The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who not so much). Let’s take a look at how footwear stocks fared in Q4, starting with Genesco (NYSE: GCO).

Before the advent of the internet, styles changed, but consumers mainly bought shoes by visiting local brick-and-mortar shoe, department, and specialty stores. Today, not only do styles change more frequently as fads travel through social media and the internet but consumers are also shifting the way they buy their goods, favoring omnichannel and e-commerce experiences. Some footwear companies have made concerted efforts to adapt while those who are slower to move may fall behind.

The 8 footwear stocks we track reported a mixed Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 33.8% since the latest earnings results.

Weakest Q4: Genesco (NYSE: GCO)

Spanning a broad range of styles, brands, and prices, Genesco (NYSE: GCO) sells footwear, apparel, and accessories through multiple brands and banners.

Genesco reported revenues of $745.9 million, flat year on year. This print fell short of analysts’ expectations by 5%. Overall, it was a softer quarter for the company with adjusted operating income in line with analysts’ estimates.

Genesco delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates of the whole group. The stock is down 47% since reporting and currently trades at $17.20.

Read our full report on Genesco here, it’s free.

Best Q4: Nike (NYSE: NKE)

Originally selling Japanese Onitsuka Tiger sneakers as Blue Ribbon Sports, Nike (NYSE: NKE) is a global titan in athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories.

Nike reported revenues of $11.27 billion, down 9.3% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 2.3%. The business had a stunning quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The stock is down 24.4% since reporting. It currently trades at $54.35.

Is now the time to buy Nike? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Skechers (NYSE: SKX)

Synonymous with "dad shoe", Skechers (NYSE: SKX) is a footwear company renowned for its comfortable, stylish, and affordable shoes for all ages.

Skechers reported revenues of $2.21 billion, up 12.8% year on year, in line with analysts’ expectations. It was a softer quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates and EPS guidance for next quarter missing analysts’ expectations.

As expected, the stock is down 39.7% since the results and currently trades at $45.66.

Read our full analysis of Skechers’s results here.

Steven Madden (NASDAQ: SHOO)

As seen in the infamous Wolf of Wall Street movie, Steven Madden (NASDAQ: SHOO) is a fashion brand famous for its trendy and innovative footwear, appealing to a young and style-conscious audience.

Steven Madden reported revenues of $582.3 million, up 12% year on year. This result topped analysts’ expectations by 5.7%. Taking a step back, it was a slower quarter as it recorded full-year EPS guidance missing analysts’ expectations.

The stock is down 47.4% since reporting and currently trades at $19.93.

Read our full, actionable report on Steven Madden here, it’s free.

Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE: WWW)

Founded in 1883, Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE: WWW) is a global footwear company with a diverse portfolio of brands including Merrell, Hush Puppies, and Saucony.

Wolverine Worldwide reported revenues of $494.7 million, up 3% year on year. This print surpassed analysts’ expectations by 5.9%. More broadly, it was a slower quarter as it logged full-year EPS and revenue guidance missing analysts’ expectations.

Wolverine Worldwide pulled off the biggest analyst estimates beat but had the weakest full-year guidance update among its peers. The stock is down 47.6% since reporting and currently trades at $9.81.

Read our full, actionable report on Wolverine Worldwide here, it’s free.

Market Update

In response to the Fed’s rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has been gradually trending down from its post-pandemic peak, trending closer to the Fed’s 2% target. Despite higher borrowing costs, the economy has avoided flashing recessionary signals. This is the much-desired soft landing that many investors hoped for. The recent rate cuts (0.5% in September and 0.25% in November 2024) have bolstered the stock market, making 2024 a strong year for equities. Donald Trump’s presidential win in November sparked additional market gains, sending indices to record highs in the days following his victory. However, debates continue over possible tariffs and corporate tax adjustments, raising questions about economic stability in 2025.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our 9 Best Market-Beating Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.

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