Key Takeaways AMZN is featured among four retail picks poised to benefit from robust holiday shopping.EXPE has seen its earnings estimate rise over 60 days amid strong holiday spending projections.BOOT shows improved earnings estimates as online sales are expected to fuel holiday growth.The U.S. holiday season has begun, with this week set to witness the biggest shopping days of the year. Although inflationary pressures have been weighing on consumer spending for some time, the holiday season is expected to ...

Shoe Carnival (NasdaqGS:SCVL) Q3 2026 Earnings Call November 20, 2025 09:00 AM ET Speaker1Good morning and welcome to Shoe Carnival's third quarter 2025 earnings conference call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star one again. ...

Company Overview - Kendra Scott, founded in 2002, has grown from a spare bedroom startup with $500 investment to a billion-dollar brand [1][2] - The company is expanding to have 170 stores by the end of the year [6] - Kendra Scott also launched a new brand called Yellow Rose, inspired by Texas and Western wear [3][9] Business Strategy & Innovation - Kendra Scott started by selling jewelry door-to-door in Austin boutiques [4] - The company emphasizes evolving as a brand and adapting to industry trends, as seen with the launch of Yellow Rose [10][11] - Yellow Rose aims to bring Western flare to everyday life, focusing on women's fashion [9][10] Philanthropy & Social Impact - Since 2010, Kendra Scott has given over $70 million to women and youth nonprofits through the Kendra Scott Foundation [14] - The company's mission is to create products that not only look and feel good but also "do good," emphasizing fashion for philanthropy [13][14] Entrepreneurial Advice - Kendra Scott encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to overcome fear of failure and pursue their passions [17][18] - True success comes from creating something with purpose and love, not just for monetary gain [18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q3 2025 was $667.9 million, a 6.9% increase compared to Q3 2024. Excluding Kurt Geiger, revenue decreased by 14.8% [9] - Net income attributable to Steve Madden Ltd. for the quarter was $30.4 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, compared to $64.8 million, or $0.91 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [13] - Operating income for the quarter was $46.3 million, or 6.9% of revenue, down from $85.4 million, or 13.7% of revenue in the prior year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale revenue was $442.7 million, down 10.7% compared to Q3 2024. Excluding Kurt Geiger, wholesale revenue decreased by 19% [9] - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue increased by 76.6% to $221.5 million. Excluding Kurt Geiger, DTC revenue increased by 1.5% [9] - Wholesale footwear revenue was $266.5 million, a 10.9% decrease from the comparable period in 2024, or down 16.7% excluding Kurt Geiger [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comp sales for the Kurt Geiger brand were up mid-teens in Q3 2025, indicating strong consumer response [6] - The company ended the quarter with 397 company-operated retail stores, including 99 outlets, and 7 e-commerce websites [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deepening consumer connections through compelling products and effective marketing, particularly for the Steve Madden brand [5] - The acquisition integration of Kurt Geiger is on track, with progress on revenue synergies and cost savings opportunities [7] - The company plans to open a handful of stores in the U.S. for Kurt Geiger next year and expects growth in both retail and wholesale channels [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by new tariffs but believes the worst is behind them, with order patterns from wholesale customers normalizing [4] - The company expects revenue to increase by 27%-30% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, with earnings per share projected in the range of $0.41-$0.46 [14] - Management expressed confidence in improved financial performance in Q4 and the long-term growth potential of their brands and business model [8] Other Important Information - Consolidated gross margin was 43.4%, up from 41.6% in the comparable period of 2023, primarily due to the higher mix of DTC from Kurt Geiger [10] - The company approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share, payable on December 26, 2025 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the fashion developing this fall and inventory levels in the wholesale channel? - Management noted strong performance in the core Steve Madden women's shoe business, particularly in boots, and expressed confidence in spring prospects [17][18] Question: What is the expected revenue contribution from Kurt Geiger in Q4? - Management expects Kurt Geiger's revenue contribution to be between $182 million and $187 million, with over 70% coming from DTC [20][21] Question: How is the margin structure expected to recover? - Management believes all margin erosion is recoverable over time, with tariffs expected to be reflected in retail prices [64][65] Question: What is the outlook for the wholesale business by type? - Management indicated the strongest performance is in regular price channels, while value price channels have faced more pressure [85] Question: How is Kurt Geiger performing by region? - Kurt Geiger is growing in all core regions, including the U.K., U.S., and Europe [42] Question: What are the expectations for international brand growth? - Management anticipates high single-digit revenue growth for Steve Madden internationally in 2025 and strong double-digit growth for Kurt Geiger [73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q3 2025 was $667.9 million, a 6.9% increase compared to Q3 2024. Excluding Kurt Geiger, revenue decreased by 14.8% [9] - Wholesale revenue was $442.7 million, down 10.7% compared to Q3 2024, with a 19% decrease when excluding Kurt Geiger [9] - Direct-to-consumer revenue increased by 76.6% to $221.5 million, with a 1.5% increase when excluding Kurt Geiger [9] - Net income attributable to Steve Madden Ltd. was $30.4 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, compared to $64.8 million, or $0.91 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale footwear revenue was $266.5 million, a 10.9% decrease from Q3 2024, or down 16.7% excluding Kurt Geiger [9] - Wholesale accessories and apparel revenue was $176.2 million, down 10.3% compared to the prior year, or down 22.5% excluding Kurt Geiger [9] - Direct-to-consumer gross margin was 61.9%, down from 64% in the comparable period in 2024 due to tariff pressures and the addition of Kurt Geiger [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comp sales for Kurt Geiger London were up mid-teens in Q3 2025, indicating strong consumer response [6] - The company operated 397 retail stores, including 99 outlets, and 7 e-commerce websites as of the end of the quarter [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deepening consumer connections through compelling products and effective marketing, particularly for the Steve Madden brand [5] - Strategic pricing actions and sourcing initiatives are being implemented to mitigate gross margin pressure [5] - The integration of Kurt Geiger is on track, with progress on revenue synergies and cost savings opportunities [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by new tariffs but expressed confidence that the worst is behind them [4] - There is optimism for improved financial performance in Q4 2025, with expectations of revenue growth of 27%-30% compared to Q4 2024 [14] - Management believes they have the brands and strategy to drive sustainable revenue and earnings growth over the long term [8] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share, payable on December 26, 2025 [14] - Inventory at the end of the quarter was $476 