10-Q 1 shoo-20180930x10q.htm 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
or
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________________ to _____________________
Commission File Number 0-23702
STEVEN MADDEN, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware |  | 13-3588231
(State or other jurisdiction of |  | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization) |  |

52-16 Barnett Avenue, Long Island City, New York |  | 11104
(Address of principal executive offices) |  | (Zip Code)

(718) 446-1800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (do not check if smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company o
| Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
As of November 8, 2018, the latest practicable date, there were 87,454,640 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.0001 par value, outstanding.

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD.
TABLE OF CONTENTS TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
September 30, 2018

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
ITEM 1. | Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited): |
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | 1
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income | 2
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | 3
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 4
| Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Unaudited | 5
ITEM 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 21
ITEM 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 32
ITEM 4. | Controls and Procedures | 32
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION |
ITEM 1. | Legal Proceedings | 34
ITEM 1A. | Risk Factors | 34
ITEM 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 35
ITEM 6. | Exhibits | 36
| Signatures | 37

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

|  | September 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |  | September 30, 2017
|  | (unaudited) |  |  |  | (unaudited)
ASSETS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 172,537 |  |  | $ | 181,214 |  |  | $ | 92,080 |
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,380, $1,973, and $1,328 |  | 49,260 |  |  | 39,473 |  |  | 49,266 |
Factor accounts receivable |  | 282,789 |  |  | 201,436 |  |  | 287,934 |
Inventories |  | 147,491 |  |  | 110,324 |  |  | 124,117 |
Marketable securities – available for sale |  | 57,896 |  |  | 64,027 |  |  | 50,976 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 24,056 |  |  | 19,538 |  |  | 26,061 |
Prepaid taxes |  | 19,910 |  |  | 29,506 |  |  | 18,560 |
Total current assets |  | 753,939 |  |  | 645,518 |  |  | 648,994 |
Note receivable – related party |  | 2,018 |  |  | 2,289 |  |  | 2,378 |
Property and equipment, net |  | 65,472 |  |  | 71,498 |  |  | 73,922 |
Deposits and other |  | 1,980 |  |  | 2,121 |  |  | 4,835 |
Marketable securities – available for sale |  | — |  |  | 29,523 |  |  | 33,839 |
Deferred taxes |  | 6,381 |  |  | 6,370 |  |  | 1,813 |
Goodwill – net |  | 148,956 |  |  | 148,538 |  |  | 153,974 |
Intangibles – net |  | 146,313 |  |  | 151,304 |  |  | 151,648 |
Total Assets |  | $ | 1,125,059 |  |  | $ | 1,057,161 |  |  | $ | 1,071,403 |
LIABILITIES |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts payable |  | $ | 94,636 |  |  | $ | 66,955 |  |  | $ | 102,906 |
Accrued expenses |  | 113,325 |  |  | 120,624 |  |  | 97,088 |
Income taxes payable |  | — |  |  | 1,566 |  |  | — |
Contingent payment liability – current portion |  | — |  |  | 7,000 |  |  | 1,889 |
Accrued incentive compensation |  | 8,569 |  |  | 10,467 |  |  | 9,397 |
Total current liabilities |  | 216,530 |  |  | 206,612 |  |  | 211,280 |
Contingent payment liability |  | 3,000 |  |  | 3,000 |  |  | 21,161 |
Deferred rent |  | 15,707 |  |  | 16,033 |  |  | 15,998 |
Deferred taxes |  | 3,602 |  |  | 3,602 |  |  | 18,740 |
Other liabilities |  | 19,023 |  |  | 18,982 |  |  | 1,223 |
Total Liabilities |  | 257,862 |  |  | 248,229 |  |  | 268,402 |
Commitments, contingencies and other (Note N) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred stock – $.0001 par value, 5,000 shares authorized; none issued; Series A Junior Participating preferred stock – $.0001 par value, 60 shares authorized; none issued |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Common stock – $.0001 par value, 135,000 shares authorized, 131,875, 130,959 and 130,551 shares issued, 87,407, 88,047 and 88,599 shares outstanding |  | 6 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 6 |
Additional paid-in capital |  | 418,864 |  |  | 390,723 |  |  | 380,435 |
Retained earnings |  | 1,217,200 |  |  | 1,135,701 |  |  | 1,111,105 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |  | (27,424 | ) |  | (25,613 | ) |  | (22,675 | )
Treasury stock 44,468, 42,912 and 41,952 shares at cost |  | (748,876 | ) |  | (697,996 | ) |  | (671,810 | )
Total Steven Madden, Ltd. stockholders’ equity |  | 859,770 |  |  | 802,821 |  |  | 797,061 |
Noncontrolling interest |  | 7,427 |  |  | 6,111 |  |  | 5,940 |
Total stockholders’ equity |  | 867,197 |  |  | 808,932 |  |  | 803,001 |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity |  | $ | 1,125,059 |  |  | $ | 1,057,161 |  |  | $ | 1,071,403 |

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements - unaudited.
1

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)

|  | Three Months Ended September 30, |  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Net sales |  | $ | 458,482 |  |  | $ | 441,193 |  |  | $ | 1,243,249 |  |  | $ | 1,181,728 |
Cost of sales |  | 283,265 |  |  | 275,302 |  |  | 779,525 |  |  | 743,723 |
Gross profit |  | 175,217 |  |  | 165,891 |  |  | 463,724 |  |  | 438,005 |
Commission and licensing fee income – net |  | 4,994 |  |  | 4,746 |  |  | 10,897 |  |  | 10,838 |
Operating expenses |  | 110,007 |  |  | 105,194 |  |  | 326,276 |  |  | 310,725 |
Income from operations |  | 70,204 |  |  | 65,443 |  |  | 148,345 |  |  | 138,118 |
Interest and other income – net |  | 872 |  |  | 564 |  |  | 2,502 |  |  | 1,956 |
Income before provision for income taxes |  | 71,076 |  |  | 66,007 |  |  | 150,847 |  |  | 140,074 |
Provision for income taxes (Note J) |  | 14,757 |  |  | 21,181 |  |  | 32,885 |  |  | 45,703 |
Net income |  | 56,319 |  |  | 44,826 |  |  | 117,962 |  |  | 94,371 |
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest |  | 756 |  |  | 596 |  |  | 1,316 |  |  | 1,019 |
Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. |  | $ | 55,563 |  |  | $ | 44,230 |  |  | $ | 116,646 |  |  | $ | 93,352 |
Basic net income per share |  | $ | 0.68 |  |  | $ | 0.54 |  |  | $ | 1.43 |  |  | $ | 1.13 |
Diluted net income per share |  | $ | 0.64 |  |  | $ | 0.51 |  |  | $ | 1.35 |  |  | $ | 1.07 |
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding |  | 81,727 |  |  | 82,356 |  |  | 81,832 |  |  | 82,935 |
Effect of dilutive securities – options/restricted stock |  | 4,847 |  |  | 4,271 |  |  | 4,441 |  |  | 3,906 |
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding |  | 86,574 |  |  | 86,627 |  |  | 86,273 |  |  | 86,841 |
Cash dividends declared per common share |  | $ | 0.13 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.40 |  |  | $ | — |

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements - unaudited.
2

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
(in thousands)

|  | Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 |  | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
|  | Pre-tax amounts |  | Tax benefit/(expense) |  | After-tax amounts |  | Pre-tax amounts |  | Tax (expense) |  | After-tax amounts
Net income |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 56,319 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 117,962 |
Other comprehensive income/(loss): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation adjustment |  | $ | 1,585 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | 1,585 |  |  | $ | (2,697 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | (2,697 | )
(Loss)/gain on cash flow hedging derivatives |  | (476 | ) |  | 114 |  |  | (362 | ) |  | 1,062 |  |  | (255 | ) |  | 807 |
Unrealized gain on marketable securities |  | 29 |  |  | (7 | ) |  | 22 |  |  | 104 |  |  | (25 | ) |  | 79 |
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) |  | $ | 1,138 |  |  | $ | 107 |  |  | 1,245 |  |  | $ | (1,531 | ) |  | $ | (280 | ) |  | (1,811 | )
Comprehensive income |  |  |  |  |  | 57,564 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 116,151 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  |  | 756 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,316 |
Comprehensive income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 56,808 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 114,835 |
|  | Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 |  | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
|  | Pre-tax amounts |  | Tax benefit/(expense) |  | After-tax amounts |  | Pre-tax amounts |  | Tax benefit/(expense) |  | After-tax amounts
Net income |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 44,826 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 94,371 |
Other comprehensive income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation adjustment |  | $ | 3,708 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | 3,708 |  |  | $ | 9,545 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | 9,545 |
(Loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives |  | (362 | ) |  | 134 |  |  | (228 | ) |  | (1,102 | ) |  | 408 |  |  | (694 | )
Unrealized gain on marketable securities |  | 46 |  |  | (17 | ) |  | 29 |  |  | 357 |  |  | (132 | ) |  | 225 |
Total other comprehensive income |  | $ | 3,392 |  |  | $ | 117 |  |  | 3,509 |  |  | $ | 8,800 |  |  | $ | 276 |  |  | 9,076 |
Comprehensive income |  |  |  |  |  | 48,335 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 103,447 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  |  | 596 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,019 |
Comprehensive income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 47,739 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 102,428 |

