Net income grew to $29,483,000 versus $26,140,000 forthe 12 weeks ended Sep. 8 as total revenues expanded 3.8% to $310,168,000 from$298,856,000. Gross margins grew 100 b.p. to 40.3% in the period. Backlog wasup 11% at quarter end. With the strong results, WWW raised its full-year EPSguidance to a range of $1.63-1.65 ($87.7 mm) and confirmed its full-yearrevenue outlook to the lower-end of a $1.20-1.23 billion range. The company’scurrent FY08 guidance calls for revenues of $1.245-1.275 billion, an EPS rangeof $1.78-1.84 ($96.8mm) and continued gross margin expansion.

As for Q3 specifics, the Outdoor Group (Merrell,Sebago, Patagonia footwear) generated 20% top line improvement ... Log in to view full article.