Columbia Sportswear Company revised earnings guidance for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012. The company now expects to report fourth quarter net sales of approximately $499.0 - $503.0 million, a decline of approximately 5% compared with fourth quarter 2011 net sales of $526.1 million. Prior fourth quarter outlook anticipated net sales growth of up to 1.5%.

Net sales were hampered by a combination of mild winter weather in North America during most of the holiday shopping period, general consumer caution and reduced retail traffic in key markets, and a more promotional environment. These factors, among others, combined to produce lower-than-expected direct-to-consumer sales, as well as higher order cancellations and fewer reorders from wholesale customers, primarily in the U.S. In addition, approximately one-third of the fourth quarter net sales shortfall reflected a timing shift into the first quarter of 2013 of factory-direct shipments of international distributors' Spring 2013 advance orders. The company now expects fourth quarter operating income of approximately $47.0 to $52.0 million, or approximately 9.4% to 10.3% operating margin, compared with fourth quarter 2011 operating income of $50.5 million, or 9.6% operating margin.

Prior fourth quarter outlook anticipated operating margin of 10.6% to 11.1%. The company now expects to report fourth quarter net income of between approximately $37.0 million to $40.0 million, including a lower than expected income tax rate. Prior outlook anticipated fourth quarter net income of approximately $44.0 million, compared with net income of $36.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2011.