Companies

Wolverine Worldwide posts strong first-quarter results

May 20, 2026 United States

The US-based outdoor company has reported a double-digit revenue growth in the first quarter of the 2026 financial year, driven by strong performances from the Merrell and Saucony brands

“The team delivered a solid start to 2026, with first quarter revenue, gross margin, and earnings per share all exceeding our expectations”, said Chris Hufnagel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wolverine Worldwide. “I believe we’re better brand builders today – led by Merrell and Saucony – with encouraging progress now evident across our broader portfolio”, he highlighted.

In the first quarter of the 2026 financial year, which ended on the 4^th of April, Wolverine Worldwide recorded a total revenue of 456.7 million US dollars. This represents an increase of 11.0% (or 7.3% on a constant currency basis) compared to the same period of the previous year.

Both the Merrell and Saucony brands performed well during the quarter. Revenue from Merrell contributed 169.7 million US dollars to the company’s total revenue, an increase of 12.7% (or 8.7% on a constant currency basis) year-on-year. Revenue from Saucony contributed 155.9 million US dollars, an increase of 20.1% (or 15.2% on a constant currency basis) year-on-year.

In the first three months of the current financial year, the company’s gross margin was 47.6%, the same as in the previous year. According to the statement, this reflects a favourable shift in product mix towards more full-price sales, as well as the positive impact of recent price increases. However, this was offset by higher US tariffs.

The company reported an improvement in operating profitability this quarter, with the operating margin rising from 5.1% to 7.4% compared to the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share also rose from 0.15 to 0.24 US dollars. On an adjusted basis, the operating margin increased to 7.7% from 6.3%, and adjusted diluted earnings per share rose to 0.25 US dollars from 0.19.

Fiscal 2026 Outlook

For the 2026 financial year, Wolverine Worldwide maintained its revenue outlook at between 1.96 and 1.98 billion US dollars, representing year-on-year growth of between 4.6% and 5.9%.

It also raised profitability expectations, forecasting a full-year operating margin of around 9.2%, which is 120 basis points higher than in 2025 and above the previous guidance of 8.8%. Diluted earnings per share are now expected to range from 1.39 to 1.54 US dollars, up from the previous outlook of 1.31 to 1.46 US dollars.

Image Credits: wwd.com

United States Companies Quarter Results Results Wolverine Worldwide, Inc.