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[10-Q] Designer Brands Inc. Quarterly Earnings Report

Filing Impact
(Neutral)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
10-Q
Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) discloses operational and financing details in its quarterly report. The company states 41,810,747 Class A and 7,732,733 Class B shares outstanding as of September 2, 2025. During the three months ended August 2, 2025, the company recorded a $1.5 million impairment charge for an underperforming U.S. store; for the six months ended August 2, 2025, impairment charges totaled $4.5 million (U.S. store $1.5m, Canada stores $1.0m, and a $2.0m write-down of an equity security).

The filing describes the $600.0 million ABL Revolver (with sub-limits and a $30.0m FILO term loan), maturing March 2027, and a Term Loan maturing by June 2028. Interest on the Term Loan was 11.4% (effective 12.8% including amortization) and ABL interest was reported at 6.7% as of August 2, 2025. The company was in compliance with all financial covenants. The Board approved a suspension of new deferrals under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan effective for plan years after 2025.

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) rende note informazioni operative e di finanziamento nel suo rapporto trimestrale. La società indica di avere 41.810.747 azioni di Classe A e 7.732.733 azioni di Classe B in circolazione al 2 settembre 2025. Nei tre mesi conclusisi il 2 agosto 2025 è stata registrata una svalutazione di $1,5 milioni per un punto vendita statunitense sottoperformante; nei sei mesi chiusi il 2 agosto 2025 le svalutazioni complessive ammontano a $4,5 milioni (negozio USA $1,5M, negozi Canada $1,0M e una svalutazione di una partecipazione azionaria $2,0M).

La documentazione descrive una linea ABL da $600,0 milioni (con sub-limiti e un prestito FILO da $30,0M), in scadenza a marzo 2027, e un Term Loan in scadenza entro giugno 2028. Il tasso d’interesse sul Term Loan era del 11,4% (effettivo 12,8% inclusa l’ammortizzazione) e il tasso ABL risultava del 6,7% al 2 agosto 2025. La società risultava in conformità con tutti i covenant finanziari. Il Consiglio ha approvato la sospensione di nuove rinunce nel Piano di Compenso Differito Non Qualificato per gli anni di piano successivi al 2025.

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) divulga detalles operativos y de financiación en su informe trimestral. La compañía declara tener 41.810.747 acciones Clase A y 7.732.733 acciones Clase B en circulación al 2 de septiembre de 2025. Durante los tres meses terminados el 2 de agosto de 2025 registró una pérdida por deterioro de $1,5 millones por una tienda subrendidora en EE. UU.; en los seis meses cerrados el 2 de agosto de 2025, las pérdidas por deterioro sumaron $4,5 millones (tienda EE. UU. $1,5M, tiendas en Canadá $1,0M y una baja por valor de un valor de renta variable de $2,0M).

La presentación describe una línea ABL de $600,0 millones (con sublímites y un préstamo FILO de $30,0M), con vencimiento en marzo de 2027, y un préstamo a plazo con vencimiento en junio de 2028. El interés del Term Loan fue 11,4% (efectivo 12,8% incluyendo amortización) y el interés ABL se reportó en 6,7% al 2 de agosto de 2025. La compañía cumplía con todos los covenant financieros. La Junta aprobó la suspensión de nuevas prórrogas bajo el Plan de Compensación Diferida No Calificado para los años del plan posteriores a 2025.

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI)는 분기보고서에서 운영 및 자금조달 세부사항을 공개했습니다. 회사는 2025년 9월 2일 기준으로 클래스 A 41,810,747주클래스 B 7,732,733주가 발행주식수라고 밝혔습니다. 2025년 8월 2일로 종료된 3개월 동안에는 부진한 미국 매장에 대해 $1.5백만의 손상차손을 인식했으며, 2025년 8월 2일로 종료된 6개월 누계로는 총 $4.5백만의 손상차손(미국 매장 $1.5M, 캐나다 매장 $1.0M, 지분증권 평가손 $2.0M)이 발생했습니다.

공시문에는 만기 2027년 3월의 $600.0백만 ABL 회전신용(서브한도 및 $30.0M FILO 기한부 대출 포함)과 2028년 6월 만기의 터미론 대출이 설명되어 있습니다. 터미론 이자율은 11.4%(상각 포함 유효이자율 12.8%)였고, ABL 이자율은 2025년 8월 2일 기준 6.7%로 보고되었습니다. 회사는 모든 재무 약정(covenant)을 준수하고 있었습니다. 이사회는 2025년 이후 계획연도에 대한 비공인 연기 보상 계획(Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan)의 신규 연기 중단을 승인했습니다.

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) communique des détails opérationnels et de financement dans son rapport trimestriel. La société indique détenir 41 810 747 actions de Classe A et 7 732 733 actions de Classe B en circulation au 2 septembre 2025. Au cours des trois mois clos le 2 août 2025, elle a enregistré une perte de valeur de 1,5 M$ pour un magasin américain peu performant ; pour les six mois clos le 2 août 2025, les dépréciations s’élèvent à 4,5 M$ au total (magasin US 1,5M$, magasins Canada 1,0M$ et une dépréciation d’un titre de participation de 2,0M$).

Le dossier décrit une facilité ABL de 600,0 M$ (avec sous‑limites et un prêt terme FILO de 30,0M$), arrivant à échéance en mars 2027, ainsi qu’un Term Loan arrivant à échéance en juin 2028. Le taux d’intérêt du Term Loan était de 11,4% (effectif 12,8% incluant l’amortissement) et le taux ABL était de 6,7% au 2 août 2025. La société respectait tous ses covenants financiers. Le Conseil a approuvé la suspension de nouvelles reports dans le Plan de rémunération différée non qualifié pour les exercices postérieurs à 2025.

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) legt in seinem Quartalsbericht operative und finanzielle Details offen. Das Unternehmen gibt zum 2. September 2025 41.810.747 Class‑A‑Aktien und 7.732.733 Class‑B‑Aktien ausstehend an. Für die drei Monate zum 2. August 2025 wurde eine Wertminderung von $1,5 Mio. für ein unterperformendes US‑Geschäft verbucht; in den sechs Monaten zum 2. August 2025 beliefen sich die Wertminderungen insgesamt auf $4,5 Mio. (US‑Geschäft $1,5M, kanadische Filialen $1,0M und eine Abschreibung einer Beteiligung in Höhe von $2,0M).

Die Einreichung beschreibt einen $600,0 Mio. ABL‑Revolver (mit Sublimits und einem $30,0M FILO‑Terminkredit) mit Laufzeit bis März 2027 sowie einen Term Loan mit Fälligkeit bis Juni 2028. Der Zinssatz für den Term Loan betrug 11,4% (effektiv 12,8% inklusive Amortisation) und der ABL‑Zinssatz wurde zum 2. August 2025 mit 6,7% angegeben. Das Unternehmen befand sich in Übereinstimmung mit allen finanziellen Covenants. Der Vorstand genehmigte die Aussetzung neuer Aufschübe im Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan für Planjahre nach 2025.

Positive
  • Compliance with covenants: Company reports being in compliance with all ABL and Term Loan covenants as of August 2, 2025.
  • ABL facility capacity: Access to a $600.0 million ABL revolver with sub-limits and a $30.0 million FILO term loan provides working capital flexibility.
  • Insurance coverage for settlements: Certain legal settlements are fully covered by insurance, with corresponding receivables recorded.
Negative
  • Impairment charges: Recorded $1.5 million impairment in the three-month period and $4.5 million in the six-month period, including a $2.0 million equity write-down.
  • High borrowing costs: Term Loan interest at 11.4% (effective 12.8% with amortization) and ABL pricing noted at 6.7% as of August 2, 2025.
  • Restrictive covenants: Covenants limit asset sales, acquisitions, additional debt, dividends, and share repurchases, potentially constraining strategic flexibility.

Insights

TL;DR: Impairments and elevated borrowing costs pressure near-term results, but covenant compliance and available ABL capacity provide operating flexibility.

Designer Brands recorded impairments totaling $4.5 million in the six-month period, driven by underperforming stores and an illiquid equity investment. Interest costs remain meaningful: the Term Loan effective rate was 12.8% including amortization and the ABL carried a 6.7% rate as of August 2, 2025. The $600 million ABL facility with sub-limits and a $30m FILO tranche supports liquidity needs through March 2027, and management reports compliance with covenants. The suspension of new deferrals under the nonqualified plan is an administrative change that reduces future plan accruals. These elements suggest constrained profitability but intact near-term liquidity.

TL;DR: Covenant compliance and secured collateral mitigate immediate default risk, yet high financing costs and covenant restrictions remain credit constraints.

The ABL is secured by first-priority liens on personal property and the Term Loan carries broad collateral and higher pricing, reflecting elevated credit risk pricing (Term Loan floor plus 7.0% margin; effective ~12.8%). Covenant mechanics tighten liquidity actions when availability falls, and customary restrictions limit borrowings, asset sales, and distributions. Management states all covenants were met as of August 2, 2025, and some litigation exposures are insured with corresponding receivables recorded. From a credit perspective, available borrowing capacity and covenant compliance reduce immediate default probability, but leverage sensitivity and costly debt increase refinancing and interest-rate risk.

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) rende note informazioni operative e di finanziamento nel suo rapporto trimestrale. La società indica di avere 41.810.747 azioni di Classe A e 7.732.733 azioni di Classe B in circolazione al 2 settembre 2025. Nei tre mesi conclusisi il 2 agosto 2025 è stata registrata una svalutazione di $1,5 milioni per un punto vendita statunitense sottoperformante; nei sei mesi chiusi il 2 agosto 2025 le svalutazioni complessive ammontano a $4,5 milioni (negozio USA $1,5M, negozi Canada $1,0M e una svalutazione di una partecipazione azionaria $2,0M).

La documentazione descrive una linea ABL da $600,0 milioni (con sub-limiti e un prestito FILO da $30,0M), in scadenza a marzo 2027, e un Term Loan in scadenza entro giugno 2028. Il tasso d’interesse sul Term Loan era del 11,4% (effettivo 12,8% inclusa l’ammortizzazione) e il tasso ABL risultava del 6,7% al 2 agosto 2025. La società risultava in conformità con tutti i covenant finanziari. Il Consiglio ha approvato la sospensione di nuove rinunce nel Piano di Compenso Differito Non Qualificato per gli anni di piano successivi al 2025.

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) divulga detalles operativos y de financiación en su informe trimestral. La compañía declara tener 41.810.747 acciones Clase A y 7.732.733 acciones Clase B en circulación al 2 de septiembre de 2025. Durante los tres meses terminados el 2 de agosto de 2025 registró una pérdida por deterioro de $1,5 millones por una tienda subrendidora en EE. UU.; en los seis meses cerrados el 2 de agosto de 2025, las pérdidas por deterioro sumaron $4,5 millones (tienda EE. UU. $1,5M, tiendas en Canadá $1,0M y una baja por valor de un valor de renta variable de $2,0M).

