Designer Brands Inc. Reports Second Quarter of 2026 Financial Results

Designer Brands delivered stronger margins and operating profit in Q2 2026 and raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook while trimming debt.

Rhea-AI Summary

Designer Brands (DBI) reported second quarter 2026 results showing sharply higher profitability despite slightly lower sales.

Net sales were $730.6 million, down 1.2% year-over-year, with total comparable sales down 2.4%. Reported gross profit rose to $365.4 million from $322.5 million, and gross margin expanded to 50.0% from 43.6%. Adjusted gross profit was $350.0 million, with adjusted gross margin of 47.9% versus 43.6% last year. Reported net income attributable to Designer Brands was $17.6 million, or diluted EPS of $0.31; adjusted net income was $19.2 million, or adjusted diluted EPS of $0.34.

Segment net sales for the quarter were $671.1 million in Retail (down 2.2%) and $86.3 million in Brand Portfolio (up 17.9%). Consolidated operating profit more than doubled to $54.7 million, a 7.5% margin versus 3.5% a year ago.

Cash and equivalents were $51.6 million with $146.2 million available under the revolver. Total debt declined to $423.1 million from $516.3 million, and inventories fell to $594.7 million from $610.9 million. The company raised full-year 2026 guidance to net sales flat to up 1% and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.47–$0.52, up from $0.28–$0.38. A quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share is payable on October 7, 2026.

Positive

• Gross margin expanded to 50.0% from 43.6% in Q2 2025, a 640 bps increase
• Consolidated operating profit rose to $54.7 million from $26.1 million, up 109.3% with margin improving to 7.5% from 3.5%
• Brand Portfolio net sales grew 17.9% in Q2 2026 to $86.3 million
• Adjusted Q2 diluted EPS reached $0.34 versus a reported $0.21 a year ago
• Total debt decreased to $423.1 million from $516.3 million year-over-year, a reduction of about $93.0 million
• 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance raised to $0.47–$0.52 from $0.28–$0.38

Negative

• Consolidated net sales declined 1.2% year-over-year to $730.6 million in Q2 2026
• Total comparable sales fell 2.4% in Q2 2026, with Retail segment comps down 2.6%
• Retail segment operating profit decreased to $62.0 million from $68.7 million, with margin slipping 80 bps to 9.2%
• Interest expense on tariff sale financing totaled $16.1 million in 2026, a new cost item
• Operating expenses increased to $313.4 million from $297.5 million in Q2 2025

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Market Reaction – DBI

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Market Context

On June 9, 2026, DBI’s Q1 earnings event coincided with a 20.95% decline; the current release report...

Analysis

On June 9, 2026, DBI’s Q1 earnings event coincided with a 20.95% decline; the current release reported higher profitability, debt reduction, and raised full-year guidance.

Key Figures

Net Sales: $730.6 million, down 1.2% Comparable Sales: Down 2.4% Gross Margin: 50.0% vs. 43.6% +5 more

Net Sales

$730.6 million, down 1.2%

Second quarter 2026 year over year

Comparable Sales

Down 2.4%

Second quarter 2026 total comparable sales

Gross Margin

50.0% vs. 43.6%

Second quarter 2026 reported gross margin versus prior year

Net Income

$17.6 million

Second quarter 2026 attributable net income

Diluted EPS

$0.31

Second quarter 2026 reported diluted EPS

Debt Reduction

$93.0 million

Reduction versus the second quarter of 2025

Revised EPS Guidance

$0.47-$0.52

Full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS

Dividend

$0.05 per share

Payable October 7, 2026 to shareholders of record September 24, 2026

Previous Earnings Reports

5 past events · Latest: Jun 09

Same Type 5 events

1. Jun 09

   Q1 earnings results

   24h Move

   -20.9%

   Sales growth and margin expansion accompanied reaffirmed full-year guidance

2. Mar 26

   Q4 earnings results

   24h Move

   +4.0%

   Margin improvement accompanied full-year guidance and a quarterly dividend

3. Dec 09

   Q3 earnings results

   24h Move

   +48.5%

   Earnings and adjusted earnings increased while sales declined year over year

4. Sep 09

   Q2 earnings results

   24h Move

   +5.5%

   Positive diluted EPS offset declining sales and withdrawn full-year guidance

5. Jun 10

   Q1 earnings results

   24h Move

   -18.2%

   Sales and gross margin declined while the company withdrew annual guidance

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

gaap, non-gaap, diluted earnings per share, redeemable noncontrolling interest, +1 more

5 terms

gaap financial

"determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP")"

GAAP, or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, are a set of standardized rules and guidelines that companies follow when preparing their financial statements. They ensure consistency, transparency, and comparability across different companies, making it easier for investors to understand and compare financial information accurately. This helps investors make informed decisions based on trustworthy and uniform financial reports.

