DESIGNER BRANDS INC

Designer Brands reported wider adjusted operating income in Q2 driven by $20.2m in tariff refund claims and improved gross margins from disciplined sourcing and markdown management. Brand portfolio sales grew 18%, led by Topo and Jessica Simpson, and management expects Topo to exceed $100m by 2027 as distribution expands. Full-year sales guidance was raised to flat-to-up 1% and EPS outlook improved by stronger sales, margin expansion and reduced interest costs after $93m+ of debt reduction. Management warned Q3 profitability may be pressured by incentive compensation timing but expects back-to-school trends and stronger inventory positions to support the second half. » More on finance.yahoo.com

Designer Brands reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.34 for Q2, beating the analyst estimate of $0.26, on revenue of $730.6 million (−1% year‑over‑year). Gross margin widened significantly to 47.9%, supported by optimized assortment, tighter inventory control and duty refunds. The company raised its 2026 revenue and EPS guidance (adjusted diluted EPS now $0.47–0.52) and saw strong brand-portfolio growth (+18%), while store sales remain under pressure. The stock reacted positively in premarket trading as investors highlighted the margin improvement and the raised outlook. » More on de.investing.com

Shareholders of Designer Brands approved several bylaw amendments, including new advance notice rules, adjustments to indemnification and hold-harmless provisions, and authorizations for the board. Four Class I directors — Harvey L. Sonnenberg, Allan J. Tanenbaum, Peter S. Cobb and Douglas M. Howe — were elected to serve until the 2029 annual meeting. Deloitte & Touche LLP was confirmed as auditor for fiscal 2027, and executive compensation for 2025 was approved in an advisory vote. The company also reported Q1 results: adjusted EPS $0.07 (better than the expected -$0.09), revenue $696.3 million (slightly below expectations), improved gross margin to 45.3% and a same-store sales decline of 1.1%; the stock fell premarket and UBS cut its price target to $7.50 with a neutral rating. » More on de.investing.com