STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. (SHOO) FY 2021 MD&A
This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.
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.
Overview
($ in thousands, except for retail sales data per square foot, earnings per share and per share data)
Steven Madden, Ltd. and its subsidiaries design, source and market fashion-forward branded and private label footwear, accessories and apparel for women, men and children. We distribute our products through department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, shoe chains, online retailers, national chains, specialty retailers and independent stores throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, South Africa and certain other international markets. In addition, our products are distributed through our retail stores within the United States, Canada, Mexico and South Africa, and our joint ventures in Israel, Taiwan and China, and under special distribution arrangements in certain European countries, the Middle East, South and Central America, and various countries in Asia, in addition to our e-commerce sites. Our product lines include a broad range of contemporary styles designed to establish or capitalize on market trends, complemented by core product offerings. We have established a reputation for design creativity and our ability to offer quality, trend-right products at accessible price points, delivered in an efficient manner and time frame.
Our business comprises five distinct segments: Wholesale Footwear, Wholesale Accessories/Apparel, Direct-to-Consumer, First Cost and Licensing. Our Wholesale Footwear segment designs, sources and markets our brands and sells our products to department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, shoe chains, online retailers, national chains, specialty retailers and independent stores throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, South Africa, and through our joint ventures and international distributor network. Our Wholesale Accessories/Apparel segment designs, sources and markets our brands and sells our products to department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, online retailers, specialty retailers and independent stores throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, South Africa, and through our joint ventures and international distributor network. Our Direct-to-Consumer segment, which was referred to as the Retail segment in previous filings, consists of Steve Madden® and Superga® full-price retail stores, Steve Madden® outlet stores, Steve Madden® shop-in-shops and directly-operated digital e-commerce websites. Our retail stores are located in regional malls and shopping centers, as well as high streets in major cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Israel, Taiwan and China. Our First Cost segment represents activities of one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries that earns commissions for serving as a buying agent for footwear products under private labels for select national chains, specialty retailers and value-priced retailers. Our Licensing segment is engaged in the licensing of the Steve Madden® and Madden Girl® trademarks for use in connection with the manufacturing, marketing and sale of select apparel categories, outerwear, hosiery, jewelry, hair accessories, watches, eyeglasses, sunglasses, umbrellas, bedding, luggage, fragrance and men’s leather accessories. We license the Betsey Johnson® trademark for use in connection with the manufacturing, marketing and sale of women's and children’s apparel, hosiery, swimwear, slippers, fragrance and beauty, sleepwear, activewear, medical scrubs, jewelry, watches, eyeglasses, sunglasses, bedding and bath, luggage, umbrellas and self-care bath and body products. Our Corporate activities do not constitute a reportable segment and include costs that are not directly attributable to the segments. These costs are primarily related to our corporate executives, corporate finance, corporate social responsibility, legal, human resources, information technology, cybersecurity and other shared costs.
Dividends
On February 24, 2021, our Board of Directors approved the reinstatement of a quarterly cash dividend. A quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share on our outstanding shares of common stock was paid on March 26, 2021, June 25, 2021, September 27, 2021 and December 27, 2021. The aggregate cash dividends paid for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 was $49,161.
On February 23, 2022, our Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend of 40%. The quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share is payable on March 25, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 11, 2022.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications were made to prior years' amounts to conform to the 2021 presentation.
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Executive Summary
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted consumer spending and global supply chains, and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. Our stores have experienced temporary closures, and we have implemented precautionary measures in line with guidance from local authorities in the stores that were open. The COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly impacted our supply chain. In particular, we have experienced disruptions and delays in shipments and increases in the pricing of certain components of our products. The receipt of inventory sourced from areas impacted by COVID-19 has been slowed or disrupted and our manufacturers have also faced similar challenges in receiving raw materials and fulfilling our orders. In addition, there is significant inflationary pressure on ocean and air freight costs as capacity issues and port congestions continue to persist due to the post pandemic demand levels.
