Sturm, Ruger & Company
Annual Report 2017

Plain-text annual report

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Mark One)  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ____________ to ___________ Commission File Number 0-4776 STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Delaware (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 1 Lacey Place, Southport, Connecticut (Address of Principal Executive Offices) 06-0633559 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 06890 (Zip Code) (203) 259-7843 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Common Stock, $1 par value Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None (Title of Class) Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES  NO Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES NO  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  NO Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K [ ]. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [  ] Accelerated filer [ ] Non- accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [ ]. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).YES NO  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES  NO The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of June 30, 2017: Common Stock, $1 par value - $1,076,065,000 The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of February 23, 2018: Common Stock, $1 par value –17,427,090 shares DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 9, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III (Items 10 through 14) of this Report. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I Item 1. Business.…………………………………..…………………………………………………………… 4 Item 1A. Risk Factors……………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments…………………………………………………………………………... 13 Item 2. Properties.……………………………………………………………………………………………… 14 Item 3. Legal Proceedings....…………………………………………………………………………………... 15 Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures……………………………………………….................................................. 15 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.…………………………………………………………………….... 16 Item 6. Selected Financial Data………………………………………………………………………………... 20 Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations…………. 21 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk……………………………………….... 45 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data………………………………………………………... 46 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ………... 73 Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.……………………………………………………………………………..... 73 Item 9B. Other Information.……………………………………………………………………………………... 74 PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance…………………………………………….. 74 Item 11. Executive Compensation.…………………………………………………………………………….... 74 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.……………………………………………………………………………………………..... 74 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence…………………………. 75 Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services….………………………………………………………….... 75 2 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule..………………………………………………………..... 76 Signatures…... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Exhibit Index.. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Financial Statement Schedule... ………………………………………………………………………………………... Exhibits……... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..... 78 79 82 83 EXPLANATORY NOTE: In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. and Subsidiary (the “Company”) makes forward- looking statements and projections concerning future expectations. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to certain qualifying risks and uncertainties, such as market demand, sales levels of firearms, anticipated castings sales and earnings, the need for external financing for operations or capital expenditures, the results of pending litigation against the Company, the impact of future firearms control and environmental legislation, and accounting estimates, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Words such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “could” and other words and terms of similar meaning, typically identify such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward- looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date such forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent unanticipated events. 3 PART I ITEM 1—BUSINESS Company Overview Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. and Subsidiary (the “Company”) is principally engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of firearms to domestic customers. Virtually all of the Company’s sales for the year ended December 31, 2017 were from the firearms segment, with approximately 1% from the castings segment. Export sales represent approximately 4% of firearms sales. The Company’s design and manufacturing operations are located in the United States and almost all product content is domestic. The Company has been in business since 1949 and was incorporated in its present form under the laws of Delaware in 1969. The Company primarily offers products in three industry product categories – rifles, pistols, and revolvers. The Company’s firearms are sold through independent wholesale distributors, principally to the commercial sporting market. The Company manufactures and sells investment castings made from steel alloys and metal injection molding (“MIM”) parts for internal use in the firearms segment and has minimal sales to outside customers. The castings and MIM parts sold to outside customers, either directly or through manufacturers’ representatives, represented approximately 1% of the Company’s total sales for the year ended December 31, 2017. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, net sales attributable to the Company's firearms operations were $517.7 million, $658.4 million and $544.9 million. The balance of the Company's net sales for the aforementioned periods was attributable to its castings operations. Firearms Products The Company presently manufactures firearm products, under the “Ruger” name and trademark, in the following industry categories: Rifles  Single-shot  Autoloading  Bolt-action  Modern sporting Pistols  Rimfire autoloading  Centerfire autoloading Revolvers  Single-action  Double-action Most firearms are available in several models based upon caliber, finish, barrel length, and other features. 4 Rifles A rifle is a long gun with spiral grooves cut into the interior of the barrel to give the bullet a stabilizing spin after it leaves the barrel. Net sales of rifles by the Company accounted for $243.0 million, $264.9 million, and $208.5 million of total net sales for the years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Pistols A pistol is a handgun in which the ammunition chamber is an integral part of the barrel and which typically is fed ammunition from a magazine contained in the grip. Net sales of pistols by the Company accounted for $176.2 million, $250.0 million, and $192.2 million of revenues for the years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Revolvers A revolver is a handgun that has a cylinder that holds the ammunition in a series of chambers which are successively aligned with the barrel of the gun during each firing cycle. There are two general types of revolvers, single-action and double-action. To fire a single-action revolver, the hammer is pulled back to cock the gun and align the cylinder before the trigger is pulled. To fire a double-action revolver, a single trigger pull advances the cylinder and cocks and releases the hammer. Net sales of revolvers by the Company accounted for $74.6 million, $104.9 million, and $113.3 million of revenues for the years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Accessories The Company also manufactures and sells accessories and replacement parts for its firearms. These sales accounted for $23.9 million, $38.6 million, and $30.3 million of total net sales for the years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Castings Products Net sales attributable to the Company’s casting operations (excluding intercompany transactions) accounted for $4.6 million, $5.9 million, and $6.2 million, for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. These sales represented approximately 1% of total net sales in each of these years. Manufacturing Firearms The Company produces one model of pistol, all of its revolvers and most of its rifles at the Newport, New Hampshire facility. Most of the Company’s pistols are produced at the Prescott, Arizona facility. Some rifle models and two pistol models are produced at the Mayodan, North Carolina facility. Many of the basic metal component parts of the firearms manufactured by the Company are produced by the Company's castings segment through processes known as precision investment casting. The Company also uses many MIM parts in its firearms. See "Manufacturing- Investment Castings and Metal Injected Moldings" below for a description of these processes. The Company believes that investment castings and MIM parts provide greater design flexibility and result in component parts which are generally close to their ultimate shape and, therefore, require less machining than processes requiring machining a solid billet of metal to obtain a part. Through the 5 use of investment castings and MIM parts, the Company endeavors to produce durable and less costly component parts for its firearms. All assembly, inspection, and testing of firearms manufactured by the Company are performed at the Company's manufacturing facilities. Every firearm, including every chamber of every revolver manufactured by the Company, is test-fired prior to shipment. Investment Castings and Metal Injection Moldings To produce a product by the investment casting method, a wax model of