Zumiez(US:ZUMZ) Globenewswire·2026-03-12 20:05Core Insights - Zumiez Inc. reported a strong fourth quarter with a 5.5% increase in comparable sales and a 200 basis point improvement in gross margin to 38.2% [1][5] - Earnings per share for the fourth quarter rose by 48.7% to $1.16, reflecting a significant increase in net income [1][2] - The Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase authorization of up to $40 million, effective through January 29, 2028 [1][8] Financial Performance - Net sales for the fourth quarter increased by 4.4% to $291.3 million compared to $279.2 million in the previous year [2] - Comparable sales for the same period rose by 2.2% [2] - Net income for the fourth quarter was $19.6 million, up 32.5% from $14.8 million in the prior year [2] Annual Performance - Total net sales for the fiscal year increased by 4.5% to $929.1 million from $889.2 million [3] - Comparable sales for the fiscal year rose by 4.3% [3] - The company reported a net income of $13.4 million for fiscal 2025, a significant recovery from a net loss of $1.7 million in fiscal 2024 [3] Cash and Shareholder Returns - As of January 31, 2026, the company had cash and current marketable securities totaling $160.6 million, an increase from $147.6 million the previous year [4] - The company repurchased 2.7 million shares at an average cost of $14.18 per share, totaling $38.3 million during fiscal 2025 [4] Operational Highlights - The CEO highlighted strong full-price selling in North America, contributing to mid-single digit comparable sales growth and gross margin expansion [5] - The company plans to open approximately 5 new stores and close about 25 stores in fiscal 2026 [7] First Quarter Performance - For the first quarter-to-date, total sales increased by 9.8% and comparable sales rose by 7.5% [6] - North American comparable sales increased by 6.0%, while international comparable sales grew by 13.2% [6]