Recent Developments
During fiscal year 2021, we acquired the remaining 49.9% non-controlling interest of our European and our South African joint ventures for the total cash consideration of $18,942. In addition, we acquired the rights for Dolce Vita Handbags for a cash consideration of $2,000. For additional information on these acquisitions, refer to Note E – Acquisitions in the Notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Key Highlights
Total revenue for 2021 increased by 55.3% to $1,866,142 from $1,201,814 in 2020, with increases in all segments as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prior year results.
Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. was $190,678 in 2021 compared to net loss attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. of $(18,397) in 2020. Our effective tax rate for 2021 decreased to 20.5% compared to 39.0% recorded in 2020. Diluted earnings per share in 2021 was $2.34 per share on 81,628 diluted weighted average shares outstanding compared to diluted loss of $(0.23) per share on 78,635 diluted weighted average shares outstanding in the prior year.
As of December 31, 2021, we had 214 brick-and-mortar retail stores and six e-commerce websites in operation, compared to 211 brick-and-mortar retail stores and seven e-commerce websites as of December 31, 2020. This increase resulted from the opening of eight brick-and-mortar stores partially offset by the closure of five brick-and-mortar stores and one e-commerce website. We did not report same store sales or sales per square foot data in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent temporary closures of our brick-and-mortar stores from the second half of March through at least the end of May and subsequent mandated closures globally in the prior year.
Our inventory turnover (calculated on a trailing four quarter average) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was 6.4 times and 7.1 times, respectively. Our total company accounts receivable average collection days were 67 days in 2021 compared to 73 days in 2020. As of December 31, 2021, we had $263,536 in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, no debt and total stockholders’ equity of $820,538. Working capital increased to $509,470 as of December 31, 2021, compared to $462,325 on December 31, 2020. The increase in working capital was primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the prior year.
As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering trend-right product, deepening connections with our consumers, enhancing our digital commerce business, expanding our non-footwear categories, growing our international business and efficiently managing our inventory and expenses while continuing to make meaningful progress on our corporate social responsibility initiatives.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands, except for number of stores) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
| CONSOLIDATED: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,853,902 | 99.3 | % | $ | 1,188,943 | 98.9 | % | $ | 1,768,135 | 98.9 | % | |||||||||
| Commission and licensing fee income | 12,240 | 0.7 | % | 12,871 | 1.1 | % | 19,022 | 1.1 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 1,866,142 | 100.0 | % | 1,201,814 | 100.0 | % | 1,787,157 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 1,098,645 | 58.9 | % | 737,273 | 61.3 | % | 1,101,140 | 61.6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 767,497 | 41.1 | % | 464,541 | 38.7 | % | 686,017 | 38.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 519,848 | 27.9 | % | 414,978 | 34.5 | % | 503,270 | 28.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Impairment of intangibles | 2,620 | 0.1 | % | 44,273 | 3.7 | % | 4,050 | 0.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Impairment of lease right-of-use asset and fixed assets | 1,432 | 0.1 | % | 36,895 | 3.1 | % | 1,883 | 0.1 | % | ||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from operations | 243,597 | 13.1 | % | (31,605) | (2.6) | % | 176,814 | 9.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| Interest and other income – net | (1,529) | (0.1) | % | 1,620 | 0.1 | % | 4,412 | 0.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) before income taxes | 242,068 | 13.0 | % | (29,985) | (2.5) | % | 181,226 | 10.1 | % | ||||||||||||
| Net income/(loss) attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. | $ | 190,678 | 10.2 | % | $ | (18,397) | (1.5) | % | $ | 141,311 | 7.9 | % | |||||||||
