Q2 2026 Steven Madden Ltd Earnings Call

July 30, 2026

Operator: Welcome to the Q2 2026 Steven Madden, Ltd. earnings call and webcast. All participants will be in listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by 0. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then 1 on a touch-tone phone. To withdraw your question, please press star then 2. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Danielle McCoy, Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Operator: Welcome to the Q2 2026 Steven Madden, Ltd. earnings call and webcast. All participants will be in listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by 0. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then one on a Touch-Tone phone. To withdraw your question, please press star then one. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Danielle McCoy, Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Welcome to the second quarter 2026 Steven Madden Limited earnings call and webcast. All participants will be in listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero.

Speaker #1: After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star, then 1, on a touchtone phone.

Speaker #1: To withdraw your question, please press star, then 2. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Danielle McCoy, Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Danielle McCoy: Thanks, Debbie. Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining our Q2 2026 earnings call and webcast. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that our remarks that follow, including answers to your questions, contain statements that we believe to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks that could cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks include, among others, matters that we have described in our press release issued earlier today and filings we made with the SEC. We disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, which may not be updated until our next quarterly earnings call, if at all. Financial results discussed on today's call are on an adjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Debbie, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining our second quarter 2026 earnings call and webcast. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you that our remarks that follow, including answers to your questions, contain statements that we believe to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

Speaker #2: These forward-looking statements are subject to risk that could cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risk include among others matters that we have described in our press release issued earlier today and filings we made with the SEC.

Danielle McCoy: These risks include, among others, matters that we have described in our press release issued earlier today and filings we made with the SEC. We disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, which may not be updated until our next quarterly earnings call, if at all. Financial results discussed on today's call are on an adjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

Speaker #2: We disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements which may not be updated until our next quarterly earnings call, if at all. Financial results discussed on today's call are on an adjusted basis and less otherwise noted.

Speaker #2: A reconciliation to the most directly comparable gap financial measure, or other associated disclosures, are contained in our earnings release. Joining me on the call today are Ed Rosenfeld, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Zine Mazouzi, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Operations.

Danielle McCoy: A reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure or other associated disclosures are contained in our earnings release. Joining me on the call today are Ed Rosenfeld, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Zine Mazouzi, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Operations. With that, I'll turn the call over to Ed. Ed?

Speaker #2: With that, I'll turn the call over to Ed. Ed?

Speaker #3: Okay, thanks, Danielle. And good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us to review Steve Madden's second quarter 2026 results. We delivered robust top- and bottom-line growth in the second quarter, reflecting the strength of our brands and our team's disciplined execution of our long-term strategy.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Okay. Thanks, Danielle. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us to review Steve Madden's Q2 2026 results. We delivered robust top and bottom-line growth in the Q2, reflecting the strength of our brands and our team's disciplined execution of our long-term strategy. Total revenue grew 19% in the quarter, or 11% excluding Kurt Geiger, and diluted EPS more than doubled from the Q2 last year. Our flagship brand, Steve Madden, was the highlight, continuing to gain momentum as consumers responded enthusiastically to the trend-right assortments created by Steve and his design team. In women's footwear, we saw strong performance with dress shoes at various heel heights and outsized growth in the casual category. We capitalized on a variety of trends in style and materials, including split toes, jellies, hidden wedges, rhinestone mesh, ballet-inspired looks, thongs, and needle heels.

Ed Rosenfeld: Okay. Thanks, Danielle. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us to review Steve Madden's Q2 2026 results. We delivered robust top and bottom-line growth in the Q2, reflecting the strength of our brands and our team's disciplined execution of our long-term strategy. Total revenue grew 19% in the quarter, or 11% excluding Kurt Geiger, and diluted EPS more than doubled from the Q2 last year.

Speaker #3: Total revenue grew 19% in the quarter, or 11% excluding Kirk Geiger, and diluted EPS more than doubled from the second quarter last year. Our flagship brand, Steve Madden, was the highlight, continuing to gain momentum as consumers responded enthusiastically to the trend-bright assortments created by Steve and his design team.

Ed Rosenfeld: Our flagship brand, Steve Madden, was the highlight, continuing to gain momentum as consumers responded enthusiastically to the trend-right assortments created by Steve and his design team. In women's footwear, we saw strong performance with dress shoes at various heel heights and outsized growth in the casual category. We capitalized on a variety of trends in style and materials, including split toes, jellies, hidden wedges, rhinestone mesh, ballet-inspired looks, thongs, and needle heels.

Speaker #3: In women's footwear, we saw strong performance with dress shoes at various heel heights and outsized growth in the casual category. We capitalized on a variety of trends in style and materials, including split toes, jellies, hidden wedges, rhinestone mesh, ballet-inspired looks, thongs, and needle heels.

Speaker #3: Men's footwear also performed well across a range of categories, with particular strength in loafers. And in handbags, we returned to strong growth with totes, hobos, and crossbody styles that incorporated trending materials like straw, jelly, and denim.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Men's footwear also performed well across a range of categories, with particular strength in loafers. In handbags, we returned to strong growth with totes, hobos, and crossbody styles that incorporated trending materials like straw, jelly, and denim. Our marketing team supported these assortments with integrated brand and product storytelling, including a deeper partnership with model Delilah Bell, who fronted our Bait & Switch summer campaign. Together, the combination of compelling product and strong market execution fueled a meaningful increase in brand heat. Global online searches for Steve Madden rose 71% in the quarter. Based on the strong momentum we are seeing, we have increased our forecast for Steve Madden brand revenue for the year and now expect a high single-digit increase compared to 2025. We also made meaningful progress in the quarter on our key growth initiatives for the Kurt Geiger London brand.

Ed Rosenfeld: Men's footwear also performed well across a range of categories, with particular strength in loafers. In handbags, we returned to strong growth with totes, hobos, and crossbody styles that incorporated trending materials like straw, jelly, and denim. Our marketing team supported these assortments with integrated brand and product storytelling, including a deeper partnership with model Delilah Bell, who fronted our Bait & Switch summer campaign.

Speaker #3: Our marketing team supported these assortments with integrated brand and product storytelling, including a deeper partnership with model Delilah Belle, who fronted our Bait & Switch summer campaign.

Speaker #3: Together, the combination of compelling product and strong market execution fueled a meaningful increase in brand heat. Global online searches for Steve Madden rose 71% in the quarter.

Ed Rosenfeld: Together, the combination of compelling product and strong market execution fueled a meaningful increase in brand heat. Global online searches for Steve Madden rose 71% in the quarter. Based on the strong momentum we are seeing, we have increased our forecast for Steve Madden brand revenue for the year and now expect a high single-digit increase compared to 2025. We also made meaningful progress in the quarter on our key growth initiatives for the Kurt Geiger London brand.

Speaker #3: And based on the strong momentum we are seeing, we have increased our forecasts for Steve Madden brand revenue for the year and now expect a high single-digit increase, compared to 2025.

