
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$(86) $(138)$(68) $(69)
Other liabilities(661) (685)(576) (634)
$(747) $(823)$(644) $(703)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at
January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016
   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at
February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018
   
Net actuarial loss$248
 $261
$218
 $244
Prior service cost8
 8
6
 7
$256
 $269
$224
 $251

The accumulated benefit obligation for the supplementary retirement plan was $747644 million as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and $823703 million as of January 30, 2016February 3, 2018.

F-34


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


Net pension costs, settlement charges and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss for the supplementary retirement plan included the following actuarially determined components:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
Net Periodic Pension Cost          
Service cost$
 $
 $
$
 $
 $
Interest cost22
 31
 33
23
 22
 22
Amortization of net actuarial loss9
 10
 5
7
 8
 9
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost1
 1
 
31
 41
 38
31
 31
 31
          
Settlement charges30
 
 
10
 16
 30
          
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Projected Benefit Obligation
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss
          
Net actuarial (gain) loss26
 (70) 170
(9) 20
 26
Prior service cost
 
 
Amortization of net actuarial loss(9) (10) (5)(7) (8) (9)
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost(1) (1) 
Settlement charges(30) 
 
(10) (16) (30)
(13) (80) 165
(27) (5) (13)
Total recognized$48
 $(39) $203
$14
 $42
 $48

The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost for the supplementary retirement plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during 20172019 is $8 million.
The following weighted average assumption was used to determine the projected benefit obligations for the supplementary retirement plan at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018:
 
 2016 2015
Discount rate4.07% 4.23%
 2018 2017
Discount rate4.10% 3.78%

The following weighted average assumption was used to determine net pension costs for the supplementary retirement plan:
 
 2016 2015 2014
Discount rate used to measure interest cost2.65% - 3.16% 3.55% 4.50%
 2018 2017 2016
Discount rate used to measure interest cost3.39% - 4.09% 3.10% - 3.26% 2.65% - 3.16%

The supplementary retirement plan’s assumptions are evaluated annually, and at interim re-measurements if required, and updated as necessary. Due to settlement accounting and re-measurements during 2018, 2017 and 2016, the discount rate used to measure interest cost varied between periods. The table above shows the range of rates used to determine net periodic expense for the supplementary retirement plan.
The discount rate used to determine the present value of the projected benefit obligation for the supplementary retirement plan is based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high quality corporate debt securities with various maturities. Each year’s expected future benefit payments are discounted to their present value at the appropriate yield curve rate, thereby generating the overall discount rate for the projected benefit obligation.
Due to settlement accounting and re-measurements during 2016, the discount rate used to measure interest cost varied between periods. The table above shows the range of rates used to determine net periodic expense for the supplementary retirement plan.


F-35


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


The following benefit payments are estimated to be funded by the Company and paid from the supplementary retirement plan:
 
(millions)(millions)
Fiscal year  
2017$86
201878
201946
$68
202048
48
202148
47
2022-2026228
202246
202346
2024-2028211


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


10.Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits
In addition to pension and other supplemental benefits, certain retired employees currently are provided with specified health care and life insurance benefits. Eligibility requirements for such benefits vary by division and subsidiary, but generally state that benefits are available to eligible employees who were hired prior to a certain date and retire after a certain age with specified years of service. Certain employees are subject to having such benefits modified or terminated.
In 2016, the Company changed the method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs for the postretirement obligations. The new method uses a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components of net periodic benefit costs. Under this approach, the Company applies discounting using individual spot rates from the yield curve composed of the rates of return from a portfolio of high quality corporate debt securities available at the measurement date. These spot rates align to each of the accumulated postretirement obligation and service cost cash flows. Historically, the Company estimated the service and interest cost components using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligations.
The Company made this change to improve the correlation between projected benefit cash flows and the corresponding yield curve spot rates and to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs. The Company accounted for this change as a change in estimate prospectively starting in 2016. The discount rate that would have been used to measure the 2016 service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost as of the beginning of the year under the single weighted-average discount rate was 4.15%. The 2016 reduction in service cost and interest cost for the postretirement obligations associated with this change was approximately $2 million.

F-36


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets, and funded status of the postretirement obligations as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016:February 3, 2018:
 
2016 20152018 2017
(millions)(millions)
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation      
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, beginning of year$212
 $243
$156
 $186
Service cost
 

 
Interest cost6
 8
5
 5
Plan amendment
 (10)
Actuarial gain(13) (22)(11) (9)
Medicare Part D subsidy1
 1

 1
Benefits paid(20) (18)(13) (17)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, end of year186
 212
137
 156
Change in plan assets      
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year
 

 
Company contributions20
 18
13
 17
Benefits paid(20) (18)(13) (17)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year
 

 
Funded status at end of year$(186) $(212)$(137) $(156)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at
January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016
   
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at
February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018
   
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$(18) $(20)$(15) $(17)
Other liabilities(168) (192)(122) (139)
$(186) $(212)$(137) $(156)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at
January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016
   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at
February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018
   
Net actuarial gain$(31) $(22)$(41) $(35)
Prior service credit(9) (10)
$(50) $(45)


F-37


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


Net postretirement benefit costs and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss included the following actuarially determined components:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost          
Service cost$
 $
 $
$
 $
 $
Interest cost6
 8
 10
5
 5
 6
Amortization of net actuarial gain(4) 
 (5)(5) (5) (4)
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
Amortization of prior service credit(1) 
 
2
 8
 5
(1) 
 2
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Projected Benefit Obligation
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss
          
Net actuarial (gain) loss(13) (22) 30
Net actuarial gain(11) (9) (13)
Amortization of net actuarial gain4
 
 5
5
 5
 4
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
Amortization of prior service credit1
 
 
Prior service credit
 (10) 
(9) (22) 35
(5) (14) (9)
Total recognized$(7) $(14) $40
$(6) $(14) $(7)

The estimated net actuarial gain and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic postretirement benefit cost during 20172019 is $4$7 million.
The following weighted average assumption was used to determine the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016:February 3, 2018:
 
 2016 2015
Discount rate3.99% 4.15%
 2018 2017
Discount rate4.02% 3.71%

The following weighted average assumption was used to determine the net postretirement benefit costs for the postretirement obligations:
 
 2016 2015 2014
Discount rate used to measure interest cost3.14% 3.55% 4.50%
 2018 2017 2016
Discount rate used to measure interest cost3.28% 3.17% 3.14%

The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation assumptions are evaluated annually, and at interim re-measurements if required, and updated as necessary.
The discount rate used to determine the present value of the Company’s accumulated postretirement benefit obligations is based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high quality corporate debt securities with various maturities. Each year’s expected future benefit payments are discounted to their present value at the appropriate yield curve rate, thereby generating the overall discount rate for the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations.
The Company estimates the interest cost component of net periodic benefit costs using a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components of net periodic benefit costs. Under this approach, the Company applies discounting using individual spot rates from the yield curve composed of the rates of return from a portfolio of high quality corporate debt securities available at the measurement date. These spot rates align to each of the projected benefit obligation and service cost cash flows.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


The future medical benefits provided by the Company for certain employees are based on a fixed amount per year of service, and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation is not affected by increases in health care costs. However, the future medical benefits provided by the Company for certain other employees are affected by increases in health care costs.

