Sporting goods retailers, including the broader hunting and fishing category, have struggled over the past few years. That's at least partially because the internet has nibbled away at their sales. As a casual tennis player, for example, I used to have to go to a sporting goods retailer if I needed tennis balls, which created the possibility that I might buy something else. That's a small sale lost for the retailer, but also a larger opportunity to convert a purchase into something bigger. "Research est ...

CALDWELL, Idaho, Jan. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What are the best practices for storing firearms at home? In an article published by HelloNation, Jennifer King of Rhino Metals in Caldwell, Idaho, outlines how disciplined storage habits can enhance safety, protect valuable equipment, and ensure firearms are accessible when needed. King explains that secure storage goes beyond simply locking firearms in a safe. The interior layout, environmental controls, and regular maintenance all contribute to effective ...

Group 1 - GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. (NYSE:PEW) is recognized as one of the 10 Best New Penny Stocks to Invest In, having recently started accepting cryptocurrency payments, making it the first major firearms retailer to do so [1] - The company aims to build a modern and scalable digital commerce platform for firearms consumers, enhancing payment flexibility while ensuring compliance and reliability [2] - A strategic partnership with Silencer Shop has been established, allowing customers access to a wide selection of firearm suppressors and related accessories [3] Group 2 - The collaboration with Silencer Shop leverages both companies' networks of authorized dealers and simplifies the purchasing process for NFA-regulated items through proprietary technology [4] - GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. operates as a digitally native ecommerce retailer specializing in firearms, ammunition, and outdoor enthusiast products [4]

Core Insights - Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings Inc reported third-quarter earnings of 8 cents per share, meeting analyst consensus estimates, while quarterly sales reached $331.323 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $331.120 million [1] - The company anticipates FY25 net sales to be flat to slightly up and expects adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $22 million to $26 million [1] Sales Performance - The company achieved its third consecutive period of positive same-store sales growth, driven by strong performance in hunting, fishing, firearms, and personal protection categories [2] - Sportsman's Warehouse opened a new location in Surprise, Arizona, marking its 11th store in the state and its first personal protection-focused concept [2] Stock Performance and Analyst Reactions - Following the earnings announcement, Sportsman's Warehouse shares declined by 34.7%, trading at $1.60 [2] - Analysts adjusted their price targets for Sportsman's Warehouse, with Baird maintaining a Neutral rating and lowering the target from $3.5 to $2, while Roth Capital maintained a Buy rating and cut the target from $4.25 to $2.25 [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $331.3 million for Q3, an increase of 2.2% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth at 2.2% [14][15] - Gross margin improved by 100 basis points to 32.8% compared to Q3 last year, driven by better product margins and lower freight expenses [15] - 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 [16] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 13% to $18.6 million, reflecting a 50 basis point improvement as a percentage of net sales [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hunting and shooting sports department saw a 5.3% increase in sales, while fishing grew by 14.1% [14][15] - Apparel sales increased by 1.4%, but camping sales declined by high single digits, indicating challenges in that category [34][35] - E-commerce sales grew by 8%, with both ship-to-home and buy online pick up in store performing well [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a slowdown in sales trends starting mid-October, attributed to external disruptions from a prolonged government shutdown impacting consumer confidence [11][12] - The promotional retail landscape remains competitive, necessitating increased marketing efforts to drive sales [19][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy that emphasizes inventory precision, local relevance, and personal protection categories [8][9] - Plans for 2026 include a customer acquisition strategy aimed at reducing reliance on promotions and shifting towards sustainable, profitable growth [10][21] - The company opened a new store in Surprise, Arizona, reflecting a disciplined growth approach and targeting long-term returns [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding Q4 due to macroeconomic headwinds and a pressured U.S. consumer, leading to a revision of full-year guidance [19][21] - Despite challenges, management remains confident in achieving lower inventory levels and positive free cash flow by year-end [12][19] Other Important Information - Total inventory at the end of Q3 was $424 million, a decrease of 3.2% year-over-year, with expectations to end the year with inventory less than $330 million [17][18] - The company paid down $13.2 million of debt during the quarter, ending with a total debt balance of $181.9 million [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent sales trends during Black Friday and Cyber Monday - Management noted that sales trends remained negative through November, with no significant improvement post-government shutdown [24] Question: Margin management strategies for Q4 - The company plans to use existing inventory to drive sales while managing working capital effectively [25] Question: Impact of Florida Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday - Management indicated that the holiday did not significantly impact their business [27] Question: Marketing spend in a challenging consumer environment - Increased marketing spend is necessary to remain competitive in a highly promotional landscape [32] Question: Camping department performance and future strategies - Camping sales were down high single digits, with inventory trends being managed closely [34][35] Question: Promotional strategies for Black Friday - The company was promotional but did not implement traditional doorbusters, adjusting strategies for December [40] Question: Inventory management by category - The company is focusing on driving sales in the hunting and shooting category, which is a significant traffic driver [43] Question: Margin profile of personal protection products - Personal protection products are accretive to margins, with a focus on expanding offerings [46]

