Top RV News: JAN 17, 2025
RVBusiness' Top RV News is sponsored by our Top 50 Dealer Award Sponsors: Airxcel, Brown & Brown Dealer Services, Cummins Inc., GE Appliances, Genesis Products, NTP/STAG, Northpoint Commercial Finance, Performance Brokerage Services, Protective Asset Protection, RV Trader, and Wells Fargo DF.
Capitol Talk: RVDA’s Ingrassia, Troutt on ’25 Outlook, California
Phil Ingrassia, president of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA), and RVDA Chairman Larry Troutt III of Topper’s RVs in Waller, Texas, join Rick Kessler and Sherm Goldenberg of RVBusiness for this episode of Capitol Talk. Topics range from Troutt’s father having been selected for the RV/MH Hall of Fame induction as well as updates on several California issues and the general outlook for the RV industry for 2025.
The RVBusiness Capitol Talk video series is sponsored by Airxcel Inc.
Blue Compass CEO Jon Ferrando Touts RV Industry on Fox TV
Blue Compass RV President and CEO Jon Ferrando was a guest on Fox Business and Fox Weather to provide his expectations for the 40th Florida RV SuperShow, the demand for RV products and California wildfires’ impact on the industry.
See below for the video clip of Ferrando joining Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business for the “Mornings with Maria” show on Wednesday morning from the Blue Compass RV Airstream exhibit at the Florida RV Super Show. Click here to watch the nine-minute video clip on Fox Business.
Later, Ferrando joined Fox Weather Meteorologist Kendall Smith for a look inside the 40th annual SuperShow in Tampa, Fla. Ferrando said this show is the “Super Bowl” of RVs and buyers travel from all over the U.S. for the event, which covers an area about the size of 30 football fields. Click here to watch the segment at FoxWeather.com.
Analysis: THOR is Navigating Short-Term Market Challenges
THOR Industries Inc. (NYSE:THO), a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles (RVs), finds itself at a crossroads as it navigates through a challenging market environment while positioning for long-term growth. Recent analyst reports paint a picture of a company facing near-term headwinds but armed with strategic initiatives that could drive future success, according to a report by Investing.com.
Company Overview
THOR Industries specializes in the production of a wide range of recreational vehicles, catering to various segments of the outdoor enthusiast market. With a market capitalization of $5.52 billion and an impressive 39-year track record of consecutive dividend payments, THO has established itself as a significant player in the RV industry. The company’s product portfolio includes towables, motorized RVs, and related parts and accessories. According to?InvestingPro?analysis, Thor currently appears undervalued based on its Fair Value assessment.
Market Conditions and Challenges
The RV industry is currently experiencing a period of softness, with analysts projecting a pressured retail environment to persist into the 2025 fiscal year. This challenging landscape is particularly evident in the European market, where Thor Industries faces a tough setup due to lapping restock from previous periods.
Despite these headwinds, THOR’s management maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook. They have noted encouraging signs, such as good early show attendance and potential green shoots in certain product categories. For instance, higher-priced toy hauler retail has shown signs of picking up, and there has been positive backlog growth. The company’s financial health remains solid, with?InvestingPro?data showing liquid assets exceeding short-term obligations and a moderate debt level, supporting its ability to weather market challenges.
For the full list of our daily RV news stories, subscribe for free on our website to receive the latest news and information delivered daily to your inbox: https://rvbusiness.com/subscribe/
You can also go to RVBusiness.com to see all of today's top stories.