MACY’S, INC. – 10-K – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 The Company is a retail organization operating stores and Internet websites under two brands (Macy's and Bloomingdale's) that sell a wide range of merchandise, including apparel and accessories (men's, women's and children's), cosmetics, home furnishings and other consumer goods in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. As of January 28, 2012, the Company's operations were conducted through Macy's, macys.com, Bloomingdale's, bloomingdales.com and Bloomingdale's Outlet which are aggregated into one reporting segment in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 280, "Segment Reporting." The Company is focused on three key strategies for continued growth in sales, earnings and cash flow in the years ahead: (i) maximizing the My Macy's localization initiative; (ii) driving the omnichannel business; and (iii) embracing customer centricity, including engaging customers on the selling floor through the MAGIC selling program. The My Macy's localization initiative was developed with the goal of accelerating sales growth in existing locations by ensuring that core customers surrounding each Macy's store find merchandise assortments, size ranges, marketing programs and shopping experiences that are custom-tailored to their needs. My Macy's has concentrated more management talent in local markets, effectively reducing the "span of control" over local stores; created new positions in the field to work with planning and buying executives in helping to understand and act on the merchandise needs of local customers; and empowered locally based executives to make more and better decisions. Also as part of the My Macy's transformation, the Company's Macy's branded stores were reorganized in a unified operating structure with division central office organizations eliminated. This has reduced central office and administrative expense, eliminated duplication, sharpened execution, and helped the Company to make decisions faster and partner more effectively with its suppliers and business partners. The Company's omnichannel strategy allows customers to shop seamlessly in stores, online and via mobile devices. Macy's MAGIC selling program is an approach to customer engagement that helps Macy's to better understand the needs of customers, as well as to provide options and advice. This comprehensive training and coaching program is designed to improve the in-store shopping experience. In 2010, the Company piloted a new Bloomingdale's Outlet store concept. Bloomingdale's Outlet stores are each approximately 25,000 square feet and offer a range of apparel and accessories, including women's ready-to-wear, men's, children's, women's shoes, fashion accessories, jewelry, handbags and intimate apparel. Additionally, in February 2010, Bloomingdale's opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates under a license agreement with Al Tayer Insignia, a company of Al Tayer Group, LLC, under which the Company is entitled to a license fee in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement, generally based upon the greater of the contractually earned or guaranteed minimum amounts. During 2010, the Company opened two new Macy's stores, one new Bloomingdale's store, and four Bloomingdale's Outlet stores. During 2011, the Company opened three new Bloomingdale's Outlet stores and re-opened one Macy's store that had been closed in 2010 due to flood damage. As of the date of this report, the Company had opened two new Macy's stores and intends to open five Bloomingdale's Outlet stores during the remainder of fiscal 2012. The Company has announced that in 2013 and early 2014 it intends to open three new Macy's stores, one Macy's replacement store, one new Bloomingdale's store, one Bloomingdale's replacement store, and may open additional Bloomingdale's Outlet stores. The Company's operations are impacted by competitive pressures from department stores, specialty stores, mass merchandisers, Internet websites and all other retail channels. 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 substantial declines in the level of general economic activity and real estate and investment values, substantial increases in consumer pessimism, unemployment and the costs of basic necessities, and a significant tightening of consumer credit. 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. The effects of economic conditions have been, and may continue to be, experienced differently, or 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 the Company's Macy's-branded and Bloomingdale's-branded operations. All economic conditions, however, ultimately affect the Company's overall operations. Based on its assessment of current and                                         13 

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anticipated market conditions and its recent performance, the Company is assuming that its comparable store sales in 2012 will increase approximately 3.5% from 2011 levels. The discussion in this Item 7 should be read in conjunction with our 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."

