SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: A Kohl's logo is displayed on a sign outside their department store on March 10, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)Getty ImagesKohl’s stock (NYSE: KSS) has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent weeks, rising almost 24% in a single day after catching Wall Street off guard with stronger-than-anticipated earnings and an improved profit forecast. However, underlying challenges persist, including declining sales, a constantly changing lea ...

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year decline in earnings for Macy's due to lower revenues, with a focus on how actual results compare to estimates impacting stock price [1][2] Earnings Expectations - Macy's is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.19 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 64.2% [3] - Revenue projections stand at $4.74 billion, which is a 4% decline from the previous year [3] Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 8.62% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4] - A positive Earnings ESP of +7.53% suggests analysts have recently become more optimistic about Macy's earnings prospects [12] Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 [10] - Macy's currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12] Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Macy's exceeded the expected earnings of $0.14 per share by delivering $0.16, resulting in a surprise of +14.29% [13] - Over the past four quarters, Macy's has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [14] Conclusion - While Macy's is positioned as a compelling earnings-beat candidate, other factors should also be considered when evaluating the stock ahead of its earnings release [17]

Kohl’s (KSS) Q2 2026 Earnings Call August 27, 2025 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsTrevor Novotny - Director - IRMichael Bender - Interim CEO & DirectorJill Timm - CFOChuck Grom - Managing DirectorPaul Lejuez - Managing DirectorOliver Chen - Managing Director - Retail, Luxury, New Platforms Sector HeadLorraine Hutchinson - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsMark Altschwager - Senior Research AnalystNone - AnalystOperatorThank you for standing by, and welcome to the Kohl's Corporation Second Quarte ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales decreased by 4.2% in Q2 2025, with adjusted earnings per diluted share at $0.56, both exceeding expectations [6][32] - Net sales declined by 5.1% in Q2 and 4.6% year-to-date, primarily due to fewer transactions in stores [32] - Gross margin increased by 28 basis points to 39.9% in Q2, driven by category mix benefits and strong inventory management [35][36] - SG&A expenses decreased by 4.1% to $1.2 billion in Q2, benefiting from lower spending in stores and marketing [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Women's business showed improvement, particularly in proprietary brands, with a flat comp performance in July [12][21] - Jewelry business outperformed with a 12% increase compared to last year, driven by investments in fashion jewelry [14][15] - Men's and kids' categories were the weakest performers, with declines in spring seasonal assortments [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales outpaced store sales, driven by strong conversion rates and improved coupon offerings [33] - Kohl's card customer segment underperformed, with sales down in the low teens for the quarter [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic priorities: offering a curated assortment, reestablishing Kohl's as a leader in value and quality, and delivering a frictionless omnichannel experience [10][20][25] - There is an emphasis on proprietary brands to enhance value and customer loyalty, with plans to introduce new proprietary brands [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges ongoing macroeconomic challenges and consumer pressure, particularly among lower to middle-income customers [8][41] - The outlook for the remainder of the year anticipates a net sales decline of 5% to 6%, with comparable sales expected to decline by 4% to 5% [41][42] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $174 million in cash and cash equivalents, and inventory levels declined by 5% [38][39] - Capital expenditures for the year are expected to be around $400 million, focusing on Sephora rollout and other initiatives [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: What initiatives are having the greatest impact on the top line? - Management highlighted the focus on proprietary brands and their alignment with consumer value preferences as key drivers for improvement [44][45] Question: How do you see the cadence of comps for Q3 and Q4? - Management expects a similar cadence to Q2, with some potential upsides in both quarters due to improved traffic and digital performance [50][51] Question: Can you provide an update on adding brands back to coupon eligibility? - Management confirmed that they have added about 50 brands back to coupon eligibility, which has positively impacted digital sales [57][58] Question: What are the key drivers of comp metrics? - The primary driver of improvement has been traffic, with efforts focused on regaining customer trips and engagement [67][70] Question: How is the company addressing tariff impacts? - Management is actively negotiating with suppliers and adjusting buying strategies to mitigate tariff impacts while maintaining competitive pricing [72][74]

Kohl’s (KSS) Q2 2026 Earnings Call August 27, 2025 09:00 AM ET Speaker0Thank you for standing by, and welcome to the Kohl's Corporation Second Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question and answer Thank you. I'd now like to turn the call over to Trevor Novotny, Director of Investor Relations. You may begin.Speaker1Thank you. Certain statements made on this call, including proje ...

