Brunswick Corporation has reported an ‘exceptional’ start to the year, with both revenue and earnings exceeding the first quarter of 2025 and ahead of expectations.
For the first quarter of 2026, consolidated net sales were $1,378.1 million, an increase of 13% versus the first quarter of 2025.
Year-on-year net sales increased across all segments for the third consecutive quarter and bot retail performance continued to stabilise, with premium sales up.
Inventory conditions also remained healthy, with boat and engine pipelines lean and aligned with demand.
Increased sales
The earnings growth was supported by increased sales, a favourable mix, improved absorption, and cost management, which offset the impact of tariffs.
Propulsion segment reported a 17% increase in sales and Engine Parts and Accessories segment reported a 14% increase in sales.
Other segments also saw improvements with Navico Group reporting a 7% increase in sales with growth across all business lines supported by improving OEM demand and Boat segment reporting a 6% increase in sales.
The number of Freedom Boat Club trips increased by 20%.
Boating participation
“Strong boating participation continued to support increased sales in our recurring revenue parts and accessories, aftermarket and subscription boating businesses,” said David Foulkes, Brunswick chairman and chief executive officer.
“In our core US market, product demand and boating participation remain relatively unaffected by the conflict in the Middle East, although the health of the value consumer remains a focus.”
For the remainder of 2026, Brunswick expects to see stable market conditions and sustained boating participation.
Product innovation
“Our operating priorities remain clear,” added Foulkes. “We are focused on closely aligning production and wholesale with retail demand, driving continued market share gains, maintaining disciplined cost control and investing in product innovation, technology and system-level integration across our portfolio.”
Rate cuts are supporting improved retail and floorplan financing, and while fuel prices have recently risen, they are not having a meaningful impact on retail or OEM demand or on boating participation.
Based on current regulations, full-year incremental net tariff impact is anticipated to land near the lower end of Brunswick’s original $35 to $45 million estimate.