View in glossary

non-gaap financial

"the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures"

Non-GAAP refers to financial measures that companies use to show their earnings or performance without including certain expenses or income that are often added back to give a different picture. It matters because it can make a company's results look better or more favorable, but it may also hide important costs, so investors need to look at both GAAP (official rules) and non-GAAP numbers to get a full understanding.

View in glossary

diluted earnings per share financial

"or diluted earnings per share ("EPS") of $0.31"

Diluted earnings per share is a measure of a company's profit allocated to each share of stock, taking into account all possible shares that could be created through stock options, convertible bonds, or other securities. It shows the lowest possible earnings per share if all these potential shares were issued, helping investors understand the worst-case scenario for their ownership. This figure matters because it provides a more conservative view of a company's profitability per share.

redeemable noncontrolling interest financial

"Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest"

A redeemable noncontrolling interest is a minority ownership stake in a business that the minority owner can require to be bought back for cash or that must be redeemed under set conditions. Investors care because it is not permanent equity: it represents a foreseeable cash obligation and can reduce the parent company’s reported equity and available cash, much like a loan from a roommate you must repay on request rather than shared ownership of the house.

ieepa regulatory

"Recoveries related to IEEPA tariff costs incurred"

A U.S. law that gives the president broad authority to control trade, freeze assets, and block financial transactions during a declared national emergency. Investors care because those powers can abruptly restrict a company's ability to sell products, access cash, or do business with certain countries or parties, creating sudden risks to revenues, supply chains and share prices — like an emergency brake that can stop or reroute parts of a business overnight.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Raising full year guidance following strong operating performance and positive start to third quarter

Generated double-digit Brand Portfolio sales growth

Drove a meaningful improvement in profitability year-over-year

Reduced total debt by $93.0 million compared to the second quarter last year

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Designer Brands Inc. (NYSE: DBI) (the "Company," "we," "us," "our," and "Designer Brands"), one of the world's largest designers, producers, and retailers of footwear and accessories, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended August 1, 2026.

"Our second quarter results represent significant improvement in profitability year-over-year, highlighted by meaningful gross margin expansion as well as impressive sales growth in our Brand Portfolio segment," said Doug Howe, Chief Executive Officer. "We remain focused on generating long term value for our shareholders and are encouraged by the progress we are making against our strategic plan. These efforts have contributed to improved retail trends and a positive start to the third quarter, giving us confidence in raising our full year guidance."

Second Quarter of 2026 Operating Results (Unless otherwise stated, all comparisons are to the second quarter of 2025)

• Net sales decreased 1.2% to $730.6 million.
• Total comparable sales decreased by 2.4%.
• Reported gross profit was $365.4 million compared to $322.5 million last year, and gross margin was 50.0% compared to 43.6% last year.
• Adjusted gross profit was $350.0 million compared to $322.5 million last year, and adjusted gross margin was 47.9% compared to 43.6% last year.
• Reported net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. was $17.6 million, or diluted earnings per share ("EPS") of $0.31.
• Adjusted net income was $19.2 million, or adjusted diluted EPS of $0.34.

Liquidity

• Cash and cash equivalents totaled $51.6 million at the end of the second quarter of 2026, compared to $44.9 million at the end of the same period last year, with $146.2 million available for borrowings under our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility.
• Debt totaled $423.1 million at the end of the second quarter of 2026 compared to $516.3 million at the end of the same period last year, a reduction of approximately $93.0 million.
• The Company ended the second quarter of 2026 with inventories of $594.7 million compared to $610.9 million at the end of the same period last year.

Return to Shareholders

A dividend of $0.05 per share for both Class A and Class B common shares will be paid on October 7, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 24, 2026.