Speaker #3: We also made meaningful progress in the quarter on our key growth initiatives for the Kurt Geiger London brand. In the U.S., building out Kurt Geiger's store base is an important part of our strategy to increase brand awareness, showcase the full brand experience, and drive profitable growth.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: In the US, building out Kurt Geiger's store base is an important part of our strategy to increase brand awareness, showcase the full brand experience, and drive profitable growth. We opened 2 full-price stores in premium malls in the quarter, Tysons Corner and Dadeland, bringing us to a total of 7 full-price stores in the US. The new stores are off to a good start, and the existing stores are performing well, driving strong four-wall profitability and delivering a 12% comp store sales gain in Q2. 6 of the 7 stores offer Kurt Geiger's unique one-of-a-kind personalization service, which enables customers to design their own Kensington bag and walk out with it in minutes. In the stores where it's available, the one-of-a-kind offering drove 17% of handbag sales, and we see this as a key differentiator for the brand that we will lean into going forward.

Ed Rosenfeld: In the US, building out Kurt Geiger's store base is an important part of our strategy to increase brand awareness, showcase the full brand experience, and drive profitable growth. We opened two full-price stores in premium malls in the quarter, Tysons Corner and Dadeland, bringing us to a total of seven full-price stores in the US.

Speaker #3: We opened two full-price stores in premium malls in the quarter—Tysons Corner and Dadeland—bringing us to a total of seven full-price stores in the U.S.

Speaker #3: The new stores are off to a good start, and the existing stores are performing well, driving strong four-wall profitability and delivering a 12% comp store sales gain in the second quarter.

Ed Rosenfeld: The new stores are off to a good start, and the existing stores are performing well, driving strong four-wall profitability and delivering a 12% comp store sales gain in Q2. 6 of the 7 stores offer Kurt Geiger's unique one-of-a-kind personalization service, which enables customers to design their own Kensington bag and walk out with it in minutes. In the stores where it's available, the one-of-a-kind offering drove 17% of handbag sales, and we see this as a key differentiator for the brand that we will lean into going forward.

Speaker #3: Six of the seven stores offer Kirk Geiger's unique one-of-a-kind personalization service, which enables customers to design their own Kensington bag and walk out with it in minutes.

Speaker #3: In the stores where it's available, the one-of-a-kind offering drove 17% of handbag sales, and we see this as a key differentiator for the brand that we will lean into going forward.

Speaker #3: Outside the U.S., we acquired a business in Spain and Portugal from our distributor in Q2 and will now operate that business in-house. And we are an active discussions with a number of potential distribution and joint venture partners for Kirk Geiger around the world.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Outside the US, we acquired a business in Spain and Portugal from our distributor in Q2 and will now operate that business in-house. We are in active discussions with a number of potential distribution and joint venture partners for Kurt Geiger around the world. For the year, we continue to expect mid-teens pro forma revenue growth in Kurt Geiger. In Dolce Vita, we had an outstanding Q2 with strong growth across wholesale and DTC channels, driven by a compelling product assortment highlighted by jellies, ballet flats, Mary Janes, mid-heel dress shoes, and thongs. We also continued to gain momentum in handbags and make progress in international markets, including Canada, Mexico, and the UK. Based on the momentum we are seeing, we have increased our forecast for Dolce Vita revenue for the year and now expect high single-digit to low double-digit growth.

Ed Rosenfeld: Outside the US, we acquired a business in Spain and Portugal from our distributor in Q2 and will now operate that business in-house. We are in active discussions with a number of potential distribution and joint venture partners for Kurt Geiger around the world. For the year, we continue to expect mid-teens pro forma revenue growth in Kurt Geiger.

Speaker #3: For the year, we continue to expect mid-teens pro forma revenue growth in Kirk Geiger. In Dolce Vita, we had an outstanding second quarter, with strong growth across wholesale and DTC channels, driven by a compelling product assortment highlighted by jellies, ballet flats, Mary Janes, mid-heel dress shoes, and thongs.

Ed Rosenfeld: In Dolce Vita, we had an outstanding Q2 with strong growth across wholesale and DTC channels, driven by a compelling product assortment highlighted by jellies, ballet flats, Mary Janes, mid-heel dress shoes, and thongs. We also continued to gain momentum in handbags and make progress in international markets, including Canada, Mexico, and the UK. Based on the momentum we are seeing, we have increased our forecast for Dolce Vita revenue for the year and now expect high single-digit to low double-digit growth.

Speaker #3: We also continue to gain momentum in handbags and make progress in international markets, including Canada, Mexico, and the U.K. Based on the momentum we are seeing, we have increased our forecast for Dolce Vita revenue for the year and now expect high single-digit to low double-digit growth.

Speaker #3: Overall, our lead brands are deepening their connections with consumers and gaining relevance in the marketplace, and each is poised for meaningful growth ahead. Based on the strong performance in the second quarter, we are raising our consolidated revenue and earnings outlook for 2026.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Overall, our lead brands are deepening their connections with consumers and gaining relevance in the marketplace, and each is poised for meaningful growth ahead. Based on the strong performance in Q2, we are raising our consolidated revenue and earnings outlook for 2026. Looking out further, we believe our powerful brands, proven business model, talented team, and sound strategy position us to deliver sustainable revenue and earnings growth over the long term. Now I'll turn it over to Zine to review our Q2 financial results in more detail and provide our updated outlook for 2026.

Ed Rosenfeld: Overall, our lead brands are deepening their connections with consumers and gaining relevance in the marketplace, and each is poised for meaningful growth ahead. Based on the strong performance in Q2, we are raising our consolidated revenue and earnings outlook for 2026. Looking out further, we believe our powerful brands, proven business model, talented team, and sound strategy position us to deliver sustainable revenue and earnings growth over the long term. Now I'll turn it over to Zine to review our Q2 financial results in more detail and provide our updated outlook for 2026.

Speaker #3: And looking out further, we believe our powerful brands, proven business model, talented team, and sound strategy position us to deliver sustainable revenue and earnings growth over the long term.

Speaker #3: And now, I'll turn it over to Zine to review our second quarter financial results in more detail and provide our updated outlook for 2026.

Speaker #4: Thanks, Ed. And good morning, everyone. In the second quarter, consolidated revenue was $665.9 million, a 19.1% increase compared to the second quarter of 2025.

Zine Mazouzi: Thanks, Ed, and good morning, everyone. In Q2, consolidated revenue was $665.9 million, a 19.1% increase compared to Q2 2025. Excluding Kurt Geiger, which we acquired on 6 May 2025, consolidated revenue increased 11.2%. Wholesale revenue was $407.5 million, up 13% compared to Q2 2025. Excluding Kurt Geiger, our Wholesale revenue increased 11.5%. Wholesale footwear revenue was $240 million, a 9% increase or up 7.8% excluding Kurt Geiger, driven by strong growth in the branded business, partially offset by a decline in private label. Wholesale accessories and apparel revenue was $167.5 million, up 19.2% compared to Q2 in the prior year or up 17.5% excluding Kurt Geiger, also driven by strong growth in the branded business, partially offset by a decline in private label.

Speaker #4: Excluding Kirk Geiger, which we acquired on May 6, 2025, consolidated revenue increased 11.2%. Wholesale revenue was $407.5 million, up 13% compared to the second quarter of 2025.

