Why activists target department stores

Article Excerpt

Department store chains are favourite targets of activist investors, as markets tend to discount their real estate holdings. That’s largely why they want Macy’s and Kohl’s to spin off their e-commerce businesses. The faster-growing online operations would probably trade at a much high multiple than the combined business. A spinoff would let the remaining operations focus on rationalizing their stores and selling excess real estate. However, both firms are resisting these proposals. MACY’S INC. $25 is a hold. The retailer (New York symbol M, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 299.3 million; Market cap: $7.5 billion; Dividend yield: 2.4%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.macys.com) operates 634 department stores under the Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s banners. It also has 160 specialty stores and sells goods online. Activist investment firm Jana Partners now owns roughly 2% of Macy’s shares. It wants the company to spin off its online business as a separate firm. In Macy’s current fiscal year, ending January 31, 2022, revenue from the online division should range between $8.35 billion…