Kohl’s(KSS)2025-05-29 14:02Financial 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 15 million, with earnings per diluted share of negative 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]