Speaker #4: Excluding Kirk Geiger, our wholesale revenue increased 11.5%. Wholesale footwear revenue was $240 million, a 9% increase, or up 7.8% excluding Kirk Geiger. Driven by strong growth in the branded business, partially offset by a decline in private label.

Zine Mazouzi: Wholesale footwear revenue was $240 million, a 9% increase or up 7.8% excluding Kurt Geiger, driven by strong growth in the branded business, partially offset by a decline in private label. Wholesale accessories and apparel revenue was $167.5 million, up 19.2% compared to Q2 in the prior year or up 17.5% excluding Kurt Geiger, also driven by strong growth in the branded business, partially offset by a decline in private label.

Speaker #4: Wholesale accessories and apparel revenue was $167.5 million, up 19.2% compared to the second quarter in the prior year, or up 17.5% excluding Kirk Geiger.

Speaker #4: Also driven by strong growth in the branded business, partially offset by a decline in private label. In our direct-to-consumer segment, revenue was $255.4 million, a 30.6% increase compared to the second quarter of 2025.

Zine Mazouzi: In our Direct-to-Consumer segment, revenue was $255.4 million, a 30.6% increase compared to Q2 2025. Excluding Kurt Geiger, our DTC revenue increased 11.1%, with double-digit growth in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels. The Madden brand global comp sales rose 9% in the quarter, including a 17% increase in the US and a 1% increase in international markets, which were impacted by the conflict in the Middle East. Excluding our business in the GCC, international comp sales increased by 4%. We ended the quarter with 382 company-operated brick-and-mortar stores, including 92 outlets, as well as eight e-commerce websites and 164 company-operated concessions in international markets. Our license and royalty income was $3 million in the quarter compared to $2.9 million in Q2 2025.

Speaker #4: Excluding Kirk Geiger, our DTC revenue increased 11.1%, with double-digit growth in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels. For Steve Madden brands, global comp sales rose 9% in the quarter.

Speaker #4: Including a 17% increase in the U.S., and a 1% increase in international markets, which were impacted by the conflict in the Middle East. Excluding our business in the GCC, international comp sales increased by 4%.

Zine Mazouzi: Excluding our business in the GCC, international comp sales increased by 4%. We ended the quarter with 382 company-operated brick-and-mortar stores, including 92 outlets, as well as eight e-commerce websites and 164 company-operated concessions in international markets. Our license and royalty income was $3 million in the quarter compared to $2.9 million in Q2 2025.

Speaker #4: We ended the quarter with $382 company operated brick-and-mortar stores including 92 outlets, as well as 8 e-commerce websites, and 164 company operated concessions in international markets.

Speaker #4: Our licensing royalty income was $3 million, in the quarter compared to $2.9 million, in the second quarter of 2025. Solidated gross margin was 46.5% in the quarter, up from 41.9% in the second quarter of 2025, driven by significant increases in both wholesale and DTC channels.

Zine Mazouzi: Consolidated gross margin was 46.5% in the quarter, up from 41.9% in Q2 2025, driven by significant increases in both Wholesale and DTC channels. Wholesale gross margin was 35.2%, up from 30.9% in Q2 2025, due to higher Average Selling Prices, a smaller negative impact from tariffs, and a lower penetration of private label. Direct-to-Consumer gross margin was 64%, up from 61.3% in the prior year, due to higher Average Selling Prices, a reduction in promotional activity, and a small negative impact from tariffs. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue were 39.8% in the quarter, compared to 37.9% in Q2 2025, primarily reflecting the inclusion of the full quarter of Kurt Geiger, as well as higher incentive compensation.

Speaker #4: Wholesale gross margin was 35.2%, up from 30.9% in the second quarter of 2025, due to higher average selling prices, a smaller negative impact from tariffs, and a lower penetration of private label.

Speaker #4: Direct-to-consumer gross margin was 64%, up from 61.3% in the prior year, due to higher average selling prices, a reduction in promotional activity, and a smaller negative impact from tariffs.

Speaker #4: Operating expenses, as a percentage of revenue, were 39.8% in the quarter, compared to 37.9% in the second quarter of 2025, primarily reflecting the inclusion of a full quarter of Kirk Geiger as well as higher incentive compensation.

Zine Mazouzi: Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue were 39.8% in the quarter, compared to 37.9% in Q2 2025, primarily reflecting the inclusion of the full quarter of Kurt Geiger, as well as higher incentive compensation. Operating income for the quarter was $44.5 million, or 6.7% revenue, compared to $22.6 million, or 4% of revenue in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 26.3%, compared to 25.6% in Q2 2025.

Speaker #4: Operating income for the quarter was 44.5 million, or 6.7% revenue, compared to 22.6 million, or 4% of revenue in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 26.3%, compared to 25.6% in the second quarter of 2025.

Zine Mazouzi: Operating income for the quarter was $44.5 million, or 6.7% revenue, compared to $22.6 million, or 4% of revenue in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 26.3%, compared to 25.6% in Q2 2025. Finally, net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. for the quarter was $31.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared to $13.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share in Q2 2025. Turning to the balance sheet, our financial foundation remains strong. During the quarter, we received $92.1 million in refunds related to the reversal of IEEPA tariffs, which included $3.1 million in interest. We only have approximately $1 million in potential refunds still outstanding.

Speaker #4: Finally, net income attributable to Steve Madden Limited for the quarter was 31.7 million, or 44 cents per dividend share, compared to 13.9 million, or 20 cents per dividend share in the second quarter of 2025.

Zine Mazouzi: Finally, net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. for the quarter was $31.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared to $13.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share in Q2 2025. Turning to the balance sheet, our financial foundation remains strong. During the quarter, we received $92.1 million in refunds related to the reversal of IEEPA tariffs, which included $3.1 million in interest. We only have approximately $1 million in potential refunds still outstanding.

Speaker #4: Turning to the balance sheet, our financial foundation remained strong. During the quarter, we received 92.1 million in refunds, related to the reversal, i.e., tariffs, which included 3.1 million in interest.

Speaker #4: We only have approximately 1 million in potential refunds still outstanding. We used the refunds to pay down debt, and as of June 30, 2026, we had 124.8 million in debt, and 94.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, for a net debt of 30.1 million.

Zine Mazouzi: We used the refunds to pay down debt. As of 30 June 2026, we had $124.8 million in debt and $94.7 million in cash equivalents for a net debt of $30.1 million. Inventory at the end of Q2 was $377.2 million, down 13.7% compared to $437 million in the prior year, driven by a 30% reduction in the Kurt Geiger business. Our CapEx in the quarter was $8.5 million. We did not repurchase any shares in the open market during Q2. We spent approximately $1 million on shares acquired through the net settlement of employee stock awards. The company's board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share. The dividend will be payable on 24 September 2026, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on 11 September 2026.

Speaker #4: Inventory at the end of the second quarter was $377.2 million, down 13.7% compared to $437 million in the prior year, driven by a 30% reduction in the Kirk Geiger business.

Speaker #4: Our capex in the quarter was $8.5 million. We did not repurchase any shares in the open market during the second quarter, and we spent approximately $1 million on shares acquired through the net settlement of employee stock awards.

