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The company posted net sales of $666.6 million for the 13 weeks period ended May 2, 2026, marking an 8.5 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period last year. Excluding Stuart Weitzman, net sales rose 1.4 per cent to $622.7 million.<\/p>\n
Caleres has reported Q1 FY26 net sales of $666.6 million, up 8.5 per cent YoY, driven by 20.6 per cent growth in its Brand Portfolio business.
\nAdjusted EPS rose to $0.38, exceeding guidance, while gross margin improved 200 basis points to 47.3 per cent.
\nFamous Footwear sales declined 2.5 per cent.
\nThe company expects modest sales growth and improved profitability for full-year FY26. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe were pleased to report first quarter sales at the top end and earnings ahead of our guidance, reflecting the strength of our strategic growth vectors and broad-based momentum across our Brand Portfolio,\u201d said Jay Schmidt, president and chief executive officer at Caleres.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Brand Portfolio net sales increased 20.6 per cent YoY, while organic growth excluding Stuart Weitzman stood at 5.8 per cent. Growth was recorded across domestic and international channels, with Lead Brands continuing to outperform. Stuart Weitzman also exceeded company expectations during the quarter.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Famous Footwear sales declined 2.5 per cent, with comparable sales down 2.3 per cent amid a softer consumer environment. However, the company said it continued to gain market share in Total Footwear, Women\u2019s Fashion Footwear, Shoe Chains, and Kids categories.<\/p>\n The gross profit increased to $315.5 million, with gross margin expanding 200 basis points to 47.3 per cent. Brand Portfolio gross margin improved sharply by 520 basis points to 49 per cent, while Famous Footwear gross margin declined 150 basis points to 43.8 per cent.<\/p>\n Selling and administrative (S&G) expenses rose to $293.7 million, representing 44.1 per cent of net sales, primarily due to $25.6 million in expenses related to Stuart Weitzman.<\/p>\n GAAP net earnings nearly doubled to $14.3 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to $6.9 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted net earnings rose to $12.7 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, from $7.4 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, last year.<\/p>\n Inventory at quarter-end stood at $609.1 million, up $35 million YoY. Excluding Stuart Weitzman, inventory declined by $22.7 million. Borrowings under the company\u2019s revolving credit facility were $347.5 million, while liquidity stood at $229.2 million.<\/p>\n Looking ahead, Caleres expects Q2 FY26 consolidated net sales to increase by mid-to-high-single digits, with GAAP earnings per diluted share projected between $0.32 and $0.38.<\/p>\n For FY26, the company expects consolidated net sales growth in the low-to-mid-single-digit range. GAAP earnings per diluted share are projected between $1.44 and $1.69, while adjusted earnings per diluted share are expected between $1.40 and $1.65.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)<\/p>\n
\n <\/p><\/div>\n\tGross margin expands on brand portfolio strength<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\tSales and earnings forecast for FY26<\/strong><\/h3>\n