Store Count

(square footage in thousands)	August 1, 2026				August 2, 2025
	Number of Stores		Square Footage		Number of Stores		Square Footage
DSW stores	523		10,225		519		10,197
The Shoe Co. stores	118		598		121		618
Rubino stores	27		141		28		147
Total number of stores	668		10,964		668		10,962

During the six months ended August 1, 2026, the Company opened 7 new stores, closed 4 stores, and remodeled 3 stores.

2026 Financial Outlook

Following a strong start to the third quarter, the Company is raising its guidance for the full year 2026:

Metric		Previous Guidance		Revised Guidance
Designer Brands Change in Net Sales		Down 1% to Up 1%		Flat to Up 1%
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share		$0.28 - $0.38		$0.47 - $0.52

To supplement amounts presented in our consolidated financial statements determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures. Forward-looking adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes potential charges or gains that may be recorded during the fiscal year, including, among other things, tariff recoveries recorded to cost of sales and interest on tariff recoveries recorded to non-operating income used to pay interest expense to an unrelated financial investor (the "Investor"); interest expense on the financing transaction with the Investor and under-reported import duties; restructuring costs, including severance charges; impairment charges; foreign currency transaction gains or losses; net income or loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest; and the net tax impact of such items and the potential change in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. A reconciliation of this forward-looking non-GAAP amount to the comparable GAAP measure is not provided, as permitted by Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K, because the impact and timing of these potential charges or gains is inherently uncertain and difficult to predict and is unavailable without unreasonable efforts. In addition, the Company believes that such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision and certainty that could be confusing to investors. Such items are uncertain and could have a substantial impact on GAAP measures of our financial performance. For additional information regarding the use of non-GAAP measures, refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section below.

Webcast and Conference Call

The Company is hosting a conference call today at 8:30 am Eastern Time. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 1-888-317-6003, or the international dial-in, 1-412-317-6061, and reference conference ID number 1127904 approximately ten minutes prior to the start of the conference call. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the internet and can be accessed through the following link, as well as through the Company's investor website at investors.designerbrands.com:

https://app.webinar.net/916wJ9QJZvG

For those unable to listen to the live webcast, an archived version will be available on the Company's investor website until September 24, 2026. A replay of the teleconference will be available by dialing the following numbers:

North America: 1-855-669-9658

International: 1-412-317-0088

Passcode: 5663074

Important information may be disseminated initially or exclusively via the Company's investor website; investors should consult the website to access this information.

About Designer Brands

Designer Brands is one of the world's largest designers, producers, and retailers of the most recognizable footwear brands and accessories, transforming and defining the footwear industry through a mission of being shoe obsessed. With a diversified, world-class portfolio of coveted brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage and others, Designer Brands designs and produces on-trend footwear and accessories for all of life's occasions delivered to the consumer through a robust direct-to-consumer omni-channel infrastructure and powerful national wholesale distribution. Powered by a billion-dollar digital commerce business across multiple domains and over 660 DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Co., and Rubino stores in North America, Designer Brands delivers current, in-line footwear and accessories from the largest national brands in the industry and holds leading market share positions in key product categories across women's, men's, and kids'. Designer Brands also distributes its brands internationally through select wholesale and distributor relationships while also leveraging design and sourcing expertise to build private label products for national retailers. Designer Brands is committed to being a difference maker in the world and the footwear industry. By leading with our corporate values of We Belong and We Do What's Right, Designer Brands supports the global community and the health of the planet by donating more than thirteen million pairs of shoes to the global non-profit Soles4Souls since 2018. To learn more, visit www.designerbrands.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as "outlook," "could," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "would," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates," or the negative version of those words or other comparable words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our business and strategy and our current expectations about the Company's future operating results and financial condition, including our financial guidance for 2026. These statements are based on the Company's current views and expectations and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control, that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: uncertain general economic and financial conditions, including economic volatility and potential downturn or recession, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability and conflicts, social unrest, new or increased tariffs and other barriers to trade, tariff refunds, fluctuating interest rates, unemployment rates and inflationary pressures, and the related impacts to consumer discretionary spending, as well as our ability to plan for and respond to the impact of these conditions; our ability to anticipate and respond to rapidly changing consumer preferences, seasonality, customer expectations, and fashion trends; the impact on our consumer traffic and demand, our business operations, and the operations of our suppliers, as we experience unseasonable weather, climate change evolves, and the frequency and severity of weather events increases; our ability to execute our business strategies, including growing our Brand Portfolio segment, enhancing in-store and digital shopping experiences, integrating previously acquired businesses and brands, and meeting consumer demands; our ability to maintain strong relationships with our suppliers, vendors, licensors, and retailer customers; risks related to losses or disruptions associated with our distribution systems, including our distribution centers and stores, and payment processing services whether as a result of reliance on third-party providers or otherwise; our reliance on third parties to provide customer payment processing services; risks related to cyber security threats and privacy or data security breaches or the potential loss or disruption of our information technology ("IT") systems, or those of our vendors; risks related to the implementation of new or updated IT systems, including the use of artificial intelligence tools; our ability to protect our reputation and to maintain the brands we license; our reliance on our reward programs and marketing to drive traffic, sales, and customer loyalty; our ability to successfully integrate new hires or changes in leadership and retain our existing management team, and to continue to attract qualified new personnel; risks related to restrictions imposed by our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, as amended, and our senior secured term loan credit agreement, as amended, that could limit our ability to fund our operations; our competitiveness with respect to style, price, brand availability, shopping platforms, and customer service; risks related to our international operations and our reliance on foreign sources for merchandise; our ability to comply with laws and regulations, as well as other legal obligations; risks associated with climate change and other corporate responsibility issues; and uncertainties related to future legislation, regulatory reform, policy changes, or interpretive guidance on existing legislation. Risks and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026 or our other reports made or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the time when made. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward looking statements included in this press release to reflect any future events or circumstances.