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements - unaudited.
3

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
(in thousands)

|  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
|  | 2018 |  | 2017
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 117,962 |  |  | $ | 94,371 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |
Stock-based compensation |  | 15,340 |  |  | 15,680 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 17,169 |  |  | 15,688 |
Loss on disposal of fixed assets |  | 24 |  |  | 924 |
Deferred taxes |  | 1,960 |  |  | (190 | )
Accrued interest on note receivable - related party |  | (35 | ) |  | (41 | )
Deferred rent (benefit)/expense |  | (326 | ) |  | 1,420 |
Realized loss/(gain) on sale of marketable securities |  | 182 |  |  | (52 | )
Changes in fair value on contingent liability |  | — |  |  | (589 | )
Bad debt expense from bankruptcy of a customer |  | — |  |  | 7,970 |
Changes, net of acquisitions, in: |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable |  | (9,787 | ) |  | 10,819 |
Factor accounts receivable |  | (81,353 | ) |  | (143,766 | )
Notes receivable - related party |  | 307 |  |  | 307 |
Inventories |  | (37,167 | ) |  | 8,405 |
Prepaid expenses, prepaid taxes, deposits and other |  | 5,234 |  |  | 4,211 |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |  | 18,816 |  |  | 19,825 |
Accrued incentive compensation |  | (1,898 | ) |  | 1,437 |
Other liabilities |  | 39 |  |  | (1,409 | )
Net cash provided by operating activities |  | 46,467 |  |  | 35,010 |
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |  | — |  |  | (17,396 | )
Capital expenditures |  | (8,164 | ) |  | (11,710 | )
Purchases of marketable securities |  | (42,531 | ) |  | (39,142 | )
Repayment of notes receivable |  | — |  |  | 221 |
Maturity/sale of marketable securities |  | 76,373 |  |  | 67,432 |
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities |  | 25,678 |  |  | (595 | )
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |  | 12,801 |  |  | 11,312 |
Payment of contingent liability |  | (7,000 | ) |  | (7,359 | )
Common stock purchased for treasury |  | (50,881 | ) |  | (73,226 | )
Cash dividends paid on common stock |  | (35,147 | ) |  | — |
Net cash (used in) financing activities |  | (80,227 | ) |  | (69,273 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |  | (595 | ) |  | 823 |
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |  | (8,677 | ) |  | (34,035 | )
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period |  | 181,214 |  |  | 126,115 |
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period |  | $ | 172,537 |  |  | $ | 92,080 |

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements - unaudited.
4

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note A – Basis of Reporting
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Steven Madden, Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, such statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) which are considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of the Company and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Certain adjustments were made to prior years' amounts to conform to the 2018 presentation and to reflect the three-for-two stock split (see Note B). The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2017 included in the Annual Report of Steven Madden, Ltd. on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018 and Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on November 9, 2018.
Note B – Stock Split
On September 17, 2018, the Company announced that on September 11, 2018 its Board of Directors declared a three-for-two stock split of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock, effected in the form of a stock dividend on the Company's outstanding common stock. Stockholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2018 received one additional share of Steven Madden, Ltd. common stock for every two shares of common stock owned on that date. The additional shares were distributed on October 11, 2018. Stockholders received cash in lieu of any fractional shares of common stock they otherwise would have received in connection with the dividend. All share and per share data provided herein gives effect to this stock split, applied retroactively.
Note C – Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant areas involving management estimates include variable consideration included in revenue, allowances for bad debts, inventory valuation, valuation of intangible assets, litigation reserves and contingent payment liabilities. The Company estimates variable consideration on trade accounts receivables and factor receivables for future customer chargebacks and markdown allowances, discounts, returns and other miscellaneous compliance-related deductions that relate to the current period sales. The Company evaluates anticipated chargebacks by reviewing several performance indicators of its major customers. These performance indicators, which include retailers’ inventory levels, sell-through rates and gross margin levels, are analyzed by management to estimate the amount of the anticipated customer allowance.
Note D – Factor Receivable
The Company has a collection agency agreement with Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Inc. (“Rosenthal”). The agreement can be terminated by the Company or Rosenthal at any time upon 60 days prior written notice. Under the agreement, the Company can request advances from Rosenthal of up to 85% of aggregate receivables submitted to Rosenthal. The agreement provides the Company with a $30,000 credit facility with a $15,000 sub-limit for letters of credit at an interest rate based, at the Company’s election, upon a calculation that utilizes either the prime rate minus 0.5% or LIBOR plus 2.5%. As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, no borrowings were outstanding on the credit facility. As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, there were open letters of credit of $812 and $447, respectively. The Company also pays Rosenthal a fee based on a percentage of the gross invoice amount submitted to Rosenthal. With respect to receivables related to our private label business, the fee is 0.14% of the gross invoice amount. With respect to all other receivables, the fee is 0.20% of the gross invoice amount. Rosenthal assumes the credit risk on a substantial portion of the receivables that the Company submits to it and, to the extent of any loans made to the Company, Rosenthal maintains a lien on the Company’s receivables to secure the Company’s obligations.
5

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note E – Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist primarily of certificates of deposit and corporate bonds with maturities greater than three months and up to four years at the time of purchase. These securities, which are classified as available-for-sale, are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of any tax effect, reported in stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These securities are classified as current and non-current marketable securities based upon their maturities. Amortization of premiums and discounts is included in interest income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the amortization of bond premiums totaled $175 and $557 compared to $219 and $771, respectively. The value of these securities may fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates and credit risk. The schedule of maturities at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:

| Maturities as of September 30, 2018 |  | Maturities as of December 31, 2017
| 1 Year or Less |  | 1 to 4 Years |  | 1 Year or Less |  | 1 to 4 Years
Corporate bonds | $ | 26,451 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 11,979 |  |  | $ | 29,523 |
Certificates of deposit | 31,445 |  |  | — |  |  | 52,048 |  |  | — |
Total | $ | 57,896 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 64,027 |  |  | $ | 29,523 |

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, losses of $0 and $182 were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized in the income statement in interest and other income compared to gains of $24 and $52 for the comparable periods in 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, current marketable securities included unrealized losses of $113 and no non-current marketable securities were held by the Company. For the comparable period in 2017, current marketable securities included unrealized gains of $4 and unrealized losses of $93 while non-current marketable securities included unrealized gains of $37 and unrealized losses of $29.
Note F – Fair Value Measurement
The accounting guidance under Accounting Standards Codification 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820-10”) requires the Company to make disclosures about the fair value of certain of its assets and liabilities. ASC 820-10 clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. ASC 820-10 utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. A brief description of those three levels is as follows:

• | Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• | Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

• | Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs.

6

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note F – Fair Value Measurement (continued)
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:

|  |  |  | September 30, 2018
|  |  |  | Fair Value Measurements
|  | Fair value |  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash equivalents |  | $ | 89,782 |  |  | $ | 89,782 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Current marketable securities – available for sale |  | 57,896 |  |  | 57,896 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Forward contracts |  | 262 |  |  | — |  |  | 262 |  |  | — |
Total assets |  | $ | 147,940 |  |  | $ | 147,678 |  |  | $ | 262 |  |  | $ | — |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration |  | $ | 3,000 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 3,000 |
Total liabilities |  | $ | 3,000 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 3,000 |

|  |  |  | December 31, 2017
|  |  |  | Fair Value Measurements
|  | Fair value |  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash equivalents |  | $ | 58,436 |  |  | $ | 58,436 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Current marketable securities – available for sale |  | 64,027 |  |  | 64,027 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Long-term marketable securities – available for sale |  | 29,523 |  |  | 29,523 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total assets |  | $ | 151,986 |  |  | $ | 151,986 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration |  | $ | 10,000 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 10,000 |
Forward contracts |  | 783 |  |  | — |  |  | 783 |  |  | — |
Total liabilities |  | $ | 10,783 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 783 |  |  | $ | 10,000 |

7

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note F – Fair Value Measurement (continued)
Our level 3 balance consists of contingent consideration related to an acquisition. The changes in our level 3 liabilities for the periods ended September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:

| Balance at January 1, |  | Payments |  | Acquisitions |  | Change in estimate |  | Balance at September 30,
2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration | $ | 10,000 |  |  | (7,000 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | $ | 3,000 |
| Balance at January 1, |  | Payments |  | Acquisitions |  | Change in estimate |  | Balance at December 31,
2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration | $ | 7,948 |  |  | (7,359 | ) |  | 20,617 |  |  | (11,206 | ) |  | $ | 10,000 |

The change in estimate of the contingent consideration for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $11,206, which occurred in the fourth quarter, has been reflected as a reduction in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Forward contracts are entered into to manage the risk associated with the volatility of future cash flows (see Note M). Fair value of these instruments is based on observable market transactions of spot and forward rates.
The Company has recorded a liability for potential contingent consideration in connection with the January 30, 2017 acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of Schwartz & Benjamin, Inc., B.D.S., Inc., Quinby Ridge Enterprises LLC and DanielBarbara Enterprises LLC (collectively, "Schwartz & Benjamin"). Pursuant to the terms of an earn-out provision contained in the equity purchase agreement, as amended, between the Company and the sellers of Schwartz & Benjamin, earn-out payments are based on the performance of certain specified license agreements. The fair value of the contingent payments was estimated using the present value of the payments based on management’s projections of the financial results of Schwartz & Benjamin during the earn-out period. An earn-out payment in the aggregate amount of $7,000 was paid to the sellers of Schwartz & Benjamin in the first quarter of 2018.
The Company recorded a liability for potential contingent consideration in connection with the December 30, 2014 acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of Trendy Imports S.A. de C.V., Comercial Diecisiette S.A. de C.V., and Maximus Designer Shoes S.A. de C.V. (together "SM Mexico"). Pursuant to the terms of an earn-out agreement between the Company and the seller of SM Mexico, earn-out payments were due annually to the seller of SM Mexico based on the financial performance of SM Mexico for each of the twelve-month periods ending on December 31, 2015 and 2016, inclusive. The fair value of the contingent payments was estimated using the present value of management's projections of the financial results of SM Mexico during the earn-out period. The first earn-out payment of $3,482 for the period ended December 31, 2015 was paid to the seller of SM Mexico in the first quarter of 2016. The final earn-out payment of $4,618 for the period ended December 31, 2016 was paid to the seller of SM Mexico in 2017.
The Company recorded a liability for potential contingent consideration in connection with the February 21, 2012 acquisition of all of the assets of Steve Madden Canada Inc., Steve Madden Retail Canada Inc., Pasa Agency Inc. and Gelati Imports Inc. (collectively, “SM Canada”). Pursuant to the terms of an earn-out agreement between the Company and the seller of SM Canada, earn-out payments were due annually to the seller of SM Canada based on the financial performance of SM Canada for each of the 12-month periods ending on March 31, 2013 through 2017, inclusive. The fair value of the contingent payments was estimated using the present value of management’s projections of the financial results of SM Canada during the earn-out period. The final earn-out payment of $2,741 for the period ended March 31, 2017 was paid to the seller of SM Canada in 2017.
8

