The parent of Merrell reported a 32% increase in netincome to $16,263,000 from $12,299,000 for the 12 weeks ended Mar. 26 asrevenues rose 9% to $245,175,000 from $224,871,000. WWW noted that backlog wasup 11 %, with the outdoor group tracking above that, and upped its guidance forthe year to sales of $1.045-1.065 billion from $1.040-1.060 billion and EPS of$1.22-1.27 ($75 million), up from $1.19-1.24. The forecast includes an 80-100basis point improvement in gross margin, partially offset by a 30-40 b.p.increase in SG&A spending.

WWW said the Merrell division had a 14% increase inthe quarter while relaunched Sebago had an 18% increase, ... Log in to view full article.