F-38


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


The following provides the assumed health care cost trend rates related to the Company’s accumulated postretirement benefit obligations at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018:
 
2016 20152018 2017
Health care cost trend rates assumed for next year6.15% - 9.75% 6.25% - 10.0%5.38% - 9.31% 5.50% - 10.50%
Rates to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)5.0% 5.0%4.5% 4.5%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate2027 20272027 2027

The assumed health care cost trend rates have an impact on the amounts reported for the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
 
1 – Percentage
Point Increase
 
1 – Percentage
Point Decrease
1 – Percentage
Point Increase
 
1 – Percentage
Point Decrease
(millions)(millions)
Effect on total of service and interest cost$
 $
$
 $
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligations$11
 $(10)$7
 $(6)

The following table reflects the benefit payments estimated to be funded by the Company and paid from the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations and estimated federal subsidies expected to be received under the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003:
 
Expected
Benefit
Payments
 
Expected
Federal
Subsidy
Expected
Benefit
Payments
 
Expected
Federal
Subsidy
(millions)(millions)
Fiscal Year      
2017$17
 $1
201817
 1
201916
 1
$15
 $
202016
 
14
 
202115
 
13
 
2022-202663
 1
202213
 
202312
 
2024-202847
 1
 

F-39


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


11.Stock BasedStock-Based Compensation
During 2009, the Company obtained shareholder approval for the Macy’s 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan under which up to 51 million shares of Common Stock may be issued. This plan is intended to help the Company attract and retain directors, officers, other key executives and employees and is also intended to provide incentives and rewards relating to the Company’s business plans to encourage such persons to devote themselves to the business of the Company. Prior to 2009, the Company had two equity plans; the Macy's 1995 Executive Equity Incentive Plan and the Macy's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan. After shareholders approved the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, Common Stock may no longer be granted under the Macy's 1995 Executive Equity Incentive Plan or the Macy's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan. The following disclosures present the Company’s equity plans on a combined basis. The equity plan isplans are administered by the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors (the “CMD Committee”). The CMD Committee is authorized to grant options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units to officers and key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and to non-employee directors. The equity plans are intended to help the Company attract and retain directors, officers, other key executives and employees and is also intended to provide incentives and rewards relating to the Company’s business plans to encourage such persons to devote themselves to the business of the Company. There have been no grants of stock appreciation rights under the equity plans.
Stock option grants have an exercise price at least equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, have ten-year terms and typically vest ratably over four years of continued employment. Restricted stock and time-based restricted stock unit awards generally vest one to four years from the date of grant. Performance-based restricted stock units generally are earned based on the attainment of specified goals achieved over the performance period.
As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, approximately 1620 million shares of common stock were available for additional grants pursuant to the Company’s equity plan.plans. Shares awarded are generally issued from the Company's treasury stock.
Stock-based compensation expense included the following components:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
(millions)(millions)
Stock options$43
 $52
 $47
$24
 $34
 $43
Restricted stock units18
 13
 26
39
 24
 18
$61
 $65
 $73
$63
 $58
 $61

All stock-based compensation expense is recorded in SG&A expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
As of January 28, 2017, the Company had $63 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.7 years, and $21 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.4 years.
During 2016, 2015 and 2014, the CMD Committee approved awards of performance-based restricted stock units to certain senior executives of the Company. Each award reflects a target number of shares (“Target Shares”) that may be issued to the award recipient. These awards may be earned upon the completion of three-year performance periods ending February 2, 2019, February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. Whether units are earned at the end of the performance period will be determined based on the achievement of certain performance objectives set by the CMD Committee in connection with the issuance of the units. The performance objectives are based on the Company’s business plan covering the performance period. The performance objectives include achieving a cumulative EBITDA level for the performance period and also include an EBITDA as a percent to sales ratio and a return on invested capital ratio. The performance-based restricted stock units also include a performance objective relating to relative total shareholder return (“TSR”). Relative TSR reflects the change in the value of the Company’s common stock over the performance period in relation to the change in the value of the common stock of a twelve-company executive compensation peer group over the performance period, assuming the reinvestment of dividends. Depending on the results achieved during the three-year performance periods, the actual number of shares that a grant recipient receives at the end of the period may range from 0% to 150% of the Target Shares granted.
Also during 2016, 2015 and 2014, the CMD Committee approved awards of time-based restricted stock units to certain senior executives and other employees of the Company and awards of time-based restricted stock units to the non-employee members of the Company’s board of directors.

F-40


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


Stock Options
The fair value of stock options granted during 20162018, 20152017 and 20142016 and the weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value are as follows:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options
granted during the period
$12.14
 $20.78
 $19.07
$7.43
 $5.84
 $12.14
Dividend yield3.8% 2.7% 2.5%5.2% 6.2% 3.8%
Expected volatility42.7% 43.3% 42.7%41.1% 41.8% 42.7%
Risk-free interest rate1.4% 1.7% 1.5%2.7% 1.9% 1.4%
Expected life5.7 years
 5.7 years
 5.7 years
5.6 years
 5.7 years
 5.7 years

The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company estimates the expected volatility and expected option life assumption consistent with ASC Topic 718, “CompensationCompensation – Stock Compensation. The expected volatility of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is estimated based on a historic volatility rate and the expected option life is calculated based on historical stock option experience as the best estimate of future exercise patterns. The dividend yield assumption is based on historical and anticipated dividend payouts. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates consistent with the expected life of each stock option grant. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and records stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. Compensation expense is recorded for all stock options expected to vest based on the amortization of the fair value at the date of grant on a straight-line basis primarily over the vesting period of the options.
Activity related to stock options for 2016 is as follows:
 Shares 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 (thousands)   (years) (millions)
Outstanding, beginning of period18,829.8
 $41.92
    
