Brunswick Corporation saw fourth quarter net sales grow 
mid-singles as its marine, fitness and bowling and billiards businesses all saw sales growth. Overall, the company reported net sales of $1.44 billion for the 2007 fourth quarter, up 5% from $1.37 billion a year earlier.
The Fitness segment, which is comprised of Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness equipment, saw net sales in the fourth quarter of 2007 total $214.5 million, up 11% from $192.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Operating earnings increased 12% to $32.4 million from $28.9 million, and operating margins were 15.1%, up from 15.0% in the fourth quarter of 2006. The Fitness segment saw double-digit growth internationally with mid-singles growth domestically.
The Bowling & Billiards segment, which is comprised of the Brunswick retail bowling centers, bowling equipment and products, and billiards, Air Hockey and foosball tables, reported a 2.6% increase in net sales to $123.3 million from $120.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Domestically, sales grew in the low-single-digits for the division. The division saw sales growth from both retail bowling centers and bowling products. Operating earnings in the quarter nearly doubled to $11.1 million versus $5.6 million last year.
The company reported net income of $6.8 million for Q4 after a net loss of $53.2 million last year. Net earnings from continuing operations were $12.1 million, or 14 cents per diluted share, down from $44.2 million, or 47 cents per diluted share, for Q4 2006.
