STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. (SHOO)

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

All references in this Quarterly Report to “we,” “our,” “us,” and the “Company” refer to Steven Madden, Ltd. and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.

This Quarterly Report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding revenue and earnings guidance, plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, and intentions. You can identify forward-looking statements by words such as: “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “should,” “anticipate,” “project,” “predict,” “plan,” “intend,” or “estimate,” and similar expressions, or the negative of these expressions. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they represent our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding anticipated events and trends affecting our business, and industry based on information available as of the time such statements are made. We caution investors that such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy, and some of which may be outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. As such, investors should not rely upon them. Important risk factors include:

•our ability to accurately anticipate fashion trends and promptly respond to consumer demand;

•our ability to compete effectively in a highly competitive market;

•our ability to adapt our business model to rapid changes in the retail industry;

•our dependence on the hiring and retention of key personnel;

•our ability to successfully implement growth strategies and integrate acquired businesses;

•changes in trade policies, additional tariffs on product imported to the United States or other territories where we operate, retaliatory trade actions taken by other countries, and resulting trade wars;

•supply chain disruptions to product delivery systems and logistics, and our ability to properly manage inventory;

•geopolitical tensions in the regions in which we operate and any related challenging macroeconomic conditions globally that may materially adversely affect our customers, vendors, and partners, and the duration and extent to which these factors may impact our future business and operations, results of operations, and financial condition;

•our reliance on independent manufacturers to produce and deliver products in a timely manner or to meet our quality standards if we experience a supply chain disruption and we are unable to secure an alternative source for our products;

•our dependence on one or more of our significant customers;

•quarterly fluctuations of our financial results;

•extreme or unseasonable weather conditions in locations where we or our customers and suppliers are located;

•fluctuation of our stock price if our operating results are inconsistent with our forecasts or those of analysts who follow us;

•our exposure to risks related to integrating the operations, systems, processes, reporting, supply chains, and personnel of Kurt Geiger into our business;

•our exposure to risks associated with indebtedness used to finance the acquisition of Kurt Geiger, including related debt service requirements;

•our ability to manage risks associated with substantial goodwill and intangible assets recorded from the acquisition of Kurt Geiger, which could subsequently become impaired upon adverse changes to the business environment in which we operate;

•disruption of our information technology systems or e-commerce platforms;

•cybersecurity risks and costs of defending against, mitigating, and responding to data security threats and breaches impacting the Company;

31

•our ability to effectively implement artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies across our operations, and the risks that such technologies may not perform as expected, may be subject to regulatory constraints, or may increase operational, legal, or cybersecurity risks;

•litigation or other legal proceedings could divert management resources and result in additional costs;

•legal, regulatory, political, and economic risks that may affect our operations in international markets;

•exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations;

•our ability to adequately protect our trademarks and other intellectual property rights;

•changes in economic conditions;

•additional tax liabilities resulting from audits by various taxing authorities;

•changes in U.S. and foreign tax laws that could have an adverse effect on our financial results;

•the loss of a significant license;

•the actions of our licensees that may result in diminished brand integrity;

•failure of our manufacturers, the manufacturers used by our licensees, or our licensees themselves to use acceptable labor practices or to otherwise comply with local laws and other standards;

•our ability to maintain effective internal control over our financial reporting; and

•other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

These risks and uncertainties, along with the risk factors discussed under Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, in Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements contained in this report. We do not undertake, and disclaim, any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, including without limitation, any guidance regarding revenue or earnings, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

Business Overview

($ in thousands, except for store count and per share data)

Steven Madden, Ltd. and its subsidiaries design, source, and market fashion-forward branded and private label footwear, accessories, and apparel. We distribute our products through the wholesale channel to department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, shoe chains, online retailers, national chains, specialty retailers, independent stores, and clubs throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, we operate in other international markets through our joint ventures in South Africa, the Middle East, Israel, Australia, various countries in Europe, Latin America, and certain countries in Asia, and through special distribution arrangements in various European countries, North Africa, South and Central America, and various countries within the Asia-Pacific region. We also distribute our products through our direct-to-consumer channel, which includes company-operated retail stores, third-party concessions in international markets, and e-commerce platforms, in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, the Middle East, Israel, various countries in Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Our product offerings include a diverse range of contemporary styles, designed to establish or capitalize on market trends, complemented by core product offerings. We are recognized for our design creativity and ability to deliver trend-right products with high quality at accessible price points, efficiently and with speed-to-market.

