Caleres (NYSE: CAL) Q1 2026 earnings jump as Brand Portfolio drives growth
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.