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note F – Fair Value Measurement (continued)
Accounting guidance permits entities to choose to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The accounting guidance also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that chose different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities. The Company has elected not to measure any eligible items at fair value.
The carrying value of certain financial instruments such as accounts receivable, factor accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates their fair values due to the short-term nature of their underlying terms. The fair values of investment in marketable securities available for sale are determined by reference to publicly quoted prices in an active market. Fair value of the notes receivable held by the Company approximates their carrying value based upon their imputed or actual interest rate, which approximates applicable current market interest rates.
Note G – Revenue Recognition
Adoption of Accounting Standards Update, Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued new accounting guidance ("Topic 606"), Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 ("ASU 2014-09"), "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," on revenue recognition. The new standard has replaced Revenue Recognition Topic 605 and provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers as well as requiring additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the requirements of Topic 606 using the cumulative effect adjustment approach. The impacts to the financial statements of this adoption are primarily related to balance sheet classification, including amounts associated with the change in balance sheet classification of the sales returns reserves, with no significant impact to the income statement as the Company's existing revenue recognition policies are in line with Topic 606.
The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations identified under the terms of contracts with its customers are satisfied, which generally occurs upon the transfer of control in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions of the sale. The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized at a point in time when product is shipped to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods, which includes estimates for variable consideration. Variable consideration mainly includes markdown allowances, co-op advertising programs and product returns. The revenue recognition for the Company's segments are described below (see Note O for disaggregated revenue amounts by segment).
A. Disaggregation of Revenue
Wholesale Sales Segment. The Company generates revenue through the design, sourcing and sale of branded footwear and accessories to both domestic and international customers who in-turn sell the products to the consumer. The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations identified under the terms of contracts with its customers are satisfied, which occurs upon the transfer of control of the merchandise in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions of the sale. The Company's revenue associated with its branded footwear and accessories products is recognized at a point in time when product is shipped to the customer. The Company also generates revenue through the design, sourcing and sale of private label footwear and accessories to both domestic and international customers who brand the products and sell them to the consumer. The Company's revenue associated with private label footwear and accessories products is recognized at a point in time when product is physically delivered to the customer's freight forwarder.
Retail Segment. The Company owns and operates 210 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and China, including seven e-commerce sites. The Company generates revenue through the sale of branded footwear and accessories directly to the consumer. The Company's revenue associated with Retail sales is recognized at the time of the point of sale when the customer takes control of the goods and payment is received.
9

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note G – Revenue Recognition (continued)
First Cost Segment. The Company earns commissions for serving as a buying agent for footwear products under private labels and certain owned brands for many of the large mass-market merchandisers, shoe chains and other mid-tier retailers. As a buying agent, the Company utilizes its expertise and relationships with shoe manufacturers to facilitate the production of private label shoes to customer specifications. The Company’s commission revenue also includes fees charged for its design and product development services provided to certain suppliers. The Company satisfies its performance obligation to its customers by performing the services in buyer agency agreements and thereby earning its commission fee at the point in time when the customer’s freight forwarder takes control of the goods. The Company satisfies its performance obligation with the suppliers and earns its design fee from the factory at the point in time when the customer’s freight forwarder takes control of the goods.
Licensing Segment. The Company licenses various trademarks it owns under licensing agreements for use in connection with the manufacture, marketing and sale of eyewear, outerwear, hosiery, activewear, sleepwear, jewelry, watches, hair accessories, umbrellas, bedding, luggage, men’s leather accessories, women's and children's apparel, swimwear, stationary and household goods. The license agreements require the licensee to pay the Company a royalty and, in substantially all of the agreements, an advertising fee, both of which are based on the higher of a minimum or actual net sales percentage as defined in the various agreements. Licensing revenue is recognized on the basis of net sales reported by the licensees, or the minimum guaranteed royalties, if higher. In substantially all of the Company’s license agreements, the minimum guaranteed royalty is earned and receivable on a quarterly basis. The Company recognizes licensing revenue over the period of time in which the license is provided to the benefit of the licensee.
B. Variable Consideration
Markdown Allowances
The Company provides markdown allowances to its retailer customers, which are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period in which the branded footwear and accessories revenues are recognized. The Company estimates its markdown allowances by reviewing several performance indicators, including retailers' inventory levels, sell-through rates and gross margin levels.
Co-op Advertising Programs
Under co-op advertising programs, the Company agrees to reimburse the retailer for a portion of the costs incurred by the retailer to advertise and promote certain of the Company's products. The Company estimates the costs of co-op advertising programs based on the terms of the agreements with its retailer customers.
Rights of Return
The Company’s Retail segment accepts returns within 30 days from the date of sale for unworn merchandise which the Company is able to re-sell through the channel. The Company does not accept returns as a normal business practice from its branded and private label wholesale customers except for our cold weather accessories business and our Blondo and Kate Spade brands product lines. The Company estimates returns based on historical experience and current market conditions. Such amounts have historically not been material.
Note H – Share Repurchase Program
The Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”), effective as of January 1, 2004. The Share Repurchase Program does not have a fixed expiration or termination date and may be modified or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. On several occasions the Board of Directors has increased the amount authorized for repurchase, most recently on July 28, 2017 when the Board of Directors approved the extension of the Share Repurchase Program for an additional $200,000 in repurchases of the Company's common stock. The Share Repurchase Program permits the Company to effect repurchases from time to time through a combination of open market repurchases or in privately negotiated transactions at such prices and times as are determined to be in the best interest of the Company. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an aggregate of 1,471,848 shares of the Company's common stock were repurchased under the Share
10

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note H – Share Repurchase Program (continued)
Repurchase Program, at a weighted average price per share of $32.79, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $48,264. As of September 30, 2018, approximately $132,597 remained available for future repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program.
The Steven Madden, Ltd. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan provides the Company with the right to deduct or withhold, or require employees to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable tax withholding obligations applicable to stock-based compensation awards. To the extent permitted, employees may elect to satisfy all or part of such withholding obligations by tendering to the Company previously owned shares or by having the Company withhold shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory tax withholding rate that could be imposed on the transaction. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an aggregate of 83,594 shares were withheld in connection with the settlement of vested restricted stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements, at an average price per share of $31.29, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately 2,617.
Note I – Net Income Per Share of Common Stock
Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, which does not include unvested restricted common stock subject to forfeiture of 5,891,000 and 5,886,000 shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 6,327,000 and 6,345,000 shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Diluted net income per share reflects: (a) the potential dilution assuming shares of common stock were issued upon the exercise of outstanding in-the-money options and the proceeds thereof were used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at the average market price during the period, and (b) the vesting of granted non-vested restricted stock awards for which the assumed proceeds upon vesting are deemed to be the amount of compensation cost not yet recognized attributable to future services using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, approximately 0 and 102,000 shares of common stock, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share as compared to 0 and 75,000 shares that were excluded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, as the result would have been antidilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, all unvested restricted stock awards were dilutive.
Note J – Income Taxes
The Company’s provision for income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate, plus discrete items. The following table presents the provision for income taxes and the effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30,
| 2018 |  | 2017 | 2018 |  | 2017
Income before provision for income taxes | $ | 71,076 |  |  | $ | 66,007 |  | $ | 150,847 |  |  | $ | 140,074 |
Provision for income taxes | $ | 14,757 |  |  | $ | 21,181 |  | $ | 32,885 |  |  | $ | 45,703 |
Effective tax rate | 20.8 | % |  | 32.1 | % | 21.8 | % |  | 32.6 | %

The primary difference between the Company’s effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is due to the reduction of the US statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%, which was a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Cuts Act”). The effective tax rate may vary significantly due to fluctuations in the amount and source, including both foreign and domestic, of pretax income and changes in amounts of non-deductible expenses and other items that could impact the effective tax rate.
11

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note J – Income Taxes (continued)
Provisional amounts in effective rate
The Tax Cuts Act, which was enacted on December 22, 2017, reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings, and repeals certain performance based compensation exceptions. We are applying the guidance in Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 when accounting for the enactment-date effects of the Tax Cuts Act. At September 30, 2018, we have not completed our accounting for all of the tax effects of the Tax Cuts Act. The Company expects to complete its assessment of these items within the measurement period, and any adjustments to the provisional amounts initially recorded will be included as an adjustment to income tax expense or benefit in the period in which the amounts are determined.
Foreign tax effects
Transition Tax: The one-time transition tax is based on our total post-1986 earnings and profits ("E&P") which we had deferred from U.S. income taxes under previous U.S. law. We originally recorded a provisional amount for our one-time transition tax liability attributable to our foreign subsidiaries, resulting in a transition tax liability of $21,994 recorded in other liabilities at December 31, 2017. At this time, we are further analyzing the current estimate of our transition tax calculation to finalize it no later than the fourth quarter of 2018. As of September 30, 2018, the Company continues to have provisional amounts recorded for the one-time transition tax liability for which overpayments of 2017 tax payments have been offset against the one-time transition tax liability at September 30, 2018. As we continue to refine our E&P analysis, we will refine our calculations of the one-time transition tax, which could affect the measurement of this liability. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax, or any additional outside basis difference inherent in these entities, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations.
Note K – Equity-Based Compensation
In March 2006, the Company's Board of Directors approved the Steven Madden, Ltd. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Plan”), under which nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted stock, other stock-based awards, and performance-based cash awards may be granted to employees, consultants and non-employee directors. The following table summarizes the number of shares of common stock authorized for use under the Plan, the number of stock-based awards granted (net of expired or cancelled awards) under the Plan and the number of shares of common stock available for the grant of stock-based awards under the Plan:

Common stock authorized | 35,199,000 |
Stock-based awards, including restricted stock and stock options granted, net of expired or cancelled | (33,861,447 | )
Common stock available for grant of stock-based awards as of September 30, 2018 | 1,337,553 |

Total equity-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

| Three Months Ended September 30, |  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
| 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Restricted stock | $ | 3,937 |  |  | $ | 3,902 |  |  | $ | 12,075 |  |  | $ | 12,540 |
Stock options | 1,168 |  |  | 1,005 |  |  | 3,265 |  |  | 3,140 |
Total | $ | 5,105 |  |  | $ | 4,907 |  |  | $ | 15,340 |  |  | $ | 15,680 |

Equity-based compensation is included in operating expenses on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income.
12

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note K – Equity-Based Compensation (continued)
Stock Options
Cash proceeds and intrinsic values related to total stock options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

| Three Months Ended September 30, |  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
| 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Proceeds from stock options exercised | $ | 1,686 |  |  | $ | 5,663 |  |  | $ | 12,801 |  |  | $ | 11,312 |
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised | $ | 1,258 |  |  | $ | 1,220 |  |  | $ | 6,737 |  |  | $ | 4,729 |