Granted3,886.8
 $42.97
    
Canceled or forfeited(1,116.6) $51.33
    
Exercised(1,122.1) $31.30
    
Outstanding, end of period20,477.9
 $42.18
    
Exercisable, end of period12,541.5
 $36.48
 4.1 $46
Options expected to vest6,657.5
 $51.07
 8.3 $

Additional information relating to stock options is as follows:
 2016 2015 2014
 (millions)
Intrinsic value of options exercised$12
 $127
 $189
Cash received from stock options exercised35
 125
 200







F-41


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 



Activity related to stock options for 2018 is as follows:
 Shares 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 (thousands)   (years) (millions)
Outstanding, beginning of period20,376
 $38.80
    
Granted1,495
 29.53
    
Canceled or forfeited(794) 47.93
    
Exercised(2,184) 21.02
    
Outstanding, end of period18,893
 $39.73
    
Exercisable, end of period12,960
 $41.93
 4.5 $18
Options expected to vest4,937
 $34.37
 8.0 $3

Additional information relating to stock options is as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
 (millions)
Intrinsic value of options exercised$27
 $3
 $12
Cash received from stock options exercised45
 6
 35

As of February 2, 2019, the Company had $25 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.

Restricted Stock Units
The weighted average grant date fair values of performance-based and time-based restricted stock units granted during 20162018, 20152017 and 20142016 are as follows:
 
 2016 2015 2014
Restricted stock units$40.02
 $62.61
 $59.41
 2018 2017 2016
Restricted stock units (performance-based)$30.64
 $27.16
 $43.72
Restricted stock units (time-based)25.57
 20.75
 35.61

During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the CMD Committee approved awards of performance-based restricted stock units to certain senior executives of the Company. Each award reflects a target number of shares (“Target Shares”) that may be issued to the award recipient. These awards may be earned upon the completion of three-year performance periods ending January 30, 2021, February 1, 2020, and February 2, 2019, respectively. Whether units are earned at the end of the performance period will be determined based on the achievement of certain performance objectives over the performance period. The performance objectives include achieving an EBITDA as a percent to sales ratio, owned plus licensed comparable sales growth and a return on invested capital ratio. The performance-based restricted stock units also include a performance objective relating to relative total shareholder return (“TSR”). Relative TSR reflects the change in the value of the Company’s common stock over the performance period in relation to the change in the value of the common stock of a twelve-company executive compensation peer group over the performance period, assuming the reinvestment of dividends. Depending on the results achieved during the three-year performance periods, the actual number of shares that a grant recipient receives at the end of the period may range from 0% to 150% of the Target Shares granted.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


The fair value of the Target Shares and restricted stock awards are based on the fair value of the underlying shares on the date of grant. The fair value of the portion of the Target Shares that relate to a relative TSR performance objective was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation analysis to estimate the total shareholder return ranking of the Company among a twelve-company executive compensation peer group over the remaining performance periods. The expected volatility of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant was estimated based on a historical average volatility rate for the approximate three-year performance period. The dividend yield assumption was based on historical and anticipated dividend payouts. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on observed interest rates consistent with the approximate three-year performance measurement period.
The fair value of a restricted stock unit award at the grant date is equal to the market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense is recorded for all restricted stock unit awards based on the amortization of the fair market value at the date of grant over the period the restrictions lapse or over the performance period of the performance-based restricted stock units. As of February 2, 2019, the Company had $48 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5 years.
 
Activity related to restricted stock units for 20162018 is as follows:
 
Shares 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(thousands)  (thousands)  
Nonvested, beginning of period1,497.0
 $57.06
3,157
 $30.51
Granted – performance-based575.1
 43.72
749
 30.64
Performance adjustment(237.6) 59.82
(455) 43.72
Granted – time-based482.8
 35.61
1,427
 25.57
Forfeited(250.0) 32.99
(203) 25.94
Vested(249.0) 33.70
(532) 40.43
Nonvested, end of period1,818.3
 $53.29
4,143
 $26.33





F-42


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


12.Shareholders’ Equity
The authorized shares of the Company consist of 125 million shares of preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”), par value of $.01 per share, with no shares issued, and 1,000 million shares of Common Stock,common stock, par value of $.01 per share, with 333.6 million shares of Common Stockcommon stock issued and 304.1307.5 million shares of Common Stockcommon stock outstanding at January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, and with 341.6333.6 million shares of Common Stockcommon stock issued and 310.3304.8 million shares of Common Stockcommon stock outstanding at January 30, 2016February 3, 2018 (with shares held in the Company’s treasury being treated as issued, but not outstanding).
The Company retired 8.0 million, 38.0 million and 31.0 million shares of Common Stockcommon stock during 2016, 20152016. No shares of common stock were retired during 2018 and 2014, respectively.2017.
The Company's board of directors approved an additional authorization to purchase Common Stock of $1,500 million on February 26, 2016. Combined with previous authorizations commencingCommencing in January 2000, the Company’s board of directors has from time to time approved authorizations to purchase, in the aggregate, up to $18,000 million of Common Stock.common stock, which includes the Company's board of directors approval of an additional authorization to purchase common stock of $1,500 million on February 26, 2016. All authorizations are cumulative and do not have an expiration date. During 2016, the Company purchased approximately 7.9 million shares of Common Stockcommon stock under its share repurchase program for a total of $316 million. During 2015, the Company purchased approximately 34.8 million shares of Common Stock under its share repurchase program for a total of $2,000 million. During 2014, the Company purchased approximately 31.9 million shares of Common Stock under its share repurchase program for a total of $1,900$316 million. As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019, $1,716 million of authorization remained unused. The Company may continue or, from time to time, suspend repurchases of its shares under its share repurchase program, depending on prevailing market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors.
Common Stock
The holders of the Common Stockcommon stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Subject to preferential rights that may be applicable to any Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stockcommon stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors in its discretion, out of funds legally available therefor.available.
Treasury Stock
Treasury stock contains shares repurchased under the share repurchase program, shares repurchased to cover employee tax liabilities related to stock plan activity and shares maintained in a trust related to deferred compensation plans. Under the deferred compensation plans, shares are maintained in a trust to cover the number estimated to be needed for distribution on account of stock credits currently outstanding.

