Johnson Outdoors Inc. (NASDAQ:JOUT), a leader in the outdoor recreation gear and technology sectors worldwide, released its financial results for the fiscal first quarter ending January 2, 2026. The quarter saw a notable increase in net sales and a significant reduction in net losses, surpassing market expectations for both revenue and earnings per share.
The company reported net sales of $140.935 million, a 31% increase compared to the same quarter last year, notably outperforming the $123.948 million forecasted by analysts. Despite recording a GAAP net loss of $3.3 million, or a loss of 33 cents per diluted share, this represented a substantial improvement from the $15.3 million net loss, or $1.49 per diluted share, reported in the prior fiscal year’s first quarter. The reported loss per share also outperformed the expected loss of 45 cents per diluted share.
Operating profitability improved markedly, with operating losses contracting to $2.9 million, down sharply from a $20.2 million loss recorded in the comparable period. The firm's gross margin increased to 36.6% from 29.9%, an enhancement largely attributed to more effective overhead absorption as well as various cost-saving measures implemented during the year.
Operating expenses rose moderately to $54.5 million, an increase of $2.1 million relative to the prior year, primarily driven by sales-related volume expenses. This increase was partially offset by reductions in warranty-related costs, underscoring improvements in product reliability or claims management.
Chairman and CEO Helen Johnson-Leipold expressed optimism regarding the company's trajectory, stating, “We’re pleased with the positive start to our fiscal year. Our markets have shown signs of stabilization and our new product innovations continue to be well received. The strategic investments we have made in product development and digital commerce initiatives, alongside a steadfast focus on profitability improvement, position us favorably for future success.”
Supporting this view, CFO David W. Johnson highlighted ongoing efficiency programs, emphasizing their role in margin enhancement and inventory reduction efforts. “Our continuous drive to improve operational efficiency has enabled better margin outcomes and lower inventory levels at quarter end. Moving forward, we intend to maintain a careful balance of cost management while protecting investments critical to strengthening the business,” he noted.
Detailed performance analysis by business segment revealed divergent results. The fishing segment delivered strong growth, with net sales increasing 36% to $112.370 million, driven primarily by the introduction of new products and improved inventory positioning at trade partners. This segment also swung to profitability, reporting an operating profit of $7.520 million compared to an operating loss of $8.261 million in the year-ago period.
The camping and watercraft recreation segment recorded net sales of $10.601 million, up slightly from $9.451 million previously, but operating losses widened to $1.118 million from $0.646 million, indicating challenges in controlling costs or delayed profitability gains within this division.
Diving segment sales rose to $17.974 million from $15.684 million, while operating losses were trimmed to $0.336 million, improving notably from a loss of $0.908 million one year earlier. This narrowing of losses suggests gradual progress toward segment profitability.
Regarding the company's financial position, Johnson Outdoors reported cash and short-term investments totaling $130.731 million at the close of the quarter, an increase from $101.617 million recorded in the same quarter last year. Inventory levels decreased to $183.940 million from prior year’s $201.606 million, reflecting effective inventory management and reduced stock overhang.
In its forward-looking statements, the company reiterated potential risks, specifically referencing changes in U.S. trade policies and tariffs, which could impact operational and financial outcomes.
Johnson Outdoors’ stock price decreased 2.3% to close at $48.38 on the day of the earnings announcement, though the shares remain near their 52-week high of $50.99, suggesting the market continues to weigh the company’s improving fundamentals against prevailing uncertainties.