Kohl’s posts highest Q4 comp in four years

Menomonee Falls, Wis. – At 3.7%, Kohl’s Corp.’s fourth quarter comp increase represented its highest for the year-end period since 2010.

“Our fourth-quarter results showed significant improvement,” Kevin Mansell, chairman, president and ceo, said. “Our 3.7% increase in comparable sales was driven by both transactions per store – a key area of focus – and average transaction value.”

Average transaction value rose 1.7% and the number of transactions increased 2% thanks to gains from both online orders and in-store customers.

Kohl’s saw” sales strength across all categories. Home generated a positive comp for the 13 weeks but still performed below the company average.

Total sales for the quarter were up 3.9% to $6.6 billion, net income grew 10% to $369 million, and diluted earnings per share hiked 17% to $1.83.

For fiscal 2014, total sales were flat year over year at $19.0 billion, comps declined 0.3%, net income dipped 2% to $867 million.

Initial 2015 guidance for the company calls for earnings per diluted share of $4.40 to $4.60, a total sales increase of 1.8% to 2.8% and a comparable sales increase of 1.5% to 2.5%.