Zine Mazouzi: We spent approximately $1 million on shares acquired through the net settlement of employee stock awards. The company's board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share. The dividend will be payable on 24 September 2026, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on 11 September 2026. Turning to our fiscal 2026 guidance, we are raising our revenue and diluted earnings per share outlook.

Speaker #4: The company's board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share. The dividend will be payable on September 24, 2026, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 11, 2026.

Speaker #4: Turning to our fiscal 2026 guidance, we are raising our revenue on diluted earnings per share outlook. We now expect revenue to increase 11 to 13%, up from our prior guidance of 10% to 12%.

Zine Mazouzi: Turning to our fiscal 2026 guidance, we are raising our revenue and diluted earnings per share outlook. We now expect revenue to increase 11% to 13%, up from our prior guidance of 10% to 12%, and diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $2.05 to $2.15, up from our prior guidance of $2 to $2.10. Unlike last year, when tariff disruption resulted in an unusual H2 where the Q4 revenue and earnings exceeded Q3 levels, we expect a more typical cadence this year. Specifically, we expect Q3 to contribute more than Q4 to that H2 revenue and earnings. Now I would like to turn the call over to the operator for questions. Debbie.

Zine Mazouzi: We now expect revenue to increase 11% to 13%, up from our prior guidance of 10% to 12%, and diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $2.05 to $2.15, up from our prior guidance of $2 to $2.10. Unlike last year, when tariff disruption resulted in an unusual H2 where the Q4 revenue and earnings exceeded Q3 levels, we expect a more typical cadence this year. Specifically, we expect Q3 to contribute more than Q4 to that H2 revenue and earnings. Now I would like to turn the call over to the operator for questions. Debbie.

Speaker #4: And diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $2.05 to $2.15, up from our prior guidance of $2.00 to $2.10.

Speaker #4: Unlike last year, when tariff disruption resulted in an unusual back half, where the fourth quarter revenue and earnings exceeded third quarter levels, we expect a more typical cadence this year.

Speaker #4: Specifically, we expect Q3 to contribute more than Q4 to back half revenue and earnings. Now I would like to turn the call over to the operator for questions.

Speaker #4: Debbie?

Operator: We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your touch tone phone. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star then two. At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble our roster. The first question comes from Anna Andreeva with Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: We will now begin the question-and-answer session. To ask a question, please press star, then 1 on your touchtone phone. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys.

Speaker #1: If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star, then 2. At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble our roster.

Speaker #1: The first question comes from Anna Andreeva with Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hey guys, great. Thank you so much for taking the question. This is Noah on for Anna. Just wanted to follow up on the annual sales guide.

[Analyst] (Piper Sandler): Hey, guys. Great. Thank you so much for taking the question. This is Noah on for Anna. Just wanted to follow up on the annual sales guide. It implies more modest expectations in H2. Can you elaborate just on that, given the momentum we're seeing across the portfolio? Any color on what you're seeing in DTC quarter to date and how you're approaching back to school? Just as a follow-up, can you comment on how Nordstrom's anniversary sale is going across the portfolio? As though we've been seeing some sellouts. Thanks.

Speaker #5: It implies more modest expectations in the second half. Can you elaborate just on that, given the momentum we're seeing across the portfolio? Any color on what you're seeing in direct-to-consumer quarter to date?

Speaker #5: And how you're approaching back-to-school? And just as a follow-up, can you comment on how Nordstrom's anniversary sale is going across the portfolio as we've been seeing some sell-outs?

Speaker #5: Thanks.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Great. Yeah. In terms of the top-line sales guide, I think on an organic basis, we're looking for continued strong performance. I think that if you're looking at a slowdown on a consolidated basis, that's because we anniversaried Kurt Geiger, or just did anniversary in May. Obviously the inorganic growth contribution goes away. In terms of DTC, the momentum really continues into the quarter-to-date period. We're seeing trends similar to what we saw in Q2. Nordstrom anniversaries have been a really positive story for us. We're having really a phenomenal event. I think every division in the company that participates in that sale is seeing increased sell-through versus the prior year. The real standout has been that Steve Madden women's footwear business. If you recall, we had a very strong event last year.

Ed Rosenfeld: Great. Yeah. In terms of the top-line sales guide, I think on an organic basis, we're looking for continued strong performance. I think that if you're looking at a slowdown on a consolidated basis, that's because we anniversaried Kurt Geiger, or just did anniversary in May. Obviously the inorganic growth contribution goes away. In terms of DTC, the momentum really continues into the quarter-to-date period.

Speaker #2: Great. Yeah. Yeah. In terms of the top-line sales guide, I think it we in an organic basis, we're looking for continued strong performance. I think that if you're looking at a slowdown on a consolidated basis, that's because we anniversary Kirk Geiger.

Speaker #2: Or distant anniversary in May. And so obviously, the inorganic growth contribution goes away. In terms of DTC, the momentum really continues into the quarter-to-date period, and we're seeing trends similar to what we saw in excuse me, in Q2.

Ed Rosenfeld: We're seeing trends similar to what we saw in Q2. Nordstrom anniversaries have been a really positive story for us. We're having really a phenomenal event. I think every division in the company that participates in that sale is seeing increased sell-through versus the prior year. The real standout has been that Steve Madden women's footwear business. If you recall, we had a very strong event last year.

Speaker #2: And then Nordstrom anniversary has been a really positive story for us. We're having really a phenomenal event. Every I think every division in the company that participates in that sale is seeing increased sell-through versus the prior year.

Speaker #2: But the real standout has been that Steve Madden Women's Footwear business. If you recall, we had a very strong event last year. That's really when we started to see the inflection.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: That's really when we started to see the inflection in that business and a significant improvement in sell-through. Even on top of the very tough comparisons, we're seeing big increases in both the overall volume and sell-through percentage. Very pleased with the Nordstrom anniversary performance.

Ed Rosenfeld: That's really when we started to see the inflection in that business and a significant improvement in sell-through. Even on top of the very tough comparisons, we're seeing big increases in both the overall volume and sell-through percentage. Very pleased with the Nordstrom anniversary performance.

Speaker #2: In that business, and a significant improvement in sell-through. But even on top of the very strong or the very tough comparisons we're seeing, big increases in both overall volume and sell-through percentage.

Speaker #2: So very pleased with the Nordstrom Anniversary performance.

Speaker #5: Great. Thanks for the color. Super helpful.

[Analyst] (Piper Sandler): Great. Thanks for the color. Super helpful.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Thank you.

Ed Rosenfeld: Thank you.

Operator: The next question is from Paul Lejues with Citigroup. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: The next question is from Paul Lajoux with Citigroup. Please go ahead.

Paul Lejuez: Hey, thanks, guys. Curious if you can talk about how much of the full-year raise was from the Q2 beat versus something that was changed in the H2. Maybe if you can talk about what has changed in your H2 assumptions, if anything, and also would love to hear any more detail about how you're thinking on DTC versus wholesale in the H2, and what you build into guidance for footwear versus apparel and accessories on the wholesale side. Thanks.

