Designer Brands (DBI) Q3 2025: margins improve, EPS up to $0.35 on lower sales
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
10-Q
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Designer Brands Inc. reported softer sales but stronger profitability for the quarter ended November 1, 2025. Net sales fell to
Despite lower revenue, gross margin improved to
For the first nine months of 2025, net sales were
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Margins and cash flow improved despite modest sales declines and ongoing macro pressure.
Designer Brands delivered lower revenue but higher profitability in Q3 2025. Net sales slipped
For the nine-month period, net sales declined to
Management highlights macroeconomic uncertainty, weaker discretionary demand, and higher U.S. tariffs as ongoing headwinds that could affect traffic, pricing, and sourcing. They are responding with inventory alignment, cost controls, sourcing diversification, and a new distribution center, which also raised lease and finance obligations. Investors tracking Designer Brands may focus on future comparable sales trends, margin sustainability, and adherence to ABL and Term Loan covenants as disclosed for periods including the quarter ended
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 November 1, 2025
or
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
| For the transition period from | to | ||||||||||
Commission file number 001-32545
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||||||||
| (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 class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
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 filer | ☐ | ☑ | ||||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller 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 December 2, 2025: 41,903,371 Class A common shares and 7,732,721 Class B common shares.
DESIGNER BRANDS INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||||||
| Item 1 | Financial Statements | 1 | ||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | 1 | |||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | 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 | 21 | ||||||
| Item 3 | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 32 | ||||||
| Item 4 | Controls and Procedures | 32 | ||||||
| PART II | OTHER INFORMATION | |||||||
| Item 1 | Legal Proceedings | 32 | ||||||
| Item 1A | Risk Factors | 32 | ||||||
| Item 2 | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 33 | ||||||
| Item 3 | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 33 | ||||||
| Item 4 | Mine Safety Disclosures | 33 | ||||||
| Item 5 | Other Information | 33 | ||||||
| Item 6 | Exhibits | 34 | ||||||
SIGNATURE | 35 | |||||||
All references to "we," "us," "our," "Designer Brands Inc.," or the "Company" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 1, 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.
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
| ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| (unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts) | Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income from equity investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment charges | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating expenses, net | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (provision) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per share attributable to Designer Brands Inc.: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares used in per share calculations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
| (unaudited and in thousands) | Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) - Foreign currency translation gain (loss) | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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) | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Receivables, net | |||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity investments | |||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST, AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt | |||||||||||||||||
| Current operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-current operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interest | |||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity: | |||||||||||||||||
| Common shares paid in-capital, no par value | |||||||||||||||||
| Treasury shares, at cost | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest, and shareholders' equity | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
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 Shares | Amounts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts) | Class A Common Shares | Class B Common Shares | Treasury Shares | Common Shares Paid in Capital | Treasury Shares | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended November 1, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, August 2, 2025 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation activity | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($ | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation loss | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, November 1, 2025 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended November 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, August 3, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation activity | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of Class A common shares | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($ | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation loss | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, November 2, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine months ended November 1, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, February 1, 2025 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation activity | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($ | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation gain | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, November 1, 2025 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine months ended November 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, February 3, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation activity | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of Class A common shares | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($ | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation loss | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, November 2, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| Nine months ended | |||||||||||
| (unaudited and in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( | ||||||||||
| Income from equity investments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Distributions received from equity investments | |||||||||||
| Impairment charges | |||||||||||
| Other | ( | ||||||||||
| Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired amounts: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivables | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Income tax receivable | |||||||||||
| Inventories | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses | ( | ||||||||||
| Operating lease assets and liabilities, net | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for property and equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash paid for business acquisitions | ( | ||||||||||
| Other | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Borrowing on revolving credit facility | |||||||||||
| Payments on revolving credit facility | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Payments for borrowings under Term Loan | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash paid for treasury shares | ( | ||||||||||
| Dividends paid | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash paid for taxes for stock-based compensation shares withheld | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ( | ||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances | ( | ||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Supplemental disclosures: | |||||||||||
| Net cash received for income taxes | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash paid for interest on debt | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Property and equipment purchases not yet paid | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Contribution of intangible asset to equity investment | $ | $ | |||||||||
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 | 11 | ||||||
Note 5 | Earnings Per Share | 11 | ||||||
Note 6 | Stock-Based Compensation | 12 | ||||||
Note 7 | Shareholders' Equity | 12 | ||||||
Note 8 | Receivables | 13 | ||||||
Note 9 | Property and Leases | 13 | ||||||
Note 10 | Accrued Expenses | 14 | ||||||
Note 11 | Debt | 15 | ||||||
Note 12 | Commitments and Contingencies | 16 | ||||||
Note 13 | Segment Reporting | 17 | ||||||
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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 November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, we incurred severance costs of $3.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively. During the nine months ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, we incurred severance costs of $7.3 million and $5.5 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 November 1, 2025, February 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, we had $3.8 million, $1.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of severance liability included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
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Income Taxes- For the nine months ended November 1, 2025, we used the discrete effective tax method to calculate our interim income tax expense. The discrete method is used when the application of the estimated annual effective tax rate is impractical because it is not possible to reliably estimate the annual effective tax rate. The discrete method treats the year-to-date period as if it was the annual period and determines the income tax expense or benefit on that basis. We determined that using the discrete method is more appropriate at this time due to the high degree of uncertainty in estimating annual pretax earnings as we are unable to predict the severity of macroeconomic uncertainty, whether or when such circumstances may improve or worsen, or the full impact such circumstances could have on our business.
