Winnebago Industries Board of Directors names John Murabito as chair; Declares quarterly cash dividend
Rhea-AI Summary
Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO) named John M. Murabito as chair of the board effective Dec. 17, 2025; he has served as an independent director since 2017 and succeeds David W. Miles, who will remain on the board.
The board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share, payable on Jan. 28, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Jan. 14, 2026. The company said this will mark its 46th consecutive quarterly payout. Murabito previously served as chief administrative officer and chief human resources officer at Cigna, and Miles will move to the Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees.
Positive
- New independent chair appointed: John M. Murabito (director since 2017)
- Quarterly dividend declared: $0.35 per share payable Jan 28, 2026 (record Jan 14, 2026)
- 46th consecutive quarterly payout for shareholders
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, WGO gained 3.40%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. Our momentum scanner triggered 3 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $39M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $1.18B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
WGO was up 1.37% pre-release, while peers were mixed: MBUU -1.85%, MCFT +2.41%, MPX +2.62%, LCII +0.83%, PII +1.81%, pointing to a stock-specific driver.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15 | Brand awards | Positive | +0.7% | Multiple industry awards for Winnebago, Newmar and Grand Design 2026 models. |
| Dec 04 | Earnings call schedule | Neutral | +1.3% | Announcement of date and time for Q1 FY26 earnings release and call. |
| Dec 03 | ESG recognition | Positive | +1.3% | Named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies with added Newsweek honors. |
| Oct 22 | Earnings results | Positive | +28.5% | Reported Q4 and FY25 results with Q4 growth and detailed FY26 guidance. |
| Sep 25 | Earnings call schedule | Neutral | +2.9% | Set date for Q4 and FY25 financial results and investor conference call. |
Across the last five news events, all with generally positive or neutral tone, WGO’s stock showed positive next-day moves, suggesting alignment between news flow and price reaction.
Over recent months, Winnebago reported awards across its premium RV brands, recognition for corporate responsibility, and strong Q4 FY25 results with updated Fiscal 2026 guidance. Earnings date announcements on Sep 25 and Dec 4 also saw positive reactions. Each of these events produced a positive 24-hour move, indicating that constructive operational and branding updates have been met with supportive trading ahead of today’s board and dividend announcement.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement combines a leadership transition, with John Murabito becoming board chair, and a continued quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share marking the 46th consecutive payout. Historically, WGO’s management and dividend releases have led to modest average moves of around 0.8%. Investors may watch upcoming Fiscal 2026 results, capital allocation decisions, and any further board or governance updates to assess how this leadership change complements the company’s long-term dividend and growth strategy.
Key Terms
quarterly cash distribution financial
common stockholders of record financial
independent director financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO) a premium outdoor recreation product manufacturer, announced today that John M. Murabito, an independent director since 2017, has been appointed as chair of the board. He succeeds David W. Miles, who has served as chair since 2019 and will remain on the board as a continuing member. The company also announced today that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash distribution of
Before retiring in 2022, Murabito served as chief administrative officer and previously as chief human resources officer at Cigna Corporation, a global healthcare services company. In these roles, he oversaw human resources, enterprise marketing, security and aviation, civic affairs and the Cigna Foundation, where he also served as president.
“Throughout his tenure as a director and chair of our human resources committee, John has demonstrated exceptional strategic vision and collaborative leadership,” said Winnebago Industries President and CEO, Michael Happe. “His deep public company experience, understanding of our business and focus on driving shareholder value position him well to help guide us through the opportunities ahead.”
Murabito commented, “I am honored to serve as chair and look forward to working closely with the board and leadership team to advance Winnebago Industries’ strategic priorities. Together, we will build on the company’s strong foundation and continue delivering exceptional experiences for our customers and returns for shareholders.”
Miles will now serve on the Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees.
“On behalf of the company and the board, I extend our deep appreciation to Dave for his six years of dedicated service as chair,” said Happe. “His steady leadership during a transformative period helped shape the company’s direction, and we are pleased that he will continue to lend his insight as a valued member of the board.
“Our January dividend will mark the company’s 46th consecutive quarterly payout. We remain focused on positioning our portfolio of premium brands for long-term growth while continuing to deliver for our shareholders,” Happe said.
About Winnebago Industries
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor recreation products under the Winnebago, Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Newmar and Barletta brands, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds high-quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel products, outboard and sterndrive powerboats, pontoons, and commercial community outreach vehicles. Committed to advancing sustainable innovation and leveraging vertical integration in key component areas, Winnebago Industries has multiple facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota and Florida. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol WGO. For access to Winnebago Industries' investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company news releases, visit http://investor.wgo.net.
Investors: Joan Ondala | ir@winnebagoind.com
Media Contact: Daniel Sullivan | media@winnebagoind.com