Wolverine Worldwide raises FY outlook as Q2 outpaces expectations

US footwear group Wolverine Worldwide (WWW) has raised its full-year outlook after a stronger-than-expected second quarter, with growth led by its Merrell and Saucony brands.

The footwear group reported revenue of 506.4 million dollars for the three months to July 4, up 6.8 percent year-on-year and 6.1 percent on a constant-currency basis. Merrell sales rose 11.1 percent to 175.5 million dollars, while Saucony increased 9.9 percent to 158.6 million dollars. Wolverine brand sales were also up 6.6 percent, contrasting Sweaty Betty, where sales declined 2.4 percent.

Operating margin improved to 9.3 percent, from 8.6 percent a year earlier, while diluted earnings per share rose 15.6 percent to 0.37 dollars. Inventory fell 17 percent to 269 million dollars and net debt was reduced by 22 percent to 443 million dollars.

The company said higher US tariffs continued to impact margins, with gross margin falling 70 basis points to 46.5 percent, despite price increases and other measures partly offseting the results.

Speaking on the report, CEO Chris Hufnagel said: “We’re executing our strategies, elevating our brands, and driving consistent, profitable growth. Based on our strong start to the year and the progress we’re seeing across the business, we’re raising our outlook for 2026.”

WWW now expects 2026 revenue to be between 1.98 billion and two billion dollars, up from its previous forecast of 1.96 billion to 1.985 billion dollars, alongside higher expectations for operating margin and earnings per share.