Kohls Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

Kohl's Corporation (NYSE: KSS) announced that its Board of Directors is reviewing multiple preliminary offers for acquisition. These offers are currently non-binding and lack committed financing. The Board has engaged Goldman Sachs to assist selected bidders in refining their proposals to include committed financing. The Finance Committee, comprised of independent directors, is overseeing this review, which follows a settlement agreement with Macellum Advisors GP, LLC. This process reflects Kohl's ongoing efforts to explore strategic options for growth and shareholder value enhancement.

Kohl's (NYSE: KSS) and Capital One (NYSE: COF) have announced a multi-year extension of their credit card program agreement, marking the second extension since 2014. This partnership aims to enhance customer experience through expanded buying power and exclusive offers via the Kohl's Card. The agreement includes plans to introduce a co-branded card product as early as 2023. Capital One's SVP emphasized the significant value delivered to customers through shared innovation and growth. Kohl's is also set to enhance rewards for Kohl's Card holders, offering 7.5% back for Rewards members.

Engine Capital LP expressed deep disappointment with Kohl's Corporation (NYSE: KSS) following its recent analyst day, where the company's low sales and earnings guidance caused a 12% drop in shares. Kohl's projected low single-digit sales growth and mid-to-high single-digit EPS growth, relying heavily on share repurchases. Engine Capital urges the Board to expedite the sale process and present the best offers to shareholders, emphasizing the need for a competitive sale process after months of delays.

Kohl’s Corporation (NYSE: KSS) recently held its virtual Investor Day, announcing a strategic focus on becoming the retailer of choice for the Active and Casual lifestyle. Key initiatives include targeting low-single digit sales growth and mid-to-high single-digit EPS growth. The company plans to expand its Sephora business to a $2 billion revenue stream with over 850 stores. Kohl’s also aims to open more than 100 new stores in the next four years and enhance customer rewards. The company commits to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Kohl’s Corporation (NYSE: KSS) will host a virtual investor day on March 7, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. The company’s executive team will discuss strategic initiatives for growth and present an updated financial framework, followed by a Q&A session. Interested parties can access the webcast on Investors.Kohls.com. Additionally, Kohl’s plans to file a proxy statement for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and encourages shareholders to review all relevant documents, which will be available through the SEC and Kohl’s website.

Macellum Advisors, holding nearly 5% of Kohl's Corporation (KSS), raised concerns about the company's strategies ahead of its analyst day on March 7, 2022. Key issues include Kohl's inability to boost sales versus 2019, declining gross margins, rising costs, and ineffective capital allocation. Macellum criticized the lack of growth and poor performance relative to peers, emphasizing the need for management to address several critical questions during the meeting. The firm advocates for a careful evaluation of expenses and potential sales offers from credible buyers to enhance shareholder value.

Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) reported fourth quarter diluted earnings per share of $2.20, meeting expectations, and a record full-year adjusted diluted EPS of $7.33, surpassing the previous high of $5.60 in 2018. The company repurchased $548 million in shares during the quarter and $1.355 billion for the year. For 2022, Kohl's expects net sales to increase by 2% to 3%, with an operating margin of 7.2% to 7.5% and EPS estimates of $7.00 to $7.50. A quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share was declared, doubling the previous amount.

Macellum Advisors has criticized Kohl’s Corporation for anti-shareholder actions, asserting that the Board is entrenched and resistant to maximizing shareholder value. In a recent press release, they highlighted the Board's quick rejection of acquisition interests and adoption of a two-tiered poison pill that complicates unsolicited offers. Macellum pointed out that the record date for the 2022 Annual Meeting is set for March 7, 2022, limiting shareholder participation. The firm believes this behavior undermines efforts for a transparent sale process and has negatively affected Kohl's share price.