| BY SEGMENT: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WHOLESALE FOOTWEAR SEGMENT: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,022,322 | 100.0 | % | $ | 713,662 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,112,091 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 677,155 | 66.2 | % | 487,105 | 68.3 | % | 738,504 | 66.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 345,167 | 33.8 | % | 226,557 | 31.7 | % | 373,587 | 33.6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 128,004 | 12.5 | % | 118,325 | 16.6 | % | 152,620 | 13.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Impairment of intangibles | — | — | % | 16,345 | 2.3 | % | 4,050 | 0.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Income from operations | $ | 217,163 | 21.2 | % | $ | 91,887 | 12.9 | % | $ | 216,917 | 19.5 | % | |||||||||
| WHOLESALE ACCESSORIES/APPAREL SEGMENT: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 343,675 | 100.0 | % | $ | 235,892 | 100.0 | % | $ | 334,862 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 249,000 | 72.5 | % | 164,984 | 69.9 | % | 236,731 | 70.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 94,675 | 27.5 | % | 70,908 | 30.1 | % | 98,131 | 29.3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 64,776 | 18.8 | % | 45,889 | 19.5 | % | 60,522 | 18.1 | % | ||||||||||||
| Impairment of intangibles | 2,620 | 0.8 | % | 27,472 | 11.6 | % | — | — | % | ||||||||||||
| Impairment of lease right-of-use asset and fixed assets | 651 | 0.2 | % | — | — | % | — | — | % | ||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from operations | $ | 26,628 | 7.7 | % | $ | (2,453) | (1.0) | % | $ | 37,609 | 11.2 | % | |||||||||
| DIRECT -TO-CONSUMER SEGMENT: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 487,906 | 100.0 | % | $ | 239,389 | 100.0 | % | $ | 321,182 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 172,490 | 35.4 | % | 85,184 | 35.6 | % | 125,905 | 39.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 315,416 | 64.6 | % | 154,205 | 64.4 | % | 195,277 | 60.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 240,093 | 49.2 | % | 175,743 | 73.4 | % | 191,184 | 59.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Impairment of intangibles | — | — | % | 456 | 0.2 | % | — | — | % | ||||||||||||
| Impairment of lease right-of-use asset and fixed assets | 781 | 0.2 | % | 36,895 | 15.4 | % | 1,883 | 0.6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from operations | $ | 74,542 | 15.3 | % | $ | (58,889) | (24.6) | % | $ | 2,210 | 0.7 | % | |||||||||
| Number of stores | 220 | 218 | 227 | ||||||||||||||||||
| FIRST COST SEGMENT: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Commission fee income | $ | 2,346 | 100.0 | % | $ | 3,902 | 100.0 | % | $ | 7,441 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 2,346 | 100.0 | % | 3,902 | 100.0 | % | 7,441 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 375 | 16.0 | % | 1,308 | 33.5 | % | 13,943 | 187.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from operations | $ | 1,971 | 84.0 | % | $ | 2,594 | 66.5 | % | $ | (6,502) | (87.4) | % | |||||||||
| LICENSING SEGMENT: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Licensing fee income | $ | 9,893 | 100.0 | % | $ | 8,969 | 100.0 | % | $ | 11,581 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 9,893 | 100.0 | % | 8,969 | 100.0 | % | 11,581 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 1,785 | 18.0 | % | 3,141 | 35.0 | % | 3,427 | 29.6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Income from operations | $ | 8,108 | 82.0 | % | $ | 5,828 | 65.0 | % | $ | 8,154 | 70.4 | % | |||||||||
| CORPORATE: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | (84,815) | — | % | $ | (70,572) | — | % | $ | (81,574) | — | % | ||||||||||
| Loss from operations | $ | (84,815) | — | % | $ | (70,572) | — | % | $ | (81,574) | — | % |
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Year Ended December 31, 2021 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2020
Consolidated:
Total revenue in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased 55.3% to $1,866,142 compared to $1,201,814 for fiscal 2020, with increases in the Direct-to-Consumer, Wholesale Footwear and Wholesale Accessories/Apparel segments. Gross profit was $767,497, or 41.1% of total revenue, as compared to $464,541, or 38.7% of total revenue, in the prior year. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of total revenue was due to a higher penetration of our Direct-to-Consumer segment and lower promotional activity. The increase was partially offset by headwinds in connection with inbound freight costs and the non-renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences ("GSP"), which impacted imports from Cambodia in our handbag business. Operating expenses in 2021 were $519,848, or 27.9%, of total revenue, as compared to $414,978, or 34.5% of total revenue, in the prior year. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of total revenue was primarily attributable to greater leverage on higher revenue, gain on sale of a trademark for $8,000, and our expense control initiatives, partially offset by early lease termination and modification charges, and change in valuation of our contingent considerations.
