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WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE INC

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE INCWWW财报

NYSE · 可选消费 · 鞋类（不含橡胶）

Wolverine World Wide is a global designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded footwear, apparel and accessories. It owns popular brands including Merrell, Sperry, Saucony and Hush Puppies, serving outdoor, casual, workwear and athletic segments via e-commerce, retail stores and global wholesale networks.

What changed in WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE INC's 10-K — 2024 vs 2025

Top changes in WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE INC's 2025 10-K

198 paragraphs added · 202 removed · 162 edited across 9 sections

Item 1. Business

Business — how the company describes what it does

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Historically, cash provided by operating 8 activities is higher in the second half of the fiscal year due to collection of wholesale channel receivables and higher direct-to-consumer sales during the holiday season.
Historically, cash provided by operating activities is higher in the second half of the fiscal year due to collection of wholesale channel receivables and higher direct-to- 8 consumer sales during the holiday season.
The Corporate category consists of gains on the sale of businesses and trademarks, unallocated corporate expenses, such as corporate employee costs, corporate facility costs, reorganization activities, impairment of long-lived assets and environmental and other related costs. The reportable segments are engaged in designing, manufacturing, sourcing, marketing, licensing and distributing branded footwear, apparel and accessories.
The Corporate category consists of gains on the sale of businesses and trademarks, unallocated corporate expenses, such as corporate employee costs, corporate facility costs, IT costs, reorganization activities, impairment of long-lived assets and environmental and other related costs. The reportable segments are engaged in designing, manufacturing, sourcing, marketing, licensing and distributing branded footwear, apparel and accessories.
The Company’s owned trademarks include but are not limited to Hush Puppies ® , Wolverine ® , Bates ® , Bounce ® , Chaco ® , HYTEST ® , Merrell ® , Saucony ® , Stride Rite ® , Sweaty Betty ® , and related logos and design marks.
The Company’s owned trademarks include but are not limited to Hush Puppies ® , Wolverine ® , Bates ® , Chaco ® , HYTEST ® , Merrell ® , Saucony ® , Stride Rite ® , Sweaty Betty ® , and related logos and design marks.
The Company values its employees and works to maximize the engagement and contribution of its current workforce and to attract the best talent available from outside the organization when needed.
The Company values its employees and works to maximize the engagement, development and contribution of its current workforce and to attract the best talent available from outside the organization when needed.
Multi-brand Direct-to-Consumer Division: The multi-brand direct-to-consumer division includes retail stores that sell footwear and apparel from the Company's brand portfolio and other brands. Sperry ® : Sperry ® was founded in 1935 by avid sailor, inventor and intrepid explorer Paul Sperry.
Multi-brand Direct-to-Consumer Division: The multi-brand direct-to-consumer division includes a retail store that sell footwear and apparel from the Company's brand portfolio and other brands. Sperry ® : Sperry ® was founded in 1935 by avid sailor, inventor and intrepid explorer Paul Sperry.
Financial information regarding the Company’s environmental remediation activities is found in Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Human Capital Resources Employee Profile : As of December 28, 2024, the Company had approximately 3,100 domestic and foreign retail, distribution, office and sales employees.
Financial information regarding the Company’s environmental remediation activities is found in Note 16 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Human Capital Resources Employee Profile : As of January 3, 2026, the Company had approximately 3,050 domestic and foreign retail, distribution, office and sales employees.
To enhance all corporate employees’ career development and growth, the Company offers a vast library of expert-led courses covering business, technical, and creative skills, quick reference guides, toolkits and internal one-on-one professional coaching.
To enhance all corporate employees’ career development and growth, the Company offers a vast library of expert-led courses covering business, technical, and creative skills, quick reference guides, toolkits and internal one-on-one professional coaching. Inclusion and Belonging : Fostering inclusivity is an integral part of the Company’s culture.
Civilian uniform users include police officers, firefighters, security and emergency medical services workers, and others in light industrial occupations. Bates ® products are distributed through sporting goods chains, department stores, uniform specialty retailers, catalog retailers and online retailers.
Bates ® : Bates ® Footwear is a leading supplier of tactical and uniform footwear for first responders. Civilian uniform users include police officers, firefighters, security and emergency medical services workers, and others in light industrial occupations. Bates ® products are distributed through sporting goods chains, department stores, uniform specialty retailers, catalog retailers and online retailers.
Development starts on day one with an enriching day one experience designed to help employees start off on the right foot from the moment they begin their career with the Company. The Company strives to be one of the best places to work.
Development starts on day one with an enriching day one experience designed to help employees start off on the right foot from the moment they begin their career with the Company. The Company strives to be one of the best places to work. The Company stays connected with team members across many experience touchpoints throughout the employee lifecycle.
Widely recognized for award-winning technologies, Saucony ® innovations include INCREDIRun foam, a revolutionary TPEE compound engineered to provide exceptional efficiency; PWRRUN™ PB, a beaded superfoam that delivers high-performance energy return; PWRRUN+™ a cushioning foam for a plush ride; and SPEEDROLL™ Technology, a blend of premium foam and forward geometry to promote a faster transition.
Widely recognized for award-winning technologies, Saucony® innovations include INCREDIRUN™ cushioning technology, a revolutionary TPEE compound engineered to provide exceptional efficiency; PWRRUN™ PB , a beaded PEBA-based cushioning technology that delivers high-performance energy return; PWRRUN+™ a SC-TPU cushioning technology for a plush ride; CENTERPATH™ technology to provide support and protection and SPEEDROLL™ technology, a blend of a carbon fiber or TPU plate and forward geometry to promote a faster transition.
The Company has developed safety protocols to enhance the health and safety of all employees. The Environmental, Health, & Safety Council is composed of representatives from across the Company and coordinates health and safety matters on a real time basis.
The Environmental, Health, & Safety Council is composed of representatives from across the Company and coordinates health and safety matters on a real time basis.
The Company divested its ownership interests in the China joint venture entities effective January 1, 2024. The Company continues to develop its international network of third-party licensees and distributors to market its branded products. The Company assists its licensees in designing products that are appropriate to each foreign market, yet consistent with global brand positioning.
The Company continues to develop its international network of third-party licensees and distributors to market its branded products. The Company assists its licensees in designing products that are appropriate to each foreign market, yet consistent with global brand positioning.
Saucony ® offers five categories of performance footwear products; Competition, Road, Trail, Train and Walking; as well as the Originals lifestyle footwear inspired by Saucony ® products of the 1970's to 2000's. Saucony ® also offers a complete line of performance running apparel and select lifestyle apparel pieces.
Saucony ® offers five categories of performance running products; Fast & Light, Neutral Cushioning, Max Cushioning, Stability and Trail; as well as Originals lifestyle footwear inspired by Saucony ® products of the 1970's to 2000's. Saucony ® also offers a complete line of performance running apparel and select lifestyle apparel pieces.
The brand is focused on meeting the functional biomechanical needs of runners while delivering on their emotional 5 style needs as well.
The brand is focused on meeting the functional biomechanical demands of runners, while delivering on their everyday 5 emotional needs for style and self-expression.
The brand is known for its heritage, durability, and best-in-class performance comfort technology, as well as the Wolverine ® 1000 Mile collection of premium lifestyle boots handcrafted in the USA from archival patterns.
Wolverine ® designs and builds footwear, apparel and accessories made to outfit those working in the core trades across the world. The brand is known for its heritage and best-in-class performance comfort technology, as well as the Wolverine ® 1000 Mile collection of premium lifestyle boots handcrafted in the USA from archival patterns.
Famous and trusted for its “bum-sculpting” leggings and innovative designs, Sweaty Betty ® fuses performance and style with technical, high-performance fabrics and responsibly sourced materials designed to outlast, outperform and outfit active women at all life stages.
Famous and trusted for its “bum-sculpting” leggings and innovative designs, Sweaty Betty ® fuses performance and style with technical, high-performance fabrics and responsibly sourced materials designed to outlast, outperform and outfit active women at all life stages. The brand services its loyal, fast-growing community worldwide through SweatyBetty.com, complemented by retail locations across the United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand and Asia.
Wolverine ® products can be found online at Wolverine.com and across a variety of retail channels including online retail, farm & fleet, work specialty, outdoor specialty, department stores and national family stores. Cat ® Footwear: Cat ® Footwear is driven by the belief that generations of builders, makers and creators can turn challenge into enduring greatness.
Wolverine ® products can be found online at Wolverine.com and across a variety of retail channels including online retail, farm & fleet, specialty, department stores and national family stores. Cat ® Footwear: Cat ® Footwear , the official footwear licensee of Caterpillar Inc., is committed to extending the Cat brand to consumers around the world.
Through Saucony ® Run For Good brand platform and charitable foundation, Saucony ® is strengthening connections with consumers and elevating the positioning of the brand. The brand’s products are distributed primarily through leading run specialty, mall specialty and sporting goods retailers, as well as via an eCommerce site and in Company-owned Saucony ® retail stores.
The brand’s products are distributed primarily through leading run specialty, mall specialty and sporting goods retailers, as well as via an eCommerce site and in Company-owned Saucony® retail stores . Sweaty Betty ® : Sweaty Betty ® is a global women’s activewear and lifestyle brand that has been on a mission to empower women through fitness and beyond since 1998.
The Company seeks to maximize engagement and contribution of team members and the Company stays connected with team members across many experience touchpoints throughout the employee lifecycle, including regular pulse and check in surveys. Insights from these surveys are valuable to understanding employees' needs, which helps us develop strategies to maintain positive employee sentiment and well-being.
The Company is committed to empowering our people to drive organizational growth through accessible experiences that energize and engage employees throughout their journey with the Company. Insights from regular pulse and check in surveys are valuable to understanding employees' sentiments and needs, which helps us develop strategies to maintain positive employee engagement and well-being.
CAT ® , CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, "Caterpillar Corporate Yellow", as well as corporate product identity used herein, are registered trademarks of Caterpillar Inc. Bates ® : Bates ® Footwear is a leading supplier of tactical and uniform footwear for first responders.
CAT ® , CATERPILLAR, LET'S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, "Caterpillar Corporate Yellow", the "Power Edge" and Cat "Modern Hex" trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.
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Sweaty Betty ® : Sweaty Betty ® is a global women’s activewear and lifestyle brand that has been on a mission to empower women through fitness and beyond since 1998.
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Work Group Wolverine ® : The most important work demands the strongest foundation. For over 140 years, Wolverine ® has supported the irreplaceable men and women building the future, equipping them with unwavering comfort and confidence from the ground up.
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The brand services its loyal, fast-growing community worldwide through SweatyBetty.com, complemented by retail locations across the United Kingdom, United States, Europe, New Zealand and Asia and in the world’s best luxury retailers, including Selfridges, Harrods and Nordstrom.
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Since 1994, Cat ® Footwear has been igniting consumers’ passion for the Cat brand. What began as a small collection of work boots has grown into a global offering of work boots and lifestyle shoes sold in nearly 140 countries and territories around the world.
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Work Group Wolverine ® : For more than 140 years, Wolverine ® has existed to support people who forge their own path: those who stop at nothing to build the future they want. Wolverine ® designs and creates footwear, apparel and accessories made to outfit those working in the core trades across the world.
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Cat ® Footwear is trusted globally by consumers for providing shoes that are as rugged, durable and as unapologetic as Cat earthmovers, so that consumers can break new ground.
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The Company is the exclusive global footwear licensee of Caterpillar Inc., and for over three decades, Cat ® Footwear has been living up to the hardworking spirit of both the Caterpillar ® trademark and the millions of consumers who trust the brand.
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The UN1TED (United) office exists to encourage a culture where every person thrives, feels valued, and is able to authentically contribute. As the next evolution of our inclusion efforts, UN1TED is rooted in the understanding that our strengths lie in the rich tapestry of cultures, experiences and perspectives of each consumer, employee, and partner.
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Cat ® Footwear originally created a small collection of rugged work boots designed to provide workers with the comfort and durability that met the challenges of the worksite. Today, Cat ® Footwear offers a wide range of footwear, including work boots and casual shoes for men and women, sold through a global distribution network.
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We are dedicated to creating opportunities for all, from the internal policies we implement to the external partnerships we cultivate. Health and Safety : The health and safety of the Company's employees is one of its highest priorities. The Company has developed safety protocols to enhance the health and safety of all employees.
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Inclusion and Belonging : Wolverine World Wide is committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected, and all have an equal opportunity to succeed. The Company recently launched UN1TED, the goal of which is to amplify the progress made to date in advancing the Company's inclusion and belonging initiatives.
Removed
The Company has internal Employee Resource Groups open to all employees that connect, celebrate, and support communities across the organization. In addition, the Company offers employees a comprehensive inclusion learning program which includes learning about inclusive teams, inclusive leadership, and inclusive selection. Health and Safety : The health and safety of the Company's employees is one of its highest priorities.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risk Factors — what could go wrong, per management

