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]

Core Insights - The rivalry between NIKE Inc. and Wolverine World Wide, Inc. highlights contrasting strategies in the athletic and lifestyle footwear market [1][2][3] NIKE Inc. (NKE) - NIKE commands substantial market share in the global athletic footwear and apparel market, with a presence in nearly 190 countries and over 40,000 distribution points [4] - Despite a 9% year-over-year revenue decline in Q3 fiscal 2025, categories like Running and Training showed strong momentum, indicating potential for recovery [5] - NIKE's strategy focuses on five "Win Now" actions, emphasizing digital innovation, brand distinction, and local engagement [6] - The company faces challenges such as elevated inventory levels and margin pressures due to markdowns and discounting, which are expected to persist into the first half of fiscal 2026 [7] - NIKE's fiscal 2025 sales and EPS estimates suggest year-over-year declines of 10.7% and 46.1%, respectively [16] Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW) - Wolverine has shown strong momentum with a focus on growth and profitability, supported by a diverse portfolio including brands like Merrell and Saucony [9][11] - In Q1 2025, WWW reported revenues of $412.3 million, a 4.4% year-over-year increase, with Saucony achieving 30% growth [11] - The company is implementing a "fast and bold" strategy, focusing on cleaner inventories and full-price selling, which positions it well against macro headwinds [12][15] - Wolverine's EPS estimates for 2025 suggest year-over-year growth of 15.4%, indicating positive investor sentiment [16] - The stock has outperformed NIKE, with a total return of 41.3% over the past year compared to NIKE's decline of 31.8% [19] Valuation and Market Position - NIKE trades at a forward P/E multiple of 32.5X, above its 5-year median, while Wolverine trades at 16.31X, also above its 5-year median [23] - Wolverine's valuation presents an attractive entry point, especially with strong momentum in high-growth brands [26] - Wolverine's operational efficiency and strategic roadmap position it favorably for future growth, contrasting with NIKE's ongoing challenges [27][28] - Wolverine is viewed as the more attractive stock pick for investors seeking a blend of value and growth potential [29]

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]