Kohl’s Provides Fourth Quarter 2020 Business Update
*Fourth quarter earnings projected to exceed company expectations, with significant improvement from the third quarter
*Fourth quarter comparable sales decrease of 11%, marking the third consecutive quarter of sequential improvement
*Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share expected to be in the range of $1.00 to $1.05, before considering any impact from tax planning strategies
Kohl’s Corporation (NYSE:KSS) today provided a business update for the fourth quarter ended January 30, 2021.
“We are very pleased with the continued progress we are making against the strategic framework we outlined in October 2020. Our fourth quarter performance exceeded our expectations across all key metrics with sales strengthening as we moved through the period. Digital sales growth remained strong, up more than 20%, and accounted for more than 40% of net sales, with our stores playing a critical role in supporting the heightened demand. Our focus on gross margin showed further traction and we managed expenses tightly, which together strengthened our financial position. I want to thank all of our associates for their exceptional service during the highly unique holiday period,” said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief executive officer.
“As we carry this momentum into 2021, we are confident that our key strategic initiatives will accelerate our top line growth and expand our operating margin. Our partnership with Sephora will launch this Fall in 200 stores and online, commencing a multi-year buildout that will drive significant growth for Kohl’s,” said Gass. “We look forward to sharing more on this and our other initiatives, as well as providing more detail on our path to 7% to 8% operating margin, on our upcoming earnings call in March.”
Preliminary Fourth Quarter 2020 Results
Fourth quarter 2020 total revenue declined approximately 10%, including a comparable sales decrease of 11%. Based on this, the Company expects fourth quarter 2020 diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $1.00 to $1.05, before considering any impact from tax planning strategies. These preliminary results reflect a better than expected gross margin rate and strong SG&A expense management. Gross margin continued to benefit from disciplined inventory management and further optimization in promotional strategies. SG&A expense decline was driven primarily by reductions in store, marketing, and technology expenses.
https://investors.kohls.com/news-releases/news-details/2021/Kohls-Provides-Fourth-Quarter-2020-Business-Update/default.aspx