Shoe Carnival is boosting shareholder returns with a new $50 million share repurchase program authorized to begin in 2026. The move extends the retailer’s capital return strategy while it continues to execute its growth-focused One Banner Strategy and expand the Shoe Station banner.
New $50 million buyback program
The Board of Directors of Shoe Carnival, Inc. has approved a new stock buyback plan allowing the company to repurchase up to $50 million of its outstanding common stock, effective January 1, 2026. This new authorization replaces an existing $50 million program that was approved on December 11, 2024, and runs through December 31, 2025.
Under the new program, repurchases may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at any time through December 31, 2026, subject to market conditions and applicable regulations. The company also has the flexibility to use a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, enabling pre-scheduled buybacks during periods when trading windows would otherwise be closed.
Balance sheet strength and capital return
Mark Worden, President and CEO of Shoe Carnival, said, “Our 55th consecutive quarterly dividend and new share repurchase authorization reflect our continued commitment to shareholder returns while maintaining a debt-free balance sheet. This financial strength positions us well to execute our One Banner Strategy and grow Shoe Station to over half of our stores by Back-to-School 2026.”
The company plans to fund the repurchases from cash on hand, and any acquired shares may be used for stock-based compensation or other corporate purposes. The program can be amended, suspended, or discontinued at any time and does not obligate Shoe Carnival to repurchase a specific number of shares.
Strategy, stores and outlook
As of December 12, 2025, Shoe Carnival operates 428 stores across 35 states and Puerto Rico under its Shoe Carnival and Shoe Station banners, supported by ecommerce at ShoeCarnival.com and ShoeStation.com. The buyback initiative sits alongside its store growth and banner rebalancing strategy, giving the retailer flexibility to return excess capital while pursuing expansion.
With the new authorization set to begin at the start of 2026, investors will be watching how Shoe Carnival balances reinvestment in its store base, banner strategy, and digital channels with continued dividends and opportunistic share repurchases.
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