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, options to purchase approximately 132,304 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $30.25 and options to purchase approximately 698,732 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $25.68 vested, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, options to purchase approximately 84,533 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $23.15 and options to purchase approximately 523,545 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $22.23 vested, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, there were unvested options relating to 1,718,970 shares of common stock outstanding with a total of $8,883 of unrecognized compensation cost and an average vesting period of 2.8 years.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of options granted, which requires several assumptions. The expected term of the options represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is based on the historical experience of similar awards. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The dividend yield is based on the Company's annualized dividend per share amount divided by the Company's stock price. The following weighted average assumptions were used for stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

|  | 2018 |  | 2017
Volatility |  | 25.1% to 27.2% |  | 23.0% to 26.4%
Risk free interest rate |  | 2.1% to 2.7% |  | 1.5% to 2.0%
Expected life in years |  | 3.4 to 4.9 |  | 3.4 to 5.0
Dividend yield |  | 1.7% |  | 0.0%
Weighted average fair value |  | $6.52 |  | $5.94

13

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note K – Equity-Based Compensation (continued)
Activity relating to stock options granted under the Company’s plans and outside the plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows:

|  | Number of Shares |  | Weighted Average Exercise Price |  | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term |  | Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2018 |  | 2,848,000 |  |  | $ | 23.87 |  |  |  |  |  |
Granted |  | 576,000 |  |  | 32.40 |  |  |  |  |  |
Exercised |  | (581,000 | ) |  | 22.03 |  |  |  |  |  |
Forfeited |  | (23,000 | ) |  | 22.59 |  |  |  |  |  |
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 |  | 2,820,000 |  |  | $ | 26.00 |  |  | 4.9 years |  | $ | 26,128 |
Exercisable at September 30, 2018 |  | 1,101,000 |  |  | $ | 24.72 |  |  | 4.0 years |  | $ | 11,607 |

Restricted Stock
The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

|  | 2018 |  | 2017
|  | Number of Shares |  | Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date |  | Number of Shares |  | Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Non-vested at January 1, |  | 5,873,000 |  |  | $ | 17.37 |  |  | 6,287,000 |  |  | $ | 17.29 |
Granted |  | 372,000 |  |  | 31.47 |  |  | 389,000 |  |  | 24.92 |
Vested |  | (294,000 | ) |  | 23.79 |  |  | (320,000 | ) |  | 22.17 |
Forfeited |  | (71,000 | ) |  | 25.61 |  |  | (51,000 | ) |  | 23.39 |
Non-vested at September 30, |  | 5,880,000 |  |  | $ | 17.84 |  |  | 6,305,000 |  |  | $ | 17.46 |

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had $59,527 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards granted under the Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 4.8 years. The Company determines the fair value of its restricted stock awards based on the market price of its common stock on the date of grant.
On June 18, 2018, pursuant to an employment agreement between the Company and its Creative and Design Chief, Steven Madden, Mr. Madden was granted an option to purchase 225,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $35.95 per share, which option is exercisable in equal quarterly installments commencing on September 18, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, 1,068,750 shares remain unvested.
14

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note L – Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The following is a summary of the carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of September 30, 2018:

|  | Wholesale |  |  |  |  | Net Carrying Amount
|  | Footwear |  | Accessories |  | Retail |
Balance at January 1, 2018 |  | $ | 84,862 |  |  | $ | 49,324 |  |  | $ | 14,352 |  |  | $ | 148,538 |
Translation and other |  | 220 |  |  | — |  |  | 198 |  |  | 418 |
Balance at September 30, 2018 |  | $ | 85,082 |  |  | $ | 49,324 |  |  | $ | 14,550 |  |  | $ | 148,956 |

The following table details identifiable intangible assets as of September 30, 2018:

|  | Estimated Lives |  | Cost Basis |  | Accumulated Amortization (1) |  | Impairment (2) |  | Net Carrying Amount
Trade names |  | 6–10 years |  | $ | 9,220 |  |  | $ | 5,942 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 3,278 |
Customer relationships |  | 10 years |  | 47,019 |  |  | 27,053 |  |  | — |  |  | 19,966 |
License agreements |  | 3–6 years |  | 5,600 |  |  | 5,600 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Non-compete agreement |  | 5 years |  | 2,440 |  |  | 2,440 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Re-acquired right |  | 2 years |  | 4,200 |  |  | 4,200 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Other |  | 3 years |  | 14 |  |  | 14 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
|  |  |  | 68,493 |  |  | 45,249 |  |  | — |  |  | 23,244 |
Re-acquired right |  | indefinite |  | 35,200 |  |  | 8,419 |  |  | — |  |  | 26,781 |
Trademarks |  | indefinite |  | 100,333 |  |  | — |  |  | 4,045 |  |  | 96,288 |
|  |  |  | $ | 204,026 |  |  | $ | 53,668 |  |  | $ | 4,045 |  |  | $ | 146,313 |

(1) Includes the effect of foreign currency translation related primarily to the movements of the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso in relation to the U.S. dollar.
(2) An impairment charge of $3,045 was recorded in the first quarter of 2015, and a final impairment charge of $1,000 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to the Company's Wild Pair trademark. The impairment was triggered by a loss of future anticipated cash flows from a significant customer.
The estimated future amortization expense of purchased intangibles as of September 30, 2018 is as follows:

2018 (remaining three months) | $ | 1,126 |
2019 | 4,432 |
2020 | 3,627 |
2021 | 2,042 |
2022 | 1,523 |
Thereafter | 10,494 |
| $ | 23,244 |

Note M – Derivative Instruments
The Company uses derivative instruments, specifically, forward foreign exchange contracts, to manage the risk associated with the volatility of future cash flows. The foreign exchange contracts are used to mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on certain forecasted purchases of inventory and are designated as cash flow hedging instruments. As of September 30, 2018, the
15

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note M – Derivative Instruments (continued)
fair value of the Company's foreign currency derivatives, which is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in other assets, is $262. As of September 30, 2018, $177 of gains related to cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes and are expected to be recognized in earnings at the same time the hedged items affect earnings. As of September 30, 2017, $503 of losses related to cash flow hedges were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes. As of September 30, 2018, the Company's hedging activities was considered effective and, thus, no ineffectiveness from hedging activities were recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, losses of $13 and $39 were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized in the income statement in cost of sales, as compared to gains of $17 and losses of $26 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Note N – Commitments, Contingencies and Other
Future Minimum Royalty Payments:
The Company has minimum commitments related to the Company’s license agreements. The Company sources, distributes, advertises and sells pursuant to its exclusive license agreements with unaffiliated licensors. Royalty amounts under the license agreements are generally based on a stipulated percentage of sales, although most of these agreements contain provisions for the payment of minimum annual royalty amounts. The license agreements have various terms and some have additional renewal options, provided that minimum sales levels are achieved. As of September 30, 2018 the Company had future minimum royalty payments of $55,246.
Legal proceedings:
The Company has been named as a defendant in certain lawsuits in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, the liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters should not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. It is the policy of management to disclose the amount or range of reasonably possible losses in excess of recorded amounts or cash flows.
Note O – Operating Segment Information
The Company operates the following business segments: Wholesale Footwear, Wholesale Accessories, Retail, First Cost and Licensing. The Wholesale Footwear segment, through sales to department stores, mid-tier retailers, mass market merchants, online retailers and specialty stores, derives revenue, both domestically and internationally (via our International business), from sales of branded and private label women’s, men’s, girls’ and children’s footwear. The Wholesale Accessories segment, which includes branded and private label handbags, belts and small leather goods as well as cold weather and selected other fashion accessories, derives revenue, both domestically and worldwide (via our International business), from sales to department stores, mid-tier retailers, mass market merchants, online retailers and specialty stores. Our Wholesale Footwear and Wholesale Accessories segments, through our International business, derive revenue from territories within Asia, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Kosovo, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Tunisia and, under special distribution arrangements, in various other territories within Australia, the Middle East, India, South and Central America and New Zealand and pursuant to a partnership agreement in Singapore. The Retail segment, through the operation of Company-owned retail stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, our joint ventures in South Africa, China and Taiwan and the Company’s websites, derives revenue from sales of branded women’s, men’s and children’s footwear, accessories and licensed products to consumers. The First Cost segment represents activities of a subsidiary that earns commissions and design fees for serving as a buying agent of footwear products to mass-market merchandisers, mid-tier department stores and other retailers with respect to their purchase of footwear. In the Licensing segment, the Company generates revenue by licensing its Steve Madden®, Steven by Steve Madden® and Madden Girl® trademarks and other trademark rights for use in connection with the manufacture, marketing and sale of eyewear, outerwear, hosiery, activewear, sleepwear, jewelry, watches, hair accessories, umbrellas, bedding, luggage, and men’s leather accessories. In addition, this segment licenses the Betsey Johnson® trademark for use in connection with the manufacture, marketing and sale of women's and children's apparel, hosiery, swimwear, outerwear, sleepwear, activewear,
16

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note O – Operating Segment Information (continued)
jewelry, watches, bedding, luggage, stationery, umbrellas, and household goods. The Licensing segment also licenses the Dolce Vita® trademark for use in connection with the manufacture, marketing and sale of women's and children’s outerwear and swimwear.

