Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Diluted Earnings of 47¢ Per Share and Declares Quarterly Dividend of 19¢ Per Share

Rhea-AI Summary

Sturm, Ruger & Company (NYSE: RGR) reported Q2 2024 results with net sales of $130.8 million and diluted earnings of 47¢ per share, down from $142.8 million and 91¢ per share in Q2 2023. For H1 2024, net sales were $267.6 million with diluted earnings of 87¢ per share. The company declared a quarterly dividend of 19¢ per share.

Despite industry decline, Ruger's sell-through to retailers increased, driven by new product demand. The company implemented efficiency measures, resulting in an 18% production increase in Q2 compared to Q1. Ruger maintains a strong balance sheet with $105.6 million in cash and short-term investments and no debt. In H1 2024, Ruger returned $27.1 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Positive

• Estimated sell-through of products to retailers increased 1% in Q2 and H1 2024, outperforming industry trends
• New product sales represented 31% of firearm sales in H1 2024, up from 23% in H1 2023
• Production increased 18% in Q2 compared to Q1 despite headcount reduction
• Strong balance sheet with $105.6 million in cash and short-term investments and no debt
• Repurchased 477,917 shares at an average cost of $42.41 per share in H1 2024

Negative

• Q2 2024 net sales decreased to $130.8 million from $142.8 million in Q2 2023
• Q2 2024 diluted earnings per share dropped to 47¢ from 91¢ in Q2 2023
• H1 2024 net sales declined to $267.6 million from $292.3 million in H1 2023
• H1 2024 diluted earnings per share decreased to 87¢ from $1.72 in H1 2023
• Industry-wide NICS background checks decreased 8% in Q2 and 6% in H1 2024

Insights

Financial Analyst

Sturm, Ruger & Company's Q2 2024 results present a mixed picture. Net sales decreased to $130.8 million from $142.8 million in Q2 2023, a 8.4% decline. Similarly, diluted earnings per share dropped to 47¢ from 91¢, a significant 48.4% decrease. These figures suggest challenging market conditions for the firearms industry.

However, there are some positive indicators. The company's estimated sell-through to retailers increased by 1%, outperforming the overall market as indicated by the 8% decrease in NICS background checks. This suggests Ruger is gaining market share, likely driven by new product introductions.

The company's focus on operational efficiency is noteworthy. Despite a reduction in headcount, Q2 production increased by 18% from Q1. This improved productivity could lead to better margins in future quarters if demand remains stable or grows.

Ruger's balance sheet remains strong, with $105.6 million in cash and short-term investments and no debt. The company continues to return value to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, totaling $27.1 million in the first half of 2024.

While the current results show a decline, Ruger's strategic focus on new products, operational efficiency and maintaining a strong balance sheet positions it well for potential market recovery. Investors should monitor consumer demand trends and the impact of new product launches in the coming quarters.

Market Research Analyst

The firearms market is showing signs of normalization after the surge in demand during the pandemic years. Ruger's performance, while down year-over-year, demonstrates resilience in a challenging environment. The 1% increase in sell-through to retailers, contrasting with the broader market decline, indicates strong product positioning and brand loyalty.

New products are driving growth, accounting for 31% of firearm sales in H1 2024, up from 23% in H1 2023. This increase of $16.4 million in new product sales underscores the importance of innovation in maintaining market share. The success of products like the Marlin lever-action rifles and LC Carbine, recognized by industry awards, suggests Ruger is effectively meeting evolving consumer preferences.

The reduction in both company and distributor inventories (13,300 and 88,700 units respectively) could be a double-edged sword. While it provides an opportunity for replenishment in H2, it may also reflect cautiousness in the supply chain due to economic uncertainties. The company's disciplined pricing and promotion strategy, while potentially impacting short-term sales, aims to maintain channel stability - a important factor in the volatile firearms market.

Looking ahead, Ruger's planned new product launch in the second half of 2024 could be a key driver for performance. However, broader economic factors, regulatory changes and shifts in consumer sentiment towards firearms will continue to influence the market dynamics. Investors should closely monitor these external factors alongside Ruger's product pipeline and operational efficiency initiatives.

SOUTHPORT, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE-RGR) announced today that for the second quarter of 2024, net sales were $130.8 million and diluted earnings were 47¢ per share. For the corresponding period in 2023, net sales were $142.8 million and diluted earnings were 91¢ per share.

