Kohl's Corporation (KSS) Stock Analysis

Why this analysis is different

• A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
• An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
• Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.

Kohl's Corporation (KSS) Consumer Business Overview

Kohl's Corporation, a US-based retailer, operates approximately 1,100 stores and a robust e-commerce platform, offering a diverse range of apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home products. The company differentiates itself through a mix of private and national brands, targeting value-conscious consumers in the competitive department store sector.

What Is the Investment Thesis for KSS?

Kohl's Corporation presents a mixed investment thesis. The company's established store network and growing e-commerce platform provide a solid foundation. Its current P/E ratio of 6.96 and dividend yield of 3.45% may appeal to value investors. However, the company faces challenges in a competitive retail environment, including adapting to changing consumer preferences and managing supply chain disruptions. Future growth hinges on successful execution of its strategic initiatives, such as expanding its partnership with Sephora and enhancing its omnichannel capabilities. Investors should monitor key performance indicators, including same-store sales growth, e-commerce penetration, and profitability margins, to assess the company's long-term prospects. The company's beta of 1.49 suggests higher volatility compared to the market.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

KSS Key Highlights

Market capitalization of $1.90B reflects its current valuation in the competitive retail sector.

• P/E ratio of 6.96 indicates a potentially undervalued stock compared to its earnings.
• Gross margin of 40.6% demonstrates its ability to maintain profitability on its sales.
• Dividend yield of 3.45% offers an attractive income stream for investors.
• Operating approximately 1,100 stores provides a significant physical presence across the United States.

Who Are KSS's Competitors?

KSS is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance This table mixes two scoring engines — compare a number only with others carrying the same tag.

What Are KSS's Key Strengths?

Established brand recognition and customer base.

• Extensive store network across the United States.
• Strong private-label brands offering higher margins.
• Loyalty program (Kohl's Cash) driving repeat purchases.

What Are KSS's Weaknesses?

Dependence on promotional pricing and discounts.

• Vulnerability to changing consumer preferences and fashion trends.
• Intense competition from online retailers and discount stores.
• Inconsistent financial performance in recent years.

What Could Drive KSS Stock Higher?

KSS catalyst: Expansion of the Sephora partnership to additional Kohl's stores, driving increased foot traffic and sales in the beauty category.

• Continued investment in omnichannel capabilities, enhancing the online shopping experience and driving e-commerce growth.
• Introduction of new private-label brands and product categories, attracting new customers and increasing margins.
• Optimization of the store footprint, closing underperforming stores and opening new stores in strategic locations.

What Are the Key Risks for KSS?

Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 1.68 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).

• Economic downturn and reduced consumer spending, impacting sales and profitability.
• Increasing competition from online retailers, eroding market share and pricing power.
• Supply chain disruptions and rising costs, affecting margins and product availability.
• Changing consumer preferences and fashion trends, requiring constant adaptation and innovation.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for KSS?

• Expanding the Sephora partnership: Kohl's partnership with Sephora represents a significant growth opportunity. By opening Sephora boutiques within Kohl's stores, the company can attract new customers and drive traffic to its stores. The beauty market is a high-growth segment, and Sephora's strong brand recognition can enhance Kohl's appeal. The expansion of this partnership to more stores nationwide could significantly boost Kohl's sales and profitability. The beauty industry is projected to reach $660 billion globally by 2027, offering a substantial market for Kohl's to tap into.
• Enhancing omnichannel capabilities: Investing in its omnichannel capabilities is crucial for Kohl's to remain competitive. This includes improving its online platform, offering seamless online-to-offline experiences, and providing convenient fulfillment options such as buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS). By enhancing its omnichannel offerings, Kohl's can cater to the evolving needs of its customers and drive sales through both its online and physical channels. The global omnichannel retail market is expected to reach $11.27 trillion by 2027, highlighting the importance of this strategy.
• Strengthening private-label brands: Kohl's private-label brands, such as Apt. 9, Croft & Barrow, and Sonoma Goods for Life, offer higher margins compared to national brands. By strengthening these brands and introducing new private-label offerings, Kohl's can improve its profitability and differentiate itself from competitors. Investing in design, quality, and marketing for its private-label brands can drive customer loyalty and increase sales. The private label market is expected to grow to $250 billion by 2028, presenting a significant opportunity for Kohl's.
• Optimizing store footprint: Kohl's can optimize its store footprint by closing underperforming stores and opening new stores in strategic locations. This includes focusing on smaller-format stores and stores in urban areas. By optimizing its store network, Kohl's can improve its overall profitability and efficiency. Analyzing market data and customer demographics to identify optimal locations is crucial for this strategy. The retail industry is seeing a shift towards smaller, more experiential store formats, which Kohl's can leverage.
• Leveraging loyalty program: Kohl's loyalty program, Kohl's Cash, is a key differentiator. By enhancing the program and offering more personalized rewards, Kohl's can increase customer engagement and drive repeat purchases. This includes leveraging data analytics to understand customer preferences and tailoring offers accordingly. A strong loyalty program can create a competitive advantage and foster long-term customer relationships. The global loyalty management market is projected to reach $7.5 billion by 2027, underscoring the importance of loyalty programs in the retail industry.