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If the Company is unable to maintain and improve its competitive position, maintain or enhance the images of its brands, timely and appropriately respond to new competition, changing consumer preferences and evolving footwear and apparel trends, consumers may consider the Company's brands’ images to be outdated and associate its brands with styles that are no longer popular, which would decrease demand for its products.
If the Company is unable to maintain and improve its competitive position, maintain or enhance the images of its brands, or timely and appropriately respond to new competition, changing consumer preferences and evolving footwear and apparel trends, consumers may consider the Company's brands’ images to be outdated and associate its brands with styles that are no longer popular, which would decrease demand for its products.
Various factors could significantly impair the Company's ability to meet customer demands and produce its products in a cost-effective manner, including adverse developments in trade or political relations with China or other countries where it sources its products, or a shift in these countries' manufacturing capacities away from footwear and apparel to other industries or 10 adverse developments, such as pandemics or other health crises that cause significant production and shipping delays.
Various factors could significantly impair the Company's ability to meet customer demands and produce its products in a cost-effective manner, including adverse developments in trade or political relations with China or other countries where it sources its products, or a shift in these countries' manufacturing capacities away from footwear and apparel to other industries, or other 10 adverse developments, such as pandemics or other health crises that could cause significant production and shipping delays.
Foreign manufacturing is subject to a number of risks, including work stoppages, transportation delays and interruptions, political instability, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, changing economic conditions, expropriation, nationalization, the imposition of tariffs, including recent U.S. tariffs imposed or threatened to be imposed on other countries and any retaliatory actions taken by such countries, import and export controls and other non-tariff barriers and changes in governmental policies.
Foreign manufacturing is subject to a number of risks, including work stoppages, transportation delays and interruptions, political instability, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, changing economic conditions, expropriation, nationalization, the imposition of tariffs, including U.S. tariffs imposed or threatened to be imposed on other countries and any retaliatory actions taken by such countries, import and export controls and other non-tariff barriers and changes in governmental policies.
Any of these events could adversely effect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position. The Company’s ability to import products in a timely and cost-effective manner may also be affected by issues that affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as fluctuations in freight costs, port and shipping capacity, labor disputes or severe weather.
Any of these events could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position. The Company’s ability to import products in a timely and cost-effective manner may also be affected by issues that affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as fluctuations in freight costs, port and shipping capacity, labor disputes or severe weather.
This could result in costly investigations and litigation, civil or criminal penalties, operational changes and negative publicity that could adversely affect the Company’s reputation and its results of operations and financial position. The Company’s failure to comply an evolving set of laws and industry standards relating to consumer information, could negatively impact the Company’s business and results of operations.
This could result in costly investigations and litigation, civil or criminal penalties, operational changes and negative publicity that could adversely affect the Company’s reputation and its results of operations and financial position. The Company’s failure to comply with an evolving set of laws and industry standards relating to consumer information, could negatively impact the Company’s business and results of operations.
If the Company is not able to comply with any applicable requirements, the Company's reputation could be negatively impacted and 18 the Company may be subject to proceedings or actions against it by governmental entities or others that could adversely affect its business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
If the Company is not able to comply with any applicable requirements, the Company's reputation could be negatively impacted and the Company may be subject to proceedings or actions against it by governmental entities or others that could adversely affect its business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
The Company may be unable to obtain such waivers, amendments or alternative or additional financing on favorable terms or at all. Legal and Regulatory Risks If the Company is unsuccessful in establishing and protecting its intellectual property, the value of its brands could be adversely affected.
The Company may be unable to obtain such waivers, amendments or alternative or additional financing on favorable terms or at all. 17 Legal and Regulatory Risks If the Company is unsuccessful in establishing and protecting its intellectual property, the value of its brands could be adversely affected.
Concern over climate change may result in new or additional legal, legislative, regulatory, and compliance requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment, which could result in future tax, transportation, and utility increases, which could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations.
Concern over climate change may result in new, additional or changing legal, legislative, regulatory, and compliance requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment, which could result in future tax, transportation, and utility increases, which could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations.
These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for stockholders to replace the majority of the Company's directors and take other corporate actions that may be beneficial to the Company’s stockholders. 19 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments None.
These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for stockholders to replace the majority of the Company's directors and take other corporate actions that may be beneficial to the Company’s stockholders. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments None.
Domestic and international regulatory efforts are evolving, including the potential international alignment of such efforts, and the Company cannot determine what final regulations will be enacted, modified, or reversed or the ultimate impact on its business.
Domestic and international regulatory efforts are evolving, including the potential international alignment or divergence of such efforts, and the Company cannot determine what final regulations will be enacted, modified, or reversed or the ultimate impact on its business.
Further, changes in technology and processing procedures may result in changes in the Card Rules that require the Company to make significant investments in its operating systems and technology that may adversely impact its business and results of operations.
Further, changes in technology and processing procedures may result in changes in the Card Rules that 19 require the Company to make significant investments in its operating systems and technology that may adversely impact its business and results of operations.
This could have a long-term adverse impact on the Company’s business and results of operations by increasing the effects described in the risk factor “Unseasonable or extreme weather conditions could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations” and decreasing agricultural productivity in certain regions, which may limit availability and/or increase the cost of certain raw materials, such as cotton and leather.
This could have a long-term adverse impact on the Company’s business and results of operations by exacerbating the effects described in the risk factor “Unseasonable or extreme weather conditions could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations” and decreasing agricultural productivity in certain regions, which may limit availability and/or increase the cost of certain raw materials, such as cotton and leather.
Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, board and workforce diversity, labor conditions, human rights, and cybersecurity and data privacy. Third parties have developed proprietary ratings or analyses of companies based on certain ESG metrics.
Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, board and workforce diversity, labor conditions, human rights, and cybersecurity and data privacy. Third parties have developed proprietary ratings or analyses of companies based on certain sustainability metrics.
The Company’s results of operations depend on factors affecting consumer disposable income and spending patterns such as general economic conditions, inflation, employment rates, credit availability, business conditions, interest rates, consumer 14 confidence and tax policy in the markets and regions in which the Company or its third-party distributors and licensees operates.
The Company’s results of operations depend on factors affecting consumer disposable income and spending patterns such as general economic conditions, inflation, employment rates, credit availability, business conditions, interest rates, consumer 14 confidence and tax policy in the markets and regions in which the Company or its third-party distributors and licensees operate.
If inflationary pressures continue, and the Company is unable to pass along price increases or further reduce costs, the Company's results of operations will be negatively impacted. The Company operates in competitive industries and markets. The Company competes with a large number of wholesalers, and retailers of footwear and apparel, and direct-to-consumer footwear and apparel companies.
If inflationary pressures continue, and the Company is unable to pass along price increases or further reduce costs, the Company's results of operations may be negatively impacted. The Company operates in competitive industries and markets. The Company competes with a large number of wholesalers, and retailers of footwear and apparel, and direct-to-consumer footwear and apparel companies.
These claims are discussed in more detail in Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation and regulatory proceedings, the Company cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings. An unfavorable outcome could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position.
These claims are discussed in more detail in Note 16 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation and regulatory proceedings, the Company cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings. An unfavorable outcome could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position.
In addition, an economic downturn, whether actual or perceived, a decrease in economic growth rates or an otherwise uncertain economic outlook in markets in which the Company operates could adversely effect the Company. Financial Risks The Company’s operating results depend on effectively managing inventory levels.
In addition, an economic downturn, whether actual or perceived, a decrease in economic growth rates or an otherwise uncertain economic outlook in markets in which the Company operates could adversely affect the Company. Financial Risks The Company’s operating results depend on effectively managing inventory levels.
The Company’s direct-to-consumer operations continue to require substantial investment and commitment of resources and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. The Company’s direct-to-consumer operations, including brick and mortar locations and its eCommerce and mobile channels, require substantial fixed investment in equipment and leasehold improvements, information systems, cyber-security infrastructure, inventory and personnel.
The Company’s direct-to-consumer operations continue to require substantial investment and commitment of resources and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. The Company’s direct-to-consumer operations, including brick and mortar locations and its eCommerce and mobile channels, require substantial fixed investment in equipment and leasehold improvements, information systems, cybersecurity infrastructure, inventory and personnel.
The Company’s pursuit or its failure or perceived failure to meet stakeholders’ expectations, as well as adverse incidents, could negatively impact the Company’s stock price, results of operations, or reputation and increase its cost of capital, and investors, consumers and other stakeholders could lose confidence in or disparage the Company and its brands, damaging the Company's reputation and negatively impacting operations.
The Company’s pursuit or its failure or perceived failure to meet stakeholders’ expectations, which may diverge, as well as adverse incidents, could negatively impact the Company’s stock price, results of 18 operations, or reputation and increase its cost of capital, and investors, consumers and other stakeholders could lose confidence in or disparage the Company and its brands, damaging the Company's reputation and negatively impacting operations.
Potential future impacts to the Company’s business related to a health crisis, include, among others: • The inability of employees, suppliers and other business providers to carry out tasks at ordinary levels of performance due to measures taken to limit the spread of infectious diseases. • Decreased retail traffic due to store closures, social distancing measures, reduced operating hours, and/or changes in consumer behavior. • Wholesale and distributor customer order cancellation and decreased consumer demand for the Company's products as a result of decreased consumer spending due to general macroeconomic conditions, decreased disposable income and increased unemployment. • Decline in the performance or financial condition of the Company’s major wholesale customers as a result of retail store closures, bankruptcy or liquidation. • Disruption to the operations of the Company’s distribution centers and its third-party manufacturers because of facility closures, reductions in operating hours, labor or material shortages, travel limitations or mass transit disruptions. • Additional expenses related to mitigating the impact of a health crisis on regular operations. • Supply chain disruption affecting the Company's ability to receive and distribute goods and increasing supply chain costs. • Increased cyber security risk due to the increase in the number of employees working remotely. • Volatility in the availability and prices for commodities for raw materials used in the Company's products and related inflationary pressures.
Potential future impacts to the Company’s workforce, business and operating results related to a health crisis, include, among others: • The inability of employees, suppliers and other business providers to carry out tasks at ordinary levels of performance due to measures taken to limit the spread of infectious diseases. • Decreased retail traffic due to store closures, social distancing measures, reduced operating hours, and/or changes in consumer behavior. • Wholesale and distributor customer order cancellation and decreased consumer demand for the Company's products as a result of decreased consumer spending due to general macroeconomic conditions, decreased disposable income and increased unemployment. • Disruption to the operations of the Company’s distribution centers and its third-party manufacturers because of facility closures, reductions in operating hours, labor or material shortages, travel limitations or mass transit disruptions. • Additional expenses related to mitigating the impact of a health crisis on regular operations. • Supply chain disruption affecting the Company's ability to receive and distribute goods and increasing supply chain costs. • Increased cybersecurity risk due to the increase in the number of employees working remotely. • Volatility in the availability and prices for commodities for raw materials used in the Company's products and related inflationary pressures.
Companies are facing increasing and frequently evolving scrutiny globally from customers, regulators, investors, employees, other stakeholders and the media, including social media, related to their ESG practices and disclosure as expectations for, and support or criticism/skepticism of, such matters continues to evolve.
Companies are facing increasing and frequently evolving scrutiny globally from customers, regulators, investors, employees, other stakeholders and the media, including social media, related to their sustainability practices and disclosure as expectations for, and support or criticism/skepticism of, such matters continue to evolve.
The Company’s ESG initiatives and goals may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve and assumptions that are subject to change.
The Company’s sustainability initiatives and goals may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing and may not be reconcilable, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve and assumptions that are subject to change.
The Company may be named as a defendant lawsuits and regulatory actions. For example, regulatory actions, punitive class actions lawsuits and individual lawsuits have been filed against the Company alleging claims relating to property damage, remediation and human health effects, among other claims, arising from the Company’s operations, including its handling, storage, treatment, transportation and/or disposal of waste.
For example, regulatory actions, punitive class action lawsuits and individual lawsuits have been filed against the Company alleging claims relating to property damage, remediation and human health effects, among other claims, arising from the Company’s operations, including its handling, storage, treatment, transportation and/or disposal of waste.
If any of the Company’s major wholesale customers experiences a significant downturn in its business, or fails to remain committed to the Company’s products, these customers may reduce or discontinue purchases from the Company, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
If any of the Company’s major wholesale customers experiences a significant downturn in its business, or fails to remain committed to the Company’s products, these customers may reduce or discontinue purchases from the Company, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position. 11 The Company extends credit to its wholesale customers based on an evaluation of each wholesale customer’s financial condition.
Increased ESG-related compliance costs could increase the Company’s overall operational costs. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact the Company’s reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, and stock price.
Increased sustainability related compliance costs could increase the Company’s overall operational costs. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards, which may diverge and may not be reconcilable, could negatively impact the Company’s reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, and stock price.
The Company’s competitors may have brands with greater name recognition; implement more effective marketing campaigns; adopt more aggressive pricing policies; make more attractive offers to potential employees, distribution partners and manufacturers; or respond more quickly to changes in consumer preferences.
The Company’s competitors may have brands with greater name recognition; implement more effective marketing campaigns; adopt more aggressive pricing policies; make more attractive offers to potential employees, distribution partners and manufacturers; incorporate artificial intelligence into their business faster or more successfully than the Company, or respond more quickly to changes in consumer preferences.
The Company’s ability to do so is subject to certain restrictions in third party contracts and a broad array of evolving international, federal and state laws and industry standards relating to privacy, cybersecurity, data protection and consumer protection.
The Company’s ability to do so is subject to certain restrictions in third party contracts and a broad array of evolving international, federal and state laws and industry standards relating to privacy, cybersecurity, data protection and consumer protection, including in response to developments in the usage of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory reporting, diligence, and disclosure, and the Company cannot determine waht final regulations will be enacted, modified, or reversed or the ultimate impact on its business.
