STOCK TITAN
  1. Home
  2. Sec-filings
  3. JOUT
  4. [8-K] JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC Reports Material Event

Johnson Outdoors (NASDAQ: JOUT) swings to profit on 16% Q2 sales rise

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Johnson Outdoors Inc. reported a much stronger second fiscal quarter for 2026. Net sales rose 16% to $194.5 million from $168.3 million, with growth in Fishing, Camping & Watercraft Recreation, and Diving. Operating income more than doubled to $10.3 million, and gross margin improved to 38.8% from 35.0% on better overhead absorption and cost savings.

Net income increased to $9.4 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, up from $2.3 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, a year earlier. Year-to-date net sales reached $335.4 million, up 21.5%, with operating results improving from a loss to a profit. The company ended the quarter with $107.9 million in cash and short-term investments and paid a quarterly cash dividend approved in February 2026.

Positive

  • Strong top-line growth and margin expansion: Q2 net sales rose 16% to $194.5 million and gross margin improved to 38.8% from 35.0%, driving operating income up to $10.3 million from $4.9 million.
  • Year-to-date turnaround to profitability: Fiscal 2026 year-to-date operating income reached $7.4 million versus a prior-year operating loss of $(15.3) million, with net income of $6.1 million compared to a $(13.0) million loss.
  • Solid liquidity and ongoing shareholder returns: Cash and short-term investments were $107.9 million at April 3, 2026, up from $93.9 million, and the Board approved a quarterly cash dividend payable April 30, 2026.

Negative

  • Rising operating costs and cost pressures: Q2 operating expenses increased by $11.2 million to $65.1 million, and management highlighted increased cost pressures alongside a modest inventory build ahead of the selling season.

Insights

Johnson Outdoors shows strong Q2 rebound with higher sales, margins, and a swing to profitability.

Johnson Outdoors delivered a solid second fiscal quarter, with net sales up 16% to $194.5 million and broad-based growth across Fishing, Camping & Watercraft Recreation, and Diving. Operating income more than doubled to $10.3 million as gross margin expanded to 38.8%, helped by cost savings and improved overhead absorption.

For the first six months of fiscal 2026, revenue grew 21.5% to $335.4 million, and results improved from an operating loss to operating income of $7.4 million. Net income turned positive at $6.1 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, versus a prior-year loss. A cash and short-term investment balance of $107.9 million and continued dividends suggest financial flexibility, though management notes rising cost pressures and modestly higher inventories heading into the main selling season.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Q2 2026 net sales $194.5 million Second fiscal quarter 2026, up 16% from $168.3 million
Q2 2026 gross margin 38.8% Second fiscal quarter 2026, vs 35.0% prior year quarter
Q2 2026 operating income $10.3 million Second fiscal quarter 2026, vs $4.9 million prior year
Q2 2026 net income $9.4 million Second fiscal quarter 2026, vs $2.3 million prior year
Q2 2026 diluted EPS $0.89 per share Second fiscal quarter 2026, vs $0.22 per share prior year
Year-to-date net sales $335.4 million First six months of fiscal 2026, up 21.5% from $276.0 million
Cash and short-term investments $107.9 million Balance as of April 3, 2026, vs $93.9 million prior year
Inventories, net $186.9 million As of April 3, 2026, vs $180.1 million prior year
gross margin financial
"Gross margin improved to 38.8 percent, compared to 35.0 percent"
Gross margin is the difference between how much money a company makes from selling its products and how much it costs to produce them, expressed as a percentage of sales. It shows how efficiently a company is turning sales into profit before other expenses like marketing or salaries. Higher gross margin means the company keeps more money from each sale, which is a good sign of financial health.
operating income financial
"Total Company operating income was $10.3 million for the second fiscal quarter"
Operating income is the profit a company earns from its regular business activities after subtracting the costs directly related to running the business, such as wages, rent, and supplies. It shows how well the core operations are performing, ignoring income or expenses from non-regular activities like investments or one-time events. Investors use it to assess the company's efficiency and profitability from its main work.
effective tax rate financial
"The effective tax rate was an expense of 7.8 percent compared to 44.6 percent"
The effective tax rate is the percentage of a company's profits that it pays in taxes. It shows how much of its earnings go to taxes after all deductions and credits are considered. For investors, it indicates how much of the company's income is taken by taxes, impacting overall profitability and financial health.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"Certain matters discussed in this press release are “forward-looking statements,”"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
non-qualified deferred compensation plan financial
"earnings on the assets related to the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan"
An arrangement where an employer agrees to pay part of an employee’s salary or bonus at a later date, often to attract or keep key staff. Think of it as a company IOU or a delayed paycheck held on the company’s books rather than in a protected retirement account; investors care because these promises create future cash obligations that are typically unsecured and depend on the company’s financial health, affecting risk, liabilities, and cash-flow planning.
Revenue $194.5 million +16% YoY
Net income $9.4 million up from $2.3 million prior-year quarter
Diluted EPS $0.89 up from $0.22 prior-year quarter
Year-to-date revenue $335.4 million +21.5% YoY
Year-to-date net income $6.1 million vs $(13.0) million prior-year loss
Understanding 8-K Material Events →
False 0000788329 0000788329 2026-05-08 2026-05-08 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares
 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_________________