F-43


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


Changes in the Company’s Common Stockcommon stock issued and outstanding, including shares held by the Company’s treasury, are as follows:
  Treasury Stock    Treasury Stock  
Common
Stock
Issued
 
Deferred
Compensation
Plans
 Other Total 
Common
Stock
Outstanding
Common
Stock
Issued
 
Deferred
Compensation
Plans
 Other Total 
Common
Stock
Outstanding
    (thousands)        (thousands)    
Balance at February 1, 2014410,605.8
 (1,229.2) (44,441.6) (45,670.8) 364,935.0
Stock issued under stock plans  (54.8) 7,490.6
 7,435.8
 7,435.8
Stock repurchases         
Repurchase program    (31,874.9) (31,874.9) (31,874.9)
Other    (27.0) (27.0) (27.0)
Deferred compensation plan distributions  104.8
   104.8
 104.8
Retirement of common stock(31,000.0)   31,000.0
 31,000.0
 
Balance at January 31, 2015379,605.8
 (1,179.2) (37,852.9) (39,032.1) 340,573.7
Stock issued under stock plans  (60.4) 4,493.5
 4,433.1
 4,433.1
Stock repurchases         
Repurchase program    (34,806.8) (34,806.8) (34,806.8)
Other    (12.7) (12.7) (12.7)
Deferred compensation plan distributions  68.8
   68.8
 68.8
Retirement of common stock(38,000.0)   38,000.0
 38,000.0
 
Balance at January 30, 2016341,605.8
 (1,170.8) (30,178.9) (31,349.7) 310,256.1
341,606
 (1,170) (30,180) (31,350) 310,256
Stock issued under stock plans  (87.0) 1,611.7
 1,524.7
 1,524.7
  (87) 1,612
 1,525
 1,525
Stock repurchases                  
Repurchase program    (7,874.3) (7,874.3) (7,874.3)    (7,874) (7,874) (7,874)
Other    (4.6) (4.6) (4.6)    (5) (5) (5)
Deferred compensation plan distributions  160.9
   160.9
 160.9
  161
   161
 161
Retirement of common stock(8,000.0)   8,000.0
 8,000.0
 
(8,000)   8,000
 8,000
 
Balance at January 28, 2017333,605.8
 (1,096.9) (28,446.1) (29,543.0) 304,062.8
333,606
 (1,096) (28,447) (29,543) 304,063
Stock issued under stock plans  (119) 590
 471
 471
Stock repurchases         
Other    (38) (38) (38)
Deferred compensation plan distributions  269
   269
 269
Balance at February 3, 2018333,606
 (946) (27,895) (28,841) 304,765
Stock issued under stock plans  (106) 2,756
 2,650
 2,650
Stock repurchases         
Other    (6) (6) (6)
Deferred compensation plan distributions  111
   111
 111
Balance at February 2, 2019333,606
 (941) (25,145) (26,086) 307,520
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
For the Company, the only component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for 20162018, 20152017 and 20142016 relates to post employment and postretirement plan items. The net actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits related to post employment and postretirement benefit plans are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (income) and are included in SG&A expensesbenefit plan income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, the Company incurred the pro-rata recognition of net actuarial losses associated with an increase in lump sum distributions associated with store closings, a voluntary separation program, organizational restructuring, and periodic distribution activity as settlement charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 9, "Retirement Plans," and Note 10, "Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits," for further information.


F-44


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


13.Fair Value Measurements and Concentrations of Credit Risk
The following table shows the Company’s financial assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by level within the hierarchy as defined by applicable accounting standards:
 
 January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016
   Fair Value Measurements   Fair Value Measurements
 Total 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 (millions)
Marketable
equity and
debt securities
$112
 $20
 $92
 $
 $132
 $13
 $119
 $
 February 2, 2019 February 3, 2018
   Fair Value Measurements   Fair Value Measurements
 Total 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 (millions)
Marketable
equity and
debt securities
$101
 $27
 $74
 $
 $117
 $25
 $92
 $

Other financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, certain-short term investments and other assets, short-term debt, merchandise accounts payable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and long-term debt. With the exception of long-term debt, the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The fair values of long-term debt, excluding capitalized leases, are generally estimated based on quoted market prices for identical or similar instruments, and are classified as Level 2 measurements within the hierarchy as defined by applicable accounting standards.
The following table shows the estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt:debt, excluding capital leases and other obligations:
 
 January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016
 
Notional
Amount
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Notional
Amount
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 (millions)
Long-term debt$6,459
 $6,535
 $6,438
 $6,871
 $6,966
 $6,756
 February 2, 2019 February 3, 2018
 
Notional
Amount
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Notional
Amount
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 (millions)
Long-term debt$4,671
 $4,683
 $4,407
 $5,806
 $5,835
 $5,751

The following table shows certain of the Company’s non-financiallong-lived assets, which includes tangible and intangible assets, that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during 20162018 and 20152017:
 
 January 28, 2017 January 30, 2016
   Fair Value Measurements   Fair Value Measurements
 Total 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 (millions)
Long-lived assets held and used$147
 $
 $
 $147
 $53
 $
 $
 $53
 February 2, 2019 February 3, 2018
   Fair Value Measurements   Fair Value Measurements
 Total 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 (millions)
Long-lived assets$24
 $
 $
 $24
 $24
 $
 $
 $24
During 20162018, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying value of $40584 million were written down to their fair value of $14724 million, resulting in asset impairment charges of $25860 million. During 20152017, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying value of $20177 million were written down to their fair value of $5324 million, resulting in asset impairment charges of $14853 million. The fair values of these locationsassets were calculated based on the projected cash flows and an estimated risk-adjusted rate of return that would be used by market participants in valuing these assets or prices of similar assets.

F-45


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


In connection with the May 30, 2016 annual impairment test of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, the Company recognized approximately $7 million of asset impairment charges in relation to indefinite lived tradenames. The fair values of these tradenames were calculated based on the projected cash flows and an estimated risk-adjusted rate of return that would be used by market participants in valuing these assets or prices of similar assets and are classified as Level 3 measurements within the hierarchy as defined by applicable accounting standards.
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments. The Company places its temporary cash investments in what it believes to be high credit quality financial instruments.
 
