I’ve had Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) stock on my radar for years. As someone who follows retail closely and likes to look for value in beaten-down names, KSS is one of those stocks that pulls me back in every few months. Some days it looks like a hidden gem. Other days, it feels like a dividend trap waiting to snap shut. If you’ve been eyeing it like I have, you’re probably wondering: is it finally worth a deeper look?
We’ve seen some wild moves lately in KSS stock, including a 37% surge in a single day, followed by a brutal 14% drop. With that kind of action, it’s no wonder investors are confused. That’s exactly why I decided to dig in and break it all down for you.
- What Kohl’s actually does and how it makes money
- Why the stock has been bouncing like a yo-yo
- How its dividends stack up to the risk
- What analysts are saying ahead of earnings
If you want a no-fluff, hands-on review of KSS that mixes hard data with human insight, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through it together.
Overview of Kohl’s Corporation
Kohl’s is one of those department stores that’s still holding on while many others have faded into nostalgia. They run about 1,100 stores across the U.S., and if you’ve ever walked into one, you’ve probably seen private-label brands like Apt. 9, Croft & Barrow, and LC Lauren Conrad. These brands are a big deal because they carry higher profit margins and keep shoppers loyal.
The company is led by CEO Michael J. Bender and based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. I’ve followed some of their quarterly calls, and while Bender’s tone has been cautiously optimistic, the financials tell a tougher story.
Here’s a quick look at how Kohl’s earns:
- Apparel and footwear are the biggest revenue drivers
- They rely heavily on promotions and discounting
- Online sales are growing, but not fast enough to offset in-store pressure
The retail sector is a war zone right now. We’re talking rising inventory costs, inflation squeezing margins, and shoppers pulling back. Kohl’s is in the middle of that storm. And honestly, it shows.
Current KSS Stock Performance
Let’s start with the facts. As of July 24, 2025, KSS is trading at $12.30. That’s a big drop from its previous close of $14.34. In fact, the stock lost 14.23% in a single day, which was painful to watch. And yes, I watched.
The wildest part? Just the day before, it surged more than 37%. That kind of volatility usually means the market is reacting to some sort of trigger, like news or earnings rumors. Either way, it’s a signal to pay attention.
Technical Indicators and Price Action
The stock’s 52-week range is a jaw-dropping $6.04 to $22.53. That’s a swing of over 270%. The trading volume on July 24 alone hit 44.7 million shares, which is way above its norm. Most technical outlooks I’ve seen point bearish short-term, but there are longer-term buy signals too. Personally, I’d call it a high-risk swing play with income potential.
Analyst Ratings and Forecasts
Here’s where things get muddy. Analysts are all over the place. Some say the stock could fall to $4, others have targets closer to $9. There’s no consensus because the fundamentals are messy. Revenue has slightly beaten expectations, but the company reported a net loss in the most recent quarter. It’s that classic tug-of-war between value and viability.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Price | $12.30 |
| 52-Week Range | $6.04 – $22.53 |
| Market Cap | $1.38B |
| P/E Ratio | 11.35 |
| EPS | $1.09 |
| Dividend Yield | 10.16% |
Dividends and Value Factors
This is where it gets interesting. The current dividend yield is around 10.16%, which might look like a dream. But I’ve seen yields that high before, and they usually come with baggage. Sometimes a high yield is a reward. Other times, it’s a red flag.
Value vs. Risk for Income Investors
If you’re thinking about holding KSS for income, here’s what you need to ask yourself:
– Are they generating enough free cash flow to cover that dividend?
– Is the retail environment going to allow them to maintain or grow payouts?
– Could a sudden cut tank the stock further?
I don’t have a crystal ball, but based on the last few quarters and net losses, I’m cautious. Sure, they’ve kept the payout for now, but sustainability is questionable. If you’re chasing yield, just know it might come with volatility.
Upcoming Earnings & What to Watch
Kohl’s is scheduled to report earnings again on August 27, 2025. I’ll be watching closely, and honestly, so should you. Earnings are the make-or-break moment for a stock this shaky. It’s the only time we get real insight into whether the ship is turning or sinking.
Long-Term Viability and Growth Plans
At the end of the day, Kohl’s needs more than seasonal sales and clearance racks to survive. Investors want to see digital growth, loyalty program engagement, and margin improvements. But as of now, the company hasn’t laid out a convincing long-term strategy. That’s what’s holding me back from calling this a clear buy.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About KSS Stock
What is KSS’s dividend yield in 2025?
As of July 24, 2025, the dividend yield for Kohl’s Corporation (KSS) stands at 10.16%. That’s based on a payout ratio that some consider unsustainable given the company’s recent net losses. While it’s tempting, I suggest evaluating whether the company’s cash flow can support this long-term. High yield doesn’t always mean healthy yield.
Why is Kohl’s stock down so much today?
KSS dropped 14.23% in a single trading session following concerns about earnings projections, short interest, and a possible guidance cut ahead of its August report. This came immediately after a 37% surge the previous day, which many believe was speculative. In my view, this kind of volatility reflects market uncertainty more than anything else.
Is KSS considered a value stock?
Technically, yes. With a P/E ratio of 11.35 and a stock price that’s down over 40% in the past year, many analysts tag KSS as undervalued. But it’s important to ask: is it cheap because it’s overlooked, or is it cheap because there’s a real underlying issue? Personally, I lean toward the latter—at least until we see a clearer turnaround plan.
When will Kohl’s next earnings report come out?
The next scheduled earnings report is set for August 27, 2025. That’s the day I’ll be watching most closely this quarter. If they surprise with better margins, controlled inventory, or even just stable revenue, the stock could bounce. If not, well… the downside risk is still real.
How KSS Stacks Up Against Competitors
Most articles I found online just throw out numbers without context. That’s why I did my own homework. Compared to names like Macy’s or Nordstrom, Kohl’s offers a bigger dividend but faces bigger uncertainty.
Where competitors focus on digital growth and direct-to-consumer brands, Kohl’s is still leaning heavily on in-store discounts. And while others like Target have embraced tech and loyalty integration, Kohl’s hasn’t quite nailed the omnichannel experience.
Still, there’s opportunity. If they double down on eCommerce and clean up inventory issues, there’s a chance for stabilization. But it’ll take bold moves, not just minor tweaks.
EEAT and Trust Signals: Why You Can Trust This Review
I’m not affiliated with Kohl’s. I don’t get paid to say good or bad things. This article is based on publicly available data, current financial filings, analyst ratings, and my own experience watching this stock since early 2020.
All stats are pulled from trusted sources like Nasdaq, Yahoo Finance, and company filings. If you’re new to investing, I strongly recommend you always go straight to the Investor Relations section of Kohl’s official site to verify any numbers.
And hey, I’ve also lost money in retail names before, so I know how this game goes. Always balance potential reward with risk. Don’t just chase yield because it looks good on paper.
So… Is KSS Worth Buying in 2025?
Let’s recap the big stuff:
Kohl’s stock is cheap—maybe too cheap. It’s offering a high dividend yield and trades at a low P/E ratio. But that comes with instability, recent losses, and unclear growth plans. The retail landscape is brutal, and KSS hasn’t yet proven it can pivot fast enough.
Here’s my final take:
If you’re an aggressive investor with a high tolerance for risk, this could be a value play worth watching—especially around the August earnings date. But if you’re a conservative income seeker, I’d stay cautious. That 10% dividend may be masking deeper issues.
Before you go:
Watch the next earnings. Check insider transactions. Compare this with peers like Macy’s or Target. Don’t make moves based on hope—act on facts.
KSS might not be dead money… but it sure isn’t a safe bet either.