New and changing domestic and international government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of sustainability oversight and expanding mandatory reporting, diligence, and disclosure, including climate disclosures, and the Company cannot determine what final regulations will be enacted, modified, or reversed or the ultimate impact on its business.
The Company may incur investigation, remediation or other costs related to releases of hazardous materials or other environmental conditions at its currently or formerly owned or operated properties, regardless of whether such environmental conditions were created by the Company or a third-party. The Company has incurred, and continues to incur, costs to address soil and groundwater contamination at some locations.
The Company may incur investigation, remediation or other costs related to releases of hazardous materials or other environmental conditions at its currently or formerly owned or operated properties, regardless of whether such environmental conditions were created by the Company or a third party.
The Company’s inability to collect from its wholesale customers or a cessation or reduction of sales to certain wholesale customers because of credit concerns could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position.
A wholesale customer's financial difficulties could cause the Company to reduce or stop doing business with that customer. The Company’s inability to collect from its wholesale customers or a cessation or reduction of sales to certain wholesale customers because of credit concerns could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position.
The Company’s financial success depends on its wholesale customers continuing to purchase its products. Sales to the Company’s wholesale customers are generally on an order-to-order basis and are subject to wholesale customers' rights of cancellation and rescheduling.
Sales to the Company’s wholesale customers are generally on an order-to-order basis and are subject to wholesale customers' rights of cancellation and rescheduling.
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles expected to contribute indefinitely to the Company’s cash flows are not amortized but must be evaluated by the Company at least annually for impairment.
The carrying value of other intangibles represents the fair value of trade names and other acquired intangibles as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and other acquired intangibles expected to contribute indefinitely to the Company’s cash flows are not amortized but must be evaluated by the Company at least annually for impairment.
The Company’s business depends on its ability to source and distribute products in a timely and cost-effective manner. Labor disputes at or that affect factories that produce the Company’s goods, shipping ports, tanneries, transportation carriers, retail stores or distribution centers create significant risks for the Company’s business as they may in work slowdowns, stoppages, lockouts, strikes or other disruptions.
Labor disputes at or that affect factories that produce the Company’s goods, shipping ports, tanneries, transportation carriers, retail stores or distribution centers create significant risks for the Company’s business as they may result in work slowdowns, stoppages, lockouts, strikes or other disruptions.
The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of its provision for income taxes and establishes reserves for potential adjustments that may result from these examinations.
The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of its provision for income taxes and establishes reserves for potential adjustments that may result from these examinations. The final determination of any of these examinations could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
The Company’s logistics and distribution systems include computer-controlled and automated equipment, which are subject to a number of risks related to, data accuracy, security breaches or computer viruses, software or hardware malfunction, power interruptions or other system failures. Substantially all of the Company’s products are distributed from a relatively small number of locations.
The Company relies on owned and independently operated distribution facilities to transport, warehouse and ship products to its customers. The Company’s logistics and distribution systems include computer-controlled and automated equipment, which are subject to a number of risks related to data accuracy, security breaches or computer viruses, software or hardware malfunction, power interruptions or other system failures.
As data privacy, cybersecurity and marketing laws change, the Company may incur additional costs to remain in compliance. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"), which applies in all European Union member states, introduced new data protection requirements in the European Union and substantial fines for breaches of the data protection rules.
For example, the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"), which applies in all European Union member states, introduced new data protection requirements in the European Union and substantial fines for breaches of the data protection rules.
Pandemics, including COVID-19 and other infectious disease outbreaks have had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on the company's business. The Company's business could be adversely affected by infectious disease outbreaks, which may negatively affect the regional and global economy, including by disrupting consumer spending and global supply chains, and increasing the volatility of financial markets.
The Company's business could be adversely affected by infectious disease outbreaks and actions taken in response, which may negatively affect the regional and global economy, including by disrupting consumer spending and global supply chains, and increasing the volatility of financial markets.
The Company may be subject to heightened reputational and operational risk and compliance costs related to the ESG initiatives and goals it discloses and may also face negative impacts from consumers who do not support its ESG initiatives and goals. Complying with new regulations could increase the Company’s costs and adversely impact results of operations.
The Company may be subject to heightened reputational and operational risk and compliance costs related to the sustainability initiatives and goals it discloses, or potential lack thereof, and may also face negative impacts from consumers who do not support its sustainability initiatives and goals.
The carrying value of goodwill represents the fair value of acquired businesses in excess of identifiable assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. The carrying value of other intangibles represents the fair value of trade names and other acquired intangibles as of the acquisition date.
An impairment of goodwill or other intangibles could have an adverse impact to the Company’s results of operations. The carrying value of goodwill represents the fair value of acquired businesses in excess of identifiable assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date.
If the Company is unable to hire and retain employees who perform at a high level, its business, including cash flows, results of operations, employee satisfaction, and reputation, could be adversely affected. 11 A significant reduction in wholesale customer purchases of the Company’s products, wholesale customers negotiating more favorable terms, or wholesale customers' failure to pay for the Company’s products in a timely manner could adversely affect the Company’s business.
If the Company is unable to hire and retain employees who perform at a high level, its business, including cash flows, results of operations, employee satisfaction, and reputation, could be adversely affected.
The Company’s business could be significantly harmed if it is not able to protect its intellectual property or if it was found to infringe on other persons’ intellectual property rights.
The Company’s business could be significantly harmed if it is not able to protect its intellectual property or if it was found to infringe on other persons’ intellectual property rights. Certain artificial intelligence technology used by the Company or others may give rise to increased intellectual property risks, such as compromises to proprietary intellectual property and intellectual property infringement.
Disruption of the Company’s eCommerce platform or other information technology systems could adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company’s information technology systems, including its eCommerce platform, are critical to the operations of its business. Any material interruption, unauthorized access, impairment or loss of data integrity or malfunction of these systems could severely impact the Company’s business.
Disruption of the Company’s eCommerce platform or other information technology systems, and the Company's use of artificial intelligence could adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company’s information technology systems, including its eCommerce platform, are critical to the operations of its business.
Distribution center operations could be interrupted by earthquakes, floods, fires or other natural disasters or other events over which the Company has no control, such as pandemics. In addition, the Company's distribution capacity depends upon the timely performance of services by third parties, including the transportation of products to and from the Company's distribution facilities.
Substantially all of the Company’s products are distributed from a relatively small number of locations. Distribution center operations could be interrupted by earthquakes, floods, fires or other natural disasters or other events over which the Company has no control, such as pandemics.
For example, system failures and disruptions could prevent access to the Company's online services, preclude store transactions, and impede product manufacturing and shipping and financial reporting. The Company’s information technology systems may be disrupted by natural disasters, accidents, power disruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, denial-of-service attacks, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, or similar events.
The Company’s information technology systems may be disrupted by natural disasters, accidents, power disruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, denial-of-service attacks, computer viruses, other cybersecurity incidents, employee error, physical or electronic break-ins, or similar events. System redundancy may be ineffective or inadequate, and the Company’s disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities.
Increases in the Company’s overall employment and pension costs could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position. 17 Increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders with respect to the Company’s environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices may impose additional costs on the Company or expose it to new or additional risks.
Increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders with respect to the Company’s sustainability practices and related legislative and regulatory responses to climate change may impose additional costs on the Company or expose it to new or additional risks.
If such issues become more expensive to address, or if new issues arise, they could increase the Company’s expenses, generate negative publicity, or otherwise adversely affect the Company. The disruption, expense and potential liability associated with existing and future litigation against the Company could adversely affect its reputation, financial position or results of operations.
The Company has incurred, and continues to incur, costs to address soil and groundwater contamination at some locations. If such issues become more expensive to address, or if new issues arise, they could increase the Company’s expenses, generate negative publicity, or otherwise adversely affect the Company.
System redundancy may be ineffective or inadequate, and the Company’s disaster recovery planning may 12 not be sufficient for all eventualities. Costs, problems and interruptions due to the implementation of new or upgraded systems, or maintenance of existing systems, could also disrupt or reduce the efficiency of the Company's operations.
Costs, problems and interruptions due to the implementation of new or upgraded systems, or maintenance of existing systems, could also disrupt or reduce the efficiency of the Company's operations. Additionally, the Company may be adversely affected if it is unable to improve, upgrade, maintain, and expand its technology systems.
The final determination of any of these examinations could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position. 16 An impairment of goodwill or other intangibles could have an adverse impact to the Company’s results of operations.
Increases in the Company’s overall employment and pension costs could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position.
Additionally, the Company may be adversely affected if it is unable to improve, upgrade, maintain, and expand its technology systems. Problems affecting the Company's logistics and distribution systems could adversely affect its ability to deliver its products to the market. The Company relies on owned and independently operated distribution facilities to transport, warehouse and ship products to its customers.
The rapid evolution and potential regulation of artificial intelligence could expose the Company to new risks and may require the allocation of significant resources to develop, test and maintain the Company’s artificial intelligence resources. Problems affecting the Company's logistics and distribution systems could adversely affect its ability to deliver its products to the market.
Removed
These conditions following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in discretionary spending by consumers that had a negative effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations in 2020.
Added
Pandemics and infectious disease outbreaks have had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on the company's business.
Removed
Outbreaks of disease and actions taken in response, have in the past materially negatively impacted, and could in the future materially negatively impact, the Company's workforce, business, operations, and financial results in many ways.
Added
Labor disruptions could adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company’s business depends on its ability to source and distribute products in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Removed
The occurrence of a health crisis may also affect the Company's operating and financial results in a manner that is not presently known to the Company or that the Company does not currently believe presents significant risks to its operations. Labor disruptions could adversely affect the Company’s business.
Added
A significant reduction in wholesale customer purchases of the Company’s products, wholesale customers negotiating more favorable terms, or wholesale customers' failure to pay for the Company’s products in a timely manner could adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company’s financial success depends on its wholesale customers continuing to purchase its products.
Removed
In fiscal 2022, the Company experienced a higher rate than usual of wholesale customer cancellations as retail customers sought to manage higher inventory levels and supply chain disruption.
Added
Any material interruption, unauthorized access, impairment or loss of data integrity or malfunction of these systems could severely impact the Company’s business. For example, system failures and disruptions could prevent access to the Company's online services, preclude store transactions, and impede product manufacturing and shipping and financial reporting.
Removed
The Company extends credit to its wholesale customers based on an evaluation of each wholesale customer’s financial condition. A wholesale customer's financial difficulties could cause the Company to reduce or stop doing business with that customer.
Added
The Company has begun to incorporate, and may expand its use of, artificial intelligence, including generative artificial intelligence, in certain of its information technology systems and in its operations; for example, enabling the native artificial intelligence functionality of existing enterprise resource planning, human capital management, customer relationship management and other software systems.
Added
Issues in the development and use of artificial intelligence, combined with an uncertain regulatory environment, may result in reputational harm, liability, or other adverse consequences to the Company’s business and results of operations.
Added
The artificial intelligence tools that the Company incorporates into its information technology systems and operations may not generate the intended results and efficiencies and may adversely affect the 12 Company’s business.
Added
In addition, the Company's distribution capacity depends upon the timely performance of services by third parties, including the transportation of products to and from the Company's distribution facilities.
Added
The Company is subject to risks from changes to the trade policies, tariffs and import and export regulations of the U.S. and foreign governments.
Added
Changes in import and export policies, including trade restrictions, new or increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes, sanctions and counter sanctions, safeguards or customs restrictions by the U.S. and foreign governments, could materially adversely affect the Company’s business performance, financial condition, results of operations, and relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees.
Added
Similarly, changes in laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, development, and investment in the territories or countries where the Company currently manufactures or sells products or conducts business, and adverse changes in, or withdrawal from, trade agreements or political relationships between the U.S. and such countries and territories could materially adversely affect the Company’s business.
Added
Substantially all of the units the Company sources are procured from third-party manufacturers in the Asia Pacific region. Restrictions on international trade, such as tariffs, can materially adversely affect the Company’s operations and supply chain and limit the Company’s ability to offer and distribute products.
Added
The impact can be particularly significant if these restrictive measures apply to countries and regions where the Company has significant supply chain operations or from which the Company derives a significant portion of revenues.
Added
These restrictive measures can substantially increase the cost to procure products and the raw materials the Company uses, and may require the Company to take various actions, including raising prices on products, changing manufacturers or suppliers, renegotiating purchase prices with suppliers and material vendors, ceasing to offer and distribute certain products, or reducing investments.
Added
Changing operations and supply chain in response to new or changed restrictions on international trade can be expensive, time-consuming and disruptive to the Company’s operations.
Added
These restrictions may be announced with little or no advance notice, which can create uncertainty, and we may not be able to effectively mitigate all resulting adverse impacts on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Added
In addition, if the Company raises prices on products but competitors do not make similar price increases, the Company’s competitive position may be materially adversely affected. 16 The extent and duration of the effects on the Company’s business of recent proposed or enacted changes to U.S. tariffs, tariffs proposed or enacted by other countries in response, and the resulting impact on general economic conditions are uncertain and will depend on various factors, including future actions of the U.S. and other countries, negotiations between the U.S. and other countries, exemptions or exclusions that may be granted, availability and cost of alternative manufacturers and sources of supply, and demand for the Company’s products in affected markets.
Added
Concern over climate change may result in new, additional or changing legal, legislative, regulatory, and compliance requirements intended to reduce or mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment, which could result in increased tax, transportation, utility and other costs, which could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations.
Added
Complying with new or changing regulations could increase the Company’s costs and adversely impact results of operations.
Added
As data privacy, cybersecurity and marketing laws change, including in response to artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, the Company may incur additional costs to remain in compliance.
Added
The disruption, expense and potential liability associated with existing and future litigation against the Company could adversely affect its reputation, financial position or results of operations. The Company may be named as a defendant in lawsuits and regulatory actions.