  Results of Operations Comparison of the 52 Weeks Ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011. Net income for 2011 was $1,256 million, compared to net income of $847 million for 2010, reflecting the benefits of the key strategies at Macy's, the continued strong performance at Bloomingdale's and higher income from credit operations. For 2011, gain on sale of properties, impairments and store closing costs positively affected net income by $25 million on a pretax basis. For 2010, impairments and store closing costs and expenses associated with the early retirement of debt negatively affected net income by $91 million on a pretax basis. Net sales for 2011 totaled $26,405 million, compared to net sales of $25,003 million for 2010, an increase of $1,402 million or 5.6%. On a comparable store basis, net sales for 2011 were up 5.3% compared to 2010. Sales from the Company's Internet businesses in 2011 increased 39.6% compared to 2010 and positively affected the Company's 2011 comparable store sales by 1.5%. The Company continues to benefit from the successful execution of the My Macy's localization strategy. Geographically, sales in 2011 were strongest in the southern regions. By family of business, sales in 2011 were strongest in cosmetics and fragrances, handbags, watches, men's, home textiles and furniture. Sales of the Company's private label brands continued to be strong and represented approximately 20% of net sales in the Macy's-branded stores in 2011. Sales in 2011 were less strong in women's traditional casual apparel, juniors and cold weather merchandise. The Company calculates comparable store sales as sales from stores in operation throughout 2010 and 2011 and all net Internet sales. Stores undergoing remodeling, expansion or relocation remain in the comparable store sales calculation unless the store is closed for a significant period of time. Definitions and calculations of comparable store sales differ among companies in the retail industry. Cost of sales was $15,738 million or 59.6% of net sales for 2011, compared to $14,824 million or 59.3% of net sales for 2010, an increase of $914 million. The cost of sales rate as a percent to net sales was higher in 2011, as compared to 2010, primarily due to the expansion of free shipping on macys.com and in stores since the fourth quarter of 2010. The valuation of merchandise inventories on the last-in, first-out basis did not impact cost of sales in either period. Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were $8,281 million or 31.4% of net sales for 2011, compared to $8,260 million or 33.0% of net sales for 2010, an increase of $21 million. The SG&A rate as a percent of net sales was 160 basis points lower in 2011, as compared to 2010, reflecting increased net sales. SG&A expenses in 2011 were impacted by higher selling costs as a result of stronger sales, higher advertising expense, and greater investments in the Company's omnichannel operations, partially offset by higher income from credit operations and lower depreciation and amortization expense. Advertising expense, net of cooperative advertising allowances, was $1,136 million for 2011 compared to $1,072 million for 2010. Advertising expense, net of cooperative advertising allowances, as a percent of net sales was 4.3% for both 2011 and 2010. Income from credit operations was $582 million in 2011 as compared to $332 million in 2010. Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,085 million for 2011, compared to $1,150 million for 2010. Gain on sale of properties, impairments and store closing costs for 2011 included a $54 million gain from the sale of store leases related to the 2006 divestiture of Lord & Taylor, partially offset by $22 million of asset impairment charges and $7 million of other costs and expenses primarily related to the store closings announced in January 2012. Impairments and store closing costs for 2010 amounted to $25 million and included $18 million of asset impairment charges and $7 million of other costs and expenses related to the store closings announced in January 2011. Net interest expense was $443 million for 2011, compared to $574 million for 2010, a decrease of $131 million. Net interest expense for 2011 benefited from lower levels of borrowings as compared to 2010, resulting from both the early retirement of outstanding debt during fiscal 2010 and the repayment of debt at maturity. Interest expense for 2010 also included approximately $66 million of expenses associated with the early retirement of debt.  

The Company's effective tax rate of 36.2% for 2011 and 35.8% for 2010 differ from the federal income tax statutory rate of 35%, and on a comparative basis, principally because of the effect of state and local income taxes, including the settlement of various tax issues and tax examinations.

