Caleres posts strong Q1 2026 results and raises margin
Caleres, Inc. reported strong first quarter 2026 results, with net sales of $666.6 million versus $614.2 million a year ago and GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.42, up from $0.21.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Caleres, Inc. reported strong first quarter 2026 results, with net sales of $666.6 million versus $614.2 million a year ago and GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.42, up from $0.21. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.38, which the company said exceeded its guidance.
Gross profit rose to $315.5 million from $278.7 million, and operating earnings more than doubled to $23.9 million. Brand Portfolio drove growth, while Famous Footwear saw lower sales and comparable sales. Caleres guided to mid-to-high-single-digit net sales growth and GAAP EPS of $0.32 to $0.38 for second quarter 2026, and full-year 2026 GAAP EPS of $1.44 to $1.69 with gross margin expansion.
Positive
- Strong earnings growth and improved profitability: Q1 2026 net sales rose to $666.6 million from $614.2 million, GAAP diluted EPS doubled to $0.42 from $0.21, and gross margin increased to 47.3% from 45.4%, supporting full-year guidance for further gross margin expansion and higher EPS.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Caleres delivered strong Q1 growth and guided to higher 2026 margins.
Caleres posted Q1 2026 net sales of $666.6 million, up from $614.2 million, with gross profit improving to $315.5 million. GAAP diluted EPS doubled to $0.42, while adjusted diluted EPS was $0.38, described as above guidance.
Segment data show Brand Portfolio net sales rising to $356.3 million from $295.4 million, while Famous Footwear sales dipped to $319.3 million from $327.7 million and comparable sales declined 2.3%. Despite this mix, consolidated gross margin improved to 47.3% from 45.4%.
For Q2 2026, Caleres expects net sales up mid-to-high-single digits and gross margin up 345–375 bps, with GAAP EPS of $0.32–$0.38. Full-year 2026 guidance calls for low-to-mid-single-digit sales growth, gross margin expansion of 220–260 bps, GAAP EPS of $1.44–$1.69, and adjusted EPS of $1.40–$1.65. Actual outcomes will depend on consumer demand, tariff impacts, and execution across Brand Portfolio and Famous Footwear.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
non-GAAP financial measures financial
gross margin financial
comparable sales financial
forward-looking statements regulatory
basis points financial
Earnings Snapshot
For fiscal 2026, Caleres expects net sales up low-to-mid-single digits, consolidated gross margin up 220–260 basis points, GAAP EPS of $1.44 to $1.69, and adjusted EPS of $1.40 to $1.65.
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
How did Caleres (CAL) perform financially in the first quarter of 2026?
What guidance did Caleres (CAL) give for second quarter 2026?
What is Caleres’ (CAL) full-year 2026 outlook for sales and earnings?
How did Caleres’ Brand Portfolio and Famous Footwear segments perform in Q1 2026?
What were Caleres’ (CAL) profitability metrics for the first quarter of 2026?
How did Caleres’ cash flow look in the first quarter of 2026?
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