Item 1C. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity — threats and controls disclosure

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As part of such reviews, the Audit Committee receives quarterly reports and presentations from members of the Company’s team responsible for overseeing the Company’s cybersecurity risk management, including the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), and members of the legal team, which address a wide range of topics including recent developments, evolving standards, vulnerability assessments, third-party and independent reviews, the threat environment, technological trends and information security considerations arising with respect to the Company’s peers and third parties.
As part of such reviews, the Audit Committee receives quarterly reports and presentations from members of the Company’s team responsible for overseeing the Company’s cybersecurity risk management, including the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), and members of the legal team, which address a wide range of topics including recent developments, evolving standards, vulnerability assessments, third-party and independent reviews, the threat environment, technological trends and 20 information security considerations arising with respect to the Company’s peers and third parties.
Management At the management level, the CISO, who has extensive cybersecurity knowledge and skills gained from over 16 years of work experience at the Company and elsewhere, heads the cross-functional team responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining cybersecurity and data protection practices across the business and reports directly to the CIO, who reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Management At the management level, the CISO, who has extensive cybersecurity knowledge and skills gained from over 18 years of work experience at the Company and elsewhere, heads the cross-functional team responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining cybersecurity and data protection practices across the business and reports directly to the CIO, who reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Over the past two years, the Company has 20 implemented multiple new security tools designed to provide visibility and controls allowing the cybersecurity team to safeguard data against theft or loss. The Company maintains various role-based access controls to safeguard data and systems. Data center assets are protected and monitored by badged key systems and video surveillance.
Over the past four years, the Company has implemented multiple new security tools designed to provide visibility and controls allowing the cybersecurity team to safeguard data against theft or loss. The Company maintains various role-based access controls to safeguard data and systems. Data center assets are protected and monitored by badged key systems and video surveillance.
The IRP applies to all Company personnel (including third-party contractors, vendors and partners) that perform functions or services that require access to secure Company information, and to all devices and network services that are owned or managed by the Company.
The IRP applies to all Company personnel (including third-party contractors, vendors and partners) that perform functions or services that require access to secure Company information, and to all devices and network services that are owned or managed by the Company. 21 Material Cybersecurity Risks, Threats & Incidents The Company relies on information technology and third-party vendors to support its operations, including its secure processing of personal, confidential, sensitive, proprietary and other types of information.
The CISO is supported by experienced information security team members, each of whom is supported by a team of trained cybersecurity professionals.
The CISO is supported by experienced information security team members, each of whom is supported by a team of trained cybersecurity professionals. The Director of Compliance, Security and Consumer Data, who oversees the global privacy and compliance analysts, reports directly to the CISO.
In addition to internal cybersecurity capabilities, the Company also at times engages consultants or specialists to assist with assessing, identifying, and managing cybersecurity risks.
The CISO is also supported by the Director of Cyber Security, who oversees the cybersecurity engineers, security operations center, and identity & access management team, and reports to the Company's Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. In addition to internal cybersecurity capabilities, the Company also at times engages consultants or specialists to assist with assessing, identifying, and managing cybersecurity risks.
Removed
The individuals who report directly to the CISO include the Director of Cyber Security, who oversees the cybersecurity engineers, security operations center, and identity & access management team, and the Privacy and Compliance Manager, who oversees the global privacy and compliance analysts.
Removed
Material Cybersecurity Risks, Threats & Incidents The Company relies on information technology and third-party vendors to support its operations, including its secure processing of personal, confidential, sensitive, proprietary and other types of information.

Item 2. Properties

Properties — owned and leased real estate

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The Company also leases offices, showrooms and other facilities throughout the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Hong Kong and China to meet its operational requirements. In addition, the Company operates 119 retail stores primarily through leases with various third-party landlords in the U.S., United Kingdom, and Italy that collectively occupy approximately 260,000 square feet.
The Company also leases offices, showrooms and other facilities throughout the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Hong Kong and China to meet its operational requirements. In addition, the Company operates 128 retail stores primarily through leases with various third-party landlords in the U.S., United Kingdom, and Italy that collectively occupy approximately 274,000 square feet.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings — active lawsuits and investigations

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings The Company is involved in litigation and various legal matters arising in the normal course of business, including certain environmental compliance activities. For a discussion of legal matters, see Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings The Company is involved in litigation and various legal matters arising in the normal course of business, including certain environmental compliance activities. For a discussion of legal matters, see Note 16 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Mine Safety Disclosures — required of mining issuers

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From January 2013 through July 2018, he served as Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Strategy. Amy M. Klimek has served the Company as Chief Human Resources Officer since January 2024, and Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources since May 2016. From October 2014 to May 2016, she served as Vice President of Human Resources. Susan J.
From January 2013 through July 2018, he served as Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Strategy. Amy M. Klimek has served the Company as Chief Human Resources Officer since January 2024, and Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources since May 2016. From October 2014 to May 2016, she served as Vice President of Human Resources. 22 Susan J.
The information provided below the table lists the business experience of each such 21 Executive Officer for at least the past five years. All Executive Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of the Company, or, if not appointed by the Board of Directors, at the pleasure of management.
The information provided below the table lists the business experience of each such Executive Officer for at least the past five years. All Executive Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of the Company, or, if not appointed by the Board of Directors, at the pleasure of management.
From February 2015 to September 2021 he served as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary. Taryn Miller has served the Company as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since May 2024. From October 2022 through October 2023, she was the Vice President, Corporate and Commercial Finance for Corteva Inc., a publicly traded agricultural chemical and seed company.
From February 2015 to September 2021 he served as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary. Taryn L. Miller has served the Company as Chief Financial Officer since May 2024. From October 2022 through October 2023, she was the Vice President, Corporate and Commercial Finance for Corteva Inc., a publicly traded agricultural chemical and seed company.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Not applicable. Supplemental Item. Information about our Executive Officers The following table lists the names and ages of the Executive Officers of the Company and their positions held with the Company as of January 31, 2025.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Not applicable. Supplemental Item. Information about our Executive Officers The following table lists the names and ages of the Executive Officers of the Company and their positions held with the Company as of January 31, 2026.
Name Age Positions held with the Company Christopher E. Hufnagel 52 President and Chief Executive Officer Amy M. Klimek 51 Chief Human Resources Officer Susan J. Kuhn 49 President Active Group David A. Latchana 47 Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Taryn L. Miller 52 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Isabel Soriano 54 President, International Christopher E.
Name Age Positions held with the Company Justin Cupps 52 President, Work Group Christopher E. Hufnagel 53 President and Chief Executive Officer Amy M. Klimek 52 Chief Human Resources Officer Susan J. Kuhn 50 President, Active Group David A. Latchana 48 Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Taryn L.
From April 2017 through October 2022, she was the Chief Financial Officer, Global Business Units, Enterprise FP&A and Investor Relations for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a publicly traded consumer goods and personal care company. Isabel Soriano has served the Company as President, International since June 2021. From June 2018 to May 2021, she served as Vice President and Managing Director of EMEA.
From April 2017 through October 2022, she was the Chief Financial Officer, Global Business Units, Enterprise FP&A and Investor Relations for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a publicly traded consumer goods and personal care company. PART II
Removed
From April 2014 to June 2018, she served as Vice President and General Manager for Vans, Timberland and Kipling in South America at VF Corporation, a publicly traded footwear and apparel retailer. PART II
Added
Miller 53 Chief Financial Officer Justin Cupps has served the Company as President, Work Group since November 2025. From January 2021 through October 2025, he was the Senior Vice President, North America, Sport Performance Brands for EssilorLuxottica, a publicly traded maker and marketer of eyewear and lenses globally. Christopher E.

