Core Insights - Zumiez Inc. reported a 5.9% increase in comparable sales for the fourth quarter, with gross margin improving by 190 basis points to 36.2% [1][2] - The company achieved earnings per share of $0.78, a significant recovery from a loss of $1.73 in the same quarter of the previous year [1][2] - The board has approved a new stock repurchase authorization of up to $25 million [1][8] Financial Performance - Net sales for the fourth quarter decreased by 0.9% to $279.2 million compared to $281.8 million in the prior year [2] - For the fiscal year, total net sales increased by 1.6% to $889.2 million from $875.5 million [3] - The net loss for fiscal 2024 was $1.7 million, or $0.09 per share, compared to a net loss of $62.6 million, or $3.25 per share, in fiscal 2023 [3][14] Cash and Marketable Securities - As of February 1, 2025, the company had cash and current marketable securities totaling $147.6 million, down from $171.6 million a year earlier [4] - The decrease was primarily due to share repurchases and capital expenditures, partially offset by cash flow from operations [4] Operational Highlights - The CEO highlighted significant improvements in operating profitability driven by gross margin expansion and reduced operating expenses [5] - Comparable sales for the first quarter-to-date increased by 4.3%, with North America leading at a 6.4% increase [6] Future Outlook - The company projects net sales for the first quarter ending May 3, 2025, to be between $179 million and $183 million, with expected earnings per share losses between $0.72 and $0.82 [7] - Plans to open approximately 9 new stores in fiscal 2025, including 6 in North America, 2 in Europe, and 1 in Australia [7]

Financial Performance - Fiscal 2024 net sales were $889.2 million, an increase of 1.6% from $875.5 million in fiscal 2023[173]. - Comparable sales increased by 4.0%, driven by higher dollars per transaction, despite a decrease in transaction volume[174]. - Gross profit for fiscal 2024 was $303.0 million, a 7.9% increase from $280.9 million in fiscal 2023, with gross margin improving by 200 basis points to 34.1%[176]. - Operating profit for fiscal 2024 was $1.95 million, a significant improvement of $66.7 million from a loss of $64.8 million in fiscal 2023[159]. - Diluted loss per share improved to $0.09 in fiscal 2024 from a loss of $3.25 per share in fiscal 2023, marking a 97.2% improvement[159]. - Net loss for fiscal 2024 was $1.7 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $62.6 million, or $3.25 per diluted share, in fiscal 2023[179]. Expenses and Cost Management - Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $44.6 million from the prior year, primarily due to a goodwill impairment charge in fiscal 2023[156]. - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased by $44.6 million, or 12.9%, to $301.1 million in fiscal 2024, with SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreasing by 560 basis points to 33.9%[178]. Sales and Market Performance - North America sales increased by $22.3 million or 3.2%, while international sales decreased by $8.6 million or 4.8% in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023[175]. - The company launched over 120 new brands in 2024, enhancing its product offering and customer experience[158]. Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Cash, cash equivalents, and current marketable securities were $147.6 million at February 1, 2025, down from $171.6 million at February 3, 2024, with working capital decreasing by 9% to $166.9 million[182]. - Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $5.9 million to $20.7 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $14.8 million in fiscal 2023[184]. - Capital expenditures in fiscal 2024 totaled $15.0 million, primarily for the opening of 7 new stores and 6 remodels or relocations[188]. - The company expects to spend approximately $13.0 million to $15.0 million on capital expenditures in fiscal 2025, mainly for 9 new stores and 6 remodels or relocations[191]. Debt and Financial Position - The balance sheet remained strong with $147.6 million in cash and marketable securities at the end of fiscal 2024, with no debt[160]. - The new credit facility with PNC Bank provides for a revolving credit of up to $25 million, maturing on December 20, 2025[195]. - The company had no borrowings or open commercial letters of credit outstanding under the secured credit facility at February 1, 2025[197]. Tax and Impairment - The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2024 was 142.0%, significantly higher than -1.2% in fiscal 2023, primarily due to foreign losses in Austria[179]. - The company recognized impairment losses of $1.5 million related to long-lived assets in fiscal 2024[204]. - A 10 basis point decrease in forecasted sales assumptions would have resulted in an additional impairment charge of $0.3 million in fiscal 2024[205]. Future Projections and Risks - The company anticipates continued focus on enhancing customer experience and operational efficiencies in fiscal 2025, despite macroeconomic uncertainties[161]. - Total undiscounted future payments for lease liabilities were $228.5 million at February 1, 2025[211]. - A 10% increase in the sales return reserve at February 1, 2025 would have decreased net income by $0.3 million in fiscal 2024[216]. - The gift card breakage reserve increased by $1.8 million in fiscal 2024, with a 1% increase in the estimated gift card redemption rate potentially decreasing net income by less than $0.1 million[216]. - If the current portfolio average yield rate decreased by 10% in fiscal 2024, net income would have decreased by $0.4 million[228]. - Assuming a 10% change in foreign exchange rates in fiscal 2024, net income would have decreased or increased by $1.3 million[231]. - The company had valuation allowances on deferred tax assets of $28.8 million and $25.0 million at February 1, 2025, and February 3, 2024, respectively[217]. - Significant judgment is required in determining the incremental borrowing rate and expected lease term, impacting lease classification and present value of lease payments[208]. - The company does not believe there is a reasonable likelihood of a material change in estimates or assumptions used to calculate right-of-use assets and lease liabilities[210].

