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Why Kohl's (KSS) Is Down 5.7% After Halting Store Closures And Issuing Flat 2026 Sales Guidance – And What's Next
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  • In March 2026, Kohl's reported fourth-quarter revenue of US$5,173 million and net income of US$125 million, alongside full-year revenue of US$15,527 million and net income of US$272 million, while guiding full-year 2026 net and comparable sales to range from a 2% decline to flat.
  • Under new CEO Michael Bender, Kohl's halted further store closures, with about 1,150 locations and over 90% of stores profitable, signaling a shift toward improving performance at existing stores rather than undertaking another round of footprint cuts.
  • Next, we'll explore how halting additional store closures and focusing on existing-store profitability may reshape Kohl's longer-term investment narrative.

Find 52 companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value.

Kohl's Investment Narrative Recap

To own Kohl’s, you need to believe its large, mostly profitable store base, partnerships, and digital investments can translate modest sales trends into healthier earnings over time. The latest results show revenue pressure alongside improved net income, while 2026 guidance for flat to slightly lower sales suggests the near term hinges on execution in existing stores. The biggest risk remains weak traffic and comps, and the new store-closure pause does not materially change that near term.

The most relevant recent announcement here is Kohl’s 2026 outlook, calling for net and comparable sales to range from a 2% decline to flat. That frames Bender’s decision to hold the store count steady as a test of whether optimization, not contraction, can support the next leg of the story. For catalysts like Sephora shop-in-shops and proprietary brands to matter, they will need to show up in those sales and profit numbers.

Yet despite this stabilization message, investors should still be aware that...

Read the full narrative on Kohl's (it's free!)

Kohl's narrative projects $15.2 billion revenue and $199.4 million earnings by 2028. This implies a 1.6% yearly revenue decline and a $9.6 million earnings decrease from $209.0 million today.

Uncover how Kohl's forecasts yield a $17.75 fair value, a 43% upside to its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

KSS 1-Year Stock Price Chart
KSS 1-Year Stock Price Chart

While consensus hopes Kohl’s can gradually grow earnings, the most pessimistic analysts were assuming revenue nearer US$14.2 billion and earnings around US$204 million, so you should recognize how sharply views can differ and consider how this new guidance and store strategy might shift those expectations.

Explore 4 other fair value estimates on Kohl's - why the stock might be worth over 4x more than the current price!

Decide For Yourself

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Disclaimer:This article represents the opinion of the author only. It does not represent the opinion of Webull, nor should it be viewed as an indication that Webull either agrees with or confirms the truthfulness or accuracy of the information. It should not be considered as investment advice from Webull or anyone else, nor should it be used as the basis of any investment decision.
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