Columbia Sportswear Company announced fourth quarter 2024 net sales increased 3% (3% constant-currency) to $1,096.6 million, up from $1,060.0 million in the comparable period of 2023. This growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Latin America, Asia Pacific (LAAP) regions, partially offsetting softness in the United States. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter increased 10% to $1.80, compared to $1.55 in the prior year.
For the full year 2024, net sales decreased 3% to $3,368.6 million, and diluted earnings per share decreased 11% to $3.82, compared to $4.09 in 2023. Gross margin for Q4 expanded 50 basis points to 51.1% of net sales, primarily due to lower inventory clearance activity. The company ended the year with a strong balance sheet, holding $815.5 million in cash and short-term investments and no bank borrowings.
Looking ahead, Columbia Sportswear provided its full year 2025 financial outlook, projecting net sales to increase 1.0% to 3.0%, reaching $3.40 to $3.47 billion. Diluted earnings per share for 2025 are expected to be between $3.80 and $4.15. The company also noted that operating cash flow is expected to be at least $250 million for the year, with capital expenditures planned in the range of $60 million to $80 million.
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