the part is created and coated (“invested”) with several layers of ceramic material. The shell is then heated to melt the interior wax, which is poured off, leaving a hollow mold. To cast the desired part, molten metal is poured into the mold and allowed to cool and solidify. The mold is then broken off to reveal a near net shape cast metal part. Metal injection molding is a three part powder metallurgy process by which a feedstock consisting of finely powdered metal and binders is processed through injection molding, debinding, and sintering equipment to produce steel, stainless steel, and alloy parts of complex shape and geometry. This process allows for high volume production while eliminating many of the wastes of traditional metal working methods, yielding net shape and near net shape parts. Marketing and Distribution Firearms The Company's firearms are primarily marketed through a network of federally licensed, independent wholesale distributors who purchase the products directly from the Company. They resell to federally licensed, independent retail firearms dealers who in turn resell to legally authorized end users. All retail purchasers are subject to a point-of-sale background check by law enforcement. These end users include sportsmen, hunters, people interested in self-defense, law enforcement and other governmental organizations, and gun collectors. Each distributor carries the entire line of firearms manufactured by the Company for the commercial market. Currently, 19 distributors service the domestic commercial market, with an additional 23 distributors servicing the domestic law enforcement market and 41 distributors servicing the export market. In 2017, the Company’s largest customers and the percent of total sales they represented were as follows: Davidson’s-21%; Lipsey’s-18%; Sports South-13%; and Jerry’s/Ellett Brothers-12%. In 2016, the Company’s largest customers and the percent of total sales they represented were as follows: Davidson’s-19%; Lipsey’s-17%; Jerry’s/Ellett Brothers-15%; and Sports South-14%. In 2015, the Company’s largest customers and the percent of total sales they represented were as follows: Davidson’s-18%; Lipsey’s-17%; Sports South-13%, and Jerry’s/Ellett Brothers-11%. The Company employs 14 employees who service these distributors and call on retailers and law enforcement agencies. Because the ultimate demand for the Company's firearms comes from end users rather than from the independent wholesale distributors, the Company believes that the loss of any distributor would not have a material, long-term adverse effect on the Company, but may 6 have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results for a particular period. The Company considers its relationships with its distributors to be satisfactory. The Company also exports its firearms through a network of selected commercial distributors and directly to certain foreign customers, consisting primarily of law enforcement agencies and foreign governments. Foreign sales were less than 5% of the Company's consolidated net sales for each of the past three fiscal years. The Company does not consider its overall firearms business to be predictably seasonal; however, orders of many models of firearms from the distributors tend to be stronger in the first quarter of the year and weaker in the third quarter of the year. This is due in part to the timing of the distributor show season, which occurs during the first quarter. Investment Castings and Metal Injection Moldings The castings segment provides castings and MIM parts for the Company’s firearms segment. In addition, the castings segment produces some products for a number of customers in a variety of industries. Competition Firearms Competition in the firearms industry is intense and comes from both foreign and domestic manufacturers. While some of these competitors concentrate on a single industry product category such as rifles or pistols, several competitors manufacture products in all four industry categories (rifles, shotguns, pistols, and revolvers). The principal methods of competition in the industry are product innovation, quality, availability, brand, and price. The Company believes that it can compete effectively with all of its present competitors. Investment Castings and Metal Injection Moldings There are a large number of investment castings and MIM manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, with which the Company competes. Competition varies based on the type of investment castings products and the end use of the product. Companies offering alternative methods of manufacturing such as wire electric discharge machining (EDM) and advancements in computer numeric controlled (CNC) machining also compete with the Company’s castings segment. Many of these competitors are larger corporations than the Company with substantially greater financial resources than the Company, which could affect the Company’s ability to compete with these competitors. The principal methods of competition in the industry are quality, price, and production lead time. Employees As of February 1, 2018, the Company employed approximately 1,750 full-time employees, approximately 27% of whom had at least ten years of service with the Company. From time to time, the Company uses temporary employees to supplement its workforce. As of February 1, 2018, the Company had no temporary employees. 7 None of the Company's employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Research and Development In 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company spent approximately $9.8 million, $8.7 million, and $8.5 million, respectively, on research and development activities relating to new products and the improvement of existing products. As of February 1, 2018, the Company had approximately 70 employees whose primary responsibilities were research and development activities. Patents and Trademarks The Company owns various United States and foreign patents and trademarks which have been secured over a period of years and which expire at various times. It is the policy of the Company to apply for patents and trademarks whenever new products or processes deemed commercially valuable are developed or marketed by the Company. However, none of these patents and trademarks are considered to be fundamental to any important product or manufacturing process of the Company and, although the Company deems its patents and trademarks to be of value, it does not consider its business materially dependent on patent or trademark protection. Environmental Matters The Company is committed to achieving high standards of environmental quality and product safety, and strives to provide a safe and healthy workplace for its employees and others in the communities in which it operates. The Company has programs in place that monitor compliance with various environmental regulations. However, in the normal course of its manufacturing operations the Company is subject to governmental proceedings and orders pertaining to waste disposal, air emissions, and water discharges into the environment. These regulations are integrated into the Company’s manufacturing, assembly, and testing processes. The Company believes that it is generally in compliance with applicable environmental regulations and that the outcome of any environmental proceedings and orders will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company, but could have a material adverse effect on the financial results for a particular period. 8 Executive Officers of the Company Set forth below are the names, ages, and positions of the executive officers of the Company. Officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company. Name Age Position With Company Christopher J. Killoy Thomas A. Dineen Thomas P. Sullivan Kevin B. Reid, Sr. 59 49 57 57 President and Chief Executive Officer Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Senior Vice President of Operations Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Shawn C. Leska 46 Vice President, Sales Christopher J. Killoy became President & Chief Executive Officer on May 9, 2017. Previously he served as President and Chief Operating Officer since January 1, 2014. Prior to that he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing since November 27, 2006. Mr. Killoy originally joined the Company in 2003 as Executive Director of Sales and Marketing, and subsequently served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing from November 1, 2004 to January 25, 2005. Thomas A. Dineen became Senior Vice President on July 10, 2017. Previously he served as Vice President since May 24, 2006. Prior to that he served as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since May 6, 2003 and had been Assistant Controller since 2001. Mr. Dineen joined the Company as Manager, Corporate Accounting in 1997. Thomas P. Sullivan became Senior Vice President of Operations on July 1, 2017. Mr. Sullivan joined the Company as Vice President of Newport Operations for the Newport, New Hampshire Firearms and Pine Tree Castings divisions on August 14, 2006. Kevin B. Reid, Sr. became Vice President and General Counsel on April 23, 2008. Previously he served as the Company’s Director of Marketing from June 4, 2007. Mr. Reid joined the Company in July 2001 as an Assistant General Counsel. Shawn C. Leska became Vice President, Sales on November 6, 2015. Mr. Leska joined the Company in 1989 and has served in a variety of positions in the sales department. Most recently, Mr. Leska served as Director of Sales since 2011. Where You Can Find More Information The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and accordingly, files its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Definitive Proxy Statements, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and 9 other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. As an electronic filer, the Company's public filings are maintained on the SEC's Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov. The Company makes its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Definitive Proxy Statements, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act accessible free of charge through the Company's Internet site after the Company has electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.ruger.com. However, such reports may not be accessible through the Company's website as promptly as they are accessible on the SEC’s website. Additionally, the Company’s corporate governance materials, including its Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance, and Risk Oversight committees, and the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may also be found under the “Investor Relations” subsection of the “Corporate” section of the Company’s Internet site at http://www.ruger.com/corporate. A copy of the foregoing corporate governance materials is available upon written request to the Corporate Secretary at Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., 1 Lacey Place, Southport, Connecticut 06890. ITEM 1A—RISK FACTORS The Company’s operations could be affected by various risks, many of which are beyond its control. Based on current information, the Company believes that the following identifies the most significant risk factors that could adversely affect its business. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. In evaluating the Company’s business, the following risk factors, as well as other information in this report, should be carefully considered. Changes in government policies and firearms legislation could adversely affect the Company’s financial results. The sale, purchase, ownership, and use of firearms are subject to thousands of federal, state and local governmental regulations. The basic federal laws are the National Firearms Act, the Federal Firearms Act, and the Gun Control Act of 1968. These laws generally prohibit the private ownership of fully automatic weapons and place certain restrictions on the interstate sale of firearms unless certain licenses are obtained. The Company does not manufacture fully automatic weapons and holds all necessary licenses under these federal laws. Several states currently have laws in effect similar to the aforementioned legislation. 10 In 2005, Congress enacted the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (“PLCAA”). The PLCAA was enacted to address abuses by cities and agenda-driven individuals who wrongly sought to make firearms manufacturers liable for legally manufactured and lawfully sold products if those products were later used in criminal acts. The Company believes the PLCAA merely codifies common sense and long standing tort principles. If the PLCAA is repealed or efforts to circumvent it are successful and lawsuits similar to those filed by cities and agenda-driven individuals in the late 1990s and early 2000s are allowed to proceed, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company. Currently, federal and several states’ legislatures are considering additional legislation relating to the regulation of firearms. These proposed bills are extremely varied, but many seek either to restrict or ban the sale and, in some cases, the ownership of various types of firearms. Other legislation seeks to require new technologies, such as microstamping and so-called “smart gun” technology, that are not proven, reliable or feasible. Such legislation became effective in California in 2013, and has limited our ability to sell certain products in California. If similar legislation is enacted in other states, it could effectively ban or severely limit the sale of affected firearms. There also are legislative proposals to limit magazine capacity. The Company believes that the lawful private ownership of firearms is guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and that the widespread private ownership of firearms in the United States will continue. However, there can be no assurance that the regulation of firearms will not become more restrictive in the future and that any such restriction would not have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company. The Company’s results of operations could be further adversely affected if legislation with diverse requirements is enacted. With literally thousands of laws being proposed at the federal, state and local levels, if even a small percentage of these laws are enacted and they are incongruent, the Company could find it difficult, expensive or even practically impossible to comply with them, impeding new product development and distribution of existing products. The Company’s results of operations could be adversely affected by litigation. The Company faces risks arising from various asserted and unasserted litigation matters. These matters include, but are not limited to, assertions of allegedly defective product design or manufacture, alleged failure to warn, purported class actions against firearms manufacturers, generally seeking relief such as medical expense reimbursement, property damages, and punitive damages arising from accidents involving firearms or the criminal misuse of firearms, and those lawsuits filed on behalf of municipalities alleging harm to the general public. Various factors or developments can lead to changes in current estimates of liabilities such as final adverse judgment, significant settlement or changes in applicable law. A future adverse outcome in any one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results. See Note 17 to the financial statements which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 11 Our insurance may be insufficient to protect us from claims or losses. We maintain insurance coverage with third-party insurers. However, not every risk or liability is or can be protected by insurance, and, for those risks we insure, the limits of coverage we purchase or that are reasonably obtainable in the market may not be sufficient to cover all actual losses or liabilities incurred. Moreover, there is a risk that commercially available liability insurance will not continue to be available to us at a reasonable cost, if at all. If liability claims or losses exceed our current or available insurance coverage, our business and prospects may be harmed. The Company’s results of operations could be adversely affected by a decrease in demand for Company products. If demand for the Company’s products decreases significantly, the Company would be unable to efficiently utilize its capacity, and profitability would suffer. Decreased demand could result from a macroeconomic downturn, or could be specific to the firearms industry. If the decrease in demand occurs abruptly, the adverse impact would be even greater. The financial health of our independent distributors is critical to our success. Over 90% of our sales are made to 19 federally licensed, independent wholesale distributors. We review our distributors’ financial statements and have credit insurance for many of them. However, our credit evaluations of distributors and credit insurance may not be completely effective, especially if an interest rate increase exacts an additional financial strain. If one or more independent distributors experience financial distress or liquidity issues, we may not be able to collect our accounts receivable on a timely basis, which would have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition. The Company must comply with various laws and regulations pertaining to workplace safety and environment, environmental matters, and firearms manufacture. In the normal course of its manufacturing operations, the Company is subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and governmental regulations, and governmental proceedings and orders. These laws and regulations pertain to matters like workplace safety and environment, firearms serial number tracking and control, waste disposal, air emissions and water discharges into the environment. Noncompliance with any one or more of these laws and regulations could have a material adverse impact on the Company. Misconduct of our employees or contractors could cause us to lose customers and could have a significant adverse impact on our business and reputation. Misconduct, fraud or other improper activities by our employees or contractors could have a material adverse impact on our business and reputation. Such misconduct could include the failure to comply with federal, state, local or foreign government procurement regulations, regulations regarding the protection of personal information, laws and regulations relating to antitrust and any other applicable laws or regulations. 