Brunswick Corp. said operating profits declined in its Fitness segment, which includes Life Fitness and Cybex, in the first quarter due to the unfavorable impact of changes in sales mix, as well as planned costs associated with capacity expansions, new product introductions and manufacturing transitions.

These factors more than offset contributions from acquisitions, including synergy benefits from the Cybex acquisition. Cybex International was acquired in January 2016. Brunswick’s Fitness division also includes Hammer Strength, InMovement, Scifit and Indoor Cycling.

Operating earnings reached $18.3 million, including restructuring, exit and integration charges of $2.4 million, in the latest quarter. That compared with operating earnings of $20.1 million, which included $3.8 million of restructuring, exit and integration charges in the first quarter of 2016.

Sales in the segment totaled $235.6 million, up 8 percent from $218.3 million in the first quarter of 2016. International sales, which represented 46 percent of total segment sales in the quarter, increased 11 percent. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, Fitness segment sales on a constant currency basis increased 1 percent in the quarter compared to the prior year.

Sales in the U.S. were down, excluding the impact of acquisitions, reflecting anticipated declines in Cybex revenues, while overall commercial fitness revenue trends were stable. The international growth was led by the benefits of the Indoor Cycling acquisition and growth in Asia Pacific.

Looking to the rest of the year, the Fitness segment is expected to benefit from overall growth in global commercial Fitness markets, as well as contributions from new products, particularly in the second half.

“Our Fitness business continues to successfully execute against its integration and transformation plans, which in 2017 include new product introductions, changes to the manufacturing footprint and further cost realignment actions. The benefits from these activities will begin to favorably impact segment growth rates and margin performance in the second half of 2017,” said Brunswick Chairman and CEO Mark Schwabero.

Photo courtesy Cybex