Kohl's Management
Management criteria checks 2/4
Kohl's' CEO is Michael Bender, appointed in May 2025, has a tenure of 6.83 years. total yearly compensation is $9.04M, comprised of 12.3% salary and 87.7% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.031% of the company’s shares, worth $503.24K. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 3.2 years and 6.5 years respectively.
Key information
Michael Bender
Chief executive officer
US$9.0m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 12.29% |
| CEO tenure | 1yr |
| CEO ownership | 0.03% |
| Management average tenure | 3.2yrs |
| Board average tenure | 6.5yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Apr 29
KSS: Persistent Comp Pressure And Promotions Will Restrain Future Upside
Analysts have trimmed Kohl's average price target as multiple firms reset expectations following mixed Q4 results, softer same store sales, and ongoing concerns around macro volatility and competitive pressures, despite some seeing potential for improved trends and execution over time. Analyst Commentary Street research around Kohl's after the Q4 print reflects a cautious tone, with several bearish analysts cutting price targets and highlighting ongoing execution and demand uncertainties.Seeking Alpha • Apr 28
Kohl's: The Expected Tariff Refund Should Substantially Strengthen Its Financial Position
Summary Kohl's could receive $550 million in tariff refunds, according to some estimates. This would translate into around $430 million after taxes. I believe the Middle East conflict may push Kohl's results to the low end of its guidance, though. Even with -2% net sales in 2026 and slightly lower gross margins, Kohl's may be able to increase its cash position by over $800 million, including the refunds. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Apr 15
KSS: Expense Discipline And Brand Mix Will Support Second Half Trend Improvement
Kohl's fair value estimate has been reduced by about $0.29 to $17.46, as analysts lowered price targets into a range of $8 to $20 and cited weaker recent sales trends, thinner margins, ongoing share loss, and the need for further investment before any sustained inflection. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Kohl's points to a split view, with most firms trimming price targets but disagreeing on how much credit to give current initiatives and how quickly they might translate into stronger results.Narrative Update • Apr 01
KSS: Persistent Comp Weakness And Margin Pressure Will Restrain Future Upside
The updated fair value estimate for Kohl's has moved from $4.00 to $8.00 as analysts weigh softer Q4 sales, a series of lower price targets across the Street, and continued questions around sustained comps improvement, even though some analysts see a credible path for trends to stabilize. Analyst Commentary Street research around Kohl's has turned more cautious, with several firms cutting price targets following the Q4 report and highlighting execution and growth risks.Narrative Update • Mar 17
KSS: Expense Discipline And Brand Mix Will Support Second Half Comp Improvement
Analysts have reduced Kohl's fair value estimate from $21.75 to $17.75 after a series of price target cuts, citing fourth-quarter sales and gross margin shortfalls, ongoing share loss, and expectations that any meaningful improvement could take time and may require further investment. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Kohl's clusters around cautious price target cuts, with some analysts still seeing room for execution improvement over time.
New Narrative • Mar 08
Kohl’s Corporation (KSS): The "Prestige-Value" Turnaround – Eyes on Tuesday’s Pre-Market Results.
Kohl’s (KSS) is navigating a high-stakes transition, trading at $15.12 as of the March 6, 2026, market close. While the stock has climbed significantly from its 2024 lows, it remains a "battleground" for value investors, currently down approximately 3.4% in the most recent session.