million, compared to $268.7 million in Q3 2024 [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the fashion developing this fall and what are the inventory levels in the wholesale channel? - Management noted strong performance in the core Steve Madden women's shoe business, particularly in boots, and expressed confidence in spring prospects [17][18] Question: What is the expected revenue contribution from Kurt Geiger in Q4? - Management expects Kurt Geiger's revenue contribution to be between $182 million and $187 million, with over 70% coming from DTC [20][21] Question: How is the margin structure expected to recover? - Management believes all margin erosion is recoverable over time, with expectations to return to pre-tariff margins eventually [64][65] Question: What is the performance outlook for wholesale channels? - Strongest performance is seen in regular price channels, while value price channels have faced more pressure [85] Question: How is the international growth outlook for Steve Madden and Kurt Geiger? - Steve Madden is expected to see high single-digit revenue growth internationally, while Kurt Geiger is anticipated to achieve strong double-digit growth [73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q3 2025 was $667.9 million, a 6.9% increase compared to Q3 2024. Excluding the newly acquired Kurt Geiger, consolidated revenue decreased by 14.8% [9] - Net income attributable to Steve Madden Ltd. for the quarter was $30.4 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, compared to $64.8 million, or $0.91 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [12] - Operating income for the quarter was $46.3 million, or 6.9% of revenue, compared to $85.4 million, or 13.7% of revenue in the comparable period in the prior year [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale revenue was $442.7 million, down 10.7% compared to Q3 2024. Excluding Kurt Geiger, wholesale revenue decreased by 19% [9] - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue increased by 76.6% to $221.5 million. Excluding Kurt Geiger, DTC revenue increased by 1.5% [9] - Wholesale footwear revenue was $266.5 million, a 10.9% decrease from the comparable period in 2024, or down 16.7% excluding Kurt Geiger [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comp sales for the new brand, Kurt Geiger London, were up mid-teens in Q3 2025, indicating strong consumer response [6] - The company ended the quarter with 397 company-operated retail stores, including 99 outlets, and 7 e-commerce websites [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deepening consumer connections through compelling products and effective marketing, particularly for the Steve Madden brand [5] - The acquisition integration of Kurt Geiger is on track, with progress on revenue synergies and cost savings opportunities [7] - The company plans to open a handful of stores in the U.S. for Kurt Geiger next year and is working on expanding its international presence [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in Q3 due to new tariffs on imports but expressed confidence that the worst is behind them [4] - The company expects revenue to increase by 27%-30% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, with earnings per share projected to be in the range of $0.41-$0.46 [13][14] - Management believes that the underlying consumer demand for their brands remains strong despite tariff-related challenges [5] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share, payable on December 26, 2025 [13] - Inventory at the end of the quarter was $476 million, compared to $268.7 million in Q3 2024 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the fashion developing this fall and what are the inventory levels in the wholesale channel? - Management noted strong performance in the core Steve Madden women's shoe business, particularly in boots, and expressed confidence in spring prospects [16][18] Question: What is the expected revenue contribution from Kurt Geiger in Q4? - Management expects Kurt Geiger's revenue contribution to be between $182 million and $187 million, with over 70% coming from DTC [19][20] Question: How is the handbag business performing and what are the expectations for apparel? - The handbag business is expected to stabilize as demand improves, while apparel has been a growth story with good sell-throughs in key accounts [46][47] Question: What is the outlook for wholesale performance by channel? - Strongest performance is seen in regular price channels, while value price channels like off-price and mass have faced more pressure [82] Question: How is the company addressing margin recovery? - Management believes that all margin erosion is recoverable over time, with expectations to return to pre-tariff margins in the core business [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 19% year-over-year to $505 million, driven by new store openings and same-store sales growth of 8.4% [7][18] - Earnings per diluted share rose 44% to $1.37 compared to $0.95 in the prior year [7][20] - Merchandise margin rates increased by 80 basis points year-over-year [7][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store sales growth was 8.4%, with brick-and-mortar sales increasing by 7.8% and e-commerce sales growing by 14.4% [10][18] - The ladies' business saw positive mid-teens comp growth, while men's business comped positive high single digits [10][11] - Exclusive brand penetration increased by 290 basis points to 41% of sales [15][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total addressable market (TAM) was revised upward from $40 billion-$58 billion, reflecting a 45% increase [9][37] - The company estimates a long-term U.S. store count potential of 1,200 stores, with plans to open 12%-15% new units annually [10][60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its store footprint while enhancing its omnichannel capabilities [10][14] - Strategic initiatives include new store growth, same-store sales improvement, omnichannel enhancements, and merchandise margin expansion [5][15] - The company aims to leverage AI to improve customer experience and operational efficiencies [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the current business tone and readiness for the holiday season, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [17][22] - The company anticipates a consolidated same-store sales increase of 4.5% for the third quarter [24] - Management remains focused on maintaining strong customer service and inventory management [17][21] Other Important Information - The company plans to open 70 new stores during fiscal 2026, with 30 already opened [8][23] - SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales decreased by 120 basis points to 25.3% [20] - The company has a strong cash position with $65 million in cash and no drawn amounts on its revolving credit line [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the drivers of October's further comp acceleration? - Management noted that October's performance aligned with major merchandise categories, with work boots showing notable improvement [30][31] Question: What is driving the large increase in the total addressable market? - The increase is attributed to demographic studies and the growing trend of casualization in wearing occasions [37][38] Question: How do you see pricing elasticity performing across different categories? - Management indicated that they have not seen significant changes in consumer behavior despite price increases, except for one small brand that raised prices significantly [95] Question: What are the expectations for store openings in the upcoming quarters? - The company plans to open 25 stores in Q3 and 15 in Q4 [86] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges posed by tariffs? - Management is working with factories to mitigate tariff impacts and plans to adjust exclusive brand pricing post-holiday season [39][68]

