Citi analyst Paul Lejuez upgraded Macy's (M) to Buy saying an attractive free cash flow and dividend yield makes the risk/reward attractive at current levels. While the long term structural challenges to department stores are unlikely to go away, Macy's is "doing the right things for the business," Lejuez tells investors in a research note. He calls the retailer "one of the stronger horses in the race" and sees upcoming quarterly results as potential catalysts. Lejuez keeps a $44 price target for Macy's shares. The analyst points out that Macy's 4.4% dividend yielding 4.4% trails only Kohl's (KSS) and Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) among the retailers he covers. Macy's closed yesterday down 59c to $34.68.

Bearish flow noted in Kohl's with 4,607 puts trading, or 3x expected. Most active are 5/31 weekly 21 puts and Apr-24 23 calls, with total volume in those strikes near 4,300 contracts. The Put/Call Ratio is 7.58, while ATM IV is up nearly 2 points on the day. Earnings are expected on May 23rd.