Brunswick Corporation reported a decrease in net sales and diluted EPS for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the record fourth quarter of 2022. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, the company highlighted strong cash generation, high-horsepower outboard market share gains, and steady operating performance.
Net sales decreased due to measured wholesale ordering patterns and higher discounts.
Operating earnings and margin declined due to lower net sales and spending on growth initiatives.
Propulsion segment sales decreased, but operating margins improved due to cost control and reduced material costs.
Engine Parts and Accessories segment sales slightly decreased, with operating earnings and margins also declining.
Brunswick anticipates U.S. marine industry retail unit sales to be flat versus 2023, net sales between $6.0 billion and $6.2 billion, adjusted operating margin of between 12.0 and 13.0 percent, free cash flow in excess of $350 million, adjusted diluted EPS in the range of $7.00 - $8.00, and first quarter 2024 revenue of between $1.3 and $1.4 billion, and adjusted EPS between $1.30 and $1.40.
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income