Urban Outfitters Lost in Fashion's Jungle

Updated from 7:18 a.m. EST

Urban Outfitters (URBN Quote) recently found itself in the fashion jungle.

The trendy teen-apparel retailer, which in addition to its namesake stores also owns the Anthropologie chain, reported a 31% jump in fourth-quarter profits Thursday. But the company offered a note of caution about its ability to steer through a dramatic shift that it said took place in women's fashions late last year.

On a conference call with analysts, Urban Outfitters Chairman, President and Chief Executive Richard Hayne said the company might have some "issues" in its current first quarter, but he said management is focused on harnessing fashion trends for the long term. ...