In the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 impairment charges of $1,432 and $36,895, respectively, related to lease right-of-use assets and fixed assets were recorded. In the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded impairment charges of $2,620 and $44,273 associated with certain intangibles. In the year ended December 31, 2021, income from operations increased to $243,597, or 13.1% of total revenue, as compared to a loss from operations of ($31,605), or (2.6%) of total revenue, in the prior-year. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 20.5% compared to 39.0% last year. The primary changes between the Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are due to the year-over-year benefit resulting from the exercising and vesting of share-based awards, a decrease in tax benefit related to a 2020 net operating loss carryback claim set forth by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), a decrease in the GILTI tax and an increase in pre-tax income in jurisdictions with higher tax rates. Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $190,678 compared to a net loss attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. of $(18,397) for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Wholesale Footwear Segment:
Revenue from the Wholesale Footwear segment in the year ended December 31, 2021 accounted for $1,022,322, or 54.8% of total revenue, as compared to $713,662, or 59.4% of total revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2020. The 43.3% increase in revenue in the current year reflected the Company's post-pandemic recovery from COVID-19. Gross profit was $345,167, or 33.8% of Wholesale Footwear revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $226,557, or 31.7% of Wholesale Footwear revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2020. The improvement in the gross profit as percentage of revenue was driven by lower promotional activity. Operating expenses in the year ended December 31, 2021 were $128,004, or 12.5%, of Wholesale Footwear revenue, as compared to $118,325, or 16.6% of Wholesale Footwear revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of Wholesale Footwear revenue was primarily attributable to greater leverage from higher revenue, a gain on sale of a trademark for $8,000, and our expense control initiatives. For 2020, intangible impairment charges of $16,345 were recorded. Income from operations increased to $217,163, or 21.2% of Wholesale Footwear revenue in 2021 as compared to $91,887, or 12.9% of Wholesale Footwear revenue, in 2020.
Wholesale Accessories/Apparel Segment:
Revenue from the Wholesale Accessories/Apparel segment in the year ended December 31, 2021 accounted for $343,675, or 18.4% of total revenue, as compared to $235,892, or 19.6% of total revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2020. The 45.7% increase in revenue in the current period reflected the Company's post-pandemic recovery from COVID-19. Gross profit was $94,675, or 27.5% of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to $70,908, or 30.1% of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease of gross profit as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the non-renewal of the GSP, which impacted imports from Cambodia in our handbag business. Operating expenses in the year ended December 31, 2021 were $64,776, or 18.8%, of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue, as compared to $45,889, or 19.5%, of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue, in the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue was primarily attributable to greater leverage from higher revenue and our expense control initiatives, partially offset by the change in valuation of our contingent consideration. In the year ended December 31, 2021 an impairment charge of $2,620 related to intangibles was recorded. In the year ended December 31, 2021 an impairment charge of $651 related to lease right-of-use assets and fixed assets was recorded. Income from operations for the Wholesale Accessories/Apparel segment in 2021 was $26,628, or 7.7% of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue, as compared to a loss from operations of $(2,453), or (1.0)% of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue, in 2020.
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Direct-to-Consumer Segment:
In the year ended December 31, 2021, revenue from the Direct-to-Consumer segment accounted for $487,906, or 26.1% of total revenue, as compared to $239,389, or 19.9% of total revenue, in the twelve months of 2020. The 103.8% increase in revenue was driven by the continued strength in our e-commerce business and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the prior year, primarily in our brick-and-mortar retail store business. We opened eight full-price stores and closed five full-price stores, along with one e-commerce store during the year ended December 31, 2021 and ended the period with 214 brick-and-mortar stores and six e-commerce sites compared to 211 brick-and-mortar stores and seven e-commerce sites as of December 31, 2020. As a result of COVID-19 related closures of certain brick-and-mortar stores in 2020 and 2021, we did not report comparable store sales for the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2021, gross profit was $315,416, or 64.6% of Direct-to-Consumer revenue, compared to $154,205, or 64.4% of Direct-to-Consumer revenue, in the twelve months of 2020. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of Direct-to-Consumer revenue was primarily due to lower promotional activity, mostly offset by higher freight costs. Operating expenses in the twelve months of 2021 were $240,093, or 49.2% of Direct-to-Consumer revenue, as compared to $175,743, or 73.4% of Direct-to-Consumer revenue, in the twelve months of 2020. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of Direct-to-Consumer revenue was primarily from greater leverage from higher revenue. In the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 impairment charges of $781 and $36,895 were recorded, respectively, related to the impairment of fixed assets and lease right-of-use assets. In the year ended 2020, an impairment charge of $456 associated with certain intangibles were recorded. In the twelve months of 2021, income from operations for the Direct-to-Consumer segment was $74,542, or 15.3% of Direct-to-Consumer revenue as compared to a loss from operations of $(58,889), or (24.6)% of Direct-to-Consumer revenue in 2020.
