SGB Executive Sports & Fitness
Parent Of Titleist Eying Golf Recovery In U.S.
David Maher, COO, Acushnet Holdings, stated, “It is encouraging that the U.S. retail market is weathering its structural correction fairly well. The general consensus from our trade partners is that they are faring better now than they did in 2016 or 2015 as there are fewer competitive doors and a greater percentage of their sales is generated from inline products.”
Badger Sportswear’s CEO Discusses Alleson Athletic Merger
In an interview with SGB, John Anton, CEO, Badger Sportswear, said its acquisition of Alleson Athletic helps position the company as the preeminent “one-shop” solution for dealers across the country. The deal also signals that Badger is indeed ramping up its growth ambitions following its own acquisition last August by private-equity firm CCMP Capital Advisors.
Under Armour Upgraded Due To Re-Accessed Expectations
In a note, Susquehanna analyst Sam Poser that while Under Armour’s business “will be challenging for some time,” the downside to owning the stock is “more limited as UAA may have set the bar low enough to allow the company to hit the reset button.”
Asics Sales Slides 4.4 Percent In North America In Q3
Sales in the U.S. were down 11.4 percent on a currency-neutral basis in the first nine months of 2017.
Aisle Talk, Week Of October 30
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
VF Doubles Down On Merino Wool With Icebreaker Acquisition
VF Corp. looks to secure a dominant position in the fast-growing natural fiber category while Icebreaker believes it’s found a partner to help it become a $1 billion brand.
Gildan Activewear’s Top-Line In Q3 Impacted By Sock Slowdown
The overall sock business was down in the quarter due to weak demand in the sock category, particularly for higher-margin sock brands in department stores, national chains, and sporting goods.
Dorel Sports Revenues Plunge In Q3, Eyes Bounce Back In Q4
Dorel Sports’ 18 percent drop in sales in the third quarter was blamed on disruption in the mass channel, rainy weather and the bankruptcy of Toys”R”Us.
Newell’s Play Segment Sees Strong Earnings Uptick
On a conference call with analysts, Michael Polk, Newell’s CEO, highlighted mid-single-digit growth from the Fishing and Team Sports segments although the improved earnings largely reflects the absence of year-ago inventory writeoffs post-acquisition.
Fitbit’s Sales Show Some Recovery, Fitbit Ionic Off To Strong Start
Fitbit Inc. reported a steep loss and sales decline in the third quarter amid its transitional year, but indicated that sales are improving in most regions sequentially and its first smartwatch, the Fitbit Ionic, has launched strongly.
Champion’s Sales Climb Double Digits In Q3
Asked if the Champion brand is feeling pressure from the promotions being employed by Nike and Under Armour to reduce inventories in the U.S. market, Gerald Evans, HanesBrand’s CEO, said the core Champion business “was up 20 percent in our sporting goods and department store mid tiers. We now have the TSA bankruptcy behind us and we saw nice growth in our Sports License Apparel business as well.”
Garmin Q3 Boosted By Strong Outdoor Sales
Garmin’s Outdoor segment rose 31.2 percent, led by demand for its fēnix 5 watches as well as solid growth in its inReach devices and subscription services. The Fitness segment decline 11.6 percent, primarily driven by the decline of the basic activity tracker market and the timing of recent product introductions.
Big 5 Gaining Market Share Out West
Shares of Big 5 Sporting Goods jumped on Wednesday after the West Coast-based chain indicated it’s holding onto market share gained from the exit of older competitors (Sports Authority, Sports Chalet) while faring well against a newer competitor (Dick’s).
Under Armour’s Shares Crash On Slashed Outlook
Shares of Under Armour fell $3.89, or 23.7 percent, to $12.52, on Tuesday after the company significantly reduced its outlook for the year due to further erosion in its U.S. business and indicated the weakness would likely continue in 2018. Sales in the second quarter also fell short of Wall Street’s targets as sales declined for the first time since the company went public in 2005.
Nautilus Shares Plunge On Lowered Outlook
On a conference call with analysts, Bruce Cazenave, CEO, said the lowered guidance reflects additional investments planned to create momentum for HVT. Retail growth will also moderate in the fourth versus the third due to the timing of launches.
