Brunswick Corp Upgraded to Buy by Jefferies
Brunswick Corp's stock rose by 7.03% as it crossed above the 5-day SMA, reflecting positive market conditions with the Nasdaq-100 up 0.40% and the S&P 500 up 0.21%.
This surge is attributed to Jefferies upgrading Brunswick from hold to buy, raising the price target from $65 to $115, suggesting a 52% upside. The upgrade reflects optimism about future consumer spending, particularly if the Fed cuts rates further, which could stimulate interest in big-ticket items like boats. Analysts also project Brunswick's 2027 earnings per share to exceed Wall Street consensus by over 50%, indicating a structurally improved business model.
The upgrade from Jefferies highlights a positive outlook for Brunswick, suggesting that the company is well-positioned to benefit from a recovery in consumer spending and favorable market conditions.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on BC
About BC
About the author

- Partnership Launch: Sheffield Financial and Mercury Marine have initiated a retail financing partnership aimed at simplifying the purchase process for Mercury outboard engines and boat packages, enhancing customer satisfaction through competitive rates and a digital experience.
- Enhanced Digital Experience: Customers can utilize Sheffield's online prequalification technology for financing applications, ensuring a consistent financing experience across marketing channels, thereby meeting modern consumer expectations for fast and transparent financing.
- Rapid Credit Decisions: The program includes installment financing for Mercury outboards and boat packages, with customers receiving support from Sheffield's specialized marine underwriting team seven days a week, ensuring quick credit decisions and a consistent financing experience.
- Market Leadership: Sheffield Financial, a division of Truist Bank with 33 years of industry experience, has financed millions of customers, further solidifying its market position in marine, powersports, and outdoor equipment financing.
- Dividend Increase: Brunswick has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share, marking a 2.3% increase from the previous $0.43, demonstrating the company's commitment to shareholder returns amid economic uncertainties.
- Revenue Forecast: The company anticipates revenues between $5.6 billion and $5.8 billion for 2026, with earnings per share projected at $3.80 to $4.40, indicating a gradual stabilization of market conditions and potential for future growth.
- Dividend Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on March 13, with a record date of February 23 and an ex-dividend date also set for February 23, ensuring shareholders receive their returns promptly.
- Market Sentiment: Despite economic challenges, Brunswick's fundamentals are improving, and market expectations for its future performance are rising, reflecting investor confidence in the company's long-term growth trajectory.
- Dividend Increase: Brunswick Corporation has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share, marking the 14th consecutive year of dividend increases, which underscores the company's unwavering commitment to shareholder value and confidence in its long-term vision.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on March 13, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 23, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and enhancing overall investor confidence.
- Innovation Investment: CEO Dave Foulkes emphasized that Brunswick will continue to focus on advancing innovation across its industry-leading brands and investing in transformative technologies, indicating a strong competitive advantage in the market.
- Industry Leadership: As a global leader in marine recreation, Brunswick is dedicated to enhancing customer experiences through technology-driven solutions, further solidifying its leadership position within the industry.

- Recognition for Women's Workplace: Brunswick Corporation has been named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women 2026, achieving a high rating of 4.5 stars, which underscores its commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women.
- Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria: The ranking is based on over one million reviews from female employees, alongside key performance indicators related to workplace equity, leadership representation, and employee satisfaction, showcasing Brunswick's industry-leading position.
- Leading Industry Programs: Brunswick's exceptional rating highlights its industry-leading initiatives in leadership development, mentoring, work-life balance, and comprehensive benefits, which significantly enhance professional growth opportunities for employees.
- Global Commitment: CHRO Jill Wrobel emphasized that Brunswick is dedicated to expanding opportunities for women and ensuring they are valued and supported within the global organization, thereby strengthening the company's culture and enhancing employee success.
- Dividend Safety Overview: In the context of unpredictable market conditions, mid-cap stocks like ADT, Global Net Lease, and Levi Strauss & Co. received the lowest dividend safety grade of F, indicating significant risks in maintaining dividend payments, which could undermine investor confidence.
- Rating Criteria Explained: The dividend safety grade assesses a company's ability to sustain dividends through various market conditions by analyzing multiple financial factors beyond just current yield, with grades ranging from A+ to F, where D+ or below is considered a sell signal.
- Top Five Companies: Among the lowest-rated stocks, American Eagle Outfitters and Bath & Body Works received D- grades, suggesting they also face sustainability risks in dividend payments, potentially impacting shareholder returns.
- Market Impact: As market volatility increases, investor focus on dividend safety intensifies, and companies with lower ratings may experience greater capital outflow risks, leading to downward pressure on their stock prices and affecting overall market sentiment.
- Sales Growth: Brunswick Corporation reported net sales of $5.4 billion for 2025, a 2% increase year-over-year, marking the first annual sales growth in three years, reflecting improved market conditions and strong wholesale orders.
- Free Cash Flow Increase: The company generated free cash flow of $442 million, up 56% year-over-year, providing robust funding for future investments and shareholder returns, highlighting its financial health.
- Business Expansion: The Propulsion segment saw a 23% increase in Q4 sales and unveiled the 808 horsepower outboard engine concept, maintaining market share leadership while securing exclusive agreements with multiple OEMs, enhancing competitive advantages.
- 2026 Outlook: Management anticipates revenue between $5.6 billion and $5.8 billion for 2026, with adjusted EPS ranging from $3.80 to $4.40, remaining optimistic about market prospects despite facing $35 million to $45 million in tariff costs.