DESIGNER BRANDS INC.
SEGMENT RESULTS
(unaudited)
Net Sales
	Three months ended
(amounts in thousands)	August 1, 2026				August 2, 2025				Change
	Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		% of  Segment Net Sales		Amount		%
Segment net sales:
Retail	$          671,062		88.6 %		$          686,003		90.4 %		$   (14,941)		(2.2) %
Brand Portfolio	86,279		11.4		73,157		9.6		13,122		17.9 %
Total segment net sales	757,341		100.0 %		759,160		100.0 %		(1,819)		(0.2) %
Elimination of intersegment net sales	(26,710)				(19,398)				(7,312)		37.7 %
Consolidated net sales	$          730,631				$          739,762				$    (9,131)		(1.2) %

 

	Six months ended
(amounts in thousands)	August 1, 2026				August 2, 2025				Change
	Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		%
Segment net sales:
Retail	$        1,297,746		86.6 %		$        1,313,148		88.6 %		$   (15,402)		(1.2) %
Brand Portfolio	200,797		13.4		169,055		11.4		31,742		18.8 %
Total segment net sales	1,498,543		100.0 %		1,482,203		100.0 %		16,340		1.1 %
Elimination of intersegment net sales	(71,562)				(55,532)				(16,030)		28.9 %
Consolidated net sales	$        1,426,981				$        1,426,671				$         310		— %

 

Comparable Sales
	Three months ended				Six months ended
	August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025		August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025
Change in comparable sales:
Retail segment	(2.6) %		(4.5) %		(1.9) %		(6.0) %
Brand Portfolio segment - direct-to-consumer channel	7.1 %		(29.2) %		5.0 %		(28.1) %
Total	(2.4) %		(5.0) %		(1.8) %		(6.4) %

 

Gross Profit
	Three months ended
(amounts in thousands)	August 1, 2026				August 2, 2025				Change
	Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		%		Basis Points
Segment gross profit:
Retail	$  301,469		44.9 %		$   299,472		43.7 %		$      1,997		0.7 %		120
Brand Portfolio	25,693		29.8 %		18,068		24.7 %		7,625		42.2 %		510
Total segment gross profit	327,162		43.2 %		317,540		41.8 %		9,622		3.0 %		140
Corporate/eliminations:
Net recognition of intersegment gross profit	2,657				4,953				(2,296)
Recoveries related to IEEPA tariff costs incurred	35,536				—				35,536
Consolidated gross profit	$  365,355		50.0 %		$   322,493		43.6 %		$    42,862		13.3 %		640

 