As of and for the three months ended, |  | Wholesale Footwear |  | Wholesale Accessories |  | Total Wholesale |  | Retail |  | First Cost |  | Licensing |  | Consolidated
September 30, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales to external customers |  | $ | 297,266 |  |  | $ | 91,278 |  |  | $ | 388,544 |  |  | $ | 69,938 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 458,482 |
Gross profit |  | 103,380 |  |  | 29,806 |  |  | 133,186 |  |  | 42,031 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 175,217 |
Commissions and licensing fees – net |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  |  |  |  | 2,390 |  |  | 2,604 |  |  | 4,994 |
Income/(loss) from operations |  | 53,286 |  |  | 14,001 |  |  | 67,287 |  |  | (2,077 | ) |  | 2,390 |  |  | 2,604 |  |  | 70,204 |
Segment assets |  | $ | 777,027 |  |  | $ | 204,165 |  |  | 981,192 |  |  | 122,635 |  |  | 21,232 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,125,059 |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 1,899 |  |  | $ | 1,014 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 2,913 |
September 30, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales to external customers |  | $ | 300,565 |  |  | $ | 76,365 |  |  | $ | 376,930 |  |  | $ | 64,263 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 441,193 |
Gross profit |  | 102,891 |  |  | 24,877 |  |  | 127,768 |  |  | 38,123 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 165,891 |
Commissions and licensing fees – net |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,028 |  |  | 2,718 |  |  | 4,746 |
Income/(loss) from operations |  | 52,366 |  |  | 10,301 |  |  | 62,667 |  |  | (1,970 | ) |  | 2,028 |  |  | 2,718 |  |  | 65,443 |
Segment assets |  | $ | 790,405 |  |  | $ | 139,852 |  |  | 930,257 |  |  | 128,198 |  |  | 12,948 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,071,403 |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 1,348 |  |  | $ | 2,690 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 4,038 |
As of and for the nine months ended, |  | Wholesale Footwear |  | Wholesale Accessories |  | Total Wholesale |  | Retail |  | First Cost |  | Licensing |  | Consolidated
September 30, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales to external customers |  | $ | 824,456 |  |  | $ | 216,648 |  |  | $ | 1,041,104 |  |  | $ | 202,145 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,243,249 |
Gross profit |  | 272,624 |  |  | 69,466 |  |  | 342,090 |  |  | 121,634 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 463,724 |
Commissions and licensing fees – net |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,881 |  |  | 7,016 |  |  | 10,897 |
Income/(loss) from operations |  | 120,579 |  |  | 22,927 |  |  | 143,506 |  |  | (6,058 | ) |  | 3,881 |  |  | 7,016 |  |  | 148,345 |
Segment assets |  | $ | 777,027 |  |  | $ | 204,165 |  |  | 981,192 |  |  | 122,635 |  |  | 21,232 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,125,059 |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 4,671 |  |  | $ | 3,493 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 8,164 |
September 30, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales to external customers |  | $ | 799,837 |  |  | $ | 195,804 |  |  | $ | 995,641 |  |  | $ | 186,087 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,181,728 |
Gross profit |  | 263,368 |  |  | 62,349 |  |  | 325,717 |  |  | 112,288 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 438,005 |
Commissions and licensing fees – net |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 4,864 |  |  | 5,974 |  |  | 10,838 |
Income/(loss) from operations |  | 110,791 |  |  | 19,603 |  |  | 130,394 |  |  | (3,114 | ) |  | 4,864 |  |  | 5,974 |  |  | 138,118 |
Segment assets |  | $ | 790,405 |  |  | $ | 139,852 |  |  | 930,257 |  |  | 128,198 |  |  | 12,948 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,071,403 |
Capital expenditures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 3,800 |  |  | $ | 7,910 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 11,710 |

17

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note O – Operating Segment Information (continued)
Revenues by geographic area for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

|  | Three Months Ended September 30, |  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Domestic (a) |  | $ | 393,068 |  |  | $ | 388,350 |  |  | $ | 1,090,561 |  |  | $ | 1,061,867 |
International |  | 65,414 |  |  | 52,843 |  |  | 152,688 |  |  | 119,861 |
Total |  | $ | 458,482 |  |  | $ | 441,193 |  |  | $ | 1,243,249 |  |  | $ | 1,181,728 |
(a) Includes revenues of $69,078 and $259,766 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $87,662 and $258,603 for the comparable periods in 2017 related to sales to U.S. customers where the title is transferred outside the U.S. and the sale is recorded by our international business.

Note P – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance ("Topic 606"), Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 ("ASU 2014-09"), "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," on revenue recognition. The new standard is an update to Revenue Recognition Topic 605 and provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers as well as requiring additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the requirements of Topic 606 using the cumulative effect adjustment approach. The impacts to the financial statements of this adoption are primarily related to balance sheet classification, including amounts associated with the change in balance sheet classification of the sales returns reserves, with no impact to the income statement as the Company's existing revenue recognition policies are in line with Topic 606.
In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 ("ASU 2016-01"), "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." ASU 2016-01 generally requires companies to measure investments in equity securities, except those accounted for under the equity method, at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. The new guidance must be applied using a modified-retrospective approach and is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-01 in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements as the Company does not carry investments in equity securities.
In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 ("ASU 2016-15"), "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." ASU 2016-15 clarifies how certain cash receipts and payments should be presented in the statement of cash flows. The main provisions are related to certain types of debt, contingent consideration, insurance proceeds and equity method investee distributions. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-15 in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements as the Company's current financial statements are in line with the provision.
Not Yet Adopted
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-15, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Topic 350): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract.” This new guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. This new guidance is effective for the Company on a prospective or retrospective basis beginning on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. While the Company is currently
18

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note P – Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)
assessing the impact of the new guidance, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This new guidance removes certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value hierarchy, modifies existing disclosure requirements related to measurement uncertainty and adds new disclosure requirements. The new disclosure requirements include disclosing the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Certain disclosures in the new guidance will need to be applied on a retrospective basis and others on a prospective basis. While the Company is currently assessing the impact of the new guidance, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02 ("ASU 2018-02"), "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which allows for stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to be reclassified to retained earnings. ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new standard and does not expect the new standard to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 ("ASU 2017-12"), "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." ASU 2017-12 changes the recognition and presentation requirements of hedge accounting. The guidance provides new alternatives for applying hedge accounting to additional hedging strategies and measuring the hedged item in fair value hedges of interest rate risk, as well as applies new alternatives for reducing the cost and complexity of applying hedge accounting by easing the requirements for effectiveness testing, hedge documentation and application of the critical terms match method, and reducing the risk of material error correction if a company applies the shortcut method inappropriately. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted any time after the issuance of ASU 2017-12, including in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the new guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 ("ASU 2016-13"), "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the new guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 ("ASU 2016-02"), "Leases," as amended, which is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. Under ASU 2016-02, lessees will be required to recognize for all leases with terms longer than twelve months, at the commencement date of the lease, a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease measured on a discounted basis, and a right-to-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use or control the use of a specified asset for the lease term. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition.
The Company expects to adopt the new standard on the effective date January 1, 2019. A modified retrospective transition approach is required, applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. The Company will continue to apply ASC840, including disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods in the year the Company adopts the new guidance.
The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients. The Company expects to elect the package of three practical expedients. As such, the Company will not reassess whether expired or existing contracts are or contain a lease; will not need to
19

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Note P – Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)
reassess the lease classifications or reassess the initial direct costs associated with expired or existing leases. The Company expects not to elect the hindsight practical expedient and the land easement practical expedient; the latter not being applicable to the Company.
The Company expects that this standard will have a material effect on our financial statements. While the Company continues to assess all of the effects of adoption, the Company believes the most significant effects relate to: the recognition of new right of use assets and lease liabilities on our balance sheet for primarily real estate operating leases; and providing significant new disclosures about our leasing activities. The Company does not expect a significant change in our leasing activities between now and adoption.
On adoption, the Company currently expects to recognize additional operating liabilities ranging from $200,000 to $250,000, with corresponding right of use assets of the same amount based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments under current leasing standards for existing operating leases, adjusted for prepaid or accrued rent, as applicable.
20

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Unaudited
September 30, 2018
($ in thousands except share and per share data)
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 nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 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 certain “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the federal securities laws. The events described in forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report may not occur. Generally, forward-looking statements relate to business plans or strategies, projected or anticipated benefits or other consequences of our plans or strategies, projected or anticipated benefits from acquisitions to be made by us, or projections involving anticipated revenues, earnings or other aspects of our operating results. The words “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, and “continue”, and their opposites and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences, many of which are beyond our control, that may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projections upon which the statements are based. Factors that may affect our results include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in this Quarterly Report or our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Any one or more of these uncertainties, risks and other influences could materially affect our results of operations and whether forward-looking statements made by us ultimately prove to be accurate. Our actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether from new information, future events or otherwise.
Overview:
($ in thousands, except retail sales data per square foot, earnings per share and per share data)
Steven Madden, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, "we", "our", "us", as applicable) design, source, market and sell fashion-forward branded and private label footwear for women, men and children. In addition, we design, source, market and sell brand and private label fashion handbags and accessories. We market and sell our products through better department stores, major department stores, mid-tier department stores, specialty stores, luxury retailers, value priced retailers, national chains, mass merchants, online retailers, and catalog retailers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and certain European nations, including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland, and Tunisia. In addition, our products are marketed through our retail stores and our e-commerce websites within the United States, Canada and Mexico, our joint ventures in South Africa, China and Taiwan, and under special distribution arrangements in Asia, Europe (excluding the aforementioned nations), India, the Middle East, South and Central America and New Zealand and pursuant to a partnership agreement in Singapore. Our product line includes 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 products in popular styles at accessible price points, delivered in an efficient manner and time frame.
On September 17, 2018, the Company announced that on September 11, 2018 the Company's Board of Directors declared a three-for-two stock split of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock, effected in the form of a stock dividend on the Company's outstanding common stock. Stockholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2018 received one additional share of Steven Madden. Ltd. common stock for every two shares of common stock owned on that date. Stockholders received cash in lieu of any fractional shares of common stock they otherwise would have received in connection with the dividend. The additional shares were distributed to the Company's stockholders on October 11, 2018. All share and per share data provided herein gives effect to this stock split, applied retroactively.
21

Key Performance Indicators and Statistics
The following measurements are among the key business indicators reviewed by various members of management to measure consolidated and segment results of the Company:

• | net sales

• | gross profit margin

• | operating expenses

• | income from operations

• | adjusted EBITDA

• | adjusted EBIT

• | same store sales

• | inventory turnover

• | accounts receivable average collection days

• | cash flow and liquidity determined by the Company’s working capital and free cash flow

• | store metrics such as sales per square foot, average unit retail, conversion, average units per transaction, and contribution margin.

