Shares of shoe makers Crocs Inc. (CROX) and Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK) ran in opposite directions Friday despite both companies posting solid fourth-quarter results.

Crocs, maker of the iconic foam clogs, and Deckers, maker of the popular UGG boot, appear to have overcome concerns about the long-term viability of their fashion trends. Analysts who once deemed the footwear a fad are expecting the companies to grow globally in the next few years.

Late Thursday, Deckers reported its profit surged 67%, topping analysts' estimates, on its strong retail, eCommerce, and international segments, sending shares up 12% to $118.73 in recent trading. But, while Crocs' loss narrowed on a bigger-than expected jump in revenue, its shares slipped 13% to $6.79 on a sudden management change.

In conjunction with its quarterly results, Crocs said President and Chief Executive John Duerden would retire after about one year on the job.

"Wall Street doesn't like surprises and this is definitely a surprise," said Jeffrey Klinefelter, a senior equity analyst at Piper Jaffray.

But analysts expect the transition to new CEO John McCarvel to help the longer-term positioning of the brand, more than hurt near-term business dynamics.

"I think it's an indication that the company is getting ready to move on to the next phase," Klinefelter said.

Crocs also projected first-quarter results ahead of estimates, forecasting break-even bottom-line figures and $155 million to $160 million in revenue. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters estimated a loss of 1 cent and $148 million in revenue. The company also expects a profit in 2010.

For the fourth quarter, Crocs reported a loss of $11.4 million, or 13 cents a share, narrowing from a year-earlier loss of $34.7 million, or 42 cents a share. Excluding charges in impairment and restructuring and charitable contributions, the loss was 4 cents. Revenue increased 8% to $136 million. Analysts were looking for a 13-cent loss and $117.2 million in revenue.

Meanwhile, Deckers got a big boost Friday from the continued success of the UGG as the brand's sales climbed 15% in the latest quarter. Retail sales jumped 89%.

Deckers' President and Chief Executive Angel Martinez said in Thursday's release that the company saw "robust demand" for the UGG product line during the holiday season, with the performance of several styles far exceeding expectations. Still, he said the challenging environment hurt its brands sales in general last year.

"UGG's smashing sales have proved that it is more than an item, it is a brand," Piper Jaffray's Klinefelter said.

For the fourth quarter, Deckers, an outdoor footwear and apparel maker, reported a profit of $67.7 million, or $5.22 a share, up from $40.5 million, or $3.07 a share, a year earlier. Revenue increased 15% to $348 million. Analysts expected $4.28 and $320.9 million, respectively.

Shares of shoe makers Crocs Inc. (CROX) and Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK) ran in opposite directions Friday despite both companies posting solid fourth-quarter results.

Crocs, maker of the iconic foam clogs, and Deckers, maker of the popular UGG boot, appear to have overcome concerns about the long-term viability of their fashion trends. Analysts who once deemed the footwear a fad are expecting the companies to grow globally in the next few years.

Late Thursday, Deckers reported its profit surged 67%, topping analysts' estimates, on its strong retail, eCommerce, and international segments, sending shares up 12% to $118.73 in recent trading. But, while Crocs' loss narrowed on a bigger-than expected jump in revenue, its shares slipped 13% to $6.79 on a sudden management change.

In conjunction with its quarterly results, Crocs said President and Chief Executive John Duerden would retire after about one year on the job.

"Wall Street doesn't like surprises and this is definitely a surprise," said Jeffrey Klinefelter, a senior equity analyst at Piper Jaffray.

But analysts expect the transition to new CEO John McCarvel to help the longer-term positioning of the brand, more than hurt near-term business dynamics.

"I think it's an indication that the company is getting ready to move on to the next phase," Klinefelter said.

Crocs also projected first-quarter results ahead of estimates, forecasting break-even bottom-line figures and $155 million to $160 million in revenue. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters estimated a loss of 1 cent and $148 million in revenue. The company also expects a profit in 2010.

For the fourth quarter, Crocs reported a loss of $11.4 million, or 13 cents a share, narrowing from a year-earlier loss of $34.7 million, or 42 cents a share. Excluding charges in impairment and restructuring and charitable contributions, the loss was 4 cents. Revenue increased 8% to $136 million. Analysts were looking for a 13-cent loss and $117.2 million in revenue.

Meanwhile, Deckers got a big boost Friday from the continued success of the UGG as the brand's sales climbed 15% in the latest quarter. Retail sales jumped 89%.

Deckers' President and Chief Executive Angel Martinez said in Thursday's release that the company saw "robust demand" for the UGG product line during the holiday season, with the performance of several styles far exceeding expectations. Still, he said the challenging environment hurt its brands sales in general last year.

"UGG's smashing sales have proved that it is more than an item, it is a brand," Piper Jaffray's Klinefelter said.

For the fourth quarter, Deckers, an outdoor footwear and apparel maker, reported a profit of $67.7 million, or $5.22 a share, up from $40.5 million, or $3.07 a share, a year earlier. Revenue increased 15% to $348 million. Analysts expected $4.28 and $320.9 million, respectively.

Gross margin widened to 49.8% from 45.3%.