	Six months ended
(amounts in thousands)	August 1, 2026				August 2, 2025				Change
	Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		%		Basis Points
Segment gross profit:
Retail	$  585,765		45.1 %		$   567,672		43.2 %		$    18,093		3.2 %		190
Brand Portfolio	64,570		32.2 %		44,094		26.1 %		20,476		46.4 %		610
Total segment gross profit	650,335		43.4 %		611,766		41.3 %		38,569		6.3 %		210
Corporate/eliminations:
Net recognition (elimination) of intersegment gross profit	(5,198)				5,208				(10,406)
Recoveries related to IEEPA tariff costs incurred	35,536				—				35,536
Consolidated gross profit	$  680,673		47.7 %		$   616,974		43.2 %		$    63,699		10.3 %		450

 

Intersegment Recognition and Elimination Activity
	Three months ended				Six months ended
(in thousands)	August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025		August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025
Intersegment recognition and elimination activity:
Elimination of net sales recognized by Brand Portfolio segment	$       (26,710)		$       (19,398)		$       (71,562)		$       (55,532)
Cost of sales:
Elimination of cost of sales recognized by Brand   Portfolio segment	18,716		13,785		46,719		39,599
Recognition of intersegment gross profit for   inventory previously purchased that was   subsequently sold to external customers during the   current period	10,651		10,566		19,645		21,141
	$          2,657		$          4,953		$         (5,198)		$           5,208

 

Operating Profit
	Three months ended
(amounts in thousands)	August 1, 2026				August 2, 2025				Change
	Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		%		Basis Points
Segment operating profit (loss):
Retail	$    62,027		9.2 %		$    68,709		10.0 %		$     (6,682)		(9.7) %		(80)
Brand Portfolio	979		1.1 %		(4,046)		(5.5) %		5,025		NM		NM
Total segment operating profit	63,006		8.3 %		64,663		8.5 %		(1,657)		(2.6) %		(20)
Corporate/eliminations	(8,283)				(38,520)				30,237		(78.5) %
Consolidated operating profit	$    54,723		7.5 %		$    26,143		3.5 %		$    28,580		109.3 %		400

 

	Six months ended
(amounts in thousands)	August 1, 2026				August 2, 2025				Change
	Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		% of Segment Net Sales		Amount		%		Basis Points
Segment operating profit (loss):
Retail	$  113,305		8.7 %		$   108,682		8.3 %		$      4,623		4.3 %		40
Brand Portfolio	16,402		8.2 %		(2,100)		(1.2) %		18,502		NM		NM
Total segment operating profit	129,707		8.7 %		106,582		7.2 %		23,125		21.7 %		150
Corporate/eliminations	(56,114)				(88,346)				32,232		(36.5) %
Consolidated operating profit	$    73,593		5.2 %		$     18,236		1.3 %		$    55,357		303.6 %		390

NM - Not meaningful

 

DESIGNER BRANDS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three months ended				Six months ended
	August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025		August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025
Net sales	$           730,631		$           739,762		$        1,426,981		$        1,426,671
Cost of sales	(365,276)		(417,269)		(746,308)		(809,697)
Gross profit	365,355		322,493		680,673		616,974
Operating expenses	(313,412)		(297,462)		(612,621)		(599,324)
Income from equity investment	2,780		2,578		5,541		5,005
Impairment charges	—		(1,466)		—		(4,419)
Operating profit	54,723		26,143		73,593		18,236
Interest expense on debt, net of interest income	(9,288)		(11,783)		(19,413)		(23,754)
Interest expense on tariff sale financing transaction	(16,097)		—		(16,097)		—
Non-operating income (expenses), net	1,244		(78)		1,239		(70)
Income (loss) before income taxes and loss from equity investment	30,582		14,282		39,322		(5,588)
Income tax provision	(10,031)		(3,408)		(14,836)		(1,219)
Loss from equity investment	(134)		—		(615)		—
Net income (loss)	20,417		10,874		23,871		(6,807)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(2,860)		(339)		(5,155)		(474)
Net income (loss) attributable to Designer Brands Inc.	$             17,557		$             10,535		$             18,716		$             (7,281)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Designer Brands Inc.	$                 0.31		$                 0.21		$                 0.34		$               (0.15)
Weighted average diluted shares	55,974		49,734		55,757		48,678

 

