Kohl's (KSS) earnings Q1 2026
CNBC • • business
Key Points:
- Kohl's stock surged 20% in early trading following its best comparable sales performance in four years, signaling potential growth according to CEO Michael Bender.
- The retailer reported a slight decline in net sales by 1.7% and comparable sales down 1.1% in its fiscal first quarter, but outperformed Wall Street expectations with a smaller loss per share and slightly higher revenue.
- Kohl's reaffirmed its full-year outlook, anticipating net and comparable sales to decline by up to 2% or remain flat, with adjusted earnings per share projected between $1 and $1.60.
- CEO Bender highlighted improvements in Kohl's card customer base and proprietary brands while noting ongoing challenges from inflation, high energy prices, and labor market issues affecting their primarily lower- and middle-income shoppers.
- The company is focusing on enhancing the in-store experience and inventory management and has applied for approximately $190 million in tariff refunds, though no funds have been received yet.