14.Earnings Per Share Attributable to Macy's, Inc. Shareholders
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders:
 
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Net
Income
   Shares 
Net
Income
   Shares Net Income   Shares
Net
Income
   Shares 
Net
Income
   Shares Net Income   Shares
(millions, except per share data)(millions, except per share data)
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders
and average number of shares outstanding
$619
   307.6
 $1,072
   327.6
 $1,526
   354.3
$1,108
   306.8
 $1,566
   304.5
 $627
   307.6
Shares to be issued under deferred compensation
and other plans
    0.9
     0.8
     0.9
    0.9
     0.9
     0.9
$619
   308.5
 $1,072
   328.4
 $1,526
   355.2
$1,108
   307.7
 $1,566
   305.4
 $627
   308.5
Basic earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders  $2.01
     $3.26
     $4.30
    $3.60
     $5.13
     $2.03
  
Effect of dilutive securities:                                  
Stock options, restricted stock and restricted
stock units
    2.3
     4.6
     6.5
    3.7
     1.4
     2.3
$619
   310.8
 $1,072
   333.0
 $1,526
   361.7
$1,108
   311.4
 $1,566
   306.8
 $627
   310.8
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders  $1.99
     $3.22
     $4.22
    $3.56
     $5.10
     $2.02
  

In addition to the stock options and restricted stock units reflected in the foregoing table, stock options to purchase 15.3 million shares of common stock and restricted stock units relating to 0.9 million shares of common stock were outstanding at February 2, 2019, stock options to purchase 16.6 million of shares of common stock and restricted stock units relating to 0.9 million shares of common stock were outstanding at February 3, 2018, and stock options to purchase 15.5 million of shares of common stock and restricted stock units relating to 1.1 million shares of common stock were outstanding at January 28, 2017, stock options to purchase 12.6 million of shares of common stock and restricted stock units relating to 140,000 shares of common stock were outstanding at January 30, 2016, and stock options to purchase 3.2 million of shares of common stock and restricted stock units relating to 0.6 million shares of common stock were outstanding at January 31, 2015, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders for 20162018, 20152017 and 20142016, respectively, because their inclusion would have been antidilutive or they were subject to performance conditions that had not been met.



F-46


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


15.Quarterly Results (unaudited)
Unaudited quarterly results for the last two years were as follows:
 
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
(millions, except per share data)(millions, except per share data)
2016:       
2018:       
Net sales$5,771
 $5,866
 $5,626
 $8,515
$5,541
 $5,572
 $5,404
 $8,455
Credit card revenues, net157
 186
 185
 240
       
Cost of sales(3,516) (3,468) (3,386) (5,251)(3,382) (3,320) (3,226) (5,288)
Gross margin2,255
 2,398
 2,240
 3,264
Selling, general and administrative expenses(1,966) (2,026) (2,071) (2,202)(2,083) (2,164) (2,255) (2,538)
Impairments, store closing and other costs
 (249) 
 (230)
Gains on sale of real estate24
 46
 42
 278
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs(19) (17) (3) (97)
Benefit plan income, net11
 11
 9
 8
Settlement charges(13) (6) (62) (17)
 (50) (23) (15)
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders116
 11
 17
 475
139
 166
 62
 740
Basic earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
.37
 .03
 .05
 1.56
0.45
 0.54
 0.20
 2.40
Diluted earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
.37
 .03
 .05
 1.54
0.45
 0.53
 0.20
 2.37
2015:       
       
2017:       
Net sales$6,232
 $6,104
 $5,874
 $8,869
$5,350
 $5,636
 $5,281
 $8,672
Credit card revenues, net161
 167
 145
 229
       
Cost of sales(3,800) (3,610) (3,537) (5,549)(3,303) (3,403) (3,152) (5,323)
Gross margin2,432
 2,494
 2,337
 3,320
Selling, general and administrative expenses(2,023) (2,058) (1,968) (2,207)(2,057) (2,161) (2,188) (2,548)
Impairments, store closing and other costs
 
 (111) (177)
Gains on sale of real estate68
 43
 65
 368
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs
 
 (33) (152)
Benefit plan income, net13
 14
 15
 15
Settlement charges
 (51) (22) (32)
Net income attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders193
 217
 118
 544
78
 111
 30
 1,347
Basic earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
.57
 .65
 .36
 1.74
0.26
 0.36
 0.10
 4.41
Diluted earnings per share attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
.56
 .64
 .36
 1.73
0.26
 0.36
 0.10
 4.38
Note: Annual results may not equal the sum of the quarterly results for the respective periods due to rounding conventions.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


16.Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Certain debt obligations of the Company described in Note 6, "Financing," which constitute debt obligations of Parent’s 100%-owned subsidiary, Macy’s Retail Holdings, Inc. (“Subsidiary Issuer”), are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Parent. In the following condensed consolidating financial statements, “Other Subsidiaries” includes all other direct subsidiaries of Parent, including Bluemercury, Inc., FDS Bank, West 34th Street Insurance Company New York, Macy's Merchandising Corporation, Macy’s Merchandising Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries Macy's Merchandising Group (Hong Kong) Limited, Macy's Merchandising Group Procurement, LLC, Macy’s Merchandising Group International, LLC, Macy's Merchandising Group International (Hong Kong) Limited, and its majority-owned subsidiary Macy's China Limited. “Subsidiary Issuer” includes operating divisions and non-guarantor subsidiaries of the Subsidiary Issuer on an equity basis. The assets and liabilities and results of operations of the non-guarantor subsidiaries of the Subsidiary Issuer are also reflected in “Other Subsidiaries.”
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income for 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, Consolidating Balance Sheets as of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019 and January 30, 2016February 3, 2018, and the related Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for 20162018, 20152017, and 20142016 are presented on the following pages.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For 2018
(millions)
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Net sales$
 $9,051
 $23,720
 $(7,800) $24,971
Credit card revenues (expense), net
 (3) 771
 
 768
          
Cost of sales
 (5,786) (17,229) 7,800
 (15,215)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 (3,509) (5,530) 
 (9,039)
Gains on sale of real estate
 141
 248
 
 389
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs
 (33) (103) 
 (136)
Operating income (loss)
 (139) 1,877
 
 1,738
Benefit plan income, net
 15
 24
 
 39
Settlement charges(5) (30) (53) 
 (88)
Interest (expense) income, net:         
External20
 (260) 4
 
 (236)
Intercompany
 (72) 72
 
 
Losses on early retirement of debt
 (33) 
 
 (33)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries1,104
 345
 
 (1,449) 
Income (loss) before income taxes1,119
 (174) 1,924
 (1,449) 1,420
Federal, state and local income
tax benefit (expense)
(11) 219
 (530) 
 (322)
Net income1,108
 45
 1,394
 (1,449) 1,098
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 10
 
 10
Net income attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$1,108
 $45
 $1,404
 $(1,449) $1,108
Comprehensive income (loss)$1,045
 $(15) $1,353
 $(1,348) $1,035
Comprehensive loss attributable to
noncontrolling interest

 
 10
 
 10
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$1,045
 $(15) $1,363
 $(1,348) $1,045

F-47
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)



MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For 2017
(millions)
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Net sales$
 $9,490
 $23,317
 $(7,868) $24,939
Credit card revenues (expense), net
 (2) 704
 
 702
          
Cost of sales
 (6,122) (16,927) 7,868
 (15,181)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 (3,426) (5,528) 
 (8,954)
Gains on sale of real estate
 201
 343
 