First Cost Segment:
Commission income generated by the First Cost segment accounted for $2,346, or 0.1% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $3,902, or 0.3% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2020. Operating expenses decreased to $375 in the current period compared to $1,308 of last year. Income from operations was $1,971 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to income from operations of $2,594 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Licensing Segment:
Royalty income generated by the Licensing segment accounted for $9,893, or 0.5% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $8,969, or 0.7% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2020. Operating expenses decreased to $1,785 in the current year compared to $3,141 to last year. Income from the Licensing segment was $8,108 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $5,828 in the same period last year.
Corporate:
Our corporate activities do not constitute as a reportable segment and include costs in operating expenses not directly attributable to the reportable segments. Corporate is primarily related to costs associated with corporate executives, corporate finance, corporate social responsibility, legal, human resources, information technology, cyber security and other shared costs. Corporate operating expenses increased 20.2% to $84,815 during the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $70,572 in the last year, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the prior year.
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Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2019
Consolidated:
Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased by 32.8% to $1,201,814 from $1,787,157 for fiscal 2019,with decreases in all segments as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the year ended December 31, 2020, gross profit was $464,541, or 38.7% of total revenue, as compared to $686,017, or 38.4% of total revenue, in the prior year. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of total revenue was primarily due to the shift in sales to our higher-margin e-commerce business. Operating expenses in 2020 were $414,978, or 34.5% of total revenue, as compared $503,270, or 28.2% of total revenue, in 2019. The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of total revenue was primarily attributable to a deleverage on a lower sales base, but was also impacted by the impairment of lease right-of-use assets and fixed assets, early lease termination and modification charges, and restructuring and other related charges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase was partially offset by our reduction in workforce, furloughs, temporary salary reductions and reduced discretionary spending as a result of our initiatives to control expenses, along with the change in valuation of contingent considerations. In addition, for the years 2020 and 2019, impairments of intangibles of $44,273 and $4,050 were recorded, respectively. Also in 2020 and 2019, impairments for lease right-of-use assets and fixed assets of $36,895 and $1,883 were recorded, respectively. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased to 39.0% compared to 21.8% last year. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the year-over-year benefit resulting from the exercising and vesting of share-based awards, an increase in tax benefit related to a net operating loss carryback claim set forth by the CARES Act, an increase in the GILTI tax, a decrease in the state taxes incurred, and an increase in 2019 pre-tax losses in jurisdictions with higher tax rates. Net loss attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2020 was ($18,397) compared to net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. of $141,311 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Wholesale Footwear Segment:
Revenue from the Wholesale Footwear segment was $713,662, or 59.4%, and $1,112,091, or 62.2%, of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease of 35.8% in revenue is primarily driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including significant order cancellations. Gross profit in 2020 was $226,556, or 31.7% of Wholesale Footwear revenue, as compared to gross profit of $373,587, or 33.6% of Wholesale Footwear revenue, in 2019. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of Wholesale Footwear revenue was primarily due to close-outs of excess inventory resulting from store closures and order cancellations from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and higher sales mix of our private label business, partially offset by lower markdowns. Operating expenses were $118,325, or 16.6% of Wholesale Footwear revenue, in 2020 compared to $152,620, or 13.7% of Wholesale Footwear revenue, in 2019. The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of Wholesale Footwear revenue was primarily attributable to a deleverage on a lower sales base in addition to restructuring and other related charges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by our reduction in workforce, furloughs, temporary salary reductions and reduced discretionary spending as a result of our initiatives to control expenses. For 2020 and 2019, intangible impairment charges of $16,345 and $4,050 were recorded, respectively. Income from operations decreased to $91,887 for 2020 compared to $216,917 for 2019.
