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On Monday, analysts at Williams Trading upgraded Steven Madden stock (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:SHOO) from Hold to Buy. The decision follows meetings at the FFANY, The New York shoe show, where trends in women’s dress shoes and western boots showed positive movement for the company. The analysts also set a new price target of $31.00, joining a range of analyst targets between $20 and $38. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains strong fundamentals with a healthy 41% gross margin and good overall financial health score.
The upgrade was influenced by recent clips from Steve Madden, the company’s founder and Creative & Design Chief, which have gained significant attention. His appearance on The Cutting Room Floor podcast on May 21, 2025, has garnered over 24 million views. The clips covered various topics, including Madden’s time in prison, his industry insights, and his opinions on tariffs.
Steve Madden’s comments on tariffs sparked a reaction, with a White House spokesman responding to his views. Madden had expressed that the government fundamentally misunderstands the impact of tariffs.
The podcast discussion also touched on Madden’s personal and family life, drawing numerous comments, most of which were positive. The increased visibility and engagement from the podcast may have contributed to the positive outlook for the company’s stock.
Williams Trading’s upgrade reflects optimism about Steven Madden’s market position and potential growth in the footwear segment.
In other recent news, Steven Madden has been the focus of several analyst reports, highlighting various strategic and financial developments. The company recently reported first-quarter results that exceeded market expectations, driven by stronger margins. This performance prompted Citi analyst Paul Lejuez to raise the price target for Steven Madden to $26, maintaining a Neutral rating. Meanwhile, Williams Trading upgraded Steven Madden’s stock rating from Sell to Hold, significantly raising the price target to $31.00. This upgrade follows a government announcement halting additional tariffs on Chinese goods, which is expected to alleviate financial pressures on the company.
Piper Sandler and UBS both maintained their Neutral ratings, with price targets of $25.00 and $23.00, respectively. Piper Sandler noted Steven Madden’s efforts to diversify its manufacturing base, reducing reliance on China, which is seen as a strategic advantage. UBS, however, expressed concerns over growth challenges in the women’s fashion footwear sector and the impact of recent price increases. Citi analysts also highlighted positive trends in fashion, with new collections receiving a favorable response, although they noted potential risks from order cancellations. Overall, these developments illustrate the complex landscape Steven Madden navigates, balancing strategic shifts with ongoing market challenges.
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