The Company’s reportable operating segments consist of the following:

•Wholesale Footwear. This segment designs, sources, and markets our brands and sells our products, consisting of footwear, to department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, shoe chains, online retailers, national chains, specialty retailers, independent stores, and clubs throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and through our joint ventures and international distributor network.

•Wholesale Accessories/Apparel. This segment designs, sources, and markets our brands and sells our products, primarily consisting of handbags and apparel, to department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, online retailers, specialty retailers, independent stores, and clubs throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and through our joint ventures and international distributor network.

•Direct-to-Consumer. This segment engages in the sale of footwear, handbags, apparel, and other accessories through Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger London, Dolce Vita, and Carvela full-price retail stores, Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger

32

London, and Carvela outlet stores, directly-operated e-commerce platforms, directly-operated concessions in international markets, and also operates third-party concessions in luxury and premium department stores primarily in the United Kingdom. We operate retail locations in regional malls and shopping centers, as well as high streets in various cities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and Mexico, as well as through our joint ventures in international markets.

•Licensing. This segment engages in the licensing of the Steve Madden®, Kurt Geiger®, and Betsey Johnson® trademarks for use in the sale of select apparel, accessories, and home categories as well as various other non-core products.

Corporate does not constitute a reportable segment and includes costs not directly attributable to the reportable operating segments. These expenses are primarily related to corporate executives, corporate finance, corporate social responsibility, legal, human resources, information technology, cybersecurity, and other shared services.

Macroeconomic Conditions and Industry Trends

The second quarter of 2026 continued to be shaped by an evolving macroeconomic environment, requiring ongoing flexibility across our sourcing, supply chain, and go-to-market strategies.

Global trade policy remained a significant area of focus during the second quarter of 2026. Following the United States Supreme Court’s February 2026 decision concluding that certain tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) were not authorized, and the U.S. Court of International Trade’s (“CIT”) subsequent order directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) to provide refunds of previously collected amounts, including applicable interest, the administration continued to pursue alternative trade measures, including the imposition of tariffs under Sections 301 and 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, as well as other statutory authorities that may be used to impose tariffs or other import restrictions. In addition, the ongoing review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”), together with developments relating to other trade agreements and international trade arrangements, has contributed to, and may continue to contribute to, uncertainty in the global trade environment. At this time, the timing, scope, and magnitude of tariff-related impacts remain uncertain and will depend on future developments in U.S. trade policy, trade agreement negotiations, judicial proceedings, and regulatory actions. In response to this evolving environment, we have continued to maintain diversified sourcing strategies, selectively adjust pricing where appropriate, and pursue cost management initiatives.

Interest rates in the United States and certain international markets have moderated from prior peaks but remain elevated relative to historical levels, continuing to influence consumer borrowing costs and di

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Business Overview

($ in thousands, except for store count and per share data)

Steven Madden, Ltd. and its subsidiaries design, source, and market fashion-forward branded and private label footwear, accessories, and apparel. We distribute our products through the wholesale channel to department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, shoe chains, online retailers, national chains, specialty retailers, independent stores, and clubs throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, we operate in other international markets through our joint ventures in South Africa, the Middle East, Israel, Australia, various countries in Europe, Latin America, and certain countries in Asia, and through special distribution arrangements in various European countries, North Africa, South and Central America, and various countries within the Asia-Pacific region. We also distribute our products through our direct-to-consumer channel, which includes company-operated retail stores, third-party concessions in international markets, and e-commerce platforms, in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, the Middle East, Israel, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Our product offerings include a diverse range of contemporary styles, designed to establish or capitalize on market trends, complemented by core product offerings. We are recognized for our design creativity and ability to deliver trend-right products with high quality at accessible price points, efficiently and with speed-to-market.