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  Comparison of the 52 Weeks Ended January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010. Net income for 2010 was $847 million, compared to net income of $329 million for 2009, reflecting the benefits of the strategic initiatives at Macy's and the continued strong performance at Bloomingdale's. The net income for 2010 included the impact of $25 million of impairments and store closing costs and approximately $66 million of expenses associated with the early retirement of debt. The net income for 2009 included the impact of $391 million of impairments, store closing costs and division consolidation costs. Net sales for 2010 totaled $25,003 million, compared to net sales of $23,489 million for 2009, an increase of $1,514 million or 6.4%. On a comparable store basis, net sales for 2010 were up 4.6% compared to 2009. Sales from the Company's Internet businesses in 2010 increased 28.7% compared to 2009 and positively affected the Company's 2010 comparable store sales by 0.9%. The Company has realized continued success in the My Macy's localization strategy. Geographically, sales in 2010 were strongest in Florida and the upper Midwest. By family of business, sales in 2010 were strongest in updated women's apparel, particularly the Company's I-N-C brand, jewelry and watches, men's apparel and accessories, luggage, furniture and mattresses. Sales of the Company's private label brands continued to be strong and represented approximately 20% of net sales in the Macy's-branded stores in 2010. Sales in 2010 were less strong in traditional women's sportswear. The Company calculates comparable store sales as sales from stores in operation throughout 2009 and 2010 and all net Internet sales. Stores undergoing remodeling, expansion or relocation remain in the comparable store sales calculation unless the store is closed for a significant period of time. Definitions and calculations of comparable store sales differ among companies in the retail industry. Cost of sales was $14,824 million or 59.3% of net sales for 2010, compared to $13,973 million or 59.5% of net sales for 2009, an increase of $851 million. The improved cost of sales rate reflected the benefit of good inventory management throughout 2010. The valuation of merchandise inventories on the last-in, first-out basis did not impact cost of sales in either period. SG&A expenses were $8,260 million or 33.0% of net sales for 2010, compared to $8,062 million or 34.3% of net sales for 2009, an increase of $198 million. The SG&A rate as a percent of net sales was lower in 2010, as compared to 2009, reflecting an increase in net sales. SG&A expenses in 2010 increased due to higher selling costs as a result of stronger sales, higher workers' compensation and general liability insurance costs, higher pension and supplementary retirement plan expense, and higher costs in support of the Company's omnichannel operations, partially offset by lower depreciation and amortization expense, lower stock-based compensation expense, higher income from credit operations and lower advertising expense. Workers' compensation and general liability insurance costs were $148 million for 2010, compared to $124 million for 2009. Pension and supplementary retirement plan expense amounted to $144 million for 2010, compared to $110 million for 2009. Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,150 million for 2010, compared to $1,210 million for 2009. Stock-based compensation expense was $66 million for 2010, compared to $76 million for 2009. Income from credit operations was $332 million in 2010 as compared to $323 million in 2009. Advertising expense, net of cooperative advertising allowances, was $1,072 million for 2010 compared to $1,087 million for 2009. Impairments and store closing costs for 2010 amounted to $25 million and included $18 million of asset impairment charges and $7 million of other costs and expenses related to the store closings announced in January 2011. Impairments, store closing costs and division consolidation costs for 2009 amounted to $391 million and included $115 million of asset impairment charges, $6 million of other costs and expenses related to the store closings announced in January 2010, and $270 million of restructuring-related costs and expenses associated with the division consolidation and localization initiatives, primarily severance and other human resource-related costs. Net interest expense was $574 million for 2010, compared to $556 million for 2009, an increase of $18 million. The increase in net interest expense was primarily due to approximately $66 million of expenses associated with the early retirement of approximately $1,000 million of outstanding debt during 2010, partially offset by lower levels of borrowings due primarily to such early retirement of outstanding debt. 

The Company's effective tax rate of 35.8% for 2010 and 35.2% for 2009 differed from the federal income tax statutory rate of 35%, and on a comparative basis, principally because of the effect of state and local income taxes and the settlement of various tax issues and tax examinations. Federal, state and local income tax expense for 2009 included a benefit of approximately $21 million related to the settlement of federal income tax examinations, primarily attributable to the disposition of former subsidiaries.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's principal sources of liquidity are cash from operations, cash on hand and the credit facility described below. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2011 was $2,093 million, compared to $1,506 million provided in 2010,