Narrative Update • Mar 03
KSS: Margin Execution And Hold Ratings Will Support Higher Future Share Price
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Kohl's by about $0.60 per share, reflecting recent price target cuts to $20 and a Hold stance from firms covering the stock. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on Kohl's highlight a cautious but engaged analyst community.Narrative Update • Feb 17
KSS: Expense Discipline And Brand Mix Under Bender Will Shape Measured Turnaround Prospects
The analyst price target for Kohl's has been adjusted slightly lower to about $21.75, as analysts weigh a stronger revenue outlook and improved Q3 execution against still cautious views on long term margins and valuation. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Kohl's reflects a mixed but generally more constructive tone, with several firms lifting price targets after a Q3 earnings beat and improved guidance, while others remain cautious on long term profitability and sales trends.Narrative Update • Feb 03
KSS: Margin Progress Under Bender Will Support Higher Future Share Price
Analysts have nudged their price targets for Kohl's higher into the low to mid US$20s, reflecting recent Q3 earnings beats, improved margins, and a recalibration of future P/E expectations toward about 19.6x, even as views on long term sales recovery and market share remain cautious. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts have responded to Kohl's recent Q3 performance and guidance update by lifting price targets into a tighter band around the low to mid US$20s, with some seeing room for further upside if execution holds.Narrative Update • Jan 19
KSS: Turnaround Execution Under Bender Will Support Higher Future Share Price
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Kohl's slightly to about $36.92 from $37.13. This reflects higher assumed revenue growth and margins, along with a modestly lower future P/E multiple, following a series of price target increases tied to the latest Q3 beat and updated outlooks.Narrative Update • Jan 05
KSS: Expense Discipline And Brand Mix Will Shape Fairly Valued Turnaround Under Bender
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for Kohl's higher, with the target moving from about $21.82 to $22.17. This reflects Street research that cites a series of Q3 earnings beats, improved margins, higher forward earnings estimates and several upward price target revisions, despite ongoing concerns around sales trends and market share.Narrative Update • Dec 20
KSS: Earnings Turnaround And Leadership Continuity Will Support Higher Share Price
Analysts have lifted their price target on Kohl's to approximately $37 from about $26, citing stronger than expected Q3 results, improved revenue growth assumptions, and higher valuation multiples despite ongoing concerns about market share and the durability of the turnaround. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts are increasingly acknowledging that Kohl's Q3 performance has reset expectations higher, with a series of price target increases reflecting improved confidence in the company’s earnings power and valuation upside.Narrative Update • Dec 06
KSS: Expense Discipline And Brand Mix Will Shape Turnaround Under Bender
Analysts have raised their average price target on Kohl's shares to approximately $21.80 from about $15.60. This reflects improved expectations for modest revenue growth, better margins and sustained earnings momentum following the latest Q3 beat and upgraded outlook.Narrative Update • Nov 22
KSS: Expense Discipline And Inventory Initiatives Will Determine Turnaround Prospects
Kohl's analyst price targets have moved significantly higher, with many analysts citing improving quarterly performance and better inventory management as key drivers behind raises from $8 to $17 per share. Analyst Commentary Following Kohl's latest quarterly earnings, analysts have expressed a range of outlooks driven by valuation updates, execution improvements, and ongoing business challenges.Analysis Article • Nov 11
Kohl's Corporation's (NYSE:KSS) Price Is Right But Growth Is Lacking After Shares Rocket 28%
Kohl's Corporation ( NYSE:KSS ) shares have continued their recent momentum with a 28% gain in the last month alone...Narrative Update • Nov 08
KSS: Expense Discipline And Self-Help Efforts Will Shape Turnaround Hopes
Kohl's fair value estimate rose to $15.61 from $14.92 as analysts cite improved expense and inventory management, a better-than-expected quarter, and incremental progress on self-help initiatives, even with lingering sales challenges. Analyst Commentary Analysts have responded to Kohl's recent quarterly results and guidance updates with a range of perspectives, reflected in higher price targets and updated ratings.Narrative Update • Sep 20
Brick-and-Mortar Decline And Sephora Rollout Will Redefine Retail Outlook
Kohl’s consensus price target has ticked higher to $14.92 as an improved Q2 earnings report, solid cost controls, and early signs of stabilizing same-store sales have outweighed sector headwinds and ongoing sales challenges. Analyst Commentary Positive Q2 earnings surprise and upwardly revised guidance improved sentiment, prompting higher price targets.Analysis Article • Sep 18
Kohl's Corporation's (NYSE:KSS) Share Price Boosted 26% But Its Business Prospects Need A Lift Too
Kohl's Corporation ( NYSE:KSS ) shares have continued their recent momentum with a 26% gain in the last month alone...Narrative Update • Aug 29
Brick-and-Mortar Decline And Sephora Rollout Will Redefine Retail Outlook
Kohl’s analyst price target has been raised from $10.07 to $14.28 as improved Q2 results, tighter expense and inventory management, and the rollout of additional self-help initiatives have led to better-than-expected profitability and signs of operational stabilization, despite ongoing sector challenges. Analyst Commentary Improved Q2 results exceeded expectations, with guidance raised and signs of sales trend stabilization, though overall sales remain weak.Narrative Update • Aug 15
Refocusing On Core Categories And Omnichannel Strategy Will Strengthen Future Customer Loyalty
Kohl's consensus analyst price target has been revised upward to $10.07, reflecting a notable increase in future P/E expectations despite a decline in net profit margin. What's in the News Kohl's stock experienced a surge of over 33-38% in late July 2025, driven by increased retail investor activity and social media-fueled "meme stock" dynamics, particularly due to high short interest (Forbes, Bloomberg).Analysis Article • Jul 23
Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) Stock Rockets 74% But Many Are Still Ignoring The Company
Despite an already strong run, Kohl's Corporation ( NYSE:KSS ) shares have been powering on, with a gain of 74% in the...Analysis Article • Jul 02
Should You Think About Buying Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) Now?
