Johnson Outdoors Inc. reported earnings results for the first quarter ended December 29, 2017. For the quarter, the company announced net sales of $116,579,000 against $93,729,000 a year ago. Key contributing factors to the results were: Continued positive momentum in new products from Minn Kota and Humminbird brands drove a 33% increase in pre-season Fishing sales; Growth in new core life-support products spurred a 17% jump in Diving revenue; Sales in Camping were flat year-over-year due to ongoing market challenges; Tightened retail inventory levels due to overall kayak market declines led to lower Watercraft Recreation sales. Operating profit was $7,037,000 against $472,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $8,324,000 against loss before income taxes of $45,000 a year ago. Net income was $235,000 or $0.02 per diluted share against $4,056,000 or $0.40 per diluted share a year ago. Capital spending was also higher this quarter.

The company announced that excluding unusual tax items, it would expect full year tax rate to be a blended U.S. tax rate in the mid-20s plus a few points for state and foreign taxes.