Johnson Outdoors Inc. reported earnings rose 36.3 percent in the second quarter ended April 2 on a 26 percent sales gain.

“Through the second fiscal quarter, our results reflect the strong levels of demand fueled by the pandemic and the increased interest in outdoor activities. I am proud of our team for their exceptional work in delivering these results during this unprecedented time. Our primary focus continues to be keeping pace with high demand,” said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Looking ahead, the power of our innovation and the enduring strength of our brand equities continue to well-position Johnson Outdoors for marketplace success.”

Second Quarter Results
Sales in the second fiscal quarter reflect shipments to customers in anticipation of the primary retail selling period for the outdoor recreation industry’s warm-weather products. Total company net sales in the second quarter surged 26 percent year over year to $206.2 million, versus $163.1 million in the prior year’s fiscal quarter. Key contributing factors to the results were:

  • Continued high demand across all product lines in Minn Kota and Humminbird propelled a 19.5 percent increase in Fishing revenue.
  • Watercraft Recreation and Camping sales rose significantly due to strong demand across all product categories.
  • Ongoing pandemic-related global travel restrictions and lockdowns in various countries led to the unfavorable year-over-year revenue comparison in Diving.

Total company operating profit during the quarter was $36.0 million versus $31.8 million in the prior-year second quarter. Gross margin dipped slightly to 45.2 percent due primarily to increases in tariffs and freight costs year over year. Operating expenses were $57.2 million, with the increase driven by higher sales volume-driven expenses, as well as higher variable and deferred compensation expense between quarters. Favorable market conditions on the company’s deferred compensation plan assets resulted in higher deferred compensation expense in the current year quarter as compared to the prior-year quarter, which was entirely offset by a gain in Other Income. Net income increased 36.3 percent to $27.8 million, or $2.74 per diluted share from $20.4 million, or $2.02, a year ago.

Year-To-Date Results
Fiscal 2021 year-to-date net sales were $371.8 million, a 28 percent increase over last year’s first fiscal six-month period. Total company operating profit rose 54.4 percent to $59.6 million compared to $38.6 million in the prior fiscal year-to-date period. Gross margin improved to 45.3 percent in the first fiscal six months versus 44.2 percent in the prior fiscal year-to-date period. Operating expenses were $108.7 million due to volume-related costs and the items noted above for the quarter. Net income during the first fiscal six months was $47.7 million, or $4.70 per diluted share, versus $26.8 million, or $2.66 per diluted share, in the prior fiscal year-to-date period. The company’s effective tax rate decreased year-over-year to 24.7 percent.

Other Financial Information
The company reported cash and short-term investments of $186.9 million as of April 2, 2021. Depreciation and amortization were flat year-over-year at $6.8 million. Capital spending was $9.8 million in the first fiscal six months compared with $7.8 million in the prior-year period. In February 2021, the company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of record as of April 15, 2021, which was payable on April 29, 2021.

“We’re continuing to work with our supply chain partners to maintain adequate inventory and increase capacity where possible as we work hard to fill demand,” said David W. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer. “The balance sheet remains strong and our healthy cash position enables us to invest in strategic opportunities to strengthen the business while continuing to create value for the long-term and consistently pay dividends to shareholders.”

Photo courtesy Johnson Outdoors