Shares of Smith and Wesson Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: SWHC) ended the day 22 percent higher on eight-times the gunsmith’s average three-month volume after the company announced $99.5 million in fourth-quarter revenue. The 20 percent boost over the same period last year was above analysts’ forecast of $90.8 million, according to Thomson Reuters.
“Demand for our handguns and tactical rifles remained strong throughout the fourth quarter, as evidenced by our revenue as well as by our backlog balance,” the company said in a statement.
The company is also adding a new stream of revenue to its arsenal. On Thursday, Smith and Wesson Holding Corp. announced a deal to acquire Universal Safety Response, a privately held maker of barriers, gates and other perimeter security related equipment, for $52.5 million in cash and stock.
In a recent news release, Smith and Wesson stated that the deal should bring in revenue of $100 million next year and generate EBITDA of $15 million.
According to a recent report by the Dow Jones Newswires, first-time gun buyers, it’s been said, have rushed to buy firearms ahead of the new administration’s assumed tougher stance on gun-control laws.
The company will release full results for the quarter on June 22, after the market closes. Analysts are looking for earnings per share of 9 cents.