SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Titleist Parent Lifts Annual Earnings Outlook on Golf Club and Ball Strength

Acushnet Holdings Corp., the parent of Titleist and Footjoy, reported net earnings rose 10.6 percent in the third quarter on a 6.3 percent revenue gain. The increases were led by double-digit growth in club sales with with a 6.3 percent increase in balls.  Revenue guidance for the year was reaffirmed and earnings guidance slightly raised.

Report: Authentic and WHP Global Exploring Champion Acquisition

Hanesbrands, the parent company of Champion, has had “wide interest” from parties, including WHP Global and Authentic, in acquiring the brand since the company announced in late September that it was considering a possible sale.

Topgolf Callaway Acquires BigShots Golf

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. reported that the company purchased certain assets from Invited, Inc., the largest owner and operator of private golf clubs in the U.S., related to its BigShots Golf business.

Riddell Extends NFL Helmet Partnership Through 2030 Season

Riddell has inked a 7-year extension of its partnership with the National Football League and will continue to serve as the Exclusive Licensee of Collectible Helmets and an Authorized Supplier of Helmets to the NFL through the 2030 season.

Burn Boot Camp Promotes Burke to COO

Burn Boot Camp, based in Charlotte, NC, promoted Amber Burke to chief operating officer. She was VP of franchise operations.

U.S. Consumer Confidence Drops for Third Consecutive Month

The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index fell to 102.6 in October from an upwardly revised 104.3 in September. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the index slipping to 100.0 from the previously reported 103.0

Brooks Running Eyes Return to Double-Digit Growth In 2024

Brooks Running’s global revenue grew 5 percent in the first nine months of 2023, with North America revenue increasing 7 percent. The Seattle, WA-based running brand, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, reported it “remains the leading running footwear brand across U.S. retail and forecasted a return to double-digit growth in 2024.”

Garmin Lifts Outlook On Q3 Beat

Garmin, Ltd. raised its guidance for the year as third-quarter results topped expectations. Among segments, fitness sales grew 26 and Outdoor advanced 7 percent while Marine declined 7 percent.  

Big 5 Sporting Goods Sees Q3 Profits Miss Plan, Warns on Weak Holiday Quarter

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. reported earnings were slightly below guidance in the second quarter ended October 1 as same-store sales dropped 8.2 percent on weak discretionary spending. The California-based chain further predicted same-store sales in the fourth quarter will decline in the high single-digit to low double-digit range.

Former Academy Sports CEO Joins Guitar Center as Chairman

Guitar Center Holdings, Inc. appointed Ken Hicks, executive chairman of Academy Sports and Outdoors and former CEO, as Board Chair. Guitar Center also named Gabriel Dalporto its new CEO and rehired Tim Martin as CFO.

Canadian Tire Exploring Alternatives for Financial Services Business

Canadian Tire Corp. said it bought back Scotiabank’s 20 percent stake in its financial services arm in a cash transaction valued at C$895 million ($647.14 mm) and is reviewing alternatives for its financial services arm. The moves were made in part to better support its loyalty program.

BSN Sports Secures Partnership with USA Water Polo

BSN Sports signed its first partnership with USA Water Polo. Through the agreement, BSN Sports will outfit the USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program and USAWP National Team programs with custom apparel.