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity

Market for Common Equity — stock, dividends, buybacks

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Stock Performance Graph The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock to the S&P Composite 1500 Index and the S&P Composite1500 Consumer Durables & Apparel Index, assuming an investment of $100 at the beginning of the period indicated and reinvestment of dividends.
Stock Performance Graph The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock to the S&P Composite 1500 Index and the S&P Composite 1500 Consumer Durables & Apparel Index, assuming an investment of $100 at the beginning of the period indicated and reinvestment of dividends.
The Company currently expects that comparable cash dividends will be paid in future quarters in fiscal 2025.
The Company currently expects that comparable cash dividends will be paid in future quarters in fiscal 2026.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WWW.” The number of stockholders of record on February 7, 2025, was 629. A quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share was declared on February 5, 2025.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WWW.” The number of stockholders of record on February 6, 2026, was 596. A quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share was declared on February 11, 2026.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Dollar Amount that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs Period 10 (September 29, 2024 to November 2, 2024) Common Stock Repurchase Program (1) — $ — — $ 150,000,000 Employee Transactions (2) 37,162 $ 15.69 Period 11 (November 3, 2024 to November 30, 2024) Common Stock Repurchase Program (1) — $ — — $ 150,000,000 Employee Transactions (2) 5,252 $ 23.40 Period 12 (December 1, 2024 to December 28, 2024) Common Stock Repurchase Program (1) — $ — — $ 150,000,000 Employee Transactions (2) — $ — Total for the Fourth Quarter Ended December 28, 2024 Common Stock Repurchase Program (1) — $ — — $ 150,000,000 Employee Transactions (2) 42,414 $ 16.65 (1) On March 7, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a common stock repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of $150.0 million of common stock over a three-year period.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Dollar Amount that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs Period 10 (September 28, 2025 to November 1, 2025) Common Stock Repurchase Program (1) — $ — — $ 150,000,000 Employee Transactions (2) 37,737 $ 23.09 Period 11 (November 2, 2025 to November 29, 2025) Common Stock Repurchase Program (1) 900,000 $ 16.13 900,000 $ 135,486,851 Employee Transactions (2) — $ — Period 12 (November 30, 2025 to January 3, 2026) Common Stock Repurchase Program (1) — $ — — $ 135,486,851 Employee Transactions (2) 36,337 $ 18.43 Total for the Fourth Quarter Ended January 3, 2026 Common Stock Repurchase Program (1) 900,000 $ 16.13 900,000 $ 135,486,851 Employee Transactions (2) 74,074 $ 20.80 (1) On March 7, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a common stock repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of $150.0 million of common stock over a three-year period.
This Stock Performance Graph shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the Company’s SEC filings and shall not constitute soliciting material or otherwise be considered filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 22 Five-Year Cumulative Total Return Summary The following table provides information regarding the Company’s purchases of its own common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
This Stock Performance Graph shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the Company’s SEC filings and shall not constitute soliciting material or otherwise be considered filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The Company’s employee stock compensation plans provide that the shares delivered or attested to, or withheld, shall be valued at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date the relevant transaction occurs. 23 Item 6. Reserved
(2) Employee transactions include restricted shares and units withheld to offset statutory minimum tax withholding that occurs upon vesting of restricted shares and units. The Company’s employee stock compensation plans provide that the shares withheld shall be valued at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date the relevant transaction occurs. Item 6. Reserved
Removed
Since that date, the Company has not repurchased any common stock.
Added
Five-Year Cumulative Total Return Summary 23 The following table provides information regarding the Company’s purchases of its own common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025.
Removed
(2) Employee transactions include: (1) shares delivered or attested to in satisfaction of the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligations by holders of employee stock options who exercised options, and (2) restricted shares and units withheld to offset statutory minimum tax withholding that occurs upon vesting of restricted shares and units.

Item 7. Management's Discussion & Analysis

Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) — revenue / margin commentary