La presentación describe una línea ABL de $600,0 millones (con sublímites y un préstamo FILO de $30,0M), con vencimiento en marzo de 2027, y un préstamo a plazo con vencimiento en junio de 2028. El interés del Term Loan fue 11,4% (efectivo 12,8% incluyendo amortización) y el interés ABL se reportó en 6,7% al 2 de agosto de 2025. La compañía cumplía con todos los covenant financieros. La Junta aprobó la suspensión de nuevas prórrogas bajo el Plan de Compensación Diferida No Calificado para los años del plan posteriores a 2025.

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI)는 분기보고서에서 운영 및 자금조달 세부사항을 공개했습니다. 회사는 2025년 9월 2일 기준으로 클래스 A 41,810,747주클래스 B 7,732,733주가 발행주식수라고 밝혔습니다. 2025년 8월 2일로 종료된 3개월 동안에는 부진한 미국 매장에 대해 $1.5백만의 손상차손을 인식했으며, 2025년 8월 2일로 종료된 6개월 누계로는 총 $4.5백만의 손상차손(미국 매장 $1.5M, 캐나다 매장 $1.0M, 지분증권 평가손 $2.0M)이 발생했습니다.

공시문에는 만기 2027년 3월의 $600.0백만 ABL 회전신용(서브한도 및 $30.0M FILO 기한부 대출 포함)과 2028년 6월 만기의 터미론 대출이 설명되어 있습니다. 터미론 이자율은 11.4%(상각 포함 유효이자율 12.8%)였고, ABL 이자율은 2025년 8월 2일 기준 6.7%로 보고되었습니다. 회사는 모든 재무 약정(covenant)을 준수하고 있었습니다. 이사회는 2025년 이후 계획연도에 대한 비공인 연기 보상 계획(Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan)의 신규 연기 중단을 승인했습니다.

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) communique des détails opérationnels et de financement dans son rapport trimestriel. La société indique détenir 41 810 747 actions de Classe A et 7 732 733 actions de Classe B en circulation au 2 septembre 2025. Au cours des trois mois clos le 2 août 2025, elle a enregistré une perte de valeur de 1,5 M$ pour un magasin américain peu performant ; pour les six mois clos le 2 août 2025, les dépréciations s’élèvent à 4,5 M$ au total (magasin US 1,5M$, magasins Canada 1,0M$ et une dépréciation d’un titre de participation de 2,0M$).

Le dossier décrit une facilité ABL de 600,0 M$ (avec sous‑limites et un prêt terme FILO de 30,0M$), arrivant à échéance en mars 2027, ainsi qu’un Term Loan arrivant à échéance en juin 2028. Le taux d’intérêt du Term Loan était de 11,4% (effectif 12,8% incluant l’amortissement) et le taux ABL était de 6,7% au 2 août 2025. La société respectait tous ses covenants financiers. Le Conseil a approuvé la suspension de nouvelles reports dans le Plan de rémunération différée non qualifié pour les exercices postérieurs à 2025.

Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) legt in seinem Quartalsbericht operative und finanzielle Details offen. Das Unternehmen gibt zum 2. September 2025 41.810.747 Class‑A‑Aktien und 7.732.733 Class‑B‑Aktien ausstehend an. Für die drei Monate zum 2. August 2025 wurde eine Wertminderung von $1,5 Mio. für ein unterperformendes US‑Geschäft verbucht; in den sechs Monaten zum 2. August 2025 beliefen sich die Wertminderungen insgesamt auf $4,5 Mio. (US‑Geschäft $1,5M, kanadische Filialen $1,0M und eine Abschreibung einer Beteiligung in Höhe von $2,0M).

Die Einreichung beschreibt einen $600,0 Mio. ABL‑Revolver (mit Sublimits und einem $30,0M FILO‑Terminkredit) mit Laufzeit bis März 2027 sowie einen Term Loan mit Fälligkeit bis Juni 2028. Der Zinssatz für den Term Loan betrug 11,4% (effektiv 12,8% inklusive Amortisation) und der ABL‑Zinssatz wurde zum 2. August 2025 mit 6,7% angegeben. Das Unternehmen befand sich in Übereinstimmung mit allen finanziellen Covenants. Der Vorstand genehmigte die Aussetzung neuer Aufschübe im Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan für Planjahre nach 2025.

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended August 2, 2025
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period fromto
Commission file number 001-32545
Picture2.jpg
DESIGNER BRANDS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio31-0746639
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
810 DSW Drive,Columbus,Ohio43219
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (614) 237-7100

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Shares, without par valueDBINew York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☑ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☑ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☑ No

Number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of September 2, 2025: 41,810,747 Class A common shares and 7,732,733 Class B common shares.




DESIGNER BRANDS INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1
Financial Statements
1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
2
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
5
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
Item 2
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
31
Item 4
Controls and Procedures
31
PART IIOTHER INFORMATION
Item 1
Legal Proceedings
31
Item 1A
Risk Factors
31
Item 2
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
32
Item 3
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
32
Item 4
Mine Safety Disclosures
32
Item 5
Other Information
32
Item 6
Exhibits
33
SIGNATURE
34

All references to "we," "us," "our," "Designer Brands Inc.," or the "Company" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 2025 (this "Form 10-Q") mean Designer Brands Inc. and its subsidiaries.

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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements in this Form 10-Q may constitute forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of 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. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are based upon current plans, estimates, expectations and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. The inclusion of any forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates, or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of our 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. In addition to those factors described under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2025 (the "2024 Form 10-K") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 24, 2025 and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-Q, and otherwise in our reports and filings with the SEC, there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements that include, but are not limited to, the following:
uncertain general economic and financial conditions, including economic volatility and potential downturn or recession, supply chain disruptions, new or increased tariffs and other barriers to trade, 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 on our business strategies, including growing our Brand Portfolio segment, enhancing in-store and digital shopping experiences, and meeting consumer demands;
our ability to successfully and efficiently integrate acquisitions in a manner that does not impede growth;
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, whether as a result of reliance on third-party providers or otherwise;
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;
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 ("ABL Revolver"), and our senior secured term loan credit agreement, as amended ("Term Loan"), 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.

If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results, performance, or achievements may vary materially from what we have projected. Furthermore, new factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor can management assess the impact of any such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ii

Table of contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)Three months ended Six months ended
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Net sales$739,762 $771,900 $1,426,671 $1,518,496 
Cost of sales(416,829)(432,351)(808,612)(848,936)
Gross profit322,933 339,549 618,059 669,560 
Operating expenses(297,462)(313,531)(599,324)(637,024)
Income from equity investments2,578 2,571 5,005 5,435 
Impairment charges(1,466) (4,419) 
Operating profit26,583 28,589 19,321 37,971 
Interest expense, net(11,667)(11,035)(23,535)(22,596)
Non-operating expenses, net(78)(109)(70)(252)
Income (loss) before income taxes14,838 17,445 (4,284)15,123 
Income tax provision(3,557)(3,363)(1,571)(156)
Net income (loss)11,281 14,082 (5,855)14,967 
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest(454)(258)(742)(360)
Net income (loss) attributable to Designer Brands Inc.$10,827 $13,824 $(6,597)$14,607 
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Designer Brands Inc.:
Basic earnings (loss) per share$0.22 $0.24 $(0.14)$0.25 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$0.22 $0.24 $(0.14)$0.25 
Weighted average shares used in per share calculations:
Basic shares49,109 57,162 48,678 57,313 
Diluted shares49,734 58,576 48,678 58,978 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(unaudited and in thousands)Three months ended Six months ended
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Net income (loss)$11,281 $14,082 $(5,855)$14,967 
Other comprehensive income (loss)-
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)9 (977)3,507 (1,880)
Comprehensive income (loss)11,290 13,105 (2,348)13,087 
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest(454)(258)(742)(360)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Designer Brands Inc.$10,836 $12,847 $(3,090)$12,727 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited and in thousands)August 2, 2025February 1, 2025August 3, 2024
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$44,937 $44,752 $38,834 
Receivables, net55,675 50,371 49,671 
Inventories610,876 599,751 642,783 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets40,437 39,950 66,760 
Total current assets751,925 734,824 798,048 
Property and equipment, net227,141 208,199 216,313 
Operating lease assets716,685 701,621 723,818 
Goodwill130,716 130,386 130,611 
Intangible assets, net81,881 84,639 86,334 
Deferred tax assets45,067 43,324 39,997 
Equity investments59,446 56,761 61,020 
Other assets48,870 49,470 50,993 
Total assets$2,061,731 $2,009,224 $2,107,134 
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST, AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$239,200 $271,524 $294,739 
Accrued expenses170,333 152,153 161,155 
Current maturities of long-term debt6,750 6,750 6,750 
Current operating lease liabilities157,212 159,924 156,394 
Total current liabilities573,495 590,351 619,038 
Long-term debt509,593 484,285 458,974 
Non-current operating lease liabilities646,431 635,076 653,416 
Other non-current liabilities48,201 17,737 16,642 
Total liabilities1,777,720 1,727,449 1,748,070 
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interest3,214 3,284 3,519 
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares paid in-capital, no par value1,055,199 1,045,002 1,038,061 
Treasury shares, at cost(833,351)(833,355)(782,771)
Retained earnings66,493 77,895 107,774 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(7,544)(11,051)(7,519)
Total shareholders' equity280,797 278,491 355,545 
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest, and shareholders' equity$2,061,731 $2,009,224 $2,107,134 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Number of SharesAmounts
(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)Class A
Common
Shares
Class B
Common
Shares
Treasury SharesCommon Shares Paid in CapitalTreasury SharesRetained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Total
Three months ended August 2, 2025
Balance, May 3, 202540,900 7,733 52,902 $1,049,774 $(833,355)$58,074 $(7,553)$266,940 
Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc.     10,827  10,827 
Stock-based compensation activity896   5,425    5,425 
Dividends ($0.05 per share)
     (2,408) (2,408)
Foreign currency translation gain      9 9 
Other    4   4 
Balance, August 2, 202541,796 7,733 52,902 $1,055,199 $(833,351)$66,493 $(7,544)$280,797 
Three months ended August 3, 2024
Balance, May 4, 202450,060 7,733 42,560 $1,032,998 $(764,802)$96,818 $(6,542)$358,472 
Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc.— — — — — 13,824 — 13,824 
Stock-based compensation activity362 — — 5,063 — — — 5,063 
Repurchase of Class A common shares(2,665)— 2,665 — (17,969)— — (17,969)
Dividends ($0.05 per share)
— — —  — (2,868)— (2,868)
Foreign currency translation loss— — — — — — (977)(977)
Balance, August 3, 202447,757 7,733 45,225 $1,038,061 $(782,771)$107,774 $(7,519)$355,545 
Six months ended August 2, 2025
Balance, February 1, 202540,211 7,733 52,902 $1,045,002 $(833,355)$77,895 $(11,051)$278,491 
Net loss attributable to Designer Brands Inc.     (6,597) (6,597)
Stock-based compensation activity1,585   10,197    10,197 
Dividends ($0.10 per share)
     (4,805) (4,805)
Foreign currency translation gain      3,507 3,507 
Other    4   4 
Balance, August 2, 202541,796 7,733 52,902 $1,055,199 $(833,351)$66,493 $(7,544)$280,797 
Six months ended August 3, 2024
Balance, February 3, 202449,491 7,733 42,560 $1,030,765 $(764,802)$98,896 $(5,639)$359,220 
Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc.— — — — — 14,607 — 14,607 
Stock-based compensation activity931 — — 7,296 — — — 7,296 
Repurchase of Class A common shares(2,665)— 2,665 — (17,969)— — (17,969)
Dividends ($0.10 per share)
— — — — — (5,729)— (5,729)
Foreign currency translation loss— — — — — — (1,880)(1,880)
Balance, August 3, 202447,757 7,733 45,225 $1,038,061 $(782,771)$107,774 $(7,519)$355,545 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Six months ended
(unaudited and in thousands)August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$(5,855)$14,967 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization29,664 32,827 
Stock-based compensation expense12,063 11,419 
Deferred income taxes(1,489)(999)
Income from equity investments(5,005)(5,435)
Distributions received from equity investments6,935 7,272 
Impairment charges4,419  
Other(260)703 
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired amounts:
Accounts receivables(5,223)(14,663)
Income tax receivable 44,476 
Inventories(8,714)(65,812)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(118)5,619 
Accounts payable(31,972)3,883 
Accrued expenses15,005 (7,247)
Operating lease assets and liabilities, net(8,373)(5,112)
Net cash provided by operating activities1,077 21,898 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash paid for property and equipment(16,753)(29,481)
Cash paid for business acquisitions (16,352)
Other(1,916)4,362 
Net cash used in investing activities (18,669)(41,471)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowing on revolving credit facility540,011 652,076 
Payments on revolving credit facility(512,187)(610,866)
Payments for borrowings under Term Loan(3,375)(3,375)
Cash paid for treasury shares (17,969)
Dividends paid(4,805)(5,729)
Cash paid for taxes for stock-based compensation shares withheld(1,866)(4,123)
Other(1,296)(387)
Net cash provided by financing activities16,482 9,627 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances1,295 (393)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents185 (10,339)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period44,752 49,173 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$44,937 $38,834 
Supplemental disclosures:
Net cash received for income taxes$2,660 $47,771 
Cash paid for interest on debt$21,518 $20,533 
Property and equipment purchases not yet paid$3,534 $2,777 
Contribution of intangible asset to equity investment$2,700 $ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 1
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
7
Note 2
Acquisition
9
Note 3
Revenue
9
Note 4
Related Party Transactions
10
Note 5
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
11
Note 6
Stock-Based Compensation
11
Note 7
Shareholders' Equity
12
Note 8
Receivables
12
Note 9
Property and Leases
13
Note 10
Accrued Expenses
14
Note 11
Debt
14
Note 12
Commitments and Contingencies
15
Note 13
Segment Reporting
16

