Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing contrasts with the traditional strategy of "buy low and sell high," focusing instead on "buying high and selling higher" to capitalize on fast-moving stocks [1] - Identifying the right entry point for trending stocks can be challenging, as they may lose momentum if future growth does not justify their high valuations [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - A safer investment approach involves targeting bargain stocks that exhibit recent price momentum, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify promising candidates [2] - Wolverine World Wide (WWW) has been highlighted as a strong candidate, showing a price increase of 20.4% over the past four weeks [3] Group 3: Performance Metrics - WWW has demonstrated significant long-term momentum, with a price increase of 60.9% over the past 12 weeks and a beta of 1.7, indicating it moves 70% more than the market [4] - The stock has a Momentum Score of B, suggesting it is an opportune time to invest [5] Group 4: Earnings and Valuation - An upward trend in earnings estimate revisions has contributed to WWW's Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating strong investor interest as analysts raise earnings estimates [6] - Despite its momentum, WWW is trading at a reasonable valuation with a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.95, meaning investors pay 95 cents for each dollar of sales [6] Group 5: Additional Opportunities - Besides WWW, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen, suggesting further investment opportunities [7] - The Zacks Premium Screens offer over 45 strategies tailored to help investors find winning stock picks [8]

Core Insights - Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW) started fiscal 2025 with strong momentum, achieving a record gross margin and notable operational efficiency improvements [1][7] - The company reported a 7.3% year-over-year increase in adjusted gross profit, reaching $194.8 million in the first quarter [1] Financial Performance - The adjusted gross margin for the first quarter was 47.3%, an increase of 80 basis points from the previous year, driven by a favorable sales mix, reduced promotional activities, and supply-chain cost-saving initiatives [2][9] - Operating income improved due to stronger top-line results and strict expense control, with the adjusted operating margin rising by 100 basis points to 6% [4] Brand Performance - Significant margin gains were observed in key brands, particularly Saucony and Merrell, which benefited from higher average selling prices and a healthier full-price sales mix [3] - Sweaty Betty, despite a planned revenue decline, achieved a 1,000-basis-point improvement in gross margin by shifting focus from promotions to premium pricing [3] Future Projections - Wolverine anticipates an adjusted operating margin of 7.2% in the second quarter, reflecting a 90-basis-point improvement year-over-year [5] - The company is taking proactive measures to mitigate cost pressures, including diversifying its sourcing footprint and implementing selective price increases [6] Stock Performance - Over the past three months, WWW stock has increased by 75.9%, outperforming the Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry's growth of 31.4% [8] - The stock is currently trading above its 50 and 200-day simple moving averages, indicating a continued uptrend [11] Valuation Metrics - Wolverine trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 0.84X, which is below the industry average of 2.01X [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Wolverine's current financial-year sales and earnings per share indicates year-over-year growth of 3.6% and 15.4%, respectively [15]

Engineered for runners who move between roads and trails, the ProMorph blends responsive foam and all-terrain tractionROCKFORD, Mich., June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Merrell, the world's leading hiking and outdoor footwear brand, is expanding its performance running portfolio with the debut of the ProMorph, an all-terrian hybrid built with responsive cushioning and confident grip across any surface. The ProMorph merges the DNA of an elite road racer with the technicality of a trail shoe, making it Merrell's ...

Core Insights - Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW) reported strong performance in Q1 2025, driven by flagship brands Saucony and Merrell, both achieving double-digit revenue growth and margin expansion [1][7] Group 1: Saucony Performance - Saucony's revenues increased by 29.6% year-over-year to $129.8 million, with significant growth in North America and more than doubling sales in the Asia-Pacific region [2][9] - The brand's gross margin improved by nearly 400 basis points due to a healthier mix of full-price sales and reduced promotional activity [2][9] - Key product lines such as Ride, Guide, Triumph, and Hurricane saw strong gains, while the Endorphin franchise grew over 30% year-over-year, driven by the launch of Endorphin Elite 2 [3] - Saucony expanded into 900 new lifestyle retail doors this spring and plans to add 400 more in the second half of 2025 [3] Group 2: Merrell Performance - Merrell recorded a 13.2% year-over-year revenue growth to $150.6 million, showing strong performance in Asia Pacific and EMEA, and gaining market share in the U.S. hiking category [5][9] - The brand's gross margin rose by more than 200 basis points, supported by premium pricing and efficient inventory management [5][9] - High-performing product lines included Moab Speed 2 and Agility Peak 5, with the new SpeedARC Surge Boa selling rapidly, indicating strong consumer demand for premium footwear [6] Group 3: Strategic Outlook - The combined performance of Saucony and Merrell reflects Wolverine's successful brand revitalization and strategic execution, positioning both brands for sustained growth throughout 2025 [7] - For Q2, the company expects revenues between $440 million and $450 million, indicating growth of 3.7-6% from the previous year [7]

