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March 6, 2006 KOHL'S BOARD AUTHORIZES SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., March 6, 2006 Kohl's Corporation (NYSE: KSS) announced today that it has entered into a strategic alliance with JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) to enhance the credit operations of the company. In addition, the company announced that the board of directors has authorized a $2 billion share repurchase program to be completed over the next two to three years. Strategic Alliance with Chase Additionally, the companies have entered into a multi-year program agreement whereby Kohl's will continue to handle all customer service functions and will continue to be responsible for all advertising and marketing related to its credit card customers. All of Kohl's current credit organization associates will remain employees of Kohl's. Further, the company expects the credit organization to grow to support the long-term growth plans of the company. In return for these services, Kohl's will receive on-going payments related to the profitability of the program. Kohl's charge card customers will continue to receive the same great benefits with the use of their charge card. Customers should continue to use their cards in the same manner as they do today. Larry Montgomery, Kohl's chairman and chief executive officer, commented, "We are excited to be partnering with Chase. Our credit card program is an instrumental part of Kohl's success, and our relationships with our cardholders are extremely important to us. While our customers can continue to expect the same great service they have always received from Kohl's, our strategic alliance with Chase will provide us with additional operational and marketing capabilities to support our continued growth. Like Kohl's, Chase has many years of experience in running credit operations with a focus on customer relationships, so we will leverage the expertise of both companies to build a best in class credit card program to support our continued growth." "Chase is extremely excited about this partnership because it offers many tremendous opportunities," said Rich Srednicki, chief executive officer, Chase Card Services. "We are pleased to be partnering with Kohl's, one of the nation's best retail brands and a great growth company. We are eager to work with Kohl's to expand their private label business and to continue working closely with Kohl's to offer great service and value-added products to consumers." The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary
conditions, and is expected to close within 90 days. The company expects to use the initial proceeds from the transaction to repurchase Kohl's stock, fund its store expansion and for general corporate purposes. Commenting on the financial benefits for Kohl's, Larry Montgomery said, "This transaction strengthens our balance sheet and improves our return on assets. It converts our receivables to cash while allowing us to continue to service our customers and participate in the ongoing growth and profitability of our credit business. The transaction is expected to generate savings in interest expense in fiscal 2006, therefore increasing both net income and earnings per share." Share Repurchase Program As a result of this transaction and without taking into account the effect of any shares repurchased, the Company has increased its fiscal 2006 earnings guidance from $2.72 to $2.85 per diluted share to $2.74 to $2.87 per diluted share. Expansion Plans Conference Call Information For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a telephone replay will be available beginning shortly after the call and continuing through March 7, 2006. To access this replay, simply dial (630) 652-3018, and use Pass Code: 14079038. About Kohl's About JPMorgan Chase & Co. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information ### Investor Relations Contact: Media Contact: Back to Top |