How did SHOO's Q4 2024 earnings surprise investors?

Steven Madden's (SHOO) Q4 2024 earnings report showcased resilience in revenue growth, albeit with a slight earnings shortfall, leading to a mixed market reaction.

1. **Revenue Performance**:
- SHOO reported a total revenue of $582.32 million for Q4 2024.
- This compared favorably to the prior year, reflecting a 13% increase in sales.
- The reported revenue exceeded market expectations, with analysts having forecasted approximately $574 million.

2. **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**:
- The diluted EPS for Q4 2024 was not provided; however, the company reported an EPS of $0.91 for the quarter.
- This EPS was slightly above the consensus estimate of $0.89.
- The EPS from the previous year was $0.88, indicating a modest increase in profitability.
3. **Earnings Surprise**:
- The company experienced a minor earnings surprise, with the EPS exceeding expectations by approximately 2.25%.
- This positive surprise could have led to increased investor confidence in the company's performance.
4. **Market Reaction**:
- The market responded positively to the revenue beat and the slight EPS increase, leading to a 10.48% increase in the stock price.
- However, the modest EPS shortfall may have tempered some of the positive sentiment, as the EPS was below the previous year's EPS of $0.88.
5. **Analyst Ratings and Future Outlook**:
- Analysts have maintained a "Neutral" rating on the stock, with a consensus price target of $50.
- The forecast for FY2024 EPS was increased to $2.67, reflecting improved earnings expectations.

In conclusion, while SHOO's Q4 2024 earnings report showed strong revenue growth and a positive earnings surprise, the slight EPS shortfall may lead to some caution among investors. The overall positive market reaction suggests that the company's performance is viewed favorably, and the analyst ratings indicate a stable outlook for the stock.