American Outdoor Brands Report Includes Some Surprises

Recently released quarterly figures from American Outdoor Brands (AOB) indicates enthusiasm for firearm ownership and outdoor pursuits, in general, remains significantly higher than levels prior to the pandemic and widespread social unrest. The company’s net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 came in at $70.1 million, 61.8 percent higher than the same period in 2020, just as Covid-19 evolved into a global threat.

“Over the past two years, many consumers have discovered for the first time, or rediscovered, a passion for outdoor lifestyle activities, as well as for shooting sports and personal protection,” said Brian Murphy, president and chief executive officer of AOB. “This new, larger base of consumer participation has helped drive significant growth in our business and should fuel our future growth as well. During the third quarter, net sales of products in our outdoor lifestyle category, which consists of products primarily related to hunting, fishing, camping and rugged outdoor activities, grew by more than 80 percent versus the pre-pandemic third quarter of fiscal 2020, and net sales of products in our firearm-related shooting sports category, which includes shooting accessories and products related to personal protection, grew by approximately 45 percent versus the third quarter of fiscal 2020.”

AOB—a provider of products and accessories for rugged outdoor enthusiasts in a corporate family that includes Frankford Arsenal, Crimson Trace and Schrade, among others—reported a slight sales dip, like nearly the entire industry did, in its firearm related 2021 sales. However, Murphy emphasized, “Our outdoor lifestyle category grew by 7% in the third quarter versus fiscal 2021. Growth in our outdoor lifestyle category is an important component of our long-term strategic plan, and today we are excited to announce that we will acquire Grilla Grills, a direct-to-consumer provider of high-quality grills, smokers and accessories to the $7 billion, growing U.S. barbecue grill market.”