I think what NIL has done was helped to bridge a gap and so we used to talk about at the WNBA you'd have these great players in college and they'd come to the WNBA and the fan base would not carry over. Now thanks to NIL you've got wonderful brands being built of these players at the college level and that has bridged the gap. So they go to the WNBA now and you see their fans following them but playing professionally hasn't hurt their ability to make money.They still have the same sponsors if not more. Uh, ...

This story was originally published on Marketing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Marketing Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: CMOs face steeper challenges to realizing long-term brand-building goals, yet many remain confident in their brands’ equity despite winnowing resources, according to new research from NielsenIQ. NIQ revealed 69% of surveyed marketing leaders believe their CEOs and CFOs support long-term brand investment, an 11 percentage-point slide from last yea ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record net sales of CHF 794.4 million, growing 24.9% year over year on a reported basis and 34.5% at constant currency [17][30] - Gross profit margin reached 65.7%, an increase of 510 basis points year over year, while adjusted EBITDA margin was 22.6%, up 370 basis points year over year [25][26] - Adjusted EBITDA grew nearly 50% year over year, amounting to CHF 179.9 million [17][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Performance footwear net sales reached CHF 731.3 million, increasing by 21.1% year over year on a reported basis and 30.4% at constant currency [22] - Apparel category net sales reached CHF 50.1 million, an increase of 86.9% year over year on a reported basis and 100.2% at constant currency, with over 1 million apparel units sold in a single quarter for the first time [23][30] - Direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel net sales reached CHF 314.7 million, an increase of 27.6% year over year on a reported basis and 37.5% at constant currency [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Asia Pacific region delivered net sales of CHF 144.9 million, up 94.2% year over year on a reported basis and 109.2% at constant currency, now approaching 20% of total sales [21] - Americas net sales reached CHF 436.2 million, growing 10.3% year over year on a reported basis and 21% at constant currency [19] - Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) net sales reached CHF 213.3 million, up 28.6% year over year on a reported basis and 33% at constant currency [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the most premium global sportswear brand, focusing on brand awareness and premium positioning [12][52] - The strategy includes expanding the apparel business as a standalone growth pillar, with a focus on D2C channels and retail presence [15][42] - The company plans to double net sales by 2026, implying a 26% net sales constant currency CAGR over three years [32][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the brand's momentum and the ability to maintain premium pricing despite external challenges [30][66] - The company anticipates strong growth across all regions, with a focus on maintaining a full-price sales strategy during the holiday season [77][78] - The outlook for 2026 includes a constant currency growth expectation of at least 23%, supported by a robust product pipeline and strategic investments [31][56] Other Important Information - The company opened new flagship stores in key markets, including Tokyo and Zurich, which contributed to record sales [13][18] - The company is leveraging collaborations with cultural icons to enhance brand appeal among younger consumers [10][87] - The cash balance at the end of Q3 stood at CHF 961.8 million, reflecting strong operational cash flow management [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the traction in apparel and its regional performance? - Management highlighted strong traction in apparel, accounting for about 8% of total business, with significant growth in running, training, and tennis categories [38][39] Question: How do you balance top-line growth with margin protection? - Management emphasized the importance of discipline in inventory management and maintaining a premium business model to protect margins while driving growth [45][46] Question: Can you elaborate on the 2026 guidance and growth expectations? - Management confirmed that the 2026 guidance is based on constant currency and reflects strong growth across all regions, with a focus on brand awareness and premium positioning [51][56] Question: What is the outlook for gross margin in Q4? - Management indicated that there is potential for margin upside in Q4, supported by operational improvements and favorable market conditions [60][61] Question: How is the company connecting with younger consumers? - Management noted successful collaborations with cultural figures and the launch of a kids line, which has resonated well with younger demographics [87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of CHF 794.4 million, representing a year-over-year growth of 24.9% on a reported basis and 34.5% at constant currency [17][30] - Gross profit margin reached 65.7%, an increase of 510 basis points year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA margin was 22.6%, up 370 basis points year-over-year [25][31] - Adjusted EBITDA grew nearly 50% year-over-year, amounting to CHF 179.9 million [17][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Performance footwear net sales reached CHF 731.3 million, growing 21.1% year-over-year on a reported basis and 30.4% at constant currency [22] - Apparel category net sales surged to CHF 50.1 million, an increase of 86.9% year-over-year on a reported basis and 100.2% at constant currency, with over 1 million apparel units sold in a single quarter for the first time [23][30] - Direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel net sales reached CHF 314.7 million, up 27.6% year-over-year on a reported basis and 37.5% at constant currency [17][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Asia Pacific region net sales grew to CHF 144.9 million, a remarkable increase of 94.2% year-over-year