Wholesale Accessories/Apparel Segment:
Revenue from the Wholesale Accessories/Apparel segment accounted for $235,892, or 19.6%, and $334,862, or 18.7%, of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease of 29.6% in revenue was primarily attributable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including order cancellations. Gross profit was $70,908, or 30.1% of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue, for 2020 as compared to $98,131, or 29.3% of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue, in the prior year. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue was primarily due to lower markdowns and an increase penetration of the higher margin BB Dakota apparel business. Operating expenses for 2020 were $45,889, or 19.5% of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue, as compared to $60,522, or 18.1% of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue, in 2019. The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of Wholesale Accessories/Apparel revenue was primarily attributable to a deleverage on a lower sales base, but was also impacted by restructuring and other related charges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in expenses was partially offset by our reduction in workforce, furloughs, temporary salary reductions and reduced discretionary spending as a result of our initiatives to control expenses, along with a change in valuation of a contingent consideration. For 2020, an intangible impairment charge of $27,472 was recorded. Loss from operations for the Wholesale Accessories/Apparel segment was ($2,453) in 2020 compared to income from operations of $37,609 in 2019.
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Direct-to-Consumer Segment:
Revenue from the Direct-to-Consumer segment accounted for $239,389, or 19.9% of total revenue, and $321,182, or 18.0%, of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease of 25.5% in revenue is primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the temporary closure of all of our brick-and-mortar stores in the U.S. and the vast majority of our brick-and-mortar stores globally from the second half of March through at least the end of May and subsequent mandated closures. During 2020, we added five stores and closed 14 stores. As of December 31, 2020 we had 211 brick-and-mortar retail stores and seven e-commerce sites compared to 227 stores as of December 31, 2019. In addition, we operated 17 concessions in our international markets. During the year ended December 31, 2020, gross profit was $154,205, or 64.4% of Direct-to-Consumer revenue compared to $195,277, or 60.8% of Direct-to-Consumer revenue in 2019. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of Direct-to-Consumer revenue was primarily due to a shift in sales to the higher-margin e-commerce business and less discounting. In 2020, operating expenses were $175,743, or 73.4% of Direct-to-Consumer revenue, compared to $191,184, or 59.5% of Direct-to-Consumer revenue in 2019. The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of Direct-to-Consumer revenue was primarily attributable to a deleverage on a lower sales base, but was also impacted by the impairment of lease right-of-use assets and fixed assets and restructuring and related charges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in expenses was partially offset by our reduction in workforce, furloughs, temporary salary reductions, rent reductions and reduced discretionary spending as a result of our initiatives to control expenses, along with the change in valuation of a contingent consideration. Also in 2020 and 2019, impairments for lease right-of-use assets and fixed assets of $36,895 and $1,883 were recorded, respectively. For 2020, an intangible impairment charge of $456 was recorded. For the year ended December 31, 2020, loss from operations for the Direct-to-Consumer segment was ($58,889) compared to income from operations of $2,210 in the prior year.
First Cost Segment:
Commission fee income generated by the First Cost segment accounted for $3,902, or 0.3% of total revenue, and $7,441, or 0.4% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Operating expenses decreased to $1,308 in 2020 from $13,943 in 2019. Operating expenses in 2020, included a benefit associated with the recovery from the Payless ShoeSource bankruptcy of $1,081 and in 2019 included charges to bad debt expenses associated with the Payless ShoeSource bankruptcy of $10,355. Income from operations was $2,594 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to a loss from operations of ($6,502) in 2019.
Licensing Segment:
Licensing fee income generated by the Licensing segment accounted for $8,969, or 0.7% of total revenue, and $11,581, or 0.6% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which represents a $2,612, or 22.6%, decrease. Operating expenses decreased to $3,141 in 2020 from $3,427 in 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, income from operations for the Licensing segment amounted to $5,828 as compared to the prior year income of $8,154.