While not all of these metrics are disclosed due to the proprietary nature of the information, many of these metrics are disclosed and discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Non-GAAP Measures
The Company’s reported results are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). The Company uses adjusted earnings before interest and taxes ("Adjusted EBIT") and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA"), as calculated in the table below, as non-GAAP measures, in internal management reporting and planning processes as well as in evaluating the performance of the Company. Management believes these measures are useful to investors in evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating and financial results. By providing these non-GAAP measures, as a supplement to GAAP information, we believe we are enhancing investors’ understanding of our business and our results of operations. The non-GAAP financial measures are limited in their usefulness and should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, U.S. GAAP financial measures. Further, these non-GAAP measures may be unique to the Company, as they may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.
22

The table below reconciles these metrics to net income as presented in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

|  | Year-To-Date Period Ended ($ in thousands)
|  | September 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |  | September 30, 2017
Net Income |  | $ | 117,962 |  |  | $ | 119,138 |  |  | $ | 94,371 |
Add back: |  |  |  |  |  |
Provision for income taxes |  | 32,885 |  |  | 53,189 |  |  | 45,703 |
Provision for legal charges |  | 2,837 |  |  | 6,713 |  |  | — |
Provision for early lease termination charges |  | 1,241 |  |  | 5,123 |  |  | — |
Schwartz & Benjamin amendment to the equity purchase agreement |  | — |  |  | (10,215 | ) |  | — |
Bad debt expense related to the Payless ShoeSource bankruptcy |  | — |  |  | 5,470 |  |  | 7,500 |
Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition integration charges and related restructuring |  | 1,787 |  |  | 3,639 |  |  | 1,255 |
Charges related to preferred interest investment |  | — |  |  | 2,700 |  |  | — |
Impairment of Wild Pair trademark |  | — |  |  | 1,000 |  |  | — |
Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition inventory fair value adjustment |  | — |  |  | 591 |  |  | 1,654 |
Deduct: |  |  |  |  |  |
Other (expense)/income - net* |  | (51 | ) |  | (5 | ) |  | 52 |
Interest, net |  | 2,553 |  |  | 2,548 |  |  | 1,904 |
Adjusted EBIT |  | 154,210 |  |  | 184,805 |  |  | 148,527 |
Add back: |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 16,206 |  |  | 20,406 |  |  | 14,917 |
Loss on disposal of fixed assets |  | 24 |  |  | 1,455 |  |  | 924 |
Adjusted EBITDA |  | $ | 170,440 |  |  | $ | 206,666 |  |  | $ | 164,368 |

(*) Consists of realized (losses)/gains on marketable securities and foreign exchange (losses)/gains.
Executive Summary
Net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 increased 3.9% to $458,482 from $441,193 in the same period of last year. Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. increased 25.6% to $55,563 in the third quarter of 2018 compared to $44,230 in the same period of last year. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 decreased to 20.8% compared to 32.1% in the third quarter of last year primarily due to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.64 per share on 86,574 diluted weighted average shares outstanding compared to $0.51 per share on 86,627 diluted weighted average shares outstanding in the third quarter of last year.
Our inventory turnover (calculated on a trailing twelve-month average) for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 8.3 times and 8.2 times, respectively. Our total company accounts receivable average collection remained consistent with the prior year at 63 days in the third quarter of 2018. As of September 30, 2018, we had $230,433 in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, no long-term debt and total stockholders’ equity of $867,197. Working capital increased to $537,409 as of September 30, 2018, compared to $437,714 on September 30, 2017.
23

The following tables set forth information on operations for the periods indicated:
Selected Financial Information
Three Months Ended September 30,
($ in thousands)

|  | 2018 |  | 2017
CONSOLIDATED: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | 458,482 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 441,193 |  |  | 100.0 | %
Cost of sales |  | 283,265 |  |  | 61.8 | % |  | 275,302 |  |  | 62.4 | %
Gross profit |  | 175,217 |  |  | 38.2 | % |  | 165,891 |  |  | 37.6 | %
Commission and licensing fee income – net of expenses |  | 4,994 |  |  | 1.1 | % |  | 4,746 |  |  | 1.1 | %
Operating expenses |  | 110,007 |  |  | 24.0 | % |  | 105,194 |  |  | 23.8 | %
Income from operations |  | 70,204 |  |  | 15.3 | % |  | 65,443 |  |  | 14.8 | %
Interest and other income – net |  | 872 |  |  | 0.2 | % |  | 564 |  |  | 0.1 | %
Income before income taxes |  | 71,076 |  |  | 15.5 | % |  | 66,007 |  |  | 15.0 | %
Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. |  | $ | 55,563 |  |  | 12.1 | % |  | $ | 44,230 |  |  | 10.0 | %
By Segment: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
WHOLESALE FOOTWEAR SEGMENT: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | 297,266 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 300,565 |  |  | 100.0 | %
Cost of sales |  | 193,886 |  |  | 65.2 | % |  | 197,674 |  |  | 65.8 | %
Gross profit |  | 103,380 |  |  | 34.8 | % |  | 102,891 |  |  | 34.2 | %
Operating expenses |  | 50,094 |  |  | 16.9 | % |  | 50,525 |  |  | 16.8 | %
Income from operations |  | $ | 53,286 |  |  | 17.9 | % |  | $ | 52,366 |  |  | 17.4 | %
WHOLESALE ACCESSORIES SEGMENT: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | 91,278 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 76,365 |  |  | 100.0 | %
Cost of sales |  | 61,472 |  |  | 67.3 | % |  | 51,488 |  |  | 67.4 | %
Gross profit |  | 29,806 |  |  | 32.7 | % |  | 24,877 |  |  | 32.6 | %
Operating expenses |  | 15,805 |  |  | 17.3 | % |  | 14,576 |  |  | 19.1 | %
Income from operations |  | $ | 14,001 |  |  | 15.3 | % |  | $ | 10,301 |  |  | 13.5 | %
RETAIL SEGMENT: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | 69,938 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 64,263 |  |  | 100.0 | %
Cost of sales |  | 27,907 |  |  | 39.9 | % |  | 26,140 |  |  | 40.7 | %
Gross profit |  | 42,031 |  |  | 60.1 | % |  | 38,123 |  |  | 59.3 | %
Operating expenses |  | 44,108 |  |  | 63.1 | % |  | 40,093 |  |  | 62.4 | %
Loss from operations |  | $ | (2,077 | ) |  | (3.0 | )% |  | $ | (1,970 | ) |  | (3.1 | )%
Number of stores |  | 210 |  |  |  |  |  | 202 |  |  |  |
FIRST COST SEGMENT: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other commission income – net of expenses |  | $ | 2,390 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 2,028 |  |  | 100.0 | %
LICENSING SEGMENT: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Licensing income – net of expenses |  | $ | 2,604 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 2,718 |  |  | 100.0 | %

24

Selected Financial Information
Nine Months Ended September 30,
($ in thousands)

|  | 2018 |  | 2017
CONSOLIDATED: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | 1,243,249 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 1,181,728 |  |  | 100.0 | %
Cost of sales |  | 779,525 |  |  | 62.7 | % |  | 743,723 |  |  | 62.9 | %
Gross profit |  | 463,724 |  |  | 37.3 | % |  | 438,005 |  |  | 37.1 | %
Commission and licensing fee income – net of expenses |  | 10,897 |  |  | 0.9 | % |  | 10,838 |  |  | 0.9 | %
Operating expenses |  | 326,276 |  |  | 26.2 | % |  | 310,725 |  |  | 26.3 | %
Income from operations |  | 148,345 |  |  | 11.9 | % |  | 138,118 |  |  | 11.7 | %
Interest and other income – net |  | 2,502 |  |  | 0.2 | % |  | 1,956 |  |  | 0.2 | %
Income before income taxes |  | 150,847 |  |  | 12.1 | % |  | 140,074 |  |  | 11.9 | %
Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. |  | $ | 116,646 |  |  | 9.4 | % |  | $ | 93,352 |  |  | 7.9 | %
By Segment: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
WHOLESALE FOOTWEAR SEGMENT: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | 824,456 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 799,837 |  |  | 100.0 | %
Cost of sales |  | 551,832 |  |  | 66.9 | % |  | 536,469 |  |  | 67.1 | %
Gross profit |  | 272,624 |  |  | 33.1 | % |  | 263,368 |  |  | 32.9 | %
Operating expenses |  | 152,045 |  |  | 18.4 | % |  | 152,577 |  |  | 19.1 | %
Income from operations |  | $ | 120,579 |  |  | 14.6 | % |  | $ | 110,791 |  |  | 13.9 | %
WHOLESALE ACCESSORIES SEGMENT: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | 216,648 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 195,804 |  |  | 100.0 | %
Cost of sales |  | 147,182 |  |  | 67.9 | % |  | 133,455 |  |  | 68.2 | %
Gross profit |  | 69,466 |  |  | 32.1 | % |  | 62,349 |  |  | 31.8 | %
Operating expenses |  | 46,539 |  |  | 21.5 | % |  | 42,746 |  |  | 21.8 | %
Income from operations |  | $ | 22,927 |  |  | 10.6 | % |  | $ | 19,603 |  |  | 10.0 | %
RETAIL SEGMENT: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | $ | 202,145 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 186,087 |  |  | 100.0 | %
Cost of sales |  | 80,511 |  |  | 39.8 | % |  | 73,799 |  |  | 39.7 | %
Gross profit |  | 121,634 |  |  | 60.2 | % |  | 112,288 |  |  | 60.3 | %
Operating expenses |  | 127,692 |  |  | 63.2 | % |  | 115,402 |  |  | 62.0 | %
Loss from operations |  | $ | (6,058 | ) |  | (3.0 | )% |  | $ | (3,114 | ) |  | (1.7 | )%
Number of stores |  | 210 |  |  |  |  |  | 202 |  |  |  |
FIRST COST SEGMENT: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other commission income – net of expenses |  | $ | 3,881 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 4,864 |  |  | 100.0 | %
LICENSING SEGMENT: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Licensing income – net of expenses |  | $ | 7,016 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 5,974 |  |  | 100.0 | %

In February 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the initiation of the Company's quarterly cash dividend. The quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share (the per share cash dividend indicated having been adjusted for an October 11, 2018 three-for-two stock split) on the Company's outstanding shares of common stock was approved on July 30, 2018 and paid on September 28, 2018, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 18, 2018. The aggregate cash dividends paid for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 was $11,673. The aggregate cash dividends paid for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $35,147.
25