on a reported basis and 109.2% at constant currency [21] - The Americas reported net sales of CHF 436.2 million, growing 10.3% year-over-year on a reported basis and 21% at constant currency [19] - Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) saw net sales of CHF 213.3 million, up 28.6% year-over-year on a reported basis and 33% at constant currency [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain its position as the most premium global sportswear brand, focusing on brand awareness and premium positioning [12][30] - The strategy includes expanding the apparel business as a standalone growth pillar, with a focus on D2C sales and enhancing the customer experience [15][44] - The company plans to continue investing in innovation and technology, with a strong product pipeline set to launch in 2026 [9][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the brand's momentum and the effectiveness of its premium strategy, particularly in the face of price increases and tariff impacts [19][66] - The company anticipates strong growth across all regions, with a focus on maintaining full-price sales and avoiding discounting strategies [67][74] - The outlook for 2026 includes a constant currency growth expectation of at least 23%, supported by a robust product pipeline and strategic investments [33][56] Other Important Information - The company opened new flagship stores in key markets, including Tokyo and Zurich, which contributed to record sales [13][18] - The successful launch of collaborations with cultural icons like Zendaya and Burna Boy is enhancing brand appeal among younger consumers [10][84] - The company is leveraging operational efficiencies to improve its cash conversion cycle and maintain a strong cash balance of CHF 961.8 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the traction in apparel and its regional performance? - Management highlighted strong traction in apparel, accounting for about 8% of total business, with significant growth in running, training, and tennis categories [38][39] Question: How does the company balance top-line growth with margin protection? - Management emphasized the importance of disciplined inventory management and maintaining a premium business model to protect margins while driving growth [47][49] Question: What is the outlook for U.S. growth compared to other regions? - Management indicated that U.S. growth remains strong, supported by effective price increases and brand awareness, while also noting significant growth opportunities in Asia and EMEA [66][70] Question: Can you elaborate on the younger consumer segment? - Management noted that the younger consumer segment is becoming increasingly important, with successful collaborations and a growing kids line contributing to this trend [84][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the third quarter were $114.6 million, a decrease of 3.8% year-over-year, but better than expectations due to earlier shipment timing [5][23]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $30.8 million, representing a margin of 26.9%, which exceeded internal expectations [5][26]. - Year-to-date adjusted EBITDA is $81.0 million, with a margin of 25.5%, down from 34.8% in the prior year [26]. Performance by Business Line - Professional sales increased by 5.3% year-over-year to $44.5 million, driven by strong promotional management [23]. - Specialty retail sales declined by 13.5% year-over-year to $36.9 million, with a year-to-date decrease of 6.8% [24]. - Direct-to-consumer sales decreased by 2.9% year-over-year to $33.3 million, with a year-to-date increase of 1.6% [24]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. net sales were down approximately 4% year-to-date, while international sales increased by approximately 2% [25]. - The adjusted gross profit margin for the quarter was 71.5%, up 70 basis points year-over-year [26]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has three strategic priorities for 2025: generate brand demand, harness innovation, and execute with excellence [8][18]. - The successful launch of new hair masks is seen as a critical part of the strategy to create new scientific products [15][17]. - The acquisition of Provalus Bioscience is expected to enhance the company's innovation capabilities in the health and beauty industries [17]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the execution of their strategy and the positive early indicators from marketing campaigns [30]. - There are concerns about consumer sentiment as the holiday season approaches, which may impact sales [34]. - The company reaffirmed its annual guidance, expecting net sales to range from -3% to +2% compared to fiscal year 2024 [29]. Other Important Information - The company generated positive operating cash flow, ending the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $286.4 million and debt of $352.1 million [28]. - Inventory levels were reported at $73.3 million, down from $85.9 million in the same quarter of the previous year [28]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Were orders pulled into the third quarter across both specialty retail and professional? - Management confirmed that orders were indeed pulled into the third quarter, impacting expectations for the fourth quarter [32][33]. Question: Can you elaborate on the Provalus acquisition and its integration with Olaplex? - Management indicated that the focus is on delivering science-backed breakthrough products, with plans to integrate Provalus's technologies into future innovations [36][37]. Question: What are the expectations for holiday marketing and sell-through? - Management stated that the marketing organization is prepared for the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of giftability and desirability of the brand during this period [39][40]. Question: How is the overall promotional environment affecting pricing strategy? - Management is monitoring the promotional environment closely, preparing to adapt to market conditions as they unfold [41]. Question: What are the dynamics between U.S. and international sales? - Management noted that international sales outperformed expectations due to strong execution, while U.S. sales are improving but not yet positive [54][55].