Speaker #3: Hey. Thanks, guys. Curious if you can talk about how much of the full-year raise was from the second quarter beat versus something that was changed in the second half.

Speaker #3: Maybe if you can talk about what has changed in your second half assumptions, if anything, and also would love to hear any more detail about how you're thinking on DTC.

Speaker #3: Versus wholesale in the second half, and what you build into guidance for footwear versus apparel and accessories on the wholesale side. Thanks.

Speaker #2: Okay, sure. So, in terms of the second quarter and then the back half with respect to the raise in revenue and earnings—so, second quarter on a revenue standpoint came in pretty close to our internal expectations.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Okay. Sure. In terms of the Q2 and then the H2 with respect to the raise in revenue and earnings. Q2 from a revenue standpoint came in pretty close to our internal expectations. The revenue raise is really related more to what we're seeing going forward. However, we did exceed our internal expectations on the gross margin line in Q2, and that was the primary driver of a beat versus our internal forecast in Q2. One comment I'll make there, though, is that we were modeling that, if you're looking at the Street consensus numbers, we were modeling the quarterly breakdown differently from the Street, our internal forecast was ahead of the Street for Q2. While we did have a beat versus Q2, I think it was more like $0.07. We came in ahead of our expectation.

Ed Rosenfeld: Okay. Sure. In terms of the Q2 and then the H2 with respect to the raise in revenue and earnings. Q2 from a revenue standpoint came in pretty close to our internal expectations. The revenue raise is really related more to what we're seeing going forward. However, we did exceed our internal expectations on the gross margin line in Q2, and that was the primary driver of a beat versus our internal forecast in Q2.

Speaker #2: So the revenue raise is really related more to what we're seeing going forward. However, we did exceed expectations our internal expectations on the gross margin line in Q2.

Speaker #2: And that's that was the primary driver of a beat versus our internal forecast in Q2. So one comment I'll make there, though, is that we were modeling that if you're looking at the street consensus numbers we were modeling the quarterly breakdown differently from the street.

Ed Rosenfeld: One comment I'll make there, though, is that we were modeling that, if you're looking at the Street consensus numbers, we were modeling the quarterly breakdown differently from the Street, our internal forecast was ahead of the Street for Q2. While we did have a beat versus Q2, I think it was more like $0.07. We came in ahead of our expectation.

Speaker #2: And so we were ahead of our internal forecast was ahead of the street for Q2. So while we did have a beat versus Q2, I think it was more like 7 cents we came in ahead of our expectation.

Speaker #2: And as you see, we're raising the full year by 5. Keep in mind that we have incorporated an additional 6 cents of pressure from freight.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: As you see, we're raising the full year by $0.05. Keep in mind that we have incorporated an additional $0.06 of pressure from freight as the impact from the Iran conflict has gone on longer than we contemplated in the prior guidance.

Ed Rosenfeld: As you see, we're raising the full year by $0.05. Keep in mind that we have incorporated an additional $0.06 of pressure from freight as the impact from the Iran conflict has gone on longer than we contemplated in the prior guidance.

Speaker #2: As the impact from the Iran conflict has gone on longer than we contemplated in the prior guidance.

Paul Lejuez: Got it.

Speaker #3: Got it. And then just.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Sorry. Okay. The next part was DTC versus wholesale. For the full year, I'm just going to give you the full year numbers. Which I guess you'd probably like it without Kurt Geiger's just to make it cleaner. High single digits for DTC, excluding Kurt Geiger. With Kurt Geiger, we're in the low to mid-20s. Wholesale, excluding Kurt Geiger, we're looking at low single digits. With Kurt Geiger, mid-single digits.

Ed Rosenfeld: Sorry. Okay. The next part was DTC versus wholesale. For the full year, I'm just going to give you the full year numbers. Which I guess you'd probably like it without Kurt Geiger's just to make it cleaner. High single digits for DTC, excluding Kurt Geiger. With Kurt Geiger, we're in the low to mid-20s. Wholesale, excluding Kurt Geiger, we're looking at low single digits. With Kurt Geiger, mid-single digits.

Speaker #2: Sorry. Okay. So the next yeah, next part was DTC versus wholesale. So for the full year I'm just going to give you the full year numbers.

Speaker #2: So would you I guess you'd probably like it without Kirk Geiger just to make it cleaner. So high single digits for DTC, excluding Kirk Geiger.

Speaker #2: With Kurt Geiger, we're in the kind of low- to mid-20s. And then wholesale, excluding Kurt Geiger, we're looking at low single digits. And then with Kurt Geiger, mid-single digits.

Zine Mazouzi: Paul, just to add some color on the Sorry, I was just going to add some color on the freight side. As Ed mentioned, the conflict has gone on longer than contemplated. We actually successfully managed our ocean freight and the reduced impact that would come from those EBS or Emergency Bunker Surcharges for oil rising. What we're seeing is higher air and air cost as we chase bestsellers and also as we chase product in international market due to the supply chain or the ocean supply chain being disrupted in international markets. We're also using more air to chase product, hence why we added the $0.06 to the H2.

Speaker #4: And Paul, just to add some color on the sorry, I was just going to add some color on the freight side. And Ed mentioned the conflict has gone on longer than contemplated.

Speaker #4: We actually successfully managed our ocean freight and the reduced kind of the impact that would come from those EBS or emergency bunker surcharges for oil rising.

Speaker #4: But what we're seeing is higher air and air cost as we chase bestsellers and also as we chase product in international market due to the supply chain or the ocean supply chain being disrupted in international markets.

Zine Mazouzi: What we're seeing is higher air and air cost as we chase bestsellers and also as we chase product in international market due to the supply chain or the ocean supply chain being disrupted in international markets. We're also using more air to chase product, hence why we added the $0.06 to the H2.

Speaker #4: We're also using more air to chase product. Hence why we added the 6 pennies to the back half.

Speaker #3: Got it. And then just one follow-up. Did anything change in how you're thinking about the private label business?

Paul Lejuez: Got it. Just one follow-up. Did anything change in how you're thinking about the private label business?

Speaker #2: Not materially. I would say our expectation for the year got modestly better, but it's still obviously a pressure point. We're looking at that business to be down mid- to high teens.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Materially, I would say, I think our expectations for the year got modestly better, but it's still obviously a pressure point. We're looking at that business to be down the mid to high teens for the year. Just as additional color, I mentioned that the wholesale business, excluding Geiger, is forecasted to be up low singles, but obviously that's being dragged down by that decline in private label. The branded business, we're looking at a high single-digit growth expectation for the year.

Ed Rosenfeld: Materially, I would say, I think our expectations for the year got modestly better, but it's still obviously a pressure point. We're looking at that business to be down the mid to high teens for the year. Just as additional color, I mentioned that the wholesale business, excluding Geiger, is forecasted to be up low singles, but obviously that's being dragged down by that decline in private label. The branded business, we're looking at a high single-digit growth expectation for the year.

Speaker #2: For the year. And so just as additional color, I mentioned that the wholesale business, excluding Geiger, is forecasted to be up low singles. But obviously, that's being dragged down by that decline in private label.

