
Balanced Portfolio, Channel Strategy Fuels Rocky Brands’ Q1
Though Rocky Brands Inc. narrowly missed Wall Street’s revenue estimates in the first quarter, the Nelsonville, OH-based company rode a healthy balance across portfolio and sales channels to more than double net income from the same quarter a year ago.

Shimano’s Q1 Boosted By Fishing Momentum, Cost Controls
Shimano’s earnings showed some recovery in the first quarter with the help of strong expense controls, a profit uptick in the company’s Fishing Tackle segment and a modest earnings gain in Bicycle Components.

Puma Prepares To Shift Production From China Over Tariff Concerns
While delivering robust first-quarter results and lifting its outlook for the year, Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Puma SE, spent the majority of the company’s quarterly conference call with journalists discussing the potential negative impact of tariffs on China.

Native Eyewear Hitting Stride Two Seasons After Return To Goggle Market
Colorado-based Native Eyewear returned to the goggle market in 2016, and the company is sharpening its focus on delivering “premium technologies at an attainable price tag,” General Manager John Sanchez said in a Q&A with SGB Executive.

New Digs Bolster Adidas Outdoor’s Growth Plans
Adidas Outdoor USA has opened a new office in Golden, CO, giving the company a strategic hub in the Rocky Mountains as it looks to gain share across trail running, cycling, hiking and climbing footwear and apparel categories.

Newell Brands Averts Proxy Battle
The battle over board seats at Newell Brands has come to a quicker-than-expected end. But the divestitures will continue.

Aisle Talk Week of April 16
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.

Escalade’s Earnings Dip In Part On E-Com Investments
Escalade Inc. reported that its key archery category is finally showing some signs of stabilizing but investments in new businesses and e-commerce brought down earnings slightly in the first quarter.

Hi-Tec Integration Stymies Cherokee Global Brands In Fiscal 2018
As Cherokee Global Brands integrated Hi-Tec into its portfolio and moved it from an indirect sales model to a licensed royalty model, headwinds ensued. The company on Thursday reported a loss for Q4 and fiscal 2018.

Skechers’ Shares Crash On Weak Guidance
Shares of Skechers USA Inc. were trading down about 25 percent in mid-day trading Friday after the company issued softer-than-expected sales and earnings forecasts for its fiscal second quarter following a solid start to the year.

Susquehanna International Cuts Nike’s Price Target On Executive Departures
Susquehanna International Group lowered its price target for Nike shares to $59 from $62 due to heightened risks at the company following a number of senior-level departures in recent weeks after allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior arrived.

Kelty’s ‘Ditch Day’ Encourages Outside Play, Elevates Brand Position
Next Friday, April 27, Kelty employees will play hooky as part of Ditch Day, a company-approved day for employees to eschew their work responsibilities and get outside. Ditch Day is part of the company’s Built for Play campaign that encourages more outdoor adventuring.

Study: Nike Recognized For Rep
Nike ranked second among American’s Most Reputable Companies by the Reputation Institute, a leading research and advisory firm focused solely on corporate reputations. The US RepTrak rankings measure the public’s perception of companies based on seven dimensions: innovation, leadership, governance, citizenship, workplace, performance, and products.

Huffy CEO: Batch Bicycles To Target ‘Underserved’ Market
Huffy’s new brand, Batch Bicycles, is a higher-end line of bikes to be sold only in independent shops. In a Q&A with SGB Executive, Huffy CEO Bill Smith (left) said the new products will target an underserved market—customers who want a bike priced somewhere between big-box and specialty store offerings.

Wells Fargo Upgrades Newell Brands On Potential Further Sales
Wells Fargo raised its rating on Newell Brands due to expectations that proceeds from divestitures will come in greater than planned. West Fargo expects the second round of asset sales will include Newell’s outdoor & recreation division, which includes Coleman, along with outdoor apparel and beverage brands; and its fishing brands.