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]

Core Insights - Sportsman's Warehouse reported a 2.2% increase in same-store sales compared to the previous year, outperforming Q3 Adjusted NICS data [1][5] - The company opened a new store in Surprise, Arizona, marking its 11th location in the state and its first personal protection-focused concept [2] - Gross margin improved by 100 basis points year-over-year, reaching 32.8% of net sales [5][9] Financial Performance - For the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2025, net sales were $331.3 million, a 2.2% increase from $324.3 million in the same period last year [5][18] - Gross profit for the quarter was $108.7 million, representing 32.8% of net sales, compared to $103.1 million or 31.8% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 [5][18] - Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose to $104.5 million, or 31.5% of net sales, up from $100.0 million, or 30.8% of net sales in the prior year [5][18] Year-to-Date Performance - For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2025, net sales totaled $874.3 million, a 2.0% increase from $857.2 million in the same period last year [4][19] - Gross profit for the year-to-date period was $278.3 million, or 31.8% of net sales, compared to $266.9 million, or 31.1% of net sales in the previous year [9][19] - The company reported a net loss of $(28.3) million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2025, compared to a net loss of $(24.3) million in the same period last year [9][19] Outlook and Strategic Initiatives - The company is adjusting its fiscal year 2025 sales guidance to be flat to slightly up, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be in the range of $22 million to $26 million [8] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are anticipated to be less than $25 million, focusing on strategic technological investments and store maintenance [8] - The company aims to end the year with less than $330 million in inventory and lower debt levels, reflecting improved working capital efficiency [8]

Core Viewpoint - The Board of Directors of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has adopted a limited-duration stockholder rights plan in response to Beretta Holding S.A.'s significant accumulation of Ruger's common stock, aimed at protecting the interests of all stockholders and ensuring fair treatment [1][2]. Summary by Sections Rights Plan Adoption - The Rights Plan is effective from October 14, 2025, to October 13, 2026, and is a temporary measure to allow the Board to assess Beretta's intentions and evaluate options [1][2]. - The plan aims to prevent Beretta from gaining control through open market accumulation without compensating stockholders or allowing the Board adequate time for informed decision-making [2][3]. Board's Rationale - The Board, led by Chairman John Cosentino, believes that the Rights Plan is a prudent step to fulfill its fiduciary duties, especially given Beretta's potential to increase its stake in Ruger [3]. - The Board is open to discussions with Beretta regarding operational and strategic collaborations, emphasizing a commitment to long-term value creation for stockholders [3]. Rights Plan Details - The Rights Plan issues one right for each share of common stock, becoming exercisable if any person or group acquires 10% or more of the outstanding shares [5]. - Passive institutional investors are exempt from the Rights Plan, which does not limit stockholders' ability to solicit support for meetings [5][8]. - If the rights become exercisable, holders can acquire shares at a 50% discount to the market price or exchange rights for common stock [7]. Beretta's Stake - Beretta disclosed a 7.7% ownership interest in Ruger on September 22, 2025, which increased to 9.0% by October 2, 2025, without prior notification to Ruger [6]. - Beretta has not engaged in discussions with Ruger and has refused to sign a confidentiality and standstill agreement [6]. Company Background - Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of firearms in the U.S., offering nearly 800 variations across more than 40 product lines [10].

