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LEVI vs SHOO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) vs. Steven Madden, Ltd. (SHOO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both LEVI and SHOO are consumer discretionary names posting accelerating results, but they compete in different categories — denim and apparel versus fashion footwear and accessories.
- Levi Strauss raised its fiscal 2026 outlook on broad-based growth and improving cash flow, while Steven Madden raised its own guidance on resurgent flagship-brand momentum.
- SHOO is growing faster and carrying stronger near-term momentum, while LEVI trades at a more modest valuation relative to its historical range.
- Both stocks face tariff and freight cost pressures, though the sources of risk differ across the two businesses.
- Analyst consensus currently places both names at a "Hold," reflecting balanced risk-reward after recent rallies.
Introduction
Investors tracking the consumer discretionary sector often compare LEVI and SHOO because both are iconic, brand-driven apparel and accessories companies navigating a period of improving fundamentals against persistent external cost pressures. Levi Strauss & Co. is a global denim and apparel leader executing a direct-to-consumer (DTC) turnaround, while Steven Madden, Ltd. is a fashion footwear and accessories house leveraging a multi-brand portfolio that includes Kurt Geiger and Dolce Vita. This stock comparison is relevant to growth-oriented investors assessing momentum, as well as value-conscious readers evaluating market positioning, relative performance, and the trade-offs between faster expansion and richer valuation.
LEVI Overview and Recent Performance
Levi Strauss & Co. has strengthened its operating story in recent quarters behind a DTC-first strategy that shifts the mix toward higher-margin owned channels and international expansion. In its most recent quarterly results, the company reported adjusted earnings that beat consensus expectations, with revenues rising roughly 8% year over year and organic growth balanced across regions, channels, and product categories. Management responded by raising fiscal 2026 revenue and earnings guidance, citing sustained momentum across both its Levi's and Beyond Yoga businesses.
Recent stock behavior has reflected this improving execution. Shares of LEVI have advanced meaningfully over the trailing three- and twelve-month periods, though the move has left the stock trading above its five-year median forward earnings multiple. Sentiment has been supported by an approximately 60% increase in adjusted free cash flow and a 14% dividend increase, while tariff exposure, foreign exchange (FX) headwinds, and elevated selling, general, and administrative expenses remain the primary watch items.
SHOO Overview and Recent Performance
Steven Madden, Ltd. has seen a reacceleration in its core brand, supported by trend-right footwear and handbag assortments and the addition of premium label Kurt Geiger. In its latest quarter, revenues rose about 19% year over year while adjusted earnings more than doubled, helped by a 460-basis-point expansion in adjusted gross margin driven by higher average selling prices, a smaller tariff drag, and lower private-label penetration. Management raised its fiscal 2026 outlook to 11%–13% revenue growth and an adjusted EPS (earnings per share) range of $2.05–$2.15.
The stock has reflected this improving narrative. Shares of SHOO rallied roughly 22% over a recent one-month stretch, with momentum supported by double-digit growth in direct-to-consumer sales and a 20% increase in branded wholesale revenue. The principal counterweights are freight and supplier-cost inflation tied to geopolitical disruption, an expected moderation in gross-margin expansion, and a valuation now well above the company's five-year historical median.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
At the business-model level, the two companies diverge sharply. LEVI is centered on a single iconic brand transitioning toward owned retail and e-commerce, with international markets now representing roughly 60% of revenue. SHOO operates a broader portfolio spanning owned brands, licensed labels, and private-label sourcing, giving it greater diversification across footwear, handbags, and accessories.
Growth dynamics also contrast. SHOO is delivering faster top-line expansion and stronger near-term momentum, while LEVI is generating more consistent, margin-led progress and superior free cash flow. On valuation, LEVI trades near 15.5 times forward earnings — closer to its historical norm — whereas SHOO trades around 20 times forward earnings, a premium to its five-year median. Risk profiles differ as well: LEVI is more exposed to tariff and FX swings across its global supply chain, while SHOO faces acute freight and supplier-cost inflation, partly stemming from Middle East shipping disruption and elevated air-freight usage.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor LEVI on a stability-adjusted basis, given its steadier margin trajectory, improving cash generation, dividend growth, and more reasonable valuation relative to historical ranges. At the same time, SHOO demonstrates stronger trend momentum and faster growth, which may appeal to algorithms prioritizing near-term price strength. The relative positioning suggests LEVI offers a more balanced risk-reward for trend consistency, while SHOO presents a higher-momentum, higher-valuation profile with greater sensitivity to execution and external cost shocks.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is LEVI is a StrongBuy and SHOO is a Hold.
LEVI in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on October 08, 2026
LEVI may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 30 of 41 cases where LEVI's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LEVI as a result. In 60 of 83 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LEVI just turned positive on September 18, 2026. Looking at past instances where LEVI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 37 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
LEVI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.24% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LEVI advanced for three days, in 195 of 287 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for LEVI moved below the 200-day moving average on October 05, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LEVI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
The Aroon Indicator for LEVI entered a downward trend on October 14, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LEVI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 58 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.545) is normal, around the industry mean (2.700). P/E Ratio (12.840) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.111). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.020) is also within normal values, averaging (0.686). Dividend Yield (0.031) settles around the average of (0.120) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.176) is also within normal values, averaging (0.827).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 65 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. LEVI’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 93, placing this stock worse than average.