12 Business disruptions at one of the Company’s manufacturing facilities could adversely affect the Company’s financial results. The Newport, New Hampshire, Prescott, Arizona and Mayodan, North Carolina facilities are critical to the Company’s success. These facilities house the Company’s principal production, research, development, engineering, design, and shipping operations. Any event that causes a disruption of the operation of any of these facilities for even a relatively short period of time could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to produce and ship products and to provide service to its customers. We rely on our information and communications systems in our operations. Security breaches and other disruptions could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Cyber-security threats are significant and evolving and include, among others, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in mission critical systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data. In addition to security threats, we are also subject to other systems failures, including network, software or hardware failures, whether caused by us, third-party service providers, natural disasters, power shortages, terrorist attacks or other events. The unavailability of our information or communications systems, the failure of these systems to perform as anticipated or any significant breach of data security could cause loss of data, disrupt our operations, lead to financial losses from remedial actions, require significant management attention and resources, and negatively impact our reputation among our customers and the public, which could have a negative impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Price increases for raw materials could adversely affect the Company’s financial results. Third parties supply the Company with various raw materials for its firearms and castings, such as fabricated steel components, walnut, birch, beech, maple and laminated lumber for rifle stocks, wax, ceramic material, metal alloys, various synthetic products and other component parts. There is a limited supply of these materials in the marketplace at any given time, which can cause the purchase prices to vary based upon numerous market factors. The Company believes that it has adequate quantities of raw materials in inventory or on order to provide ample time to locate and obtain additional items at then-current market cost without interruption of its manufacturing operations. However, if market conditions result in a significant prolonged inflation of certain prices or if adequate quantities of raw materials cannot be obtained, the Company’s manufacturing processes could be interrupted and the Company’s financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Retention of key management is critical to the success of the Company. We rely on the management and leadership skills of our senior management team. Our senior executives are not bound by employment agreements. The loss of the services of one or more of our senior executives or other key personnel could have a significant adverse impact on our business. ITEM 1B—UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None 13 ITEM 2—PROPERTIES The Company’s manufacturing operations are carried out at four facilities. The following table sets forth certain information regarding each of these facilities: Approximate Aggregate Usable Square Feet Status Segment Newport, New Hampshire 350,000 Owned Firearms/Castings Prescott, Arizona 230,000 Mayodan, North Carolina 220,000 Earth City, Missouri 35,000 Leased Owned Leased Firearms Firearms Castings Each firearms facility contains enclosed ranges for testing firearms. The lease of the Prescott facility provides for rental payments which are approximately equivalent to estimated rates for real property taxes. The Company has other facilities that were not used in its manufacturing operations in 2017: Approximate Aggregate Usable Square Feet Status Segment Southport, Connecticut 25,000 Owned Corporate Newport, New Hampshire (Dorr Woolen Building) Enfield, Connecticut Rochester, New Hampshire Fairport, New York 45,000 10,000 2,000 3,700 Owned Leased Leased Leased Firearms Firearms Firearms Corporate There are no mortgages or any other major encumbrance on any of the real estate owned by the Company. The Company’s principal executive offices are located in Southport, Connecticut. 14 ITEM 3—LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The nature of the legal proceedings against the Company is discussed at Note 17 to the financial statements, which are included in this Form 10-K. The Company has reported all cases instituted against it through September 30, 2017, and the results of those cases, where terminated, to the SEC on its previous Form 10-Q and 10-K reports, to which reference is hereby made. One lawsuit was formally instituted against the Company during the three months ending December 31, 2017, captioned as David S. Palmer, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated vs. Sturm, Ruger & Co., and filed in the Circuit Court for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Hillsborough County, Florida. The suit alleges breach of warranty and deceptive trade practices related to the sale of 10/22 Target Rifles. During the three months ending December 31, 2017, the previously reported case of Terry W. Turner v. Sturm, Ruger & Company., Inc. and Winchester Ammunition, Inc. was dismissed, with prejudice. ITEM 4—MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES – NOT APPLICABLE 15 PART II ITEM 5—MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RGR.” At February 9, 2018, the Company had 1,662 stockholders of record. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices for the Company’s common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange and dividends paid on the Company’s common stock. 2016: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2017: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter High $78.09 69.73 70.30 65.95 $54.45 68.60 63.90 57.20 Low $49.62 57.25 54.41 47.15 $47.75 53.00 44.80 45.70 Dividends Per Share $0.35 0.48 0.49 0.41 $0.44 0.48 0.23 0.21 16 Issuer Repurchase of Equity Securities In 2017, 2016, and 2015 the Company repurchased shares of its common stock. Details of these purchases are as follows: Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program 82,100 283,343 900,997 173,288 4,490 240,933 1,685,151 $30,710,000 Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share 82,100 283,343 900,997 173,288 4,490 240,933 1,685,151 $34.57 $49.43 $49.70 $49.92 $47.92 $46.30 $48.45 Period First Quarter 2015 Fourth Quarter 2016 First Quarter 2017 January 29 to February 25 February 26 to April 1 Third Quarter 2017 July 30 to August 26 August 27 to September 30 Total All of these purchases were made with cash held by the Company and no debt was incurred. At December 31, 2017 approximately $31 million remained authorized for share repurchases. 17 Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return* Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., Standard & Poor’s 500, Recreation and Russell 2000 Index (Performance Results Through 12/31/17) $400 $300 $200 $100 $100.00 $0 2012 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Standard & Poors 500 Recreation Russell 2000 Index $166.95 $137.65 $137.00 $132.39 $156.88 $150.51 $141.84 $81.40 $178.02 $152.60 $142.92 $133.74 $192.83 $170.85 $159.78 $129.82 $231.81 $208.15 $180.79 $141.04 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Assumes $100 invested at the close of trading 12/12 in Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. common stock, Standard & Poor’s 500, Recreation, and Russell 2000 Index. * Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends. Source: Value Line Publishing LLC Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Standard & Poor’s 500 Recreation Russell 2000 Index 2012 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 2013 166.95 132.39 137.65 137.00 2014 81.40 150.51 156.88 141.84 2015 142.92 152.60 178.02 133.74 2016 129.82 170.85 192.83 159.78 2017 141.04 208.15 231.81 180.79 18 Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans The following table provides information regarding compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2017: Equity Compensation Plan Information Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights Plan category (a) (b) * Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) - - $8.95 per share - 727,122 Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 2007 Stock Incentive Plan 2017 Stock Incentive Plan 228,994 22,878 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders None. Total 251,872 $8.95 per share 727,122 * Restricted stock units are settled in shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis. Accordingly, such units have been excluded for purposes of computing the weighted- average exercise price. 19 ITEM 6—SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) December 31, Net firearms sales Net castings sales Total net sales Cost of products sold Gross profit Income before income taxes Income taxes Net income Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share Cash dividends per share December 31, Working capital Total assets Total stockholders’ equity Book value per share Return on stockholders’ equity Current ratio Common shares outstanding Number of stockholders of record Number of employees Number of temporary employees 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 $517,701 4,555 522,256 368,248 154,008 77,646 25,504 52,142 2.94 2.91 $ 1.36 $658,433 5,895 664,328 444,774 219,554 135,921 48,449 87,472 4.62 4.59 $ 1.73 $544,850 6,244 551,094 378,934 172,160 96,100 33,974 62,126 3.32 3.21 $542,267 2,207 544,474 375,300 169,174 57,240 18,612 38,628 1.99 1.95 $ 1.10 $ 1.62 $678,552 9,724 688,276 429,671 258,605 175,232 63,960 111,272 5.76 5.58 $ 2.12 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 $114,107 284,318 230,149 $ 13.21 21.0% 3.2 to 1 $ 69,460 277,118 179,086 $ 9.26 81.2% 1.8 to 1 17,427,100 18,688,500 18,713,400 18,737,000 19,348,000 $ 57,792 254,382 185,462 $ 9.90 21.2% 2.0 to 1 $133,870 346,879 265,900 $ 14.23 35.4% 2.7 to 1 $107,279 315,883 227,738 $ 12.17 30.1% 2.3 to 1 1,664 1,838 2 1,678 2,120 310 1,702 1,920 205 1,726 1,847 220 1,718 1,862 530 20 ITEM 7—MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Company Overview Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (the “Company”) is principally engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of firearms to domestic customers. Approximately 99% of sales are from firearms. Export sales represent approximately 4% of total sales. The Company’s design and manufacturing operations are located in the United States and almost all product content is domestic. The Company’s firearms are sold through a select number of independent wholesale distributors, principally to the commercial sporting market. The Company also manufactures