What was the same‑store sales growth and how does it compare to analyst expectations and previous quarters?
Same‑store sales (SSS) performance:
Macerich reported 5.5 % year‑over‑year growth in same‑store sales for Q2 2025. Analysts had been looking for roughly 3 % SSS growth in the consensus estimates, so the result came in well ahead of expectations. The figure also represents a significant acceleration from the 1.2 % SSS growth posted in Q1 2025 and well above the modest 2 % growth recorded in Q2 2024.
Trading implications:
The surprise upside in same‑store sales reinforces the narrative that Macerich’s “lifestyle‑centric” mall portfolio is benefitting from a rebound in discretionary spending and from higher‑margin tenant mix‑upgrades. The beat is likely to lift the stock in the near‑term, especially as the company’s forward‑looking rent‑growth guidance remains intact. From a technical standpoint, MAC shares broke above the 20‑day EMA and is now testing the $45‑$46 resistance zone, with volume trending above its 10‑day average—suggesting a short‑term bullish bias. However, investors should stay vigilant for two headwinds: (1) the broader retail‑real‑estate sector remains vulnerable to higher interest‑rate pressure, which could compress cap rates, and (2) the company still carries a modest net‑lease‑back exposure that could become a drag if tenant‑level sales slow.
Actionable insight:
Given the earnings beat and the acceleration in SSS, a medium‑term bullish stance on MAC is warranted—consider adding to positions or initiating new long‑positions at current pull‑back levels near $44–$45, targeting a upside to the $48–$50 range over the next 4–6 weeks. Place a stop‑loss below the 20‑day EMA (around $41) to limit downside if broader market sentiment turns sharply negative or if any guidance revisions emerge.