For the three months ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, our effective tax rate was positive 38.1 % and negative 20.2 %, respectively, and for the nine months ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, our effective tax rate was positive 50.0 % and negative 7.9 %, respectively. The positive effective tax rate for the nine months ended November 1, 2025 differed from the statutory rate primarily due to the impact of permanent non-deductible compensation. The negative effective tax rate for the nine months ended November 2, 2024 was due to discrete tax benefits recognized, primarily related to the release of tax reserves no longer deemed necessary and state tax planning initiatives, which partially offset the tax calculated on income before income taxes at statutory rates.
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.
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 nine months ended November 1, 2025, we recorded impairment charges to long-lived assets of $1.5 million due to an underperforming U.S. Retail segment store and $1.0 million due to underperforming Canada Retail segment stores, and to a cost-basis investment of $2.0 million due to 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. During the three and nine months ended November 2, 2024, we recorded impairment charges to long-lived assets of $9.2 million due to a vacated leased corporate office, $1.0 million due to an underperforming Canada Retail segment store and $0.6 million due to an underperforming U.S. Retail segment store, and to our equity investment ownership interest in Le Tigre of $7.0 million, resulting in no remaining value, due to the inability of Le Tigre to generate earnings with expected future losses.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements- In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): 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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In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software, which eliminates accounting consideration of software project development stages and instead requires capitalization to begin when management authorizes and commits to funding the project and it is probable the software will be completed and used as intended. ASU 2025-06 is effective for us in the first quarter of 2028 and early adoption is permitted either on a retrospective, prospective, or modified prospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2025-06 on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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 | $ | ||||
| Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired: | |||||
| Inventories | $ | ||||
| Operating lease assets | |||||
| Goodwill | |||||
| Intangible assets | |||||
| Other assets | |||||
| Accounts payable and other current liabilities | ( | ||||
| Operating lease liabilities | ( | ||||
| $ | |||||
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.
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The following table presents net sales disaggregated by product and service categories for each segment:
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-athletic footwear: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Women's | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Men's | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kids' | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Athletic footwear | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accessories and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada Retail segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-athletic footwear: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Women's | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Men's | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kids' | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Athletic footwear | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accessories and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Portfolio segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wholesale | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct-to consumer | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of intersegment sales | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total net sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
DEFERRED REVENUE LIABILITIES
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gift cards: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gift cards redeemed and breakage recognized to net sales | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gift cards issued | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| End of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reward programs: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reward certificates redeemed and expired and other adjustments recognized to net sales | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred revenue for reward points issued | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| End of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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 November 1, 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.
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 November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, we recorded rent expense from the leases with Schottenstein Affiliates of $1.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively. For the nine months ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, we recorded rent expense from the leases with Schottenstein Affiliates of $5.2 million and $5.4 million, respectively. As of November 1, 2025, February 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, we had related party current operating lease liabilities of $4.7 million, $4.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively, and non-current operating lease liabilities of $14.2 million, $13.4 million and $17.7 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 November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, we recorded royalty expense for amounts paid to ABG-Camuto of $4.8 14.4
5. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is based on net income 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.
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The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as used in the calculation of earnings per share attributable to Designer Brands Inc.:
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average basic shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 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 2.7 million and 4.0 million, respectively. For the nine months ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 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 3.2 million and 3.6 million, respectively.