Speaker #2: The branded business, we're looking at a high single digit growth expectation for the year.

Speaker #3: Got it. Thanks, guys. Good luck.

Paul Lejuez: Got it. Thanks, guys. Good luck.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Thank you.

Ed Rosenfeld: Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question is from Janine's stickter. With BTIG, please go ahead.

Operator: The next question is from Janine Stichter with BTIG. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Hi. Good morning. Can you elaborate a bit on what you're seeing on the branded side for the wholesale business? Curious if you're it sounds like you're now chasing, if you're getting reorders in the quarter, and then what the conversations with your wholesale partners have been like for the back half, if there's any change there.

Janine Stichter: Hi. Good morning. Can you elaborate a bit on what you're seeing on the branded side for the wholesale business? Curious, it sounds like you're now chasing if you're getting reorders in the quarter, what the conversations with your wholesale partners have been like for the back half, if there's any change there. Thank you.

Speaker #6: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Yeah. Look, we feel very good about that business—seeing very strong performance. It was up. The branded business in wholesale in Q2 was up 20% year-over-year.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Yeah, look, we feel very good about that business. Seeing very strong performance. The branded business in wholesale in Q2 was up 20% year over year. We continue to be very pleased with the sell-throughs. We're obviously getting reorders, and we've been chasing into strong sellers. It's a positive story.

Ed Rosenfeld: Yeah, look, we feel very good about that business. Seeing very strong performance. The branded business in wholesale in Q2 was up 20% year over year. We continue to be very pleased with the sell-throughs. We're obviously getting reorders, and we've been chasing into strong sellers. It's a positive story.

Speaker #2: And we continue to be very pleased with the sell-throughs. We're obviously getting reorders and we've been chasing into strong sellers. And it's a positive story.

Speaker #6: And for your full-year forecast, it does assume some deceleration. Does that continue to assume reorders in the holiday period, or is that kind of assuming just the basic business?

Janine Stichter: For your full year forecast, it does assume some deceleration. Does that continue to assume reorders in the holiday period, or is that kind of assuming just the basic business?

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Well, keep in mind, we were still down in that business in Q1. You're right. I guess we're not assuming 20% for the full year. We started a little bit in the hole, and we're catching up. I would say we've obviously got a reorder assumption in for Q4. Is there upside to that? Potentially. We got to get into the fall season and see how it goes before we build a lot of that activity into the forecast.

Ed Rosenfeld: Well, keep in mind, we were still down in that business in Q1. You're right. I guess we're not assuming 20% for the full year. We started a little bit in the hole, and we're catching up. I would say we've obviously got a reorder assumption in for Q4. Is there upside to that? Potentially. We got to get into the fall season and see how it goes before we build a lot of that activity into the forecast.

Speaker #2: Well, keep in mind, we were also we were still down in that business in Q1. So you're right. I guess we're not assuming 20% for the full year.

Speaker #2: But we started a little bit in the hole, and we're catching up. I would say there's a we've obviously got a reorder assumption in for Q4.

Speaker #2: Is there upside to that, potentially? But we've just got to get into the fall season and see how it goes before we build a lot of that activity into the forecast.

Speaker #6: All right. Thanks so much.

Janine Stichter: All right. Thanks so much.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Thank you.

Ed Rosenfeld: Thank you.

Operator: The next question is from Marni Shapiro with The Retail Tracker. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: The next. The next question is from Marnie Shapiro with the retail tracker. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hey, guys. Congratulations. I just wanted to check one thing on the 6 cents related to freight. I'm assuming that includes freight from the factories and then distributions to stores.

Marni Shapiro: Hey, guys. Congratulations. I just wanted to check one thing on the $0.06 related to freight. I'm assuming that includes the freight from the factories and then distributions to stores. What about shipping costs to customers for your direct-to-consumer businesses? Have you raised hurdles or changed prices, or are you just absorbing that excess cost?

Speaker #5: What about shipping costs to customers for your direct-to-consumer businesses? Have you raised hurdles or changed prices? Or are you just absorbing that excess cost?

Edward R. Rosenfeld: We're seeing pressure in that as well, and that's also built in our guides, but we're absorbing that cost in the guides.

Ed Rosenfeld: We're seeing pressure in that as well, and that's also built in our guides, but we're absorbing that cost in the guides.

Speaker #2: We're seeing pressure in that as well, and that's also built in our guide. But we have not we're absorbing that cost in the guide.

Speaker #5: Okay, so no impact to the consumer. And then, could you just talk about the nice rebound in the bag business? That's exciting. Are you seeing increased orders from your wholesale partners in the bag business now, or is it mostly your own and direct-to-consumer?

Marni Shapiro: Okay. No impact to the consumer. Could you just talk nice rebound in the bag business. That's exciting. Are you seeing increased orders from your wholesale partners in the bag business now, or is it mostly your own and direct to consumer?

Speaker #2: Yeah. We're seeing a big increase. In fact, so just for context, Steve Madden Bags in the quarter overall across all channels was up about 30%.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Yeah. We're seeing a big increase. In fact, just for context, Steve Madden bags in the quarter overall, across all channels, was up about 30%. It was up more than that in wholesale. Now, again, we had easy compares and it's not going to remain at that level, but still, Steve Madden bags for the year is on track to be a double digit. We feel good about we're back on track there.

Ed Rosenfeld: Yeah. We're seeing a big increase. In fact, just for context, Steve Madden bags in the quarter overall, across all channels, was up about 30%. It was up more than that in wholesale. Now, again, we had easy compares and it's not going to remain at that level, but still, Steve Madden bags for the year is on track to be a double digit. We feel good about we're back on track there.

Speaker #2: It was up more than that in wholesale. Now, again, we had easy compares, and it's not going to remain at that level. But still, Steve Madden Bags for the year is on track to be up double digits.

Speaker #2: So we feel good about the we're back on track there.

Speaker #5: That's amazing. Can I just sneak in one more? There's so many more styles now that are what I would call kind of seasonless, like boots are selling all year.

Marni Shapiro: That's amazing. Can I just sneak in one more?

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Sure.

Ed Rosenfeld: Sure.

Marni Shapiro: There's so many more styles now that are what I would call kind of seasonless, like boots are selling all year. At the moment, suede is so trendy, suede is selling all year. Does that give you guys a little bit more of a base of solid product that could live a little longer on the shelves? It doesn't have to get marked down end of season. How does that change your thinking, I guess, in how markdowns would happen? It feels to me like you could let some of this live longer, but I don't know.

Speaker #5: At the moment, suede is so trendy. So suede is selling all year. So does that give you guys a little bit more of a base of solid product that could live a little longer on the shelves?

Speaker #5: It doesn't have to get marked down end of season. Or how does that change your thinking, I guess, in how markdowns would happen? Because it feels to me like you could let some of this live longer, but I don't know.

Speaker #2: Yeah. I think that's right. I mean, I think that we've got a number of products in the assortment here that can sell all year round.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Yeah, I think that's right. I think that we've got a number of products in the assortment here that can sell all year round. Particularly if you look at this spring, the category that declined the most was the most seasonal category of sandals. We saw increases in categories that we can sell more all year round. We like that. That being said, we're still in the business of trend, and the trend cycles move faster than ever today. We're not going to suddenly become a company that has a lot of styles that run for years and years and years.

