Stride Rite, in the process of being acquired byPayless ShoeSource, continues to see FY sales growth of 5-8% and EPS of$1.10-1.15 ($40.2-42.0 mm), exclusive of integration and merger-related costs,despite lower Q2 profits. Net income fell 16% to $14,165,000 from $16,893,000for the period ended Jun. 1 on 8% sales growth to $209,201,000 from$194,007,000. Q2 operating income was 3% higher at $22,662,000 and grossmargins grew 3.0% to 43.3% in the period.

By key segment, Keds sales slipped 1% to ... Log in to view full article.