6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
For the three months ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, we recorded stock-based compensation expense of $3.4 million and $3.6 million, respectively. For the nine months ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, we recorded stock-based compensation expense of $15.4 million and $15.0 million, respectively. These costs are included in operating expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The following table summarizes the restricted stock units ("RSU") activity for the nine months ended November 1, 2025:
| (in thousands) | Shares of Time-Based RSUs | Shares of Performance-Based RSUs | |||||||||
| Outstanding - beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Outstanding - end of period | |||||||||||
7. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
SHARES
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) | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A | Class B | Class A | Class B | Class A | Class B | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Authorized shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issued shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We have authorized 100 million shares of no par value preferred shares, with no shares issued for any of the periods presented.
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DIVIDENDS
On November 20, 2025, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.05 per share for both Class A and Class B common shares. The dividend will be paid on December 19, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 5, 2025.
8. RECEIVABLES
Receivables, net, consisted of the following:
| (in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| Customer accounts receivables: | |||||||||||||||||
| Receivables with payment guarantee by third-party provider | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Receivables without payment guarantee | |||||||||||||||||
| Other receivables | |||||||||||||||||
| Total receivables | |||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
9. PROPERTY AND LEASES
During the nine months ended November 1, 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 $32.8 million.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following:
| (dollars in thousands) | Useful Life (years) | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Land | Indefinite | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Building and leasehold improvements | shorter | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Furniture, fixtures and equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Software | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance leased equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction-in-progress | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total property and equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation and amortization | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
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LEASES
The following table presents the classification and amounts for operating and finance leases on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
| (in thousands) | Classification | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease assets | Operating lease assets | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease assets | Property and equipment, net | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | Current operating lease liabilities | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities | Accrued expenses | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | Non-current operating lease liabilities | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities | Other non-current liabilities | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases:
| Nine months ended | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||
| Cash paid for lease liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Operating cash flows for operating leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Operating cash flows for finance leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Financing cash flows for finance leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Non-cash activities: | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities arising from lease asset additions | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities arising from lease asset additions | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net increase to operating lease assets and lease liabilities for modifications | $ | $ | |||||||||
10. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consisted of the following:
| (in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| Gift cards | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued compensation and related expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Accrued taxes | |||||||||||||||||
| Customer returns and allowances | |||||||||||||||||
| Reward programs deferred revenue | |||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
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11. DEBT
Debt consisted of the following:
| (in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| ABL Revolver | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Term Loan | |||||||||||||||||
| Total debt | |||||||||||||||||
| Less unamortized Term Loan debt issuance costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Less current maturities of long-term debt | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
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 November 1, 2025, the revolving line of credit (excluding the FILO Term Loan) had a borrowing base of $493.6 million, with $322.7 million in outstanding borrowings and $4.0 million in letters of credit issued, resulting in $166.9 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 6.3 % as of November 1, 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 11.1 % (effective interest rate of 12.5 % when including the amortization of debt issuance costs) as of November 1, 2025.
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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. 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 November 1, 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
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. Retail | Canada Retail | Brand Portfolio | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended November 1, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| External customer sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of intersegment net sales | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less segment expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales, exclusive of expenses shown below | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Store selling expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution and fulfillment costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel overhead costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other expense items(1) | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Plus income from equity investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net recognition of intersegment activity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate shared service costs(2) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment charges(2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating expenses, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for segment property and equipment | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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| (in thousands) | U.S. Retail | Canada Retail | Brand Portfolio | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended November 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| External customer sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of intersegment net sales | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less segment expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales, exclusive of expenses shown below | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Store selling expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution and fulfillment costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel overhead costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other expense items(1) | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Plus income from equity investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net recognition of intersegment activity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate shared service costs(2) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment charges(2) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating expenses, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for segment property and equipment | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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| (in thousands) | U.S. Retail | Canada Retail | Brand Portfolio | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nine months ended November 1, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| External customer sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of intersegment net sales | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less segment expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales, exclusive of expenses shown below | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Store selling expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution and fulfillment costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel overhead costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other expense items(1) | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Plus income from equity investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net recognition of intersegment activity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate shared service costs(2) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment charges(2) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating expenses, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for segment property and equipment | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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| (in thousands) | U.S. Retail | Canada Retail | Brand Portfolio | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nine months ended November 2, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| External customer sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of intersegment net sales | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less segment expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales, exclusive of expenses shown below | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Store selling expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution and fulfillment costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel overhead costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other expense items(1) | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Plus income from equity investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net elimination of intersegment activity | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate shared service costs(2) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment charges(2) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating expenses, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for segment property and equipment | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
(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 third quarter of 2025, net sales decreased 3.2% with a decrease in total comparable sales of 2.4% when compared to the same period last year. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the third quarter of 2025 was 45.1%, an increase of 210 basis points when compared to the same period last year.
