ICYMI: Headlines From
Week Of May 3–7, 2021

Ruger Reports Q1 2021 Earnings

May 5, Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc. announced for the first quarter of 2021 it reported net sales of $184.4 million and diluted earnings of $2.16 per share, compared with net sales of $123.6 million and diluted earnings of 87¢ per share in the first quarter of 2020.

Ruger CEO Chris Killoy commented on the financial results for the first quarter of 2021: “Strengthening our workforce and realizing operational efficiencies resulted in an outstanding quarter. I could not be more proud of how well our folks rose to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and capitalized on the opportunities presented by the historic surge in demand during the past year. But we did not allow the frenetic pace of our business to distract us from our long-term goal of driving shareholder value.

“Our focus on our new product development initiatives remained steadfast. Consequently, in March we introduced the Ruger Max-9, a versatile 9mm pistol that has been met with tremendous excitement. We look forward to additional exciting product launches in 2021, including the return of Marlin lever action rifles, which we plan to begin shipping in the fourth quarter.”

For more info: ruger.com/corporate/PDF/ER-2021-05-05.pdf.

Vista Outdoor Announces Record Profits

May 6, Vista Outdoor Inc. reported operating results for the fourth quarter and Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21), which ended on March 31, 2021.

“Strength in our underlying business fundamentals, disciplined strategy execution and favorable consumer trends fueled our outstanding Fiscal Year 2021 results,” said Vista Outdoor CEO Chris Metz. “We delivered all-time record results for earnings per share, EBIT, and free cash flow as a result of our successful multi-year effort to strengthen our operations and improve profitability. The demand and order rate for all of our businesses continued to increase each quarter most recently resulting in fourth quarter sales growth of 40%.

“The integration of the Remington and HEVI-Shot acquisitions remain ahead of schedule and on track to be accretive to earnings in under 12 months. Our Outdoor Products segment delivered their best year on record.

“Looking ahead, 2021 promises to be a year where people continue to recreate and enjoy the outdoors. We enter this year with our highest level of cash flow, our lowest level of debt in years, a powerhouse of outdoor brands, an expanded addressable market, record numbers of passionate advocates for our products and an expanded commitment to preserve and protect our planet as we bring people outside.”

For more info: news.vistaoutdoor.com/2021-05-06-Vista-Outdoor-Reports-Record-Fourth-Quarter-and-Fiscal-Year-2021-Operating-Results.

Smith & Wesson To Divest Thompson/Center Brand

May 3, Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. announced plans to divest its Thompson/Center Arms (T/C Arms) brand. In the press release announcing this decision, the company shared it’s part of a “broader strategic plan that will focus on its core Smith & Wesson brands.”

“Thompson/Center is a beloved hunting brand with a longstanding heritage, and we’re committed to ensuring a smooth transition,” said Mark P. Smith, Smith & Wesson Brands president and CEO. “We remain fully committed to the hunting and long-range shooting market, and with this divestiture we will be able to now focus on these categories under our iconic Smith & Wesson brand. Additionally, this will allow us to immediately redirect manufacturing capacity to increase overall production volumes, allowing us to gain additional market share while simultaneously increasing profitability.”

At press time, a buyer for the T/C Arms brand has not been identified. The divestiture is not expected to have a material financial impact on S&W’s first quarter fiscal year 2022 results and it expects the divestiture to be accretive to its full year fiscal 2022 through higher overall production levels, increased margins and lower marketing costs. According to Smith & Wesson, this divesture will not result in a jobs loss “as its flexible manufacturing model allows it to repurpose capacity immediately to other areas without a headcount reduction.”

For more info: smith-wesson.com, tcarms.com.

Winchester Launches USA VALOR Limited Edition Series

Winchester celebrates its commitment to American freedom with the USA VALOR ammunition series. This limited-edition collection of military-inspired ammunition is now available in 9mm, 5.56mm and 12 GA buck shot.

Every purchase of Winchester USA VALOR ammunition helps support Folds of Honor, a U.S. veteran’s cause dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of America’s heroes while giving hope to the bearers of their legacy in the form of educational scholarships.

“Winchester continues to demonstrate its commitment to the U.S. military and veterans across the country with the launch of the USA VALOR limited-edition ammunition,” said Matt Campbell, Winchester VP of sales and marketing. “We’re proud to be aligned with Folds of Honor and its mission.”

“We are so grateful for the patriots at Winchester and for the company’s generous support,” said Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor. “Winchester recognizes and addresses the needs of the military families we serve. These students deserve our help, and we’re thankful for Winchester’s commitment.”

For more info: winchester.com, foldsofhonor.org.

NSSF PSAs Remind Recreational Shooters To Help Prevent Wildfires

With 90% of wildland fires in the U.S. caused by human actions, NSSF is reminding outdoor recreationists, including target shooters and hunters, to take precautions so they don’t accidentally ignite a wildfire.

NSSF’s “Help Prevent Wildfires” public service announcements campaign provides video and audio PSAs, an 8.5 x 11 poster, an infographic and shareable social media posts that remind recreational shooters and other outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of their surroundings and to take precautions, such as:
• Being aware of restrictions on shooting and other activities in fire-prone areas;
• Not using tracer rounds, exploding targets or ammunition that is steel-jacketed or contains steel-core components;
• Knowing that a vehicle’s hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation;
• Making sure all campfires and smoking materials are properly extinguished.

“After seeing the terrible destruction and heartbreak wildfires can cause, no one would want to accidentally be the cause of one,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “As gun owners, we care about safeguarding our communities and our natural resources, and so we remind everyone to check the fire-danger levels in their area and take precautions before heading outdoors to pursue our warm-weather activities, including recreational shooting.”

NSSF encourages individuals and organizations to share the “Help Prevent Wildfires” public service announcements and infographic on their social media networks and to use the #GunOwnersCare hashtag.

For more info: nssf.org/safety/wildfire-prevention.