Ed Rosenfeld: Yeah, I think that's right. I think that we've got a number of products in the assortment here that can sell all year round. Particularly if you look at this spring, the category that declined the most was the most seasonal category of sandals. We saw increases in categories that we can sell more all year round. We like that. That being said, we're still in the business of trend, and the trend cycles move faster than ever today. We're not going to suddenly become a company that has a lot of styles that run for years and years and years.

Speaker #2: And particularly if you look at this spring, the category that declined the most was the most seasonal category of sandals. And we saw increases in categories that we can sell more all year round.

Speaker #2: So we like that. That being said, we're still in the business of trend. And the trend cycles move faster than ever today. So we're not going to suddenly become a company that has a lot of styles that run for years and years and years.

Speaker #5: Fantastic. Thanks. I'll leave it for somebody else. Best of luck for back-to-school and fall.

Marni Shapiro: Fantastic. Thanks. I'll leave it for somebody else. Best of luck for back to school in fall.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Marnie.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Thanks, Marni.

Ed Rosenfeld: Thanks, Marni.

Speaker #1: The next question is from Aubrey Tiannello with PNB Privus. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question is from Aubrey Tianello with BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi. Hi. Good morning. This is Leah Yao for Aubrey. Congrats on all nice quarter. So my first question is going to be on gross margin.

Leah Yang: Hi. Good morning. This is Leah Yang on for Aubrey. Congrats on a nice quarter. My first question is going to be on gross margin. I want to ask about gross margin for the rest of the year, especially now that you are lapping the acquisition of Kurt Geiger a couple of months ago. How should we think about the progression of gross margin in Q3 and Q4?

Speaker #5: I want to ask about gross margin for the rest of the year, especially now that you're lapping the acquisition of Kurt Geiger a couple of months ago.

Speaker #5: How should we think about the progression of gross margin in Q3 and Q4?

Edward R. Rosenfeld: I think for fall, when you look at the balance of the year, you have to remember that the KG mix impact is pretty much going away in fall as we lap the acquisition, which was in May of last year.

Ed Rosenfeld: I think for fall, when you look at the balance of the year, you have to remember that the KG mix impact is pretty much going away in fall as we lap the acquisition, which was in May of last year. We also start to lap our price initiatives, which went into effect last fall. Now we start to lap those. There is less of a mixed benefit from private label.

Speaker #2: I think for fall, when you look at the balance of the year, you have to remember that the KG mixed impact is pretty much going away in fall as we lock the acquisition, which was in May of last year.

Speaker #2: And we also start to lap our price initiatives which went into effect last fall. So now we start to lap those. And there is less of a mixed benefit from private label and, as we mentioned earlier, where factoring in a some pressure on the cost due to the conflict in the Middle East and on freight and also we're seeing cost pressures come in from our suppliers since the conflict has gone on longer than expected.

Zine Mazouzi: We also start to lap our price initiatives, which went into effect last fall. Now we start to lap those. There is less of a mixed benefit from private label. As we mentioned earlier, we're factoring in some pressure on the cost due to the conflict in the Middle East and on freight, and also we're seeing cost pressures come in from our suppliers since the conflict has gone on longer than expected, and it's becoming a lot harder to push them off. We're absorbing some cost in our margin as well.

Ed Rosenfeld: As we mentioned earlier, we're factoring in some pressure on the cost due to the conflict in the Middle East and on freight, and also we're seeing cost pressures come in from our suppliers since the conflict has gone on longer than expected, and it's becoming a lot harder to push them off. We're absorbing some cost in our margin as well.

Speaker #2: And it's becoming a lot harder to push them off. So we're absorbing some cost in our margin as well.

Speaker #3: So he gave you a lot of negative things there. I just wanted to wrap that up by saying we still expect to see year-over-year improvement in gross margin, each quarter.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: He gave you a lot of negative things there. I just wanted to wrap that up by saying we still expect to see year-over-year improvement in gross margin each quarter. It is not going to be as significant as it was in H1.

Zine Mazouzi: He gave you a lot of negative things there. I just wanted to wrap that up by saying we still expect to see year-over-year improvement in gross margin each quarter. It is not going to be as significant as it was in H1. Yeah.

Speaker #3: It's not going to be as significant as it was in the first half.

Speaker #2: Yeah.

Zine Mazouzi: Yeah.

Speaker #5: Got it. And then moving down to SG&A, I want to ask about SG&A growth for the rest of the year. Should we still be modeling low teens growth in Q3 and high singles in Q4?

Leah Yang: Got it. Moving down to SG&A, I want to ask about SG&A growth for the rest of the year. Should we still be modeling low teens growth in Q3 and high singles in Q4? Is there any change to that previous guide you provided last quarter? Can you talk about some of the focus area for the SG&A investment you are making this year? Thank you.

Speaker #5: Is there any change to that previous guide you provided last quarter? And then can you talk about some of the focus area for the SG&A investment you're making this year?

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Zine Mazouzi: I think it is best to think about it as what we built in our guide is a 38.3% SG&A for the year. When you factor in what the comments we made about a normalized sales flow between Q3 and Q4, that you will see a lower percent as a percentage to sales in Q3 versus Q4. From an SG&A perspective, as far as what we are doing, obviously, we are continuing to watch everything that we can and anything that we can control. The only change from the last time and our last guidance is we increased our investment in marketing, in brand marketing.

Speaker #2: Sure. I think it's best to think about it as what we built in our guide is a 38.3% SG&A for the year. And when you factor in what the comments were about a normalized sales flow between Q3 and Q4, you'll see a lower percentage as a percent to sales in Q3 versus Q4.

Speaker #2: And from an SG&A perspective, as far as what we're doing, obviously, we'll continue to watch everything that we can and anything that we can control.

Speaker #2: And the only change from the last time and our last guidance is we increased our investment in marketing in brand marketing.

Speaker #5: Got it. That's very clear. Thank you. I'll pass on.

Leah Yang: Got it. That is very clear. Thank you. I will pass on.

Speaker #1: The next question is from Dana Tulsey with Tulsey Advisory Group. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question is from Dana Telsey with Telsey Advisory Group. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi. Good morning. Nice to see the progress. As you mentioned, part of the uptick in gross margin was the higher ASPs. What are you seeing in wholesale and DTC and ASPs?

Dana Telsey: Hi. Good morning. Nice to see the progress. As you mentioned, part of the uptick in gross margin was the higher ASPs. What are you seeing in wholesale and DTC and ASPs? How are you thinking about it going forward? Then any update on tariffs and how you're planning for the back half? Lastly, just on the retail stores, Ed, any difference between full price and outlet store performance? Thank you.

Speaker #5: How are you thinking about it going forward? And then any update on tariffs and how you're planning for the back half? And lastly, just on the retail stores end, any difference between full price and outlet store performance?

