Recreational vehicle and pickup truck at a campsite highlight rising outdoor stock demand into 2026. Key Points Outdoor recreation is an industry that has shown strong growth since the COVID-19 vaccines became available in 2021.  Companies in this sector typically cater to high-net-worth clients, which is a bonus in the current economic environment. Winnebago, Yeti, and Acushnet each have both technical and fundamental tailwinds entering 2026. Interested in Acushnet? Here are five stocks we like bette ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $331.3 million for Q3 2025, an increase of 2.2% compared to the prior year [12] - Gross margin improved to 32.8%, a 100 basis point increase year-over-year, driven by better product margins and lower freight expenses [13][14] - Adjusted net income for Q3 was $3 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to $1.4 million, or $0.04 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [15] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 13% to $18.6 million, improving by 50 basis points as a percentage of net sales [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store sales grew 2.2% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive growth [12] - Hunting and shooting sports increased by 5%, while fishing saw exceptional growth of 14% [12][6] - Apparel sales grew by 1.5%, but camping sales declined due to its discretionary nature [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce sales grew by 8% in the quarter, with strong performance in ship-to-home and buy online pick up in store [6] - The company experienced a slowdown in sales trends starting mid-October, attributed to external disruptions from a prolonged government shutdown [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy that emphasizes inventory precision, local relevance, and personal protection [7][8] - Plans to open only one new store in 2025 and 2026, reflecting a disciplined growth approach [9] - The company aims to enhance customer acquisition strategies and reduce reliance on promotions for sustainable growth [9][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding Q4 due to macroeconomic headwinds and a pressured U.S. consumer [10][11] - The company anticipates modest sales growth for the full year despite challenges, with a focus on maintaining lower inventory and positive free cash flow [11][19] - Full-year guidance for net sales has been adjusted to be flat to slightly up, reflecting a tough Q4 environment [19] Other Important Information - Total inventory at the end of Q3 was $424 million, a decrease of 3.2% year-over-year [16] - The company paid down $13.2 million of debt during the quarter, ending with a total debt balance of $181.9 million [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent sales trends during Black Friday and Cyber Monday - Management noted that negative sales trends persisted through November, with no significant improvement post-government shutdown [23] Question: Margin management strategies for Q4 - The company plans to use existing inventory to drive sales while managing working capital, aiming to avoid carrying aged inventory into 2026 [24] Question: Impact of Florida Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday - Management indicated that the holiday did not significantly impact their business as it is not a major market for them [26] Question: Marketing spend in a challenging consumer environment - The company believes increased marketing is necessary to remain competitive, focusing on digital marketing and promotions [30] Question: Performance of the camping department - Camping sales were down high single digits, with inventory trends below sales trends, indicating an area for improvement [32][33] Question: Promotional environment during Black Friday - Management confirmed they were promotional but did not implement traditional doorbusters, adjusting strategy for December to drive foot traffic [38][39] Question: Inventory management by category - The company is focusing on driving sales in the hunting and shooting category, which is a significant traffic driver [42] Question: Margin profile of personal protection products - Personal protection products are performing well and are accretive to margins, attracting a different customer base [44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2025 were approximately $1.6 billion, an increase of 3.3% year-over-year, with a comparable sales increase of 0.2% [7][23] - Gross margin was 36%, down 2 basis points from the previous year, while merchandise margin improved by 40 basis points [24][10] - Operating income was $172 million, and diluted earnings per share were $1.85, with adjusted earnings per share at $1.94 [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The e-commerce channel saw a positive comparable sales increase of approximately 18% during Q2, building on a 10% increase in Q1 [8][23] - Performance across major categories was consistent, with footwear, apparel, sports and recreation, and outdoor categories all showing low single-digit increases [8][10] - Seasonal categories like swim and summer footwear experienced a slow start but rebounded in late June and July [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong double-digit growth in foot traffic was observed among consumers in the top two income quintiles (households earning over $100,000) [12] - Traffic share remained flat among middle-income consumers (households earning $50,000 to $100,000), while there was erosion in lower-income cohorts (households earning less than $50,000) [12][13] - Market share gains were noted across key businesses such as apparel, footwear, sporting goods, fishing, and outdoor cooking [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company’s primary growth strategy includes opening new stores, with three new locations opened in Q2, bringing the total to 306 stores across 21 states [14] - The focus on enhancing the e-commerce business includes streamlining site navigation, improving order fulfillment, and expanding product assortment [15][20] - Initiatives to improve existing store productivity include adding desirable brands and implementing new technology like RFID scanners [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of inflation on consumer behavior, noting a trade-down effect where consumers are seeking value [11][12] - The company remains optimistic about the momentum in the business, expecting continued positive trends in sales and market share [28][29] - Management is confident in their strategies to mitigate tariff impacts and maintain a strong value proposition