Q2 2025 Financial Performance - Net sales decreased by (5.1%) compared to Q2 2024[50] - Comparable sales declined by (4.2%)[50] - Gross margin increased by 28 basis points to 39.9% compared to 39.6% in Q2 2024[50, 52] - SG&A expense decreased by (4.1%) compared to last year[50] - Adjusted operating income was $161 million[50] - Adjusted net income was $64 million, or $0.56 of adjusted earnings per diluted share[50] Balance Sheet and Leverage - Net debt + leases to adjusted EBITDAR leverage ratio is 2.6x when adjusting for actual lease periods exercised, down from the unadjusted ratio of 4.4x[59, 61] - Merchandise inventories decreased to $2.994 billion from $3.151 billion[64] 2025 Outlook - Net sales are expected to decrease by (5%) to (6%) versus 2024[68] - Comparable sales are expected to decrease by (4%) to (5%)[68] - Adjusted operating margin is projected to be 2.5% to 2.7%[68] - Adjusted diluted EPS is expected to be $0.50 to $0.80[68]

Core Viewpoint - Dillard's, Inc. has declared a cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its Class A and Class B Common Stock, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders [1] Group 1 - The dividend is scheduled to be payable on November 3, 2025 [1] - Shareholders of record must be noted by September 30, 2025 to receive the dividend [1]

Group 1: Ardmore Shipping (ASC) - Ardmore Shipping is engaged in the ownership and operation of product and chemical tankers, carrying a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ardmore Shipping's current year earnings has increased by 2.6% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 9.15, significantly lower than the industry average of 19.5, and possesses a Value Score of A [2] Group 2: Dillard's (DDS) - Dillard's is a large departmental store chain featuring fashion apparel and home furnishings, also carrying a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dillard's current year earnings has increased by 2.6% over the last 60 days [2] - Dillard's has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 16.25, which is lower than the industry average of 19.80, and possesses a Value Score of A [3] Group 3: Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) - Healthcare Services Group provides housekeeping, laundry, linen, facility maintenance, and food services to the healthcare industry, including nursing homes and hospitals, and carries a Zacks Rank 1 [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Healthcare Services Group's current year earnings has increased by 4.8% over the last 60 days [4] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 17.31, compared to the industry average of 21.10, and possesses a Value Score of A [5]

Core Insights - The author has been covering Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) for six years, indicating a long-term interest and analysis of the company [1] - The author aims to achieve returns that match the S&P 500 with lower volatility and higher income, suggesting a focus on stable investment strategies [1] - The investment philosophy emphasizes buying undervalued assets to maximize total returns over time [1] Company Overview - Target Corporation is a key focus for the author, who has a beneficial long position in its shares [2] - The author has a history of managing a personal portfolio since 1998, indicating experience in investment management [1] Investment Strategy - The investment approach is long-term oriented, with a preference for holding positions unless there is a compelling reason to sell [1] - The author looks for investment opportunities across various asset classes, market caps, sectors, and yields, highlighting a diversified investment strategy [1]

Core Viewpoint - Kohl's Corporation is expected to report declines in both revenue and earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, with sales estimated at $3.48 billion, reflecting a 6.9% decrease year-over-year, and earnings per share projected at 33 cents, down 44.1% from the previous year [1]. Group 1: Earnings Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Kohl's quarterly sales is currently pegged at $3.48 billion, indicating a 6.9% decrease from the year-ago quarter [1]. - The consensus mark for earnings for the fiscal second quarter has remained stable at 33 cents a share, reflecting a year-over-year plunge of 44.1% [1]. - Kohl's has delivered an average earnings surprise of 18.8% over the trailing four quarters, with a notable earnings surprise of 40.9% in the last reported fiscal quarter [2]. Group 2: Factors Impacting Performance - Ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and a cautious consumer environment are significant challenges for Kohl's, particularly affecting its digital business and home category sales [3]. - The company is facing external headwinds such as shifting consumer behavior and unpredictable tariff developments, leading to a projected comparable sales decline of 5.6% in the upcoming quarter [4]. - Despite these challenges, Kohl's has made progress in underpenetrated categories like home decor, gifting, and baby products, which may provide some cushion in the fiscal second quarter [5]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Kohl's is focusing on strategic growth initiatives, including enhancing customer experience, optimizing inventory, and effective cost management, which is expected to result in a 6.1% reduction in SG&A costs for the second quarter [6]. - The strategic partnership with Sephora is anticipated to have a positive impact on performance in the upcoming quarter [5]. Group 4: Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Kohl's, as it has an Earnings ESP of -20.17% and a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a neutral outlook [7].