Zumiez(ZUMZ) - 2026 Q4 - Annual Results

Financial Performance - Fourth quarter net sales increased 4.4% to $291.3 million compared to $279.2 million in the same quarter last year[2] - Fourth quarter gross margin improved by 200 basis points to 38.2% from 36.2% in the prior year[1] - Fourth quarter earnings per share rose 48.7% to $1.16, up from $0.78 per share in the previous year[2] - Total net sales for the fiscal year increased 4.5% to $929.1 million from $889.2 million[3] - Fiscal 2025 net income increased 32.5% to $19.6 million, compared to $14.8 million in the prior year[2] Share Repurchase and Stock Activity - The company repurchased 2.7 million shares at an average cost of $14.18 per share, totaling $38.3 million during fiscal 2025[4] - The board approved a new stock repurchase authorization of up to $40 million, effective through January 29, 2028[9] - The company repurchased common stock amounting to $38,253 million, compared to $25,206 million in the prior period[18] - Proceeds from the issuance and exercise of stock-based awards were $909 million, up from $606 million[18] - The company reported a stock-based compensation expense of $7,274 million, an increase from $6,831 million[18] Cash and Liquidity - Cash and current marketable securities increased to $160.6 million as of January 31, 2026, up from $147.6 million a year earlier[4] - Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $53,474 million, up from $20,701 million[18] - Cash flows from investing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of $6,391 million, compared to an inflow of $32,602 million in the previous period[18] - Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period totaled $134,113 million, an increase from $121,529 million[18] Operational Changes - The company plans to open approximately 5 new stores and close about 25 stores in fiscal 2026[7] - Changes in operating assets and liabilities included a decrease in inventories by $5,092 million, contrasting with a significant decrease of $21,687 million previously[18] - Accrued payroll and payroll taxes increased to $5,479 million, compared to $3,768 million last period[18] - Additions to fixed assets were $11,061 million, down from $15,004 million[18] Foreign Exchange Impact - The effect of exchange rate changes on cash resulted in a gain of $2,845 million, compared to a loss of $1,458 million previously[18]