Company Overview - Zumiez Inc. is a leading specialty retailer focused on apparel, footwear, accessories, and hardgoods for young men and women interested in action sports, streetwear, and unique lifestyles [3] - As of February 1, 2025, Zumiez operates 730 stores globally, with 570 in the United States, 46 in Canada, 87 in Europe, and 27 in Australia [3] - The company operates under the names Zumiez, Blue Tomato, and Fast Times, and has ecommerce platforms at zumiez.com, blue-tomato.com, and fasttimes.com.au [3] Financial Reporting - Zumiez Inc. will report its fiscal 2024 fourth quarter and year-end results on March 13, 2025, after the stock market closes [1] - A conference call to discuss the results will take place on the same day at 5:00 p.m. ET [1] Conference Call Details - Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the conference call using a provided link to receive dial-in details [2] - The conference call will also be accessible via a live webcast, and a replay will be available for a limited time [2]

Core Insights - Zumiez Inc. reported a 5.6% year-over-year increase in comparable sales for the nine weeks of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, with North America showing a stronger performance at 6.9% growth, while international markets grew by only 1.1% [2] - The company revised its sales and earnings forecasts downward, expecting net sales between $275 million and $277 million, down from previous guidance of $284-$288 million, and projected earnings per share (EPS) between 72 cents and 77 cents, a decline from earlier estimates of 83-93 cents [5][6] - Analysts have adjusted their earnings estimates downward, with the current quarter's EPS revised from 89 cents to 78 cents and fiscal 2024 estimates changed from a profit of 1 cent to a loss of 10 cents [3][5] Sales Performance - The Women's category led the sales increase during the holiday season, followed by Men's and Footwear categories, while Accessories and Hardgoods categories underperformed [2] - The performance during peak holiday weeks fell short of expectations, which contributed to the downward revision of forecasts [6] Strategic Focus - Zumiez is committed to expanding its brand portfolio and product offerings, which has resonated well with customers and boosted sales [9] - The company has increased its private-label offerings, which provide higher margins and contribute to profitability [10] - Investments in technology and personnel aim to enhance customer engagement and loyalty, driving sales growth [11] Cost Management - Zumiez has implemented cost-management initiatives, including closing underperforming stores and optimizing its cost structure to reduce shipping and logistics costs [12] Stock Valuation - Zumiez is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 0.33X, significantly below the industry average of 1.78X, indicating it may be undervalued compared to peers [13] - The stock has experienced an 18.5% drop over the past month, reflecting broader challenges affecting the company's performance [14] Future Outlook - Despite the cautious outlook for the fiscal fourth quarter, Zumiez remains optimistic about its strategies to improve revenues and profitability in fiscal 2025 [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - Zumiez Inc. reported a decent performance for the nine weeks ending January 4, 2025, but revised its outlook for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 due to softer-than-expected sales during peak holiday weeks [1][8]. Sales Performance - Zumiez registered a 5.6% increase in comparable sales year-over-year, with North America showing a stronger performance at 6.9% growth, while international markets, including Europe and Australia, experienced modest growth of 1.1% [2]. - The Women's category led the sales increase, followed by Men's and Footwear categories, while Accessories and Hardgoods were the weakest-performing categories [3]. Revised Guidance - The company revised its fiscal fourth-quarter net sales forecast to between $275 million and $277 million, down from the previous estimate of $284 million to $288 million. Earnings per share (EPS) is now projected to be between 72 cents and 77 cents, a decrease from the earlier forecast of 83 to 93 cents [5]. - The adjustment in guidance is partly due to the comparison with the previous year's quarter, which included an additional week, expected to affect year-over-year growth in net sales by 4% [6]. Strategic Outlook - Despite the challenges, Zumiez remains confident that recent adjustments to merchandise assortments and customer engagement strategies will enhance revenues and profitability, aiming for greater shareholder value in fiscal 2025 [7][8]. Stock Performance - Shares of Zumiez have declined 26% over the past three months, contrasting with a 10.9% growth in the Retail-Apparel and Shoes industry [9].

Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ) is focused on strengthening its market position by diversifying the company’s brand portfolio and expanding its private-label product range. These strategies aim to enhance customer engagement, stay aligned with market trends and maximize profitability. By offering exclusive in-house products and introducing new brands, Zumiez is tapping into evolving consumer preferences, while the higher margins on private-label products contribute directly to its financial growth.Zumiez’s continued bra ...

Updates Fourth Quarter OutlookLYNNWOOD, Wash., Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zumiez Inc. (NASDAQ: ZUMZ) a leading specialty retailer of apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories for young men and women, today announced that the Company's comparable sales for the nine-week period ended January 4, 2025 increased 5.6% from the comparable nine-week period in the prior year ending January 6, 2024. From a regional perspective, North America comparable sales were up 6.9% and other international comparable s ...

Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ) is focused on expanding its brand portfolio and private label offerings to boost customer engagement and profitability. Introducing brands has increased sales and kept the company aligned with trends, while private-label products offer higher margins.Zumiez’s growth initiatives, including optimizing store productivity and expanding private label offerings, have resonated well with consumers in the competitive retail sector. The company’s positive outlook for the holiday season, along with ...

Zumiez Inc. (NASDAQ:ZUMZ) Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call December 5, 2024 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Rick Brooks - Chief Executive Officer Chris Work - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Mitch Kummetz - Seaport Richard Magnusen - B. Riley Corey Tarlowe - Jefferies Operator Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. And welcome to the Zumiez Inc. Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in listen only mode. We will conduct a question-and-answe ...

Group 1: Earnings Performance - Zumiez reported quarterly earnings of $0.06 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.03 per share, compared to a loss of $0.12 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 100% [1] - The company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates for four consecutive quarters [2] - Zumiez posted revenues of $222.48 million for the quarter ended October 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.19%, and up from $216.34 million year-over-year [2] Group 2: Stock Performance and Outlook - Zumiez shares have increased approximately 11.4% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 27.6% [4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.96 on revenues of $283.48 million, and $0.07 on revenues of $893.2 million for the current fiscal year [8] - The Zacks Rank for Zumiez is currently 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [7] Group 3: Industry Context - The Retail - Apparel and Shoes industry, to which Zumiez belongs, is currently in the top 31% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [9] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [6]