Kohl's Corporation Reports Financial Results

August 21, 2018

·     Shifted comparable sales* increase 3.1%; fiscal comparable sales increase 4.3%
·     Gross margin increases 42 bps
·     Raises earnings per share guidance

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)—August 21, 2018-- Kohl’s Corporation (NYSE:KSS) today reported results for the three and six month periods ended August 4, 2018.

Michelle Gass, Kohl's chief executive officer, said, “We are pleased to report that our sales momentum continued in the second quarter, resulting in a comparable sales increase of 3.1%, our fourth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales.  We saw strength across the business -- both our store and digital channels, all regions of the country, and our proprietary and national brands.  Our Men's and Women's apparel businesses led the company, followed closely by Footwear.  We also reported higher gross margin as a result of our ongoing focus on inventory management.  I would like to thank our team for their outstanding efforts in delivering strong and sustainable performance, which are reflected in our results.”

Dividend
On August 14, 2018, Kohl's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.61 per share. The dividend is payable September 26, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 12, 2018.

Guidance Update
The Company now expects its fiscal 2018 diluted earnings per share to be $4.96 to $5.36, compared to its prior guidance of $4.86 to $5.31.  Excluding the loss on extinguishment of debt, fiscal 2018 diluted earnings per share is expected to be $5.15 to $5.55, compared to prior guidance of $5.05 to $5.50. 

Second Quarter 2018 Earnings Conference Call
Kohl's will host its quarterly earnings conference call at 9:00 am ET on August 21, 2018. The phone number for the conference call is (800) 230-1085. Replays of the call will be available for 30 days by dialing (800) 475-6701.  The conference ID is 433485. The conference call and replays are also accessible via the Company's website at http://corporate.kohls.com/investors/events-and-presentations.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including 2018 earnings guidance. Kohl's intends forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” “plans,” or similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause Kohl's actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A in Kohl's Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, and other factors as may periodically be described in Kohl's filings with the SEC.

About Kohl's
Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, Kohl’s offers amazing national and exclusive brands, incredible savings and an easy shopping experience in our stores, online at Kohls.com and on Kohl's mobile app. Throughout its history, Kohl's has given nearly $650 million to support communities nationwide. For a list of store locations or to shop online, visit Kohls.com. For more information about Kohl’s impact in the community or how to join our winning team, visit Corporate.Kohls.com or follow @KohlsNews on Twitter.

Contacts

Investor Relations:

Jill Timm, (262) 703-2203, jill.timm@kohls.com

Media:

Jen Johnson, (262) 703-5241, jen.johnson@kohls.com