 544
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs
 (40) (146) 
 (186)
Operating income
 101
 1,763
 
 1,864
Benefit plan income, net
 22
 35
 
 57
Settlement charges
 (35) (70) 
 (105)
Interest (expense) income, net:         
External
 (313) 3
 
 (310)
Intercompany
 (139) 139
 
 
Gains on early retirement of debt
 10
 
 
 10
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries1,574
 773
 
 (2,347) 
Income before income taxes1,574
 419
 1,870
 (2,347) 1,516
Federal, state and local income
tax benefit (expense)
(8) 356
 (309) 
 39
Net income1,566
 775
 1,561
 (2,347) 1,555
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 11
 
 11
Net income attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$1,566
 $775
 $1,572
 $(2,347) $1,566
Comprehensive income$1,738
 $935
 $1,673
 $(2,619) $1,727
Comprehensive loss attributable to
noncontrolling interest

 
 11
 
 11
Comprehensive income attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$1,738
 $935
 $1,684
 $(2,619) $1,738


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For 2016
(millions)
 
Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 ConsolidatedParent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Net sales$
 $10,677
 $23,436
 $(8,335) $25,778
$
 $10,735
 $23,508
 $(8,335) $25,908
Credit card revenues (expense), net
 17
 639
 
 656
         
Cost of sales
 (6,787) (17,169) 8,335
 (15,621)
 (6,818) (17,183) 8,335
 (15,666)
Gross margin
 3,890
 6,267
 
 10,157
Selling, general and administrative expenses(2) (3,739) (4,524) 
 (8,265)(2) (3,899) (5,356) 
 (9,257)
Impairments, store closing and other costs
 (295) (184) 
 (479)
Gains on sale of real estate
 95
 114
 
 209
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs
 (295) (184) 
 (479)
Operating income (loss)(2) (165) 1,538
 
 1,371
Benefit plan income, net
 21
 34
 
 55
Settlement charges
 (34) (64) 
 (98)
 (34) (64) 
 (98)
Operating income (loss)(2) (178) 1,495
 
 1,315
Interest (expense) income, net:                  
External2
 (366) 1
 
 (363)2
 (366) 1
 
 (363)
Intercompany
 (200) 200
 
 

 (200) 200
 
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries619
 255
 
 (874) 
627
 267
 
 (894) 
Income (loss) before income taxes619
 (489) 1,696
 (874) 952
627
 (477) 1,709
 (894) 965
Federal, state and local income
tax benefit (expense)

 281
 (622) 
 (341)
 278
 (624) 
 (346)
Net income (loss)619
 (208) 1,074
 (874) 611
627
 (199) 1,085
 (894) 619
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 8
 
 8

 
 8
 
 8
Net income (loss) attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$619
 $(208) $1,082
 $(874) $619
$627
 $(199) $1,093
 $(894) $627
Comprehensive income (loss)$766
 $(61) $1,153
 $(1,100) $758
$774
 $(52) $1,164
 $(1,120) $766
Comprehensive loss attributable to
noncontrolling interest

 
 8
 
 8

 
 8
 
 8
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$766
 $(61) $1,161
 $(1,100) $766
$774
 $(52) $1,172
 $(1,120) $774


F-48


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For 2015
(millions)
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Net sales$
 $11,959
 $24,037
 $(8,917) $27,079
Cost of sales
 (7,670) (17,743) 8,917
 (16,496)
Gross margin
 4,289
 6,294
 
 10,583
Selling, general and administrative expenses(2) (3,980) (4,274) 
 (8,256)
Impairments, store closing and other costs
 (170) (118) 
 (288)
Operating income (loss)(2) 139
 1,902
 
 2,039
Interest (expense) income, net:         
External1
 (361) (1) 
 (361)
Intercompany
 (230) 230
 
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries1,072
 421
 
 (1,493) 
Income (loss) before income taxes1,071
 (31) 2,131
 (1,493) 1,678
Federal, state and local income
tax benefit (expense)
1
 120
 (729) 
 (608)
Net income1,072
 89
 1,402
 (1,493) 1,070
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 2
 
 2
Net income attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$1,072
 $89
 $1,404
 $(1,493) $1,072
Comprehensive income$1,101
 $118
 $1,415
 $(1,535) $1,099
Comprehensive loss attributable to
noncontrolling interest

 
 2
 
 2
Comprehensive income attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$1,101
 $118
 $1,417
 $(1,535) $1,101


F-49


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For 2014
(millions)
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Net sales$
 $13,078
 $23,522
 $(8,495) $28,105
Cost of sales
 (8,127) (17,231) 8,495
 (16,863)
Gross margin
 4,951
 6,291
 
 11,242
Selling, general and administrative expenses(3) (4,351) (4,001) 
 (8,355)
Impairments, store closing and other costs
 (45) (42) 
 (87)
Operating income (loss)(3) 555
 2,248
 
 2,800
Interest (expense) income, net:         
External1
 (394) 
 
 (393)
Intercompany
 (230) 230
 
 
Premium on early retirement of debt
 (17) 
 
 (17)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries1,528
 624
 
 (2,152) 
Income before income taxes1,526
 538
 2,478
 (2,152) 2,390
Federal, state and local income
tax benefit (expense)

 25
 (889) 
 (864)
Net income1,526
 563
 1,589
 (2,152) 1,526
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$1,526
 $563
 $1,589
 $(2,152) $1,526
Comprehensive income$1,119
 $156
 $1,338
 $(1,494) $1,119
Comprehensive loss attributable to
noncontrolling interest

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to
Macy's, Inc. shareholders
$1,119
 $156
 $1,338
 $(1,494) $1,119


F-50


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of January 28, 2017February 2, 2019
(millions)
 
Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 ConsolidatedParent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
ASSETS:                  
Current Assets:                  
Cash and cash equivalents$938
 $81
 $278
 $
 $1,297
$889
 $59
 $214
 $
 $1,162
Receivables
 169
 353
 
 522

 68
 332
 
 400
Merchandise inventories
 2,565
 2,834
 
 5,399

 2,342
 2,921
 
 5,263
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 84
 324
 
 408

 143
 477
 
 620
Total Current Assets938
 2,899
 3,789
 
 7,626
889
 2,612
 3,944
 
 7,445
Property and Equipment – net
 3,397
 3,620
 
 7,017

 3,287
 3,350
 
 6,637
Goodwill
 3,315
 582
 
 3,897

 3,326
 582
 
 3,908
Other Intangible Assets – net
 51
 447
 
 498

 38
 440
 
 478
Other Assets
 47
 766
 
 813

 41
 685
 
 726
Deferred Income Taxes26
 
 
 (26) 
12
 
 
 (12) 
Intercompany Receivable375
 
 2,428
 (2,803) 
1,713
 
 1,390
 (3,103) 
Investment in Subsidiaries3,137
 3,540
 
 (6,677) 
4,030
 3,119
 
 (7,149) 
Total Assets$4,476
 $13,249
 $11,632
 $(9,506) $19,851
$6,644
 $12,423
 $10,391
 $(10,264) $19,194
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                  
Current Liabilities:                  
Short-term debt$
 $306
 $3
 $
 $309
$
 $42
 $1
 $
 $43
Merchandise accounts payable
 590
 833
 
