Kohl's Corporation (KSS)

In the past six months, Kohl's stock has experienced fluctuations and analyst scrutiny. In August 2025, Kohl's reported its Q2 2025 earnings, surpassing EPS estimates but missing revenue estimates, although the stock surged. In September 2025, several analysts updated their ratings and price targets for Kohl's. In October 2025, BTIG Research initiated coverage with a "neutral" rating, and Weiss Ratings reiterated a "hold (C-)" rating, noting concerns about same-store sales performance and a high net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio.

Kohl's experiences demand seasonality, with the third quarter, including the back-to-school shopping season, being important. The holiday shopping season (Q4) is also a crucial period, and Kohl's offers seasonal home décor items and collections in apparel and footwear.

Kohl's Corporation is a prominent American department store retail chain with approximately 1,150 stores across 49 states. Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Kohl's offers moderately priced private-label and national brand products, including apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty products, and home furnishings. The company also features its own private brands and has partnered with Sephora to enhance its beauty offerings.

Kohl's has a substantial market presence across the United States, with 1,174 locations as of February 2024, operating in every U.S. state except Hawaii. Kohl's stores are typically found in strip centers, community and regional malls, and as freestanding establishments. The company also has a significant digital sales operation and supplies products through a network of distribution and e-commerce fulfillment centers across the U.S.

Kohl's brand reputation is closely tied to its ability to differentiate itself and build personalized connections with customers. In the past year, Kohl's has faced challenges including leadership turmoil with the dismissal of CEO Ashley Buchanan, sales declines due to a challenging sales environment and softer consumer spending, and operational shifts with concerns about elevated debt. Despite these challenges, Kohl's has focused on strategic initiatives like its Sephora partnership and proprietary brands.

Major institutional investors hold significant stakes in Kohl's, including Commonwealth Equity Services LLC, New York State Teachers Retirement System, State of Alaska Department of Revenue, and Yousif Capital Management LLC. Other institutional investors like Viawealth LLC and Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC increased their stakes in the second quarter of 2025.