Zumiez Inc. Announces Fiscal 2024 Fourth Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Zumiez reported Q4 FY2024 results with mixed performance. Net sales decreased 0.9% to $279.2 million, while comparable sales increased 5.9%. The company achieved significant improvement in profitability, posting net income of $14.8 million ($0.78 per share) compared to a net loss of $33.5 million ($1.73 per share) in Q4 FY2023.

For the full fiscal year 2024, total net sales increased 1.6% to $889.2 million, with comparable sales up 4.0%. The company reported a net loss of $1.7 million ($0.09 per share). Cash position stood at $147.6 million as of February 1, 2025.

Looking ahead, Q1 FY2025 quarter-to-date comparable sales are up 4.3%, led by North America at 6.4%. The company expects Q1 net sales between $179-183 million with projected EPS loss of $0.72-0.82. The Board approved a new $25 million stock repurchase program through March 2026.

Positive

• Q4 comparable sales increased 5.9%
• Gross margin improved 190 basis points to 36.2%
• Q4 net income improved to $14.8M from -$33.5M year-over-year
• First quarter-to-date comparable sales up 4.3%
• North America showing strong performance with 6.4% comparable sales growth
• New $25M stock buyback program approved

Negative

• Q4 net sales decreased 0.9% to $279.2M
• Cash position declined to $147.6M from $171.6M year-over-year
• Full-year net loss of $1.7M in fiscal 2024
• International comparable sales decreased 3.7% in recent trading
• Projecting Q1 2025 loss between $0.72-0.82 per share

Insights

Financial Analyst

Zumiez's Q4 results demonstrate substantial financial improvement with the 190 basis point gross margin expansion driving a profit of $0.78 per share compared to last year's $1.73 loss. This dramatic bottom-line enhancement indicates successful execution of the company's profitability-focused strategy. The narrowing of the full-year loss to just $0.09 per share from $3.25 showcases consistent progress throughout fiscal 2024.

The $25 million share repurchase authorization is particularly notable given the company's $253 million market cap - representing nearly 10% of total market value - and signals management's confidence in sustained cash generation despite maintained capital expenditures. While cash reserves decreased from $171.6 million to $147.6 million, this appears to be a deliberate capital allocation decision rather than operational weakness.

The Q1 projected loss of $0.72-$0.82 per share reflects typical seasonality in the specialty retail sector rather than deteriorating business fundamentals. With three consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales and significant margin improvement, Zumiez appears to be executing a successful financial recovery despite ongoing market challenges.

Retail Industry Specialist

The 5.9% comparable sales growth in Q4 represents significant momentum in Zumiez's core operations, particularly impressive given the challenging specialty retail landscape. The regional performance divergence is telling - North America's robust 6.4% current comp sales growth contrasts sharply with international markets' 3.7% decline, validating management's decision to focus expansion primarily in North America (6 of 9 planned new stores).

The company's disciplined approach to store growth - adding just 9 locations to its 729-store base - demonstrates a strategic shift from expansion to optimization. Zumiez's focus on "product and customer engagement initiatives" appears to be resonating with its target demographic of young consumers seeking unique lifestyle merchandise.

The specialty retailer's ability to grow comparable sales by 4.0% for the full year while improving profitability metrics suggests successful adaptation to evolving consumer preferences in the challenging apparel and footwear segments. The company's clear pivot toward North American operations, where performance is strongest, should help maintain positive momentum through 2025.

Fourth Quarter Comparable Sales Increased 5.9%
Fourth Quarter Gross Margin Increased 190 Basis Points to 36.2%
Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Share Improved to $0.78 from ($1.73)
First Quarter-To-Date Comparable Sales up 4.3%, Led by North America Up 6.4%
Board Approves New Stock Repurchase Authorization

LYNNWOOD, Wash., March 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zumiez Inc. (NASDAQ: ZUMZ) a leading specialty retailer of apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories for young men and women, today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended February 1, 2025.

Net sales for the fourth quarter ended February 1, 2025 (13 weeks) decreased 0.9% to $279.2 million from $281.8 million in the fourth quarter ended February 3, 2024 (14 weeks). Comparable sales for the thirteen weeks ended February 1, 2025 increased 5.9%. Net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 was $14.8 million, or $0.78 per share, compared to a net loss of $33.5 million, or $1.73 per share, in the fourth quarter of the prior fiscal year. Fiscal 2023 fourth quarter results reflect a goodwill impairment charge of $41.1 million, or $2.13 per share after-tax, related to the Company’s decision to slow store growth and focus on profitability in Europe and the corresponding impact on the future cash flow projections of its Blue Tomato business.