for customers [22][46] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $300 million in cash and maintained strong liquidity with an undrawn $1 billion revolver [26] - Free cash flow for Q2 was $21.7 million, with significant investments made in inventory and strategic initiatives [27] - The company has over $530 million remaining on its current share repurchase authorization [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on consumer behavior post back-to-school period - Management noted episodic shopping patterns and expressed optimism about momentum continuing into the remainder of the year despite a slight pullback after back-to-school [31][33] Question: Impact of tariff pricing on average ticket - Average unit retails (AURs) were up low to mid-single digits, with expectations for further price adjustments in the back half of the year [35][36] Question: Guidance on SG&A and operating leverage - Management indicated a commitment to disciplined spending, with expectations for SG&A deleverage to moderate in the back half of the year [40][50] Question: Promotional environment and merchandise margin - The promotional environment remains competitive, with higher take rates observed during promotional events, while merchandise margins are expected to benefit from a favorable mix [79][80] Question: Performance of higher income consumer segments - The top two income quintiles showed double-digit growth in traffic, which is expected to continue driving comp growth [81][83] Question: Expansion of Nike and Jordan assortments - The company has significantly expanded its Jordan brand assortment and is seeing strong performance from both Nike and Jordan products [87][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $249.1 million, a 2% increase from $244.2 million in the same period last year, marking a strong start to the year [15] - Gross margin for the quarter was 30.4%, up 20 basis points from 30.2% a year ago, driven by favorable mix and rate improvements in the Fishing business [16] - SG&A expenses were $95.3 million, or 38.2% of net sales, compared to 38.6% in the prior year, reflecting improved expense discipline [17] - Net loss for Q1 was $21.3 million, or negative $0.56 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $18.1 million, or negative $0.48 per diluted share in the prior year [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was negative $9 million, compared to negative $8.7 million in Q1 2024 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Firearms unit sales increased nearly 7% year-over-year, significantly outpacing the adjusted NICS data, which declined by 5.4% [7] - Positive sales comps were achieved in most core categories, including firearms, clothing, footwear, and ammunition, which was up 3% [7] - Fishing sales were up 11%, validating the new merchandising strategy with a two-year comp stock growth of 12.3% [8] - E-commerce business posted a positive comp, up 8% over last year, driven by a new digital-first marketing strategy [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company captured market share in firearms despite a decline in adjusted NICS, indicating strong performance relative to the industry [7] - The strategic shift to everyday low prices on core ammunition calibers drove a 12% increase in ammo unit sales during the quarter [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a turnaround plan to transform Sportsman's Warehouse for sustained profitability and growth, emphasizing inventory precision, local relevance, personal protection, and brand awareness [5][6] - The launch of the Safety Outpost on the website signals a commitment to personal protection, a major growth category [11] - The company aims to reduce total inventory by the end of the year while maintaining the right products in the right stores at the right time [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic plan despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, highlighting improved comp trends and inventory execution [24] - The company anticipates generating positive free cash flow and using excess cash to reduce debt and strengthen the balance sheet [22][41] - Full year guidance for net sales is expected to range between down 1% to up 3.5% compared to 2024, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $33 million and $45 million [23] Other Important Information - Total inventory at the end of Q1 was $412.3 million, up from $391.6 million in the same period last year, reflecting a strategic decision to pull forward inventory ahead of rising tariffs [18] - The company reduced total active SKUs by approximately 20%, simplifying the assortment and improving inventory terms [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you break down comp trends by month and extend that into May? - Management noted good trends in February, with a strong performance in April, and confirmed that May also showed positive comps [26][28] Question: Is the increase in sales due to foot traffic or inventory assortments? - Management indicated a mixture of better traffic trends, positive transaction trends, and higher basket sizes contributing to the increase [29] Question: Can you clarify the $20 million inventory pull forward? - Management confirmed the strategic decision to pull forward $20 million of inventory to address tariff uncertainties and ensure stock for key seasons [36] Question: Did sales mix negatively impact gross profit margin in Q1? - Management acknowledged that heavy penetration in firearms and ammo impacted gross profit margin but was aligned with their strategy [38] Question: What are the thoughts on debt repayment this year? - Management expressed confidence in generating positive free cash flow and applying excess cash to debt repayment [41] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on the P&L? - Management indicated that the pull forward in inventory would likely mitigate tariff impacts until at least the third quarter [49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 net sales were $340.4 million, down from $370.4 million in the prior year, which included a 53rd week contributing $27.1 million [24][25] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $14.6 million, compared to $5.3 million in the same quarter last year, marking a nearly 300% increase in profitability [30] - The company ended the year with liquidity of $131.1 million, an increase of $40 million compared to the end of the previous year [9][31] - Net loss for Q4 was $8.7 million, unchanged from the prior year, but adjusted net income was $1.6 million compared to an adjusted net loss of $7.5 million