Wolverine World Wide’s outdoor and lifestyle revenue jumped 5% to $245.1 million in Q4 ended Dec. 29, due partly to a sharp rise in sales of Caterpillar- and Harley-Davidson-licensed boots.

Sales of Caterpillar-licensed goods rose by a mid-single digit percentage, while those related to Harley-Davidson increased in the “very strong double digits,” CEO Blake Krueger said in releasing earnings. Wolverine forecasts a “mid-single digit” percentage increase in sales of Caterpillar footwear this year.

Overall, Wolverine posted a $39.3 million profit, reversing a $60.3 million loss a year ago. The year-earlier loss included a $68 million asset impairment charged tied to the closing of Wolverine-owned Stride Rite stores and shifting the brand to licensing for footwear; Vida Shoes is the footwear licensee. Revenue increased 0.2% to $579.6 million.

Contact:

Wolverine World Wide, Michael Stornant, CFO, 616-866-5728