Johnson Outdoors Inc. (NASDAQ:JOUT) delivered a stronger-than-expected start to its fiscal year, reporting first-quarter results on Friday that beat market forecasts as sales climbed sharply on improved demand and a solid reception for new products.
Shares in the outdoor recreation equipment maker rose 1.43% in after-hours trading following the release.
For the quarter ended January 2, 2026, Johnson Outdoors posted a loss of -$0.33 per share, narrower than the -$0.45 loss analysts had anticipated. Revenue jumped 31% year over year to $140.9 million, comfortably ahead of the $121.7 million consensus estimate and up from $107.6 million a year earlier.
“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,” said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Growth was led by the Fishing segment, where sales rose 36%, while Diving revenue increased 15% and Camping & Watercraft Recreation advanced 12%. Gross margin improved significantly to 36.6% from 29.9% in the prior-year quarter, reflecting better overhead absorption and ongoing cost-efficiency measures.
“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.
Despite the strong top-line performance, the company still recorded an operating loss of -$2.9 million, though this represented a substantial improvement from the -$20.2 million loss reported in the same quarter last year.
Johnson Outdoors ended the quarter with $130.7 million in cash and short-term investments, providing a solid liquidity position as it heads into its seasonally stronger second and third quarters, when demand for warm-weather outdoor products typically accelerates.