Kohls Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

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.

Kohl's (NYSE: KSS) announces the addition of 400 new Sephora locations, increasing the total to 600 shops nationwide. This expansion is part of a goal to reach 850 Sephora locations by the end of 2023. The new stores will feature a curated selection of prestigious beauty brands, enhancing the shopping experience and drawing in younger, diverse customers. Additionally, Kohl's will introduce six new brands to its beauty lineup this spring, further diversifying its offerings.

Kohl's Corporation (NYSE: KSS) has responded to Macellum Advisors' recent director nominations, asserting that their claims are unfounded and detrimental. The Board, largely independent, has formed a Finance Committee to explore value-enhancing opportunities. Kohl's reports strong performance, achieving a nine-year high operating margin in Q3 and record earnings per share, positioning for significant profitability. The company is expanding its Sephora partnership, with expectations for a substantial sales lift. The Board is committed to maximizing shareholder value and will present its recommendations at the 2022 Annual Meeting.

Macellum Advisors holds nearly 5% of Kohl's (KSS) and criticized the company's Board for swiftly rejecting acquisition offers. Managing Partner Jonathan Duskin expressed concern over the Board's entrenched stance and lack of strategic thinking regarding potential buyers. Macellum accused the Board of adopting a shareholder rights plan that discourages active investor engagement and indicated intentions to nominate new Board candidates focused on maximizing shareholder value. Macellum's actions aim to facilitate a more open sales process.

Kohl's Corporation (NYSE: KSS) has determined that recent expressions of interest in acquiring the company do not reflect its true value based on future growth potential. The Board of Directors, advised by its Finance Committee and external financial advisors like Goldman Sachs, aims to maximize long-term shareholder value. Additionally, Kohl's has adopted a limited-duration shareholder rights plan to facilitate an orderly review of these offers. This plan will expire on February 2, 2023, and shareholders will receive rights for every share owned.

Macellum Advisors, a significant shareholder of Kohl’s (KSS), has criticized the company’s Board for dismissing its assessment of potential acquirers as 'unfounded speculation.' Following confirmed expressions of interest from Acacia Research and Sycamore Partners, Macellum urges the Board to establish a special committee to oversee a strategic review, inviting a Macellum representative to lead it. With Kohl’s stock price rising approximately 35% after the news, Macellum advocates for an organized sales process to maximize shareholder value, reserving the right to act against the Board if they hinder this process.