Designer Brands vs a.k.a. Brands

This page compares Designer Brands, Inc. and AKA BRANDS HOLDING CORP, outlining their business models, financial performance, and the market context in which they operate. It presents neutral, accessible information to help readers understand similarities and differences without recommendation. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares Designer Brands, Inc. and AKA BRANDS HOLDING CORP, outlining their business models, financial performance, and the market context in which they operate. It presents neutral, accessi...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

DBI

Metric

AKA

$372.27M

Market Cap

$126.62M

-11.26%

Potential Profit

131.12%

Hold

Analyst Rating

Hold

Investment Analysis

Designer Brands

DBI

Pros

Q2 2025 earnings per share surpassed forecasts by 142.86%, showing strong profitability momentum.
Revenue exceeded expectations with $739.8 million reported, driven by operational initiatives and sequential sales improvement.
Healthy current ratio of 1.27 indicates adequate short-term liquidity amid ongoing business challenges.

Considerations

Net sales declined by 4.2% year-over-year, reflecting challenges in the retail footwear market.
High debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 5.11 suggests significant financial leverage risk.
Full-year guidance was withheld due to macroeconomic uncertainties, indicating potential volatility in outlook.

a.k.a. Brands

AKA

Pros

Focused on digitally native fashion brands targeting fast-growing Gen Z and Millennial demographics.
Portfolio includes well-known brands such as Princess Polly, Petal & Pup, Culture Kings, and mnml, diversified across women's and streetwear segments.
Market cap of around $309 million with a low price-to-sales ratio (0.57) suggesting potential undervaluation relative to revenue.

Considerations

Heavy dependence on the Australia/New Zealand market exposes revenue to regional economic and currency fluctuations.
Lacks reported profitability metrics, with no current price-to-earnings ratio and no dividend yield, indicating limited income generation so far.
Small trading volume and relatively recent establishment increase execution risk associated with growth and market expansion.

About The Companies

Designer Brands (DBI)

Designer Brands, Inc. (DBI) is a North American footwear retailer that operates both physical stores and an e-commerce business. The company sells branded and private-label footwear, accessories and related products across a range of price points, targeting everyday consumers and value-seeking shoppers. With a modest market capitalisation, DBI’s performance is shaped by store traffic, online sales trends, inventory management and the health of consumer spending. Investors often watch same-store sales, gross margins and inventory turnover as indicators of operational strength. Key opportunities include growth in the e-commerce channel, loyalty programme engagement and merchandise mix optimisation. Material risks include retail cyclicality, intense competition from other footwear and apparel retailers (including online-only players), supply-chain pressures and the sensitivity of discretionary spending to economic shifts. This summary provides general, educational information — not personalised advice. Prospective investors should review the company’s latest results, regulatory filings and consult a financial professional to assess suitability for their portfolio.

a.k.a. Brands (AKA)

a.k.a. Brands Holding Corp. operates as a global portfolio of digital-first fashion brands tailored for the next generation of consumers. Its business model centres on acquiring and nurturing brands that primarily engage with customers through social media and e-commerce. The company's portfolio includes popular names like Princess Polly, known for its trendy women's apparel, and Petal & Pup, which offers feminine styles for various occasions. In the streetwear-focused segment, it owns Culture Kings, a leading retailer of apparel and accessories for a fashion-conscious male audience, and mnml, which provides on-trend wardrobe staples. By targeting distinct, digitally-native customer bases, a.k.a. Brands aims to capture a significant share of the online fashion market. Investors may find its focus on high-growth, social-media-driven brands an interesting aspect to watch, though performance in the competitive fashion sector can be volatile.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

The Resilient Premium Consumer

This carefully selected group of stocks focuses on companies catering to affluent consumers who continue spending despite economic uncertainty. Based on American Express's record revenue from premium cardholders, these professional-picked investments target the luxury segment's enduring strength.

Published: July 21, 2025

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Retail Acquisition Targets

A curated collection of established apparel and retail companies that could be next in line for acquisition. These stocks have valuable brand identities that make them attractive takeover targets for brand management firms looking to unlock their untapped potential.

Published: July 3, 2025

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

The Resilient Premium Consumer

This carefully selected group of stocks focuses on companies catering to affluent consumers who continue spending despite economic uncertainty. Based on American Express's record revenue from premium cardholders, these professional-picked investments target the luxury segment's enduring strength.

Published: July 21, 2025

Explore Basket

Retail Acquisition Targets

A curated collection of established apparel and retail companies that could be next in line for acquisition. These stocks have valuable brand identities that make them attractive takeover targets for brand management firms looking to unlock their untapped potential.

Published: July 3, 2025

Explore Basket

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Comparison Snapshot