Kohl's Corporation has recently released its 10-Q report, providing a detailed insight into its financial condition and results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. The company operates as an omnichannel retailer in the United States, offering branded apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home products through its stores and website. As of May 4, 2024, Kohl's operated 1,176 stores and a website, with a focus on delivering long-term shareholder value through various strategic priorities.
In the first quarter of 2024, Kohl's reported a 5.3% decrease in net sales, amounting to $3.2 billion, with comparable sales down 4.4%. The gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 39.5%, representing a 48 basis points improvement. However, operating income decreased to $43 million from $98 million in the prior year, and the company reported a net loss of $27 million, or ($0.24) per diluted share, compared to a net income of $14 million, or $0.13 per diluted share in the previous year. Despite the decrease in net sales, inventory decreased by 13% to $3.1 billion, and operating cash flow improved to a use of $7 million compared to a use of $202 million in the prior year.
The company's strategy is focused on delivering long-term shareholder value through four overarching priorities, including enhancing the customer experience, accelerating and simplifying its value strategies, managing inventory and expenses with discipline, and strengthening the balance sheet.
Looking ahead, Kohl's provided updated financial and capital allocation outlook for the full year 2024, including expectations of a decrease in net sales and comparable sales, with an operating margin in the range of 3.0% to 3.5% and diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.25 to $1.85. Additionally, the company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share and exercised its right to redeem the remaining $113 million of its 9.50% notes due May 15, 2025.
The report also highlighted the company's performance across different product categories, such as women's, accessories, men's, home, children's, and footwear, with varying changes in net sales for each category. Furthermore, it discussed the impact of seasonal influences, digital sales, and the potential effects of regulatory changes on credit card revenues.
Kohl's emphasized its capital allocation strategy, which includes investing in the business for long-term growth, paying dividends, debt reduction, and returning excess cash to shareholders. The company plans to invest approximately $500 million in 2024, including investments in new growth initiatives and store-related investments. Kohl's remains committed to its dividend and is not planning any share repurchases during the current year.
As a result of these announcements, the company's shares have moved 0.0% on the market, and are now trading at a price of $22.46. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 10-Q report here.
