Results for ""eric smith""

More than half of the footwear that Rocky Brands Inc. imports is made in Chinese factories, so the fourth tranche of tariffs that went into effect in September should place significant pressure on the company’s bottom line beginning in Q4. But, like many others entangled in the trade war, the Nelsonville, OH-based company is working to mitigate the effect of tariff increases on its balance sheet. Here’s what Rocky Brands is planning.

Recent news from the recreational vehicle industry might lead some to believe that it’s doomed, but Winnebago Industries Inc. CEO Michael Happe has a much more upbeat market outlook. Though RV shipments are down and Winnebago just saw its fiscal fourth-quarter revenue dip, a combination of other key factors has Happe and his team optimistic about the company’s prospects.

An increased emphasis on international markets, especially Mexico and China, helped Skechers USA Inc. post record revenue in the third quarter, though a heightened global focus also took a toll on earnings. The company’s international sales increased 21.9 percent, or 25.7 percent on a constant currency basis, accounting for 58.8 percent of sales—the highest in the company’s 20 years of operation.

Analysts and investors reacted positively to Under Armour Inc.’s Tuesday morning announcement that the company would enact a succession plan and have current COO Patrik Frisk replace the company’s founder, Kevin Plank, as president and CEO on January 1, 2020. Here’s what they said about the leadership change.

Shares of Peloton Interactive Inc. slipped yet again Monday, down $1.26, or 5.4 percent, to $22.26 at market close, but analysts remain upbeat on the company’s prospects—specifically its ability to disrupt certain markets such as gym memberships—based on recent coverage initiation reports and rating changes to “buy” or equivalent.

Breckenridge, CO-based Rocky Mountain Underground— a ski maker that also runs a combination retail shop and tavern—is expanding into Canada with a locale in Whistler, BC. But Mike Waesche, president, and Scott Mant, North America sales manager, told SGB the company sees this move as a grassroots extension of RMU’s unique concept rather than a corporate expansion. These ski bums and business moguls wouldn’t have it any other way.

Six former Cabela’s employees are running the startup outdoor gear seller Nexgen Outfitters Inc. in Sidney, NE, where Cabela’s had been headquartered before being acquired by Bass Pro Shops. With the recent expiration of a noncompete injunction, the online provider is feeling a surge of momentum. SGB checks in on Nexgen’s journey.

Smartwool, Icebreaker and Napapijri aren’t the largest assets in VF Corp.’s $12 billion portfolio, combining for about $600 million in annual sales. But the company has big plans for these so-called “emerging” brands, including each one hitting double-digit growth over the next five years to reach $1 billion together.

A year and a half ago, Helen of Troy Ltd. committed to growing Hydro Flask sales in the Eastern U.S., a goal centered on both amplifying the brand’s message and expanding its distribution across the region. Those efforts are paying off for Hydro Flask and its El Paso, TX-based parent company, both of which have been focused for the past six or so quarters on raising the brand’s awareness and increasing market share in the East.

September was another busy month for M&A in the active lifestyle space. Notable transactions occurred in outdoor eyewear (Bollé Brands acquired Spy Optic), sporting goods retail (Sportsman’s Warehouse acquired eight Field & Stream stores from Dick’s) and recreational vehicle manufacturing (Winnebago acquired Newmar). SGB digs into the important details of each deal.

Greg Williamson took over as president of CamelBak at a precarious time for the brand. Not only was he the company’s fifth leader in four years, but when he arrived in July 2018, a key retailer had boycotted CamelBak products. With Williamson leading the charge, the brand’s fortunes are improving. He spoke with SGB about what that journey entails.

SGB goes behind the deal of Kathmandu Holdings Ltd.’s $236 million acquisition of Australian surf brand Rip Curl. We dig into why this addition will help Kathmandu grow into new markets and also reveal why Rip Curl turned down more lucrative offers to join the growing New Zealand-based outdoor retailer.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. on Monday took another important step in the ongoing “strategic review of its hunt business” by selling eight Field & Stream stores to Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. for $28 million. SGB looks at how the deal affects each company.

Shares of Vail Resorts Inc. jumped $6.63, or 2.9 percent, to $236.90 at market close Friday—after they were up in the high-single digits in morning trading—on the company’s news that 2019/20 pass sales increased 13 percent in units and 14 percent in dollars in the fiscal fourth quarter.

VF Corp. hosted its 2019 Investor Day Wednesday in Beaver Creek, CO, a couple of hours up I-70 from the company’s new hometown of Denver. There, VF’s chairman, president and CEO, Steve Rendle, outlined for analysts and investors the changes completed and the changes yet to come in VF’s ongoing evolution.