By Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com
The 2017 Wildcat X from Arctic Cat with RG Pro suspension is expected to help drive sales in the second half of the fiscal year.
Arctic Cat reported financial results for the fiscal 2017 second quarter ended September 30, 2016. The company reported a loss of $12.8 million on sales of $164.6 million compared to net earnings of $11.2 million and sales of $211.2 million in the prior-year quarter. Management pointed to a softer powersports market, as well as lower sales volume, unfavorable product mix and heightened promotional environment as factors. Sales of ATVs and side-by-sides totaled $44.0 million for the quarter, down 37.8 percent compared to prior-year sales of $70.8 million. Year-to-date sales totaled $87.8 million, down 29 percent from $123.6 million in the prior-year first half.
The following are some highlights from the earnings call related to side-by-sides:
- Weakness in oil, gas and agriculture sectors contributed to softer sales
- ATV and SxS retail sales decreased approximately 4% in the second quarter versus an industry that was down low single-digits. Wholesale sales decreased further as management is trying to reduce dealer inventory levels.
- New products including those designed with Robby Gordon have been released, and a third wave of models this fiscal year will be introduced by late February
- The company has added 28 top-tier dealers to their network but is likely to miss their target of 75 for the fiscal year. Net dealer add is flat.
- For the short term management anticipates continued market softness, competitiveness and foreign currency headwinds
- ATV/SxS sales are expected to be flat to down mid-single digits for the full year but up in the second half driven by new product introductions.
- The company announced two new strategic partnerships for developing products for adjacent markets but cannot release more details, including whether they involve SxSs.
Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)