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1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Business Operations- Designer Brands Inc. is one of the world's largest designers, producers, and retailers of footwear and accessories. We operate in three reportable segments: the U.S. Retail segment, the Canada Retail segment, and the Brand Portfolio segment. The U.S. Retail segment operates the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse ("DSW") banner through its direct-to-consumer stores and e-commerce site in the United States ("U.S."). The Canada Retail segment operates The Shoe Co., DSW, and Rubino banners through its direct-to-consumer stores and e-commerce sites in Canada. The Brand Portfolio segment primarily earns revenue from the wholesale of our branded products to retailers and international distributors and the sale of our Vince Camuto, Keds, and Topo brands through direct-to-consumer e-commerce sites.

Basis of Presentation- The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, we do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. The balance sheet as of February 1, 2025 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the 2024 Form 10-K.

Fiscal Year- Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. References to a fiscal year (e.g., "2025") refer to the calendar year in which the fiscal year begins. This reporting schedule is followed by many national retail companies and typically results in a 52-week fiscal year (including 2025 and 2024), but occasionally will contain an additional week resulting in a 53-week fiscal year.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting Policies- The complete summary of significant accounting policies is included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements as presented in our 2024 Form 10-K.

Principles of Consolidation- The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Designer Brands Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All amounts are in U.S. dollars.

Use of Estimates- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting periods. Certain estimates and assumptions use forecasted financial information based on information reasonably available to us. Significant estimates and assumptions are required as a part of accounting for customer returns and allowances, gift card breakage income, deferred revenue associated with reward programs, valuation of inventories, depreciation and amortization, impairments of long-lived assets, intangibles, goodwill and investments, lease accounting, redeemable noncontrolling interest, income taxes and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, and self-insurance reserves. Although we believe that these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates and assumptions, and actual results could differ from these estimates.

Severance- During the three months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we incurred severance costs of $2.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively. During the six months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we incurred severance costs of $4.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively. These costs are included in operating expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and no amounts were material to any individual reportable segment. As of August 2, 2025, February 1, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we had $2.0 million, $1.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively, of severance liability included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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Income Taxes- During the three months ended August 2, 2025, we changed our method of calculating interim income taxes from the discrete effective tax method to the annual effective tax rate method. This change was applied to the six months ended August 2, 2025 and was made to better reflect the expected annual tax expense and improve comparability across interim periods. For the three months ended August 2, 2025, we used the discrete effective tax method to calculate our interim income tax benefit due to the high degree of uncertainty in estimating annual pretax earnings at that time. The impact of this change was immaterial for the three months ended August 2, 2025.

On July 4, 2025, new U.S. tax legislation H.R.1, referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill ("OBBB"), was signed into law. OBBB contains several changes to corporate taxation including accelerated fixed asset depreciation, limitations on deductions of interest expense, and modifications to capitalization of research and development expenses. We have determined that the impact of OBBB on our estimated 2025 annual effective tax rate will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

For the three months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, our effective tax rate was 24.0% and 19.3%, respectively, and for the six months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, our effective tax rate was negative 36.7% and positive 1.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the six months ended August 2, 2025 differed from the statutory rate primarily due to the impact of permanent non-deductible compensation, which resulted in a negative effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the six months ended August 3, 2024 differed from the statutory rate primarily due to discrete tax benefits recognized, primarily the release of federal tax reserves no longer deemed necessary and state tax planning initiatives, partially offset by the impact of permanent non-deductible compensation.

Equity Investment in Pro-Keds JV- On July 28, 2025, we contributed cash of $1.9 million and the Pro-Keds tradename at a fair value of $2.7 million in exchange for a 45.0% interest in Pro-Keds International S.r.l. ("Pro-Keds JV"), which manages the Pro-Keds brand. We account for our investment in Pro-Keds JV, where we exercise significant influence but do not have control, using the equity method.

Fair Value- Fair value is defined as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized using defined hierarchical levels related to the subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair value measurements as follows:
•    Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
•    Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable
•    Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable approximated their fair values due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of borrowings under our ABL Revolver and our Term Loan approximated fair value based on the terms and variable interest rates.

Impairments- During the three months ended August 2, 2025, we recorded an impairment charge to long-lived assets of $1.5 million due to an underperforming store in the U.S. During the six months ended August 2, 2025, we recorded impairment charges to long-lived assets of $1.5 million due to an underperforming store in the U.S., $1.0 million due to underperforming stores in Canada, and $2.0 million of an interest in an equity security without a readily determinable fair value held at cost, which resulted in no remaining value due to the lack of liquidity and the deterioration in the business prospects of the investee. There were no impairment charges for the three and six months ended August 3, 2024.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement- In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2024-03, Income Statement Expense Disaggregation Disclosures, which requires disaggregated disclosures for specific cost and expense categories such as inventory purchases, employee compensation, depreciation, and amortization, as well as other disclosures. ASU 2024-03 is effective either on a retrospective basis to all prior periods presented or on a prospective basis beginning with our 2027 Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent interim periods. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2024-03 to the notes of the consolidated financial statements.

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2. ACQUISITION

On April 8, 2024, we completed the acquisition of Rubino Shoes Inc. ("Rubino"), a retailer of branded footwear, handbags, and accessories that operates Rubino banner stores and an e-commerce site in Quebec, Canada. The acquisition of Rubino has allowed our Canada Retail segment to expand into the province of Quebec. The final purchase price and the allocation of the total consideration to the fair values of the assets and liabilities was finalized as of November 2, 2024, and consisted of the following:
(in thousands)Final Purchase Price and Allocation
Purchase price cash consideration$16,144 
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired:
Inventories$7,245 
Operating lease assets9,334 
Goodwill7,067 
Intangible assets5,116 
Other assets2,443 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities(5,727)
Operating lease liabilities(9,334)
$16,144 

The fair value of the intangible asset relates to an indefinite-lived tradename and was estimated using the relief from royalty method of the income approach. The fair value measurements are based on significant unobservable inputs, including discounted future cash flows and an assumed royalty rate. The fair value of the operating lease assets was determined based on the market valuation approach. The goodwill, included within the Canada Retail segment, represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired and was primarily attributable to acquiring an established retail banner in a province in Canada we did not previously have a presence in. Goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.

3. REVENUE

DISAGGREGATION OF NET SALES

Beginning with the 2024 Form 10-K, we changed the presentation of disaggregation of net sales for all periods presented to include net sales by product and service categories with an athletic footwear category and excluded the previously presented disaggregation of net sales by brand categories. This change aligns with how management evaluates the net sales performance of our segments.

