Publicly Traded Outdoor Companies and Their Performance

Let's take a look at the publicly traded outdoor companies and how they're performing.

Cabela's, a well-known outdoor retailer, has struggled with declining sales and revenue, with a 10% drop in sales from 2015 to 2016.

The company's financial struggles led to a $4 billion takeover by Bass Pro Shops in 2017.

Vail Resorts, on the other hand, has seen significant growth in its ski resort business, with a 12% increase in lift ticket sales from 2015 to 2016.

REI, a consumer co-op, has reported steady revenue growth, with a 5% increase in sales from 2015 to 2016.

Deckers Outdoor, the parent company of Ugg, Hoka, Teva, and Sanuk, reported a 21% increase in net sales to $2.1 billion in the first half of fiscal 2025. This growth is a testament to the company's diversified portfolio of outdoor brands.

Dick's Sporting Goods has also seen significant growth, with a total return of over 130% in the trailing three-year period. The company's robust omnichannel strategy has enabled it to deliver strong sales and profit growth.

Both Deckers Outdoor and Dick's Sporting Goods are well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing trend of increased outdoor activity.

Deckers Outdoor is a parent organization that owns several brands, including Ugg and Hoka, which are great for outdoor activities like hiking and glamping. The company reported a 21% increase in net sales to $2.1 billion in the first half of its fiscal 2025.

Dick's Sporting Goods is another retailer that has seen a significant boost from the resurgence in outdoor travel and experiences. The company's net sales rose 4.8% to $9.6 billion in the first nine months of 2024.

Yeti Holdings is a top outdoor equipment maker that has a strong business model with an above-average operating profit margin of 17% on an adjusted basis. More than half of its revenue comes from direct-to-consumer channels.

Camp Chef, a company acquired by Vista Outdoor in 2016, offers a range of products including camp stoves, barbecue grills, and pellet grills. The acquisition price was $74 million, with $60 million paid in cash and $14 million in an earn-out.

Yeti's direct-to-consumer sales increased 8% in the third quarter of 2024, contributing to the company's overall net sales growth of 10% year over year.

Patagonia, a well-known outdoor apparel brand, was forced to split from its parent company, Foothill Ranch-based Chouinard Equipment, due to a disagreement over the company's direction.

The company's founder, Yvon Chouinard, wanted to focus on environmental activism and sustainable practices, but the parent company had different priorities.

Patagonia's revenue grew from $100 million in 1985 to over $1 billion in 2019, making it one of the largest and most successful outdoor apparel brands in the US.

The brand's commitment to environmental responsibility has contributed to its success, with 1% of sales going towards environmental causes every year since 1985.

Patagonia's split from Chouinard Equipment allowed the brand to maintain its independence and focus on its core values.

The company's commitment to sustainable practices has also led to the development of environmentally-friendly products, such as recycled polyester and regenerative farming practices.

If you're considering investing in outdoor stocks, Lamar Advertising Co (LAMR) is a company worth looking into. They reported Q4 2024 earnings that met estimates for AFFO, but missed on revenues, causing their stock to drop 7.3%.

Lamar targets $8.13-$8.28 AFFO per share in 2025, which is an ambitious goal that includes digital expansion and a $150M M&A pipeline. Their quarterly dividend was raised by 10.7% to $1.55/share.

Here are some key outdoor stocks to consider, along with their recent news:

Stocks come in all different sizes and varieties. Different types of stocks can be a great way to diversify your outdoor investment portfolio.

Common stocks are the most widely traded type of stock and represent ownership in a company. They can be found in various sectors, including outdoor recreation.

Preferred stocks offer a higher claim on assets and dividends than common stocks, but typically don't come with voting rights. This can be a good option for investors looking for a more stable income stream.

Growth stocks are issued by companies expected to experience high growth rates in the future, often in the outdoor industry. They can be riskier, but potentially more rewarding.

Dividend stocks pay out a portion of the company's profits to shareholders, often in the form of quarterly or annual dividends. This can be a good option for investors seeking regular income.

Small-cap stocks are issued by smaller companies with market capitalizations between $300 million and $2 billion, often in the outdoor industry. They can be riskier, but potentially more lucrative.

