Genesco Q3 Earnings Miss, Sales Rise on Higher Comparable Sales

Core Insights - Genesco Inc. (GCO) reported lower-than-expected third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with adjusted earnings of 79 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 87 cents, but showing an increase from 61 cents in the same quarter last year [2] Financial Performance - Net sales increased by 3% to $616.2 million, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $618 million, driven by a 5% rise in same-store sales, increased wholesale sales, and favorable foreign exchange impacts, but offset by net store closings and a 3% decline in e-commerce sales [3] - Comparable sales fell by 2% at Schuh Group and Johnston & Murphy Group, while Journeys Group saw a 6% increase, leading to a total comparable sales rise of 3% for Genesco [4] Margin and Expenses - Gross margin decreased to 46.8%, down 100 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to lower margins at Genesco Brands Group and increased promotional activity at Schuh, partially offset by reduced shipping and warehouse costs for Journeys and Schuh [5] - Selling and administrative expenses were 44.7%, down 140 basis points as a percentage of sales, reflecting cost-saving measures, with adjusted operating income rising 25.2% to $12.9 million from $10.3 million in the previous year [6] Financial Snapshot - As of the end of the quarter, Genesco had approximately $27 million in cash, $69.8 million in long-term debt, and $513.8 million in shareholders' equity, with inventories increasing by 6.7% to $558.1 million [7] - The company incurred $18 million in capital expenditures during the quarter and anticipates $55–$65 million in capital expenditures for fiscal 2027, focusing on growth initiatives [8] Future Outlook - Genesco has revised its fiscal 2026 outlook, now expecting approximately 2% sales growth and adjusted earnings per share of around 95 cents, down from previous expectations of 3-4% sales growth and earnings of $1.30-$1.70 [11][12][13]