Net Sales

Declined 5.4% (from $754.3M to $713.6M)

Net sales fell by about 5.4% as Q4 2025 continued to experience soft consumer demand that had been evident in previous periods. The decrease reflects challenges in sustaining market momentum, building on earlier issues observed in seasonal and retail performance. " "

Gross Profit

Surged 161% (from $207.4M to $540.5M)

Gross profit jumped by 161% mainly due to a drastic reduction in Cost of Sales—from $547.0M down to $173.0M—which improved margins significantly compared to prior periods, suggesting an aggressive cost restructuring or one-time adjustments impacting the underlying cost base. " "

Operating Profit

Improved with the loss narrowing from -$36.0M to -$25.9M (≈28% better)

Operating losses were reduced by about 28%, driven by expense optimization measures that built upon previous cost control efforts. This improvement partly offset lower sales, yet it signals ongoing challenges in achieving profitability despite operational streamlining. " "

Net Income

Worsened from a loss of -$29.6M to -$38.2M (≈29% deterioration)

Net income deteriorated by approximately 29% YoY despite improved operating profit, indicating that non-operating expenses, tax impacts, or other factors negated operating improvements seen in prior periods. The deepening loss reflects adverse shifts in the bottom line compared to previous quarter trends. " "

Basic EPS

Declined from –$0.46 to –$0.70

Basic EPS declined further by 52% in absolute terms (from –$0.46 to –$0.70) as the deeper net loss and potential changes in share count—consistent with the previous period’s challenges—amplified the negative per-share result, underscoring the impact of worsening profitability on shareholder returns. " "

Net Sales Growth

FY 2025

down low single digits for the year "

up low single digits for consolidated sales "

raised

EPS

FY 2025

$0.10 to $0.30 (Annual Diluted EPS) "

$0.30 to $0.50 "

raised

Capital Expenditures

FY 2025

$60 million to $65 million "

$45 million to $55 million "

lowered

Effective Tax Rate

FY 2025

roughly 32% "

approximately 30% "

lowered

Comparable Sales Growth

FY 2025

no prior guidance

U.S. Retail Segment: up low single digits "

no prior guidance

Operating Income

FY 2025

no prior guidance

anticipated meaningful growth "

no prior guidance

Gross Margin

FY 2025

no prior guidance

expected to remain relatively flat "

no prior guidance

SG&A Expenses

FY 2025

no prior guidance

expected to increase by approximately $50 million "

no prior guidance

Quarterly Performance

FY 2025

no prior guidance

gradually improve with Q1 expected to be below last year "

no prior guidance

Athletic and Athleisure Growth

In Q1, Q2, and Q3 calls, athletic and athleisure categories were consistently noted for strong year‐over‐year growth, with the top brands posting impressive comps and penetration increases ( " , " , " ).

Q4 emphasized a 25% increase on a full‐year basis with renewed focus on shifting from seasonal reliance (notably boots) toward athleisure segments ( " , " ).

Consistent and robust growth with an added strategic shift to offset seasonal category declines.

SG&A Expense Pressure and Broader Cost Management

Q1 discussions highlighted increased expenses from normalized incentive compensation and reorganization savings ( " , " ). Q2 noted SG&A pressures due to fixed cost structures and investments, while Q3 reported some improvement driven by expense cuts ( " , " ).

Q4 reported an expected SG&A increase of about $50 million due to new investments (e.g., a West Coast Logistics Center) and ongoing cost management initiatives ( " , " ).

Ongoing challenge with mixed signals – some efficiency gains were noted, but new cost drivers are emerging in Q4.

Macro‐Economic Uncertainty and Consumer Demand Headwinds

Q1 mentioned modest declines and cautious promotional strategies ( " , " ). In Q2, muted consumer spending and category pressures were highlighted, and Q3 detailed significant headwinds, including weather impacts and declining seasonal performance ( " , " ).

Q4 continued to underscore consumer caution as inflation and reduced discretionary income weighed on demand, reinforcing a soft start to 2025 ( " , " ).