EFFECTS OF MACROECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND TARIFFS
Macroeconomic conditions influenced by uncertain tariff policies, stock market indices, interest rates, inflation and employment levels, along with geopolitical unrest, continue to persist and create a 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 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 mitigating the impacts of certain macroeconomic conditions, our actions are not necessarily complete and they should be viewed as part of the process in which we will continue our efforts 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 adjusted our sourcing diversification by 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 November 1, 2025:
•Net sales decreased to $752.4 million from $777.2 million for the same period last year.
•Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 45.1% compared to 43.0% for the same period last year.
•Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. was $18.2 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, which included net after-tax charges of $1.4 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, primarily related to restructuring costs. For the three months ended November 2, 2024, net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. was $13.0 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, which included net after-tax charges of $1.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, primarily related to impairment charges.
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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 | |||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Change in comparable sales: | |||||||||||
| U.S. Retail segment | (1.5) | % | (2.8) | % | |||||||
| Canada Retail segment | (6.6) | % | (4.6) | % | |||||||
| Brand Portfolio segment - direct-to-consumer channel | (21.5) | % | (7.5) | % | |||||||
| Total | (2.4) | % | (3.1) | % | |||||||
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 November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, we had the following number of stores:
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||
| U.S. Retail segment - DSW stores | 497 | 496 | |||||||||
| Canada Retail segment: | |||||||||||
| The Shoe Co. stores | 120 | 125 | |||||||||
| Rubino stores | 28 | 28 | |||||||||
| DSW stores | 27 | 26 | |||||||||
| 175 | 179 | ||||||||||
| Total number of stores | 672 | 675 | |||||||||
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THIRD QUARTER OF 2025 COMPARED WITH THIRD QUARTER OF 2024
| (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) | Three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 752,411 | 100.0 | % | $ | 777,194 | 100.0 | % | $ | (24,783) | (3.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | (412,792) | (54.9) | (443,379) | (57.0) | 30,587 | (6.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 339,619 | 45.1 | 333,815 | 43.0 | 5,804 | 1.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | (300,056) | (39.9) | (296,827) | (38.2) | (3,229) | 1.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from equity investments | 3,100 | 0.5 | 3,584 | 0.5 | (484) | (13.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment charges | — | — | (17,756) | (2.3) | 17,756 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 42,663 | 5.7 | 22,816 | 2.9 | 19,847 | 87.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (11,420) | (1.5) | (11,565) | (1.5) | 145 | (1.3) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating expenses, net | (34) | — | (260) | — | 226 | (86.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 31,209 | 4.2 | 10,991 | 1.4 | 20,218 | 184.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (provision) | (11,891) | (1.6) | 2,223 | 0.3 | (14,114) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 19,318 | 2.6 | 13,214 | 1.7 | 6,104 | 46.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | (1,103) | (0.2) | (202) | — | (901) | 446.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. | $ | 18,215 | 2.4 | % | $ | 13,012 | 1.7 | % | $ | 5,203 | 40.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per share attributable to Designer Brands Inc.: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.12 | 48.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.11 | 45.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares used in per share calculations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic shares | 49,556 | 52,083 | (2,527) | (4.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted shares | 51,532 | 53,486 | (1,954) | (3.7) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NM - Not meaningful
NET SALES
The following table summarizes net sales by segment:
| Three months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % | Comparable Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment net sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail | $ | 610,462 | 77.3 | % | $ | 615,495 | 75.9 | % | $ | (5,033) | (0.8) | % | (1.5) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada Retail | 77,279 | 9.8 | 83,504 | 10.3 | (6,225) | (7.5) | % | (6.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Portfolio | 101,923 | 12.9 | 111,492 | 13.8 | (9,569) | (8.6) | % | (21.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment net sales | 789,664 | 100.0 | % | 810,491 | 100.0 | % | (20,827) | (2.6) | % | (2.4) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of intersegment net sales | (37,253) | (33,297) | (3,956) | 11.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 752,411 | $ | 777,194 | $ | (24,783) | (3.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For the three months ended November 1, 2025, net sales decreased in the U.S. Retail segment over the same period last year primarily driven by a decline in comparable sales of $9.0 million, largely driven by lower comparable transactions of approximately 8% due to reduced traffic, partially offset by an increase in comparable average sales amounts per transaction. The decline in comparable sales was partially offset by an increase in non-product sales activity. Net sales decreased in the Canada Retail segment primarily driven by a decline in comparable sales, also due to lower traffic. The decrease in net sales for the Brand Portfolio segment was primarily due to a shift in timing of wholesale revenue from the third quarter to the fourth quarter in the current year.
