11:05 AM EST, 12/20/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Winnebago Industries ( WGO ) tightened its full-year earnings outlook on Friday as the company reported a surprise fiscal first-quarter loss amid subdued consumer demand and a cautious dealer network.

The outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer now expects adjusted earnings in a range of $3.10 to $4.40 per share for fiscal 2025, compared with its previous projection for $3 to $4.50. The current consensus on FactSet is for non-GAAP EPS of $3.38. The stock declined 1.7% in Friday trade.

"Although the first half of the fiscal year comes with its typical seasonality and challenging market conditions, we are prepared to capitalize on the anticipated rise in demand as the (recreational vehicle) and marine markets enter the spring selling season," Chief Executive Michael Happe said in a statement. The company continues to forecast revenue of $2.9 billion to $3.2 billion, while the Street is looking for $2.99 billion.

For the three months through November, Winnebago posted an adjusted loss of $0.03 per share versus earnings of $0.95 the year before, versus the Street's view for EPS of $0.20. Revenue declined 18% to $625.6 million, trailing analysts' $672.2 million estimate, mainly due to lower unit volume and a reduction in average selling price per unit related to product mix, the company said.

"As expected, the RV and marine operating environment remained challenging in the first quarter, marked by subdued consumer demand and a cautious dealer network reluctant to make significant commitments on new orders ahead of the historically slow winter season," according to Happe.

Sales in the towable RV division fell 23% to $254 million while the motorhome RV business slipped 19% to $271.7 million. Both segments were impacted by lower volumes, Winnebago said. Revenue in the marine operations improved to $90.5 million from $87.3 million in the prior-year quarter, buoyed by price increases and higher unit volume.

"While revenue and margins in our RV segments were down year over year, we were pleased with the performance of our marine segment, which delivered top-line and margin growth sequentially and year-over-year," Happe said.

The company expects its second quarter to "remain challenged," but remains confident in its long-term growth potential, according to Happe.

"From an industry perspective, encouraging retail trends in October and increasing consumer confidence, combined with ongoing inventory management efforts at the dealer level, are positive indicators of strengthening demand and a more balanced market environment," the CEO said.

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