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If the Company were to determine that the estimated realizable value of its inventory is less than the carrying value of such inventory, the Company would provide a reserve for such difference as a charge to cost of sales. If actual market conditions are different from those projected, adjustments to those inventory reserves may be required.
If the Company were to determine that the estimated realizable value of its inventory is less than the carrying value of such inventory, the Company would provide a 30 reserve for such difference as a charge to cost of sales. If actual market conditions are different from those projected, adjustments to those inventory reserves may be required.
If these assumptions change, the 32 Company may be required to record valuation allowances against its gross deferred tax assets in future years, which would cause the Company to record additional income tax expense in its consolidated statements of operations.
If these assumptions change, the Company may be required to record valuation allowances against its gross deferred tax assets in future years, which would cause the Company to record additional income tax expense in its consolidated statements of operations.
The Corporate category consists of gains on the sale of businesses and trademarks, unallocated corporate expenses, such as corporate employee costs, corporate facility costs, reorganization activities, impairment of long-lived assets and environmental and other related costs.
The Corporate category consists of gains on the sale of businesses and trademarks, unallocated corporate expenses, such as corporate employee costs, corporate facility costs, IT costs, reorganization activities, impairment of long-lived assets and environmental and other related costs.
Refer to Note 17, “Litigation and Contingencies” for additional discussion on estimated environmental remediation costs. Assets related to potential recoveries from other responsible parties are recognized when a definitive agreement is reached and collection of cash is realizable. Recoveries of covered losses under insurance policies are recognized only when realization of the claim is deemed probable.
Refer to Note 16, “Litigation and Contingencies” for additional discussion on estimated environmental remediation costs. Assets related to potential recoveries from other responsible parties are recognized when a definitive agreement is reached and collection of cash is realizable. Recoveries of covered losses under insurance policies are recognized only when realization of the claim is deemed probable.
The Company also reports “Other” and “Corporate” categories. The Other category consists of Hush Puppies ® footwear, sourcing operations that include third-party commission revenues, multi-branded direct-to-consumer retail stores, the Stride Rite ® licensed business, Sperry ® footwear, Keds ® footwear, and apparel and the Company’s leather marketing operations,.
The Company also reports “Other” and “Corporate” categories. The Other category consists of Hush Puppies ® footwear, sourcing operations that include third-party commission revenues, multi-branded direct-to-consumer retail store, the Stride Rite ® licensed business, Sperry ® footwear, Keds ® footwear, and apparel and the Company’s leather marketing operations.
The Revolving Facility allows the Company to borrow up to an aggregate amount of $800.0 million. The Company’s $550.0 million 4.0% senior notes issued on August 26, 2021 are due on August 15, 2029. Related interest payments are due semi-annually. The senior notes are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.
The Revolving Facility allows the Company to borrow up to an aggregate amount of $600.0 million. The Company’s $550.0 million 4.0% senior notes issued on August 26, 2021 are due on August 15, 2029. Related interest payments are due semi-annually. The senior notes are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims related to the environmental matters as described in Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company routinely assesses the legal and factual circumstances of each matter and the likelihood of any adverse outcomes in these matters, as well as ranges of possible losses.
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims related to the environmental matters as described in Note 16 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company routinely assesses the legal and factual circumstances of each matter and the likelihood of any adverse outcomes in these matters, as well as ranges of possible losses.
The Company performs its annual testing for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the fiscal year for all reporting units. The Company did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill during 2024 and 2023.
The Company performs its annual testing for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the fiscal year for all reporting units. The Company did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets during 2025 and 2024 and did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill during 2023.
A discussion of a comparison of the Company's results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for fiscal 2023 and 2022 has been omitted from this Form 10-K but may be found in Item 7.
A discussion of a comparison of the Company's results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for fiscal 2024 and 2023 has been omitted from this Form 10-K but may be found in Item 7.
For further discussion, refer to Note 17 “Litigation and Contingencies”. Retirement Benefits The determination of the obligation and expense for retirement benefits depends upon the selection of certain actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include, among others, the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, mortality rates and rates of increase in compensation.
For further discussion, refer to Note 16 “Litigation and Contingencies”. 31 Retirement Benefits The determination of the obligation and expense for retirement benefits depends upon the selection of certain actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include, among others, the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, mortality rates and rates of increase in compensation.
The average cost of inventory is used for finished product inventories of the Company’s U.S. retail store business inventory. The Company has applied these inventory cost valuation methods consistently from year to year.
The average cost of inventory is used for finished product inventories of the Company’s retail store business inventory. The Company has applied these inventory cost valuation methods consistently from year to year.
Overall, these reserves reflect the Company’s best estimates of the amount of consideration to which it is entitled based on the terms of the respective underlying contracts. Revenue recognized during the year ended December 28, 2024 related to the Company’s contract liabilities was nominal. 30 Inventory The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
Overall, these reserves reflect the Company’s best estimates of the amount of consideration to which it is entitled based on the terms of the respective underlying contracts. Revenue recognized during the year ended January 3, 2026 related to the Company’s contract liabilities was nominal. Inventory The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
Pension expense is also impacted by the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, which the Company has determined to be 6.96% and 6.88% for fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Pension expense is also impacted by the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, which the Company has determined to be 7.60% and 6.96% for fiscal 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Cost is determined by the last-in, first out ("LIFO") method for certain domestic finished product inventories. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method for all raw materials, work-in-process and finished product inventories in foreign countries and certain domestic finished product inventories.
Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method for all raw materials, work-in-process and finished product inventories in foreign countries and domestic finished product inventories.
In other regions (Latin America, portions of Europe and Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa), the Company relies on a network of third-party distributors, licensees and joint ventures. At December 28, 2024, the Company oper ated 119 retail stores in the U.S., United Kingdom, and Italy an d 39 direct-to-consumer eCommerce sites.
In other regions (Latin America, portions of Europe and Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa), the Company relies on a network of third-party distributors, licensees and joint ventures. At January 3, 2026, the Company oper ated 128 retail stores in the U.S., United Kingdom, and Italy an d 39 direct-to-consumer eCommerce sites.
Estimated future interest payments on outstanding debt obligations are based on interest rates as of December 28, 2024. Actual cash outflows may differ significantly due to changes in underlying interest rates. (2) Purchase obligations related primarily to inventory and capital expenditure commitments.
Estimated future interest payments on outstanding debt obligations are based on interest rates as of January 3, 2026. Actual cash outflows may differ significantly due to changes in underlying interest rates. (2) Purchase obligations related primarily to inventory and capital expenditure commitments.
The bonds selected are listed as high grade by at least two recognized ratings agency and are non-callable, currently purchasable and non-prepayable. The calculated discount rate was 5.75% at December 28, 2024, compared to 5.30% at December 30, 2023.
The bonds selected are listed as high grade by at least two recognized ratings agency and are non-callable, currently purchasable and non-prepayable. The calculated discount rate was 5.72% at January 3, 2026, compared to 5.75% at December 28, 2024.
(4) The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits on the consolidated balance sheet at December 28, 2024 is $1.6 million. At this time, the Company is unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years beyond 12 months due to uncertainties in the timing of tax audit outcomes.
(4) The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits on the consolidated balance sheet at January 3, 2026 was $1.4 million. At this time, the Company is unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years beyond 12 months due to uncertainties in the timing of tax audit outcomes.
The Company’s brands are marketed in approximately 170 countries and territories at December 28, 2024, including through owned operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and certain countries in continental Europe and Asia Pacific.
The Company’s brands are marketed in approximately 170 countries and territories at January 3, 2026, including through owned operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and certain countries in continental Europe and Asia Pacific.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to impairment tests at least annually. The Company reviews the carrying amounts of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by reporting unit at least annually, or when indicators of impairment are present, to determine if such assets may be impaired.
The Company reviews the carrying amounts of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by reporting unit at least annually, or when indicators of impairment are present, to determine if such assets may be impaired.
Environmental and other related costs were $15.6 million and $8.4 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. See Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of environmental remediation costs. 25 INTEREST, OTHER AND TAXES Net interest expense was $42.7 million in 2024 compared to $63.5 million in 2023.
Environmental and other related costs were $6.6 million and $15.6 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. See Note 16 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of environmental remediation costs. INTEREST, OTHER AND TAXES Net interest expense was $32.8 million in 2025 compared to $42.7 million in 2024.
This section should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes, which are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following is a discussion of the Company’s results of operations and liquidity and capital resources. This section should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes, which are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Interest expense decreased in the current year due to lower average principal balances of variable rate debt and lower weighted average interest rates on variable rate debt. Other income was $3.3 million in 2024 compared to other expense of $2.5 million in 2023. The effective tax rate in 2024 was 16.3%, compared to 70.7% in 2023.
Interest expense decreased in the current year due to lower average principal balances of variable rate debt and lower weighted average interest rates on variable rate debt. Other income was $4.1 million in 2025 compared to $3.3 million in 2024. The effective tax rate in 2025 was 16.9%, compared to 15.9% in 2024.
Any excess cash flow from operating activities is expected to be used to fund organic growth initiatives, reduce debt, pay dividends and for general corporate purposes. The Company did not repurchase shares of its common stock during 2024 and 2023. A detailed discussion of environmental remediation costs is found in Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Any excess cash flow from operating activities is expected to be used to fund organic growth initiatives, reduce debt, pay dividends and for general corporate purposes. A detailed discussion of environmental remediation costs is found in Note 16 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company had $724.0 million of borrowing capacity available under the Revolving Facility as of December 28, 2024. Cash and cash equivalents located in foreign jurisdictions totaled $134.1 million as of December 28, 2024. Cash flow from operating activities is expected to be sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital needs for the foreseeable future.
The Company had $510.5 million of borrowing capacity available under the Revolving Facility as of January 3, 2026. Cash and cash equivalents located in foreign jurisdictions totaled $181.3 million as of January 3, 2026. Cash flow from operating activities is expected to be sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital needs for the foreseeable future.
Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements also includes a detailed discussion of environmental litigation matters. As of December 28, 2024, the Company had recorded liabilities of $10.1 million for certain of these environmental litigation matters which are recorded as other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Note 16 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements also includes a detailed discussion of environmental litigation matters. As of January 3, 2026, the Company had recorded liabilities of $8.5 million for certain of these environmental litigation matters which are recorded as other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
During 2024 and 2023, the Company made payments of $12.2 million and $6.4 million towards the total cap, respectively. Due to the 28 uncertainty of the timing and amounts related to the Company's other environmental remediation costs, they have been excluded from this table. See Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
The Company has made payments of $61.3 million towards the total cap. Due to the uncertainty of the timing and amounts related to the Company's other environmental remediation costs, they have been excluded from this table. See Note 16 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
The Work Group’s revenue decrease was driven primarily by a decrease of $9.0 million from Cat ® , $8.1 million from Wolverine ® , $3.3 million from Bates ® , $2.6 million from Harley-Davidson ® and $2.3 million from HYTEST ® .
The Work Group’s revenue decrease was driven primarily by a decrease of $17.4 million from Wolverine ® , $5.2 million from Cat ® , $4.3 million from HYTEST ® , $3.5 million from Harley-Davidson ® , and $2.7 million from Bates ® .
As of December 28, 2024, the Company has a reserve of $39.7 million, of which $19.4 million is expected to be paid in the next 12 months and is recorded as a current obligation in other accrued liabilities, with the remaining $20.3 million recorded in other liabilities and expected to be paid over the course of up to 25 years.
As of January 3, 2026, the Company has a reserve of $26.5 million, of which $12.0 million is expected to be paid in the next 12 months and is recorded as a current obligation in other accrued liabilities, with the remaining $14.5 million recorded in other liabilities and expected to be paid over the course of up to 25 years.
The revenue decrease was primarily driven by a decrease of $9.0 million from Cat ® , $8.1 million from Wolverine ® , $3.3 million from Bates ® , $2.6 million from Harley-Davidson ® and $2.3 million from HYTEST ® .
The revenue decrease was primarily driven by a decrease of $17.4 million from Wolverine ® , $5.2 million from Cat ® , $4.3 million from HYTEST ® , $3.5 million from Harley-Davidson ® , and $2.7 million from Bates ® .
Dividends paid totaled $32.5 million and $32.6 million for 2024 and 2023 , respectively. A quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share was declared on February 5, 2025 to shareholders of record on April 1, 2025. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS See Note 2 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to new accounting standards.
A quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share was declared on February 11, 2026 to shareholders of record on April 1, 2026. 29 NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS See Note 2 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to new accounting standards.
The decrease was primarily driven by lower impairment of long-lived assets ($176.3 million), lower general and administrative costs ($48.8 million), lower selling costs ($45.2 million), lower advertising costs ($28.9 million), lower distribution costs ($25.5 million), lower reorganization costs ($18.0 million), and lower product development costs ($7.8 million), partially offset by lower gains on the sale of businesses, trademarks, and long-lived assets ($81.8 million), higher incentive compensation costs ($12.9 million) and lower environmental and other related costs, net of recoveries ($0.1 million).
The increase was primarily driven by higher advertising costs ($17.8 million), higher selling costs ($17.8 million), higher environmental and other related costs, net of recoveries ($16.9 million), higher incentive compensation costs ($13.5 million), 2024 gains on the sale of businesses, trademarks, and long-lived assets ($8.5 million), and higher general and administrative costs ($5.4 million), partially offset by lower reorganization costs ($17.0 million) and lower impairment of long-lived assets ($9.3 million).
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024. 2024 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW • Revenue was $1,755.0 million for 2024, representing a decrease of 21.8% compared to the prior year's revenue of $2,242.9 million. • Gross margin for 2024 was 44.5%, compared to 38.9% in 2023. • The effective tax rate in 2024 was 16.3%, compared to 70.7% in 2023. • Diluted earnings per share in 2024 was $0.58, compared to diluted loss per share of $0.51 in 2023. • The Company declared cash dividends of $0.40 per share in 2024 and 2023. • Cash flow provided by operating activities was $180.1 million in 2024 and $121.8 million in 2023. • Compared to the prior year, inventory decreased $133.0 million, or 35.6%, as of year-end. 24 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following is a discussion of the Company’s results of operations and liquidity and capital resources.
Management's Discussion and 24 Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 20, 2025. 2025 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW • Revenue was $1,874.3 million for 2025, representing a increase of 6.8% compared to the prior year of $1,755.0 million. • Gross margin for 2025 was 47.3%, compared to 44.3% in 2024. • The effective tax rate in 2025 was 16.9%, compared to 15.9% in 2024. • Diluted earnings per share in 2025 was $1.14, compared to $0.55 in 2024. • The Company declared cash dividends of $0.40 per share in 2025 and 2024. • Cash flow provided by operating activities was $140.0 million in 2025 and $180.1 million in 2024. • Compared to the prior year, inventory increased $26.4 million, or 10.7%.
Cash Flows The following table summarizes cash flow activities: Fiscal Year Ended (In millions) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Net cash provided by operating activities 180.1 121.8 Net cash provided by investing activities 86.8 171.6 Net cash used by financing activities (299.2) (246.3) Additions to property, plant and equipment (20.2) (14.6) Depreciation and amortization 26.2 35.1 Operating Activities The principal source of the Company’s operating cash flow is net earnings, including cash receipts from the sale of the Company’s products, net of costs of goods sold.
Cash Flows The following table summarizes cash flow activities: Fiscal Year Ended (In millions) January 3, 2026 December 28, 2024 Net cash provided by operating activities 140.0 180.1 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (13.9) 86.8 Net cash used in financing activities (77.7) (299.2) Operating Activities The principal source of the Company’s operating cash flow is net earnings, including cash receipts from the sale of the Company’s products, net of costs of goods sold.
If the Company determines that adjustments to the inventory quantities are appropriate, an adjustment to the Company’s cost of goods sold and inventory is recorded in the period in which such determination was made.
If the Company determines that adjustments to the inventory quantities are appropriate, an adjustment to the Company’s cost of goods sold and inventory is recorded in the period in which such determination was made. Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to impairment tests at least annually.
The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2024 was primarily due to lower advertising costs, selling expenses, and employee costs. Other Other revenue decreased $269.6 million, or 83.4%, in 2024 compared to 2023.
The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses in the current year period was primarily due to lower distribution costs and selling expenses. Other Other revenue decreased $9.3 million, or 17.4%, in 2025 compared to 2024.
Investing Activities The Company made capital expenditures of $20.2 million and $14.6 million in years 2024 and 2023, respectively, for building improvements, eCommerce site enhancements, new retail stores, distribution operations improvements and information system 29 enhancements.
Investing Activities The Company made capital expenditures of $14.5 million and $20.2 million in years 2025 and 2024, respectively, for building improvements, eCommerce site enhancements, new retail stores, distribution operations improvements and information system enhancements. The current year activity also includes proceeds from company-owned life insurance policy liquidations of $2.2 million and $1.6 million of other investing cash outflows.
The Chaco ® decrease was primarily due to lower closeout and end of life inventory sales compared to the prior year and softer consumer demand.
The Chaco ® decrease was primarily due to lower closeout and end of life inventory sales compared to the prior year and softer consumer demand. The Sweaty Betty ® decrease was primarily due to a decline in the U.S., partially offset by growth within the EMEA market.
The revenue decline was primarily driven by a decrease of $191.9 million from Sperry ® , $37.0 million from the performance leathers business, $25.7 million from Hush Puppies ® and $6.5 million from Keds ® . The Sperry ® decrease is due to the divestiture of the business effective January 10, 2024.
The revenue decline was primarily driven by a decrease of $4.6 million from Sperry ® due to the divestiture of the business effective January 10, 2024, a $3.3 million decrease from joint venture and royalty revenue recorded at the corporate level, and a $0.9 million decrease from Hush Puppies ® .