The following table presents net sales disaggregated by product and service categories for each segment:
Three months ended Six months ended
(in thousands)August 2, 2025August 3, 2024August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Net sales:
U.S. Retail segment:
Non-athletic footwear:
Women's$280,464 $305,724 $555,990 $612,078 
Men's85,269 88,376 156,204 164,174 
Kids'22,343 23,839 43,814 45,525 
Athletic footwear183,343 188,870 358,508 373,395 
Accessories and other39,507 34,885 69,650 67,889 
610,926 641,694 1,184,166 1,263,061 
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Three months ended Six months ended
(in thousands)August 2, 2025August 3, 2024August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Canada Retail segment:
Non-athletic footwear:
Women's31,666 32,160 50,873 52,983 
Men's11,206 11,117 18,715 18,535 
Kids'3,486 3,890 6,449 6,711 
Athletic footwear25,554 24,278 47,618 46,754 
Accessories and other3,165 3,352 5,327 5,326 
75,077 74,797 128,982 130,309 
Brand Portfolio segment:
Wholesale62,211 80,592 146,709 169,262 
Direct-to consumer9,812 13,889 20,167 27,819 
Other1,134 1,512 2,179 3,042 
73,157 95,993 169,055 200,123 
Total segment net sales759,160 812,484 1,482,203 1,593,493 
Elimination of intersegment sales(19,398)(40,584)(55,532)(74,997)
Total net sales$739,762 $771,900 $1,426,671 $1,518,496 

DEFERRED REVENUE LIABILITIES

We record deferred revenue liabilities, included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, for remaining obligations we have to our customers. The following table presents the changes and total balances for gift cards and reward programs:
Three months ended Six months ended
(in thousands)August 2, 2025August 3, 2024August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Gift cards:
Beginning of period$25,829 $27,811 $28,963 $31,662 
Gift cards redeemed and breakage recognized to net sales(14,151)(14,763)(28,713)(32,028)
Gift cards issued12,490 12,297 23,918 25,711 
End of period$24,168 $25,345 $24,168 $25,345 
Reward programs:
Beginning of period$13,894 $14,948 $14,126 $15,971 
Reward certificates redeemed and expired and other adjustments recognized to net sales(7,201)(8,104)(13,911)(16,294)
Deferred revenue for reward points issued6,225 7,710 12,703 14,877 
End of period$12,918 $14,554 $12,918 $14,554 

4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

SCHOTTENSTEIN AFFILIATES

We have transactions with entities owned or controlled by Jay L. Schottenstein, the executive chairman of our Board of Directors (the "Board"), and members of his family (the "Schottenstein Affiliates"). As of August 2, 2025, the Schottenstein Affiliates beneficially owned approximately 30% of the Company's outstanding common shares, representing approximately 66% of the combined voting power, consisting of, in the aggregate, 7.1 million Class A common shares and 7.7 million Class B common shares.

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The following summarizes the related party transactions with the Schottenstein Affiliates for the relevant periods:

Leases- We lease certain store and office locations that are owned by the Schottenstein Affiliates. For the three months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we recorded rent expense from the leases with Schottenstein Affiliates of $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively. For the six months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we recorded rent expense from the leases with Schottenstein Affiliates of $3.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively. As of August 2, 2025, February 1, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we had related party current operating lease liabilities of $4.1 million, $4.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively, and non-current operating lease liabilities of $15.4 million, $13.4 million and $18.1 million, respectively.

Other Purchases and Services and Due to Related Parties- Amounts for other purchases and services we incurred from the Schottenstein Affiliates and the amounts due to the Schottenstein Affiliates, other than operating lease liabilities, were immaterial for all periods presented.

ABG-CAMUTO

We have a 40.0% ownership interest in ABG-Camuto, LLC ("ABG-Camuto"). We have a licensing agreement with ABG-Camuto, pursuant to which we pay royalties on the net sales of the brands owned by ABG-Camuto, subject to guaranteed minimums. For both the three months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we recorded royalty expense for amounts paid to ABG-Camuto of $4.8 million. For both the six months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we recorded royalty expense for amounts paid to ABG-Camuto of $9.6 million.

5. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic earnings (loss) per share is based on net income (loss) attributable to Designer Brands Inc. and the weighted average of Class A and Class B common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of common shares adjusted for outstanding stock-based compensation awards calculated using the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock-based compensation awards is applicable only in periods when we have net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc.

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as used in the calculation of earnings (loss) per share attributable to Designer Brands Inc.:
Three months ended Six months ended
(in thousands)
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
49,109 57,162 48,678 57,313 
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards
625 1,414  1,665 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
49,734 58,576 48,678 58,978 

For the three months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, the number of shares relating to potentially dilutive stock-based compensation awards that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect was 8.8 million and 4.1 million, respectively. For the six months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, the number of shares relating to potentially dilutive stock-based compensation awards that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share due to their anti-dilutive effect was 7.5 million and 3.6 million, respectively.

6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

For the three months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we recorded stock-based compensation expense of $6.0 million and $5.8 million, respectively. For the six months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we recorded stock-based compensation expense of $12.1 million and $11.4 million, respectively. These costs are included in operating expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

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The following table summarizes the restricted stock units ("RSU") activity for the six months ended August 2, 2025:
(in thousands) Shares of Time-Based RSUsShares of Performance-Based RSUs
Outstanding - beginning of period4,7431,013 
Granted6,389 880 
Vested(1,103)(269)
Forfeited(821)(497)
Outstanding - end of period9,208 1,127 

7. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Our Class A common shares are listed for trading under the ticker symbol "DBI" on the New York Stock Exchange. There is currently no public market for the Company's Class B common shares, but the Class B common shares can be converted into the Company's Class A common shares at the election of the holder on a share-for-share basis. Holders of Class A common shares are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B common shares are entitled to eight votes per share on matters submitted to shareholders for approval.

The following table provides additional information for our common shares:
(in thousands)August 2, 2025February 1, 2025August 3, 2024
Class AClass BClass AClass BClass AClass B
Authorized shares250,000 100,000 250,000 100,000 250,000 100,000 
Issued shares94,698 7,733 93,113 7,733 92,982 7,733 
Outstanding shares41,796 7,733 40,211 7,733 47,757 7,733 
Treasury shares52,902  52,902  45,225  

We have authorized 100 million shares of no par value preferred shares, with no shares issued for any of the periods presented.

8. RECEIVABLES

Receivables, net, consisted of the following:
(in thousands)August 2, 2025February 1, 2025August 3, 2024
Customer accounts receivables:
Receivables with payment guarantee by third-party provider$23,210 $25,030 $24,405 
Receivables without payment guarantee11,849 11,213 10,983 
Other receivables21,462 14,579 14,731 
Total receivables56,521 50,822 50,119 
Allowance for credit losses(846)(451)(448)
$55,675 $50,371 $49,671 

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9. PROPERTY AND LEASES

During the six months ended August 2, 2025, we commenced operations of a new distribution center, which resulted in an additional operating lease of $22.4 million and additional finance leases for equipment of $32.5 million.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following:
(dollars in thousands)Useful Life (years)August 2, 2025February 1, 2025August 3, 2024
LandIndefinite$1,110 $1,110 $1,110 
Buildings3912,485 12,485 12,485 
Building and leasehold improvements
3-20 or the lease term if
shorter
464,606 457,795 454,508 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
3-15
465,549 463,120 460,374 
Software
3-5
207,677 203,415 201,369 
Finance leased equipment
3-10 or the lease term if shorter
32,482   
Construction-in-progress11,362 11,222 8,289 
Total property and equipment1,195,271 1,149,147 1,138,135 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(968,130)(940,948)(921,822)
$227,141 $208,199 $216,313 

LEASES

The following table presents the classification and amounts for operating and finance leases on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
(in thousands)ClassificationAugust 2, 2025February 1, 2025August 3, 2024
Assets:
Operating lease assetsOperating lease assets$716,685 $701,621 $723,818 
Finance lease assetsProperty and equipment, net$31,008 $ $ 
Liabilities:
Current:
Operating lease liabilitiesCurrent operating lease liabilities$157,212 $159,924 $156,394 
Finance lease liabilitiesAccrued expenses$3,199 $ $ 
Non-current:
Operating lease liabilitiesNon-current operating lease liabilities$646,431 $635,076 $653,416 
Finance lease liabilitiesOther non-current liabilities$28,913 $ $ 

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The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases:
Six months ended
(in thousands)August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Cash paid for lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows for operating leases$107,287 $104,185 
Operating cash flows for finance leases$463 $ 
Financing cash flows for finance leases$370 $ 
Non-cash activities:
Operating lease liabilities arising from lease asset additions$36,617 $10,818 
Finance lease liabilities arising from lease asset additions$32,482 $ 
Net increase to operating lease assets and lease liabilities for modifications$53,788 $65,435 

10. ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:
(in thousands)August 2, 2025February 1, 2025August 3, 2024
Gift cards$24,168 $28,963 $25,345 
Accrued compensation and related expenses20,875 16,969 31,579 
Accrued taxes26,989 22,843 23,721 
Customer returns and allowances17,667 18,053 19,247 
Reward programs deferred revenue12,918 14,126 14,554 
Other67,716 51,199 46,709 
$170,333 $152,153 $161,155 

11. DEBT

Debt consisted of the following:
(in thousands)August 2, 2025February 1, 2025August 3, 2024
ABL Revolver$397,914 $370,090 $342,280 
Term Loan123,000 126,375 129,750 
Total debt520,914 496,465 472,030 
Less unamortized Term Loan debt issuance costs(4,571)(5,430)(6,306)
Less current maturities of long-term debt(6,750)(6,750)(6,750)
Long-term debt$509,593 $484,285 $458,974 

ABL REVOLVER

On March 30, 2022, we replaced our previous senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with our current ABL Revolver, which was subsequently amended on February 28, 2023 and June 23, 2023. The ABL Revolver provides a revolving line of credit of up to $600.0 million, including a Canadian sub-limit of up to $60.0 million, a $75.0 million sub-limit for the issuance of letters of credit, a $60.0 million sub-limit for swing-loan advances for U.S. borrowings, and a $6.0 million sub-limit for swing-loan advances for Canadian borrowings. In addition, the ABL Revolver includes borrowings of $30.0 million under a first-in last-out term loan ("FILO Term Loan"), which may be repaid in full, but not in part, so long as certain payment conditions are satisfied. Once repaid, no portion of the FILO Term Loan may be reborrowed. Our ABL Revolver matures in March 2027 and is secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all of our personal property assets, including credit card receivables and inventory. The ABL Revolver may be used to provide funds for working capital, capital expenditures, share repurchases, other expenditures, and permitted acquisitions as defined by the credit facility agreement. The amount of credit available is limited to a borrowing base formulated on, among other things, a percentage of the book value of eligible inventory and credit card receivables, as reduced by certain reserves. As of August 2, 2025, the revolving line of credit (excluding the
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FILO Term Loan) had a borrowing base of $476.2 million, with $367.9 million in outstanding borrowings and $4.0 million in letters of credit issued, resulting in $104.3 million available for borrowings.

Borrowings under the revolving line of credit and letters of credit issued under the ABL Revolver accrue interest, at our option, at a rate equal to: (A) a base rate per annum equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the Fed Funds Rate (as defined in the credit facility agreement and subject to a floor of 0%) plus 0.5%, and (iii) Adjusted Term SOFR (as defined in the credit facility agreement) plus 1.0%; or (B) a one-month, three-month, or six-month Adjusted Term SOFR per annum (subject to a floor of 0%), plus, in each instance, an applicable rate to be determined based on average availability. The FILO Term Loan accrues interest, at our option, at a rate equal to: (A) a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the Fed Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or (iii) Adjusted Term SOFR plus 1.0%, plus 2.5%; or (B) Adjusted Term SOFR for the interest period in effect for such borrowing plus 3.5%. Commitment fees are based on the unused portion of the ABL Revolver available for borrowings. Interest expense related to the ABL Revolver includes interest on borrowings and letters of credit, with an interest rate of 6.7% as of August 2, 2025, commitment fees, and the amortization of debt issuance costs.

TERM LOAN

On June 23, 2023, we entered into the Term Loan, which matures at the earliest of the date the ABL Revolver matures (currently March 2027) or five years from closing of the Term Loan (June 2028). The Term Loan is collateralized by a first priority lien on substantially all of our personal, real, and intellectual property and by a second priority lien on the assets used as collateral for the ABL revolver, primarily credit card receivables, accounts receivables, and inventory.

Borrowings under the Term Loan bear interest at a per annum rate equal to: (A) an adjusted three-month SOFR per annum (subject to a floor of 2.0%), plus 7.0%; or if (A) is not available, then (B) a base rate per annum equal to the greater of (i) 2.0%, (ii) the prime rate, (iii) the Fed Funds Rate plus 0.5%, and (iv) the Adjusted Term SOFR plus 1.0%; plus, in each instance, 6.0%, with an interest rate of 11.4% (effective interest rate of 12.8% when including the amortization of debt issuance costs) as of August 2, 2025.

DEBT COVENANTS

The ABL Revolver requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant of not less than 1:1 when availability is less than the greater of $47.3 million or 10.0% of the maximum borrowing amount. At any time that liquidity is less than $100.0 million, the Term Loan requires a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio as of the last day of each fiscal month of 2.50 to 1.00, calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis. Testing of the consolidated net leverage ratio ends after liquidity has been greater than or equal to $100.0 million for a period of 45 consecutive days. The ABL Revolver and the Term Loan also contain customary covenants restricting certain activities, including limitations on our ability to sell assets, engage in acquisitions, enter into transactions involving related parties, incur additional debt, grant liens on assets, pay dividends or repurchase stock, and make certain other changes. There are specific exceptions to these covenants including, in some cases, upon satisfying specified payment conditions based on availability. The ABL Revolver and the Term Loan contain customary events of default, including failure to comply with certain financial and other covenants. Upon an event of default that is not cured or waived within the cure periods, in addition to other remedies that may be available to the lenders, our obligations may be accelerated, outstanding letters of credit may be required to be cash collateralized, and remedies may be exercised against the collateral. As of August 2, 2025, we were in compliance with all financial covenants contained in the ABL Revolver and the Term Loan.

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We are involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, we believe the amount of any potential liability with respect to current legal proceedings will not be material to our results of operations or financial condition. However, legal proceedings are inherently uncertain. As a result, the outcome of a particular matter or a combination of matters may be material to our results of operations for a particular period. We are also involved in certain legal matters in which we have agreed to settlement terms with the plaintiffs, and such matters are fully covered under our insurance policies and accordingly all associated legal fees and settlement costs will be paid by the insurer. As a result, we have recorded accrued expenses for the estimated settlement obligations with corresponding receivables on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As additional information becomes available, we will assess any potential liabilities related to pending litigation and revise the estimates as needed.

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13. SEGMENT REPORTING

Our three reportable segments, which are also operating segments, are the U.S. Retail segment, the Canada Retail segment, and the Brand Portfolio segment. We have determined that the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") is our Chief Executive Officer.

The following tables provide certain financial data by segment reconciled to the condensed consolidated financial statements (total assets by segment are not presented in the table below as the CODM does not evaluate, manage, or measure segment performance using total assets):
(in thousands)U.S. RetailCanada RetailBrand PortfolioTotal
Three Months Ended August 2, 2025
Net sales:
External customer sales$610,926 $75,077 $53,759 $739,762 
Intersegment sales  19,398 19,398 
Segment net sales610,926 75,077 73,157 759,160 
Elimination of intersegment net sales(19,398)
Consolidated net sales$739,762 
Less segment expenses:
Cost of sales, exclusive of expenses shown below(346,404)(40,127)(54,649)
Store selling expenses(75,634)(10,379) 
Occupancy costs(66,400)(9,101)(913)
Marketing(30,377)(1,262)(3,959)
Distribution and fulfillment costs(12,602)(1,368)(2,817)
Personnel overhead costs(9,707)(2,630)(11,261)
Depreciation and amortization(8,012)(1,121)(1,775)
Other expense items(1)
(1,579)(591)(3,967)
Plus income from equity investments  2,578 
Segment operating profit (loss)$60,211 $8,498 $(3,606)65,103 
Net recognition of intersegment activity4,953 
Corporate shared service costs(2)
(42,007)
Impairment charges(2)
(1,466)
Consolidated operating profit26,583 
Interest expense, net(11,667)
Non-operating expenses, net(78)
Income before income taxes$14,838 
Cash paid for segment property and equipment$6,592 $1,437 $399 $8,428 

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(in thousands)U.S. RetailCanada RetailBrand PortfolioTotal
Three months ended August 3, 2024
Net sales:
External customer sales$641,694 $74,797 $55,409 $771,900 
Intersegment sales  40,584 40,584 
Segment net sales641,694 74,797 95,993 812,484 
Elimination of intersegment net sales(40,584)
Consolidated net sales$771,900 
Less segment expenses:
Cost of sales, exclusive of expenses shown below(358,778)(39,710)(69,358)
Store selling expenses(78,205)(10,354) 
Occupancy costs(66,806)(8,716)(1,870)
Marketing(29,868)(1,449)(7,094)
Distribution and fulfillment costs(9,886)(1,243)(2,836)
Personnel overhead costs(11,231)(2,725)(13,285)
Depreciation and amortization(8,086)(1,210)(1,687)
Other expense items(1)
(1,261)(338)(4,487)
Plus income from equity investments  2,571 
Segment operating profit (loss)$77,573 $9,052 $(2,053)84,572 
Net elimination of intersegment activity(5,089)
Corporate shared service costs(2)
(50,894)
Consolidated operating profit28,589 
Interest expense, net(11,035)
Non-operating expenses, net(109)
Income before income taxes$17,445 
Cash paid for segment property and equipment$6,137 $2,806 $12 $8,955 

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(in thousands)U.S. RetailCanada RetailBrand PortfolioTotal
Six months ended August 2, 2025
Net sales:
External customer sales$1,184,166 $128,982 $113,523 $1,426,671 
Intersegment sales  55,532 55,532 
Segment net sales1,184,166 128,982 169,055 1,482,203 
Elimination of intersegment net sales(55,532)
Consolidated net sales$1,426,671 
Less segment expenses:
Cost of sales, exclusive of expenses shown below(676,848)(68,628)(123,876)
Store selling expenses(149,831)(19,686) 
Occupancy costs(131,110)(18,103)(2,109)
Marketing(64,045)(2,340)(7,757)
Distribution and fulfillment costs(23,672)(2,599)(5,796)
Personnel overhead costs(20,060)(5,639)(23,628)
Depreciation and amortization(15,890)(2,263)(3,535)
Other expense items(1)
(2,891)(861)(8,374)
Plus income from equity investments  5,005 
Segment operating profit (loss)$99,819 $8,863 $(1,015)107,667 
Net recognition of intersegment activity5,208 
Corporate shared service costs(2)
(89,135)
Impairment charges(2)
(4,419)
Consolidated operating profit19,321 
Interest expense, net(23,535)
Non-operating expenses, net(70)
Loss before income taxes$(4,284)
Cash paid for segment property and equipment$11,411 $2,493 $1,043 $14,947 

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(in thousands)U.S. RetailCanada RetailBrand PortfolioTotal
Six months ended August 3, 2024
Net sales:
External customer sales$1,263,061 $130,309 $125,126 $1,518,496 
Intersegment sales  74,997 74,997 
Segment net sales1,263,061 130,309 200,123 1,593,493 
Elimination of intersegment net sales(74,997)
Consolidated net sales$1,518,496 
Less segment expenses:
Cost of sales, exclusive of expenses shown below(705,737)(68,848)(140,011)
Store selling expenses(155,777)(19,453) 
Occupancy costs(131,974)(16,609)(3,586)
Marketing(65,140)(2,404)(15,454)
Distribution and fulfillment costs(20,521)(2,520)(5,427)
Personnel overhead costs(23,457)(5,539)(29,020)
Depreciation and amortization(16,145)(2,211)(3,361)
Other expense items(1)
(2,536)(505)(8,796)
Plus income from equity investments  5,435 
Segment operating profit (loss)$141,774 $12,220 $(97)153,897 
Net elimination of intersegment activity(9,337)
Corporate shared service costs(2)
(106,589)
Consolidated operating profit37,971 
Interest expense, net(22,596)
Non-operating expenses, net(252)
Income before income taxes$15,123 
Cash paid for segment property and equipment$12,088 $4,922 $414 $17,424 

(1)     Other expense items include professional services fees, payment service fees, supplies, travel, and other administrative segment expenses.
(2)     Corporate shared services costs and impairment charges are not attributed to any of our segments. Corporate shared services costs primarily relate to corporate administration, IT, finance, human resources, legal, real estate, and other shared services performing corporate-level activities. We also do not allocate amounts related to restructuring and integration charges (including severance) and acquisition-related costs.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW AND TRENDS IN OUR BUSINESS

For the second quarter of 2025, net sales decreased 4.2% with a decrease in total comparable sales of 5.0% when compared to the same period last year. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the second quarter of 2025 was 43.7%, a decrease of 30 basis points when compared to the same period last year as margin rates were down for all segments.

EFFECTS OF MACROECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND TARIFFS

Macroeconomic conditions influenced by uncertain tariff policies, volatility in stock market indices, elevated interest rates, persistent inflationary pressures, changes in employment levels, and geopolitical unrest continue to create a complex and challenging retail environment. Consumer spending on discretionary items, including our products, generally declines during periods of economic uncertainty, when disposable income is reduced, or when there is a reduction in consumer confidence. These macroeconomic conditions have had a negative impact on our operating results and liquidity during the first half of 2025 and we may continue to experience the impact of decreased consumer demand for our products and lower direct-to-consumer traffic. We have enacted certain mitigating actions, including alignment of inventory with current demand levels, expense and capital expenditure reductions, and accelerating sourcing diversification efforts. Although we have made progress in addressing certain macroeconomic conditions, our mitigating actions are not necessarily complete and they should be viewed as part of the process in which we will continue to better align our cost structure with our operating results. We are unable to predict the severity of macroeconomic uncertainty, whether or when such circumstances may improve or worsen, including from one of our quarterly reporting periods to the next, or the full impact such circumstances could have on our business. These factors ultimately could require us to enact further mitigating operating efficiency measures that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and liquidity.

Following its January 2025 inauguration, the U.S. administration has taken action to increase tariffs assessed on most products imported into the U.S. The numerous announcements of changes to and delays of tariff policies has introduced heightened uncertainty regarding the future of global trade and the impact to our cost structure. All of the products manufactured through the Brand Portfolio segment come from third-party facilities outside of the U.S., with the majority of our units sourced from Asia. In addition to the merchandise sourced through our Brand Portfolio segment, our U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments also source merchandise from domestic third-party suppliers, with many of these suppliers importing a large portion of their merchandise from Asia. We are closely monitoring this situation and evaluating the actions we have taken and additional actions we may take in the future, including cost mitigation measures and price adjustments. For our Brand Portfolio segment, we have accelerated our sourcing diversification efforts by rebalancing and optimizing where we source from to mitigate the risk, maximize flexibility, and decrease costs. However, sourcing diversification could result in product quality issues, higher product costs, and/or not being able to source the quantity desired on a timely basis and there can be no assurance that we will be able to fully mitigate the impact of such tariffs or new tariffs in Asia or elsewhere.

Future impacts from macroeconomic conditions and tariffs are unknown at this time and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and liquidity. Unfavorable developments may result in future write-downs or adjustments to inventories, receivables, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, and may also negatively impact the fair value of our reporting units, indefinite-lived tradenames, and long-lived assets, which could result in us recording impairment charges for amounts below their carrying value.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY AND OTHER KEY METRICS

For the three months ended August 2, 2025:
Net sales decreased to $739.8 million from $771.9 million for the same period last year.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 43.7% compared to 44.0% for the same period last year.
Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. was $10.8 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, which included net after-tax charges of $5.9 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, primarily related to restructuring costs and impairment charges. For the three months ended August 3, 2024, net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. was $13.8 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, which included net after-tax charges of $3.2 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, primarily related to restructuring, integration, and acquisition costs.

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Comparable Sales Performance Metric- The following table presents the percent change in comparable sales for each segment and in total:
Three months ended
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Change in comparable sales:
U.S. Retail segment(4.9)%(1.1)%
Canada Retail segment(0.6)%(3.1)%
Brand Portfolio segment - direct-to-consumer channel(29.2)%(7.0)%
Total(5.0)%(1.4)%

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 include the e-commerce sales of the U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments. Comparable sales for the Canada Retail segment 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 the e-commerce net sales of the Brand Portfolio segment from the direct-to-consumer 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.

Number of Stores- As of August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, we had the following number of stores:
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
U.S. Retail segment - DSW stores493 499 
Canada Retail segment:
The Shoe Co. stores121 123 
Rubino stores28 28 
DSW stores26 26 
175 177 
Total number of stores668 676 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SECOND QUARTER OF 2025 COMPARED WITH SECOND QUARTER OF 2024

(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)Three months ended
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Amount% of Net SalesAmount% of Net SalesAmount%
Net sales$739,762 100.0 %$771,900 100.0 %$(32,138)(4.2)%
Cost of sales(416,829)(56.3)(432,351)(56.0)15,522 (3.6)%
Gross profit322,933 43.7 339,549 44.0 (16,616)(4.9)%
Operating expenses(297,462)(40.2)(313,531)(40.6)16,069 (5.1)%
Income from equity investments2,578 0.3 2,571 0.3 0.3 %
Impairment charges(1,466)(0.2)— — (1,466)NM
Operating profit26,583 3.6 28,589 3.7 (2,006)(7.0)%
Interest expense, net(11,667)(1.6)(11,035)(1.5)(632)5.7 %
Non-operating expenses, net(78) (109)— 31 (28.4)%
Income before income taxes14,838 2.0 17,445 2.2 (2,607)(14.9)%
Income tax provision(3,557)(0.5)(3,363)(0.4)(194)5.8 %
Net income11,281 1.5 14,082 1.8 (2,801)(19.9)%
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest(454) (258)— (196)76.0 %
Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc.$10,827 1.5 %$13,824 1.8 %$(2,997)(21.7)%
Earnings per share attributable to Designer Brands Inc.:
Basic earnings per share$0.22 $0.24 $(0.02)(8.3)%
Diluted earnings per share$0.22 $0.24 $(0.02)(8.3)%
Weighted average shares used in per share calculations:
Basic shares49,109 57,162 (8,053)(14.1)%
Diluted shares49,734 58,576 (8,842)(15.1)%
NM - Not meaningful

NET SALES

The following table summarizes net sales by segment:
Three months ended
(dollars in thousands)August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Amount% of Segment Net SalesAmount% of Segment Net SalesAmount%Comparable Sales
Segment net sales:
U.S. Retail$610,926 80.5 %$641,694 79.0 %$(30,768)(4.8)%(4.9)%
Canada Retail75,077 9.9 74,797 9.2 280 0.4 %(0.6)%
Brand Portfolio73,157 9.6 95,993 11.8 (22,836)(23.8)%(29.2)%
Total segment net sales759,160 100.0 %812,484 100.0 %(53,324)(6.6)%(5.0)%
Elimination of intersegment net sales(19,398)(40,584)21,186 (52.2)%
Consolidated net sales$739,762 $771,900 $(32,138)(4.2)%
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For the three months ended August 2, 2025, net sales decreased in the U.S. Retail segment primarily driven by a decline in comparable sales, largely driven by lower comparable transactions of approximately 7% due to reduced traffic, partially offset by an increase in comparable average sales amounts per transaction. Net sales also decreased by approximately $6.0 million in the U.S. Retail segment due to net store closures since the end of the second quarter of 2024, offset by a similar amount due to an increase in shipping revenue and other non-product sales activity. Net sales increased slightly in the Canada Retail segment driven by the addition of Rubino, partially offset by the small decline in comparable sales. The decrease in net sales for the Brand Portfolio segment was primarily due to lower revenue from wholesale activity of $22.6 million (excluding Topo wholesale) as retail customers and the U.S. Retail segment pulled back on orders, partially offset by a $4.2 million increase in net sales from strong Topo wholesale activity, with the remainder of the decrease from direct-to-consumer sales, primarily from our Vince Camuto e-commerce site.

GROSS PROFIT

The following table summarizes gross profit by segment:
Three months ended
(dollars in thousands)
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Amount% of Segment Net SalesAmount% of Segment Net SalesAmount%Basis Points
Segment gross profit:
U.S. Retail$264,522 43.3 %$282,916 44.1 %$(18,394)(6.5)%(80)
Canada Retail34,950 46.6 %35,087 46.9 %(137)(0.4)%(30)
Brand Portfolio18,508 25.3 %26,635 27.7 %(8,127)(30.5)%(240)
Total segment gross profit317,980 41.9 %344,638 42.4 %(26,658)(7.7)%(50)
Net recognition (elimination) of intersegment gross profit4,953 (5,089)10,042 
Consolidated gross profit$322,933 43.7 %$339,549 44.0 %$(16,616)(4.9)%(30)

The decrease in gross profit for the U.S. Retail segment was primarily driven by the decrease in net sales during the three months ended August 2, 2025 over the same period last year and at lower margin rates. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased for the U.S. Retail segment when compared to the same period last year primarily due to promotional activity, partially offset by lower shipping expense. The slight decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the Canada Retail segment was primarily due to the Rubino banner, which has lower margin rates. The decrease in gross profit for the Brand Portfolio segment was primarily due to lower net sales as retail customers pulled back on orders. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased for the Brand Portfolio segment primarily due to the deleverage on lower net sales on mostly fixed royalty expenses.

The net recognition (elimination) of intersegment gross profit consisted of the following:
Three months ended
(in thousands)August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Intersegment recognition and elimination activity:
Elimination of net sales recognized by Brand Portfolio segment$(19,398)$(40,584)
Cost of sales:
Elimination of cost of sales recognized by Brand Portfolio segment13,785 28,174 
Recognition of intersegment gross profit for inventory previously purchased that was subsequently sold to external customers during the current period10,566 7,321 
$4,953 $(5,089)

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OPERATING EXPENSES

The following table summarizes operating expenses by segment:
Three months ended
(dollars in thousands)
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Amount% of Segment Net SalesAmount% of Segment Net SalesAmount%Basis Points
Segment operating expenses:
U.S. Retail$204,311 33.4 %$205,343 32.0 %$(1,032)(0.5)%140 
Canada Retail26,452 35.2 %26,035 34.8 %417 1.6 %40 
Brand Portfolio24,692 33.8 %31,259 32.6 %(6,567)(21.0)%120 
Total segment operating expenses255,455 33.6 %262,637 32.3 %(7,182)(2.7)%130 
Corporate42,007 50,894 (8,887)(17.5)%
Consolidated operating expenses$297,462 40.2 %$313,531 40.6 %$(16,069)(5.1)%(40)

For the three months ended August 2, 2025, operating expenses decreased in the U.S. Retail segment primarily due to lower store selling expenses and personnel overhead costs of $4.1 million in line with lower net sales, partially offset by an increase in distribution and fulfillment costs with the addition of our new distribution center. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased in the U.S. Retail segment due to the deleverage impact of lower net sales. Operating expenses increased slightly in the Canada Retail segment primarily due to the addition of Rubino. Operating expenses decreased in the Brand Portfolio segment primarily due to a $3.1 million decrease in marketing expenses with the remaining decrease primarily due to lower personnel overhead and other costs, in line with lower sales. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales in the Brand Portfolio segment increased due to the deleverage impact of lower net sales. Operating expenses decreased for corporate shared services primarily due to lower professional fees.

IMPAIRMENT CHARGES

During the three months ended August 2, 2025, we recorded an impairment charge of $1.5 million due to an underperforming store in the U.S.

OPERATING PROFIT

The following table summarizes operating profit (loss) by segment:
Three months ended
(dollars in thousands)
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Amount% of Segment Net SalesAmount% of Segment Net SalesAmount%Basis Points
Segment operating profit (loss):
U.S. Retail$60,211 9.9 %$77,573 12.1 %$(17,362)(22.4)%(220)
Canada Retail8,498 11.3 %9,052 12.1 %(554)(6.1)%(80)
Brand Portfolio(3,606)(4.9)%(2,053)(2.1)%(1,553)75.6 %(280)
Total segment operating profit65,103 8.6 %84,572 10.4 %(19,469)(23.0)%(180)
Corporate/eliminations(38,520)(55,983)17,463 (31.2)%
Consolidated operating profit$26,583 3.6 %$28,589 3.7 %$(2,006)(7.0)%(10)

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For the three months ended August 2, 2025, operating profit for the U.S. Retail segment decreased due to lower gross profit, slightly offset by lower operating expenses. For the Brand Portfolio segment, the increase in operating loss was due to the decrease in gross profit, partially offset by lower operating expenses. Corporate/eliminations were favorable to consolidated operating profit due to lower corporate operating expenses and favorable intersegment activity, partially offset by higher impairment charges when compared to the same period last year. These factors led to a decrease in consolidated operating profit for the three months ended August 2, 2025 as compared the same period last year.

SIX MONTHS OF 2025 COMPARED WITH SIX MONTHS OF 2024

(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)Six months ended
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Amount% of Net SalesAmount% of Net SalesAmount%
Net sales$1,426,671 100.0 %$1,518,496 100.0 %$(91,825)(6.0)%
Cost of sales(808,612)(56.7)(848,936)(55.9)40,324 (4.7)%
Gross profit618,059 43.3 669,560 44.1 (51,501)(7.7)%
Operating expenses(599,324)(42.0)(637,024)(42.0)37,700 (5.9)%
Income from equity investments5,005 0.4 5,435 0.4 (430)(7.9)%
Impairment charges(4,419)(0.3)— — (4,419)NM
Operating profit19,321 1.4 37,971 2.5 (18,650)(49.1)%
Interest expense, net(23,535)(1.7)(22,596)(1.5)(939)4.2 %
Non-operating expenses, net(70) (252)— 182 (72.2)%
Income (loss) before income taxes(4,284)(0.3)15,123 1.0 (19,407)NM
Income tax provision(1,571)(0.1)(156)— (1,415)907.1 %
Net income (loss)(5,855)(0.4)14,967 1.0 (20,822)NM
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest(742)(0.1)(360)— (382)106.1 %
Net income (loss) attributable to Designer Brands Inc.$(6,597)(0.5)%$14,607 1.0 %$(21,204)NM
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Designer Brands Inc.:
Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.14)$0.25 $(0.39)NM
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.14)$0.25 $(0.39)NM
Weighted average shares used in per share calculations:
Basic shares48,678 57,313 (8,635)(15.1)%
Diluted shares48,678 58,978 (10,300)(17.5)%
NM - Not meaningful

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NET SALES

The following table summarizes net sales by segment:
Six months ended
(dollars in thousands)August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Amount% of Segment Net SalesAmount% of Segment Net SalesAmount%Comparable Sales
Segment net sales:
U.S. Retail$1,184,166 79.9 %$1,263,061 79.3 %$(78,895)(6.2)%(6.1)%
Canada Retail128,982 8.7 130,309 8.2 (1,327)(1.0)%(4.4)%
Brand Portfolio169,055 11.4 200,123 12.5 (31,068)(15.5)%(28.1)%
Total segment net sales1,482,203 100.0 %1,593,493 100.0 %(111,290)(7.0)%(6.4)%
Elimination of intersegment net sales(55,532)(74,997)19,465 (26.0)%
Consolidated net sales$1,426,671 $1,518,496 $(91,825)(6.0)%

For the six months ended August 2, 2025, net sales decreased in the U.S. Retail segment primarily driven by the decline in comparable sales, largely driven by lower comparable transactions of approximately 9% due to reduced traffic, partially offset by an increase in comparable average sales amounts per transaction. Net sales also decreased by approximately $10.0 million in the U.S. Retail segment due to net store closures since the end of the second quarter of 2024, offset by a similar amount due to an increase in shipping revenue and other non-product sales activity. Net sales decreased in the Canada Retail segment driven by a decline in comparable sales of $5.5 million, also due to lower traffic, and the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of $2.4 million, partially offset by an increase in net sales with the addition of Rubino. The decrease in net sales for the Brand Portfolio segment was primarily due to lower revenue from wholesale activity of $32.5 million (excluding Topo wholesale) as retail customers and the U.S. Retail segment pulled back on orders, partially offset by a $10.0 million increase in net sales from strong Topo wholesale activity, with the remaining decrease from direct-to-consumer sales, primarily from our Vince Camuto e-commerce site.

GROSS PROFIT

The following table summarizes gross profit by segment:
Six months ended
(dollars in thousands)
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Amount% of Segment Net SalesAmount% of Segment Net SalesAmount%Basis Points
Segment gross profit:
U.S. Retail$507,318 42.8 %$557,324 44.1 %$(50,006)(9.0)%(130)
Canada Retail60,354 46.8 %61,461 47.2 %(1,107)(1.8)%(40)
Brand Portfolio45,179 26.7 %60,112 30.0 %(14,933)(24.8)%(330)
Total segment gross profit612,851 41.3 %678,897 42.6 %(66,046)(9.7)%(130)
Net recognition (elimination) of intersegment gross profit5,208 (9,337)14,545 
Consolidated gross profit$618,059 43.3 %$669,560 44.1 %$(51,501)(7.7)%(80)

The decrease in gross profit for the U.S. Retail segment was primarily driven by the decrease in net sales during the six months ended August 2, 2025 over the same period last year and at lower margin rates. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased for the U.S. Retail segment when compared to the same period last year primarily due to an increase in promotional activity and a change in mix of products sold. The decrease in gross profit for the Canada Retail segment was primarily driven by the decrease in net sales during the six months ended August 2, 2025 over the same period last year and at lower margin rates. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased for the Canada Retail segment for the six months ended August 2, 2025 over the same period last year primarily due to the Rubino banner, which has lower margin rates. The decrease in gross
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profit for the Brand Portfolio segment was primarily due to lower sales to customers as retail customers pulled back on orders. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased for the Brand Portfolio segment primarily due to unfavorable customer mix and the deleverage of fixed royalty expenses on lower net sales.

The net recognition (elimination) of intersegment gross profit consisted of the following:
Six months ended
(in thousands)August 2, 2025August 3, 2024
Intersegment recognition and elimination activity:
Elimination of net sales recognized by Brand Portfolio segment$(55,532)$(74,997)
Cost of sales:
Elimination of cost of sales recognized by Brand Portfolio segment39,599 52,267 
Recognition of intersegment gross profit for inventory previously purchased that was subsequently sold to external customers during the current period21,141 13,393 
$5,208 $(9,337)

OPERATING EXPENSES

The following table summarizes operating expenses by segment:
Six months ended
(dollars in thousands)
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Amount% of Segment Net SalesAmount% of Segment Net SalesAmount%Basis Points
Segment operating expenses:
U.S. Retail$407,499 34.4 %$415,550 32.9 %$(8,051)(1.9)%150 
Canada Retail51,491 39.9 %49,241 37.8 %2,250 4.6 %210 
Brand Portfolio51,199 30.3 %65,644 32.8 %(14,445)(22.0)%(250)
Total segment operating expenses510,189 34.4 %530,435 33.3 %(20,246)(3.8)%110 
Corporate89,135 106,589 (17,454)(16.4)%
Consolidated operating expenses$599,324 42.0 %$637,024 42.0 %$(37,700)(5.9)%— 

For the six months ended August 2, 2025, operating expenses decreased in the U.S. Retail segment primarily due to lower store selling expenses and personnel overhead costs of $9.3 million in line with lower net sales, partially offset by an increase in distribution and fulfillment costs with the addition of our new distribution center. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased in the U.S. Retail segment due to the deleverage impact of lower net sales. Operating expenses increased in the Canada Retail segment primarily due to the addition of Rubino. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales in the Canada Retail segment increased due to lower net sales on higher operating expenses. Operating expenses decreased in the Brand Portfolio segment primarily due to a $7.7 million decrease in marketing expenses with the remaining decrease primarily due to lower personnel overhead and other costs, in line with lower sales. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased in the Brand Portfolio segment as the decline in operating expenses leveraged even with lower net sales. Operating expenses decreased for corporate shared services primarily due to lower professional fees as well as a decrease in incentive compensation.

IMPAIRMENT CHARGES

During the six months ended August 2, 2025, we recorded impairment charges to long-lived assets of $1.5 million due to an underperforming store in the U.S. and $1.0 million due to underperforming stores in Canada. Also during the six months ended August 2, 2025, we recorded a $2.0 million impairment charge for an interest in an equity security without a readily determinable fair value held at cost, which resulted in no remaining value due to the lack of liquidity and the deterioration in the business prospects of the investee. There were no impairment charges for the same period last year.

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OPERATING PROFIT

The following table summarizes operating profit (loss) by segment:
Six months ended
(dollars in thousands)
August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Amount% of Segment Net SalesAmount% of Segment Net SalesAmount%Basis Points
Segment operating profit (loss):
U.S. Retail$99,819 8.4 %$141,774 11.2 %$(41,955)(29.6)%(280)
Canada Retail8,863 6.9 %12,220 9.4 %(3,357)(27.5)%(250)
Brand Portfolio(1,015)(0.6)%(97)— %(918)946.4 %(60)
Total segment operating profit107,667 7.3 %153,897 9.7 %(46,230)(30.0)%(240)
Corporate/eliminations(88,346)(115,926)27,580 (23.8)%
Consolidated operating profit$19,321 1.4 %$37,971 2.5 %$(18,650)(49.1)%(110)

For the six months ended August 2, 2025, operating profit for the U.S. Retail segment decreased due to lower gross profit partially offset by lower operating expenses, whereas operating profit for the Canada Retail segment decreased due to lower gross profit and higher operating expenses. Corporate/eliminations were favorable to consolidated operating profit due to lower corporate operating expenses and favorable intersegment activity, partially offset by higher impairment charges when compared to the same period last year. These factors led to a decrease in consolidated operating profit for the six months ended August 2, 2025 as compared to the same period last year.

INCOME TAXES

For the six months ended August 2, 2025 and August 3, 2024, our effective tax rate was negative 36.7% and positive 1.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the six months ended August 2, 2025 differed from the statutory rate primarily due to the impact of permanent non-deductible compensation, which resulted in a negative effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the six months ended August 3, 2024 differed from the statutory rate primarily due to discrete tax benefits recognized, primarily the release of tax reserves no longer deemed necessary and state tax planning initiatives, partially offset by the impact of permanent non-deductible compensation.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

OVERVIEW

Our primary ongoing operating cash flow requirements are for inventory purchases, payments on lease obligations and licensing royalty commitments, other working capital needs, capital expenditures, and debt service. Our working capital and inventory levels fluctuate seasonally. We are committed to a cash management strategy that maintains liquidity to adequately support the operation of the business, pursue our growth strategy, and withstand unanticipated business volatility, including the impacts of the current macroeconomic conditions on our results of operations. We believe that cash generated from our operations, together with our current levels of cash, as well as the availability under our ABL Revolver, are sufficient to maintain our ongoing operations, support seasonal working capital requirements, fund capital expenditures, and meet our debt service obligations over the next 12 months and beyond. As discussed above in the "Executive Overview and Trends in Our Business" section under the heading "Effects of Macroeconomic Conditions and Tariffs," current macroeconomic conditions have had a negative impact on our operating results and liquidity during the first half of 2025 and we may continue to experience the impact of decreased consumer demand for our products. Future impacts are unknown at this time and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, results of operations, and liquidity.

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The following table presents the key categories of our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows:
Six months ended
(in thousands)August 2, 2025August 3, 2024Change
Net cash provided by operating activities$1,077 $21,898 $(20,821)
Net cash used in investing activities(18,669)(41,471)22,802 
Net cash provided by financing activities16,482 9,627 6,855 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances1,295 (393)1,688 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$185 $(10,339)$10,524 

OPERATING CASH FLOWS

The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was due to the net loss recognized during the six months ended August 2, 2025 as compared to the net income recognized during the same period last year and the receipt of income tax refunds of over $40.0 million during the six months ended August 3, 2024, partially offset by improved working capital management as we adjusted inventories in line with the decline in operating results.