GROSS PROFIT
The following table summarizes gross profit by segment:
| Three months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % | Basis Points | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment gross profit: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail | $ | 275,635 | 45.2 | % | $ | 264,384 | 43.0 | % | $ | 11,251 | 4.3 | % | 220 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada Retail | 34,340 | 44.4 | % | 37,181 | 44.5 | % | (2,841) | (7.6) | % | (10) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Portfolio | 28,968 | 28.4 | % | 31,313 | 28.1 | % | (2,345) | (7.5) | % | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment gross profit | 338,943 | 42.9 | % | 332,878 | 41.1 | % | 6,065 | 1.8 | % | 180 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net recognition of intersegment gross profit | 676 | 937 | (261) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated gross profit | $ | 339,619 | 45.1 | % | $ | 333,815 | 43.0 | % | $ | 5,804 | 1.7 | % | 210 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended November 1, 2025, the increase in gross profit for the U.S. Retail segment over the same period last year was primarily driven by the higher margin rates but on lower net sales. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased for the U.S. Retail segment when compared to the same period last year primarily due to significantly lower promotional activity and higher penetration of non-product sales activities. The decrease in gross profit for the Canada Retail segment was primarily driven by the decrease in net sales. The decrease in gross profit for the Brand Portfolio segment was primarily due to lower net sales, partially offset by slightly higher margin rates due to product mix.
The net recognition of intersegment gross profit consisted of the following:
| Three months ended | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||
| Intersegment recognition and elimination activity: | |||||||||||
| Elimination of net sales recognized by Brand Portfolio segment | $ | (37,253) | $ | (33,297) | |||||||
| Cost of sales: | |||||||||||
| Elimination of cost of sales recognized by Brand Portfolio segment | 28,929 | 23,823 | |||||||||
| Recognition of intersegment gross profit for inventory previously purchased that was subsequently sold to external customers during the current period | 9,000 | 10,411 | |||||||||
| $ | 676 | $ | 937 | ||||||||
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OPERATING EXPENSES
The following table summarizes operating expenses by segment:
| Three months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % | Basis Points | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail | $ | 209,433 | 34.3 | % | $ | 203,877 | 33.1 | % | $ | 5,556 | 2.7 | % | 120 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada Retail | 27,584 | 35.7 | % | 26,703 | 32.0 | % | 881 | 3.3 | % | 370 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Portfolio | 23,812 | 23.4 | % | 27,150 | 24.4 | % | (3,338) | (12.3) | % | (100) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment operating expenses | 260,829 | 33.0 | % | 257,730 | 31.8 | % | 3,099 | 1.2 | % | 120 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | 39,227 | 39,097 | 130 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating expenses | $ | 300,056 | 39.9 | % | $ | 296,827 | 38.2 | % | $ | 3,229 | 1.1 | % | 170 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended November 1, 2025, operating expenses increased in the U.S. Retail segment over the same period last year primarily due to higher 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 as a percentage of net sales increased in the Canada Retail segment due to the deleverage impact of lower net sales. Operating expenses decreased in the Brand Portfolio segment primarily due to managing costs in response to lower net sales, which resulted in lower operating expenses as a percentage of net sales. Operating expenses were relatively flat for corporate shared services primarily due to lower personnel and other costs offsetting higher severance charges and the impact of an incentive compensation accrual reversal recorded in the same period last year.
IMPAIRMENT CHARGES
There were no impairment charges for the three months ended November 1, 2025. During the three months ended November 2, 2024, we recorded impairment charges of $17.8 million including charges to long-lived assets with $9.2 million due to a vacated leased corporate office, $1.0 million due to an underperforming Canada Retail segment store and $0.6 million due to an underperforming U.S. Retail segment store, and to our equity investment ownership interest in Le Tigre of $7.0 million, resulting in no remaining value, due to the inability of Le Tigre to generate earnings with expected future losses.
OPERATING PROFIT
The following table summarizes operating profit by segment:
| Three months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % | Basis Points | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail | $ | 66,202 | 10.8 | % | $ | 60,507 | 9.8 | % | $ | 5,695 | 9.4 | % | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada Retail | 6,756 | 8.7 | % | 10,478 | 12.5 | % | (3,722) | (35.5) | % | (380) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Portfolio | 8,256 | 8.1 | % | 7,747 | 6.9 | % | 509 | 6.6 | % | 120 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment operating profit | 81,214 | 10.3 | % | 78,732 | 9.7 | % | 2,482 | 3.2 | % | 60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate/eliminations | (38,551) | (55,916) | 17,365 | (31.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating profit | $ | 42,663 | 5.7 | % | $ | 22,816 | 2.9 | % | $ | 19,847 | 87.0 | % | 280 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For the three months ended November 1, 2025, operating profit for the U.S. Retail segment increased over the same period last year due to higher gross profit, slightly offset by higher operating expenses. Operating profit for the Canada Retail segment decreased due to lower gross profit. Operating profit for the Brand Portfolio segment increased due to lower operating expenses partially offset by lower gross profit. Corporate/eliminations were favorable to consolidated operating profit due to impairment charges incurred last year. These factors led to an increase in consolidated operating profit for the three months ended November 1, 2025 as compared the same period last year.
