Kohl's (KSS) stock fell sharply out of the gate Tuesday after the department store chain came up short of top- and bottom-line expectations for its fiscal third quarter and cut its full-year outlook.
In the three months ended November 2, Kohl's reported net sales of $3.5 billion, a decrease of 8.8% year over year, as its comparable-store sales declined 9.3%. Its earnings per share (EPS) slumped 62.3% from the year-ago period to 20 cents.
"Our third-quarter results did not meet our expectations as sales remained soft in our apparel and footwear businesses," said Kohl's CEO Tom Kingsbury in a statement. "We are not satisfied with our performance in 2024 and are taking aggressive action to reverse the sales declines. We must execute at a higher level and ensure we are putting the customer first in everything we do."
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The results came up short of analysts' expectations. Wall Street was anticipating net sales of $3.6 billion and earnings of 28 cents per share, according to CNBC.
As a result of its weak quarter, Kohl's slashed its full-year outlook. Here's what the company now expects to accomplish versus its previous forecast:
| Metric | Current outlook | Previous outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Net sales | (7%) to (8%) | (4%) to (6%) |
| Comparable-store sales | (6%) to (7%) | (3%) to (5%) |
| EPS | $1.20 to $1.50 | $1.75 to $2.25 |
"We are approaching our financial outlook for the year more conservatively given the third-quarter underperformance and our expectation for a highly competitive holiday season," Kingsbury said.
Kohl's announces new CEO
In a separate announcement released Monday, Kohl's said that Tom Kingsbury will step down as CEO, effective January 15, 2025. He will be replaced by Ashley Buchanan, who previously served as chief executive officer of Michael's and held executive positions at Walmart (WMT) and Sam's Club.
"We are excited to welcome Ashley to Kohl's," said Board Chair Michael Bender. "His vast retail experience leading operations, merchandising, and e-commerce at Walmart and his past five years as CEO of Michaels will bring a steady, proven, innovative leader to Kohl's as we continue to transform the business and drive future growth."
Buchanan will be Kohl's third CEO since 2018.
Is Kohl's stock a buy, sell or hold?
Kohl's has had plenty of trouble on the price charts, too, and was down nearly 32% for the year to date heading into Tuesday's session. Unsurprisingly, Wall Street is on the sidelines when it comes to the consumer discretionary stock.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for KSS stock is $21.32, representing implied upside of more than 30% to current levels. Meanwhile, the consensus recommendation is a Hold. Analysts may very well reduce their ratings and price targets following the dismal quarterly results and C-suite shift.
Financial services firm UBS Global Research is one of the more bearish outfits on the small-cap stock with a Sell rating and $13.50 price target.
"We believe Kohl's lost big market share in Q3, and this gives us increased conviction in our Sell rating," wrote UBS analyst Jay Sole in a November 15 note.
Related Content
-
AI Goes To SchoolThe Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is rapidly heading to K-12 classrooms nationwide. Expect tech companies to cash in on the fast-emerging trend.
-
Where to Invest in an Uncertain MarketIn an uncertain market, you can still pocket juicy payouts ranging from 4% to 14%, depending on risk.
-
Where to Invest in an Uncertain Market
In an uncertain market, you can still pocket juicy payouts ranging from 4% to 14%, depending on risk.
-
My First $1 Million: Events Industry CEO, 65, Northern New JerseyEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Social Security Pop Quiz: Are You Among the 89% of Americans Who'd Fail?Shockingly few people have any clue what their Social Security benefits could be. This financial adviser notes it's essential to understand that info and when it might be best to access your benefits.
-
Stock Market Today: Investors Look on the Bright SideA generally good week closes on another positive note, as investors, traders and speculators look for fresh catalysts.
-
My Three-Day Rule for Investing: And If it Applies NowStock Market I've seen a lot in my career. Here's what I see now in the stock market.
-
Such Attractive Yields in High-Grade Munis Are Rare and May Not Last LongAccording to this munis expert, the last time munis were this cheap was a brief period in 2023. If you kicked yourself for missing out then, you have a second chance now.
-
Financial Analyst Sees a Bright Present for Municipal Bond InvestorsHigh-tax-bracket investors have an excellent opportunity to secure low-volatility, high-quality returns at yield levels rarely seen in over a decade.
-
I'm an Insurance Pro: How Not to Get Dumped by Your Insurance AgentYour insurance agent or broker might show you the door if you do any of these five things. Being a good customer is about more than paying your bill on time.
