We came across a bearish thesis on Kohl’s Corporation (KSS) on wallstreetbets Subreddit Page by Tree_640. In this article, we will summarize the bears’ thesis on KSS. Kohl’s Corporation (KSS)’s share was trading at $18.26 as of Nov 12th. KSS’s trailing and forward P/E were 7.33 and 8.38 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.
A family happily shopping for everyday items in a specialty retail store.
Kohl’s, once a staple of the retail world known for offering everything from blenders to socks in one convenient trip, is rapidly losing its relevance in the face of the digital age. Amazon, with its vast e-commerce empire and lightning-fast delivery, has completely transformed the retail landscape. Kohl’s, attempting to keep pace, has partnered with Amazon by allowing in-store returns, but this strategy seems more like inviting a predator into the store rather than a true competitive advantage. Kohl’s, once a strong player, now finds itself lagging behind in a rapidly evolving market.
Kohl’s in-store experience doesn’t help matters either. Its stores, designed like a maze of disorganized discount racks, force customers into what feels more like a treasure hunt than a smooth shopping trip. In comparison, competitors like Target have embraced sleek, organized layouts that make finding what you need a breeze. Kohl’s, however, may have unwittingly created a training ground for future explorers, but this is hardly an effective retail strategy in the age of convenience.
Adding to Kohl’s troubles is its convoluted approach to pricing. The company’s use of Kohl’s Cash, percentages off, and mystery discounts creates an environment that feels more like solving a puzzle than shopping. Consumers, as noted by Retail Dive, increasingly prefer simplicity in pricing, yet Kohl’s continues to complicate the process. Furthermore, Kohl’s fashion offerings are increasingly out of touch with current trends. While other retailers sprint to provide the latest styles, Kohl’s continues to showcase outdated designs that fail to excite. The clothing line has become synonymous with mediocrity, leaving shoppers with the distinct impression that the brand’s fashion sense peaked in the flip phone era.
Kohl’s stock performance reflects its broader struggles. Once trading near $80 per share in 2018, it has plummeted to a mere $18 today. The decline is compounded by a significant short interest, with over 30% of Kohl’s float sold short, signaling a lack of investor confidence in the company’s future. This suggests that many are betting on the company’s continued misfortune, further deepening its woes.
Unless Kohl’s can undergo a dramatic transformation, it seems doomed to follow the likes of Blockbuster and other once-dominant brands into irrelevance. With a combination of outdated strategies, declining stock performance, and rising competition, Kohl’s faces a grim future unless it can swiftly reinvent itself and reclaim its position in the market.
Kohl’s Corporation (KSS) is also not on our list of the 31 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 31 hedge fund portfolios held KSS at the end of the second quarter which was 36 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of KSS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than KSS but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey.