Kohl's: The Stabilization Continues (Upgrade)

Kohl's is upgraded to a "Buy," with compelling value after recent declines and macro pressures fully priced in. Q1 results exceeded expectations: EPS loss of $0.13 beat by $0.09, proprietary brands grew 6%, and gross margins held steady at 39.9%. KSS maintains guidance for flat to -2% sales and $1.00-$1.60 EPS, with free cash flow projected at $350–$410 million for deleveraging.