Activist investor group says Kohl’s earnings show ‘best of worst’ in retail, continues push for change
Customers leave a Kohl’s store on November 12, 2015 in San Rafael, California.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The group of activists looking to seize control of Kohl’s board published a letter Friday morning saying the retailer’s latest quarterly financial results were lackluster and further demonstrate the need for an overhauled strategy.
“The board seems to be content performing just slightly better than the worst companies in retail,” the group said in a letter sent to Kohl’s shareholders. “‘Best of the worst’ is not a viable strategy, nor does it satisfy shareholders like us seeking long-term superior performance.”
“Kohl’s is enormously well positioned with off-mall locations, which has significant advantages, but it also means Kohl’s competes against thriving off-mall players like TJX Companies, Ross Stores, Target, Old Navy and Burlington,” it added.
The group of investors, which consists of Macellum Advisors, Ancora Holdings, Legion Partners Asset Management and 4010 Capital, together owns a 9.5% stake in Kohl’s.
In late February, Kohl’s rejected their attempt to take control of its board, arguing it would disrupt the momentum it has had in revamping its business.
When Kohl’s reported fourth-quarter earnings earlier in the week, it topped Wall Street’s estimates and pointed to stronger growth in 2021, as its initiatives to drive sales growth (like partnering with the makeup retailer Sephora) are expected to take hold. Kohl’s also announced it will reinstate its dividend and buy back shares.
It further called out some fresh details to placate a number of the activists’ frustrations, including the fact that Kohl’s added more than 2 million new customers in 2020 thanks to its Amazon returns service.
The group of activists said Friday, however, it remains skeptical that Kohl’s Amazon returns program adds to earnings.
Kohl’s shares were falling less than 1% in premarket trading. The stock is up about 50% over the past 12 months. Kohl’s has a market cap of $8.64 billion, which is bigger than Nordstrom‘s and Macy’s.
A representative from Kohl’s didn’t immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