Core Insights - The Netflix series "Boots" is gaining significant popularity despite its cast of lesser-known actors, highlighting the potential for unique storytelling to resonate with audiences [2][10] - The show, set in the 1990s, follows a gay teenager's journey through Marine Corps boot camp, blending comedy with serious themes of brotherhood and personal struggle [3][5] - "Boots" has received favorable reviews, achieving a Metacritic score of 72 and a Rotten Tomatoes average rating of 91%, indicating strong critical and audience reception [10] Production and Release - Netflix ordered "Boots" in 2023, with production initially starting in summer 2023 but halted due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, resuming in March 2024 [9] - The series consists of eight episodes and is adapted from the memoir "The Pink Marine" by Greg Cope White, showcasing a true story [6][9] Audience Reception - In just 48 hours post-release, "Boots" garnered a high level of interest, achieving a Google Trends score of 100, indicating maximum relative interest worldwide [11] - The rapid increase in searches and positive reviews suggests that media coverage has played a significant role in its early success, contrasting with typical trends where word of mouth takes longer to develop [11] Future Potential - The positive reception of "Boots" opens the possibility for a second season, although it has not yet been officially announced [12] - The show's success may encourage the source material's author to explore further narratives from his life in the service, potentially expanding the series [12]

Product Focus - The article highlights the best boots for plantar fasciitis, offering insights from foot experts [1] Industry Focus - The industry focuses on footwear solutions for specific foot conditions like plantar fasciitis [1]

Financial Performance & Growth - Full Year Fiscal 2025 total sales reached $1.911 billion, demonstrating an 18% five-year Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)[13] - Full Year Fiscal 2025 Consolidated Same Store Sales (SSS) increased by 5.5%[14] - Full Year Fiscal 2025 Earnings Per Share (EPS) reached $5.88[16] - The company anticipates total sales of $2.15 billion for Fiscal Year 2026[24] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on four strategic initiatives: New Stores, Same Store Sales, Omni-Channel, and Merchandise Margin & Exclusive Brands[11] - The company aims for 15% annual growth in new stores[33, 34, 35] - New stores have strong economics, with an average payback period of approximately 1.8 years and approximately 53% cash on cash return in the first year of operation[40, 41] - The company is targeting marketing spend at 3% of sales, with incremental spending focused on more content distribution in Fiscal 2026[51] Merchandise & Tariffs - Exclusive brands account for approximately 35% of sales volume[61] - The company estimates an $8 million tariff impact on Exclusive Brands merchandise Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) for Fiscal Year 2026 due to tariffs[69] Market & Competition - The company operates within a total addressable market (TAM) of approximately $40 billion[6] - The company faces competition from national and regional retailers, independent retailers, farm & ranch competitors, and online/direct-to-consumer competitors[8]