last year [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Firearms unit sales increased mid-single digits in Q4, despite a 1.7% year-over-year decline in the hunting and shooting sports department [28][10] - Fishing department sales were up 10.3% in Q4, while camping sales increased by 5.2% [26][27] - E-commerce sales were up double digits in Q4, driven by improved marketing and user experience [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adjusted NICS data showed a 4.5% decline in the firearms industry, but the company outperformed this trend [9][10] - Fishing continues to grow steadily, with a ten-year CAGR of about 5% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to same-store sales growth in 2025 by focusing on core hunting and fishing solutions [12] - Four strategic initiatives for 2025 include narrowing inventory focus, leveraging local connections, becoming an authority in personal protection, and strengthening brand awareness [14][21] - The company is committed to improving inventory management and operational efficiency to enhance profitability [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in improving sales trends and the effectiveness of the turnaround strategy [9][12] - The company anticipates challenges in Q1 due to calendar shifts but expects stronger performance in Q2 and Q3 [42][43] - Management noted that consumer behavior has not significantly changed due to tariff headlines, attributing any sales fluctuations to timing rather than a slowdown [61][62] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with a net debt balance of $98.7 million and generated $19.7 million of free cash flow [31][33] - Capital expenditures for 2024 were approximately $14.6 million, primarily for store maintenance and technology investments [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in same-store sales and performance in February - Management noted positive trends in February, continuing from January, despite a shift in holiday timing affecting Q1 [39][40] Question: Store opening plans and timing - One new store is planned to open at the end of Q3 or beginning of Q4 [44] Question: Free cash flow conversion from EBITDA guidance - Management expressed confidence in generating positive free cash flow through improved top-line profitability and inventory efficiency [46][48] Question: Trade down in firearms and market share opportunities - Management indicated that while average unit prices are down, they are focused on being in stock with the right products to meet customer demand [56][57] Question: Impact of tariffs on consumer behavior - Management stated that they have not seen significant changes in consumer behavior due to tariffs, attributing sales fluctuations to timing of promotions [61][62] Question: E-commerce growth and fulfillment - E-commerce sales accounted for over 17% of total business, with 75% of e-commerce demand fulfilled at store locations [91] Question: Gross margin outlook for 2025 - Management did not provide specific gross margin guidance but indicated potential for improvement through better inventory management and focus on core goods [94][96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 net sales were $340.4 million, down from $370.4 million in the prior year, with a decline of 0.9% when adjusted for the 53rd week [34][35] - Q4 adjusted EBITDA increased to $14.6 million from $5.3 million in the previous year, representing a nearly 300% increase in profitability [43] - Gross margin improved to 30.4% from 26.8% in the prior year, a 360 basis point increase [39] - Net loss for Q4 was $8.7 million, unchanged from the previous year, but adjusted net income improved to $1.6 million from an adjusted net loss of $7.5 million [41][42] - Full year 2024 sales were approximately $1.2 billion, with adjusted EPS of negative 53 cents per diluted share [44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fishing department sales increased by 10.3% in Q4, while camping sales rose by 5.2% [36] - Firearms unit sales increased mid-single digits, despite a 1.7% decline in the hunting and shooting sports department [38] - E-commerce sales were up double digits in Q4, contributing to over 17% of overall business [16][101] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted NICS data showed a 4.5% decline, but the company outperformed this with mid-single digit growth in firearm unit sales [13] - The company noted a trade down to lower-priced firearms, impacting sales dollars but maintaining average order value [39][74] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy aimed at improving omnichannel retail fundamentals and inventory efficiency [7][10] - Plans for 2025 include returning to same-store sales growth, improving gross margins, and paying down debt [17][49] - Four strategic initiatives for 2025 include focusing on core hunting and fishing products, leveraging local connections, enhancing personal protection offerings, and strengthening brand awareness [20][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround strategy, noting steady improvement in sales trends and inventory management [12][33] - The company anticipates challenges in Q1 due to calendar shifts but expects significant opportunities in Q2 and Q3 [61][62] - Management highlighted the importance of being prepared for seasonal demands and improving inventory flow [66][67] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with liquidity of $131 million, an increase of $40 million compared to the previous year [12][48] - Capital expenditures for 2024 were approximately $14.6 million, primarily for store maintenance and technology investments [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in sales for February and March - Management noted positive sales trends in February, with a shift in holiday timing affecting March sales [56][62] Question: Trade down environment and market share - Management indicated that the trade down in firearms could present an opportunity for market share gains, as they focus on stocking the right products [72][74] Question: Impact of tariffs on consumer behavior - Management stated that there has been no significant change in consumer behavior due to tariffs, attributing any sales shifts to timing of advertising [81][82] Question: Free cash flow conversion from EBITDA - Management expressed confidence in generating positive free cash flow through improved inventory efficiency and sales growth [63][116] Question: Store openings and portfolio optimization - Management confirmed plans for one new store opening and mentioned ongoing evaluations of underperforming stores [110][112]