The fitness segment of Brunswick Corp., Lake Forest, IL, which is comprised of Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment, had a 2 percent increase in sales in fourth quarter 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.
According to financials announced last week by Brunswick Corp., fourth quarter 2012 fitness segment sales were $183.6 million, up from $180 million in fourth quarter 2011. International sales, which represented 47 percent of total segment sales in the quarter, increased by 7 percent.
The fitness segment also reported operating earnings of $36.4 million, a 29 percent increase from operating earnings of $28.3 million in fourth quarter 2011. The increase in operating earnings, Brunswick says, was caused by higher sales, lower warranty and variable compensation expenses, and improved operating efficiencies.
"Positive health and wellness trends, combined with exciting new products, have positioned our fitness business to deliver excellent results," Brunswick Chairman and CEO Dustan McCoy said in a statement regarding the outlook of the company for 2013.
As a whole, Brunswick increased sales by 9 percent in fourth quarter 2012 ($829.8 million) compared to fourth quarter 2011 ($761.5 million). For the year ending Dec. 31, 2012, Brunswick reported net sales of $3.7 billion, up from $3.6 billion in 2011.