New York, Feb 4, 2026, 1:12 PM ET — Regular session
- COLM shares jumped roughly 13% in afternoon trading following the release of the company’s quarterly results and its outlook for 2026
- Management warned that rising U.S. tariff expenses would weigh on margins and forecasted a weaker first quarter
- The board announced a quarterly dividend of $0.30, set for payment on March 20
Shares of Columbia Sportswear surged roughly 13% on Wednesday, pushing the stock price up to $64.98 following the company’s 2026 forecast release. During the session, the stock fluctuated between $61.20 and $67.60.
This shift is key as investors gauge demand ahead of spring orders and weigh the impact of new tariffs on profits. Columbia is also pushing international expansion more aggressively, navigating a rougher stretch in the U.S. market.
Late Tuesday, the company forecasted 2026 net sales between $3.43 billion and $3.50 billion, with earnings per share ranging from $3.20 to $3.65. It also warned that first-quarter sales would decline and profits would take a significant hit compared to last year.
Columbia reported a 2% drop in fourth-quarter net sales to $1.07 billion, with earnings slipping to $1.73 per share from $1.80 the previous year. Gross margin saw an uptick thanks to “healthier” inventories and reduced clearance sales, despite ongoing pressure from tariffs.
Columbia forecasted net sales of $3.40 billion for 2025, up 1%, but earnings dropped to $3.24 per share from $3.82. Operating income declined, weighed down by $29 million in impairment charges related to prAna and Mountain Hardwear.
Chief executive Tim Boyle reported that the company “delivered net sales and profitability exceeding our guidance” for the quarter. He also acknowledged that the U.S. business “remains challenged.” Boyle highlighted international growth and early momentum from the company’s ACCELERATE strategy.
Columbia projects its 2026 gross margin to land between 49.8% and 50.0%, slipping about 50 to 70 basis points. The company flagged unmitigated tariff costs as a major factor, estimating around a 300-basis-point drag on gross margin. That hit will be partially cushioned by U.S. price hikes, cost-sharing arrangements with factories, and a tighter inventory setup.
Columbia expects first-quarter net sales between $747 million and $759 million, down roughly 2.5% to 4% compared to last year. The company forecast earnings per share of $0.29 to $0.37, a sharp drop from $0.75, blaming softer U.S. wholesale orders, the fallout from store closures in its direct-to-consumer segment, and inventory shortfalls caused by prior canceled purchases.
The company disclosed shareholder returns, repurchasing roughly 3.0 million shares for $201.1 million in 2025. It also announced a $0.30 quarterly dividend, payable March 20 to those on record as of March 9, according to a filing.
The outlook hinges on tariff rates “in place” as of Feb. 3, but the company’s own projections reveal how fast the situation can change. Should tariffs climb or U.S. demand weaken more, the margin squeeze would worsen, prompting retailers to hold back on orders.
Investors are focused on whether Columbia can counter tariffs through pricing and sourcing adjustments without sparking a return to promotions, and if international growth continues to drive results. The next key date is March 9, the record date for the dividend, followed by the payout on March 20.
