Bell Sports Enjoys Boost in Net Sales
Summary: An article from
Bicycle Retailer and Industry News
(used with their permission). This 1998 report covered one of Bell's most profitable periods.
SAN JOSE, CA - Strong bicycle helmet and accessory sales through mass merchant and specialty retailers pushed up net
sales for Bell Sports in its second quarter, ending Dec. 26, 1998. Net sales for the quarter increased 6 percent to $45
million, compared to last year's second-quarter sales of $42.6 million. Net sales during the first two quarters were down
however, coming in at $85.9 million, compared to $86.2 million last year. Despite the decline, Bell enjoyed a slight
increase in gross margins on net sales, with margins inching up 1.7 percent to 32.7 percent for the year. "I am very
pleased to report higher gross margins and improved operating income for the quarter, the result of very focused efforts
to reduce the company's cost structure and streamline its operations," said Mary George, Bell Sports' chief executive of
officer and president. Operating income for the quarter grew to $2.2 million, or 5 percent of net sales, up 1 percent for
the quarter, compared to $1.7 million a year ago.
Copyright 1999 by Miller Freeman, Inc, Santa Fe, New Mexico. All rights reserved.