Steve Madden raises FY26 utlook following strong Q3 results

US footwear and accessories group Steven Madden, Ltd. (Steve Madden) has posted a double-digit rise in revenue for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. Net revenue rose 15.7 percent to 772.60 million dollars, up from 667.90 million dollars in the prior-year period. Following these results, the firm raised its full-year guidance for both top-line revenue and adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS).

Net income attributable to the group reached 52.40 million dollars, or 0.72 dollars per diluted share, compared to 20.50 million dollars, or 0.29 dollars per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2025. On an adjusted basis, net income stood at 57.30 million dollars, or 0.79 dollars per diluted share, up from 30.40 million dollars, or 0.43 dollars per diluted share, a year earlier. Operating income climbed to 73.20 million dollars, representing 9.5 percent of revenue, compared to 31.40 million dollars, or 4.7 percent of revenue, in the prior-year period.

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue expanded to 44.6 percent, up from 41.5 percent in the same period of 2025.

“We delivered an outstanding third quarter, with strong growth across our brands and channels,” stated Steve Madden chairman and chief executive officer, Edward Rosenfeld. “The Steve Madden brand was a particular highlight, as our trend-right product assortments and compelling marketing continue to resonate with consumers and drive strong momentum.”

Wholesale momentum and direct-to-consumer expansion, outlook lifted

Wholesale segment revenue advanced 19.4 percent to 528.70 million dollars during the quarter. Wholesale footwear sales grew 21 percent, while wholesale accessories and apparel revenue increased 17 percent. Revenue across the direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel rose 8 percent to 239.20 million dollars.

At the close of the period, the business operated 381 brick and mortar stores, including 92 outlets; eight e-commerce websites; and 190 international concessions.

Rosenfeld added: “Based on our strong year-to-date results and the continued momentum we see in the business, we are raising our revenue and Adjusted diluted earnings per share outlook for the year. Looking further ahead, the strength of our brands and the multiple growth opportunities across our diversified portfolio give us confidence in our ability to drive sustainable growth and create long-term value for our stockholders.”

Steve Madden now anticipates full-year revenue for fiscal 2026 to increase between 12 percent and 13 percent year-over-year (YoY), revised from its previous guidance range of 11 percent to 13 percent. Diluted EPS is projected to land between 2.58 dollars and 2.63 dollars, adjusted from the earlier target of 2.55 dollars to 2.65 dollars. Full-year adjusted diluted EPS is forecast between 2.15 dollars and 2.20 dollars, up from the prior range of 2.05 dollars to 2.15 dollars.

The board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 0.21 dollars per share. The dividend will be paid on December 24, 2026 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 11, 2026.