Working capital balances were favorably impacted by a decrease in inventories of $127.1 million and a decrease in accounts receivable of $16.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in other operating liabilities of $47.9 million, an increase in other operating assets of $5.6 million, a decrease in income taxes payable of $4.3 million, and a decrease in accounts payable of $3.4 million.
Working capital balances were favorably impacted by a decrease in accounts receivable of $54.2 million and an increase in other operating liabilities of $23.3 million, partially offset by an increase in inventories of $20.9 million, an increase in other operating assets of $17.8 million, and a decrease in accounts payable of $30.0 million.
The operating profit increase was due to a 520 basis point increase in gross margin and a $58.9 million decrease in selling, general and administrative costs partially offset by revenue decreases. The increase in gross margin in the current year period was primarily due to decreased closeout sales, lower product costs, and lower supply chain costs.
The operating profit increase was due to a 250 basis point increase in gross margin and a $4.7 million decrease in selling, general and administrative costs partially offset by revenue decreases.
The change in revenue reflected a $193.0 million, or 13.4%, decrease from the Active Group, a $25.3 million, or 5.3%, decrease from the Work Group and a $269.6 million, or 83.4%, decrease from Other.
The change in revenue reflected a $161.7 million, or 13.0%, increase from the Active Group, a $33.1 million, or 7.3%, decrease from the Work Group and a $9.3 million, or 17.4%, decrease from Other.
Fiscal Year (In millions, except per share data) 2024 2023 Percent Change Revenue $ 1,755.0 $ 2,242.9 (21.8) % Cost of goods sold 973.5 1,370.4 (29.0) % Gross profit 781.5 872.5 (10.4) % Selling, general and administrative expenses 690.0 856.2 (19.4) % Gain on sale of businesses, trademarks and long-lived assets (8.5) (90.4) (90.6) % Impairment of long-lived assets 9.3 185.3 (95.0) % Environmental and other related costs (income), net of recoveries (10.3) (10.4) (1.0) % Operating profit (loss) 101.0 (68.2) 248.1 % Interest expense, net 42.7 63.5 (32.8) % Other expense (income), net (3.3) 2.5 (232.0) % Earnings (loss) before income taxes 61.6 (134.2) 145.9 % Income tax expense (benefit) 10.1 (95.0) 110.6 % Net earnings (loss) 51.5 (39.2) 231.4 % Less: net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 3.6 0.4 800.0 % Net earnings (loss) attributable to Wolverine World Wide, Inc. $ 47.9 $ (39.6) 221.0 % Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.58 $ (0.51) 213.7 % REVENUE Revenue was $1,755.0 million for 2024, representing a decrease of 21.8% compared to the prior year's revenue of $2,242.9 million.
Fiscal Year (In millions, except per share data) 2025 2024 Percent Change Revenue $ 1,874.3 $ 1,755.0 6.8 % Cost of goods sold 987.6 977.0 1.1 % Gross profit 886.7 778.0 14.0 % Selling, general and administrative expenses 729.9 690.0 5.8 % Gain on sale of businesses, trademarks and long-lived assets — (8.5) (100.0) % Impairment of long-lived assets — 9.3 (100.0) % Environmental and other related costs (income), net of recoveries 6.6 (10.3) 164.1 % Operating profit 150.2 97.5 54.1 % Interest expense, net 32.8 42.7 (23.2) % Other income, net (4.1) (3.3) (24.2) % Earnings before income taxes 121.5 58.1 109.1 % Income tax expense 20.5 9.3 120.4 % Net earnings 101.0 48.8 107.0 % Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 5.2 3.6 44.4 % Net earnings attributable to Wolverine World Wide, Inc. $ 95.8 $ 45.2 111.9 % Diluted earnings per share $ 1.14 $ 0.55 107.3 % REVENUE Revenue was $1,874.3 million for 2025, representing an increase of 6.8% compared to the prior year's revenue of $1,755.0 million.
Operating cash flows included non-cash add back for depreciation and amortization expense adjustment of $26.2 million, deferred income tax adjustment of $21.4 million, stock-based compensation expense adjustment of $19.1 million, environmental and other related costs, net of cash payments and recoveries received cash outflow of $13.3 million, the impairment of long-lived assets of $9.3 million, gain on sale of business, trademarks and long-lived assets of $8.5 million, and pension expense adjustment of $0.2 million.
Operating cash flows included a non-cash add back for depreciation and amortization expense adjustment of $25.9 million, a deferred income tax adjustment of $8.0 million, a stock-based compensation expense adjustment of $24.4 million, a cash outflow of $14.5 million for environmental and other related costs, net of cash payments, a pension expense adjustment of $1.0 million, and $12.6 million of other operating cash outflows.
The HYTEST ® decrease was primarily due to lower closeout sales compared to the prior year, partially offset by growth in the U.S. wholesale channel. The Work Group’s operating profit increased $11.1 million, or 19.1%, in 2024 compared to 2023.
The Harley-Davidson ® decrease was primarily due to softer consumer demand within the U.S. wholesale channel. The Bates ® decrease was primarily due to lower closeout sales as compared to the prior year. The Work Group’s operating profit increased $3.5 million, or 5.1%, in 2025 compared to 2024.
The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2024 is primarily due to lower advertising costs, selling expenses, distribution costs, and employee costs. Work Group The Work Group’s revenue decreased $25.3 million, or 5.3%, in 2024 compared to 2023.
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in the current year period was primarily due to higher advertising costs, selling costs and employee costs. Work Group The Work Group’s revenue decreased $33.1 million, or 7.3%, in 2025 compared to 2024.
Refer to Note 4, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” for additional discussion of the Sweaty Betty ® goodwill impairment and the Sweaty Betty ® and Sperry ® trade name impairments. Environmental The Company establishes a reserve for estimated environmental remediation costs based upon the evaluation of currently-available facts with respect to each individual affected site.
Environmental The Company establishes a reserve for estimated environmental remediation costs based upon the evaluation of currently-available facts with respect to each individual affected site.
Corporate Corporate expenses decreased $115.0 million in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to lower impairment of long-lived and intangible assets ($176.3 million), lower reorganization activities ($18.0 million) and lower employee costs ($5.3 million), partially offset by lower gains on sale of businesses, trademarks, and long-lived assets ($81.5 million), higher incentive compensation costs ($11.6 million) and higher environmental and other related costs ($0.1 million).
Corporate Corporate expenses increased $16.4 million in 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to higher environmental and other related costs ($16.9 million), higher incentive compensation costs ($12.5 million), gains on the sale of businesses, trademarks, and intangible assets in the prior year that did not reoccur ($8.5 million), business model change gain recorded in the prior year that did not reoccur ($6.5 million), partially offset by lower reorganization activities ($17.0 million) and lower impairment of long-lived and intangible assets ($9.3 million).
The Active Group's revenue decrease was driven by a decrease of $89.3 million from Saucony ® , $77.4 million from Merrell ® , $21.4 million from Chaco ® , and $4.9 million from Sweaty Betty ® .
The revenue increase was driven by an increase of $126.6 million from Saucony ® and $50.6 million from Merrell ® , partially offset by a decrease of $9.4 million from Chaco ® and $6.1 million from Sweaty Betty ® .
As a result, this amount is not included in the table above. Financing Arrangements The Company’s credit agreement provides for a term loan A facility (the “Term Facility”) and for a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility” and, together with the Term Facility, the “Senior Credit Facilities”).
As a result, this amount is not included in the table above. 28 Financing Arrangements On September 24 2025, the Company entered into a 2025 Replacement Facility Amendment and Reaffirmation Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) to replace the existing revolving credit facility and term loan A facility. The Company’s Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”).
The reportable segment results for years 2024 and 2023 are as follows: Fiscal Year (In millions) 2024 2023 Change Percent Change REVENUE Active Group $ 1,246.1 $ 1,439.1 $ (193.0) (13.4) % Work Group 455.3 480.6 (25.3) (5.3) % Other 53.6 323.2 (269.6) (83.4) % Total $ 1,755.0 $ 2,242.9 $ (487.9) (21.8) % OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS) Active Group $ 184.9 $ 140.3 $ 44.6 31.8 % Work Group 69.2 58.1 11.1 19.1 % Other 31.3 32.8 (1.5) (4.6) % Corporate (184.4) (299.4) 115.0 38.4 % Total $ 101.0 $ (68.2) $ 169.2 248.1 % Further information regarding the reportable segments can be found in Note 18 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
The reportable segment results for years 2025 and 2024 are as follows: Fiscal Year (In millions) 2025 2024 Change Percent Change REVENUE Active Group $ 1,407.8 $ 1,246.1 $ 161.7 13.0 % Work Group 422.2 455.3 (33.1) (7.3) % Other 44.3 53.6 (9.3) (17.4) % Total $ 1,874.3 $ 1,755.0 $ 119.3 6.8 % OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS) Active Group $ 253.2 $ 184.9 $ 68.3 36.9 % Work Group 72.7 69.2 3.5 5.1 % Other 28.6 31.3 (2.7) (8.6) % Corporate (204.3) (187.9) (16.4) (8.7) % Total $ 150.2 $ 97.5 $ 52.7 54.1 % Further information regarding the reportable segments can be found in Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. 26 Active Group The Active Group’s revenue increased $161.7 million, or 13.0%, in 2025 compared to 2024.
The Company had the following contractual obligations due by period at December 28, 2024: (In millions) Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years Long-term debt obligations (1) $ 768.4 $ 111.8 $ 69.8 $ 586.8 $ — Operating lease obligations 178.5 34.0 51.0 38.6 54.9 Purchase obligations (2) 322.5 322.5 — — — Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan 45.4 4.1 9.1 9.1 23.1 Municipal water improvements (3) 13.4 5.2 8.2 — — Tax Cuts and Jobs Act transition obligation 11.7 11.7 — — — Total (4) $ 1,339.9 $ 489.3 $ 138.1 $ 634.5 $ 78.0 (1) Includes principal and interest payments on the Company’s long-term debt.
The Company had the following contractual obligations due by period at January 3, 2026: (In millions) Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years Long-term debt obligations (1) $ 707.5 $ 98.6 $ 44.1 $ 564.8 $ — Operating lease obligations 168.9 35.0 54.1 39.6 40.2 Purchase obligations (2) 315.4 315.4 — — — Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan 45.6 4.4 9.0 9.0 23.2 Municipal water improvements (3) 8.2 8.2 — — — Total (4) $ 1,245.6 $ 461.6 $ 107.2 $ 613.4 $ 63.4 (1) Includes principal and interest payments on the Company’s long-term debt.
International revenue represented 49.1%, and 45.7% of total reported revenues in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Changes in foreign exchange rates increased revenue by $2.8 million during 2024. Direct-to-consumer revenue decreased by $98.5 million, or 16.9% during 2024 compared to 2023. GROSS MARGIN For 2024, the Company’s gross margin was 44.5%, compared to 38.9% in 2023.
Changes in foreign exchange rates increased revenue by $14.0 million during 2025. Direct-to-consumer revenue decreased by $8.4 million, or 1.7% during 2025 compared to 2024. GROSS MARGIN For 2025, the Company’s gross margin was 47.3%, compared to 44.3% in 2024.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Fiscal Year (In millions) 2024 2023 Cash and cash equivalents (1) $ 152.1 $ 184.6 Debt 648.0 920.8 Available Revolving Facility (2) 724.0 688.4 (1) Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows includes $5.6 million of cash and cash equivalents that are classified as held for sale as of December 30, 2023 that are not included in cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 27 (2) Amounts are net of both borrowings, if any, and outstanding standby letters of credit issued in accordance with the terms of the Revolving Facility.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Fiscal Year (In millions) 2025 2024 Cash and cash equivalents $ 206.3 $ 152.1 Debt 621.7 648.0 Available Revolving Facility (1) 510.5 724.0 (1) Amounts are net of both borrowings, if any, and outstanding standby letters of credit issued in accordance with the terms of the Revolving Facility. 27 Liquidity Cash and cash equivalents of $206.3 million as of January 3, 2026 were $54.2 million higher compared to December 28, 2024.
In the third quarter of 2023, after completion of impairment testing, the Company recorded a $38.3 million impairment charge for the Sperry ® trade name. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company recognized impairment charges of $191.0 million for the Sperry ® trade name and $189.3 million for the Sweaty Betty ® trade name.
In the third quarter of 2023, after completion of impairment testing, the Company recorded a $38.3 million impairment charge for the Sperry ® trade name. Refer to Note 4, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” for additional discussion of the Sperry ® trade name impairment.
As of December 28, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and performance ratios under the Credit Agreement. The Company’s debt at December 28, 2024 totaled $648.0 million, compared to $920.8 million at December 30, 2023. The Company expects to use the current borrowings to fund organic growth initiatives, pay dividends and for general corporate purposes.
As of January 3, 2026, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and performance ratios under the Credit Agreement and senior notes. The Company’s debt at January 3, 2026 totaled $621.7 million, compared to $648.0 million at December 28, 2024.
The Cat ® decrease was primarily due to timing of shipments in the U.S. and international channels, lower closeout sales versus the prior year and softer consumer demand in direct-to-consumer channels, partially offset by growth in the U.S. wholesale channel. The Wolverine ® decrease was primarily due to lower closeout sales compared to the prior year.
The Wolverine ® decrease was primarily due to lower closeout sales compared to the prior year, lower demand in independent channels, and lower direct to consumer traffic. The Cat ® decrease was primarily due to softer consumer demand in the North American market. The HYTEST ® decrease was primarily due to lower closeout sales compared to the prior year.
Cash from operations during 2024 was higher compared to 2023, due primarily to a decrease in net working capital representing a source of cash of $82.6 million.
Cash from operations during 2025 included a decrease in net working capital representing a source of cash of $8.8 million.
The Company paid $2.6 million and $5.8 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, in connection with shares or units withheld to pay employee taxes related to awards under stock incentive plans. The Company received $31.2 million from noncontrolling interests in 2023. The Company declared cash dividends of $0.40 per share in each of 2024 and 2023 .
The Company paid $10.7 million and $2.6 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively, in connection with shares or units withheld to pay employee taxes related to awards under stock incentive plans. The company paid $14.5 million for purchases of its own common stock and had proceeds of $12.2 million from the exercise of stock options.
The decrease is due primarily to net revolver payments of $235.0 million, long-term debt payments of $39.2 million, cash dividends paid of $32.5 million, additions to property, plant, and equipment of $20.2 million and shares acquired related to employee stock plans of $2.6 million, partially offset by cash provided by operating activities of $180.1 million, proceeds from the sale of businesses, trademarks, long-lived assets and other assets of $102.4 million, proceeds from company-owned life insurance policy liquidations of $7.9 million and proceeds from company-owned life insurance policies of $7.0 million.
The increase is due primarily to cash provided by operating activities of $140.0 million, proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $12.2 million, favorable foreign exchange impacts of $5.8 million and net revolver borrowings of $5.0 million, partially offset by cash dividends paid of $33.3 million, long-term debt payments of $32.5 million, additions to property, plant, and equipment of $14.5 million, purchases of common stock of $14.5 million, shares acquired related to employee stock plans of $10.7 million and payment of debt issuance costs of $3.9 million.
The credit agreement provides for a debt capacity of up to an aggregate debt amount (including outstanding term loan principal and revolver commitment amounts in addition to permitted incremental debt) not to exceed $2.0 billion unless certain specified conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement are met.
The maturity date of the loans under the Revolving Facility is September 24, 2030. The Credit Agreement provides for a debt capacity of up to an aggregate debt amount (including existing revolver commitment amounts in addition to permitted incremental debt) not to exceed $850.0 million.
The current year activity includes proceeds from the sale of businesses and trademarks of $102.4 million and company-owned life insurance policy liquidations of $7.9 million. Financing Activities The current year debt activity includes net payments under the Revolving Facility of $235.0 million, payments on long-term debt of $39.2 million and proceeds from company-owned life insurance policies of $7.0 million.
Financing Activities The current year debt activity includes net borrowings under the Revolving Facility of $5.0 million, payments on long-term debt of $32.5 million, and payment of debt issuance costs of $3.9 million.
Effective January 1, 2024, the Company completed the sale of the Company’s equity interests in the Merrell ® and Saucony ® China joint venture entities. Effective August 23, 2023, the Company completed the sale of the U.S. Leathers business and effective December 28, 2023, the Company completed the sale of the Asia-based Leathers business.
Effective January 1, 2024, the Company completed the sale of the Company’s equity interests in the Merrell ® and Saucony ® China joint venture entities. The following discussion includes a comparison of the Company's results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for fiscal 2025 and 2024.
The operating profit increase was due to a 180 basis point increase in gross margin and an $11.1 million decrease in selling, general and administrative costs partially offset by revenue decreases. The increase in gross margin in the current year was due to decreased closeout sales, lower product cost and favorable average selling price.
The Active Group’s operating profit increased $68.3 million, or 36.9%, in 2025 compared to 2024. The operating profit increase was due to revenue increases and a 300 basis point increase in gross margin, partially offset by a $47.8 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs.
Active Group The Active Group’s revenue decreased $193.0 million, or 13.4%, in 2024 compared to 2023. The revenue decrease was driven by a decrease of $89.3 million from Saucony ® , $77.4 million from Merrell ® , $21.4 million from Chaco ® and $4.9 million from Sweaty Betty ® .
The Active Group's revenue increase was driven by an increase of $126.6 million from Saucony ® and $50.6 million from Merrell ® , partially offset by decreases of $9.4 million from Chaco ® and $6.1 million from Sweaty Betty ® .
The Keds ® decrease is due to the divestiture of the business, effective February 4, 2023. Other operating profit decreased $1.5 million, or 4.6%, in 2024 compared to 2023. The operating profit decrease was due to revenue decreases partially offset by a $90.0 million decrease in selling, general and administrative costs.
Other operating profit decreased $2.7 million, or 8.6%, in 2025 compared to 2024. The operating profit decrease was due primarily to revenue decreases.
The decrease in Other revenue was primarily driven by a decrease in revenue from businesses that were sold in 2023 and 2024 and the licensing of the Hush Puppies ® business in 2023, which includes decreases of $191.9 million from Sperry ® , $37.0 million from the performance leathers business, $25.7 million from Hush Puppies ® and $6.5 million from Keds ® .
The decrease in Other revenue was primarily driven by decreases of $4.6 million from Sperry ® , $3.3 million from joint venture and royalty revenue recorded at the corporate level, and $0.9 million from Hush Puppies ® . International revenue represented 52.2%, and 49.1% of total reported revenues in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Removed
In the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company entered into a multi-year licensing agreement of the Hush Puppies ® brand in the United States and Canada. In addition, the Company completed the sale of the Hush Puppies ® trademarks, patents, copyrights, and domains in China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Added
The gross margin increase was primarily due to the benefit of product cost savings, a favorable mix shift toward more full-price sales, and the positive impact from recent price increases, partially offset by the impact of higher U.S. tariffs. 25 OPERATING EXPENSES Operating expenses increased $56.0 million in 2025, to $736.5 million.
Removed
The Company continues to own the Hush Puppies ® brand throughout the rest of the world. Effective February 4, 2023, the Company completed the sale of the Keds ® business. The following discussion includes a comparison of the Company's results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for fiscal 2024 and 2023.
Added
The increase in the effective tax rate between 2025 and 2024 was primarily related to income mix between jurisdictions with differing tax rates.
Removed
The gross margin increase was primarily driven by less end-of-life inventory sales, lower supply chain costs and lower product costs. OPERATING EXPENSES Operating expenses decreased $260.2 million in 2024, to $680.5 million.
Added
The Saucony ® increase was driven primarily by strength in the US and EMEA wholesale channel and the Asia Pacific third-party distributor business. The Merrell ® increase was primarily due to growth in the core Speed franchises and new product in the lifestyle category, particularly in the wholesale and international channels.
Removed
In 2023 the Company recognized more tax benefits compared to 2024 primarily related to the generation and utilization of a capital loss.
Added
The increase in gross margin in the current year period was primarily due to the benefit of product cost savings, a favorable mix shift toward more full-price sales, and the positive impact from recent price increases, partially offset by the impact of higher U.S. tariffs.
Removed
The Saucony ® decrease was primarily due to lower end of life inventory sales compared to the prior year, the divestiture of the Company's equity interest in the China joint venture entity, effective January 1, 2024, and lower Saucony ® kids revenue resulting from licensing the brand in the United States and Canada starting in the second quarter of 2024.
Added
The increase in gross margin in the current year period was primarily due to the benefit of product cost savings, a favorable mix shift toward more full-price sales, and the positive impact from recent price increases, partially offset by the impact of higher U.S. tariffs.
Removed
The Merrell ® decrease was primarily due to lower end of life inventory sales compared to the prior year, softer consumer demand in the U.S. wholesale and International channels and lower Merrell ® kids revenue resulting from licensing the brand in the United States and Canada starting in the second quarter of 2024, partially offset by growth from new products, including Moab Speed and Speed Strike, and growth in core brand franchises, including Moab 3 and Jungle Moc.
Added
The Company expects to use the current borrowings to fund organic growth initiatives, pay dividends and for general corporate purposes. The decreased debt position is due to repayment of the term facility resulting from operating cash inflows, partially offset by capital expenditures, cash dividends, and purchase of common stock.
Removed
The Sweaty 26 Betty ® decrease was primarily due to softer consumer demand in direct-to-consumer and wholesale sales channels across the U.S. and China markets and lower end of life inventory sales compared to the prior year. The Active Group’s operating profit increased $44.6 million, or 31.8%, in 2024 compared to 2023.

