📊 CAL Key Takeaways
Is Caleres Inc. (CAL) a Good Investment?
Caleres faces fundamental operational challenges despite anomalous revenue growth: negative operating cash flow (-$27.8M) and negative free cash flow (-$39.0M) indicate the core business cannot generate cash. Severe liquidity constraints (Quick Ratio 0.34x, only $37.7M cash) combined with razor-thin margins (Operating: 3.6%, Net: 2.1%) and weak prior-year earnings pose near-term solvency risks.
Caleres shows positive revenue scale and a healthy gross margin, but that profitability is not translating into strong earnings power. Operating margin, net margin, returns on capital, liquidity, and free cash flow are all weak, which suggests limited financial flexibility and low-quality growth. The reported revenue surge also appears inconsistent with the much smaller improvement in net income, raising caution about the durability and quality of recent growth.
Caleres Inc. Key Strengths (CAL)
- Zero long-term debt provides financial flexibility and no refinancing risk
- Gross margin of 47.3% indicates reasonable cost control and product positioning
- Current ratio above 1.0x suggests near-term working capital adequacy
- Gross margin of 43.4% indicates solid product-level economics
- Company remains profitable on a net income basis
- Reported long-term debt of $0.00 and debt/equity of 0.00x reduce balance-sheet leverage risk
CAL Stock Risks: Caleres Inc. Investment Risks
- Negative operating cash flow (-$27.8M) reveals inability to generate cash from core operations
- Severe liquidity crisis with Quick Ratio of only 0.34x threatens short-term obligations
- Marginal profitability with declining earnings (Net Income -109.3% YoY) and sub-4% operating margins
- Free cash flow of -$39.0M unsustainable without asset sales or equity raises
- Anomalous 15,036% YoY revenue growth requires clarification on sustainability and acquisition integration
- Operating margin of 1.6% and net margin of 0.8% leave little buffer against cost pressure or demand weakness
- Liquidity is tight with a 1.06x current ratio, 0.33x quick ratio, and only $33.96M of cash
- Free cash flow is negative and interest coverage of 1.8x points to weak earnings support for fixed obligations
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating cash flow return to positive territory and sustainability
- Quick ratio improvement toward 1.0x minimum through inventory reduction or liquidity enhancement
- Operating margin expansion beyond 3.6% through operational efficiency
- Free cash flow path to breakeven or positive generation within 2-3 quarters
- Operating margin and net margin progression
- Free cash flow and inventory-driven working capital trends
Caleres Inc. (CAL) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Caleres Inc. presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.
CAL Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
CAL vs Market Sector: How Caleres Inc. Compares
How Caleres Inc. compares to Market sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Caleres Inc. Stock Overvalued? CAL Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Caleres Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Market sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Caleres Inc. Balance Sheet: CAL Debt, Cash & Liquidity
CAL Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Caleres Inc.'s revenue has remained relatively flat over the 5-year period, with a 4% decline. The most recent EPS of $4.80 reflects profitable operations.
CAL Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
CAL Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2026 | $740.9M | $2.4M | $0.07 |
| Q2 2026 | $658.5M | $6.7M | $0.20 |
| Q1 2026 | $614.2M | $6.9M | $0.21 |
| Q1 2025 | $614.2M | $6.9M | $0.21 |
| Q3 2024 | $740.9M | $41.4M | $1.19 |
| Q2 2024 | $683.3M | $30.0M | $0.85 |
| Q1 2024 | $659.2M | $30.9M | $0.88 |
| Q3 2023 | $761.9M | $39.2M | $1.08 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Caleres Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
CAL SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Caleres Inc. (CIK: 0000014707)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about CAL
What is the AI rating for CAL?
Caleres Inc. (CAL) has a Combined AI Grade of C from Claude (C) and ChatGPT (C) with 78% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are CAL's key strengths?
Claude: Zero long-term debt provides financial flexibility and no refinancing risk. Gross margin of 47.3% indicates reasonable cost control and product positioning. ChatGPT: Gross margin of 43.4% indicates solid product-level economics. Company remains profitable on a net income basis.
What are the risks of investing in CAL?
Claude: Negative operating cash flow (-$27.8M) reveals inability to generate cash from core operations. Severe liquidity crisis with Quick Ratio of only 0.34x threatens short-term obligations. ChatGPT: Operating margin of 1.6% and net margin of 0.8% leave little buffer against cost pressure or demand weakness. Liquidity is tight with a 1.06x current ratio, 0.33x quick ratio, and only $33.96M of cash.
What is CAL's revenue and growth?
Caleres Inc. reported revenue of $666.6M.
Does CAL pay dividends?
Caleres Inc. pays dividends, with $2.4M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find CAL SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Caleres Inc. (CIK: 0000014707) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is CAL's EPS?
Caleres Inc. has a diluted EPS of $0.42.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is CAL's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in June 2026, Caleres Inc. has a C grade with 78% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.
Is CAL stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for CAL: ROE of 2.3% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 2.1% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is CAL's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Caleres Inc. a combined C grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is CAL's free cash flow?
Caleres Inc.'s operating cash flow is $-27.8M, with capital expenditures of $11.2M. FCF margin is -5.8%.
How does CAL compare to other Market stocks?
Vs Default sector averages: Net margin 2.1% (avg: 12%), ROE 2.3% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.03 (avg: 1.8).