Dividend pause as Camping World (NYSE: CWH) grows 2025 Adjusted EBITDA
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Camping World Holdings reported mixed 2025 results and reset its capital priorities. The company returned to growth with Adjusted EBITDA up more than 35% and expects 2026 Adjusted EBITDA between $275 million and $325 million, supported by higher new and used RV unit sales.
Balance sheet metrics improved as the net debt leverage ratio fell to 5.7x from 8.1x, with cash of $215 million and long-term debt of $1.472 billion at year-end and a further $50 million of debt repaid early in 2026. However, Camping World posted a 2025 net loss attributable to the company of $89.8 million and widened its fourth-quarter loss.
The board paused the regular cash dividend on Class A shares in February 2026 after reviewing tax distributions and a reduced pool of excess tax cash, and to prioritize deleveraging. Management is focusing 2026 on RV unit growth, expanding the Good Sam business, tighter SG&A control, and faster inventory turns, which are expected to pressure gross margins in the first half before improving them in the second half.
Positive
- Stronger profitability on an adjusted basis: Adjusted EBITDA rose to $242.9 million in 2025, an increase of more than 35% year over year, and management guides to $275 million–$325 million for 2026, indicating expectations for further earnings improvement.
- Meaningful deleveraging progress: The company reduced its net debt leverage ratio to 5.7x at the end of 2025 from 8.1x a year earlier, with $215 million of cash, $1.472 billion of long-term debt, and an additional $50 million of debt repayment completed early in 2026.
Negative
- Ongoing GAAP losses: Net loss attributable to Camping World Holdings, Inc. widened to $89.8 million in 2025, and the fourth quarter showed a larger loss versus the prior year, reflecting pressure from operating costs, interest expense, and tax items.
- Dividend program paused: In February 2026 the board suspended the regular cash dividend on Class A common stock, citing reduced excess tax distributions and a priority on cutting net debt leverage, which directly affects income-focused shareholders.
- Near-term margin pressure expected: Management plans “corrective” inventory actions that are anticipated to create gross margin headwinds in the first half of 2026 before potential tailwinds later in the year.
Insights
Dividend pause and continued losses offset stronger EBITDA and leverage gains.
Camping World delivered Adjusted EBITDA of
Despite this, the company reported a
Management’s 2026 plan emphasizes strict inventory management and SG&A efficiency, with expected gross margin headwinds in the first half of