
Core Insights - Designer Brands Inc. shares increased approximately 12% in premarket trading following stronger-than-expected second-quarter results [1] - Earnings per share were reported at $0.34, significantly exceeding the consensus estimate of $0.14 [1] - Revenue for the quarter reached $739.8 million, surpassing the expected $730.6 million [1] - Comparable sales experienced a 5% decline year-over-year but showed sequential improvement [1] Operational Highlights - The second quarter results featured a 280-basis point sequential improvement in comparable sales from the first quarter, indicating the effectiveness of targeted operational initiatives [2] - CEO Doug Howe emphasized that these initiatives contributed to a strong start for the back-to-school season in the U.S. retail segment, with improved traffic trends and higher conversion rates [2] Guidance and Market Conditions - The company has decided not to reinstate full-year 2025 guidance due to uncertainties related to global trade policies and tariffs [2]