Q2 FY26 Performance - Quarterly revenue reached $274.1 million, exceeding forecasts due to Clear Eyes supply timing and retail order timing[11] - Gross Margin was 55.3%, consistent with the prior year[11] - Adjusted Diluted EPS was $1.07, surpassing expectations[11] - Free Cash Flow year-to-date amounted to $134 million, a 10% increase compared to the previous year[11] Financial Results - Revenue decreased by 3.3% year-over-year, excluding foreign currency impacts[20] - EBITDA totaled $86.8 million, compared to $91.9 million in the prior year[20] - Adjusted Diluted EPS decreased by 1.8% year-over-year[20] FY26 Outlook - The company anticipates revenues between $1,100 million and $1,115 million[29] - Organic revenue is expected to decline by approximately 1.5% to 3.0%[29] - Adjusted Diluted EPS is projected to be between $4.54 and $4.58[29] - Free Cash Flow is expected to be $245 million or higher[29]

Core Insights - Wolverine Worldwide's turnaround efforts are yielding positive results, with total revenue in Q3 2025 reaching $470.3 million, a 6.8% increase from $440.2 million in the same period last year [1] - The company exceeded its previous guidance for Q3, which projected net sales between $450 million and $460 million, and diluted earnings per share in the range of 24 to 28 cents [3] Financial Performance - Net earnings for Q3 were $25.1 million, up from $23.2 million the previous year, with diluted earnings per share increasing to 30 cents from 28 cents [2] - Ongoing total revenue, excluding the sold Sperry business, was also $470.3 million, reflecting a 6.9% increase from $440.1 million in the prior year [1] Brand Performance - Saucony and Merrell brands showed significant growth, with Saucony's net sales increasing by 27.0% to $133.1 million and Merrell's net sales rising by 5.1% to $167.3 million [4] - The Wolverine brand experienced an 8.2% decline in net sales to $45.3 million, while Sweaty Betty saw a 3.9% decrease to $44.5 million [5] Revenue Breakdown - International revenue increased by 13.5% to $242.7 million compared to the prior year, while direct-to-consumer revenue decreased by 5.0% to $106.8 million [6] - The company anticipates full fiscal year revenue to be between $1.855 billion and $1.870 billion, indicating growth of approximately 6.0% to 6.8% compared to the 2024 ongoing business [6] Strategic Outlook - The CEO emphasized the company's commitment to improving its operations through new strategies, talent, and processes aimed at enhancing product quality and shareholder value [7]

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Friends, think about this. A doctor busy in his clinic, a fitness trainer working with clients all day, or an e-commerce seller trying to reach customers online. They all have one common problem.They have knowledge, they have talent, they have their own product or service, but they also share the same challenge. How do I actually reach more clients and customers. I faced this exact problem myself and while trying to solve it, I realized something very important.In today's world, whether you are selling a pr ...