The new fiscal year opened with a 1 percent increase in sales for Johnson Outdoors, with revenues hitting $70.5 million for the first quarter ended Jan. 1, though it was largely because of favorable currencies. The company reported a loss from continuing operations of $4.2 million, but was is an improvement over last year’s loss of $6.9 million. The company noted that because of the seasonality of its business, the first quarter typically results in a loss.
Sale of outdoor gear plunged by 22.0 percent to $8.8 million as good camping sales couldn’t make up for weakness in sales to the military. Diving revenues jumped by 18.9 percent to $18.5 million as key international markets started to bounce back from the economic turmoil, and currency effects were favorable. Watercraft sales fell by 7.0 percent and marine electronics rose by 3.5 percent.
The total operating loss was $3.6 million, down from a loss of $5.2 million the prior year. The company attributed this improvement to more stable markets for outdoor recreational goods, sales increases in diving and marine electronics, and a 1.4-percentage-point increase in the gross profit margin to 37.4 percent. It also noted improved operating efficiency in all businesses. I
The net loss was $4.2 million, bettering the net loss of $6.9 million from the previous year.