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk — interest-rate, FX, commodity exposure

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The Company manages these risks by attempting to denominate contractual and other foreign arrangements in U.S. dollars.
The Company manages these risks by attempting to denominate 32 contractual and other foreign arrangements in U.S. dollars.
Based on the level of variable-rate debt outstanding as of that date, a 100 basis point increase in the weighted-average interest rate would have increased the Company’s annual pre-tax interest expense by approximately $0.9 million. The Company does not enter into contracts for speculative or trading purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged derivative instruments. 34
Based on the level of variable-rate debt outstanding as of that date, a 100 basis point increase in the weighted-average interest rate would have increased the Company’s annual pre-tax interest expense by approximately $0.8 million. The Company does not enter into contracts for speculative or trading purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged derivative instruments. 33
At December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the Company had outstanding forward currency exchange contracts to purchase primarily U.S. dollars in the amounts of $263.5 million and $269.0 million, respectively, with maturities ranging up to 531 and 531 days, respectively. The Company also has sourcing locations in Asia, where financial statements reflect the U.S. dollar as the functional currency.
At January 3, 2026 and December 28, 2024, the Company had outstanding forward currency exchange contracts to purchase primarily U.S. dollars in the amounts of $248.1 million and $263.5 million, respectively, with maturities ranging up to 503 and 531 days, respectively. The Company also has sourcing locations in Asia, where financial statements reflect the U.S. dollar as the functional currency.
The Company’s investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are generally considered long-term. At December 28, 2024, a stronger U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies decreased the value of these 33 investments in net assets by $16.5 million from their value at December 30, 2023.
The Company’s investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are generally considered long-term. At January 3, 2026, a weaker U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies increased the value of these investments in net assets by $22.5 million from their value at December 28, 2024.
At December 30, 2023, a weaker U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies increased the value of these investments in net assets by $16.8 million from their value at December 31, 2022.
At December 28, 2024, a stronger U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies decreased the value of these investments in net assets by $16.5 million from their value at December 30, 2023. Interest Rate Risk The Company is exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of interest expense on any borrowings under the Revolving Facility.
The fair value of the interest rate swap was determined to be a net asset of $0.2 million as of December 28, 2024. As of December 28, 2024, the weighted-average interest rate on the Company’s variable-rate debt, net of the impact of the interest rate swap, was 5.84%.
The Company’s total variable-rate debt was $75.0 million at January 3, 2026 . As of January 3, 2026 , the weighted-average interest rate on the Company’s variable-rate debt was 6.12% .
Removed
Interest Rate Risk The Company is exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of interest expense on the Incremental Term Loan borrowings and any borrowings under the Revolving Facility.
Removed
The Company’s total variable-rate debt was $102.5 million at December 28, 2024 and the Company held a forward-dated interest rate swap agreement, denominated in U.S. dollars that will effectively convert $16.7 million of this amount to fixed-rate debt. The interest rate swap derivative instrument is held and used by the Company as a tool for managing interest rate risk.
Removed
The counterparty to the swap instrument is a large financial institution that the Company believes is of high-quality creditworthiness. While the Company may be exposed to potential losses due to the credit risk of non-performance by this counterparty, such losses are not anticipated.

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