Kohl’s Corp. The company maintained its annual projection and delivered a smaller-than-forecast loss during its first quarter because it demonstrates positive results from its transformation plan despite the uncertain retail environment and executive changes.
The department store chain produced earnings per share at $0.13 which exceeded market predictions for a loss of $0.26 according to LSEG data. Bender stated that the company remains dedicated to operational stabilization despite the recent departure of CEO Tom Kingsbury who faced dismissal because of his personal relationship with a vendor.
Kohl’s confirmed its 2025 guidance which includes a projected 5% to 7% decline in sales together with EPS between $0.10 and $0.60. The company’s guidance retention surprised market observers since they predicted Kohl’s would adjust its forecast because of both tariff-related risks and weak retail performance.
Bender expressed confidence that the company can handle tariff challenges while maintaining the provided guidance during the earnings call.
The forecast at Kohl’s presents an opposing perspective to Macy’s since Macy’s reduced its annual profit estimate but maintained its sales projection. Multiple retailers across the industry reduced their sales forecasts because rising import expenses and declining profit margins.
Kohl’s stock price surged 15% following the news because investors reacted positively to better-than-expected financial performance together with maintained guidance. Telsey Advisory Group described the affirmation as an optimistic development for the sector despite current difficulties.
The company will maintain its plan to close unprofitable stores and simultaneously expand its presence in promising locations. Kohl’s has announced its commitment to boost private-label products and key partnerships through its partnership with beauty retailer Sephora which now operates in 1,100 U.S. locations across the country.
Bender indicated that the company will continue executing the transformation strategy which Buchanan had established before he left the company.
Kohl’s shows determination to maintain its turnaround momentum by implementing cost discipline and brand partnerships and targeting specific stores to navigate the current retail challenges caused by tariffs across global supply chains.
