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Johnson Outdoors (NASDAQ: JOUT) grows Q1 sales 31% as losses shrink

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(High)
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(Neutral)
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8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Johnson Outdoors Inc. reported a much stronger fiscal first quarter for the period ended January 2, 2026, with rapid growth and sharply reduced losses.

Net sales rose 31% to $140.9 million from $107.6 million, driven by a 36% increase in Fishing revenue, 12% growth in Camping & Watercraft Recreation, and 15% growth in Diving. Gross margin improved to 36.6% from 29.9%, reflecting better overhead absorption and cost savings.

The company cut its operating loss to $2.9 million from $20.2 million, and net loss narrowed to $3.3 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, compared with $15.3 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, a year earlier. Johnson Outdoors ended the quarter with $130.7 million in cash and short-term investments and paid a quarterly cash dividend approved in December 2025.

Positive

  • Revenue surged and losses narrowed sharply: Q1 net sales rose 31% to $140.9 million, gross margin expanded to 36.6% from 29.9%, and net loss improved to $3.3 million from $15.3 million year over year.
  • Strong segment performance and solid balance sheet: Fishing revenue grew 36%, all segments posted double-digit sales gains, cash and short-term investments reached $130.7 million, and the company maintained a quarterly cash dividend.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

Strong Q1 rebound with 31% sales growth and much smaller loss.

Johnson Outdoors delivered a notable turnaround in its fiscal first quarter. Net sales grew 31% to $140.9 million, led by a 36% increase in Fishing and double‑digit gains in Camping & Watercraft Recreation and Diving, indicating broad-based demand across categories.

Profitability trends improved meaningfully. Gross margin expanded from 29.9% to 36.6%, and operating loss shrank to $2.9 million from $20.2 million. Net loss narrowed to $3.3 million ( $0.33 per diluted share) versus $15.3 million ( $1.49 per share), reflecting better cost control and higher volume.

Liquidity remains solid, with cash and short-term investments of $130.7 million as of January 2, 2026, while inventories declined versus the prior year period. The company also paid a quarterly cash dividend approved in December 2025, underscoring continued capital returns alongside investments in new products and digital commerce.

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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):  February 6, 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 February 6, 2026, Johnson Outdoors Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing results for the first fiscal quarter ended January 2, 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 February 6, 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: February 6, 2026 By:  /s/ David W. Johnson        
    David W. Johnson
    Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

Johnson Outdoors Reports Fiscal First Quarter Results

RACINE, Wis., Feb. 06, 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 first fiscal quarter ending January 2, 2026.

“We’re pleased with the positive start to our fiscal year. We saw markets stabilize and we continue to get solid reception to our innovation. Our critical investments in new products and digital commerce, combined with our ongoing hard work on improving profitability, are essential to position us for success,” said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
During the first fiscal quarter, the Company is ramping up for the primary selling period of its warm-weather outdoor recreation products across its second and third fiscal quarters. Total Company net sales in the first quarter increased 31 percent to $140.9 million compared to $107.6 million in the prior year first fiscal quarter.

  • Fishing revenue increased 36 percent mainly due to success of new product launches and improved trade inventory levels
  • Camping & Watercraft Recreation sales were up 12 percent primarily due to new product success and growth in the e-commerce channel
  • Diving sales rose 15 percent, driven by improvement across global markets

Total Company operating loss was $(2.9) million for the first fiscal quarter versus operating loss of $(20.2) million in the prior year first quarter. Gross margin improved to 36.6 percent, compared to 29.9 percent in the prior year quarter mainly due to improved overhead absorption and cost savings efforts. Operating expenses of $54.5 million increased $2.1 million from the prior year period, due primarily to increased sales volume-related expense, partially offset by decreased warranty expense.

Loss before income taxes was $(1.3) million in the current year quarter, compared to $(18.9) million in the prior year first quarter, mainly attributable to the improvement in operating loss noted above. Net loss was $(3.3) million, or $(0.33) per diluted share, versus $(15.3) million, or $(1.49) per diluted share in the previous year’s first quarter.

