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 ...

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 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales declined by 4.1% and comparable sales decreased by 3.9% in the quarter, attributed to the closure of 24 stores [26][27] - Gross margin increased to 39.9%, up 37 basis points year-over-year, driven by category mix benefits and inventory management [30] - SG&A expenses decreased by 5.2% to $1.2 billion, leveraging approximately 32 basis points compared to last year [30] - The company reported a net loss of $15 million, with earnings per diluted share of negative $0.13, a 46% improvement from the previous year [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Jewelry sales increased by 10% in Q1, primarily driven by Kohl's card customers, following the reintroduction of jewelry into stores [15][16] - Women's apparel is being rebalanced to improve performance, focusing on essentials and proprietary brands [17][19] - Sephora's net sales were up 6% and comparable sales increased by 1% in Q1, contributing to a nearly $2 billion beauty business [18] - The impulse queue line rollout is expected to enhance sales, with plans to expand to nearly all stores by Q3 [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The digital business saw a sales decline of 7.7% in the quarter, underperforming compared to store sales, which declined by 2.6% [27][28] - The middle and low-income customers are under pressure, prioritizing value and trading down to lower-priced products [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three key areas: offering a curated assortment, reestablishing value and quality, and enhancing the omnichannel shopping experience [12][19][23] - Plans for 2025 include improving product assortment clarity and investing in proprietary brands to better serve customer needs [13][19] - The company aims to enhance promotions by including more brands in coupon eligibility, responding positively to customer feedback [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the ongoing transformation and the need to align the business with customer needs, particularly focusing on value [40][41] - The company is navigating a fluid environment with uncertainties, particularly affecting middle-income customers [43][44] - Despite challenges, management remains optimistic about achieving financial guidance for the year, with expectations of comparable sales down 4% to 6% [36] Other Important Information - The company completed a private offering of $360 million in senior secured notes, expected to close on May 30, to refinance upcoming debt maturities [34][35] - Inventory strategies are being implemented to manage tariff pressures, with expectations of inventory down high single digits by year-end [32][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any adjustments to strategic priorities and what will it take to return to comp growth? - Management does not foresee major changes to the strategy and emphasizes understanding customer needs to restore growth [39][40] Question: Insights on quarter-to-date trends and tariff impacts? - Management holds the full-year guidance due to uncertainties and notes consistent performance with some weather-related impacts [42][44][46] Question: Breakdown of gross margin increase and private label performance? - The increase in gross margin is attributed to a favorable category mix and improved inventory management, with proprietary brands expected to enhance margins [50][52] Question: Assessment of store footprint and potential closures? - The company has a healthy store base and will continue to evaluate store performance, with closures being part of regular hygiene [60][62] Question: Update on Sephora collaboration and operating environment? - Sephora is now present in all stores, and while comp growth has moderated, the company is pleased with market share gains in beauty [73][75] Question: E-commerce performance and profitability outlook? - Digital sales declined but are expected to improve as core customers return, with profitability being lower than stores due to shipping costs [80][84]