Corporate:
Corporate does not constitute as a reportable segment and includes costs in operating expenses not directly attributable to the reportable segments. Corporate is primarily related to costs associated with corporate executives, corporate finance, corporate social responsibility, legal, human resources, information technology, cyber security and other shared costs. Corporate operating expenses decreased 13.5% to $70,572 in the twelve months of 2020 as compared to $81,574 in the same period of 2019, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $263,536 and $287,166 at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Of the total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2021, $156,112, or approximately 59%, was held in our foreign subsidiaries, and of the total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at December 31, 2020, $158,610, or approximately 56%, was held in our foreign subsidiaries.
On July 22, 2020, we entered into a $150,000, five-year, asset-based revolving credit facility with various lenders and Citizens Bank, N.A.
As of December 31, 2021, we had working capital of $509,470, cash and cash equivalents of $219,499, and short-term investments of $44,037 and no cash borrowing and $751 letters of credit outstanding.
We believe that based on our current financial position and available cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, we will meet all of our financial commitments and operating needs for at least the next twelve months. In addition, as a precautionary measure, we have a $150,000 asset-based revolving credit facility, which provides additional liquidity and flexibility.
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operations was $159,463 in 2021 compared to cash provided by operations of $44,206 in the prior year. The improvement in cash provided by operations was primarily driven by favorable changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses, and an increase in net income, partially offset by unfavorable changes in inventories and receivables.
Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021 we invested $68,471 in short-term investments offset by cash received of $63,867 from the maturities and sales of short-term investments. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we received proceeds of $8,000 for the sale of a trademark. We also made capital expenditures of $6,608, which were principally for leasehold improvements to our office space, new stores and systems enhancements.
Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in financing activities was $184,653, which consisted of share repurchases of $123,161, cash dividends paid of $49,161, the acquisition of increased ownership in our joint ventures for $18,942, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $9,732.
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Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:
| Payment due by period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | Total | 2022 | 2023-2024 | 2025-2026 | 2027 and after | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease obligations | $ | 122,036 | $ | 35,894 | $ | 46,796 | $ | 27,462 | $ | 11,884 | |||||||||
| Purchase obligations | 262,985 | 262,985 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Future minimum royalty and advertising payments | 13,688 | 8,250 | 5,438 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Transition tax | 13,284 | 1,563 | 6,837 | 4,884 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 411,993 | $ | 308,692 | $ | 59,071 | $ | 32,346 | $ | 11,884 |
Substantially all our products are produced by independent manufacturers at overseas locations, the majority of which are located in China, with a growing percentage located in Cambodia, Mexico, Brazil and some European nations. We have not entered into any long-term manufacturing or supply contracts with any of these foreign manufacturers. We believe that a sufficient number of alternative sources exist outside of the United States for the manufacture of our products. Purchases are made primarily in United States dollars.
We have employment agreements with our Creative and Design Chief, Steven Madden, and certain executive officers, which provide for the payment of compensation aggregating to approximately $10,525 in 2022, $9,200 in 2023 and $1,172 in 2024. In addition, some of these employment agreements provide for discretionary bonuses and some provide for incentive compensation based on various performance criteria as well as other benefits, including stock-related compensation.
Transition tax of $13,284 was the result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act"). For further information, refer to Note O – Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Excluded from the contractual obligations table above are long-term taxes payable of $1,145 as of December 31, 2021 primarily related to uncertain tax positions, for which we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years beyond one year due to uncertainties in the timing of tax audit outcomes.
Dividends
In February 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share on our outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend was paid on March 26, 2021, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 16, 2021. We paid total cash dividends for the three months ended March 31, 2021 of $12,425.
In April 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share on our outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend was paid on June 25, 2021, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 15, 2021. We paid total cash dividends for the three months ended June 30, 2021 of $12,347.
In July 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share on our outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend was paid on September 27, 2021, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 17, 2021. We paid total cash dividends for the three months ended September 30, 2021 of $12,218.
In November 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share on our outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend was paid on December 27, 2021, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 17, 2021. We paid total cash dividends for the three months ended December 31, 2021 of $12,171.
