Kohl's Reports Q4 Earnings, Outlines 2026 Priorities

Retailer cites operational challenges and competitive pressures in Q4, but sees opportunities to regain market share in 2026.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 4:48pm

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Kohl's reported fourth quarter fiscal 2025 results that reflected continued progress on expense and inventory management, even as sales trends weakened late in the period. Management said comparable sales fell 2.8% in the quarter, while adjusted diluted earnings per share rose to $1.07. The retailer cited operational issues with inventory depth and allocation, particularly in smaller-format stores, as well as the need to offer more competitive promotional pricing during key holiday shopping periods as drivers of the sales softness. Looking ahead to 2026, Kohl's outlined plans to focus on assortment curation, reestablishing leadership in value and quality, and improving the omnichannel shopping experience.

Why it matters

Kohl's results highlight the ongoing challenges facing traditional department stores as they navigate shifting consumer preferences, heightened competition, and macroeconomic pressures. The retailer's plans to refine its product assortment, pricing strategy, and digital capabilities reflect efforts to regain market share and appeal to value-conscious shoppers in an uncertain economic environment.

The details

Kohl's said it 'did not consistently have the right product in the right quantity in the right places,' which limited its ability to meet demand in key seasonal moments. The company also noted it 'needed to offer breakthrough pricing' during major shopping windows to remain competitive, losing ground to rivals. Looking ahead, Kohl's plans to reduce redundancy in its assortment, reinvest in higher-turning items, and increase depth in key categories. The retailer also aims to simplify promotional statements, deploy more personalized offers, and improve in-stock levels to enhance the omnichannel shopping experience.

  • Kohl's reported fourth quarter fiscal 2025 results on March 10, 2026.
  • The company provided guidance for fiscal 2026, which includes a forecast for net sales and comparable sales in a range of a 2% decrease to flat versus 2025.

The players

Kohl's Corporation

A leading American department store retailer that operates approximately 1,100 stores across 49 states, offering a combination of value-oriented pricing, private-label brands and national labels.

Michael Bender

CEO of Kohl's.

Jill Timm

CFO of Kohl's.

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What they’re saying

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