Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 fiscal 2026 were $124.7 million, a decrease of $5 million or 3.9% compared to the prior year [14] - EBITDA for the quarter was $15 million, indicating solid profitability despite lower sales [5] - Gross margin decreased to 24.3%, down 2.3% year-over-year, primarily due to lower production absorption and tariffs [15] - Net income was $1.9 million, compared to $4.5 million in the prior year, with earnings per share at $0.04 versus $0.10 a year ago [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Handgun unit shipments into the sporting goods channel were down 1.9%, while adjusted sell-through at retail was up 7.7%, indicating market share growth [6] - Long gun shipments into the sporting goods channel declined 5.1%, with NICS down 8.3%, reflecting typical seasonal demand patterns [7] - Overall firearm unit shipments into the sporting goods category were up 3.3%, outperforming the market which was down 2.7% [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market for firearms remains healthy and stable, with the company gaining market share during the quarter [6] - Average selling prices (ASPs) increased by 3.5% year-over-year, with handguns at $418 and long guns at $602 [8] - Distributor inventory declined over 5% sequentially and 15% year-over-year, indicating strong sell-through and positioning for future demand [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on innovation-driven growth, disciplined cost management, and maintaining a strong balance sheet [12] - The grand opening of the Smith & Wesson Academy aims to enhance training offerings for law enforcement and consumers, contributing to brand strength [10][11] - The capital allocation strategy remains unchanged, focusing on business investment, financial flexibility, and returning value to stockholders [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the brand's strength and product assortment, expecting Q3 sales to be 8%-10% higher than Q3 fiscal 2025 [17] - Despite uncertainties regarding macroeconomic conditions, the company anticipates continued healthy cash generation and improved gross margins in Q3 [17][18] - The company expects operating expenses in Q3 to be about 15% higher than in Q2 due to events like the SHOT Show and new product development costs [18] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $27.3 million in cash and investments, and $90 million in borrowings on its line of credit [16] - A quarterly dividend of $0.13 has been authorized, to be paid to stockholders of record on December 18 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Input costs and gross margins outlook - Management indicated that tariff impacts may increase in the back half of the year but should not materially affect profitability [20] - Absorption is expected to improve due to increased operating days and reduced inventory levels [22] Question: Operating expenses outlook - Operating expenses are generally consistent year-to-year, with expected increases for the SHOT Show and other activities [23] Question: Q4 outlook - Management is optimistic about Q4, expecting high single-digit to low double-digit growth compared to Q3 [25]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the "West-2025" joint military exercise with Belarus, showcasing new military technology and equipment, particularly a thermal imaging tactical glasses designed for reconnaissance purposes [1] Group 1: Military Technology - The "Dragonfly" thermal imaging tactical glasses were developed at the request of the Russian military's assault units to assist in detecting landmines, featuring an electronic zoom function with a maximum visibility range of 1 kilometer [1] - Putin expressed interest in various weapon samples during the exercise, specifically inspecting a handgun by removing its magazine [1]