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Sure. So as we get it as we got into Q2, we started layering on the price increases in the wake of tariffs last year in DTC.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Sure. As we got into Q2, we started layering on the price increases in the wake of tariffs last year. In DTC, they started to hit in Q2, and then more of those rolled through the balance of the year. We didn't really see any significant impact to wholesale until we got into the back half. In Q2, whereas we had been running, like in Q1, we were up AUR up 17 in DTC. That slowed to up high singles as we started to lap some of the increases from a year ago. I think that'll still moderate again in Q3. Whereas wholesale, we were still up mid-teens in Q2 because we had not yet lapped any increases from the year before. Again, that'll also moderate as we go into the back half. I'll address the stores, then I'll turn over to Zine for the tariffs.

Ed Rosenfeld: Sure. As we got into Q2, we started layering on the price increases in the wake of tariffs last year. In DTC, they started to hit in Q2, and then more of those rolled through the balance of the year. We didn't really see any significant impact to wholesale until we got into the back half. In Q2, whereas we had been running, like in Q1, we were up AUR up 17 in DTC.

Speaker #2: They started to hit in Q2, and then more of those rolled through the balance of the year. We didn't really see any significant impact to wholesale until we got into the back half.

Speaker #2: So in Q2, whereas we had been running in Q1, we were up AUR up 17 in DTC. That slowed to up high singles. As we started to lap some of the increases from a year ago.

Ed Rosenfeld: That slowed to up high singles as we started to lap some of the increases from a year ago. I think that'll still moderate again in Q3. Whereas wholesale, we were still up mid-teens in Q2 because we had not yet lapped any increases from the year before. Again, that'll also moderate as we go into the back half. I'll address the stores, then I'll turn over to Zine for the tariffs.

Speaker #2: And I think that'll still moderate again in Q3. Whereas wholesale, we were still up mid-teens in Q2. Because we had not yet lapped any increases from the year before.

Speaker #2: But again, that'll also moderate as we go into the back half. I'll address the stores and I'll turn it over to Zine for the tariffs.

Speaker #2: The full price stores continue to outperform outlet, but we've seen a really nice recovery in outlet. As you know, that's been a laggard for us.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: The full price stores continue to outperform outlet, but we've seen a really nice recovery in outlet. As you know, that's been a laggard for us. In the US, we were down one in Q1 in outlet, and that rebounded to up 12 in Q2. A nice recovery there. Again, not as strong as the full price stores in the US, which were up 16, or our e-commerce in the US, which is up 20, but still a healthy number.

Ed Rosenfeld: The full price stores continue to outperform outlet, but we've seen a really nice recovery in outlet. As you know, that's been a laggard for us. In the US, we were down one in Q1 in outlet, and that rebounded to up 12 in Q2. A nice recovery there. Again, not as strong as the full price stores in the US, which were up 16, or our e-commerce in the US, which is up 20, but still a healthy number.

Speaker #2: In the US, we were down one in Q1 in outlet. And that rebounded to up 12 in Q2. So a nice recovery there. And again, not as strong as the full price stores in the US, which were up 16 or our e-commerce in the US, which is up 20, but still a healthy number.

Speaker #4: And Dana from a tariff perspective, top-level for Q3, we're basically in line with the announcements of the new 301 tariffs related to failure to, I guess, fight forced labor.

Zine Mazouzi: Dana, from a tariff perspective, top level for Q3, we're basically in line with the announcements of the new Section 301 tariffs related to failure to, I guess, fight forced labor and anything that happened with Brazil. Those, as you know, went into effect, Brazil on 22 July, and the main one that actually impacts us is the one that 10% to 12.5% related to forced labor, and that went into effect on 24 July with some 4-day grace period. We're reflecting Q3 as such. For Q4, we're still assuming 15% built into our numbers. We also know that there are two more investigations that are pending, one for structural excess capacity and the other one for IP infringements, which targets just Vietnam.

Speaker #4: And anything that happened with Brazil. So those, as you know, went into effect. Brazil on 7/22. And the main one that actually impacts us is the one, the 10 to 12 and a half percent related to forced labor.

Speaker #4: And that went into effect on July 24th with some four-day grace period. So we're reflecting Q3 as such. And for Q4, we're still assuming 15% built into our number.

Zine Mazouzi: For Q4, we're still assuming 15% built into our numbers. We also know that there are two more investigations that are pending, one for structural excess capacity and the other one for IP infringements, which targets just Vietnam. The first one, the excess capacity targets about 16 countries, and about five or six of them are countries that we source from. That's why we have the 15%.

Speaker #4: So it's a little bit higher than the currently announced tariffs. But we also know that there are two more investigations that are pending. One for structural excess capacity and the other one for IP infringement, which targets just Vietnam.

Speaker #4: The first one, the excess capacity targets about 16 countries. And about five or six of them are countries that we source from. So that's why we have the 15%.

Zine Mazouzi: The first one, the excess capacity targets about 16 countries, and about five or six of them are countries that we source from. That's why we have the 15%.

Speaker #5: Got it. And just one last follow-up. On the wholesale channel, how's the difference in performance of whether it's department stores, discounters, off-price? What are you seeing in terms of the difference of performance?

Dana Telsey: Got it. Just one last follow-up. On the wholesale channel, Ed, how is the difference in performance of whether it's department stores, discounters, off-price? What are you seeing in terms of the difference of performance, and what are you expecting go forward from private label? Thank you.

Speaker #5: And what are you expecting go forward from private label? Thank you.

Speaker #2: Yeah. I'd say anywhere we're selling I mean, the branded business is quite strong, really, across the board. It's strongest in the first-tier channels, the department stores, the pure play e-commerce retailers, the boutiques, that we But we're doing pretty well with the brands across the board.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Yeah. I'd say anywhere we're selling, the branded business is quite strong really across the board. It's strongest in the first-tier channels, the department stores, the pure-play e-commerce retailers, the boutiques that we sell our latest fashion to. We're doing pretty well with the brands across the board. Obviously, it's well-documented that private label is a tougher part of the market for us right now in the mass channel. We're hard at work at getting that straightened out.

Ed Rosenfeld: Yeah. I'd say anywhere we're selling, the branded business is quite strong really across the board. It's strongest in the first-tier channels, the department stores, the pure-play e-commerce retailers, the boutiques that we sell our latest fashion to. We're doing pretty well with the brands across the board. Obviously, it's well-documented that private label is a tougher part of the market for us right now in the mass channel. We're hard at work at getting that straightened out.

Speaker #2: Obviously, it's well documented that private labels is a tougher part of the market for us right now in the mass channel. But we're hard at work at getting that straightened out.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Dana Telsey: Thank you.

Operator: This concludes our question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Ed Rosenfeld for any closing remarks.

Speaker #1: This concludes our question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Ed Rosenfeld for any closing remarks.

Speaker #2: Great. Well, thanks so much for joining us today. We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to speaking with you on the third quarter call.

Edward R. Rosenfeld: Well, thanks so much for joining us today. We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to speaking with you on the Q3 call.

Ed Rosenfeld: Well, thanks so much for joining us today. We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to speaking with you on the Q3 call.

Operator: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.

Q2 2026 Steven Madden Ltd Earnings Call

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