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  reflecting higher net income and a lower pension contribution in 2011. During 2011, the Company made pension funding contributions totaling approximately $375 million, compared to pension funding contributions made during 2010 of approximately $825 million. The Company is currently planning to make a pension funding contribution of approximately $150 million in 2012. Net cash used by investing activities was $617 million for 2011, compared to net cash used by investing activities of $465 million for 2010. Investing activities for 2011 include purchases of property and equipment totaling $555 million and capitalized software of $209 million, compared to purchases of property and equipment totaling $339 million and capitalized software of $166 million for 2010. Cash flows from investing activities included $114 million and $74 million from the disposition of property and equipment for 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company's budgeted capital expenditures are approximately $850 million for 2012, primarily related to new stores, store remodels, maintenance, the renovation of Macy's Herald Square, technology and omnichannel investments, and distribution network improvements, including construction of a new fulfillment center. Management presently anticipates funding such expenditures with cash on hand and cash from operations. Net cash used by the Company for all financing activities was $113 million for 2011, including the acquisition of the Company's common stock under its share repurchase program at an approximate cost of $500 million, the repayment of $454 million of debt and the payment of $148 million of cash dividends, partially offset by the issuance of $800 million of debt, the issuance of $162 million of common stock, primarily related to the exercise of stock options, and an increase in outstanding checks of $49 million. The debt issued during 2011 includes $550 million of 3.875% senior notes due 2022 and $250 million of 5.125% senior notes due 2042, the proceeds of which will be used to retire indebtedness maturing during the first half of 2012. The debt repaid during 2011 includes $330 million of 6.625% senior notes due April 1, 2011 and $109 million of 7.45% senior debentures due September 15, 2011. Net cash used by the Company for all financing activities was $1,263 million for 2010, including the repayment of $1,245 million of debt and the payment of $84 million of cash dividends, partially offset by an increase in outstanding checks of $24 million and the issuance of $43 million of common stock, primarily related to the exercise of stock options. The debt repaid during 2010 included the early retirement of approximately $1,000 million of outstanding debt with various stated maturities, and payment at maturity of $76 million of 8.5% senior notes due June 1, 2010 and $150 million of 10.625% senior debentures due November 1, 2010. On February 27, 2012, the Company notified holders of the $173 million of 8.0% senior debentures due July 15, 2012 of the Company's intent to redeem the debentures on March 29, 2012, as allowed under the terms of the indenture. The price for the redemption is calculated pursuant to the indenture and will result in the recognition of additional interest expense of approximately $4 million. By redeeming this debt early, the Company will save approximately $4 million of interest expense during 2012. In addition, the Company repaid $616 million of 5.35% senior notes due March 15, 2012 at maturity. The Company will also repay $298 million of debt maturing in January 2013, and presently anticipates funding the repayment with cash on hand and cash from operations. Additionally, the Company presently anticipates using cash on hand to continue the acquisition of the Company's common stock during 2012. 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. The Company entered into a credit agreement with certain financial institutions on June 20, 2011 providing for revolving credit borrowings and letters of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,500 million (which amount 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 June 20, 2015 and replaced a $2,000 million facility which was set to expire August 30, 2012. As of January 28, 2012 and throughout all of 2011, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under its credit agreements. 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 2011 was 7.44 and its leverage ratio at January 28, 2012 was 2.17, 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) over net interest expense and the leverage ratio is defined as debt over 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 $400 million and extraordinary losses less interest income and non-recurring or extraordinary gains. Debt and net interest are adjusted to exclude the premium on acquired debt and the resulting amortization, respectively.                                         16 

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  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, 2012, no notes or debentures contain provisions requiring acceleration of payment upon a debt rating downgrade. However, the terms of approximately $3,800 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 a result of upgrades of the notes by specified rating agencies, the rate of interest payable in respect of $612 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company's senior notes outstanding at January 28, 2012 decreased by .25 percent per annum to 8.125% effective in May 2011 and decreased by .25 percent per annum to 7.875%, its stated interest rate, effective in January 2012. The rate of interest payable in respect of these senior notes outstanding at January 28, 2012 could increase by up to 2.0 percent per annum from its current level in the event of one or more downgrades of the notes by specified rating agencies. On January 5, 2012, the Company's board of directors approved an additional $1,000 million authorization to the Company's existing share repurchase program. During 2011, the Company repurchased approximately 16,356,500 shares of its common stock for a total of approximately $500 million. As of January 28, 2012, the Company had approximately $1,352 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 January 5, 2012, the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share on its common stock, payable April 2, 2012 to Macy's shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2012. This dividend reflects an increase of 100% over the previous quarterly dividend rate of 10 cents per share. The dividend had been increased during the second quarter of 2011 to 10 cents per share from the previous quarterly dividend rate of 5 cents per share. At January 28, 2012, the Company had contractual obligations (within the scope of Item 303(a)(5) of Regulation S-K) as follows:                                            Obligations Due, by Period                                        Less than      1 - 3      3 - 5      More than                             Total        1 Year       Years      Years       5 Years                                                    (millions) Short-term debt           $  1,099    $     1,099    $     -    $     -    $         - Long-term debt               6,404              -        582      1,823          3,999 Interest on debt             5,193            455        812        674          3,252 Capital lease obligations       74              6         10          6             52 Operating leases             2,767            255        468        355          1,689 Letters of credit               34             34          -          -              - Other obligations            3,838          2,251        563        256            768                           $ 19,409    $     4,100    $ 2,435    $ 3,114    $     9,760   