INCOME TAXES
For the three months ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, our effective tax rate was positive 38.1% and negative 20.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended November 1, 2025 differed from the statutory rate primarily due to the impact of permanent non-deductible compensation. The negative effective tax rate for the three months ended November 2, 2024 is the result of the change from a positive tax rate through the second quarter of 2024 to a negative rate through the third quarter of 2024.
NINE MONTHS OF 2025 COMPARED WITH NINE MONTHS OF 2024
| (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,179,082 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,295,690 | 100.0 | % | $ | (116,608) | (5.1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | (1,221,404) | (56.1) | (1,292,315) | (56.3) | 70,911 | (5.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 957,678 | 43.9 | 1,003,375 | 43.7 | (45,697) | (4.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | (899,380) | (41.3) | (933,851) | (40.7) | 34,471 | (3.7) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from equity investments | 8,105 | 0.4 | 9,019 | 0.4 | (914) | (10.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment charges | (4,419) | (0.2) | (17,756) | (0.8) | 13,337 | (75.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 61,984 | 2.8 | 60,787 | 2.6 | 1,197 | 2.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (34,955) | (1.6) | (34,161) | (1.5) | (794) | 2.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating expenses, net | (104) | — | (512) | — | 408 | (79.7) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 26,925 | 1.2 | 26,114 | 1.1 | 811 | 3.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (provision) | (13,462) | (0.6) | 2,067 | 0.1 | (15,529) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 13,463 | 0.6 | 28,181 | 1.2 | (14,718) | (52.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | (1,845) | (0.1) | (562) | — | (1,283) | 228.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Designer Brands Inc. | $ | 11,618 | 0.5 | % | $ | 27,619 | 1.2 | % | $ | (16,001) | (57.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per share attributable to Designer Brands Inc.: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.50 | $ | (0.26) | (52.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.23 | $ | 0.48 | $ | (0.25) | (52.1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares used in per share calculations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic shares | 48,971 | 55,570 | (6,599) | (11.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted shares | 49,998 | 57,116 | (7,118) | (12.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NM - Not meaningful
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NET SALES
The following table summarizes net sales by segment:
| Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % | Comparable Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment net sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail | $ | 1,794,628 | 79.0 | % | $ | 1,878,556 | 78.1 | % | $ | (83,928) | (4.5) | % | (4.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada Retail | 206,261 | 9.1 | 213,813 | 8.9 | (7,552) | (3.5) | % | (5.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Portfolio | 270,978 | 11.9 | 311,615 | 13.0 | (40,637) | (13.0) | % | (25.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment net sales | 2,271,867 | 100.0 | % | 2,403,984 | 100.0 | % | (132,117) | (5.5) | % | (5.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elimination of intersegment net sales | (92,785) | (108,294) | 15,509 | (14.3) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 2,179,082 | $ | 2,295,690 | $ | (116,608) | (5.1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the nine months ended November 1, 2025, net sales decreased in the U.S. Retail segment over the same period last year 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 $13.0 million in the U.S. Retail segment due to net store closures since the end of the third quarter of 2024, which was partially offset by 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 $10.7 million, also due to lower traffic, and the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of $3.7 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 $41.5 million (excluding Topo wholesale) as retail customers and the U.S. Retail segment pulled back on orders in the first half of the year and a shift in timing of wholesale revenue from the third quarter to the fourth quarter in the current year, partially offset by a $12.6 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:
| Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % | Basis Points | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment gross profit: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail | $ | 782,953 | 43.6 | % | $ | 821,708 | 43.7 | % | $ | (38,755) | (4.7) | % | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada Retail | 94,694 | 45.9 | % | 98,642 | 46.1 | % | (3,948) | (4.0) | % | (20) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Portfolio | 74,147 | 27.4 | % | 91,425 | 29.3 | % | (17,278) | (18.9) | % | (190) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment gross profit | 951,794 | 41.9 | % | 1,011,775 | 42.1 | % | (59,981) | (5.9) | % | (20) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net recognition (elimination) of intersegment gross profit | 5,884 | (8,400) | 14,284 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated gross profit | $ | 957,678 | 43.9 | % | $ | 1,003,375 | 43.7 | % | $ | (45,697) | (4.6) | % | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the nine months ended November 1, 2025, the decrease in gross profit for the U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments over the same period last year was primarily driven by the decrease in net sales at slightly lower margin rates. The decrease in gross profit for the Brand Portfolio segment was primarily due to the lower net sales at lower margin rates. 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.
