Skechers USA Inc. said Wednesday it recorded a fourth-quarter loss because a poor retail environment forced it to take large markdowns in order to sell its line of sneakers and casual shoes.

After the markets closed, the Manhattan Beach company reported a loss of $20.4 million (-44 cents per share), compared with a profit of $12.1 million (26 cents) a year ago. Revenue dipped 1 percent to $298 million.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters on average expected a loss of 47 cents per share on revenue of $293 million.

“In the first half of 2009, we are focusing on reducing our inventory levels and expenses while maintaining our strong domestic and international presence in this difficult economic environment, which will result in us breaking even in the first half of 2009,” said Chief Operating Officer David Weinberg in a statement.

Skechers reiterated its 2009 forecast of $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion in revenue, and said it expects to return to profitability in the second half of the year.

Before the announcement, Skechers shares closed down 8 cents, or 1 percent, to $6.92 on the New York Stock Exchange.