On February 23, 2022, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend. The quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share is payable on March 25, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 11, 2022.
Future quarterly cash dividend payments are subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and contingent upon future earnings, our financial condition, capital requirements, general business conditions, and other factors. Therefore, we can give no assurance that cash dividends will be paid to holders of our common stock in the future.
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Inflation
Inflation and cost pressures including increasing raw material, labor and freight costs have had a significant impact on our profitability in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and elevated prices are expected to continue in 2022. We have minimized the impact of product, wage and freight cost increases by raising prices, renegotiating costs, changing suppliers and improving operating efficiencies. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to offset any such inflationary cost increases in the future.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND THE USE OF ESTIMATES
Management believes the following critical accounting estimates are more significantly affected by judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements: allowance for bad debts; customer returns, chargebacks, markdowns and co-op advertising; inventory valuation; valuation of intangible assets, and impairment of long-lived assets. Our estimates are made based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of management. Assumptions and estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis, and we may employ outside experts to assist in evaluations.
Allowances for bad debts. Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. Estimates are used in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts and are based on an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable, assessments of collectability based on historical trends, the financial condition of our customers and an evaluation of economic conditions. In general, the actual bad debt losses have historically been within our expectations and the allowances we have established. The reserve against our non-factored trade receivables also includes estimated losses that may result from customers’ inability to pay.
Markdowns, customer returns, chargebacks and co-op advertising. We provide variable consideration to our customers for chargebacks, discounts, co-op advertising, returns and other miscellaneous deductions that relate to the current period. The amount of the consideration for returns, discounts and compliance chargebacks is determined by analyzing aged receivables, current economic conditions, the prevailing retail environment and historical dilution levels for customers. We evaluate anticipated customer markdowns and chargebacks by reviewing several performance indicators for our major customers. These performance indicators (which include inventory levels on the retail floors, sell through rates and gross margin levels) are analyzed by management to estimate the amount of the anticipated customer allowance. Under our co-op advertising programs, we agree to reimburse the retailer for a portion of the costs incurred by the retailer to advertise and promote some of our products. We estimate the costs of co-op advertising programs based on the terms of the agreements with its retailer customers. Failure to correctly estimate the amount of the reserve could materially impact our results of operations and financial position.
Inventory valuation. Inventories are stated at lower of cost or net realizable value, on a first-in, first-out basis. We review inventory on a regular basis for excess and slow-moving inventory. The review is based on an analysis of inventory on hand, prior sales, and expected net realizable value through future sales. The analysis includes a review of inventory quantities on hand at period-end in relation to year-to-date sales and projections for sales in the foreseeable future as well as subsequent sales. We consider quantities on hand in excess of estimated future sales to be at risk for market impairment. The net realizable value, or market value, is determined based on the estimate of sales prices of such inventory through off-price or discount store channels. The likelihood of any material inventory write-down is dependent primarily on the expectation of future consumer demand for our products. A misinterpretation or misunderstanding of future consumer demand for our products, the economy, or other failure to estimate correctly, in addition to abnormal weather patterns, could result in inventory valuation changes, compared to the valuation determined to be appropriate as of the balance sheet date.
Valuation of intangible assets and goodwill. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we test goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives at least annually. This accounting guidance also requires that intangible assets with finite lives be amortized over their respective lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill are assessed for impairment by performing a qualitative assessment that evaluates relevant events or circumstances in order to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an intangible or a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Factors considered include historical financial performance, macroeconomic and industry conditions and legal and regulatory environment. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying amount, and if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, an impairment is recognized equal to the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount. We perform this annual assessment during our third quarter or if impairment indicators warrant a test.
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Impairment of long-lived assets. We perform an impairment review of our long-lived assets, once events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgment, that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. When such a determination has been made, management compares the carrying value of the asset groups with their estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If it is determined that an impairment has occurred, the fair value of the asset group is determined and compared to its carrying value. The excess of the carrying value over the fair value, if any, is recognized as a loss during that period. The impairment is calculated as the difference between asset carrying values and the fair value of the long-lived assets.