DESIGNER BRANDS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited and in thousands)
	August 1, 2026		January 31, 2026		August 2, 2025
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$             51,591		$              50,871		$              44,937
Receivables, net	80,397		61,716		57,607
Inventories	594,688		563,547		610,876
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	36,252		34,286		40,437
Total current assets	762,928		710,420		753,857
Property and equipment, net	208,965		213,291		227,141
Operating lease assets	694,367		675,648		716,685
Goodwill	130,601		130,837		130,716
Intangible assets, net	79,614		81,242		81,881
Deferred tax assets	30,018		35,882		45,067
Equity investments	55,153		56,260		59,446
Other assets	46,496		46,325		48,870
Total assets	$        2,008,142		$         1,949,905		$         2,063,663
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST, AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$           256,081		$            236,195		$            239,200
Accrued expenses	192,213		178,430		177,491
Current maturities of long-term debt	6,750		6,750		6,750
Current operating lease liabilities	172,454		175,515		157,212
Total current liabilities	627,498		596,890		580,653
Long-term debt	416,309		428,206		509,593
Non-current operating lease liabilities	613,503		596,587		646,431
Other non-current liabilities	43,482		46,606		48,201
Total liabilities	1,700,792		1,668,289		1,784,878
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	6,232		1,616		1,738
Total shareholders' equity	301,118		280,000		277,047
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest, and shareholders' equity	$        2,008,142		$         1,949,905		$         2,063,663

 

DESIGNER BRANDS INC.
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS
(unaudited)
Reconciliation of Gross Profit and Gross Margin to Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Gross Margin
	Three months ended				Six months ended
(amounts in thousands)	August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025		August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025
Gross profit	$     365,355		$     322,493		$     680,673		$     616,974
Gross margin	50.0 %		43.6 %		47.7 %		43.2 %
Non-GAAP adjustments-
Tariff recoveries recorded to cost of sales used to pay the Investor for interest expense	(15,336)		—		(15,336)		—
Adjusted gross profit	$     350,019		$     322,493		$     665,337		$     616,974
Adjusted gross margin	47.9 %		43.6 %		46.6 %		43.2 %

 

Reconciliation of Operating Expenses to Adjusted Operating Expenses
	Three months ended				Six months ended
(in thousands)	August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025		August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025
Operating expenses	$    (313,412)		$    (297,462)		$    (612,621)		$    (599,324)
Operating expenses as a % of net sales	42.9 %		40.2 %		42.9 %		42.0 %
Non-GAAP adjustments-
Restructuring and integration costs	—		2,212		508		6,087
Adjusted operating expenses	$    (313,412)		$    (295,250)		$    (612,113)		$    (593,237)
Adjusted operating expenses as a % of net sales	42.9 %		39.9 %		42.9 %		41.6 %

 

Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Adjusted Operating Profit
	Three months ended				Six months ended
(in thousands)	August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025		August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025
Operating profit	$      54,723		$      26,143		$      73,593		$      18,236
Operating profit as a % of net sales	7.5 %		3.5 %		5.2 %		1.3 %
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Tariff recoveries recorded to cost of sales used to pay the Investor for interest expense	(15,336)		—		(15,336)		—
Restructuring and integration costs	—		2,212		508		6,087
Impairment charges	—		1,466		—		4,419
Adjusted operating profit	$      39,387		$      29,821		$      58,765		$      28,742
Adjusted operating profit as a % of net sales	5.4 %		4.0 %		4.1 %		2.0 %

 

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Designer Brands Inc. and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Designer Brands Inc. to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
	Three months ended				Six months ended
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025		August 1, 2026		August 2, 2025
Net income (loss) attributable to Designer Brands Inc.	$         17,557		$         10,535		$         18,716		$         (7,281)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Designer Brands Inc.	$             0.31		$             0.21		$             0.34		$           (0.15)
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Tariff recoveries recorded to cost of sales used to pay the Investor for interest expense	(15,336)		—		(15,336)		—
Restructuring and integration costs	—		2,212		508		6,087
Interest on tariff recoveries recorded to non- operating income and used to pay the Investor for interest expense	(761)		—		(761)		—
Impairment charges	—		1,466		—		4,419
Interest expense on tariff sale financing transaction and under-reported import duties	16,097		116		16,256		219
Foreign currency transaction losses	6		78		11		70
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	2,860		339		5,155		474
Tax effect of adjustments and changes in valuation allowance	(1,195)		1,679		(1,515)		(513)
Adjusted net income	$         19,228		$         16,425		$         23,034		$          3,475
Adjusted diluted earnings per share	$             0.34		$             0.33		$             0.41		$            0.07