Core Insights - GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. is positioned as a leading online platform for firearms, catering to both first-time buyers and enthusiasts, presenting a unique investment opportunity [1][2] Company Overview - GrabAGun operates one of the largest online gun platforms in the U.S., offering over 76,000 SKUs including firearms, ammunition, optics, and gear, supported by a vertically integrated business model and patented technologies [2][3] - The company connects over 43,000 licensed dealers with consumers nationwide, ensuring compliance and trust in its operations [3] Financial Performance - Despite a general decline in sales across the industry from 2022 to 2024, GrabAGun achieved an 11% revenue growth, driven by superior conversion rates and a 16% increase in average order value [3] - Following its NYSE listing in July 2025 through a SPAC merger, GrabAGun secured approximately $119 million in cash proceeds with no debt, positioning itself for innovation and strategic expansion [5] Market Dynamics - The company is capitalizing on a cultural shift, with Millennials and Gen Z becoming the fastest-growing demographic of gun owners, who prefer convenient online purchasing [4] - GrabAGun's market capitalization stands at $150 million with a forward price-to-sales multiple of 1.54x, indicating strong fundamentals and growth potential [6] Strategic Positioning - The board of GrabAGun includes notable figures such as Donald Trump, Jr. and seasoned veterans from various industry sectors, enhancing its strategic direction [6] - Investors are encouraged to consider GrabAGun as a growth opportunity at the intersection of regulation, innovation, and steady demand in the firearms market [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store sales increased by 2.1% year-over-year, marking the second consecutive quarter of comp store sales growth [4][12] - Net sales for Q2 were $393.9 million, a 1.8% increase compared to the prior year [12] - Gross margin improved to 32%, an 80 basis point increase from Q2 last year, driven by healthier inventory and higher sales penetration from the fishing department [13][14] - Net loss for Q2 was $7.1 million, compared to a net loss of $5.9 million in the same quarter last year [15] - Adjusted EBITDA improved to $8.3 million, up from $7.4 million in the same quarter last year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hunting and shooting sports department grew by 4%, while fishing sales increased by nearly 11% year-over-year [6][12] - Ammunition sales grew by 10%, with average unit retail up in low single digits [6] - Camping sales were down 10% compared to last year, prompting a strategic shift to eliminate slow-moving categories [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in Alaska grew by high single digits, indicating successful localization of merchandise assortments [5] - The firearms business outperformed the industry despite a 4.9% decline in adjusted NICs checks [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four key priorities: inventory precision, local relevance, personal protection, and brand awareness [9][10] - A strategic shift to an everyday low-price model for core ammunition has resonated well with customers [6] - The company aims to improve inventory efficiency and reduce working capital investment [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the strategic plan despite ongoing consumer microeconomic challenges [10] - The company anticipates ending the year with lower total inventory than last year and generating positive free cash flow [11][19] - Full-year guidance for net sales has been raised to reflect flat growth, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $33 million and $45 million [18] Other Important Information - Total inventory at the end of Q2 was $443.5 million, compared to $363.4 million in the same period last year, reflecting a strategic decision to prepare for key hunting seasons [16] - The company exercised a $20 million deferred draw feature on its term loan to strengthen the balance sheet [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the drivers of comp performance and its durability into 2026? - Management highlighted the alignment of strategy around hunting, shooting, fishing, and personal protection as key drivers of performance, with continued investment in inventory to maintain momentum [22][23] Question: Can you discuss margin drivers in the back half of the year? - Management noted that hunting has lower margins due to firearms and ammunition, which will impact overall margins, while fishing has been a beneficiary of margin improvements [26][27] Question: How did demand trend through August and the setup into the back half in terms of comps? - Management expressed satisfaction with August performance, noting acceleration in NICs and a positive outlook for Q3 [32] Question: Can you break down the AOV trend and its potential for improvement? - Management indicated that there is significant room for improvement in attachment rates, particularly in firearms and ammunition, with AOV and UPT both at all-time highs [34][36] Question: How is the company managing potential tariff-related margin pressure? - Management is working with vendors to anticipate cost increases and has flexibility to offset some tariffs through MAP pricing [51][53] Question: Can you provide insight into consumer behavior within the hunt category? - Management noted that average unit retail is down about 4%, but unit sales are up 4.2%, indicating a mixed impact on margins [61][63] Question: Is there an opportunity to increase sales or inventory in suppressors and short barrel rifles? - Management sees significant opportunity in these categories and plans to lean into them in the back half of the year [65]