 1,423

 713
 942
 
 1,655
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities15
 1,064
 2,484
 
 3,563
170
 950
 2,246
 
 3,366
Income taxes71
 16
 265
 
 352
14
 52
 102
 
 168
Total Current Liabilities86
 1,976
 3,585
 
 5,647
184
 1,757
 3,291
 
 5,232
Long-Term Debt
 6,544
 18
 
 6,562

 4,692
 16
 
 4,708
Intercompany Payable
 2,803
 
 (2,803) 

 3,103
 
 (3,103) 
Deferred Income Taxes
 688
 781
 (26) 1,443

 679
 571
 (12) 1,238
Other Liabilities66
 500
 1,311
 
 1,877
24
 406
 1,150
 
 1,580
Shareholders’ Equity:        

        

Macy's, Inc.4,323
 738
 5,939
 (6,677) 4,323
6,436
 1,786
 5,363
 (7,149) 6,436
Noncontrolling Interest
 
 (1) 
 (1)
 
 
 
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity4,323
 738
 5,938
 (6,677) 4,322
6,436
 1,786
 5,363
 (7,149) 6,436
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$4,475
 $13,249
 $11,633
 $(9,506) $19,851
$6,644
 $12,423
 $10,391
 $(10,264) $19,194


F-51


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of January 30, 2016February 3, 2018
(millions)
 
Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 ConsolidatedParent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
ASSETS:                  
Current Assets:                  
Cash and cash equivalents$741
 $91
 $277
 $
 $1,109
$1,109
 $58
 $288
 $
 $1,455
Receivables
 217
 341
 
 558

 85
 278
 
 363
Merchandise inventories
 2,702
 2,804
 
 5,506

 2,344
 2,834
 
 5,178
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 135
 344
 
 479

 165
 485
 
 650
Income taxes44
 
 
 (44) 
Total Current Assets785
 3,145
 3,766
 (44) 7,652
1,109
 2,652
 3,885
 
 7,646
Property and Equipment – net
 3,925
 3,691
 
 7,616

 3,349
 3,323
 
 6,672
Goodwill
 3,315
 582
 
 3,897

 3,315
 582
 
 3,897
Other Intangible Assets – net
 52
 462
 
 514

 44
 444
 
 488
Other Assets
 154
 743
 
 897
1
 89
 790
 
 880
Deferred Income Taxes14
 
 
 (14) 
11
 
 
 (11) 
Intercompany Receivable
 
 3,800
 (3,800) 
884
 
 2,381
 (3,265) 
Investment in Subsidiaries4,725
 3,804
 
 (8,529) 
4,032
 4,119
 
 (8,151) 
Total Assets$5,524
 $14,395
 $13,044
 $(12,387) $20,576
$6,037
 $13,568
 $11,405
 $(11,427) $19,583
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                  
Current Liabilities:                  
Short-term debt$
 $641
 $1
 $
 $642
$
 $6
 $16
 $
 $22
Merchandise accounts payable
 667
 859
 
 1,526

 653
 937
 
 1,590
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities35
 1,439
 1,859
 
 3,333
159
 980
 2,132
 
 3,271
Income taxes
 41
 230
 (44) 227
113
 30
 153
 
 296
Total Current Liabilities35
 2,788
 2,949
 (44) 5,728
272
 1,669
 3,238
 
 5,179
Long-Term Debt
 6,976
 19
 
 6,995

 5,844
 17
 
 5,861
Intercompany Payable1,218
 2,582
 
 (3,800) 

 3,265
 
 (3,265) 
Deferred Income Taxes
 693
 798
 (14) 1,477

 559
 600
 (11) 1,148
Other Liabilities21
 558
 1,544
 
 2,123
20
 430
 1,212
 
 1,662
Shareholders’ Equity:                  
Macy's, Inc.4,250
 798
 7,731
 (8,529) 4,250
5,745
 1,801
 6,350
 (8,151) 5,745
Noncontrolling Interest
 
 3
 
 3

 
 (12) 
 (12)
Total Shareholders’ Equity4,250
 798
 7,734
 (8,529) 4,253
5,745
 1,801
 6,338
 (8,151) 5,733
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$5,524
 $14,395
 $13,044
 $(12,387) $20,576
$6,037
 $13,568
 $11,405
 $(11,427) $19,583


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For 2018
(millions)
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:         
Net income$1,108
 $45
 $1,394
 $(1,449) $1,098
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs
 33
 103
 
 136
Settlement charges5
 30
 53
 
 88
Gains on sale of real estate
 (141) (248) 
 (389)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries(1,104) (345) 
 1,449
 
Dividends received from subsidiaries1,040
 200
 
 (1,240) 
Depreciation and amortization
 334
 628
 
 962
Changes in assets, liabilities and other items not separately identified(91) 198
 (266) (1) (160)
Net cash provided by
operating activities
958
 354
 1,664
 (1,241) 1,735
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Purchase of property and equipment and capitalized software, net
 (135) (323) 
 (458)
Other, net
 (16) (33) 51
 2
Net cash used by investing activities
 (151) (356) 51
 (456)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Debt repaid
 (1,098) (1) (50) (1,149)
Dividends paid(463) 
 (1,240) 1,240
 (463)
Issuance of common stock, net of common stock acquired45
 
 
 
 45
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest
 
 7
 
 7
Intercompany activity, net(767) 875
 (108) 
 
Other, net7
 5
 4
 
 16
Net cash used by
financing activities
(1,178) (218) (1,338) 1,190
 (1,544)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(220) (15) (30) 
 (265)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
beginning of period
1,109
 79
 325
 
 1,513
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
end of period
$889
 $64
 $295
 $
 $1,248


F-52

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)



MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For 2017
(millions)
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:         
Net income$1,566
 $775
 $1,561
 $(2,347) $1,555
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs
 40
 146
 
 186
Settlement charges
 35
 70
 
 105
Gains on sale of real estate
 (201) (343) 
 (544)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries(1,574) (773) 
 2,347
 