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Company reported cash and short-term investments of $130.7 million as of January 2, 2026. Depreciation and amortization were $5.1 million in the three months ending January 2, 2026, compared to $4.8 million in the prior three-month period. Capital spending totaled $4.3 million in the current quarter compared with $4.1 million in the prior year period. In December 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of record as of January 8, 2026, which was payable January 22, 2026.

“We continue to benefit from our ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency, enabling us to improve our margins and continue to reduce our inventory levels,” said David W. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer. “Looking forward, we will continue to strategically manage costs while protecting investments to strengthen the business.”

WEBCAST
The Company will host a conference call and audio web cast at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, February 6, 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 for the fiscal year ended October 3, 2025 which was 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, which may affect market and economic conditions, and may have 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 ENDED
Operating resultsJanuary 2, 2026December 27, 2024
Net sales$140,935 $107,649 
Cost of sales 89,325  75,466 
Gross profit 51,610  32,183 
Operating expenses 54,522  52,422 
Operating loss: (2,912) (20,239)
Interest income, net (1,263) (986)
Other income, net (394) (326)
Loss before income taxes (1,255) (18,927)
Income tax expense (benefit) 2,045  (3,637)
Net loss$(3,300)$(15,290)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Dilutive 10,341  10,270 
Net loss per common share - Diluted$(0.33)$(1.49)
   
Segment Results  
Net sales:  
Fishing$112,370 $82,472 
Camping & Watercraft Recreation 10,601  9,451 
Diving 17,974  15,684 
Other / Eliminations (10) 42 
Total$140,935 $107,649 
Operating profit (loss):  
Fishing$7,520 $(8,261)
Camping & Watercraft Recreation (1,118) (646)
Diving (336) (908)
Other / Eliminations (8,978) (10,424)
Total$(2,912)$(20,239)
   
Balance Sheet Information (End of Period)  
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments$130,731 $101,617 
Accounts receivable, net 85,108  68,297 
Inventories, net 183,940  201,606 
Total current assets 409,034  388,052 
Total assets 600,133  612,868 
Total current liabilities 108,195  91,661 
Total liabilities 186,584  172,584 
Shareholders’ equity 413,549  440,284 

                                       

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


FAQ

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

Johnson Outdoors posted strong top-line growth and smaller losses. Net sales increased 31% to $140.9 million, while net loss narrowed to $3.3 million from $15.3 million, reflecting higher volume, improved gross margin and better cost control across its outdoor recreation segments.

What drove Johnson Outdoors (JOUT) revenue growth in the quarter?

Growth was broad-based across segments. Fishing revenue grew 36% on successful new products and improved trade inventory. Camping & Watercraft Recreation sales rose 12%, and Diving sales increased 15%, helped by stronger global markets and expanding e-commerce activity.

How did Johnson Outdoors (JOUT) profitability change year over year?

Profitability improved significantly but remained negative. Operating loss shrank to $2.9 million from $20.2 million, and net loss declined to $3.3 million versus $15.3 million. Gross margin increased to 36.6% from 29.9%, mainly from better overhead absorption and cost savings.

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

Johnson Outdoors ended the quarter with strong liquidity. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $130.7 million as of January 2, 2026. Shareholders’ equity was $413.5 million, and inventories declined compared with the prior-year period, supporting ongoing working capital improvements.

Did Johnson Outdoors (JOUT) pay a dividend for this period?

Yes, the company paid a quarterly cash dividend. The Board approved the dividend in December 2025 for shareholders of record on January 8, 2026, payable on January 22, 2026, reflecting continued cash returns alongside investments in growth and efficiency.

What strategic priorities did Johnson Outdoors (JOUT) highlight in this update?

Management emphasized innovation, digital commerce and efficiency. The company is investing in new products and digital channels while continuing cost-structure improvements and operational efficiency initiatives to support margin expansion and position its warm-weather recreation brands for the primary selling season.
Johnson Outdoors Inc

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502.58M
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4.92%
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United States
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