Shares of Steve Madden (NASDAQ:SHOO) have almost tripled in less than two years to a recent $28.31. But after a tepid outlook for the coming year, they're now trading at almost 40% below highs reached last fall, and a number of value-minded Fools have started circling around the footwear retailer and designer.
In similar fashion to rivals Skechers (NYSE:SKX) and Deckers Outdoor (NASDAQ:DECK), known mostly for its popular UGG boots, Madden is seeing popularity with a number of its shoes, including Steve Madden Women's and Steven brands. Madden is also seeing strong results from company-owned retail stores, as well as its wholesale business, which sells footwear to department stores.
Madden posted strong 2006 full-year results last Thursday, as total sales grew 26% and diluted earnings per share improved 32%. The company also ended the year with no debt, repurchased close to $30 million in stock, and issued a one-time dividend of $1 per share. Unfortunately, 2006 will be hard to beat, as management sees only a 3%-5% sales advancement and flat to slightly down earnings growth on a year-over-year basis.
That probably explains the recent weak stock performance and isn't the first time Madden has tempered its 2007 outlook, but based on next year's projections, the stock now trades at under 14 times earnings. That's pretty reasonable in absolute terms and also compares favorably to Skechers and Deckers that are trading closer to 18 times forward earnings. Other peers trade even higher; fad-friendly Crocs (NASDAQ:CROX) is at 20 times earnings, while struggling Timberland (NYSE:TBL) trades at a similar level.
A firm's price to earnings ratio is only one of many investment characteristics to mull over when deciding to buy or sell a security, but Madden's case highlights what the market is thinking about its prospects and how it compares to the competition. The stock may not move much, as 2007 is expected to be a mediocre year from an earnings perspective, but Madden has put together a solid track record of keeping its brands at the fashion forefront, and the current price may not be adequately reflecting this feat.
For related Foolishness:
- Kenneth Cole Stays on Its Feet: Fool by Numbers
- Skechers Has Sole
- Deckers Decked Out in Green: Fool by Numbers
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Fool contributor Ryan Fuhrmann has no financial interest in any company mentioned. Feel free to email him with feedback or to discuss any companies mentioned further. The Fool has an ironclad disclosure policy.