FORM 8-K

_________________

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  May 8, 2026

_______________________________

Johnson Outdoors Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_______________________________

Wisconsin 0-16255 39-1536083
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

555 Main Street

Racine, Wisconsin 53403

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(262) 631-6600

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

_______________________________

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $.05 par value per share JOUT NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 
 

 

Section 2 - Financial Information

 

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On May 8, 2026, Johnson Outdoors Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing results for the second fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2026 (the “Press Release”). A copy of the Press Release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report.

 

The information in this Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that Section, nor shall such information be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise stated in such filing.

 

 

Section 9 - Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)   Exhibits. The following exhibit is being furnished herewith:

 

99.1   Press Release Dated May 8, 2026.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
 
 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

  Johnson Outdoors Inc.
     
   
Date: May 8, 2026 By:  /s/ David W. Johnson        
    David W. Johnson
    Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
 
 

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.

Exhibit Index to Current Report on Form 8-K

Exhibit Number   Description
     
99.1   Press Release Dated May 8, 2026.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

Johnson Outdoors Reports Fiscal Second Quarter Results

RACINE, Wis., May 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Johnson Outdoors Inc. (Nasdaq:JOUT), a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technology, today announced operating results for the Company’s second fiscal quarter ending April 3, 2026.

“We delivered a strong second quarter, with growth across all of our business segments as retail conditions improved and our innovation continued to perform well. We are proud of our market-leading brands that continue to resonate with consumers,” said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “By staying focused on disciplined execution of our strategic priorities and strengthening our competitive position, we are confident we are taking the right actions to navigate the current macroeconomic environment while building long-term resilience.”

SECOND QUARTER RESULTS
Total Company net sales in the second fiscal quarter increased 16 percent to $194.5 million compared to $168.3 million in the prior year second fiscal quarter.

  • Fishing revenue increased 18 percent mainly due to improved trade conditions, a stronger competitive position in the market, and pricing
  • Camping & Watercraft Recreation sales were up 1 percent, primarily due to increased ecommerce sales
  • Diving sales increased 9 percent, driven by improved market conditions and growth in ecommerce

Total Company operating income was $10.3 million for the second fiscal quarter versus operating income of $4.9 million in the prior year second quarter. Gross margin improved to 38.8 percent, compared to 35.0 percent in the prior year quarter, due primarily to improved overhead absorption and cost savings. Operating expenses of $65.1 million increased $11.2 million from the prior year period, due primarily to increased sales-volume-related costs as well as increased variable compensation costs.

Profit before income taxes was $10.2 million in the second fiscal quarter, compared to $4.2 million in the prior year second quarter, mainly attributable to the improvement in operating income noted above. Net income was $9.4 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, versus $2.3 million, or $0.22 per diluted share in the previous year’s second quarter. The effective tax rate was an expense of 7.8 percent compared to 44.6 percent in the prior year second quarter.

YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS
Fiscal 2026 year-to-date net sales were $335.4 million, a 21.5 percent increase over last year’s first fiscal six-month period. Total Company operating income increased to $7.4 million, compared to an operating loss of $(15.3) million in the prior fiscal year-to-date period. Gross margin increased to 37.9 percent, compared to 33.0 percent in the prior year-to-date period, due to the same factors noted above for the quarter. Operating expenses were $119.7 million in the six-month period ending April 3, 2026, an increase of $13.3 million from the prior year due to the same factors noted above for the quarter.

Profit before income taxes for the year-to-date period was $9.0 million, versus a loss before income taxes of $(14.8) million in the first six months of the prior year. In addition to the increase in operating profit, Other income decreased by $(0.6) million, primarily due to a decrease in investment gains and earnings on the assets related to the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan in the current year-to-date period, offset as a reduction to operating expense. Net income during the first fiscal six months was $6.1 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, versus a net loss of $(13.0) million, or $(1.26) per diluted share, in the prior fiscal year-to-date period. The Company’s effective tax rate increased to 31.8 percent in the current year versus a benefit of 12.1 percent in the prior year six-month period.

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Company reported cash and short-term investments of $107.9 million as of April 3, 2026, an increase of $13.9 million versus the prior year quarter. Depreciation and amortization were $10.1 million in the six months ending April 3, 2026, compared to $10.0 million in the prior six-month period. Capital spending totaled $10.5 million in the current quarter compared with $7.4 million in the prior year period. In February 2026, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of record as of April 16, 2026, which was payable April 30, 2026.

“Our ongoing efforts to strategically manage costs helped boost margins in the second quarter. At the same time, we are seeing increased cost pressures, along with a modest increase in inventory as we prepare for the upcoming selling season,” said David W. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer. “Despite uncertainties in the broader economic environment, we remain focused on our financial discipline and will continue to closely manage the business to balance near-term pressures with long-term value creation.”

WEBCAST
The Company will host a conference call and audio web cast at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 8, 2026. A live listen-only web cast of the conference call may be accessed at Johnson Outdoors’ home page or here. A replay of the call will be available for 30 days on the Internet.

About Johnson Outdoors Inc.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping. Johnson Outdoors' iconic brands include: Old Town® canoes and kayaks; Carlisle® paddles; Minn Kota® trolling motors, shallow water anchors and battery chargers; Cannon® downriggers; Humminbird® marine electronics and charts; SCUBAPRO® dive equipment; and Jetboil® outdoor cooking systems.

Visit Johnson Outdoors at http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain matters discussed in this press release are “forward-looking statements,” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical fact are considered forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "anticipate,'' "believe,'' "confident," "could,'' "expect,'' "intend,'' "may,'' "planned,'' "potential,'' "should,'' "will,'' "would'' or the negative of those terms or other words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could affect actual results or outcomes include the matters described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 12, 2025, and the following: changes in economic conditions, consumer confidence levels and discretionary spending patterns in key markets; uncertainties stemming from political instability (and its impact on the economies in jurisdictions where the Company has operations), uncertainties stemming from changes in U.S. trade policies, tariffs, and the reaction of other countries to such changes; the global outbreaks of disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected, and may continue to affect, market and economic conditions, along with wide-ranging impacts on employees, customers and various aspects of our operations; the Company’s success in implementing its strategic plan, including its targeted sales growth platforms, innovation focus and its increasing digital presence; litigation costs related to actions of and disputes with third parties, including competitors; the Company’s continued success in its working capital management and cost-structure reductions; the Company’s success in integrating strategic acquisitions; the risk of future write-downs of goodwill or other long-lived assets; the ability of the Company’s customers to meet payment obligations; the impact of actions of the Company’s competitors with respect to product development or enhancement or the introduction of new products into the Company’s markets; movements in foreign currencies, interest rates or commodity costs; fluctuations in the prices of raw materials or the availability of raw materials or components used by the Company; any disruptions in the Company’s supply chain as a result of material fluctuations in the Company’s order volumes and requirements for raw materials and other components, or the demand for those same raw materials and components by third parties, necessary to manufacture and produce the Company’s products including related to shortages in procuring necessary raw materials and components to manufacture and produce such products; the success of the Company’s suppliers and customers and the impact of any consolidation in the industries of the Company’s suppliers and customers; the ability of the Company to deploy its capital successfully; unanticipated outcomes related to outsourcing certain manufacturing processes; unanticipated outcomes related to litigation matters; and adverse weather conditions. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date of this filing. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
(thousands, except per share amounts)    
 THREE MONTHS ENDEDSIX MONTHS ENDED
   
