A Smart Rise to Zumiez March Sales

Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ - Analyst Report), an action sports retailer in the United States, reported comparable store sales for the five-week period ended April 2, 2011. Total net sales for the period increased 15.1% to $41.2 million compared with $35.8 million reported in the five-week period ended April 3, 2010.

For the reported period, comparable store sales increased 8.9% compared with a rise of 13.2% in the prior-year period. The March results marked the sixteenth consecutive month of comparable store sales growth.

Hot Topic Inc. (HOTT - Analyst Report), which competes with Zumiez, reported a decline of 5.0% in March comparable stores sales, with total sales declining 6.4%.

Recently, Zumiez reported fourth-quarter earnings of 49 cents a share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 47 cents. The company also outpaced earnings of 33 cents a share posted in the fourth quarter of 2009. Net income from operations was $15 million compared with $10.6 million in the prior-year quarter.

Net sales in the reported quarter increased 17.9% year over year to $156.2 million from $132.4 million a year ago. Comparable store sales rose 13.0% in the quarter compared with a decrease of 1.7% in fourth-quarter 2009. Total revenue fell slightly short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $157 million.

For the first quarter of 2011, management expects comparable store sales to increase in the mid-to-high, single-digit range and net loss to range from breakeven to 3 cents per share.

Zumiez is a mall-based specialty retailer of action-sports related apparel, footwear, equipment, and accessories. The company targets young men and women in the age group of 12 to 24 years, who seek popular brands that represent a lifestyle centered on extreme sports activities. Zumiez's stores span across 2,900 square feet on an average, and feature couches and video game stations to encourage customers to shop for extended periods. The company's stores are strategically located near busy areas of the mall, such as food courts, movie theatres, music/game stores and other popular teenage hang-out destinations.

Zumiez, which competes with Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. (PSUN - Snapshot Report) and Wet Seal Inc. (WTSLA - Analyst Report), currently holds a Zacks #3 Rank, implying a short-term 'Hold' rating on the stock. This corresponds with our long-term 'Neutral' recommendation on the stock.

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