Core Insights - Chaco, a leading sandal brand, has collaborated with the Marley Family to launch a limited-edition collection inspired by Bob Marley, focusing on themes of love, unity, and connection [1][2][5] Product Details - The collection features updated versions of Chaco's classic Z/1 sandal, including two styles: Harmony Hues with a green, gold, and red colorway, and One Love Lines with a minimalist black design [3][5] - Each sandal includes a "Marley" badge and a symbolic woven tag, representing pride and unity [3] - A matching dog collar and leash set is also included in the collection, promoting harmony for both humans and their pets [4] Brand Philosophy - The collaboration aims to carry forward Bob Marley's philosophy of living with purpose and appreciating the natural world, as stated by Chaco's Marketing Director [3] - Cedella Marley emphasized the importance of celebrating unity among people and the connection with the planet through this collaboration [5] Availability - The Chaco x Bob Marley limited-edition collection will be available for purchase on chacos.com starting June 17, 2025 [5] Company Background - Chaco, a division of Wolverine Worldwide, Inc., is known for its premium outdoor footwear and has a commitment to sustainability, with over 20,000 sandals repaired each year to reduce landfill waste [6] - The brand's footwear has received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, highlighting its focus on comfort, health, and safety [6] Marley Brand Overview - Marley Merchandising LLC, owned by the Marley family, markets a portfolio of brands that embody Bob Marley's values, including House of Marley and Marley Coffee [7]

Key Takeaways NIKE is refocusing on digital, innovation and premium full-price selling to regain growth and profitability. Wolverine is driving brand heat through targeted storytelling, selective distribution and pricing discipline. WWW's diversified portfolio and leaner model position it to navigate macro headwinds better than NKE.In the world of athletic and lifestyle footwear, few rivalries are as compelling as NIKE Inc. (NKE) and Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW) . On one side stands NIKE — the global ...

Core Insights - Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW) reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, with revenues and earnings exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth [1][3] - The company's shares increased by 10.3% following the announcement of these results [1] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were 18 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 11 cents, and significantly up from 5 cents in the prior-year quarter [3] - Total revenues reached $412.3 million, a 4.4% increase year over year, and exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $395 million [3] - Direct-to-consumer revenues decreased by 9.4% year over year to $96.4 million, while international revenues increased by 16.4% to $207.8 million [3] Segment Performance - Active Group revenues rose by 12.7% year over year to $326.7 million, beating the consensus estimate of $298.2 million [4] - Work Group revenues fell by 17% year over year to $74.8 million, below the consensus estimate of $84.1 million [4] - Other segment revenues dropped by 28% year over year to $10.8 million, also lagging behind the consensus estimate of $13.1 million [4] Brand Performance - Merrell's revenues increased by 13.2% year over year to $150.6 million, while Saucony's revenues improved by 29.6% to $129.8 million [5] - Wolverine's revenues declined by 9.2% to $37.4 million, and Sweaty Betty's revenues fell by 15.9% to $38 million [5] Margins and Costs - Adjusted gross profit was $194.8 million, a 7.3% increase year over year, with an adjusted gross margin of 47.3%, up 80 basis points [6] - Adjusted operating costs rose by 4.9% to $170.2 million, with the metric as a percentage of revenues increasing by 100 basis points to 6% [6] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $106.5 million and long-term debt of $565.8 million [7] - Net debt decreased by 12.1% year over year to $604 million, and inventory was down 23.6% to $271 million [7] Future Outlook - For the second quarter, the company expects revenues between $440 million and $450 million, indicating growth of 3.7-6% year over year [9] - Projected operating margin is 6.7%, with adjusted operating margin expected to be 7.2%, suggesting an increase of 90 basis points from the previous year [10] - Earnings per share are anticipated to be between 17 cents and 22 cents, with adjusted earnings per share expected between 19 cents and 24 cents [10]