For the six months ended June 29, 2024, net sales were $267.6 million and diluted earnings were 87¢ per share. For the corresponding period in 2023, net sales were $292.3 million and diluted earnings were $1.72 per share.

The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a dividend of 19¢ per share for the second quarter for stockholders of record as of August 15, 2024, payable on August 30, 2024. This dividend varies every quarter because the Company pays a percentage of earnings rather than a fixed amount per share. This dividend is approximately 40% of net income.

Chief Executive Officer Christopher J. Killoy commented on the second quarter of 2024, “Although consumer demand in the firearms market declined from the second quarter of last year, the estimated sell-through of our products from our independent distributors to retailers bucked this trend and increased during the same period. This growth was primarily driven by the demand for many of our recently introduced products, including:

• American Rifle Generation II family of rifles,
• Marlin lever-action rifles, including the 1895 Dark Series and the 336 models,
• LC Carbine chambered in .45 Auto,
• 75^th Anniversary Mark IV Target pistol,
• 75^th Anniversary 10/22 rifles,
• 75^th Anniversary LCP MAX pistol, and
• Mini-14 rifle with side-folding stock.

Further, the industry has recognized many of these innovative products with awards and accolades, including the recently announced Industry Choice Awards for:

• Lever Gun of the Year (Marlin Dark Series Model 1895),
• Carbine of the Year (LC Carbine in .45 Auto), and
• High Overall Rifle of the Year (Ruger American Rifle Gen II Ranch).

We look forward to adding to this success with an exciting new product and more product derivatives that we plan to launch in the second half of the year.”

Mr. Killoy continued, “Earlier this year, we reorganized some aspects of our business and implemented a reduction in force to achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and flexibility throughout our organization. We are starting to realize the benefits of these actions. Despite a reduction in headcount, second quarter production increased 18% from the first quarter. We expect further improvements from the initiatives we are currently pursuing and we continue to look for additional opportunities to reduce or eliminate inefficiencies in every part of our business.”

Mr. Killoy concluded, “We remain focused on the long-term goal of creating shareholder value. Our disciplined pricing and promotion strategy may not always benefit current period sales and profitability, but instead enhances our long-term performance and promotes consistency throughout the distribution channel. Allowing both independent distributors and retailers to confidently invest in our inventory is essential to Ruger’s long-term success and leadership in the volatile firearms market. We continue to leverage our strong, debt-free balance sheet. In the first half of 2024, we repurchased 477,917 shares of our stock at an average cost of $42.41 per share, representing approximately 3% of our outstanding shares.”

Mr. Killoy made the following observations related to the Company’s second quarter 2024 performance:

• The estimated unit sell-through of the Company’s products from the independent distributors to retailers increased 1% in both the second quarter and first half of 2024 compared to the prior year periods. For the same periods, NICS background checks, as adjusted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, decreased 8% and 6%, respectively.
• Sales of new products, including the Security-380 pistol, Super Wrangler revolver, Marlin lever-action rifles, LC Carbine, Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle, and American Centerfire Rifle Generation II represented $79.7 million or 31% of firearm sales in the first half of 2024, an increase from $63.3 million or 23% of sales in the first half of 2023. New product sales include only major new products that were introduced in the past two years.
• Our profitability in the second quarter of 2024 improved from the first quarter of 2024 as we increased production, despite the reduction in headcount.
• Compared to the second quarter of 2023, the Company’s and distributor’s finished goods inventories have been reduced by 13,300 units and 88,700 units, respectively, providing an opportunity for replenishment in the second half of the year.
• Cash provided by operations during the first half of 2024 was $26.1 million. At June 29, 2024, our cash and short-term investments totaled $105.6 million. Our current ratio is 4.8 to 1 and we have no debt.
• In the first half of 2024, capital expenditures totaled $10.4 million related to new product introductions, upgrades to our manufacturing equipment, and facilities. We expect our 2024 capital expenditures to approximate $20 million.
• In the first half of 2024, the Company returned $27.1 million to its shareholders through:
  • the payment of $6.8 million of quarterly dividends, and
  • $20.3 million through the repurchase of shares of its common stock in the open market.
• At June 29, 2024, stockholders’ equity was $321.5 million, which equates to a book value of $18.90 per share, of which $6.21 per share was cash and short-term investments.

Today, the Company filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2024. The financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are attached to this press release.