investment castings made from steel alloys and metal injection molding (“MIM”) parts for internal use in its firearms and for sale to unaffiliated, third-party customers. Approximately 1% of sales are from the castings segment. Orders of many models of firearms from the independent distributors tend to be stronger in the first quarter of the year and weaker in the third quarter of the year. This is due in part to the timing of the distributor show season, which occurs during the first quarter. Results of Operations - 2017 Product Demand The estimated sell-through of the Company’s products from the independent distributors to retailers decreased 17% in 2017 from 2016. For the same period, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) background checks (as adjusted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (“NSSF”)) decreased 11%. The decrease in estimated sell-through of the Company’s products from the independent distributors to retailers is attributable to:  Decreased overall consumer demand in 2017 due to stronger-than-normal demand during most of 2016, likely bolstered by the political campaigns for the November 2016 elections,  Reduced purchasing by retailers in an effort to reduce their inventories and generate cash,  Aggressive price discounting and lucrative consumer rebates offered by many of our competitors, and  Excess industry manufacturing capacity, which exacerbated the above factors. New products represented $137.8 million or 27% of firearms sales in 2017, compared to $192.6 million or 29% of firearms sales in 2016. New product sales include only major new products that were introduced in the past two years. In 2017, new products included the Precision Rifle, the Mark IV pistols, the LCP II pistol, and the American pistol. In December 2017, the Company introduced the Pistol Caliber Carbine, the Security 9 pistol, and the EC9s pistol. Due to the timing of these launches, they had only a minimal impact on the 2017 financial results. 21 Estimated sell-through from distributors to retailers and total adjusted NICS background checks: 2017 2016 2015 Estimated Units Sold from Distributors to Retailers (1) 1,663,100 2,007,200 1,793,800 Total Adjusted NICS Background Checks (2) 13,967,800 15,727,700 14,244,200 (1) The estimates for each period were calculated by taking the beginning inventory at the distributors, plus shipments from the Company to distributors during the period, less the ending inventory at distributors. These estimates are only a proxy for actual market demand as they:  Rely on data provided by independent distributors that are not verified by the Company,  Do not consider potential timing issues within the distribution channel, including goods-in-transit, and  Do not consider fluctuations in inventory at retail. (2) NICS background checks are performed when the ownership of most firearms, either new or used, is transferred by a Federal Firearms Licensee. NICS background checks are also performed for permit applications, permit renewals, and other administrative reasons. The adjusted NICS data presented above was derived by the NSSF by subtracting NICS checks that are not directly related to the sale of a firearm, including checks used for concealed carry (“CCW”) permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. Orders Received and Ending Backlog The Company uses the estimated unit sell-through of our products from the independent distributors to retailers, along with inventory levels at the independent distributors and at the Company, as the key metrics for planning production levels. Orders Received in 2017 decreased 44% from 2016. Our ending order backlog of 254,900 units at December 31, 2017 decreased 366,500 units from backlog of 621,400 units at December 31, 2016. 22 The units ordered, value of orders received and ending backlog, net of Federal Excise Tax, for the trailing three years are as follows (dollars in millions, except average sales price): 2017 2016 2015 Orders Received $386.2 $688.5 $463.2 Average Sales Price of Orders Received $297 $306 $303 Ending Backlog $75.4 $195.0 $137.8 Average Sales Price of Ending Backlog $296 $314 $320 Production The Company reviews the estimated sell-through from the independent distributors to retailers, as well as inventory levels at the independent distributors and at the Company, semi-monthly to plan production levels and manage increases in inventory. These reviews resulted in a decrease in total unit production of 24% in 2017 compared to 2016. Annual Summary Unit Data Firearms unit data for orders, production, and shipments follows: Units Ordered Units Produced Units Shipped 2017 2016 2015 1,298,800 2,246,600 1,517,000 1,610,900 2,125,500 1,721,300 1,665,300 2,055,500 1,738,100 Average Sales Price $311 $320 $313 Units – Backlog 254,900 621,400 430,300 Inventories The Company’s finished goods inventory decreased by 54,500 units during 2017. Distributor inventories of the Company’s products increased by 2,000 units during 2017 and approximate a reasonable level to support rapid fulfillment of retailer demand. 23 Inventory data follows: 2017 December 31, 2016 2015 Units – Company Inventory 102,900 157,400 87,400 Units – Distributor Inventory (3) 321,300 319,300 271,000 Total inventory (4) 424,200 476,700 358,400 (3) (4) Distributor ending inventory as provided by the independent distributors of the Company’s products. These numbers do not include goods-in-transit inventory that has been shipped from the Company but not yet received by the distributors. This total does not include inventory at retailers. The Company does not have access to data on retailer inventories. Year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to year ended December 31, 2016: Net Sales Consolidated net sales were $522.3 million in 2017. This represents a decrease of $142.0 million or 21.4% from 2016 consolidated net sales of $664.3 million. Firearms segment net sales were $517.7 million in 2017. This represents a decrease of $140.7 million or 21.4% from 2016 firearms net sales of $658.4 million. Firearms unit shipments decreased 19.0% in 2017. Casting segment net sales were $4.6 million in 2017. This represents a decrease of $1.3 million or 22.7% from 2016 casting sales of $5.9 million. Cost of Products Sold and Gross Profit Consolidated cost of products sold was $368.2 million in 2017. This represents a decrease of $76.6 million or 17.2% from 2016 consolidated cost of products sold of $444.8 million. 24 The gross margin was 29.5% in 2017. This represents a decrease from 33.0% in 2016 as illustrated below: (in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Net sales $522,256 100.0% $664,328 100.0% Cost of products sold, before LIFO, overhead and labor rate adjustments to inventory, product liability, and product recall 367,551 70.4% 441,773 66.5% LIFO expense 2,639 0.5% 481 0.1% Overhead rate adjustments to inventory (4,423) (0.9)% 482 0.1% Labor rate adjustments to inventory (379) (0.1)% (17) - Product liability Product recall 360 0.1% 2,055 0.3% 2,500 0.5% - - Total cost of products sold 368,248 70.5% 444,774 67.0% Gross profit $154,008 29.5% $219,554 33.0% Cost of products sold, before LIFO, overhead and labor rate adjustments to inventory, product liability, and product recall- In 2017, cost of products sold, before LIFO, overhead and labor rate adjustments to inventory, product liability increased 3.9% as a percentage of sales compared to 2016. This decreased profitability is attributable to the decrease in sales which resulted in unfavorable de-leveraging of fixed manufacturing costs, including depreciation and indirect labor. LIFO- Gross inventories decreased by $11.8 million in 2017 and increased $18.1 million in 2016. In 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized LIFO expense of $2.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which increased cost of products sold. Overhead Rate Change- The net impact on inventory in 2017 and 2016 from the change in the overhead rates used to absorb overhead expenses into inventory was an increase of $4.4 million and a decrease of $0.5 million, respectively, reflecting decreased overhead efficiency in 2017 and increased overhead efficiency in 2016. The increase in inventory value in 2017 resulted in a corresponding decrease to cost of products sold and the decrease in inventory value in 2016 resulted in a corresponding increase to cost of products sold. 25 Labor Rate Adjustments- In 2017, the change in inventory value resulting from the change in the labor rates used to absorb labor expenses into inventory was an increase of $0.4 million, reflecting decreased labor efficiency. This increase in inventory value resulted in a corresponding decrease to cost of products sold. In 2016, the change in inventory value resulting from the change in the labor rates used to absorb labor expenses into inventory was de minimis. Product Liability- This expense includes the cost of outside legal fees, insurance, and other expenses incurred in the management and defense of product liability matters. These costs totaled $0.4 million and $2.1 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. See Note 17 in the notes to the financial statements “Contingent Liabilities” for further discussion of the Company’s product liability. Product Recall – In June 2017, the Company discovered that Mark IV pistols manufactured prior to June 1, 2017 had the potential to discharge unintentionally if the safety was not utilized correctly. The Company recalled all Mark IV pistols and recorded a $2.5 million expense in the second quarter, which is the expected total cost of the recall. No such expense was recorded in the prior year. Gross Profit- Gross profit was $154.0 million or 29.5% of sales in 2017. This is a decrease of $65.6 million from 2016 gross profit of $219.6 million or 33.0% of sales in 2016. Selling, General and Administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses were $77.6 million in 2017, a decrease of $7.5 million from $85.1 million in 2016, and an increase from 12.8% of sales in 2016 to 14.9% of sales in 2017. The decrease is primarily attributable to the absence of the “2.5 Million Gun Challenge” and the “Ruger $5 Million Match Challenge”, both of which were in effect in 2016. The decrease was partially offset by increased firearms promotional activities in 2017. Other Operating Income, net Other operating income, net was de minimis in 2017 and 2016. Operating Income Operating income was $76.3 million or 14.6% of sales in 2017. This is a decrease of $58.1 million from 2016 operating income of $134.4 million or 20.2% of sales. Royalty Income Royalty income was $0.5 million in 2017 and $1.1 million in 2016. Interest Income and Interest Expense Interest income and interest expense were negligible in 2017 and 2016. 