"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. 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

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  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. The Company has not included in the contractual obligations table approximately $134 million of long-term liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits for various tax positions taken or approximately $60 million of related accrued federal, state and local interest and penalties. 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 $18 million of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits that the Company expects to settle in cash in the next year. The Company has not included in the contractual obligation table the $389 million Pension Plan liability. The Company's funding policy is to contribute amounts necessary to satisfy pension funding requirements, including requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, plus such additional amounts from time to time as are determined to be appropriate to improve the Pension Plan's funded status. The Pension Plan's funded status is affected by many factors including discount rates and the performance of Pension Plan assets. The Company is currently planning to make a pension funding contribution of approximately $150 million in 2012. 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.  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. 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 fiscal year purchase activity. The retail inventory method inherently requires management judgments and contains 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 profit reduction is recognized in the period the markdown is recorded. The Company receives certain allowances from various vendors in support of the merchandise it purchases for resale. 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 generally credited to cost of sales at the time the merchandise is sold in accordance with ASC Subtopic 605-50, "Customer Payments and Incentives." The Company also receives advertising allowances from approximately 1,000 of its merchandise vendors pursuant to cooperative advertising programs, with some vendors participating in multiple programs. These allowances represent reimbursements by vendors of                                         18 

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  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. Advertising allowances in excess of costs incurred are recorded as a reduction of merchandise costs. 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. Although it is highly unlikely that there will be any significant reduction in historical levels of vendor support, if such a reduction were to occur, the Company could experience higher costs of sales and higher advertising expense, or reduce the amount of advertising that it uses, depending on the specific vendors involved and market conditions existing at the time. Physical inventories are generally taken within each merchandise department annually, and inventory records are adjusted accordingly, resulting in the recording of actual shrinkage. 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. Physical inventories are taken at all store locations for substantially all merchandise categories approximately three weeks before the end of the fiscal year. Shrinkage is estimated as a percentage of sales at interim periods and for this approximate three-week period, based on historical shrinkage rates. 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 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. 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. Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company reviews the carrying value of its goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives at least annually for possible impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other." 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 and the Macy's retail operating division is the only reporting unit with goodwill and intangible assets. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually at the end of the fiscal month of May. The goodwill impairment test currently involves a two-step process. The first step involves estimating the fair value of each reporting unit based on its estimated discounted cash flows and comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If this comparison indicates that a reporting unit's estimated fair value is less than its carrying value, a second step is required. If applicable, the second step requires the Company to allocate the fair value of the reporting unit to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit's net assets, with any fair value in excess of amounts 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. Beginning with the annual review of the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives in 2012, the goodwill impairment test will begin with an assessment of qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. The results of this assessment, which will require the exercise of substantial judgment by the Company, will determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test process.                                         19 

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The Company uses judgment in assessing whether assets may have become impaired between annual impairment tests. The occurrence of a change in circumstances, such as continued adverse business conditions or other economic factors, would determine the need for impairment testing between annual impairment tests. Based on the results of the most recent annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets completed during the second quarter of 2011, the Company determined that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired as of May 28, 2011 and the estimated fair value of the Macy's retail operating division substantially exceeded its carrying value. The goodwill impairment testing process involves the use of significant assumptions, estimates and judgments by management, and is subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity. Estimating a reporting unit's discounted cash flows involves the use of significant assumptions, estimates and judgments with respect to a variety of factors, including sales, gross margin and SG&A rates, capital expenditures, cash flows and the selection and use of an appropriate discount rate. 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 of the reporting unit directly resulting from the use of its assets in its operations. The allocation of the estimated fair value of the Company's reporting units to the estimated fair value of their net assets also involves the use of significant assumptions, estimates and judgments. Both the estimates of the fair value of the Company's reporting units and the allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting units to their net assets are based on the best information available to the Company's management as of the date of the assessment. The use of different assumptions, estimates or judgments in either step of the goodwill impairment testing process, including with respect to the estimated future cash flows of the Company's reporting units, the discount rate used to discount such estimated cash flows to their net present value, the reasonableness of the resultant implied control premium relative to the Company's market capitalization, and the appraised fair value of the reporting units' tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, could materially increase or decrease the fair value of the reporting unit and/or its net assets and, accordingly, could materially increase or decrease any related impairment charge.