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The net recognition (elimination) of intersegment gross profit consisted of the following:
| Nine months ended | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||
| Intersegment recognition and elimination activity: | |||||||||||
| Elimination of net sales recognized by Brand Portfolio segment | $ | (92,785) | $ | (108,294) | |||||||
| Cost of sales: | |||||||||||
| Elimination of cost of sales recognized by Brand Portfolio segment | 68,528 | 76,090 | |||||||||
| Recognition of intersegment gross profit for inventory previously purchased that was subsequently sold to external customers during the current period | 30,141 | 23,804 | |||||||||
| $ | 5,884 | $ | (8,400) | ||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES
The following table summarizes operating expenses by segment:
| Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % | Basis Points | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail | $ | 616,932 | 34.4 | % | $ | 619,427 | 33.0 | % | $ | (2,495) | (0.4) | % | 140 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada Retail | 79,075 | 38.3 | % | 75,944 | 35.5 | % | 3,131 | 4.1 | % | 280 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Portfolio | 75,011 | 27.7 | % | 92,794 | 29.8 | % | (17,783) | (19.2) | % | (210) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment operating expenses | 771,018 | 33.9 | % | 788,165 | 32.8 | % | (17,147) | (2.2) | % | 110 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | 128,362 | 145,686 | (17,324) | (11.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating expenses | $ | 899,380 | 41.3 | % | $ | 933,851 | 40.7 | % | $ | (34,471) | (3.7) | % | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the nine months ended November 1, 2025, operating expenses decreased in the U.S. Retail segment over the same period last year primarily due to lower store selling expenses and personnel overhead costs of $9.2 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 an $8.5 million decrease in marketing expenses with the remaining decrease primarily due to lower personnel overhead and other costs, in line with lower net 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.
IMPAIRMENT CHARGES
During the nine months ended November 1, 2025, we recorded impairment charges to long-lived assets of $1.5 million due to an underperforming U.S. Retail segment store and $1.0 million due to underperforming Canada Retail segment stores, and to a cost-basis investment of $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. During the nine months ended November 2, 2024, we recorded impairment charges of $17.8 million including charges to long-lived assets with $9.2 million due to a vacated leased corporate office, $1.0 million due to an underperforming Canada Retail segment store and $0.6 million due to an underperforming U.S. Retail segment store, and to our equity investment ownership interest in Le Tigre of $7.0 million, resulting in no remaining value, due to the inability of Le Tigre to generate earnings with expected future losses.
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OPERATING PROFIT
The following table summarizes operating profit by segment:
| Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % of Segment Net Sales | Amount | % | Basis Points | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail | $ | 166,021 | 9.3 | % | $ | 202,281 | 10.8 | % | $ | (36,260) | (17.9) | % | (150) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada Retail | 15,619 | 7.6 | % | 22,698 | 10.6 | % | (7,079) | (31.2) | % | (300) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brand Portfolio | 7,241 | 2.7 | % | 7,650 | 2.5 | % | (409) | (5.3) | % | 20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment operating profit | 188,881 | 8.3 | % | 232,629 | 9.7 | % | (43,748) | (18.8) | % | (140) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate/eliminations | (126,897) | (171,842) | 44,945 | (26.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating profit | $ | 61,984 | 2.8 | % | $ | 60,787 | 2.6 | % | $ | 1,197 | 2.0 | % | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the nine months ended November 1, 2025, operating profit for the U.S. Retail segment decreased over the same period last year primarily due to lower gross profit. Operating profit for the Canada Retail segment decreased due to lower gross profit and higher operating expenses. Operating profit for the Brand Portfolio segment was relatively flat due to lower gross profit offset by lower operating expenses. Corporate/eliminations were favorable to consolidated operating profit due to lower corporate operating expenses and favorable intersegment activity. These factors led to an increase in consolidated operating profit for the nine months ended November 1, 2025 as compared to the same period last year.
