Columbia Sportswear raised the lower end of its annual sales and earnings outlook on October 29, while reducing its operating cash-flow forecast.
The apparel company now expects 2026 sales of $3.46 billion to $3.50 billion, compared with $3.43 billion to $3.50 billion previously. Diluted earnings guidance increased to $4.65–$4.90 per share from $4.45–$4.90.
Quarterly sales rose 2% to $962.6 million. Net income reached $84.7 million, or $1.66 per diluted share, compared with $52 million, or 95 cents, a year earlier.
The comparison benefited from the absence of $29 million in impairment charges recorded against prAna and Mountain Hardwear in the prior-year quarter. Those charges reduced prior-year diluted earnings by 46 cents.
Inventories increased 11% to $889.2 million at September 30. Columbia cited delayed fall receipts and earlier production of spring 2027 inventory.
It lowered projected annual operating cash flow to $230 million–$250 million from $290 million–$310 million, attributing the reduction to earlier spring inventory production.
The outlook assumes current U.S. tariff rates remain through year-end. It remains a forecast rather than completed results.
Sources: Columbia Sportswear — October 29 Financial Results: https://investor.columbia.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/393/columbia-sportswear-company-reports-third-quarter-2026