What Are KSS's Competitive Advantages?

• Established store network: Kohl's operates a large network of stores across the United States, providing a physical presence and convenience for customers.
• Private-label brands: Its private-label brands offer higher margins and differentiate Kohl's from competitors.
• Loyalty program: Kohl's Cash loyalty program encourages repeat purchases and customer loyalty.
• Partnerships: Strategic partnerships, such as the one with Sephora, enhance its product offerings and attract new customers.

What Does KSS Do?

Kohl's Corporation, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, has evolved into a significant player in the US retail landscape. The company operates approximately 1,100 Kohl's stores across the United States, complemented by its e-commerce platform, www.Kohls.com. Kohl's offers a wide array of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty products, and home goods. Its product portfolio includes both private-label brands like Apt. 9, Croft & Barrow, Jumping Beans, SO, and Sonoma Goods for Life, and national brands such as Food Network, LC Lauren Conrad, Nine West, and Simply Vera Vera Wang. Kohl's strategically targets middle-income consumers, emphasizing value and convenience. The company differentiates itself through its loyalty program, Kohl's Cash, and partnerships with other retailers, such as Sephora, to enhance its product offerings and attract a broader customer base. Kohl's has navigated the evolving retail environment by investing in its online presence and omnichannel capabilities, aiming to provide a seamless shopping experience for its customers.

What Products and Services Does KSS Offer?

• Operates approximately 1,100 department stores across the United States.
• Offers a wide range of apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home products.
• Sells products through its physical stores and online platform, www.Kohls.com.
• Provides private-label brands like Apt. 9, Croft & Barrow, and Sonoma Goods for Life.
• Offers national brands such as Food Network, LC Lauren Conrad, and Nine West.
• Partners with Sephora to offer beauty products within its stores.
• Provides a loyalty program called Kohl's Cash to reward customers.
• Focuses on value-conscious consumers seeking affordable fashion and home goods.

How Does KSS Make Money?

• Retails apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home products through physical stores and online channels.
• Generates revenue through the sale of branded and private-label merchandise.
• Employs a promotional pricing strategy, including Kohl's Cash and discounts, to drive sales.
• Partners with national brands and other retailers, such as Sephora, to enhance its product offerings.

What Industry Does KSS Operate In?

Kohl's operates within the highly competitive department store industry, which is undergoing significant transformation due to the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences. The industry is characterized by intense competition from online retailers, discount stores, and specialty retailers. Kohl's faces the challenge of differentiating itself and attracting customers in this crowded marketplace. Market trends include a growing emphasis on omnichannel retailing, personalized shopping experiences, and sustainable products. The company's success depends on its ability to adapt to these trends and effectively compete with both traditional and online retailers.

Who Are KSS's Key Customers?

• Middle-income consumers seeking affordable fashion and home goods.
• Value-conscious shoppers who appreciate discounts and promotions.
• Families looking for a convenient shopping experience.
• Customers who value both national brands and private-label offerings.

Kohl's Corporation (KSS) Valuation Context

Valued at $1.90B, KSS is classified as a small-cap stock. Analyst price targets span from $9.00 to $20.00, with a consensus of $15.40. At the current price of $16.78, that implies roughly 8% downside from the consensus target. Relative to its peer group, KSS's quantitative score of 87/100 is above the peer average of 60/100.

KSS Revenue & Earnings Trend

In Q2 FY2026, KSS generated $3.52B in top-line revenue, marking a sequential increase of 11.0%. The company recorded net income of $151.0M, with diluted EPS of $1.28. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a small-cap company operating in Consumer Cyclical. Across the four most recent quarters, KSS averaged $0.58 in diluted EPS.

Company Profile

Kohl's Corporation operates in the Department Stores industry within the Consumer Cyclical sector. It is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, US. The company is led by CEO Michael J. Bender. KSS has traded publicly since 1992.

Return on equity for Kohl's Corporation stands at 6.8%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 2.1%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. KSS trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 6.96, below the Consumer Cyclical sector average of ~32.70x. Its free cash flow yield is 57.6%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 1.48 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 13.2%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.

Kohl's Corporation's Piotroski F-Score is 6/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of 1.68 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.

Kohl's Corporation has beaten Wall Street's EPS estimate in 7 of its last 8 reported quarters — a consistent record of delivering on expectations. Reported results have landed about 57.0% above estimates on average.

Wall Street analysts project Kohl's Corporation revenue of about $14.75B for fiscal 2027, with EPS near $2.07. The estimate reflects 9 contributing analysts.

Over the past six months, Kohl's Corporation insiders filed 28 SEC Form 4 transactions — 6 sales and 22 purchases. On net that is roughly 55K shares acquired (about $872K) — insiders putting money in tends to read as conviction.

KSS Financials

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

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