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
($ in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Consolidated:
Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased 3.9% to $458,482 compared to $441,193 in the same period of last year, with growth in the Wholesale Accessories and Retail segments. Gross margin increased to 38.2% from 37.6% in the prior year period. The increase of 0.6% in gross margin in the current period was driven by gross margin improvements in all business segments. Operating expenses increased in the third quarter of this year to $110,007 from $105,194 in the third quarter of last year. In the third quarter of 2018 and 2017 operating expenses included charges of $406 and $488, respectively, due to the integration of the Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition and related restructuring. Excluding these charges, operating expenses as a percentage of sales was 23.9% for the third quarter of 2018 compared to 23.7% in the third quarter of 2017. Commission and licensing fee income for the third quarter of 2018 increased to $4,994 compared to $4,746 achieved in the third quarter of 2017. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 decreased to 20.8% compared to 32.1% in the third quarter of last year. The decrease in effective tax rate is primarily due to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. for the third quarter of 2018 increased to $55,563 compared to net income for the third quarter of 2017 of $44,230. Excluding the charges mentioned above, net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. for the third quarter of 2018 increased to $55,867 as compared to $44,537 for the same period last year.
Wholesale Footwear Segment:
Net sales from the Wholesale Footwear segment accounted for $297,266, or 64.8%, and $300,565, or 68.1%, of our total net sales for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in net sales in the current period is primarily related to the transition of the Company's business with one of its private label customers from the wholesale model to the buying agency model. Gross margin in the Wholesale Footwear segment was 34.8% for the third quarter of 2018 compared to 34.2% for the third quarter of 2017. Gross margin increased 0.6% resulting from a shift in customer mix and lower inventory close-outs. Operating expenses decreased to $50,094 in the third quarter of 2018 from $50,525 in the same period of last year. In the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, operating expenses included charges of $406 and $488, respectively, related to the integration of the Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition and related restructuring. Excluding these charges, operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 16.7% in the third quarter of 2018 compared to 16.6% in the same period of 2017. Income from operations increased to $53,286 in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $52,366 for the comparable period in 2017. Income from operations, excluding the expenses mentioned above, increased to $53,692 in the third quarter of 2018 compared to $52,854 for the same period last year.
Wholesale Accessories Segment:
Net sales generated by the Wholesale Accessories segment accounted for $91,278, or 19.9%, and $76,365, or 17.3%, of total net sales for the Company in the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in net sales was primarily due to growth in private label and owned brand handbags. Gross margin in the Wholesale Accessories segment increased to 32.7% in the third quarter of this year from 32.6% in the same period in 2017. In the third quarter of 2018, operating expenses increased to $15,805 compared to $14,576 in the same period of last year. Income from operations for the Wholesale Accessories segment for the third quarter of 2018 was $14,001 compared to $10,301 for the same period of 2017.
Retail Segment:
In the third quarter of 2018, net sales from the Retail segment accounted for $69,938, or 15.3%, of our total net sales compared to $64,263, or 14.6%, of our total net sales in the same period last year, which represents a $5,675, or 8.8%, increase. The increase in net sales is primarily due to the net addition of 8 new stores from the prior year period and a 5.5% increase in comparable stores sales gain. We added 16 new stores and closed 8 stores during the twelve months ended September 30, 2018. As a result, we had 210 retail stores as of September 30, 2018 compared to 202 stores as of September 30, 2017. The 210 stores currently in operation include 141 Steve Madden® stores, 59 Steve Madden® outlet stores, 2 Steven® stores, 1 Superga® store and 7 e-commerce websites. Comparable store sales (sales of those stores, including the e-commerce websites, that were open throughout the third quarter of 2018 and 2017) increased 5.5% on a constant currency basis when compared to the prior year period. The Company excludes new locations from the comparable store base for the first twelve months of operations. Stores that are closed for renovations are removed from the comparable store base. In the third quarter of 2018, gross margin increased to 60.1% from 59.3% in the same period of 2017 primarily due to higher margins in the Company's internet business. In the third quarter of 2018,
26

operating expenses increased to $44,108, or 63.1% of net sales, compared to $40,093, or 62.4% of net sales, in the third quarter of last year, primarily due to the net addition of 8 new stores. Loss from operations for the Retail segment was $2,077 in the third quarter of this year compared to $1,970 in the same period of last year.
First Cost Segment:
The First Cost segment, which includes net commission income and fees, increased to $2,390 for the third quarter of 2018 compared to $2,028 for the comparable period of 2017, primarily related to the transition of the Company's business with one of its private label customers from the wholesale model to the buying agency model.
Licensing Segment:
Net licensing income decreased to $2,604 for the third quarter of 2018 compared to $2,718 for the comparable period of 2017 primarily due to a decrease in royalties in connection with the licensing of our Steve Madden® and Betsey Johnson® trademarks.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Consolidated:
Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 5.2% to $1,243,249 compared to $1,181,728 in the same period of last year due to growth in the Wholesale Footwear, Wholesale Accessories and Retail segments. Gross margin increased to 37.3% from 37.1% in the prior year period. Gross margin in the first nine months of 2017 included a non-cash expense of $1,654 associated with the purchase accounting fair value adjustment of inventory acquired in connection with the Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition. Excluding the non-cash expense in the prior year period, gross margin increased by 0.1% in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the same period last year. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased to $326,276 from $310,725 in the same period last year. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 included a charge of $2,837 related to legal charges, $1,787 related to Schwartz & Benjamin integration and restructuring and $1,241 related to closing the Cejon warehouse in Bayonne, NJ. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 included charges related to the Payless Shoe Source bankruptcy of $7,500 and the integration of the Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition of $1,255. Excluding the impact of the aforementioned charges, operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 25.8% compared to 25.6% for the same period of 2017. Commission and licensing fee income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased slightly to $10,897 compared to $10,838 achieved in the same period of 2017. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2018 decreased to 21.8% compared to 32.6% in the same period last year. The decrease is primarily due to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased to $116,646 compared to $93,352 in the same period last year. Excluding these charges discussed above, net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased to $122,048 compared to $101,753 for the corresponding period last year.
Wholesale Footwear Segment:
Net sales from the Wholesale Footwear segment accounted for $824,456, or 66.3%, and $799,837, or 67.7%, of our total net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in net sales is primarily related to growth in the Company's international markets. Gross margin in the Wholesale Footwear segment increased to 33.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from 32.9% for the comparable period in 2017. Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 included a charge of $1,654 associated with the purchase accounting fair value adjustment of inventory acquired in connection with the Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition. Excluding this charge, gross margin would remain unchanged from adjusted prior year gross margin of 33.1%. Operating expenses decreased to $152,045 in the first nine months of 2018 from $152,577 in the same period of last year. In the first nine months of 2018, operating expenses for this segment included charges of $2,837 for legal fees and $1,787 for Schwartz & Benjamin integration and restructuring costs. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 included charges related to the Payless Shoe Source bankruptcy of $7,500 and the integration of the Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition of $1,255. Excluding these charges, operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 17.9% in the nine months of 2018 compared to 18.0% in the same period of 2017. Income from operations for the Wholesale Footwear segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 8.8% to $120,579 compared to $110,791 for the same period of 2017. Income from operations for the Wholesale Footwear segment, excluding the aforementioned charges, increased 3.3% to $125,203 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $121,200 in the same period of 2017.
27

Wholesale Accessories Segment:
Net sales generated by the Wholesale Accessories segment accounted for $216,648, or 17.4%, and $195,804, or 16.6%, of total net sales for the Company in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in net sales is primarily attributable to growth in our private label handbag business. Gross margin in the Wholesale Accessories segment increased to 32.1% in the first nine months of this year from 31.8% in the same period in 2017 due to improvements in margin of the Company's private label business. In the nine months ended September 30, 2018, operating expenses increased to $46,539 compared to $42,746 in the same period of last year. Operating expenses in the current period include a charge of $1,241 in connection with closing the Cejon warehouse in Bayonne, NJ. Excluding this charge, operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 20.9% in the first nine months of 2018 compared to 21.8% in the same period of 2017. Income from operations for the Wholesale Accessories segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased to $22,927 compared to $19,603 for the same period of 2017. Income from operations for the Wholesale Accessories segment, excluding the charge above, increased 23.3% to $24,168 for the first nine months of 2018 compared to $19,603 for the same period of last year.
Retail Segment:
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, net sales from the Retail segment accounted for $202,145, or 16.3%, of our total net sales compared to $186,087, or 15.7%, of our total net sales in the same period last year, which represents a $16,058, or 8.6%, increase. The increase in net sales reflects the net addition of 8 new stores from the prior year coupled with a 2.1% gain in comparable store sales. We added 16 new stores and closed 8 stores during the twelve months ended September 30, 2018. As a result, we had 210 retail stores as of September 30, 2018 compared to 202 stores as of September 30, 2017. The 210 stores currently in operation include 141 Steve Madden® stores, 59 Steve Madden® outlet stores, 2 Steven® stores, 1 Superga® store and 7 e-commerce websites. Comparable store sales (sales of those stores, including the e-commerce websites, that were open throughout the first nine months of 2018 and 2017) increased 2.1% on a constant currency basis when compared to the prior year period. The Company excludes new locations from the comparable store base for the first twelve months of operations. Stores that are closed for renovations are removed from the comparable store base. In the first nine months of 2018, gross margin decreased to 60.2% from 60.3% in the same period of 2017. In the nine months ended 2018, operating expenses increased to $127,692, or 63.2% of net sales, compared to $115,402, or 62.0% of net sales, in the same period of last year primarily due to the new store openings. Losses from operations for the Retail segment were $6,058 in the first nine months of this year compared to losses of $3,114 in the same period of last year.
First Cost Segment:
The First Cost segment, which includes net commission income and fees, decreased to $3,881 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $4,864 for the comparable period of 2017 primarily due to changes in allocation of expenses to this segment.
Licensing Segment:
Net licensing income increased to $7,016 for the first nine months of 2018 compared to $5,974 for the comparable period of 2017 due to an increase in royalties in connection with the licensing of our Betsey Johnson® trademark.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
($ in thousands)
Our primary source of liquidity is cash flows generated from our operations. Our primary use of this liquidity is to fund our ongoing cash requirements, including working capital requirements, share repurchases, acquisitions, system enhancements, retail store expansion and remodeling and payment of dividends.
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $230,433 and $245,241 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Of the total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at September 30, 2018, $160,543, or approximately 70%, was held in our foreign subsidiaries and of the total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at December 31, 2017, $135,884, or approximately 55%, was held in our foreign subsidiaries.
28