Total net sales for the twelve months (52 weeks) ended February 1, 2025, increased 1.6% to $889.2 million from $875.5 million reported for the twelve months (53 weeks) ended February 3, 2024. Comparable sales increased 4.0% for fifty-two weeks ended February 1, 2025. Net loss for fiscal 2024 was $1.7 million, or $0.09 per share. Net loss for fiscal 2023 inclusive of the $41.1 million goodwill impairment charge was $62.6 million, or $3.25 per share.

As of February 1, 2025, the Company had cash and current marketable securities of $147.6 million compared to cash and current marketable securities of $171.6 million as of February 3, 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by share repurchases and capital expenditures partially offset by cash flow from operations.

Rick Brooks, Chief Executive Officer of Zumiez Inc., stated, “We delivered a substantial improvement in fourth quarter operating profitability driven by significant gross margin expansion and a meaningful reduction in operating expenses. Comparable sales increased by 5.9% led by North America and while choppy, represents continued progress in growing the top-line and bottom line. This unexpected choppiness is indicative of the environment we have been operating in for some time, and we expect it will continue. Our plan for 2025 is to stay the course and focus on executing the product and customer engagement initiatives that have fueled our third consecutive quarter of positive comps while staying nimble and financially flexible to deliver enhanced profitability. We have demonstrated our ability to navigate challenging cycles and emerge stronger and I am confident that Zumiez is on right course to repeat this accomplishment once again.”

Fiscal First Quarter-to-Date Sales
Total first quarter-to-date sales for the four weeks ended March 1, 2025 increased 1.7%, from the four weeks ended March 2, 2024. Comparable sales for the four weeks ended March 1, 2025 increased 4.3% from the four weeks ended March 2, 2024. From a regional perspective, comparable sales for North America increased 6.4% and other international comparable sales decreased 3.7%.

Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Outlook
The Company is introducing guidance for the three months ending May 3, 2025. Net sales are projected to be in the range of $179 to $183 million. Earnings per share are expected to be between a loss of $0.72 and a loss of $0.82.

The Company currently intends to open approximately 9 new stores in fiscal 2025, including up to 6 stores in North America, 2 stores in Europe and 1 store in Australia.

Stock Repurchase Authorization
On March 12, 2024, Zumiez Inc. approved the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $25 million of common stock. The repurchase program is expected to continue through March 31, 2026 unless the time period is extended or shortened by the Board of Directors.

Conference call Information
To access the conference call, please pre-register using this link (Registration Link) Registrants will receive confirmation with dial-in details. The conference call will also be available to interested parties through a live webcast at https://ir.zumiez.com. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A replay of the webcast will also be available for a limited time at https://ir.zumiez.com.

About Zumiez Inc.

Zumiez is a leading specialty retailer of apparel, footwear, accessories and hardgoods for young men and women who want to express their individuality through the fashion, music, art and culture of action sports, streetwear, and other unique lifestyles. As of March 1, 2025, we operated 729 stores, including 569 in the United States, 46 in Canada, 87 in Europe and 27 in Australia. We operate under the names Zumiez, Blue Tomato and Fast Times. Additionally, we operate ecommerce web sites at zumiez.com, zumiez.ca, blue-tomato.com and fasttimes.com.au.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release and oral statements relating thereto made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, without limitation, predictions and guidance relating to the Company's future financial performance, brand and product category diversity, ability to adjust product mix, integration of acquired businesses, growing customer demand for our products and new store openings. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as, "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, but they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, those described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

ZUMIEZ INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		February 1,			% of				February 3,				% of
		2025			Sales					2024			Sales
		(Unaudited)							(Unaudited)
Net sales	$	279,160				100.0	%			281,822				100.0	%
Cost of goods sold		178,127				63.8	%			185,171				65.7	%
Gross profit		101,033				36.2	%			96,651				34.3	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		80,903				29.0	%			129,436				45.9	%
Operating profit (loss)		20,130				7.2	%			(32,785	)			-11.6	%
Interest income, net		742				0.3	%			941				0.3	%
Other (expense) income , net		(915	)			-0.3	%			545				0.2	%
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		19,957				7.2	%			(31,299	)			-11.1	%
Provision for income taxes		5,203				1.9	%			2,188				0.8	%
Net income (loss)	$	14,754				5.3	%		$	(33,487	)			-11.9	%
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.80							$	(1.73	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.78							$	(1.73	)
Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic		18,464								19,323
Diluted		18,806								19,323
		Fiscal Year Ended
		February 1,			% of				February 3,				% of
		2025			Sales					2024			Sales
		(Unaudited)
Net sales	$	889,202				100.0	%		$	875,486				100.0	%
Cost of goods sold		586,162				65.9	%			594,596				67.9	%
Gross profit		303,040				34.1	%			280,890				32.1	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		301,090				33.9	%			345,679				39.6	%
Operating profit (loss)		1,950				0.2	%			(64,789	)			-7.4	%
Interest income, net		4,205				0.5	%			3,522				0.4	%
Other expense, net		(2,078	)			-0.2	%			(611	)			-0.1	%
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		4,077				0.5	%			(61,878	)			-7.1	%
Provision for income taxes		5,790				0.7	%			732				0.1	%
Net income	$	(1,713	)			-0.2	%		$	(62,610	)			-7.2	%
Basic earnings per share	$	(0.09	)						$	(3.25	)
Diluted earnings per share	$	(0.09	)						$	(3.25	)
Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic		18,918								19,290
Diluted		18,918								19,290

