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Macerich Company (MAC)
NYSE:MAC

Macerich (MAC) AI Stock Analysis

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MA

Macerich

(NYSE:MAC)

53Neutral
Macerich's overall stock score reflects significant financial challenges, including persistent net losses and zero cash flow, which impact operational resilience. While technical indicators suggest current weakness, the stock's valuation is unattractive due to a negative P/E ratio despite a high dividend yield. Positive strides in strategic initiatives and board enhancements provide some optimism, but substantial financial and operational improvements are necessary for a higher score.
Positive Factors
Balance Sheet Management
Macerich Company achieved strong execution on its balance sheet, including raising $454 million in equity.
Financial Performance
Net debt to EBITDA has decreased to 7.99x from 8.23x in 3Q, indicating progress on financial goals.
Leasing Activity
Solid leasing progress was made with 1.1 million square feet signed in the fourth quarter and 3.7 million square feet year-to-date, with leasing volumes 15% higher year-over-year.
Negative Factors
Interest Costs
Rising interest costs may be the largest headwind to achieving $1.80 of FFO in the next 3-4 years.
Rental Income
Consolidated percentage rent decreased compared to the previous quarters.
Same Store Net Operating Income
SSNOI growth of -0.4% YoY was a bit of surprise, which may explain some of the stock weakness.

Macerich (MAC) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Macerich Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMacerich is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States. Macerich currently owns 51 million square feet of real estate consisting primarily of interests in 47 regional shopping centers. Macerich specializes in successful retail properties in many of the country's most attractive, densely populated markets with significant presence in the West Coast, Arizona, Chicago and the Metro New York to Washington, DC corridor. A recognized leader in sustainability, Macerich has achieved the #1 GRESB ranking in the North American Retail Sector for five straight years (2015 - 2019).
How the Company Makes MoneyMacerich generates revenue primarily through leasing space in its shopping centers to a diverse range of retail tenants. The company earns rental income from long-term lease agreements with retailers, which can include fixed base rents, percentage rents based on tenant sales, and reimbursement of property operating expenses. Additionally, Macerich benefits from ancillary income streams such as parking fees, advertising, and sponsorships within its properties. The company's strategic focus on high-traffic, affluent markets helps maximize occupancy rates and rental rates, contributing to its financial performance. Macerich also engages in redevelopment projects to enhance and modernize its properties, which can increase property value and attract premium tenants. Partnerships with leading retailers and brands further bolster Macerich's market presence and revenue potential.

Macerich Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Macerich demonstrates high gross profit margins but faces challenges with persistent net losses and zero cash flow generation. The elimination of debt improved leverage metrics, yet the lack of cash flow and ongoing net losses highlight the need for operational improvements.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Macerich shows a mixed performance in terms of profitability. The Gross Profit Margin has remained strong, with 95.5% in 2024, but the company has struggled with net profitability, as evidenced by consecutive net losses. Revenue growth was minimal at 4.2% from 2023 to 2024, suggesting limited top-line expansion. Despite strong EBIT and EBITDA margins in 2024 (66.6% and 98.7% respectively), the net income remains negative, indicating challenges in managing costs or debt-associated expenses.
Balance Sheet
58
Neutral
The balance sheet reflects a solid equity base with an equity ratio of 32.2% in 2024, showing reliance on equity financing. However, the Debt-to-Equity ratio improved significantly to 0.00 due to zero debt reported in 2024, which may indicate strategic deleveraging. Return on Equity is negative, highlighting profitability issues despite improved equity standing.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow metrics indicate some concerns. Operating Cash Flow to Net Income ratio could not be assessed since Operating Cash Flow was zero in 2024. Free Cash Flow growth cannot be determined due to zero Free Cash Flow reported. This lack of operational cash flow and free cash flow points to potential liquidity management issues.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
918.20M881.37M859.16M847.44M786.03M
Gross Profit
487.94M486.48M468.81M466.55M438.05M
EBIT
4.84M0.00144.78M141.06M-102.25M
EBITDA
326.90M190.72M436.39M452.19M155.70M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-194.12M-274.06M-65.08M14.26M-245.46M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
89.86M94.94M100.32M112.45M465.30M
Total Assets
8.57B7.51B8.09B8.35B9.18B
Total Debt
5.06B4.31B4.50B4.61B6.13B
Net Debt
4.97B4.21B4.40B4.50B5.66B
Total Liabilities
5.72B4.99B5.14B5.17B6.74B
Stockholders Equity
2.76B2.45B2.87B3.05B2.26B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
283.44M295.50M239.61M175.44M53.32M
Operating Cash Flow
283.44M295.50M337.51M286.37M124.84M
Investing Cash Flow
19.79M52.54M-1.40M234.97M-202.85M
Financing Cash Flow
-316.05M-338.89M-321.94M-837.02M446.45M

Macerich Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price15.19
Price Trends
50DMA
16.29
Negative
100DMA
18.29
Negative
200DMA
17.68
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.43
Negative
RSI
49.57
Neutral
STOCH
75.05
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For MAC, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 15.19 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 14.43, below the 50-day MA of 16.29, and below the 200-day MA of 17.68, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.43 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 49.57 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 75.05 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for MAC.