26 Other Income, Net Other income, net was $0.9 million in 2017, an increase of $0.4 million from income of $0.5 million in 2016. Income Taxes and Net Income The effective income tax rate was 32.8% in 2017 and 35.6% in 2016. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2017 is primarily attributable to:  the inclusion of the tax impact of 2017 equity-based compensation in income taxes, as required by newly issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share Based Payment Accounting”, which reduced the effective tax rate by 0.9%. In the prior year, the tax impact of equity-based compensation was recorded directly into equity, and  The revaluation of the Company’s net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2017 to reflect the impact of the lower statutory corporate tax rate enacted by the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”, which reduced the effective tax rate by 0.7%. The effective tax rate is expected to decrease to 24.5% in 2018 principally due to the “2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” which reduces the Federal corporate income tax rate to 21% beginning in 2018. As a result of the foregoing factors, consolidated net income was $52.1 million in 2017. This represents a decrease of $35.4 million from 2016 consolidated net income of $87.5 million. Non-GAAP Financial Measure In an effort to provide investors with additional information regarding its results, the Company refers to various United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measures and one non-GAAP financial measure, EBITDA, which management believes provides useful information to investors. This non-GAAP measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures being disclosed by other companies. In addition, the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measure should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, GAAP financial measures. The Company believes that EBITDA is useful to understanding its operating results and the ongoing performance of its underlying business, as EBITDA provides information on the Company’s ability to meet its capital expenditure and working capital requirements, and is also an indicator of profitability. The Company believes that this reporting provides better transparency and comparability to its operating results. The Company uses both GAAP and non- GAAP financial measures to evaluate the Company’s financial performance. 27 Non-GAAP Reconciliation – EBITDA EBITDA (Unaudited, dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, Net income Income tax expense Depreciation and amortization expense Interest expense Interest income EBITDA 2017 2016 $ 52,142 $ 87,472 25,504 34,264 152 (27) $112,035 48,449 35,355 186 (14) $171,448 EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation and amortization. The Company calculates this by adding the amount of interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expenses that have been deducted from net income back into net income, and subtracting the amount of interest income that was included in net income from net income to arrive at EBITDA. The Company’s EBITDA calculation also excludes any one-time non-cash, non-operating expense. 28 Quarterly Data To supplement the summary annual unit data and discussion above, the same data for the last eight quarters follows: Units Ordered Units Produced Units Shipped Estimated Units Sold from Distributors to Retailers Total Adjusted NICS Background Checks Q4 2017 Q3 Q2 Q1 467,500 221,900 214,400 395,000 320,800 327,300 432,900 529,900 383,200 329,100 432,000 521,000 425,600 341,300 362,400 533,800 4,210,000 2,948,000 3,116,000 3,694,000 Average Unit Sales Price $306 $315 $302 $319 Units – Backlog 254,900 170,600 277,800 495,400 Units – Company Inventory 102,900 165,400 167,200 166,200 Units – Distributor Inventory (5) 321,300 363,800 376,000 306,400 Units Ordered Units Produced Units Shipped Estimated Units Sold from Distributors to Retailers Total Adjusted NICS Background Checks Q4 2016 Q3 Q2 Q1 432,100 445,700 399,400 969,400 566,200 527,600 529,600 502,100 527,300 507,500 504,000 516,700 529,100 453,400 453,700 571,000 4,861,000 3,519,000 3,199,000 4,148,000 Average Unit Sales Price $304 $315 $330 $332 Units – Backlog 621,400 716,600 778,400 883,000 Units – Company Inventory 157,400 118,500 98,500 72,800 Units – Distributor Inventory (5) 319,300 321,100 267,000 216,700 (5) Distributor ending inventory as provided by the independent distributors of the Company’s products. 29 (in millions except average sales price, net of Federal Excise Tax) Q4 2017 Q3 Q2 Q1 Orders Received $129.0 $62.9 $62.4 $131.9 Average Sales Price of Orders Received $276 $283 $291 $334 Ending Backlog $75.4 $56.6 $95.0 $163.8 Average Sales Price of Ending Backlog $296 $332 $342 $331 Q4 2016 Q3 Q2 Q1 Orders Received $130.2 $116.5 $145.7 $296.1 Average Sales Price of Orders Received $301 $261 $365 $305 Ending Backlog $195.0 $219.1 $257.6 $276.1 Average Sales Price of Ending Backlog $314 $306 $331 $313 30 Fourth Quarter Gross Profit Analysis The gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2017 and 2016 was 28.0% and 33.1%, respectively. Details of the gross margin are illustrated below: (in thousands) Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Net sales $118,230 100.0% $161,849 100.0% Cost of products sold, before LIFO, overhead and labor rate adjustments to inventory, and product liability 85,972 72.7% 109,977 67.9% LIFO (income) expense 464 0.4% (1,295) (0.8)% Overhead rate adjustments to inventory (1,132) (0.9)% (756) (0.5)% Labor rate adjustments to inventory Product liability (71) (97) (0.1)% (133) (0.1)% (0.1)% 560 0.4% Total cost of products sold 85,136 72.0% 108,353 66.9% Gross profit $ 33,094 28.0% $ 53,496 33.1% Note: For a discussion of the captions in the above table, please see the “Cost of Products Sold and Gross Profit” discussion above. 31 Results of Operations - 2016 Year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to year ended December 31, 2015: Annual Summary Unit Data Firearms unit data for orders, production, shipments and ending inventory, and castings setups (a measure of foundry production) are as follows: Units Ordered Units Produced Units Shipped Average Sales Price Units – Backlog 2016 2015 2014 2,246,600 1,517,000 921,900 2,125,500 1,721,300 1,867,800 2,055,500 1,738,100 1,791,300 $320 $313 $303 621,400 430,300 651,400 Units – Company Inventory 157,400 87,400 104,200 Units – Distributor Inventory (1) 319,300 271,000 326,700 Castings Setups 170,681 164,212 201,592 Orders Received and Ending Backlog (in millions except average sales price, net of Federal Excise Tax): 2016 2015 2014 Orders Received $688.5 $463.2 $286.8 Average Sales Price of Orders Received (2) $306 $303 $311 Ending Backlog (2) $195.0 $137.8 $204.2 Average Sales Price of Ending Backlog (2) $314 $320 $313 (1) Distributor ending inventory as provided by the independent distributors of the Company’s products. 32 (2) Average sales price for orders received and ending backlog is net of Federal Excise Tax of 10% for handguns and 11% for long guns. Product Demand The estimated sell-through of the Company’s products from the independent distributors to retailers increased 12% in 2016 from 2015. For the same period, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) background checks (as adjusted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (“NSSF”)) increased 10%. The increase in estimated sell-through of the Company’s products from the independent distributors to retailers is attributable to:  stronger-than-normal seasonal industry demand, likely bolstered by the political campaigns for the elections in November,  strong demand for certain new products,   greater availability of rimfire ammunition which spurred demand for our 10/22 rifle increased production of several products in strong demand, and and other rimfire firearms late in the latter half of the year. New products represented $192.6 million or 29% of firearms sales in 2016, compared to $115.4 million or 21% of firearms sales in 2015. New product sales include only major new products that were introduced in the past two years. In 2016, new products included the Precision Rifle, the AR-556 modern sporting rifle, the LC9s pistol, the Mark IV pistols, the LCP II pistol, and the American pistol. The AR-556 and the LC9s pistol will not be considered new products in 2017. Estimated sell-through from distributors to retailers and total adjusted NICS background checks: 2016 2015 2014 Estimated Units Sold from Distributors to Retailers (1) 2,007,200 1,793,800 1,669,700 Total Adjusted NICS Background Checks (2) 15,727,700 14,244,200 13,090,400 (1) The estimates for each period were calculated by taking the beginning inventory at the distributors, plus shipments from the Company to distributors during the period, less the ending inventory at distributors. These estimates are only a proxy for actual market demand as they:  Rely on data provided by