SHOO sees MACD Histogram crosses below signal line
SHOO saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 21, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 32 of the 46 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 70%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SHOO declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 65%.
SHOO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 40 of 61 cases where SHOO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SHOO as a result. In 63 of 88 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
SHOO moved above its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for SHOO crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 05, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 87%.
Following a +1.02% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SHOO advanced for three days, in 184 of 268 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 161 of 231 cases where SHOO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 70%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SHOO’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 49 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.459) is normal, around the industry mean (2.954). P/E Ratio (21.990) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.630). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.470) is also within normal values, averaging (0.949). Dividend Yield (0.019) settles around the average of (0.022) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.086) is also within normal values, averaging (1.252).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 53 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 64 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 83 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SHOO’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 90, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
LEVI | SHOO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 23 | 71 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 58 Fair valued | 49 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 83 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 34 | 53 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 42 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 65 | 64 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
SHOO's Valuation (49) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as LEVI (58). This means that SHOO’s stock grew similarly to LEVI’s over the last 12 months.
SHOO's Profit vs Risk Rating (83) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as LEVI (100). This means that SHOO’s stock grew similarly to LEVI’s over the last 12 months.
LEVI's SMR Rating (34) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as SHOO (53). This means that LEVI’s stock grew similarly to SHOO’s over the last 12 months.
SHOO's Price Growth Rating (42) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as LEVI (57). This means that SHOO’s stock grew similarly to LEVI’s over the last 12 months.
SHOO's P/E Growth Rating (64) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as LEVI (65). This means that SHOO’s stock grew similarly to LEVI’s over the last 12 months.
| LEVI | SHOO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 66% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 72% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 73% | 1 day ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 71% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 10 days ago 69% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 14 days ago 67% | 1 day ago 65% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 70% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
LEVI’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while SHOO’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- LEVI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- SHOO’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
LEVI’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SHOO’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- LEVI’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- SHOO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
LEVI (@Apparel/Footwear) experienced а +6.95% price change this week, while SHOO (@Wholesale Distributors) price change was -0.12% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Apparel/Footwear industry was +0.83%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.89%, and the average quarterly price growth was -3.66%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Wholesale Distributors industry was -3.97%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.37%, and the average quarterly price growth was +5.03%.
Reported Earning Dates
LEVI is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
SHOO is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Apparel/Footwear (+0.83% weekly)Apparel/footwear might be slightly more ‘cyclical’ in the largely non-cyclical category of non-durables. While digital giants like Amazon have been rapidly expanding their presence, traditional clothing/footwear retailers have also been bulking up their online presence in recent years, to milk the burgeoning trend of online shopping among consumers across the globe. The apparel and footwear retail market was valued at around $ 360 billion in 2018, and this figure was expected to reach about $386 billion by 2020 (according to a Statista report). NIKE, Inc, V.F. Corporation and Under Armour, Inc. are some of the companies with the largest U.S. stock market caps in this segment.
@Wholesale Distributors (-3.97% weekly)Companies in this industry handle the wholesale shipments for the manufacturer of a product. They have warehouses and distribution centers, and they ship products directly to the retailer. Digitization, increasing competition, emerging customer demand, and product innovation are some of shifts that the industry has been facing in recent times – something that is potentially creating needs/opportunities for business model revisions or transformations. Data, analytics, and technology are becoming increasingly important for whole distributors in anticipating and analyzing consumer needs, and therefore planning their business strategies accordingly. Fastenal Company, W.W. Grainger, Inc., Genuine Parts Company and Pool Corporation are some of the largest names in the business.
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LEVI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LEVI has been loosely correlated with RL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if LEVI jumps, then RL could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To LEVI | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEVI | 100% | +2.05% | ||
| RL - LEVI | 59% Loosely correlated | +0.34% | ||
| SHOO - LEVI | 59% Loosely correlated | -0.59% | ||
| PVH - LEVI | 56% Loosely correlated | +0.80% | ||
| VFC - LEVI | 56% Loosely correlated | +1.92% | ||
| COLM - LEVI | 55% Loosely correlated | +4.30% | ||
More | ||||
SHOO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SHOO has been loosely correlated with OXM. These tickers have moved in lockstep 64% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if SHOO jumps, then OXM could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To SHOO | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHOO | 100% | -0.59% | ||
| OXM - SHOO | 64% Loosely correlated | +8.83% | ||
| KTB - SHOO | 64% Loosely correlated | +3.61% | ||
| COLM - SHOO | 63% Loosely correlated | +4.30% | ||
| LEVI - SHOO | 59% Loosely correlated | +2.05% | ||
| CAL - SHOO | 58% Loosely correlated | +4.95% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| USIG | 49.50 | 0.41 | +0.84% |
| iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (USIG) | |||
| LOPP | 35.38 | N/A | N/A |
| Gabelli Love Our Planet & People ETF (LOPP) | |||
| FFC | 14.48 | -0.06 | -0.41% |
| Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred and Income Securities Fund | |||
| IVAL | 36.53 | -0.20 | -0.54% |
| Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL) | |||
| SIXZ | 32.48 | -0.25 | -0.78% |
| AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF (SIXZ) | |||