As of September 30, 2018, the Company has calculated $21,994 related to the one-time transition tax and related withholding tax expense on the deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, for which overpayments of 2017 tax payments have been offset against the one-time transition tax liability at September 30, 2018.
The Company has a collection agency agreement with Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Inc. (“Rosenthal”). The agreement provides us with a credit facility in the amount of $30,000, having a sub-limit of $15,000 on the aggregate face amount of letters of credit, at an interest rate based, at our election, upon either the prime rate or LIBOR. The agreement can be terminated by the Company or Rosenthal at any time with 60 days’ prior written notice. As of September 30, 2018 we had no borrowings against this credit facility.
As of September 30, 2018, we had working capital of $537,409, cash and cash equivalents of $172,537 and investments in marketable securities of $57,896.
We believe that based upon our current financial position and available cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, the Company will meet all of its financial commitments and operating needs for at least the next twelve months.
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
($ in thousands)
Cash provided by operations was $46,467 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to cash provided by operations of $35,010 in the same period of last year. The primary sources of cash were net income of $117,962 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses. These cash sources were partially offset by uses of cash related to an increase in factor accounts receivable and inventories.
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
($ in thousands)
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we invested $42,531 in marketable securities and received $76,373 from the maturities and sales of marketable securities. We also made capital expenditures of $8,164, principally for systems enhancements, improvements to existing stores, leasehold improvements to office space, and new stores.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
($ in thousands)
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, net cash used in financing activities was $80,227, which consisted of share repurchases of $50,881, cash dividends paid of $35,147 and a contingent liability payment of $7,000 related to our Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition. These payments were partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $12,801.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
($ in thousands)
Our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2018 were as follows:

|  | Payment due by period
Contractual Obligations |  | Total |  | Remainder of 2018 |  | 2019-2020 |  | 2021-2022 |  | 2023 and after
Operating lease obligations |  | $ | 233,472 |  |  | $ | 12,065 |  |  | $ | 83,438 |  |  | $ | 63,686 |  |  | $ | 74,283 |
Purchase obligations |  | 88,556 |  |  | 88,556 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Contingent payment liabilities |  | 3,000 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,000 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Future minimum royalty payments |  | 55,246 |  |  | 2,516 |  |  | 32,585 |  |  | 16,520 |  |  | 3,625 |
Total |  | $ | 380,274 |  |  | $ | 103,137 |  |  | $ | 119,023 |  |  | $ | 80,206 |  |  | $ | 77,908 |

At September 30, 2018, we had open letters of credit for the purchase of inventory of approximately $812.
29

Virtually all of our products are produced by independent manufacturers at overseas locations, the majority of which are located in China, with a small and growing percentage located in Italy, Mexico, Vietnam and Cambodia and smaller volumes in Brazil, India, The Netherlands, The Dominican Republic, Spain and South Korea. 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.
On January 3, 2012, the Company and its Creative and Design Chief, Steven Madden, entered into an amendment, dated as of December 31, 2011, to Mr. Madden’s then existing employment agreement with the Company. The amended agreement, which extends the term of Mr. Madden's employment through December 31, 2023, provides to Mr. Madden a base salary of approximately $7,026 per annum for the period January 1, 2016 through the expiration of the employment agreement on December 31, 2023.
The Company has employment agreements with certain executive officers, which provide for the payment of compensation aggregating approximately $951 in the remainder of 2018, $2,590 in 2019 and $790 in 2020. 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 options.
In connection with our acquisition of Schwartz & Benjamin on January 30, 2017, we are subject to a potential payment of $3,000 to the sellers of Schwartz & Benjamin contingent upon the non-cancellation of a certain license agreement through certain dates.
DIVIDENDS
In February 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share (the per share cash dividend indicated having been adjusted for an October 11, 2018 three-for-two stock split) on the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend was paid on March 29, 2018, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 12, 2018. The total cash dividends paid for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $11,758.
In April 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company declared an additional quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share (the per share cash dividend indicated having been adjusted for an October 11, 2018 three-for-two stock split) on the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend was paid on June 29, 2018 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 12, 2018. The total cash dividends paid for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $11,716.
In July 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company declared an additional quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share (the per share cash dividend indicated having been adjusted for an October 11, 2018 three-for-two stock split) on the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend was paid on September 28, 2018 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 18, 2018. The total cash dividends paid for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $11,673.
In October 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company declared an increase to the quarterly cash dividend to $0.14 per share on the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend will be paid on December 31, 2018 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 21, 2018.
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 of any kind will be paid to holders of our common stock in the future.
INFLATION
We do not believe that inflation had a significant effect on our sales or profitability in the three months ended September 30, 2018. Historically, we have minimized the impact of product cost increases by increasing prices, changing suppliers and by improving operating efficiencies. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to offset any such inflationary cost increases in the future.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
30

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND THE USE OF ESTIMATES
Apart from the adoption of ASU 2014-09 (see Note G to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report), there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and the use of estimates from these disclosures reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2018.
31

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
($ in thousands)
We do not engage in the trading of market risk sensitive instruments in the normal course of business. Our financing arrangements are subject to variable interest rates, primarily based on the prime rate and LIBOR. The terms of our collection agency agreements with Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Inc. can be found in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Item 2 and in Note D to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report.
As of September 30, 2018, we held marketable securities valued at $57,896, which consist primarily of certificates of deposit and corporate bonds. The values of these securities may fluctuate as a result of changes in values, market interest rates and credit risk. We have the ability to hold these investments until maturity. In addition, any decline in interest rates would be expected to reduce our interest income.
We face market risk to the extent that our U.S. or foreign operations involve the transaction of business in foreign currencies. Also, our inventory purchases are primarily done in foreign jurisdictions and inventory purchases may be impacted by fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the local currencies of our contract manufacturers, which could have the effect of increasing the cost of goods sold in the future. We manage these risks primarily by denominating these purchases in U.S. dollars. To mitigate the risk of purchases that are denominated in foreign currencies we may enter into forward foreign exchange contracts for terms of no more than two years. A description of our accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note M to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In the first nine months of 2018, the Company entered into forward foreign exchange contracts totaling $36,564. We performed a sensitivity analysis based on a model that measures the impact of a hypothetical change in foreign currency exchange rate to determine the effects that market risk exposures may have on the fair values of our forward foreign exchange contracts that were outstanding as of September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, a 10% appreciation or depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the exchange rates for foreign currencies under forward foreign exchange contracts would result in a net increase or decrease, respectively, in the fair value of our derivatives portfolio of approximately $1,770.
In addition, we are exposed to translation risk in connection with our foreign operations in Canada, Mexico, Europe, South Africa, China and Taiwan because our subsidiaries and joint ventures in these countries utilize the local currency as their functional currency and those financial results must be translated into U.S. dollars. As currency exchange rates fluctuate, foreign currency exchange rate translation adjustments reflected in our financial statements with respect to our foreign operations affects the comparability of financial results between years.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018 covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based on their evaluation as of September 30, 2018, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were not effective because of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting described below. Notwithstanding the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, management has concluded that the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of Steven Madden, Ltd. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, and effected by the board of directors,
32

management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness, as of the end of our quarter ended September 30, 2018, of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of September 30, 2018. A material weakness is a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the registrant’s financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
We did not design and implement effective control over risk assessment with regard to certain processes and procedures commensurate with our financial reporting requirements which we determined to be a material weakness. Specifically, we did not design and maintain adequate information technology general controls for information systems that are relevant to the preparation of financial statements in the following areas:

• | administrative user access to the Company’s wholesale, retail and operating systems to ensure appropriate segregation of duties and to adequately restrict access to financial applications and data; and

• | program change management controls to ensure that information technology program and data changes affecting financial IT applications and underlying accounting records were tested, approved and implemented appropriately.

This material weakness could impact the effectiveness of IT-dependent controls, such as automated controls that address the risk of a material misstatement to one or more assertions, along with the IT controls and underlying data that support the effectiveness of system-generated data and reports, and result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.
Remediation of Material Weakness
As of the filing date of this Quarterly Report for the period ended September 30, 2018, management believes that it has implemented measures sufficient to fully remediate each of the deficiencies resulting in the material weakness. Specific remedial actions undertaken by management have included, without limitation:

• | rationalizing access privileges for all system users;

• | documenting the assignment of access privileges and the rationale for allowing access for each authorized user;

• | implementing controls that require the periodic re-evaluation of user access privileges, including administrative access; and

• | enhancing system monitoring controls to confirm the adequacy of program change management controls.

However, remedial controls must operate for a sufficient period of time for a definitive conclusion, through testing, that the deficiencies have been fully remediated and, as such, we can give no assurance that the measures we have undertaken have fully remediated the material weakness that we have identified or that additional material weaknesses will not arise in the future. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these and other processes, procedures, and controls and will make any further changes that management determines to be appropriate.
33

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company has been named as a defendant in certain lawsuits in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, the liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters should not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations or cash flows. It is the policy of management to disclose the amount or range of reasonably possible losses in excess of recorded amounts.
34

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Amendment No. 1 of the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table presents the total number of shares of the Company's common stock, $.0001 par value, purchased by the Company in the three months ended September 30, 2018, the average price paid per share and the approximate dollar value of shares that still could have been purchased at the end of the fiscal period, pursuant to the Company's Share Repurchase Program. See also Note H to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, there were no sales by the Company of unregistered shares of the Company's common stock.

Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) |  | Average Price Paid per Share (1) |  | Total Number of Shares Purchased as part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |  | Maximum Dollar Amount of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
7/1/2018 - 7/31/2018 | 5,751 |  |  | $ | 32.00 |  |  | — |  |  | $ | 148,099 |
8/1/2018 - 8/31/2018 | 230,351 |  |  | $ | 37.99 |  |  | 230,351 |  |  | $ | 139,347 |
9/1/2018 - 9/30/2018 | 180,162 |  |  | $ | 37.98 |  |  | 177,716 |  |  | $ | 132,597 |
Total | 416,264 |  |  | $ | 37.91 |  |  | 408,067 |  |  | $ | 132,597 |

(1) The Steven Madden, Ltd. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan provides the Company with the right to deduct or withhold, or require employees to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy all or part of the withholding obligations applicable to stock-based compensation awards. To the extent permitted, employees may elect to satisfy all or part of such withholding obligations by tendering to the Company previously owned shares or by having the Company withhold shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory tax withholding rate that could be imposed on the transaction. Included in this table are shares withheld during the third quarter of 2018 in connection with the settlement of vested restricted stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements, in addition to the shares repurchased pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program. Of the total number of shares repurchased by the Company in the third quarter of 2018, 8,198 shares were withheld at an average price per share of $33.83, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $277, in connection with the settlement of vested restricted stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements.
35

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
101 | The following materials from Steven Madden, Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text*

* | This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filing, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.

36

Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: November 9, 2018

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD.
/s/ EDWARD R. ROSENFELD
Edward R. Rosenfeld
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ ARVIND DHARIA
Arvind Dharia
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

37