The Company’s reportable operating segments consist of the following:

•Wholesale Footwear. This segment designs, sources, and markets our brands and sells our products, consisting of footwear, to department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, shoe chains, online retailers, national chains, specialty retailers, independent stores, and clubs throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and through our joint ventures and international distributor network.

•Wholesale Accessories/Apparel. This segment designs, sources, and markets our brands and sells our products, primarily consisting of handbags and apparel, to department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, online retailers, specialty retailers, independent stores, and clubs throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and through our joint ventures and international distributor network.

•Direct-to-Consumer. This segment engages in the sale of footwear, handbags, apparel, and other accessories through Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger London, Dolce Vita, and Carvela full-price retail stores, Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger London, and Carvela outlet stores, directly-operated e-commerce platforms, directly-operated concessions in international markets, and also operates third-party concessions in luxury and premium department stores primarily in the UK. We operate retail locations in regional malls and shopping centers, as well as high streets in various cities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and Mexico, as well as through our joint ventures in international markets.

•Licensing. This segment engages in the licensing of the Steve Madden®, Betsey Johnson®, and Kurt Geiger® trademarks for use in the sale of select apparel, accessories, and home categories as well as various other non-core products.

Corporate does not constitute a reportable segment and includes costs not directly attributable to the reportable operating segments. These expenses are primarily related to corporate executives, corporate finance, corporate social responsibility, legal, human resources, information technology, cybersecurity, and other shared services.

Recent Developments

Australia Joint Venture. In January 2025, the Company acquired a 50.1% controlling financial interest in the newly formed entity, SM Fashion Australia Pty Ltd. This joint venture was formed to expand the distribution of our products across Australia and New Zealand through wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. The results of this joint venture are included within the Wholesale Footwear, Wholesale Accessories/Apparel, and Direct-to-Consumer segments.

27

Malaysia Joint Venture. In January 2025, the Company acquired an additional 2.0% equity interest in SM Distribution Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. SM Distribution Malaysia Sdn. Bhd was originally formed in July 2022, at which time we held a 49.0% non-controlling interest in the entity. The Company now holds a 51.0% controlling financial interest in the entity. SM Distribution Malaysia Sdn. Bhd engages in the distribution of our products across Malaysia through the direct-to-consumer channel. The results of this joint venture are included within the Direct-to-Consumer segment.

Acquisition of Kurt Geiger. In May 2025, the Company completed its previously announced acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Mercury Acquisitions Topco Limited (“MATL”) for a preliminary purchase price of $403,348.

MATL is the ultimate parent company of the Kurt Geiger business (“Kurt Geiger”), which operates primarily in the United Kingdom (the “UK”), U.S., and Europe. Kurt Geiger designs and sells footwear and accessories under its own brands – including Kurt Geiger London, KG Kurt Geiger, and Carvela – through its direct-to-consumer channel, which consists of directly-operated retail stores and e-commerce, as well as through the wholesale channel, and operates third-party concessions in luxury and premium department stores primarily in the UK. Kurt Geiger was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in London, UK.

Greater China Joint Venture. In August 2025, the Company acquired a 50% controlling financial interest in the newly formed entity, MG Distribution Hong Kong Limited. This joint venture was formed to expand the distribution of the Company’s products across China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The results of this joint venture are included within the Direct-to-Consumer segment.

For additional information about these acquisitions and joint ventures, refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions, Purchases and Sales of Joint Ventures, and Divestitures to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.

Macroeconomic Conditions and Industry Trends

Our business operations – and the broader industry – were shaped throughout 2025 by a complex and evolving macroeconomic environment, requiring continued flexibility across our sourcing, supply chain, and go-to-market strategies.