Core Insights - Wolverine World Wide reported revenue of $412.3 million for the quarter ended March 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 4.4% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $395.35 million by 4.29% [1] - The company achieved an EPS of $0.18, significantly higher than the $0.05 reported a year ago, resulting in an EPS surprise of 63.64% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.11 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Active Group revenue was $326.70 million, surpassing the average estimate of $298.16 million by analysts, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 12.7% [4] - Other revenue was reported at $10.80 million, below the average estimate of $13.10 million, indicating a decline of 28% compared to the previous year [4] - Work Group revenue stood at $74.80 million, which was lower than the average estimate of $84.09 million, representing a year-over-year decrease of 17% [4] Stock Performance - Wolverine shares have returned +20% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +11.3% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), suggesting potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Chaco, a leading sandal footwear brand, has partnered with Fishwife, a female-led tinned seafood company, to create a new sandal collaboration inspired by Fishwife's vibrant color palette [1][2][3] - The collaboration emphasizes sustainability, with Chaco using recycled materials in their manufacturing and Fishwife sourcing from sustainable fisheries [2][4] Company Overview: Chaco - Chaco, established in 1989 and a division of Wolverine Worldwide, Inc., specializes in premium outdoor footwear and is known for its repairable Z/sandals [5] - The brand's sandals are recognized for comfort and health, having received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association [5] Company Overview: Fishwife - Fishwife, founded in December 2020, is based in Los Angeles and focuses on ethically sourced tinned seafood, aiming to popularize conservas culture in North America [6] - The company offers its products in three-packs priced between $23.99 and $32.99, and individually priced between $7.99 and $13.99 [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $412 million, exceeding expectations of approximately $395 million, with a year-over-year growth of over 5% on an ongoing basis and nearly 7% on a constant currency basis [9][35] - Adjusted gross margin increased to 47.3%, up 80 basis points compared to the previous year, driven by a healthier sales mix and lower promotional activity [38] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share improved from $0.05 in Q1 2024 to $0.18 in Q1 2025, above the outlook of $0.10 [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Saucony achieved a revenue growth of 30% year-over-year in Q1, with strong contributions from all regions and channels, particularly in North America [10][36] - Merrell's revenue grew by 13% compared to Q1 last year, with significant contributions from core product franchises [15][36] - Sweaty Betty's revenue declined by 16% in Q1, aligning with expectations, but showed improvement in gross margin due to a shift towards full-price sales [36][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's international business grew mid-teens year-over-year in Q1, indicating strong performance outside the U.S. [30] - U.S. retail sell-through remained strong throughout April, with similar reports from international regions [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming its culture and building new capabilities to compete effectively in the market [24] - Strategic investments are being made in brand momentum, with a particular emphasis on Saucony and Merrell, while also addressing challenges in the Wolverine brand and Sweaty Betty [19][21] - A diversified and nimble supply chain is being leveraged to mitigate risks associated with tariffs and to optimize product delivery [28][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's prospects despite uncertainties in the marketplace, particularly regarding tariffs and consumer sentiment [26][49] - The decision to withdraw full-year guidance for 2025 was made due to the dynamic nature of the operating environment, but management remains confident in the current order book and DTC trends [39][40] - The company is taking a proactive approach to navigate challenges, focusing on profitability while continuing to invest in brand growth [31][44] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a search for new leadership for the work group as part of its ongoing strategic adjustments [21] - Significant investments are planned for Saucony in 2025, marking the largest investment year since its acquisition [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Saucony and Merrell business for the full year - Management indicated that sourcing diversification efforts have reduced reliance on China, and they feel good about the momentum for 2025, with no material changes since April 2 [54][56] Question: Details on price increases to mitigate tariff impacts - Price increases were implemented strategically across brands, with mid-single digit increases for specific products, but these are not expected to fully offset tariff impacts [65][66] Question: Demand planning for the back half of the year - The company is closely monitoring consumer demand and adjusting inventory levels accordingly, with a cautious approach in certain areas while remaining bullish in others [77][79] Question: Promotional activities and margin improvements for Merrell - Management acknowledged ongoing promotional activities but emphasized efforts to reduce them, with a focus on improving gross margins over time [81][82] Question: Breakdown of international business revenue - Management directed to the investor presentation for insights on regional revenue dispersion, indicating a significant portion of revenue is generated outside the U.S. [86]