Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.22, with first quarter sales declining 6.8% year over year [8][26] - Consolidated gross margin was 45.4%, down 150 basis points compared to last year, driven by lower margins in both segments [26] - Operating earnings were $12.2 million, with an operating margin of 2% [28] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brand Portfolio sales declined 6.9%, while Famous Footwear sales were down 6.3% with comparable sales down 4.6% [20][26] - The Brand Portfolio gross margin was 43.8%, down 280 basis points due to lower initial margins and higher markdown reserves [26] - Famous gross margin was 45.3%, down 80 basis points due to increased promotional days and higher freight costs [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company gained market share in women's fashion footwear despite overall sales declines [11] - Famous Footwear saw a 0.5 point market share gain in the kids category, with kids penetration at 21% [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on controlling costs, optimizing sourcing strategies, and reducing SG&A expenses by $15 million annually [7][34] - The planned acquisition of Stuart Weitzman is seen as a strategic fit, enhancing the company's premium positioning and direct-to-consumer presence [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging operating environment and emphasized the need to drive growth and profitability [6][7] - The company is cautiously optimistic about back-to-school sales and believes it is well-positioned to gain market share [24][40] Other Important Information - Inventory levels increased by 8.1% year over year, with a significant build for the Jordan brand launch [30] - Cash flow from operations was negative $5.7 million due to lower net income and higher inventory levels [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are you thinking about the prices of your portfolio brands moving into the summer and fall? - The company is making selective price increases and managing them in real-time with key partners [38][39] Question: Do you see the weaker brand portfolio brands being restructured or exited? - The company is reviewing its brand portfolio but has no immediate plans for restructuring [40] Question: Is Famous Footwear prepared for back-to-school? - The company is in a good position for back-to-school with no major cancellations reported [41] Question: What adjustments are being made for the $15 million in strategic expense cuts? - The reductions are permanent and structural, expected to begin in the third quarter [43][44] Question: Can you provide more context on the Jordan launch? - The Jordan launch is new, and while initial trends are encouraging, significant marketing will ramp up closer to back-to-school [46][57] Question: How are tariffs impacting your plans? - The company is currently maintaining its sourcing strategy and will adjust as necessary based on tariff developments [48][49] Question: How should we think about inventory reserves and customer credit issues moving forward? - The company believes it has adequately reserved for inventory markdowns and is closely monitoring customer credit ratings [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share were $0.33, and full year adjusted earnings per share were $3.3, at the high end of guidance [8][28] - Fourth quarter consolidated sales were $639.2 million, down 8.3% year-over-year, with a $30.3 million unfavorable impact from the fifty-third week [24][25] - Full year consolidated sales were $2.72 billion, down 3.4% compared to the previous year [25] - Fourth quarter consolidated gross margin was 43%, an 80 basis point decrease from last year [25] - Full year consolidated gross margin was 44.9%, up approximately 10 basis points from last year [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brand portfolio sales declined 7.2% in the fourth quarter, with a 5% decline excluding the fifty-third week [8][25] - Famous Footwear sales were down 9.6% in total and down 2.9% on a comparable basis [25] - Lead brands, including Sam Edelman, Allen Edmonds, Naturalizer, and Vionic, outperformed the overall brand portfolio [6][9] - Allen Edmonds showed growth across all channels, with strong performance in sport and dress loafers [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Internationally, the company activated new premium wholesale partnerships in Europe and continued expansion in China and Southeast Asia [10] - Famous Footwear's comparable store sales were down 2.9%, with brick-and-mortar sales down 4.1% and comparable web sales up 3.1% [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth by investing in key areas while reducing expenses elsewhere [6] - The acquisition of Stuart Weitzman is expected to enhance exposure to the contemporary segment and premium price points [16] - The company plans to upgrade 25 more stores to the Flare format in 2025, which has shown strong performance [18][73] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for 2025, despite challenges from inflation and tariffs [20][21] - The company anticipates sequential improvement throughout the year, driven by new product introductions and improved leadership [36][38] - Management noted that the current macroeconomic environment presents headwinds for value-based consumers [20] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $75 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends [7] - Inventory at year-end was $565 million, up 4.5% year-over-year, with a focus on managing aged inventory [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the EPS guidance assumptions for the year? - Management expects sequential quarterly improvement, with specific initiatives driving growth in both Famous and brand portfolio segments [36][38] Question: What trends are seen in the contemporary segment? - Management noted that contemporary brands are trending positively, with strong performance in fashion sneakers and seasonal items [40][41] Question: How will gross margins be affected by markdowns and tariffs? - Management anticipates some gross margin decline due to tariffs and markdowns, but expects improvements as inventory becomes more current [50][72] Question: What is the outlook for the first quarter's operating margin? - The first quarter's operating margin is expected to be the lowest of the year, with improvements anticipated as the year progresses [58] Question: How are order trends in wholesale accounts? - Management indicated that they are seeing positive trends in wholesale accounts, with plans for continued growth in remodeled stores [73]