Deckers Outdoor, a parent organization of Ugg and Hoka, reported a 21% increase in net sales to $2.1 billion in the first half of its fiscal 2025.

Deckers' net income also saw a notable 48% increase to $358 million in the six-month period.

Vista Outdoor, another outdoor company, has had its share of financial ups and downs. In 2017, it expected to record a material asset impairment charge of $400 million to $450 million.

For fiscal year 2019, Vista Outdoor reported sales of $2.1 billion, but unfortunately, it also lost $648 million.

On a more positive note, Vista Outdoor was able to reduce its debt load from $738 million to $581 million after selling Savage Arms.

Here's a brief summary of the financial results for these two companies:

In 2018, a boycott against Vista Outdoor products was initiated due to the company's support of the National Rifle Association of America and manufacturing of assault weapons.

Some bicycle shops in Oregon stopped selling Vista Outdoor products, while others canceled orders or returned stock.

Mountain Equipment Co-op, a Canadian retailer with 22 stores, was pressured by its members to stop selling Vista Outdoor products due to its support of the NRA.

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) stopped ordering Vista Outdoor products in 2018, citing the company's lack of action on reducing gun violence.

However, REI lifted its ban on Vista Outdoor products in September 2019, and started carrying them again.

Running Room, a 122-store Canadian chain, canceled pending orders and stopped buying CamelBak products, but sold remaining stock, citing customer support for dropping the brand.

Cabela's, a well-known outdoor retailer, was founded in 1961 by Dick Cabela and his wife, Dorothy.

The company's early success can be attributed to its unique business model, which involved sending out mail-order catalogs to customers.

REI Co-op, on the other hand, was founded in 1938 by a group of mountaineers.

The company has since grown to become one of the largest consumer co-ops in the US.

Vail Resorts, a leading ski resort operator, was founded in 1962 by Pete Seibert.

Seibert's vision was to create a world-class ski resort that would attract visitors from around the globe.

Patagonia, a popular outdoor apparel brand, was founded in 1972 by Yvon Chouinard.

The company's commitment to environmental responsibility has been a key factor in its success.

Cabela's has a strong presence in the outdoor industry, with over 80 retail stores across the US.

REI Co-op, however, has a more limited retail presence, with only a few stores across the country.

Vail Resorts operates a total of 37 ski resorts worldwide, making it one of the largest ski resort operators globally.

The outdoor industry is constantly evolving, and publicly traded companies are at the forefront of this change.

Patagonia, a well-known outdoor apparel brand, has been a leader in sustainable practices for decades.

The company's commitment to environmental responsibility has led to significant investments in renewable energy and waste reduction initiatives.

Columbia Sportswear, another major player in the outdoor industry, has also made strides in sustainability.

In 2020, Columbia set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025.

The company has also made efforts to increase the use of recycled materials in its products.

VF Corporation, the parent company of The North Face and Timberland, has faced challenges in recent years due to declining sales and changing consumer preferences.

In response, the company has shifted its focus towards e-commerce and digital marketing.

This move has helped VF Corporation to reach a wider audience and increase sales.

The outdoor industry is highly competitive, and companies must be adaptable to stay ahead.

Publicly traded outdoor companies have a diverse range of brands and products that cater to different types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Patagonia, for example, is known for its environmentally-friendly clothing and gear, such as its popular Black Diamond brand of climbing equipment.

REI, on the other hand, offers a wide selection of outdoor gear and apparel from brands like The North Face and Arc'teryx.

Cabela's, a leading outdoor retailer, has its own in-house brand of fishing and hunting gear, which is popular among outdoor enthusiasts.

The North Face is particularly well-known for its high-quality hiking boots, such as the popular Hedgehog Fastpack GTX model.

Arc'teryx, meanwhile, is a premium outdoor brand that offers high-end jackets and pants made from advanced materials like Gore-Tex and Polarguard.

Black Diamond, as mentioned earlier, is a popular brand of climbing equipment that offers a range of products, including ropes, harnesses, and carabiners.

REI's private label brand, Co-op, offers a range of affordable outdoor gear and apparel that is designed to be both functional and sustainable.