INCOME TAXES
For the nine months ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024, our effective tax rate was positive 50.0% and negative 7.9%, respectively. The positive effective tax rate for the nine months ended November 1, 2025 differed from the statutory rate primarily due to the impact of permanent non-deductible compensation. The negative effective tax rate for the nine months ended November 2, 2024 was due to discrete tax benefits recognized, primarily related to the release of tax reserves no longer deemed necessary and state tax planning initiatives, which partially offset the tax calculated on income before income taxes at statutory rates.
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 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:
| Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 67,607 | $ | 12,137 | $ | 55,470 | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (27,700) | (50,692) | 22,992 | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (34,053) | 26,155 | (60,208) | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances | 746 | (546) | 1,292 | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 6,600 | $ | (12,946) | $ | 19,546 | |||||||||||
OPERATING CASH FLOWS
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended November 1, 2025 as compared to the same period last year was primarily due to improved working capital management as we adjusted inventories in line with lower net sales and the timing of vendor payments, partially offset by a decrease in net income recognized after adjusting for non-cash activity, including impairment charges and depreciation and amortization, and the receipt of income tax refunds of over $40.0 million during the nine months ended November 2, 2024.
INVESTING CASH FLOWS
The decrease in net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended November 1, 2025 as compared to the same period last year was primarily due to the reduction in capital expenditures of $13.1 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 nine months ended November 2, 2024.
FINANCING CASH FLOWS
For the nine months ended November 1, 2025, we had net cash used in financing activities primarily due to net payments on debt of $22.5 million on our ABL Revolver and Term Loan and dividend payments of $7.2 million. For the nine months ended November 2, 2024, we had net cash provided by financing activities primarily due to the net receipts of $113.0 million from our ABL Revolver, partially offset by the repurchase of 10.3 million Class A common shares at an aggregate cost of $68.6 million, dividend payments of $8.1 million, and payments on our Term Loan of $5.1 million.
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 November 1, 2025, the revolving line of credit (excluding the FILO Term Loan) had a borrowing base of $493.6 million, with $322.7 million in outstanding borrowings and $4.0 million in letters of credit issued, resulting in $166.9 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 November 1, 2025, the Term Loan had an outstanding balance of $121.3 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 November 1, 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, $32.6 million of which was spent during the nine months ended November 1, 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 PRONOUNCEMENTS
The information related to recent accounting pronouncements as set forth in Note 1, Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, 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 November 1, 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 Interim Principal 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 Interim Principal 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 adjusted our sourcing diversification by 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 November 1, 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 nine months ended November 1, 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. On November 20, 2025, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.05 per share for both Class A and Class B common shares. The dividend will be paid on December 19, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 5, 2025.
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.
During the three months ended November 1, 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).
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| ITEM 6. EXHIBITS | ||
| Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exhibit Number | Exhibit Description | Form | File No. | Date of Filing | Exhibit Number | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10.1# | Amendment dated as of September 4, 2025 to the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (as Amended and Restated). | 10-Q | 001-32545 | 9/9/2025 | 10.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 November 1, 2025, formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (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
34
Table of contents
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: | December 9, 2025 | By: | /s/ Mark A. Haley | |||||||||||
| Mark A. Haley | ||||||||||||||
| Senior Vice President, Controller, Principal Accounting Officer, and Interim Principal Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||
| (Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and duly authorized officer) | ||||||||||||||
35
FAQ
How did Designer Brands (DBI) perform financially in Q3 2025?
For the quarter ended
What happened to Designer Brands (DBI) comparable sales in Q3 2025?
For Q3 2025, total comparable sales declined
How are macroeconomic conditions and tariffs affecting Designer Brands (DBI)?
The company reports that economic volatility, inflation, and higher U.S. tariffs have negatively affected operating results and liquidity during 2025 by pressuring discretionary spending and costs. Many products are sourced from Asia, so tariff increases and uncertainty around trade policy could impact margins and sourcing flexibility, even as management pursues inventory alignment, cost reductions, and sourcing diversification.
What is Designer Brands (DBI) doing with its balance sheet and liquidity?
As of
Did Designer Brands (DBI) generate cash from operations in the first nine months of 2025?
Yes. For the nine months ended
What capital investments and leases did Designer Brands (DBI) undertake in 2025?
During the nine months ended
Is Designer Brands (DBI) paying a dividend?
Yes. On
Designer Brands Inc
NYSE:DBI
DBI Rankings
DBI Latest News
DBI Latest SEC Filings
Dec 10, 2025
[144] Designer Brands Inc. SEC Filing
Dec 10, 2025
[144] Designer Brands Inc. SEC Filing
Nov 26, 2025
[8-K] Designer Brands Inc. Reports Material Event
DBI Stock Data
420.42M
33.35M
20.53%
89.38%
12.53%
Footwear & Accessories
Retail-shoe Stores
United States
COLUMBUS