Brunswick Corporation has reported net sales of $932.1 million for the third quarter ended Sept. 27, up from $824.4 million a year earlier. Consolidated U.S. sales rose by 15 percent while combined sales outside the U.S. increased by 10 percent. Net earnings were $61.0 million, up from $57.2 million for the third quarter of 2013. The gross margin of 27.8 percent reflected an increase of 20 basis points from the prior year, and a year-to-date improvement of 60 basis points. Sales in the Fitness segment, comprising Life Fitness and Hammer Strength as well as the billiards operations that have been kept by the group, increased by 11 percent on a comparable basis to $189.0 million. The segment's revenues generated outside the U.S. rose by 10 percent, representing 52 percent of the overall turnover. The sales increase for the Fitness business was also driven by growth in sales to U.S. health clubs, hospitality and local and federal government customers. The Fitness segment reported operating earnings of $25.8 million for the quarter, which compares with $25.3 million in the third quarter of 2013, and the management predicts that the operating margin will move to a range of 14 to 1 percent through 2016. Combined sales in Brunswick's Marine Engine and Boats segments increased by 14 percent in the quarter.

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