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Caleres Reports Third Quarter Results and Updates Guidance

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ST. LOUIS, December 05, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Caleres (NYSE: CAL), a market-leading portfolio of consumer-driven footwear brands, today reported financial results for the third quarter 2024.

  • Reported sales of $740.9 million, down 2.8% year-on-year;

    • Famous Footwear sales declined 4.8% versus the third quarter of 2023 with comparable store sales up 2.5%;

    • Brand Portfolio sales increased 0.7% versus the third quarter of 2023;

  • Third quarter consolidated gross margin rate of 44.1%, down 55 basis points year-on-year;

  • Reported earnings per diluted share of $1.19 and adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.23 for the third quarter, below expectations;

  • Generated third quarter EBITDA of $71.4 million;

  • Fiscal 2024 outlook of net sales down 2.5% to 3% versus previous guidance of down low-single-digits percent;

  • Revises fiscal 2024 outlook for earnings per diluted share to $3.35 to $3.45 versus prior guidance of $3.94 to $4.09, and adjusted earnings per diluted share to $3.45 to $3.55 versus prior guidance of $4.00 to $4.15, which excludes $0.10 per diluted share in restructuring costs.

"The third quarter saw progress toward our strategy highlighted by the Brand Portfolio delivering growth, Famous Footwear delivering positive comparable store sales, and both segments increasing market share. That said, performance was below our expectations reflecting softer seasonal demand in the boot category, late receipts of key athletic product at Famous Footwear, and a discrete customer credit issue that impacted shipments. In addition, our business in China was also weaker than planned," said Jay Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"As we begin the fourth quarter, our strategies are working to drive market share and we are aligning our expenses with expected sales, while appropriately investing behind areas of the business that are expected to deliver a strong ROI. However, we have reduced our outlook as we expect our season-to-date sales trend to continue in the final quarter of the year and anticipate pressure on our gross margin as we take action to move through excess inventory and position ourselves well for 2025," said Schmidt. "Longer term, we believe we are well-positioned to execute our strategic plan, invest to fuel our ambition, and drive sustained value for our shareholders."

Third Quarter 2024 Results

(13-weeks ended November 2, 2024, compared to 13-weeks ended October 28, 2023)

  • Net sales were $740.9 million, down 2.8% from the third quarter of 2023;

    • Famous Footwear segment net sales decreased 4.8%, with comparable store sales up 2.5%

    • Brand Portfolio segment net sales increased 0.7%

    • Direct-to-consumer sales represented approximately 72% of total net sales

  • Gross profit was $327.0 million, while gross margin was 44.1%, down 55 basis points versus last year;

    • Famous Footwear segment gross margin of 42.9%, down 130 basis points versus last year

    • Brand Portfolio segment gross margin of 43.8%, up 15 basis points versus last year

  • SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 36.3%, up 30 basis points versus the prior year and reflecting expense deleverage on the decline in sales;

  • Net earnings of $41.4 million, or earnings per diluted share of $1.19, compared to net earnings of $46.9 million, or earnings per diluted share of $1.32 in the third quarter 2023;

  • Adjusted net earnings of $42.6 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.23, which excludes $0.04 related to charges associated with restructuring initiatives completed during the third quarter, compared to adjusted net earnings of $48.6 million, or adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.37 in the third quarter of 2023;

  • Inventory was up 5% to the third quarter 2023 in total, but up 2.7% when accounting for the shift in the retail calendar;

  • Borrowings under the asset-based revolving credit facility were $238.5 million at the end of the period, up $16.5 million from the third quarter of 2023.