Who knew? Despite trends that might suggest the contrary, Thor Industries (NYSE:THO), which makes recreational vehicles (lovingly and more commonly known to most of us as RVs), revved up an excellent first quarter. (In case you were wondering, no, the company doesn't make anything that has anything to do with the Norse God of Thunder.)
However, Thor reported first-quarter net income up 48% at $35.1 million, or $0.61 per share, beating analysts' expectations by $0.04 per share. Sales increased 29% to $632.7 million. The company cited improvements in its margins during the quarter, too.
Unfortunately, though, Thor didn't supply one of our very favorite pieces of information here at the Fool: the cash flow statement. (Some companies wait until they file their Form 10-Q with the SEC to supply this vital piece of information, and Thor is one of those companies.)
For some, the word Winnebago (NYSE:WGO) pretty much exemplifies RVs (although Thor claims the title of largest RV manufacturer in North America). In addition to Thor and Winnebago, RV makers Coachmen (NYSE:COA), Fleetwood (NYSE:FLE), and Monaco Coach (NYSE:MNC) all vie for the hearts of road-trippers.
Maybe the most interesting aspect of Thor's earnings news is the willingness of consumers to pick up big-ticket luxury items such as RVs (and ignore their gas-guzzling tendencies despite current high fuel prices). Although some will invariably mock this particular mode of transport, it's a good way to see the vast countryside for those who enjoy a road trip. For that reason, it has notorious appeal for retirees, and theoretically, Boomers represent a bumper crop of RV customers.
Thor Industries currently has a P/E ratio of 17, comparable to those of the other players in the industry. While today's numbers were exciting, they weren't unexpected, seeing how Thor had press-released some of the good news at the beginning of this month. With the vacation season wound down, investors may want to give this stock another look after the company has filed its 10-Q.
Are you thinking of a vacation that doesn't involve rolling around the countryside in an RV? Be sure to check out our Travel Center for money-saving tips.
Alyce Lomax does not own shares of any of the companies mentioned. According to the company's website, Thor Industries was named for the first two letters in each of the co-founders' surnames.
