Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

May 01, 2021

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Macy's, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (the "Company"), is an omnichannel retail organization operating stores, websites and mobile applications under three brands (Macy's, Bloomingdale's and bluemercury) that sell a wide range of merchandise, including apparel and accessories (men's, women's and kids'), cosmetics, home furnishings and other consumer goods. The Company has stores in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. As of May 1, 2021, the Company's operations were conducted through Macy's, Market by Macy’s, Macy’s Backstage, Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale's The Outlet, and bluemercury.  

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

A description of the Company's significant accounting policies is included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021 (the "2020 10-K"). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in the 2020 10-K.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") 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, including the ultimate financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may result in actual amounts differing from reported amounts.

The Consolidated Financial Statements for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company.

Seasonality

Because of the seasonal nature of the retail business, the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020 (which do not include the Christmas season) are not necessarily indicative of such results for the full fiscal year.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total comprehensive income (loss) represents the change in equity during a period from sources other than transactions with shareholders and, as such, includes net income (loss).  For the Company, the only other components of total comprehensive income (loss) for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020 relate to post employment and postretirement plan items. Settlement charges incurred are included as a separate component of income (loss) before income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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 Operations.  See Note 6, "Benefit Plans," for further information.

COVID-19 Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into fiscal 2021, the Company remains focused on prudent cash management, maintaining strong liquidity, and executing its strategic initiatives.  In addition, the Company continues to prioritize health and safety measures in its stores and facilities to protect the well-being of its customers and colleagues.  Although the Company has experienced recovery in operating results during the first quarter of 2021 as compared to fiscal 2020, certain stores continued to operate under local governmental orders or restrictions. The full impact of COVID-19 will continue to depend on future developments, including the continued spread and duration of the pandemic, variant strains of COVID-19, the availability and distribution of effective medical treatments or vaccines as well as any related federal, state or local governmental orders or restrictions. In addition, numerous uncertainties continue to surround the pandemic and its ultimate impact on the Company, including the timing and extent of any recovery in consumer traffic and spending, and potential delays, interruptions and disruptions in the Company’s supply chain, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

As further disclosed in the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K, on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law, which permitted, among other benefits, the carryback of certain net operating losses.  Based on the Company’s 2020 fiscal results, a $520 million income tax receivable has been recognized as of May 1, 2021, associated with this net operating loss carryback benefit.  This income tax receivable is estimated to be received in the first quarter of 2022 and is included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.