ZUMIEZ INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands)
	February 1, 2025				February 3, 2024
	(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	112,668			$	88,875
Marketable securities		34,890				82,704
Receivables		12,825				13,780
Inventories		146,648				128,827
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		15,354				12,401
Total current assets		322,385				326,587
Fixed assets, net		80,178				90,508
Operating lease right-of-use assets		183,235				196,775
Goodwill		15,258				15,374
Intangible assets, net		13,577				14,200
Deferred tax assets, net		8,684				8,623
Other long-term assets		11,564				12,159
Total long-term assets		312,496				337,639
Total assets	$	634,881			$	664,226
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	$	49,389			$	38,885
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes		21,962				18,431
Operating lease liabilities		56,009				60,885
Other current liabilities		28,154				25,886
Total current liabilities		155,514				144,087
Long-term operating lease liabilities		143,812				159,877
Other long-term liabilities		6,578				7,052
Total long-term liabilities		150,390				166,929
Total liabilities		305,904				311,016
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, no par value, 20,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding		—				—
Common stock, no par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 19,159 shares issued and outstanding at February 1, 2025 and 19,833 shares issued and outstanding at February 3, 2024		203,581				196,144
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(23,778	)			(19,027	)
Retained earnings		149,174				176,093
Total shareholders’ equity		328,977				353,210
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	634,881			$	664,226

ZUMIEZ INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Fiscal Year Ended
	February 1, 2025				February 3, 2024
	(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$	(1,713	)		$	(62,610	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		22,160				22,763
Noncash lease expense		64,415				68,164
Deferred taxes		(609	)			(1,050	)
Stock-based compensation expense		6,831				7,022
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		1,473				43,904
Foreign currency transaction loss		2,145				25
Other		178				181
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:		-				-
Receivables		1,533				6,859
Inventories		(21,687	)			5,809
Prepaid expenses and other assets		1,558				(1,817	)
Trade accounts payable		11,698				(907	)
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes		3,768				2,170
Income taxes payable		4,705				2,090
Operating lease liabilities		(73,564	)			(78,983	)
Other liabilities		(2,190	)			1,135
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		20,701				14,755
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to fixed assets		(15,004	)			(20,350	)
Purchases of marketable securities and other investments		(2,980	)			(38,348	)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities and other investments		50,586				50,150
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		32,602				(8,548	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities		3,220				49,440
Payments on revolving credit facilities		(3,220	)			(49,440	)
Proceeds from issuance and exercise of stock-based awards		606				704
Payments for tax withholdings on equity awards		—				—
Common stock repurchased		(25,206	)			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(24,600	)			704
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(1,458	)			(1,080	)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		27,245				5,831
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period		94,284				88,453
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	$	121,529			$	94,284
Supplemental disclosure on cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$	2,490			$	2,065
Accrual for purchases of fixed assets		109				800

Company Contact:
Darin White
Vice President of Finance &
Investor Relations
Zumiez Inc.
(425) 551-1500, ext. 1337

Investor Contact:
ICR
Brendon Frey
(203) 682-8200

FAQ

What was Zumiez (ZUMZ) comparable sales growth in Q4 2024?

Zumiez reported a 5.9% increase in comparable sales for Q4 2024.

How much is Zumiez's new stock buyback program worth and when does it expire?

Zumiez approved a $25 million stock repurchase program, running through March 31, 2026.

What are Zumiez's (ZUMZ) Q1 2025 earnings guidance figures?

Zumiez expects Q1 2025 net sales of $179-183 million with EPS loss between $0.72 and $0.82.

How many stores does Zumiez operate globally as of March 2025?

Zumiez operates 729 stores globally: 569 in US, 46 in Canada, 87 in Europe, and 27 in Australia.

What was Zumiez's Q4 2024 gross margin performance?

Zumiez's gross margin increased 190 basis points to 36.2% in Q4 2024.