Kohl’s adjusted EPS of $1.28 beat estimates but relied on a $150M tariff refund amid a 0.9% decline in comparable sales.
Kohl’s reported adjusted diluted EPS of $1.28, surpassing expectations due to a $150 million tariff refund. However, comparable sales fell 0.9%, signaling underlying demand weakness and disappointing investors.
The retailer’s peers, Ross Stores and TJX Companies, posted organic growth of 10% and 4% in comparable sales, respectively. Kohl’s remains the only major off-price retailer in the group without sustained demand improvement, contrasting with its sector rivals.
Kohl’s stock fell 6% to $16.65 in early trading, while the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) held steady at $87.99. The S&P 500 ETF (SPY) dipped 0.1% to $764.94, reflecting isolated pressure on Kohl’s shares.