independent distributors that are not verified by the Company,  Do not consider potential timing issues within the distribution channel, including goods-in-transit, and  Do not consider fluctuations in inventory at retail. (2) NICS background checks are performed when the ownership of most firearms, either new or used, is transferred by a Federal Firearms Licensee. NICS 33 background checks are also performed for permit applications, permit renewals, and other administrative reasons. The adjusted NICS data presented above was derived by the NSSF by subtracting NICS checks that are not directly related to the sale of a firearm, including checks used for concealed carry (“CCW”) permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. Production The Company reviews the estimated sell-through from the independent distributors to retailers, as well as inventory levels at the independent distributors and at the Company, semi-monthly to plan production levels and manage increases in inventory. These reviews and increased production capacity of products in strong demand resulted in an increase in total unit production of 23.5% in 2016 compared to 2015. Inventories The Company’s finished goods inventory increased by 70,000 units during 2016. Distributor inventories of the Company’s products increased by 48,300 units during 2016 and approximate a reasonable level to support rapid fulfillment of retailer demand. Inventory data follows: 2016 December 31, 2015 2014 Units – Company Inventory 157,400 87,400 104,200 Units – Distributor Inventory (3) 319,300 271,000 326,700 Total inventory (4) 476,700 358,400 430,900 (3) (4) Distributor ending inventory as provided by the independent distributors of the Company’s products. These numbers do not include goods-in-transit inventory that has been shipped from the Company but not yet received by the distributors. This total does not include inventory at retailers. The Company does not have access to data on retailer inventories. 34 Quarterly Summary Unit Data To supplement the summary annual unit data and discussion above, the same data for the last eight quarters follows: Units Ordered Units Produced Units Shipped Estimated Units Sold from Distributors to Retailers Total Adjusted NICS Background Checks Q4 2016 Q3 Q2 Q1 432,100 445,700 399,400 969,400 566,200 527,600 529,600 502,100 527,300 507,500 504,000 516,700 529,100 453,400 453,700 571,000 4,861,000 3,519,000 3,199,000 4,148,000 Average Unit Sales Price $304 $315 $330 $332 Units – Backlog 621,400 716,600 778,400 883,000 Units – Company Inventory 157,400 118,500 98,500 72,800 Units – Distributor Inventory (5) 319,300 321,100 267,000 216,700 Units Ordered Units Produced Units Shipped Estimated Units Sold from Distributors to Retailers Total Adjusted NICS Background Checks Q4 2015 Q3 Q2 Q1 696,400 207,500 262,400 350,700 425,400 439,900 487,000 369,000 478,400 394,700 442,900 422,100 552,700 374,900 379,400 486,800 4,880,000 3,050,000 2,793,000 3,521,000 Average Unit Sales Price $315 $302 $314 $321 Units – Backlog 430,300 212,300 399,500 580,000 Units – Company Inventory 87,400 140,400 95,200 51,100 Units – Distributor Inventory (5) 271,000 345,300 325,500 262,000 35 (5) Distributor ending inventory as provided by the independent distributors of the Company’s products. (in millions except average sales price, net of Federal Excise Tax) Q4 2016 Q3 Q2 Q1 Orders Received $130.2 $116.5 $145.7 $296.1 Average Sales Price of Orders Received $301 $261 $365 $305 Ending Backlog $195.0 $219.1 $257.6 $276.1 Average Sales Price of Ending Backlog $314 $306 $331 $313 Q4 2015 Q3 Q2 Q1 Orders Received $203.4 $73.1 $71.9 $114.8 Average Sales Price of Orders Received $292 $352 $274 $327 Ending Backlog $137.8 $80.5 $123.8 $185.1 Average Sales Price of Ending Backlog $320 $379 $310 $319 Net Sales Consolidated net sales were $664.3 million in 2016. This represents an increase of $113.2 million or 20.5% from 2015 consolidated net sales of $551.1 million. Firearms segment net sales were $658.4 million in 2016. This represents an increase of $113.5 million or 20.8% from 2015 firearms net sales of $544.9 million. Firearms unit shipments increased 18.3% in 2016. Casting segment net sales were $5.9 million in 2016. This represents a decrease of $0.3 million or 5.6% from 2015 casting sales of $6.2 million. Cost of Products Sold and Gross Profit Consolidated cost of products sold was $444.8 million in 2016. This represents an increase of $65.9 million or 17.4% from 2015 consolidated cost of products sold of $378.9 million. 36 The gross margin was 33.0% in 2016. This represents an increase from 31.2% in 2015 as illustrated below: (in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Net sales $664,328 100.0% $551,094 100.0% Cost of products sold, before LIFO, overhead and labor rate adjustments to inventory, and product liability 441,773 66.5% 375,267 68.1% LIFO expense 481 0.1% 1,458 0.3% Overhead rate adjustments to inventory 482 0.1% 1,150 0.2% Labor rate adjustments to inventory (17) - 139 - Product liability 2,055 0.3% 920 0.2% Total cost of products sold 444,774 67.0% 378,934 68.8% Gross profit $219,554 33.0% $172,160 31.2% Cost of products sold, before LIFO, overhead and labor rate adjustments to inventory, and product liability- In 2016, cost of products sold, before LIFO, overhead and labor rate adjustments to inventory, and product liability decreased 1.8% as a percentage of sales compared to 2015. This increased profitability is attributable to increased volume and improved productivity. LIFO- Gross inventories increased by $18.1 million in 2016 and decreased $7.7 million in 2015. In 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized LIFO expense of $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which increased cost of products sold. Overhead Rate Change- The net impact on inventory in 2016 and 2015 from the change in the overhead rates used to absorb overhead expenses into inventory was a decrease of $0.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively, reflecting increased overhead efficiency. This decrease in inventory value resulted in a corresponding increase to cost of products sold in 2016 and 2015. Labor Rate Adjustments- In 2016, the change in inventory value resulting from the change in the labor rates used to absorb labor expenses into inventory was de minimis. In 2015, the change in inventory value resulting from the change in the labor rates used to absorb labor expenses into inventory was a decrease of $0.1 million, reflecting increased labor efficiency. This decrease in inventory value resulted in a corresponding increase to cost of products sold. 37 Product Liability- This expense includes the cost of outside legal fees, insurance, and other expenses incurred in the management and defense of product liability matters. These costs totaled $2.1 million and $0.9 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 17 in the notes to the financial statements “Contingent Liabilities” for further discussion of the Company’s product liability. Gross Profit- Gross profit was $219.6 million or 33.0% of sales in 2016. This is an increase of $47.4 million from 2015 gross profit of $172.2 million or 31.2% of sales in 2015. Selling, General and Administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses were $85.1 million in 2016, an increase of $7.4 million from $77.7 million in 2015, and a decrease from 14.1% of sales in 2015 to 12.8% of sales in 2016. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to increased promotional selling expenses, including the “Ruger $5 Million Match Challenge” and the “2.5 Million Gun Challenge” in 2016. Other Operating Income, net Other operating income, net consists of the following (in thousands): Gain on sale of operating assets Total other operating income, net Operating Income 2016 2015 $ 5 $ 113 $ 5 $ 113 Operating income was $134.4 million or 20.2% of sales in 2016. This is an increase of $39.9 million from 2015 operating income of $94.5 million or 17.2% of sales. Royalty Income Royalty income was $1.1 million in 2016 and 2015. Interest Income and Interest Expense Interest income and interest expense were negligible in 2016 and 2015. Other Income (Expense), Net Other income (expense), net was income of $0.5 million in 2016, a decrease of $0.1 million from income of $0.6 million in 2015. 38 Income Taxes and Net Income The effective income tax rate was 35.6% in 2016 and 35.4% in 2015. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily attributable to a decrease in the domestic production activities deduction in 2016 compared to 2015. As a result of the foregoing factors, consolidated net income was $87.5 million in 2016. This represents an increase of $25.4 million from 2015 consolidated net income of $62.1 million. Non-GAAP Financial Measure In an effort to provide investors with additional information regarding its results, the Company refers to various United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measures and one non-GAAP financial measure, EBITDA, which management believes provides useful information to investors. This non-GAAP measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures being disclosed by other companies. In addition, the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measure should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, GAAP financial measures. The Company believes that EBITDA is useful to understanding its operating results and the ongoing performance of its underlying business, as EBITDA provides information on the Company’s ability to meet its capital expenditure and working capital requirements, and is also an indicator of profitability. The Company believes that this reporting provides better transparency and comparability to its operating results. The Company uses both GAAP and non- GAAP financial measures to evaluate the Company’s financial performance. Non-GAAP Reconciliation – EBITDA EBITDA (Unaudited, dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, Net income Income tax expense Depreciation and amortization expense Interest expense Interest income EBITDA 2016 2015 $ 87,472 $ 62,126 48,449 35,355 186 (14) $171,448 33,974 36,235 156 (5) $132,486 EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation and amortization. The Company calculates this by adding the amount of interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expenses that have been deducted from net income back into net income, and subtracting the amount of interest income that was included in net income from net income to arrive at EBITDA. The Company’s EBITDA calculation also excludes any one-time non-cash, non-operating expense. 