TL;DR
Kohl’s raises FY2025 outlook November 2025 after a better-than-expected Q3. Guidance now calls for adjusted EPS of $1.25–$1.45, with narrower sales and comp declines. The market rewarded the shift with a sharp rally.
Kohl’s raises FY2025 outlook November 2025 after a better-than-expected Q3, and investors reacted fast. Evidence shows a tighter EPS band and improving margin execution.
Kohl’s Q3 2025 earnings: sales down, margins up
Kohl’s reported revenue of about $3.4 billion, down 2.8% year over year. Comparable sales fell 1.7%.
Kohl’s gross margin 39.6% rose 51 basis points, underscoring tighter inventory and pricing. GAAP EPS was $0.07; adjusted EPS was $0.10, beating expectations according to available reports. These results defined Kohl’s Q3 2025 earnings narrative. Moreover, Kohl’s Q3 2025 earnings show margin traction despite softer sales.
By the numbers:
- Net sales about $3.4B (−2.8% YoY)
- Comps −1.7%
- Kohl’s gross margin 39.6% (+51 bps)
- Adjusted EPS $0.10; GAAP EPS $0.07
Visuals suggested: Q3 gross margin vs. comps trend; EPS vs. consensus bar chart.
Guidance: Kohl’s raises FY2025 outlook, what changed
Kohl’s adjusted EPS guidance is now $1.25–$1.45. Management also sees net sales down 3.5%–4% and comps down 2.5%–3%.
The company expects an adjusted operating margin of 3.1%–3.2%. Kohl’s adjusted EPS guidance had previously stood at $0.50–$0.80 earlier this year, according to Reuters. Follow the money: the improved view leans on gross margin discipline, not top-line acceleration.
Consequently, as Kohl’s raises FY2025 outlook November 2025, the focus shifts to execution through holiday. Investors will test whether Kohl’s raises FY2025 outlook November 2025 can hold if promotions intensify.
Visuals suggested: Guidance range evolution from spring to November; margin bridge for FY2025.
Market reaction: Kohl’s stock surges 26%
Shares spiked after the print and outlook. Kohl’s stock surges 26% captured the midday tape as traders repriced risk.
Barron’s cited a jump of about 26% after the news, while Reuters flagged a sharp intraday spike. By late morning, Kohl’s stock surges 26% became the headline driver across feeds. The contradiction: sales remain negative, yet valuation moved higher on margins and guidance. This is what happens when Kohl’s raises FY2025 outlook November 2025 and surprises on profits.
Visuals suggested: Intraday price chart with guidance timestamp annotations.
Leadership update: Michael J. Bender is permanent CEO
The Board appointed Michael J. Bender Kohl’s CEO effective November 23, 2025. The company announced the move on November 24, and filings detail the appointment.
Michael J. Bender Kohl’s CEO now owns the turnaround narrative entering peak season. Stability at the top reduces one source of uncertainty.
Timeline: November 2025 leadership and earnings milestones
- Nov 23 , Michael J. Bender becomes CEO (effective date).
- Nov 24 , Appointment announced.
- Nov 25 , Kohl’s raises FY2025 outlook November 2025 alongside Q3 results.
- Nov 25 , Shares surge after results and guidance.
Turnaround messaging and 2025 initiatives
Management tied the quarter to its 2025 initiatives. “These results are a direct reflection of the progress we are making against our 2025 initiatives,” the company said. Reuters highlighted steps such as more coupon-eligible and proprietary brands, plus momentum in Sephora shop‑in‑shops.
Still, comps remain negative, so consistency will be the test. Sustaining Kohl’s gross margin 39.6% while protecting traffic remains the balancing act.
What’s next after the November 2025 outlook raise
Near term, watch holiday promotions, inventory discipline, and Sephora traffic. Additionally, track any updates if Kohl’s raises FY2025 outlook November 2025 again or tightens the range. Investors will also monitor whether Kohl’s Q3 2025 earnings momentum carries into Q4 and whether Kohl’s adjusted EPS guidance needs revision. Finally, follow communication cadence from Michael J. Bender Kohl’s CEO as operational changes take hold.
Sources
- Kohl’s Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results
- Kohl’s Form 8‑K (Nov. 25, 2025): Q3 earnings and FY2025 guidance update
- Kohl’s raises annual forecasts again as turnaround takes root; shares jump
- Kohl’s promotes interim CEO and 30-year retail veteran Michael J. Bender to be its permanent chief
- Kohl’s Appoints Michael J. Bender as Chief Executive Officer
- Kohl’s Form 8‑K (Nov. 24, 2025): Appointment of Michael J. Bender as CEO
- Kohl’s Stock Soars 26%. This Is What’s Driving the Gains.