Following the inauguration of the current administration in January 2025, new tariff measures were announced or threatened on imports from key sourcing markets, including China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Brazil. Although some previously announced tariff initiatives were postponed or adjusted, the absence of clarity around future trade policy remained, prompting many multinational businesses, including us, to maintain flexible supplier networks, selectively adjust pricing strategies, and intensify cost-containment efforts.

While interest rates have recently come down in the United States and key international markets, they have remained high relative to prior years, continuing to impact credit conditions and consumer discretionary spending. Furthermore, continued foreign currency volatility, elevated global trade tensions, and recession fears continue to impact consumer sentiment.

Geopolitical tensions remain influential. The conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine persist and tensions with China and other countries remain elevated. These headwinds have contributed to continued economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, foreign currency volatility, disruptions in global supply chains, deteriorating trade relations, and declining consumer confidence. These factors contributed to broader market volatility and may continue to adversely impact our global business operations.

Structural change remains a key theme in the retail landscape. Consumers increasingly favor omnichannel and direct-to-consumer shopping experiences, placing greater emphasis on digital engagement, personalized marketing, and seamless integration between online and physical channels. This shift underscores the strategic importance of our investments in e-commerce platforms, data analytics capabilities, and customer experience enhancements. Traditional wholesale channels also evolved, with retail partners placing increased focus on inventory planning and discipline in these uncertain times.

While the macroeconomic environment is ever-evolving, we remain steadfast in our commitment to executing the following key strategic initiatives, which are aimed at driving long-term growth and creating shareholder value:

•Win with product. Utilizing our proven model – which combines talented design teams, a test-and react strategy, and industry-leading speed-to-market capability – to create trend-right product assortments across footwear, accessories, and apparel categories that resonate with our consumers.

•Invest in marketing. Continue investing in full-funnel marketing to deepen our connection with consumers.

•Expand in international markets. Expanding our international businesses in the Americas (ex. U.S.), EMEA, and APAC regions remains our largest long-term growth initiative.

28

•Grow non-footwear categories. Expanding our product offerings across various categories outside of footwear, including handbags, accessories, and apparel.

•Expand Direct-to-Consumer led by digital. Expanding our direct-to-consumer business with a focus on growing our digital business, including optimizing site functionality, personalization, and digital marketing, to enhance our consumers overall shopping experience.

•Strengthen the core U.S. wholesale footwear business. Continue leveraging product innovation and speed to market to grow our diversified business across all tiers of distribution.

•Operational Efficiency. Streamlining operations, tightly managing costs, and maintaining a disciplined inventory management approach are ongoing and aimed at enhancing overall profitability.

•Sustainability Focus. Committing to our corporate social responsibility initiatives, as we work to minimize the negative impacts we have on the environment and maximize the positive impacts we have on our people and our communities.

Dividends

Our Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share on our outstanding shares of common stock which was paid on March 21, 2025, June 20, 2025, September 23, 2025 and December 26, 2025. The aggregate cash dividends paid for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $60,962.

On February 24, 2026, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share payable on March 20, 2026 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 11, 2026.

2025 Highlights

Total revenue for 2025 was $2,534,109, an increase of 11.0% as compared to 2024 driven by the acquisition of the Kurt Geiger business. Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. was $44,661 in 2025 compared to $169,390 in 2024. Our effective tax rate for 2025 was 36.9% compared to 23.7% in 2024. Diluted earnings per share in 2025 was $0.63 per share on 71,181 diluted weighted average shares outstanding compared to $2.35 per share on 71,963 diluted weighted average shares outstanding in 2024.

As of December 31, 2025, we had 399 brick-and-mortar retail stores and seven e-commerce platforms in operation, compared to 291 brick-and-mortar retail stores and five e-commerce platforms as of December 31, 2024. The Company operated 133 concession

[Excerpt truncated for page length; the complete text is on the linked full-MD&A page.]