Dividends received from subsidiaries903
 450
 
 (1,353) 
Depreciation and amortization
 354
 637
 
 991
Changes in assets, liabilities and other items not separately identified14
 79
 (410) 
 (317)
Net cash provided by
operating activities
909
 759
 1,661
 (1,353) 1,976
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Disposition (purchase) of property and equipment and capitalized software, net
 68
 (417) 
 (349)
Other, net
 7
 (9) 
 (2)
Net cash provided (used) by
investing activities

 75
 (426) 
 (351)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Debt repaid
 (987) (1) 
 (988)
Dividends paid(461) 
 (1,353) 1,353
 (461)
Common stock acquired, net of
issuance of common stock
5
 
 
 
 5
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest
 
 13
 
 13
Intercompany activity, net(427) 249
 178
 
 
Other, net145
 (98) (62) 
 (15)
Net cash used by financing activities(738) (836) (1,225) 1,353
 (1,446)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash171
 (2) 10
 
 179
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
beginning of period
938
 81
 315
 
 1,334
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
end of period
$1,109
 $79
 $325
 $
 $1,513


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 


MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For 2016
(millions)
 
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:         
Net income (loss)$619
 $(208) $1,074
 $(874) $611
Impairments, store closing and other costs
 295
 184
 
 479
Settlement charges
 34
 64
 
 98
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries(619) (255) 
 874
 
Dividends received from subsidiaries957
 575
 
 (1,532) 
Depreciation and amortization
 407
 651
 
 1,058
(Increase) decrease in working capital110
 (482) 92
 
 (280)
Other, net28
 51
 (244) 
 (165)
Net cash provided by
operating activities
1,095
 417
 1,821
 (1,532) 1,801
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Purchase of property and equipment and capitalized software, net
 12
 (251) 
 (239)
Other, net
 32
 20
 
 52
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
 44
 (231) 
 (187)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Debt repaid, net of debt issued
 (750) 1
 
 (749)
Dividends paid(459) 
 (1,532) 1,532
 (459)
Common stock acquired, net of
issuance of common stock
(280) 
 
 
 (280)
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest
 
 4
 
 4
Intercompany activity, net(144) 255
 (111) 
 
Other, net(15) 24
 49
 
 58
Net cash used by
financing activities
(898) (471) (1,589) 1,532
 (1,426)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents
197
 (10) 1
 
 188
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period
741
 91
 277
 
 1,109
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period
$938
 $81
 $278
 $
 $1,297



F-53


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For 2015
(millions)
Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 ConsolidatedParent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:                  
Net income$1,072
 $89
 $1,402
 $(1,493) $1,070
Impairments, store closing and other costs
 170
 118
 
 288
Net income (loss)$627
 $(199) $1,085
 $(894) $619
Restructuring, impairment, store closing and other costs
 295
 184
 
 479
Settlement charges
 34
 64
 
 98
Gains on sale of real estate
 (95) (114) 
 (209)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries(1,072) (421) 
 1,493
 
(627) (267) 
 894
 
Dividends received from subsidiaries1,086
 
 
 (1,086) 
957
 575
 
 (1,532) 
Depreciation and amortization
 440
 621
 
 1,061

 407
 651
 
 1,058
(Increase) decrease in working capital25
 (340) (81) 
 (396)
Other, net(8) (78) 47
 
 (39)
Net cash provided (used) by
operating activities
1,103
 (140) 2,107
 (1,086) 1,984
Changes in assets, liabilities and other items not separately identified138
 (312) (70) 
 (244)
Net cash provided by
operating activities
1,095
 438
 1,800
 (1,532) 1,801
Cash flows from investing activities:                  
Purchase of property and equipment and capitalized software, net
 (88) (821) 
 (909)
Disposition (purchase) of property and equipment and capitalized software, net
 13
 (252) 
 (239)
Other, net
 83
 (266) 
 (183)
 (18) 14
 
 (4)
Net cash used by
investing activities

 (5) (1,087) 
 (1,092)
 (5) (238) 
 (243)
Cash flows from financing activities:                  
Debt issued, net of debt repaid
 348
 (1) 
 347
Debt repaid
 (753) (1) 
 (754)
Dividends paid(456) 
 (1,086) 1,086
 (456)(459) 
 (1,532) 1,532
 (459)
Common stock acquired, net of
issuance of common stock
(1,838) 
 
 
 (1,838)(280) 
 
 
 (280)
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest
 
 5
 
 5

 
 6
 
 6
Intercompany activity, net12
 (243) 231
 
 
(144) 233
 (89) 
 
Other, net12
 37
 (136) 
 (87)(15) 27
 49
 
 61
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities(2,270) 142
 (987) 1,086
 (2,029)
Net increase (decrease) in
cash and cash equivalents
(1,167) (3) 33
 
 (1,137)
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period
1,908
 94
 244
 
 2,246
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period
$741
 $91
 $277
 $
 $1,109
Net cash used by
financing activities
(898) (493) (1,567) 1,532
 (1,426)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash197
 (60) (5) 
 132
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
beginning of period
741
 141
 320
 
 1,202
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
end of period
$938
 $81
 $315
 $
 $1,334


F-54F-59


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


MACY’S, INC.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For 2014
(millions)
 Parent 
Subsidiary
Issuer
 
Other
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:         
Net income$1,526
 $563
 $1,589
 $(2,152) $1,526
Impairments, store closing and other costs
 45
 42
 
 87
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries(1,528) (624) 
 2,152
 
Dividends received from subsidiaries1,088
 1
 
 (1,089) 
Depreciation and amortization
 454
 582
 
 1,036
Increase (decrease) in working capital9
 74
 (69) 
 14
Other, net(20) (177) 243
 
 46
Net cash provided by
operating activities
1,075
 336
 2,387
 (1,089) 2,709
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Purchase (disposition) of property and equipment and capitalized software, net
 (260) (636) 
 (896)
Other, net
 (12) (62) 
 (74)
Net cash used by
investing activities

 (272) (698) 
 (970)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Debt repaid, net of debt issued
 177
 (3) 
 174
Dividends paid(421) 
 (1,089) 1,089
 (421)
Common stock acquired, net of
issuance of common stock
(1,643) 
 
 
 (1,643)
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
Intercompany activity, net927
 (283) (644) 
 
Other, net15
 52
 57
 
 124
Net cash used by
financing activities
(1,122) (54) (1,679) 1,089
 (1,766)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents
(47) 10
 10
 
 (27)
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period
1,955
 84
 234
 
 2,273
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period
$1,908
 $94
 $244
 $
 $2,246


F-55