While Kohl's Corporation ( NYSE:KSS ) might not have the largest market cap around , it saw a significant share price...New Narrative • Apr 06
KOHL’S HARD CASH: DIGGING UP VALUE IN $KSS - Long term price target of $34
Long term price target of $34Originally published on 3/31/25 in The Millegan Memohttps://www.woodworth.fund/news/the-millegan-memo-march-2025KOHL’S HARD CASH: DIGGING UP VALUE IN $KSSKohl’s continuesAnalysis Article • Apr 02
Positive Sentiment Still Eludes Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) Following 28% Share Price Slump
To the annoyance of some shareholders, Kohl's Corporation ( NYSE:KSS ) shares are down a considerable 28% in the last...Analysis Article • Mar 31
We Think You Can Look Beyond Kohl's' (NYSE:KSS) Lackluster Earnings
Kohl's Corporation's ( NYSE:KSS ) recent soft profit numbers didn't appear to worry shareholders, as the stock price...Seeking Alpha • Mar 09
Kohl's May Survive This Decade As New CEO Plays Defense
Summary Kohl's Q4 earnings report is crucial. Analysts expect a 55% YoY EPS decline and a 9.25% sales drop, highlighting negative trends. Kohl's faces a dilemma: cater to younger demographics or focus on its more profitable older customer base. Liquidity issues are concerning, with a $353M debt maturity in July and potential dividend cuts if sales continue to decline as dividend coverage falters. Despite low long-term prospects, Kohl's offers a deep-value opportunity if it takes immediate steps to cut losses, sell underperforming assets, and shift toward smaller stores. The combination of extremely high short interest and a huge discount to book may result in significant volatility after its Q4 earnings release. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Feb 25
Investors Could Be Concerned With Kohl's' (NYSE:KSS) Returns On Capital
What underlying fundamental trends can indicate that a company might be in decline? Typically, we'll see the trend of...Seeking Alpha • Feb 07
Kohl's: New CEO Has Time To Work On A Turnaround
Summary Kohl's turned to a new CEO to attempt a turnaround. It remains in reasonable financial shape despite significant declines in comparable store sales. Kohl's has $353 million in notes maturing in 2025, then no large note maturities until 2031. Kohl's also looks capable of generating several hundred million in free cash flow before dividends. Kohl's dividend is likely to be significantly reduced or suspended for now, though. A stabilized business would make Kohl's an attractive acquisition target again. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 30
Kohl's Is Currently Trading Below Liquidation Value
Summary Kohl's Corporation stock is a Buy due to its net asset value of $33.99 per share versus its share price of $13.55. KSS faces a $353 million bond repayment in July, but plans to sell 27 underperforming stores to raise liquidity. If Kohl's can successfully sell its properties and pay the bond, expect a significant share price rise. Kohl's is a trade, not a long-term hold; shares should be sold based off of investors' sentiment on this upcoming debt payment. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 03
Kohl's: A Mismanaged Retailer Likely To Continue Falling
Summary Kohl's is burdened with excessive debt, pays an unsustainable dividend, and lacks a clear path to recovery, justifying a sell rating. Despite potential technical indicators suggesting a trend change, Kohl's fundamentals remain weak, with declining sales and margins. Kohl's capital structure is alarming, with nearly $8 billion in net debt and significant cash flow being diverted to interest and dividends. The stock's forward P/E ratio and FCF yield are not attractive enough to offset mismanagement and the company's bleak outlook. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Dec 26
Kohl's (NYSE:KSS) Has A Somewhat Strained Balance Sheet
The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...Seeking Alpha • Dec 03
Kohl's Corporation: How Safe Is This 13.2% Yield?
