Brunswick Corporation said it will report earnings estimated between 48 cents and 50 cents per diluted share for the first quarter of 2004. Further, the company raised its estimate for the full year to between $2.45 and $2.65 per diluted share. Previously, the company had estimated diluted earnings per share in the range of 35 cents to 40 cents for the first quarter and $2.10 to $2.30 for 2004.
The company said that strong performances from its Marine Engine and Boat segments were the primary reasons for the better-than-expected results for the quarter.
“We continue to see growing demand at retail for our marine products,” explained Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George W. Buckley. “The improving marine environment, the strong first quarter, along with the $0.08 to $0.10 per share contribution from the three aluminum boat companies we acquired earlier this month, are behind the increase in our earnings estimates for 2004.”