  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. As of January 29, 2011, the Company changed its methodology for recording deferred state income taxes from a blended rate basis to a separate entity basis, and has reflected the effects of such change to 2008. Even though the Company considers the change to have had only an immaterial impact on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the prior periods as previously reported have been adjusted to reflect the change. 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 resolution of these matters will 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. 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 by third parties based on                                         20 

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  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. 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, "Compensation - 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 recognized on an accrual basis over employees' approximate service periods. The pension expense calculation is generally independent of funding decisions or requirements. The Company anticipates that Pension and SERP expense, which was approximately $150 million in 2011, will increase by approximately $65 million in 2012. 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. During 2011, the Company made funding contributions to the Pension Plan totaling approximately $375 million. The Company is currently planning to make a pension funding contribution of approximately $150 million in 2012. 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, 2012, the Company had unrecognized actuarial losses of $1,558 million for the Pension Plan and $195 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 2012 Pension and SERP expense by approximately $155 million. 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), the discount rate used to determine the present value of projected benefit obligations and the weighted average rate of increase of future compensation levels. As of January 29, 2011, the Company lowered the assumed annual long-term rate of return for the Pension Plan's assets from 8.75% to 8.00% based on expected future returns on the portfolio. 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 on the Pension Plan's assets by 0.25% would increase or decrease the estimated 2012 pension expense by approximately $8 million. The Company discounted its future pension obligations using a rate of 4.65% at January 28, 2012, compared to 5.40% at January 29, 2011. 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. Pension liability and future pension expense both increase or decrease as the discount rate is reduced or increased, respectively. Lowering the discount rate by 0.25% (from 4.65% to 4.40%) would increase the projected benefit obligation at January 28, 2012 by approximately $107 million and would increase estimated 2012 pension expense by approximately $11 million. Increasing the discount rate by 0.25% (from 4.65% to 4.90%) would decrease the projected benefit obligation at January 28, 2012 by approximately $100 million and would decrease estimated 2012 pension expense by approximately $10 million. The assumed weighted average age-graded rate of increase in future compensation levels was 4.5% at January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011 for the Pension Plan, and 4.9% at January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011 for the SERP. The Company develops its rate of compensation increase assumption on an age-graded basis based on recent experience and reflects an estimate of future compensation levels taking into account general increase levels, seniority, promotions and other factors. Pension liabilities and future pension expense both increase or decrease as the weighted average rate of increase of future compensation levels is increased or decreased, respectively. Increasing or decreasing the assumed weighted average rate of increase of future compensation levels by 0.25% would increase or decrease the projected benefit obligation at January 28, 2012 by approximately $17 million and change estimated 2012 pension expense by approximately $4 million.                                           21

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New Pronouncements

  In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2011-04, which amends ASC Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," to result in common fair value measurements and disclosures between accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and International Financial Reporting Standards. The amendments explain how to measure fair value. They do not require additional fair value measurements and are not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices outside of financial reporting. The amendments change the wording used to describe fair value measurement requirements and disclosures, but often do not result in a change in the application of current guidance. Certain amendments clarify the intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, while certain other amendments change a principle or requirement for fair value measurement or disclosure. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2011-05, which amends ASC Topic 220, "Comprehensive Income," to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by eliminating the option of presenting components of comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders' equity. The updated guidance requires that all nonowner changes in shareholders' equity be presented either as a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, which defers the requirement to present on the face of the financial statements items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income while the FASB further deliberates this aspect of the proposal. This guidance, as amended, is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The guidance is limited to the form and content of the financial statements and disclosures, and the Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, which amends ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other." The guidance amends the impairment test for goodwill by allowing companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount and whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step goodwill impairment test. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, which amends ASC Subtopic 210-20, "Offsetting." The guidance requires enhanced disclosures with improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (i) offset in accordance with current guidance or (ii) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with current guidance. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after January 1, 2013. The guidance is limited to the form and content of disclosures, and the Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.