Summary Kohl's 13.2% yield is high risk due to financial headwinds, despite potential growth from Sephora and lower interest rates. Declining sales and earnings have pressured Kohl's, with management revising guidance downward and focusing on inventory and digital marketing. Kohl's balance sheet shows some flexibility, but cash flow growth is crucial for maintaining dividends and resuming share repurchases. At a forward P/E of 11.11x, Kohl's may be undervalued, offering potential upside if they successfully execute debt reduction and increase foot traffic. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 31 2026 | US$9m | US$1m | US$272m |
| Nov 01 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$195m |
| Aug 02 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$209m |
| May 03 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$121m |
| Feb 01 2025 | US$470k | n/a | US$109m |
| Nov 02 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$247m |
| Aug 03 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$284m |
| May 04 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$276m |
| Feb 03 2024 | US$290k | n/a | US$317m |
| Oct 28 2023 | n/a | n/a | -US$142m |
| Jul 29 2023 | n/a | n/a | -US$104m |
| Apr 29 2023 | n/a | n/a | -US$19m |
| Jan 28 2023 | US$290k | n/a | -US$19m |
| Oct 29 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$553m |
| Jul 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$699m |
| Apr 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$938m |
| Jan 29 2022 | US$250k | n/a | US$938m |
| Oct 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$982m |
| Jul 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$727m |
| May 01 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$392m |
| Jan 30 2021 | US$229k | n/a | -US$163m |
| Oct 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | -US$241m |
| Aug 01 2020 | n/a | n/a | -US$106m |
| May 02 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$88m |
| Feb 01 2020 | US$219k | n/a | US$691m |
Compensation vs Market: Michael's total compensation ($USD9.04M) is above average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD5.48M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Michael's compensation has increased by more than 20% in the past year.
CEO
Michael Bender (63 yo)
1yr
Tenure
US$9,044,466
Compensation
Mr. Michael J. Bender is CEO of Kohl's Corporation from November 23, 2025 and serves as its Director since July 15, 2019 and was its Interim CEO since May 1, 2025 until November 23, 2025 and served as its...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO & Director | 1yr | US$9.04m | 0.031% $ 503.2k | |
| Chief Financial Officer | 6.5yrs | US$5.65m | 0.21% $ 3.3m | |
| Senior EVP & Chief Marketing Officer | 3.9yrs | US$3.78m | 0.11% $ 1.8m | |
| Chief Merchandising Officer | 3.2yrs | US$5.66m | 0.070% $ 1.1m | |
| Chief Technology Officer | less than a year | no data | no data | |
| Director of Investor Relations | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior EVP | 3.3yrs | US$5.59m | 0.12% $ 1.9m | |
| Senior Executive VP & Chief People Officer | 3.2yrs | no data | 0.22% $ 3.5m | |
| Chief Diversity | 5yrs | no data | no data | |
| Chief Supply Chain Officer | 3.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Chief Digital Officer | less than a year | no data | no data |
3.2yrs
Average Tenure
54yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: KSS's management team is considered experienced (3.2 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO & Director | 6.8yrs | US$9.04m | 0.031% $ 503.2k | |
| Independent Chair | 14.8yrs | US$470.00k | 0.096% $ 1.5m | |
| Independent Director | 8.5yrs | US$270.00k | 0.030% $ 482.4k | |
| Independent Director | 10.8yrs | US$295.00k | 0.088% $ 1.4m | |
| Independent Director | 5.3yrs | US$270.00k | 0.020% $ 313.2k | |
| Independent Director | 6.3yrs | US$290.00k | 0.032% $ 512.4k | |
| Independent Director | 2.4yrs | US$325.00k | 0.011% $ 179.3k | |
| Independent Director | 2.5yrs | US$270.00k | 0.027% $ 434.0k |
6.5yrs
Average Tenure
60.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: KSS's board of directors are considered experienced (6.5 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/06 10:14 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/06 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/01/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/01/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Kohl's Corporation is covered by 32 analysts. 11 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Christopher Graja | Argus Research Company |
| Mark Altschwager | Baird |
| Wayne Hood | BMO Capital Markets Equity Research |