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 277 million, down from the previous estimate of 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].