Macerich Risk Analysis

Macerich disclosed 37 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Macerich reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Macerich Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
IRIRT
68
Neutral
$4.71B112.740.87%3.26%-2.94%
68
Neutral
$4.92B63.553.09%3.39%9.27%19.51%
CUCUZ
67
Neutral
$4.74B94.571.15%4.53%6.71%-45.29%
KRKRG
65
Neutral
$4.95B365.260.81%4.67%4.09%-75.82%
63
Neutral
$4.19B32.824.57%6.89%7.22%809.92%
60
Neutral
$2.79B11.370.20%8519.74%6.07%-14.95%
MAMAC
53
Neutral
$3.99B-7.50%4.48%4.88%-66.88%
* Real Estate Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
MAC
Macerich
15.19
1.09
7.73%
CUZ
Cousins Properties
28.23
5.46
23.98%
SBRA
Sabra Healthcare REIT
17.42
3.86
28.47%
KRG
Kite Realty Group
22.50
2.42
12.05%
IRT
Independence Realty
19.64
3.62
22.60%
PECO
Phillips Edison & Company
35.55
3.83
12.07%

Macerich Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 27, 2025
(Q4-2024)
|
% Change Since: -23.78%|
Next Earnings Date:May 12, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects positive progress in business simplification, leasing performance, and traffic recovery. However, challenges remain with a decrease in FFO and same-center NOI, alongside higher capital costs. The company is on track with its strategic initiatives and has a clear path forward.
Q4-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Successful Business Simplification
The company successfully simplified its business by consolidating joint venture interests at key locations and de-risked through an equity offering. Refinancing of Queens Center was achieved well below target rates.
Strong Leasing Performance
In 2024, achieved 8.8% base rent releasing spreads for permanent tenants under 10,000 square feet, with new leases signed during this period at 17.6% higher base rent versus the prior period.
Improved Portfolio Traffic
Traffic for the year was up almost 2% compared to 2023, and portfolio traffic is back to pre-COVID levels.
Portfolio Occupancy Increase
Fourth quarter occupancy was 94.1%, up 40 basis points from the third quarter and 60 basis points from the previous year.
Significant Liquidity and Debt Reduction
The company has approximately $683 million of liquidity, and reduced debt to EBITDA to slightly below 8x, with a strategy to further reduce leverage to the low to mid 6x range.
Negative Updates
Decrease in FFO
FFO for Q4 2024 was $117 million, down from $128 million in Q4 2023, driven by higher interest expense and severance costs.
Same-Center NOI Decline
Same-center NOI excluding lease termination income decreased 0.4% in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023.
Higher Capital Costs
Anticipated landlord work and tenant allowance costs were higher than expected due to the percentage of new tenants targeted for leasing.
Company Guidance
During the Macerich Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided comprehensive guidance on its strategic Path-Forward Plan aimed at simplifying the business, improving operational performance, and reducing leverage over a five-year horizon. Key metrics highlighted include targeting an average of 4 million square feet of leasing annually in 2025 and 2026, up from 3.75 million square feet in previous years, with a focus on increasing the percentage of new lease deals. The company achieved an 8.8% base rent releasing spread for permanent tenants under 10,000 square feet, with new leases signed at a 17.6% higher base rent than prior periods. Macerich is also targeting an 89% physical permanent occupancy rate by 2028, up from the current 84%, with a signed-not-open (SNO) pipeline of $66 million. The call also detailed progress in refinancing efforts, with the Queens Center refinance at a favorable 5.4% fixed interest rate, and Macerich's debt to EBITDA decreasing to just below 8x. The guidance underscores a strategic shift to longer-term leasing planning and an increase in operational efficiencies through new technological and organizational enhancements.

Macerich Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Macerich Director Eric Brandt Announces Departure
Neutral
Mar 18, 2025

On March 12, 2025, Eric K. Brandt informed the Board of Directors of The Macerich Company that he will not seek re-election at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. Mr. Brandt, who has been a director since 2018 and serves as chair of the capital allocation committee and a member of the compensation committee, will maintain his roles until the meeting. His decision was not due to any disagreements with the company. Consequently, the Board will reduce its size from nine to eight members after the meeting. The company expressed gratitude for Mr. Brandt’s contributions.

Private Placements and FinancingM&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Macerich Advances Path Forward Plan with Key Acquisitions
Neutral
Feb 27, 2025

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Macerich made significant strides in executing its Path Forward Plan, which includes simplifying its business, improving operational performance, and reducing leverage. The company acquired a 40% interest in the Pacific Premier Retail Trust portfolio for $122 million, completed a public offering of 23 million shares raising approximately $454 million, and sold several properties to improve its balance sheet. Despite a net loss of $211.2 million for the quarter, Macerich maintained a strong leasing performance with a portfolio occupancy of 94.1% and signed leases for 3.7 million square feet of space throughout the year.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.