Beaten-down retail names trading under $15 are getting a second look from value-focused investors this spring, especially the ones quietly improving cash flow while the headlines stay grim.
Kohl's Corp. NYSE: KSS delivered first-quarter results last week that were better than Wall Street had feared. While sales still declined and Kohl's posted a loss for the quarter, the retailer delivered its best comparable sales performance in more than four years and topped analyst expectations on both earnings and revenue.
Kohl's says Q1 fixes are showing: best comp sales in 4+ years, private brands up, and digital sales rising as the value push deepens.
KSS' digital sales increase 4% in Q1 FY26 as AI gift finder, marketplace expansion and smoother returns aim to fuel omnichannel growth.
Kohl's is upgraded to a buy after a better-than-feared Q1 and a 20% post-earnings rally, despite being down 20% YTD. Key categories—women's, kids, and home decor—are showing positive comp sales, supporting the case for a fundamental rebound. KSS's value focus, proprietary brands, and broad national footprint position it for upside in a challenging macro environment.
Kohl's Corporation (KSS) Q1 2027 Earnings Call Transcript
The department-store chain's stock is soaring after sales beat expectations — but it's still trading at a fraction of its record high.
KSS reports a narrower first-quarter loss as margins improve despite lower sales and cautious fiscal 2026 guidance.
Kohl's NYSE: KSS reported what executives described as its strongest quarterly comparable sales performance in more than four years, as the retailer cited gains in proprietary brands, improved inventory management and stabilization among its Kohl's Card customers.
Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) reported first quarter 2026 results that showed a smaller-than-expected loss and better-than-anticipated revenue and sales trends, sending its shares up about 17% on Thursday. For the quarter ended May 2, 2026, Kohl's posted a diluted loss of $0.13 per share, beating Wall Street expectations for a loss of $0.21 per share.
Kohl's is upgraded to a "Buy," with compelling value after recent declines and macro pressures fully priced in. Q1 results exceeded expectations: EPS loss of $0.13 beat by $0.09, proprietary brands grew 6%, and gross margins held steady at 39.9%. KSS maintains guidance for flat to -2% sales and $1.00-$1.60 EPS, with free cash flow projected at $350–$410 million for deleveraging.
Although the revenue and EPS for Kohl's (KSS) give a sense of how its business performed in the quarter ended April 2026, it might be worth considering how some key metrics compare with Wall Street estimates and the year-ago numbers.