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Of course Sturm, Ruger (NYSE:RGR) makes virtually all of its money selling guns. What you might be surprised to learn is just what kinds of firearms have allowed it to grow into the largest gunmaker in the country today.
Despite rival Smith & Wesson having about a 100-year head start, Ruger firearms may be just as every bit as beloved as its more storied competitor. Let's find out how it has come to lead the industry.
Lock, stock, and double-barreled
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Ruger produced 1.67 million rifles, shotguns, pistols, and revolvers in 2015 (the latest data available), compared with 1.47 million firearms from Smith & Wesson. It's safe to say those numbers may have grown significantly since then.
In 2015, firearms revenue amounted to $544.9 million. Last year, that figure had surged to $658.4 million, a 21% increase. Even with the industry slowdown that taken hold since the November elections, net firearms sales are only down 12% year over year so far in 2017. And if you compared the first half of this year to the first half of 2015, Ruger firearms sales are actually running 8% higher.
How Sturm, Ruger & Company Makes Most of Its Money -- The Motley Fool