Tomorrow, August 1, 2024, Sturm, Ruger will host a webcast at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the second quarter 2024 operating results. Interested parties can listen to the webcast via this link or by visiting Ruger.com/corporate. Those who wish to ask questions during the webcast will need to pre-register prior to the meeting.

The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2024 is available on the SEC website at SEC.gov and the Ruger website at Ruger.com/corporate. Investors are urged to read the complete Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to ensure that they have adequate information to make informed investment judgments.

About Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms for the commercial sporting market. With products made in America, Ruger offers consumers almost 800 variations of more than 40 product lines, across both the Ruger and Marlin brands. For 75 years, Ruger has been a model of corporate and community responsibility. Our motto, “Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens^®,” echoes our commitment to these principles as we work hard to deliver quality and innovative firearms.

The Company may, from time to time, make forward-looking statements and projections concerning future expectations. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to certain qualifying risks and uncertainties, such as market demand, sales levels of firearms, anticipated castings sales and earnings, the need for external financing for operations or capital expenditures, the results of pending litigation against the Company, the impact of future firearms control and environmental legislation, and accounting estimates, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date such forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent unanticipated events.

STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Dollars in thousands)
	June 29, 2024			December 31, 2023
Assets
Current Assets
Cash	$	7,153		$	15,174
Short-term investments		98,490			102,485
Trade receivables, net		56,119			59,864
Gross inventories		145,839			150,192
Less LIFO reserve		(66,854	)		(64,262	)
Less excess and obsolescence reserve		(5,653	)		(6,120	)
Net inventories		73,332			79,810
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		16,857			14,062
Total Current Assets		251,951			271,395
Property, plant and equipment		471,440			462,397
Less allowances for depreciation		(400,126	)		(390,863	)
Net property, plant and equipment		71,314			71,534
Deferred income taxes		14,727			11,976
Other assets		38,711			43,912
Total Assets	$	376,703		$	398,817

STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Continued) (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	June 29, 2024			December 31, 2023
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	29,583		$	31,708
Contract liabilities with customers		-			149
Product liability		314			634
Employee compensation and benefits		16,692			24,660
Workers’ compensation		5,432			6,044
Total Current Liabilities		52,021			63,195
Employee compensation		1,252			1,685
Product liability accrual		61			46
Lease liability		1,903			2,170
Contingent liabilities		-			-
Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock, non-voting, par value $1:
Authorized shares 50,000; none issued		-			-
Common Stock, par value $1:
Authorized shares – 40,000,000
2024 – 24,467,983 issued, 17,011,666 outstanding
2023 – 24,437,020 issued, 17,458,620 outstanding
		24,468			24,437
Additional paid-in capital		48,346			46,849
Retained earnings		426,551			418,058
Less: Treasury stock – at cost
2024 – 7,456,317 shares 2023 – 6,978,400 shares
		(177,899	)		(157,623	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity		321,466			331,721
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	376,703		$	398,817

STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 29, 2024			July 1, 2023			June 29, 2024			July 1, 2023
Net firearms sales	$	129,829		$	141,853		$	265,837		$	290,746
Net castings sales		932			951			1,744			1,511
Total net sales		130,761			142,804			267,581			292,257
Cost of products sold		101,607			104,656			209,024			215,623
Gross profit		29,154			38,148			58,557			76,634
Operating expenses:
Selling		9,484			9,808			19,190			19,033
General and administrative		10,698			9,925			22,864			22,165
Total operating expenses		20,182			19,733			42,054			41,198
Operating income		8,972			18,415			16,503			35,436
Other income:
Interest income		1,329			1,479			2,684			2,693
Interest expense		(25	)		(30	)		(42	)		(55	)
Other income, net		179			369			357			651
Total other income, net		1,483			1,818			2,999			3,289
Income before income taxes		10,455			20,233			19,502			38,725
Income taxes		2,191			4,048			4,154			8,190
Net income and comprehensive income	$	8,264		$	16,185		$	15,348		$	30,535
Basic earnings per share	$	0.48		$	0.91		$	0.88		$	1.73
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.47		$	0.91		$	0.87		$	1.72
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - Basic		17,343,341			17,714,471			17,388,509			17,696,579
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - Diluted		17,618,508			17,826,205			17,615,244			17,798,521
Cash dividends per share	$	0.16		$	0.32		$	0.39		$	5.74

STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC.   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (Dollars in thousands)
	Six Months Ended
	June 29, 2024			July 1, 2023
Operating Activities
Net income	$	15,348		$	30,535
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		11,137			13,046
Stock-based compensation		2,152			1,948
Excess and obsolescence inventory reserve		(467	)		-
Gain on sale of assets		-			(2	)
Deferred income taxes		(2,751	)		(3,950	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables		3,745			12,383
Inventories		6,945			(4,423	)
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses		(2,770	)		(5,654	)
Contract liability with customers		(149	)		(931	)
Employee compensation and benefits		(8,469	)		(8,882	)
Product liability		(305	)		199
Prepaid expenses, other assets and other liabilities		1,669			(11,285	)
Income taxes payable		-			(1,171	)
Cash provided by operating activities		26,085			21,813
Investing Activities
Property, plant and equipment additions		(10,414	)		(4,873	)
Proceeds from sale of assets		-			3
Purchases of short-term investments		(76,409	)		(117,977	)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments		80,404			150,898
Cash (used for) provided by investing activities		(6,419	)		28,051
Financing Activities
Remittance of taxes withheld from employees related to share-based compensation
		(624	)		(2,156	)
Repurchase of common stock		(20,276	)		-
Dividends paid		(6,787	)		(101,425	)
Cash used for financing activities		(27,687	)		(103,581	)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(8,021	)		(53,717	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		15,174			65,173
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	7,153		$	11,456

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In an effort to provide investors with additional information regarding its financial results, the Company refers to various United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measures and two non-GAAP financial measures, EBITDA and EBITDA margin, which management believes provides useful information to investors. These non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled financial measures being disclosed by other companies. In addition, the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, GAAP financial measures. The Company believes that EBITDA and EBITDA margin are useful to understanding its operating results and the ongoing performance of its underlying business, as EBITDA provides information on the Company’s ability to meet its capital expenditure and working capital requirements, and is also an indicator of profitability. The Company believes that this reporting provides better transparency and comparability to its operating results. The Company uses both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate the Company’s financial performance.

EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation and amortization. The Company calculates this by adding the amount of interest expense, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization expenses that have been deducted from net income back into net income, and subtracting the amount of interest income that was included in net income from net income to arrive at EBITDA. The Company calculates EBITDA margin by dividing EBITDA by total net sales.

 

Non-GAAP Reconciliation – EBITDA
EBITDA   (Unaudited, dollars in thousands)
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 29, 2024			July 1, 2023			June 29, 2024			July 1, 2023
Net income	$	8,264		$	16,185		$	15,348		$	30,535
Income tax expense		2,191			4,048			4,154			8,190
Depreciation and amortization expense		5,304			6,510			11,137			13,046
Interest income		(1,329	)		(1,479	)		(2,684	)		(2,693	)
Interest expense		25			30			42			55
EBITDA	$	14,455		$	25,294		$	27,997		$	49,133
EBITDA margin		11.1	%		17.7	%		10.5	%		16.8	%
Net income margin		6.3	%		11.3	%		5.7	%		10.4	%

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240731056888/en/

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.

One Lacey Place

Southport, CT 06890

www.ruger.com

203-259-7843

Source: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

FAQ

What were Sturm, Ruger & Company's (RGR) earnings per share in Q2 2024?

Sturm, Ruger & Company (RGR) reported diluted earnings of 47¢ per share for the second quarter of 2024.

How much was Sturm, Ruger & Company's (RGR) quarterly dividend for Q2 2024?

Sturm, Ruger & Company (RGR) declared a quarterly dividend of 19¢ per share for the second quarter of 2024.

What was Sturm, Ruger & Company's (RGR) net sales for Q2 2024?

Sturm, Ruger & Company (RGR) reported net sales of $130.8 million for the second quarter of 2024.

How did Sturm, Ruger & Company's (RGR) Q2 2024 results compare to Q2 2023?

Sturm, Ruger & Company's (RGR) Q2 2024 net sales decreased to $130.8 million from $142.8 million in Q2 2023, and diluted earnings per share dropped to 47¢ from 91¢ in Q2 2023.

What percentage of Sturm, Ruger & Company's (RGR) firearm sales came from new products in H1 2024?

New product sales represented 31% of Sturm, Ruger & Company's (RGR) firearm sales in the first half of 2024, totaling $79.7 million.