Non-GAAP Measures

Non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company includes adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating profit, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share as shown in the table above. During the second quarter of 2026, we remitted interest payments recognized as interest expense to an Investor that previously purchased certain refund claims that we received. Tariff recoveries recorded to cost of sales and interest on tariff recoveries recorded to non-operating income used to pay the Investor for interest expense related to the tariff sale financing transaction with the Investor were adjusted from our GAAP results as shown in the table above. The non-GAAP measures presented in the table above adjust for the effects of: (1) Tariff recoveries recorded to cost of sales used to pay the Investor for interest expense; (2) restructuring and integration costs, including severance charges; (3) interest on tariff recoveries recorded to non-operating income and used to pay the Investor for interest expense; (4) impairment charges; (5) interest expense on the tariff sale financing transaction with the Investor and under-reported import duties; (6) foreign currency transaction losses; (7) net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest; and (8) the net tax impact of such items and changes in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The unaudited adjusted results should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with GAAP. These financial measures are not based on any standardized methodology and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors to increase comparability to prior periods by adjusting for certain items that may not be indicative of core operating measures and to better identify trends in our business. The adjusted financial results are used by management to, and allow investors to, evaluate the operating performance of the Company compared to prior periods, when reviewed in conjunction with the Company's GAAP statements. These amounts are not determined in accordance with GAAP and therefore should not be used exclusively in evaluating the Company's business and operations.

Comparable Sales Performance Metric

We consider the percent change in comparable sales from the same previous year period, a primary metric commonly used throughout the retail industry, to be an important measurement for management and investors of the performance of our direct-to-consumer businesses. We include in our comparable sales metric sales from stores in operation for at least 14 months at the beginning of the applicable year. Stores are added to the comparable base at the beginning of the year and are dropped for comparative purposes in the quarter in which they are closed. Comparable sales exclude the impact of foreign currency translation and are calculated by translating current period results at the foreign currency exchange rate used in the comparable period of the prior year. Comparable sales include net sales from e-commerce sites. The calculation of comparable sales varies across the retail industry and, as a result, the calculations of other retail companies may not be consistent with our calculation.

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SOURCE Designer Brands Inc.

FAQ

How did the Retail and Brand Portfolio segments perform in Q2 2026?

In the second quarter of 2026, Retail segment net sales were $671.1 million, down 2.2% year-over-year, with Retail comparable sales down 2.6%. Brand Portfolio segment net sales were $86.3 million, up 17.9%. Brand Portfolio direct-to-consumer comparable sales increased 7.1%, compared to a 29.2% decline in the prior-year quarter.

What changes did Designer Brands make to its full-year 2026 financial outlook?

For full-year 2026, the company now expects net sales to be flat to up 1%, compared with prior guidance of down 1% to up 1%. Adjusted diluted EPS guidance was raised to $0.47–$0.52 from the previous range of $0.28–$0.38.

What is Designer Brands’ current liquidity and inventory position?

As of August 1, 2026, cash and cash equivalents were $51.6 million, with $146.2 million available under the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility. Inventories totaled $594.7 million, down from $610.9 million at the end of the same period last year.

What dividend did Designer Brands declare and when will it be paid?

The company declared a $0.05 per share dividend on both Class A and Class B common shares, payable on October 7, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 24, 2026.

How many stores does Designer Brands operate and how did the footprint change?

At August 1, 2026, the company operated 668 stores with total square footage of 10,964 thousand, unchanged in store count from a year earlier. During the first six months of 2026, it opened 7 new stores, closed 4 stores, and remodeled 3 stores.

How does Designer Brands define its forward-looking adjusted diluted EPS for 2026?

Forward-looking adjusted diluted EPS excludes potential charges or gains such as tariff recoveries and related interest, interest on the financing transaction with an unrelated investor, under-reported import duties, restructuring and severance costs, impairment charges, foreign currency gains or losses, net income or loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest, and the net tax impact of these items including any change in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

How can investors access the Q2 2026 earnings conference call and replay?

The conference call is scheduled for 8:30 am Eastern Time on the announcement date. Participants can dial 1-888-317-6003 (North America) or 1-412-317-6061 (international) and reference conference ID 1127904. A live webcast is available at https://app.webinar.net/916wJ9QJZvG and via the company’s investor website. A replay is accessible until September 24, 2026 by dialing 1-855-669-9658 (North America) or 1-412-317-0088 (international) with passcode 5663074.