Puma’s Forecasts Double Digit Growth Again In 2019
Puma closed out its 70th year in business by seeing sales further accelerate in the fourth quarter, led by strength in Asia and North America. Another year of double-digit revenue growth and”significant” earnings gains was predicted for 2019.
Can ‘Bench Strength’ Bolster REI During Leadership Transition?
As SGB Media reported yesterday, the outdoors world got a jolt with the news that Jerry Stritzke, president and CEO of REI Co-op, had resigned after a board-initiated investigation into his admitted “personal and consensual” relationship with “the leader of another organization in the outdoor industry.” But what impact, if any, will this development have on the industry?
Always Good Times: Jeff Mechura Dishes On Elan’s U.S. Growth
Jeff Mechura, head of global brand development and marketing for Elan Skis, spoke with SGB Media at Outdoor Retailer Snow Show about what’s been driving the company’s growth in the U.S. and why Elan remains the “good Catholic boys” when it comes to the retail channel.
Under Armour Struggles To Revive North America Growth
Under Armour Inc.’s fourth quarter came in better than expected in the fourth quarter due to strong growth internationally and fewer promotions. But sales in North America dropped 6 percent and a return to growth isn’t expected in the region until at least the second quarter. Patrik Frisk, president and COO, “When you’ve lost space on the shelf you got to earn it back and it takes a little bit of time.”
Christoph Engl Seeks New Heights For Oberalp’s ‘Passionate Mountaineers’
Christoph Engl, who last fall was appointed CEO of Oberalp Group—parent company of Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca and Wild Country—spoke with SGB recently about his goals for the Italian-based company as it looks to grow market share in North America.
Retail Roundup … 7 Reports For February 2019
Retail studies arrived over the last two weeks around the state of influencer marketing, the link between inventory efficiencies and markdowns, turning one-and-dones into recurring customers, brands’ opportunities to “mend A divided nation,” and more…
Oppenheimer Sees Nike’s Shares Cracking $100
Oppenheimer in a note raised its price target on Nike to $100 from $90 due to greater confidence in the company’s ability to continue to improve margins.
Columbia Sportswear Sailing Into 2019 With Broad-Based Momentum
Growth in all channels, all geographies and all brands but one lifted Columbia Sportswear Co. to record revenue for both the fourth quarter and 2018, and the company believes it is riding that momentum to another stellar year. “2018 was a tremendous year for Columbia Sportswear and I’m thrilled to see it end on a high note … ,” said Tim Boyle, Columbia Sportswear’s president and CEO.
Skechers Sees Domestic Wholesale Channel Return To Growth
Shares of Skechers USA Inc. rallied on Friday after the footwear giant reported earnings that easily topped Wall Street’s targets due to tight expense and inventory controls as well as targeted pricing actions. Gangbuster international growth continued while domestic wholesale growth recovered.
Aisle Talk Week Of February 4
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including a number of former Cabela’s employees, led by Matt Highby, officially launching Highby Outdoors, an e-commerce site focusing on outdoor gear.
Transformation Efforts Pay Dividends For Amer Sports In 2018
Amer Sports, which is close to completing its mega-merger with China’s Anta Sports, reported a “solid” fourth quarter with slightly lower earnings but improving sales momentum. The gains were led by its Arc’teryx and Peak Performance apparel brands, strong DTC growth, and accelerated growth in China and the U.S.
Vista Outdoor Cuts Guidance Amid Continued Headwinds
Shares of Vista Outdoor fell $1.58, or 15 percent, to $8.99 on Thursday after the company earlier in the day cut guidance on its third-quarter report of a 20 percent revenue decrease and a $514.6 million loss on a goodwill write-down. The company reported sales of $468 million, shy of Wall Street’s consensus target of $505 million.
Callaway Golf Teeing Up Jack Wolfskin Strategy
Solid performance across Callaway Golf Co.’s core golf business led to impressive revenue growth in 2018, and now the company is banking on a new division—Jack Wolfskin, which Callaway just acquired—to become an integral asset. For the full year of 2018, Callaway’s net sales increased $194 million, or 19 percent, to $1.2 billion, reflecting increases in each of the company’s operating segments and in each reporting region.
Champion Soars Again In Q4
HanesBrands Inc. said its Champion business, excluding the C9 line being phased out at Target, catapulted 50 percent in the fourth quarter, reached $1.36 billion in the full year, and is well on track to hit $2 billion in annual sales by 2022.
January M&A Roundup: Media Companies Make News As Landscape Shifts
Consumer and trade publications are accustomed to reporting news, but in January companies in the active lifestyle and action sports media made news through a host of acquisitions that could drastically affect industry coverage moving forward.
