Fishing revenue returns to growth at Johnson Outdoors

Fishing revenue at Johnson Outdoors – the leading outdoor recreational sports equipment supplier – increased 7% in the third quarter as the group reported a 5% net increase in sales.

The jump in revenue from the division, which includes the Humminbird, Minn Kota and Cannon brands, signalled a welcome turnaround from the previous two quarters of its financial year which saw 3% and 25% decreases.

The uptick was attributed to continued success of its new products, which included success for Humminbird at last month’s ICAST, where it won the Best Electronics category for the XPLORE fish finder series (below).

Johnson’s Camping & Watercraft Recreation sector saw a 1 4% drop in sales compared to the previous comparable period. The group reported that sales would have improved 3% year-on-year had it not been due to the exit of the Eureka business.

Total company net sales rose 5% to $180.7m, compared to $172.5m. Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and CEO, said: “While the market continues to fluctuate, this quarter’s positive results emphasise our focus and investment on delivering market-winning innovation. 

“Importantly, we continue to make progress against our strategic priorities – innovation, digital and e-commerce and operational efficiency – which are critical to achieving our goal of delivering future healthy profitable growth.”

For the year to date, net sales were $456.7m, a 6.2% decrease over last year’s nine month period.

David W. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer, told investors that the tariff environment was ‘uncertain. “We continue to work through short and long-term strategies to mitigate the potential increases in costs. Our focus is ending the year with our brands well positioned for the future.”