Weyco Stock Rise 13% Despite Q3 Earnings Down Y/Y on Tariffs

Core Insights - Weyco Group, Inc. (WEYS) shares increased by 12.8% following the earnings report for Q3 2025, contrasting with a 1.8% decline in the S&P 500 index during the same period [1] - The company reported earnings per share of 69 cents, down from 84 cents in Q3 2024 [1] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q3 2025 were $73.1 million, a 2% decrease from $74.3 million in the same quarter last year, attributed to tariffs and lower sales volume [2] - Gross earnings as a percentage of net sales fell to 40.7% from 44.3% year-over-year, with operating earnings decreasing by 21% to $8.1 million [2] - Net earnings dropped 18% year-over-year to $6.6 million [2] North American Wholesale Performance - The North American wholesale segment recorded net sales of $60.2 million, a 2% decrease from $61.1 million in the prior year, with a 7% drop in sales volume [3] - Price increases implemented on July 1, 2025, partially offset the volume decline, which was primarily due to disruptions with a key wholesale customer [3] Brand-Level Performance - Florsheim sales increased by 8%, supported by pricing, while Nunn Bush saw a 1% sales increase [4] - Stacy Adams experienced a 5% sales decline, and BOGS sales fell sharply by 17% due to reduced shipments [4] - Wholesale gross margins declined to 35.7% from 40.1% due to tariffs, with operating earnings for the wholesale segment falling 20% to $7.5 million [4] Retail and International Operations - The North American retail segment reported net sales of $7 million, down 4% from $7.2 million, driven by weaker demand on e-commerce sites [5] - Retail gross earnings as a percentage of net sales slipped to 66.4% from 66.9%, with operating income declining to $0.6 million [5] - International operations generated net sales of $6 million, unchanged from the prior year, but local currency sales grew 2% [6] Management Commentary - CEO Thomas Florsheim Jr. highlighted that the sales decline was influenced by the wholesale customer issue and tariffs, particularly a 30% tariff on goods from China [7] - Management noted that price increases were insufficient to fully offset the tariff burden, leading to margin erosion [7] Strategic Initiatives - The company is diversifying its factory base beyond China and strengthening relationships with manufacturing partners to mitigate tariff exposure [8][9] - Management expressed confidence in adapting to the changing trade landscape, with potential signs of tariff relief from U.S.-China trade talks [11] Other Developments - Weyco decided to wind down its Forsake brand due to lack of growth and profitability, aiming to optimize its brand portfolio [12] - The Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share and a regular quarterly dividend of 27 cents per share, reflecting a strong liquidity position with $78.5 million in cash and no debt [13]