Operating resultsApril 3, 2026March 28, 2025April 3, 2026March 28, 2025
Net sales$194,480 $168,349 $335,415 $275,998 
Cost of sales 118,992  109,483  208,317  184,949 
Gross profit 75,488  58,866  127,098  91,049 
Operating expenses 65,139  53,965  119,661  106,387 
Operating profit (loss): 10,349  4,901  7,437  (15,338)
Interest income, net (584) (557) (1,847) (1,543)
Other income, net 726  1,300  332  974 
Profit (loss) before income taxes 10,207  4,158  8,952  (14,769)
Income tax expense (benefit) 798  1,854  2,843  (1,783)
Net income (loss)$9,409 $2,304 $6,109 $(12,986)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Dilutive 10,383  10,272  10,370  10,272 
Net income (loss) per common share - Diluted$0.89 $0.22 $0.58 $(1.26)
     
Segment Results    
Net sales:    
Fishing$159,025 $134,891 $271,395 $217,363 
Camping & Watercraft Recreation 18,053  17,852  28,654  27,303 
Diving 17,315  15,820  35,289  31,504 
Other / Eliminations 87  (214) 77  (172)
Total$194,480 $168,349 $335,415 $275,998 
Operating profit (loss):    
Fishing$18,705 $9,469 $26,225 $1,208 
Camping & Watercraft Recreation 788  1,246  (330) 600 
Diving (236) (413) (572) (1,321)
Other / Eliminations (8,908) (5,401) (17,886) (15,825)
Total$10,349 $4,901 $7,437 $(15,338)
     
Balance Sheet Information(End of Period)    
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments  $107,876 $93,951 
Accounts receivable, net   126,852  116,776 
Inventories, net   186,900  180,057 
Total current assets   427,728  407,079 
Total assets   618,273  624,474 
Total current liabilities   122,781  104,833 
Total liabilities   199,388  183,372 
Shareholders’ equity   418,885  441,102 


Johnson Outdoors Inc. 
David JohnsonPatricia Penman
Chief Financial OfficerChief Marketing Officer
262-631-6600  262-631-6600


Source: View Original Filing on SEC EDGAR

FAQ

How did Johnson Outdoors (JOUT) perform in its fiscal Q2 2026?

Johnson Outdoors delivered significantly stronger fiscal Q2 2026 results, with net sales up 16% to $194.5 million and operating income more than doubling to $10.3 million. Net income rose to $9.4 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, versus $2.3 million previously.

Which segments drove Johnson Outdoors (JOUT) revenue growth in Q2 2026?

Growth was broad-based across segments. Fishing revenue increased 18%, Camping & Watercraft Recreation sales rose 1%, and Diving sales grew 9%. Management cited improved trade and market conditions, stronger competitive positioning, and increased ecommerce activity as key drivers.

How did Johnson Outdoors’ (JOUT) profitability change year to date in fiscal 2026?

Year to date, Johnson Outdoors shifted from a loss to profitability. Operating income reached $7.4 million compared with an operating loss of $(15.3) million a year earlier. Net income was $6.1 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, versus a prior-year net loss of $(13.0) million.

What happened to Johnson Outdoors’ (JOUT) gross margin and expenses in Q2 2026?

Gross margin improved to 38.8% from 35.0%, mainly from better overhead absorption and cost savings. However, operating expenses increased to $65.1 million, up $11.2 million, largely due to higher volume-related expenses and increased variable compensation costs.

What is Johnson Outdoors’ (JOUT) cash position and balance sheet strength?

As of April 3, 2026, Johnson Outdoors reported $107.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, up from $93.9 million a year earlier. Shareholders’ equity was $418.9 million against total liabilities of $199.4 million, indicating a conservative balance sheet.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

5 documents

Press Releases

Other Documents