INVESTING CASH FLOWS

The decrease in net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended August 2, 2025 as compared to the same period last year was primarily due to the reduction in capital expenditures of $12.7 million in line with the decline in operating results along with the impact of the acquisition of Rubino of over $16.0 million during the six months ended August 3, 2024.

FINANCING CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended August 2, 2025, net cash provided by financing activities increased due to the repurchase of 2.7 million Class A common shares at an aggregate cost of $18.0 million during the six months ended August 3, 2024, partially offset by a decrease in net borrowings from our ABL Revolver of approximately $13.0 million when compared to the same period last year.

DEBT

ABL Revolver- The ABL Revolver provides a revolving line of credit of up to $600.0 million, including a Canadian sub-limit of up to $60.0 million, a $75.0 million sub-limit for the issuance of letters of credit, a $60.0 million sub-limit for swing-loan advances for U.S. borrowings, and a $6.0 million sub-limit for swing-loan advances for Canadian borrowings. In addition, the ABL Revolver includes borrowings of $30.0 million under a FILO Term Loan, which may be repaid in full, but not in part, so long as certain payment conditions are satisfied. Once repaid, no portion of the FILO Term Loan may be reborrowed. The ABL Revolver, which matures in 2027, may be used to provide funds for working capital, capital expenditures, share repurchases, other expenditures, and permitted acquisitions as defined by the credit facility agreement. The amount of credit available is limited to a borrowing base formulated on, among other things, a percentage of the book value of eligible inventory and credit card receivables, as reduced by certain reserves. As of August 2, 2025, the revolving line of credit (excluding the FILO Term Loan) had a borrowing base of $476.2 million, with $367.9 million in outstanding borrowings and $4.0 million in letters of credit issued, resulting in $104.3 million available for borrowings.

Term Loan- On June 23, 2023, we entered into a Term Loan, which matures at the earliest of the date the ABL Revolver matures (currently March 2027) or five years from closing of the Term Loan (June 2028). As of August 2, 2025, the Term Loan had an outstanding balance of $123.0 million.

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Debt Covenants- The ABL Revolver requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant of not less than 1:1 when availability is less than the greater of $47.3 million or 10.0% of the maximum borrowing amount. At any time that liquidity is less than $100.0 million, the Term Loan requires a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio as of the last day of each fiscal month of 2.50 to 1.00, calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis. Testing of the consolidated net leverage ratio ends after liquidity has been greater than or equal to $100.0 million for a period of 45 consecutive days. The ABL Revolver and the Term Loan also contain customary covenants restricting certain activities, including limitations on our ability to sell assets, engage in acquisitions, enter into transactions involving related parties, incur additional debt, grant liens on assets, pay dividends or repurchase stock, and make certain other changes. There are specific exceptions to these covenants including, in some cases, upon satisfying specified payment conditions based on availability. As of August 2, 2025, we were in compliance with all financial covenants contained in the ABL Revolver and the Term Loan.

Refer to Note 11, Debt, of the condensed consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-Q for further information about our debt arrangements.

PLANS FOR CAPITALIZED COSTS

During 2025, we expect to spend approximately $35.0 million to $45.0 million that will be capitalized for property and equipment and implementation costs for cloud computing arrangements accounted for as service contracts, $21.5 million of which was spent during the six months ended August 2, 2025. Our future investments will depend primarily on the number of stores we open and remodel, infrastructure and IT projects that we undertake, and the timing of these expenditures.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

The information related to a recent accounting pronouncement as set forth in Note 1, Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement, of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of commitments and contingencies at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We base these estimates and judgments on factors we believe to be relevant, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The process of determining significant estimates is fact-specific and takes into account factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions, product mix, and in some cases, actuarial and valuation techniques. We constantly re-evaluate these significant factors and make adjustments where facts and circumstances dictate. While we believe that the factors considered provide a meaningful basis for the accounting policies applied in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements, we cannot guarantee that our estimates and assumptions will be accurate. As the determination of these estimates requires the exercise of judgment, actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Except as noted below, there have been no material changes to the application of critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in our 2024 Form 10-K.

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets- In 2024, we performed a quantitative impairment test for the goodwill assigned to the U.S. Retail, Keds, Rubino, and Topo reporting units as of our fourth quarter measurement date. We determined for each of the reporting units that the fair value was in excess of their carrying value and a 10% decrease in fair value would not result in an impairment. Also in 2024, we performed a quantitative impairment test of our indefinite-lived tradenames for Keds, The Shoe Co., and Rubino as of our fourth quarter measurement date. We determined that the fair value of each of the indefinite-lived tradenames was in excess of the carrying value and a 10% decrease in fair value would not result in an impairment charge. Due to the current macroeconomic conditions with the continued softness in consumer demand, growing concerns of a potential recession, the evolving trade policies and volatility in our stock price, there is a higher level of uncertainty associated with the assumptions used in our impairment tests. Although we do not believe it is more likely than not that we have an impairment of goodwill or other indefinite-lived tradenames as of August 2, 2025, we will continue to monitor these macroeconomic conditions, including the potential impacts from new tariffs or trade restrictions, which could adversely affect the financial performance and valuation of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible tradename assets. Should these conditions lead to a significant decline in projected financial results, there could be material impairment charges related to these assets in future periods.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We have market risk exposure related to interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. There have been no material changes in our primary risk exposures or management of market risks from those disclosed in our 2024 Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act")). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

No change was made in our internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information set forth in Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, of the condensed consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Except as noted below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors as set forth in Part I, Item 1A., Risk Factors, in our 2024 Form 10-K.

Recently announced changes to U.S. trade policy, including recently announced tariffs, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and liquidity.

Following its January 2025 inauguration, the U.S. administration has taken action to increase tariffs assessed on most products imported into the U.S. The numerous announcements of changes to and delays of tariff policies has introduced heightened uncertainty regarding the future of global trade and the impact to our cost structure. All of the products manufactured through the Brand Portfolio segment come from third-party facilities outside of the U.S., with the majority of our units sourced from Asia. In addition to the merchandise sourced through our Brand Portfolio segment, our U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments also source merchandise from domestic third-party suppliers, with many of these suppliers importing a large portion of their merchandise from Asia. We are closely monitoring this situation and evaluating the actions we have taken and additional actions we may take in the future, including cost mitigation measures and price adjustments. For our Brand Portfolio segment, we have accelerated our sourcing diversification efforts by rebalancing and optimizing where we source from to mitigate the risk, maximize flexibility, and decrease costs. However, sourcing diversification could result in product quality issues, higher product costs, and/or not being able to source the quantity desired on a timely basis and there can be no assurance that we will be able to fully mitigate the impact of such tariffs or new tariffs in Asia or elsewhere. Future impacts from macroeconomic conditions and tariffs are unknown at this time and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and liquidity. Unfavorable developments may result in future write-downs or adjustments to inventories, receivables, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, and may also negatively impact the fair value of our reporting units, indefinite-lived tradenames, and long-lived assets, which could result in us recording impairment charges for amounts below their carrying value.

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On August 17, 2017, the Board authorized the repurchase of an additional $500.0 million of Class A common shares under our share repurchase program, which was added to the $33.5 million remaining from the previous authorization, with $19.7 million of Class A common shares that remain authorized for repurchase under the program as of August 2, 2025. The share repurchase program may be suspended, modified, or discontinued at any time, and we have no obligation to repurchase any amount of our Class A common shares under the program. Under this share repurchase program, shares will be repurchased in the open market at times and in amounts considered appropriate based on price and market conditions. During the six months ended August 2, 2025, no Class A common shares were repurchased.

DIVIDENDS

The payment of any future dividends is at the discretion of our Board and is based on our future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in taxation laws, general economic condition and any other relevant factors. It is
anticipated that dividends will continue to be declared on a quarterly basis.

RESTRICTIONS

The ABL Revolver and the Term Loan contain customary covenants restricting our activities, including limitations on the ability to pay dividends or repurchase stock. There are specific exceptions to these covenants including, in some cases, upon satisfying specified payment conditions based on availability.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

RULE 10B5-1 TRADING PLANS

During the three months ended August 2, 2025, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of the Company’s securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K).

AMENDMENT TO NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

On September 4, 2025, the Board approved an Amendment (the "Plan Amendment") to the Designer Brands Inc. (f/k/a DSW Inc.) Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective December 1, 2023 (the "Plan"). The Plan Amendment suspends the Plan so that no new deferrals will be accepted under the Plan, effective for Plan Years (as defined in the Plan) commencing after 2025 and continuing indefinitely (unless and until otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator, as defined in the Plan). A copy of the Plan Amendment is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 10-Q, and this description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the exhibit.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit NumberExhibit DescriptionFormFile No.Date of FilingExhibit Number
10.1#*
Amendment dated as of September 4, 2025 to the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (as Amended and Restated). ----
31.1*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification - Principal Executive Officer.----
31.2*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification - Principal Financial Officer.----
32.1**
Section 1350 Certification - Principal Executive Officer.----
32.2**
Section 1350 Certification - Principal Financial Officer.----
101*
The following materials from the Designer Brands Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 2025, formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity; (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
----
104*Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.----
*    Filed herewith
**    Furnished herewith
#    Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

DESIGNER BRANDS INC.

Date:September 9, 2025By: /s/ Jared A. Poff
Jared A. Poff
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and duly authorized officer)

34

FAQ

How many shares outstanding does Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) report?

The filing reports 41,810,747 Class A shares and 7,732,733 Class B shares outstanding as of September 2, 2025.

What impairment charges did DBI record in the period?

DBI recorded a $1.5 million impairment in the three months ended August 2, 2025, and $4.5 million of impairments in the six months ended August 2, 2025 (U.S. $1.5m, Canada $1.0m, equity security $2.0m).

What debt facilities and interest rates are disclosed by DBI?

DBI has a $600.0 million ABL Revolver (maturing March 2027) and a Term Loan (maturing by June 2028). Term Loan interest was 11.4% (12.8% effective) and ABL interest was 6.7% as of August 2, 2025.

Is DBI in compliance with its debt covenants?

Yes. The filing states DBI was in compliance with all financial covenants contained in the ABL Revolver and the Term Loan as of August 2, 2025.

What change was made to the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan?

On September 4, 2025, the Board approved an amendment suspending new deferrals under the plan for plan years commencing after 2025, continuing indefinitely unless changed by the Plan Administrator.

Are legal settlement costs expected to impact DBI's results materially?

The company believes potential liabilities are not material to results, and certain settlement obligations are fully covered by insurance with receivables recorded.
Designer Brands Inc

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