SGB Executive

Newell Brands’ Turnaround Plans Gaining Traction

Shares of Newell Brands Inc. rose 14.5 percent Friday after the consumer-goods conglomerate reported adjusted earnings in the third quarter exceeded expectations as its turnaround efforts made some progress. The full-year EPS outlook was lifted for the year. Coleman’s sales were impacted by lost distribution at a key U.S. retailer. 

Acushnet Lifts Outlook On Promising Q3

Acushnet Holdings Corp. slightly lifted its full-year guidance for earnings and sales after reporting robust growth in Titleist golf clubs and solid growth in Titleist balls that led to better-than-expected third-quarter results.

Aisle Talk Week of October 29

Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including the outlook for U.S. apparel and footwear manufacturers being changed to positive from stable, according to Moody’s Investors. The agency cited the progress of companies like VF Corp. (pictured) in the report.

Vista Outdoor Shares Soar As Cost Savings Boost Earnings

Shares of Vista Outdoor Inc. rose $1.47, or 11.8 percent, at market close Thursday after the company’s earnings report revealed successful cost-cutting measures and highlighted both the recent divestiture of its eyewear brands and continued pursuit of shedding its firearms brands.

5.11 Shines For CODI In Q3 But Outlook Tempered As Investments Mount

Compass Diversified Holdings CEO Elias Sabo called tactical gear brand 5.11 a “significant driver” for CODI in the third quarter as 10.1 percent revenue growth surpassed the parent company’s expectations, but he also warned that heavy investments will take a toll on the brand’s earnings in the short term.

Champion’s Sales Soar Again In Q3

While Hanesbrands faced a number of challenges in the third quarter, including absorbing a bad-debt charge from Sears, currency headwinds and replenishment lags in Innerwear, the Champion business remains on fire. Champion’s sales grew in excess of 30 percent globally on a currency-neutral basis in the quarter and 40 percent excluding the mass channel.

Fitbit’s Smartwatch Entry Propels Rebound In Q3

Shares of Fitbit Inc. rose $1.22, or 25.8 percent, to $5.95 Thursday after the fitness tracker leader returned to profitability on a non-GAAP basis for the first time in two years on surging sales of smartwatches. The just-launched Fitbit Charge3 is also seeing a strong reception.

Big 5 Outlines Strategy For Adapting To Market Pressures

Though Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.’s third quarter earnings fell within guidance, the company was shy of expectations as August and September sales were “disappointing,” company President and CEO Steven Miller said on Tuesday afternoon’s earnings conference call with analysts.

Unifi Facing Headwinds With Tariff Increases, Rising Raw Material Costs

A significant headwind in the form of higher raw material costs took a toll on Unifi Inc.’s profitability and gross margins in the first quarter ended September 30 while looming tariff increases are also problematic, company CEO Kevin Hall said on Tuesday’s earnings conference call with analysts.

Fitness And Outdoor Wearables Shines For Garmin In Q3

Boosted by double-digit gains for both its Fitness and Outdoor segments on strength in wearables, Garmin Ltd.’s adjusted earnings climbed 32.0 percent in the third quarter ended September 29, easily topping Wall Street’s target. The Fitness segment was led by advanced wearables, led by the GPS-enabled Vívo line of products. The Fēnix’s series continues to drive Outdoor.

Winchester’s Profits Hurt By Higher Commodity Costs

Winchester’s EBDITA fell 30.9 percent in the third quarter ended September 30 as sales dropped 5.3 percent, according to the ammunition maker’s parent, Olin Corp. On a conference call with analysts, John Fischer, Olin’s CEO, said the company now expects overall 2018 commercial demand in the Winchester segment to decline by approximately 20 percent in 2018, which follows a 17 percent decline in commercial demand in 2017.

Behind The Deal: Hibbett Makes Strong Retail Play With City Gear Acquisition

Hibbett Sports Inc. CEO Jeff Rosenthal spoke with SGB about the company’s $88 million (plus undisclosed incentives) acquisition of Memphis, TN-based “city specialty” retailer City Gear, which the Birmingham, AL-based retailer believes will be transformational for both companies as they leverage each other’s strengths.

Under Armour’s Shares Pop As Transformation Gains Traction

Shares of Under Armour shot up $5.04, or 27.7 percent, to $23.23 Tuesday, the stock’s highest one-day gain since 2008, as the company reported third-quarter earnings that more than doubled Wall Street’s consensus expectations. On a conference call with analysts, Kevin Plank, CEO, described the performance as “another solid proof point that our multiyear journey toward becoming a more operationally excellent company is on track.”

Nautilus Sees Modest Impact From Sears Bankruptcy

Nautilus Inc. reported earnings tumbled in the third quarter due to higher input costs and a sharp drop in sales at the company’s Direct segment due to the timing of a relaunch but management indicated results were in line with plans. Officials also expect only a modest impact from the bankruptcy of Sears.

VF Corp. Execs Talk Denver Relocation, Vans Growth & Other Timely Topics

VF Corp. CEO Steve Rendle and CFO Scott Roe spoke with SGB last week about five hot topics—the forthcoming move to Denver, VF’s commitment to becoming a purpose-led company, Vans’ five-year journey to $5 billion, growth drivers at The North Face and upside at two smaller brands—Icebreaker and Smartwool. Here’s what they shared.