Vista Outdoor reported earnings slumped 14.1 percent in the second quarter to 29.1 million, or 48 cents a share. Sales grew 23 percent to $630 million, boosted by the acquisition of Bell, Giro, Jimmy Styks and CamelBak over the past year. On an organic basis, sales were down 4 percent.

“Vista Outdoor continues to execute on its growth strategy,” said Vista Outdoor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark DeYoung. “Early in the quarter, Vista Outdoor completed the acquisition of Action Sports, which has enhanced our market offerings in cycling, snow sports and powersports, and the integration is on track. Including recent acquisitions, both sales and gross profit increased 23 percent over the prior-year period. We, like other consumer products companies, experienced a soft retail environment in the first quarter. Additionally, we were impacted by a shift in consumer spending from accessories to firearms platforms outside our portfolio, and the timing of international orders from the first quarter to later in our fiscal year. We expect a recovery in the second half of the fiscal year due to sell through of new products, increased international sales, the continued improvement in the retail environment and seasonal upside in the shooting sports market.”

For the first quarter ended July 3, 2016:

  • Sales were $630 million, up 23 percent from the prior-year quarter, including $134 million from recent acquisitions, and down 4 percent on an organic basis.
  • Gross profit was $171 million, up 23 percent from the prior-year quarter. The increase includes $42 million of gross profit from the recent acquisitions, partially offset by a 7 percent decrease in organic gross profit.
  • Operating expenses were $112 million, compared to $80 million in the prior-year quarter. The increase primarily reflects additional expenses generated by the acquisitions, as well as previously announced ongoing investments in SG&A and R&D.
  • The tax rate for the quarter was 38.2 percent, down from 39.9 percent in the prior-year quarter. The decrease was primarily caused by a true-up of assets in the prior year, partially offset by non-deductible acquisition costs in the current quarter.
  • Fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was 48 cents, compared to 53 cents in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted EPS was 48 cents, compared to 54 cents in the prior-year quarter.
  • Cash flow use for operating activities was $22 million compared to a use of $42 million in the prior-year period. Year-to-date free cash flow use was $41 million, compared to a use of $52 million in the prior-year period.
  • The company repurchased approximately 462,000 shares for $22 million. Since July 3, 2016, Vista Outdoor repurchased approximately 159,000 additional shares for $8 million.

“With expected improved performance in the second half of the year, the company reaffirms its financial guidance in fiscal year 2017, as we anticipate an improved retail landscape and a return to spending on hunting and shooting accessories to complement the growing firearms installed base,” said Vista Outdoor Chief Financial Officer Stephen Nolan. “We will also continue to leverage the strength of our portfolio, including new capabilities and talent from recent acquisitions, to improve performance and achieve execution excellence.”

Reaffirmed Outlook for Fiscal Year 2017

Vista Outdoor reaffirms FY17 financial guidance:

  • Sales in a range of $2.72 billion to $2.78 billion.
  • Interest expense of approximately $45 million.
  • Tax rate of approximately 37 percent.
  • Adjusted EPS in a range of $2.65 to $2.85.
  • Capital expenditures of approximately $90 million.
  • Free cash flow in a range of $130 million to $160 million.

The guidance above does not include the impact of any future strategic acquisitions, divestitures, investments, business combinations or other significant transactions, nor the impact of contingent consideration revaluation, transition expenses or inventory step-ups for already-completed acquisitions.