Persistently challenging external environment with consistently negative sentiment; macro uncertainties remain a key headwind across all periods.

Inventory Management and Promotional Strategies Impacting Gross Margins

Q1 showcased improved gross margins from better inventory management and fewer markdowns ( " , " ). Q2 focused on disciplined inventory allocation supporting back-to-school while addressing markdown pressures, and Q3 stressed less promotion and adjusted receipts ( " , " ).

Q4 stressed further inventory optimization and reduced promotions to stabilize gross margins, even as product mix shifts put pressure on margins ( " , " ).

Steady focus on operational improvements – ongoing strategic adjustments in inventory and promotions are being used to offset margin pressures.

Emerging Digital Sales Growth and Omnichannel Channel Optimization

Q1 reported mid-single-digit digital growth with rising conversion rates ( " ). Q2 noted continued digital momentum with enhanced store aesthetics and omnichannel initiatives ( " , " ), and Q3 highlighted robust social media and digital engagement ( " ).

In Q4, specific details on emerging digital sales were limited; the discussion focused mainly on evolving the omnichannel customer experience without detailed digital growth metrics ( " ).

Relative de-emphasis in Q4 compared to prior periods; digital and omnichannel initiatives may be increasingly integrated into broader strategies rather than being spotlighted.

New Strategic Partnerships and Brand Concentration Risks

Q1 did not specifically address these topics, while Q2 detailed the strategic importance of partners like Nike and the evolving brand mix ( " , " ). Q3 explicitly discussed a revived Nike collaboration and mitigated concentration risks ( " ).

Q4 mentioned the reintroduction of Nike as a positive factor in Canada’s athletic and kids segments and noted a broader engagement with top brand partners ( " ).

Emerging from Q2 onwards and sustained in Q4 – strategic partnerships are now a highlighted growth catalyst, though brand concentration risk remains under watch.

Acquisitions and Geographic Expansion Initiatives

Q1 introduced the Rubino acquisition as a strategic move into Quebec with new store openings ( " ). Q2 and Q3 continued to emphasize geographic expansion in Canada with additional store openings and integration of Rubino operations ( " , " ).

Q4 underscored continued geographic growth with Rubino contributing to Canada Retail segment gains and plans to add new DSW stores, reinforcing long-term expansion strategies ( " , " ).

Consistently strong and positive – geographic expansion remains a key strategic pillar with steady execution and positive impact.

Decline in Seasonal Categories and De‑weatherizing Strategy

Q1 briefly noted a slower start in seasonal categories due to inconsistent weather ( " ). Q2 explicitly described a “de‑weatherizing” approach by planning boots down in double digits ( " ), and Q3 provided clear evidence of a 27% boot decline ( " , " ).

Q4 detailed a dramatic 900 basis point decrease in the boot category, reinforcing the ongoing pivot away from seasonal reliance in favor of athletic growth ( " ).

Increasing emphasis on shifting away from risky seasonal segments – the challenge is becoming more pronounced, prompting a strategic rebalancing toward more resilient categories.

Margin Pressure from Shifts to Lower‑Margin Brand Mixes

Q1 did not mention this topic. In Q2, detailed discussions focused on margin compression resulting from a brand mix shift toward lower‑margin athletic products ( " , " ). Q3 continued to note reduced IMU and margin pressure ( " ).

Q4 maintained the narrative of margin pressure as a consequence of increasing penetration into lower‑margin national and athletic brands ( " ).

Emergent concern from Q2, growing through Q3 and persisting in Q4 – the margin pressures are now a central focus due to the strategic shift in product mix.

Potential Revenue Impact from Calendar Effects (Loss of the 53rd Week)

Q1 acknowledged the loss of the 53rd week as a headwind impacting sales growth ( " ). Q2 noted a potential loss of around $42 million in sales, and Q3 adjusted guidance to account for this factor ( " , " ).

Q4 detailed a 5% decline in total sales for the quarter due in part to the absence of the 53rd week, with comparable sales affected accordingly ( " ).

A recurring external factor – calendar effects have consistently impacted revenue across all periods, remaining a steady headwind on performance.