SGB Update Sportsmans

October U.S. Employment Numbers Fall Short of Expectations

Many noted that the 150,000 increase in jobs and the 3.9 percent unemployment rate were in line with the pre-pandemic employment picture and some wondered if maybe, just maybe, the market was getting back to normal.

NSSF: October Adjusted NICS Background Checks Sees Rebound

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reported that the October 2023 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) number increased by 8.2 percent, rebounding after five months of declines.

Compass Diversified Posts Flattish Q3, Sells Marucci Sports

Owner of Velocity Outdoor, BOA, Marucci, Primaloft, 5.11, and other businesses in the active lifestyle space, reported that third quarter net sales were $569.6 million, down 1 percent compared to $575.8 million in the third quarter of 2022.

NRF Sees 3 to 4 Percent Growth in Holiday Spending

The National Retail Federation (NRF) delivered its annual holiday forecast, predicting sales during November and December will be between 3 percent and 4 percent higher over 2022, similar to pre-pandemic levels.

Sturm Ruger’s Q3 Sales Decline 13 Percent

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.’s sales declined 13.3 percent in the third quarter, to $120.9 million from $139.4 million a year ago.  Earnings fell 40.4 percent to $7.43 million, or 42 cents a share, from $18.4 million, or $2.13, a year ago.

Vista Outdoor’s Revenues Decline 13 Percent in Fiscal Second Quarter

Vista Outdoor, Inc. reported sales dropped 13 percent in the fiscal second quarter ended September 24 with declines of 19 percent in its Sporting Products segment and 6 percent in its Outdoor Products segment. Earnings and sales results were in line with updated guidance given on October 16.

Salvo Technologies Hires President of Salvo Sports Division

Most recently, Keith Enlow was president of Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets and Ammunition. Before that, he was the CEO for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Shooting teams. He has served in prior senior leadership roles at Remington Ammunition.

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