Citi cuts Kohl’s stock price target to $8 from $11

Published 17/03/2025, 10:52
Citi cuts Kohl’s stock price target to $8 from $11

The company’s guidance for the coming period was significantly below the consensus expectations, prompting Kohl’s to reduce its dividend—a decision that Citi views as appropriate given the circumstances. Despite the reduction, the stock still maintains a 6.2% dividend yield and has sustained dividend payments for 15 consecutive years, according to InvestingPro data. The analyst also noted that with Kohl’s market capitalization falling below $1 billion, which is about 20% of its enterprise value (EV), any small changes in the perceived EV could result in substantial stock volatility.Lejuez expressed skepticism regarding Kohl’s ability to execute a successful turnaround, especially in light of the difficult macroeconomic environment. He suggested that the retailer may need to consider closing more stores to improve its financial position. Despite the Neutral rating, the analyst’s outlook leans negative due to these challenges. The company’s financial health metrics show a current ratio of 1.08 and a concerning debt-to-equity ratio of 1.88, highlighting the importance of careful financial management in this critical period.

The company’s guidance for the coming period was significantly below the consensus expectations, prompting Kohl’s to reduce its dividend—a decision that Citi views as appropriate given the circumstances. Despite the reduction, the stock still maintains a 6.2% dividend yield and has sustained dividend payments for 15 consecutive years, according to InvestingPro data. The analyst also noted that with Kohl’s market capitalization falling below $1 billion, which is about 20% of its enterprise value (EV), any small changes in the perceived EV could result in substantial stock volatility.Lejuez expressed skepticism regarding Kohl’s ability to execute a successful turnaround, especially in light of the difficult macroeconomic environment. He suggested that the retailer may need to consider closing more stores to improve its financial position. Despite the Neutral rating, the analyst’s outlook leans negative due to these challenges. The company’s financial health metrics show a current ratio of 1.08 and a concerning debt-to-equity ratio of 1.88, highlighting the importance of careful financial management in this critical period.

The company’s guidance for the coming period was significantly below the consensus expectations, prompting Kohl’s to reduce its dividend—a decision that Citi views as appropriate given the circumstances. The analyst also noted that with Kohl’s market capitalization falling below $1 billion, which is about 20% of its enterprise value (EV), any small changes in the perceived EV could result in substantial stock volatility.

Lejuez expressed skepticism regarding Kohl’s ability to execute a successful turnaround, especially in light of the difficult macroeconomic environment. He suggested that the retailer may need to consider closing more stores to improve its financial position. Despite the Neutral rating, the analyst’s outlook leans negative due to these challenges.

In other recent news, Kohl’s Corporation (NYSE:KSS) reported a notable 30% increase in earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, achieving $0.95 per share, which exceeded Wall Street’s expectation of $0.73. However, despite meeting revenue forecasts of $5.18 billion, the company experienced a decline in comparable store sales by 6.7%. Looking ahead, Kohl’s provided a cautious guidance for fiscal year 2025, projecting EPS between $0.10 and $0.60, significantly below the consensus of $1.22. Additionally, the company announced a 75% reduction in its quarterly dividend, now set at $0.125 per share.

Analysts have responded with adjustments to their outlooks on Kohl’s. TD Cowen reduced its price target from $16 to $8, maintaining a Hold rating, while UBS slashed its target from $10 to $5, advising a Sell rating. Telsey Advisory Group also lowered its price target to $10 from $13, keeping a Market Perform rating. These revisions reflect concerns over Kohl’s competitive positioning and strategic changes under its new CEO, Ashley Buchanan.

Buchanan has emphasized the need to enhance product offerings and streamline value messaging, but analysts express skepticism about the timeline for these strategic shifts to yield results. UBS, for instance, projects Kohl’s earnings per share for fiscal year 2025 to be approximately 80% lower than the consensus, citing competitive pressures and consumer spending challenges. As Kohl’s navigates these strategic adjustments, investor scrutiny remains high amid an evolving retail landscape.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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