Zumiez(ZUMZ) ZACKS·2025-01-14 18:46Core 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].