39 Financial Condition Liquidity At December 31, 2017, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $63.5 million. Our pre- LIFO working capital of $159.3 million, less the LIFO reserve of $45.2 million, resulted in working capital of $114.1 million and a current ratio of 3.2 to 1. Operations Cash provided by operating activities was $101.2 million, $104.8 million, and $112.6 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The decrease in cash provided in 2017 compared to 2016 is attributable to decreased profitability, partially offset by a decrease in inventories in 2017 and an increase in inventories in 2016 and other working capital fluctuations. The decrease in cash provided in 2016 compared to 2015 is attributable to an increase in inventory in 2016 compared to a decrease in 2015, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable in 2016 compared to an increase in 2015, and increased profitability in 2015. Third parties supply the Company with various raw materials for its firearms and castings, such as fabricated steel components, walnut, birch, beech, maple and laminated lumber for rifle stocks, wax, ceramic material, metal alloys, various synthetic products and other component parts. There is a limited supply of these materials in the marketplace at any given time, which can cause the purchase prices to vary based upon numerous market factors. The Company believes that it has adequate quantities of raw materials in inventory or on order to provide sufficient time to locate and obtain additional items at then-current market cost without interruption of its manufacturing operations. However, if market conditions result in a significant prolonged inflation of certain prices or if adequate quantities of raw materials cannot be obtained, the Company’s manufacturing processes could be interrupted and the Company’s financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Investing and Financing Capital expenditures were $33.6 million, $35.2 million, and $28.7 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. In 2018, the Company expects capital expenditures to approximate $15 million, much of which will relate to tooling and fixtures for new product introductions and to upgrade and modernize manufacturing equipment. Due to market conditions and business circumstances, actual capital expenditures could vary significantly from the budgeted amount. The Company finances, and intends to continue to finance, all of these activities with funds provided by operations and current cash. In 2017, the Company repurchased 1,319,708 shares of its common stock for $64.8 million in the open market. The average price per share purchased was $49.14. These purchases were funded with cash on hand. In 2016, the Company repurchased 283,343 shares of its common stock for $14.0 million in the open market. The average price per share purchased was $49.43. These purchases were funded with cash on hand. In 2015, the Company repurchased 82,100 shares of 40 its common stock for $2.8 million in the open market. The average price per share purchased was $34.57. These purchases were made with cash held by the Company and no debt was incurred. At December 31, 2017, $30.7 million remained authorized for future share repurchases. The Company paid dividends totaling $23.9 million, $32.8 million, and $20.6 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The dividend varies every quarter because the Company pays a percentage of earnings rather than a fixed amount per share. The Company’s practice is to pay a dividend of approximately 40% of net income. On February 16, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a dividend of 23¢ per share to shareholders of record on March 15, 2018. The payment of future dividends depends on many factors, including internal estimates of future performance, then-current cash, and the Company’s need for funds. The Company provides supplemental discretionary contributions to substantially all employees’ individual 401(k) accounts. Based on its unencumbered assets, the Company believes it has the ability to raise cash through issuance of short-term or long-term debt. The Company’s unsecured $40 million credit facility, which expires on June 15, 2018, remained unused at December 31, 2017 and the Company has no debt. Contractual Obligations The table below summarizes the Company’s significant contractual obligations at December 31, 2017, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on the Company’s liquidity and cash flows in future periods. This table excludes amounts already recorded on the Company’s balance sheet as current liabilities at December 31, 2017. “Purchase Obligations” as used in the below table includes all agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on the Company and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Certain of the Company’s purchase orders or contracts for the purchase of raw materials and other goods and services that may not necessarily be enforceable or legally binding on the Company are also included in “Purchase Obligations” in the table, and, therefore, certain of the Company’s purchase orders or contracts included in the table may represent authorizations to purchase rather than legally binding agreements. The Company expects to fund all of these commitments with cash flows from operations and current cash. 41 Payment due by period (in thousands) Contractual Obligations Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 Years Long-Term Debt Obligations Capital Lease Obligations Operating Lease Obligations Purchase Obligations Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Registrant’s Balance Sheet under GAAP - - $ 204 $30,522 - - $ 204 $30,522 - - $ - - - - $ - - - - - - Total $30,726 $30,726 $ $ - - - - - - - The expected timing of payment of the obligations discussed above is estimated based on current information. Timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different depending on the time of receipt of goods or services or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations. Firearms Legislation and Litigation See Item 1A - Risk Factors and Note 17 to the financial statements which are included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of firearms legislation and litigation. Other Operational Matters In the normal course of its manufacturing operations, the Company is subject to occasional governmental proceedings and orders pertaining to workplace safety, firearms serial number tracking and control, waste disposal, air emissions and water discharges into the environment. The Company believes that it is generally in compliance with applicable Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, environmental, and safety regulations and the outcome of any proceedings or orders will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. The Company self-insures a significant amount of its product liability, workers’ compensation, medical, and other insurance. It also carries significant deductible amounts on various insurance policies. The Company expects to realize its deferred tax assets through tax deductions against future taxable income. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect 42 the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date and net sales and expenses recognized and incurred during the reporting period then ended. The Company bases estimates on prior experience, facts and circumstances, and other assumptions, including those reviewed with actuarial consultants and independent counsel, when applicable, that are believed to be reasonable. However, actual results may differ from these estimates. The Company believes the determination of its product liability accrual is a critical accounting policy. The Company’s management reviews every lawsuit and claim and is in contact with independent and corporate counsel on an ongoing basis. The provision for product liability claims is based upon many factors, which vary for each case. These factors include the type of claim, nature and extent of injuries, historical settlement ranges, jurisdiction where filed, and advice of counsel. An accrual is established for each lawsuit and claim, when appropriate, based on the nature of each such lawsuit or claim. Amounts are charged to product liability expense in the period in which the Company becomes aware that a claim or, in some instances a threat of a claim, has been made when potential losses or costs of defense are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Such amounts are determined based on the Company’s experience in defending similar claims. Occasionally, charges are made for claims made in prior periods because the cumulative actual costs incurred for that claim, or reasonably expected to be incurred in the future, exceed amounts already provided with respect to such claims. Likewise, credits may be taken if cumulative actual costs incurred for that claim, or reasonably expected to be incurred in the future, are less than amounts previously provided. While it is not possible to forecast the outcome of litigation or the timing of related costs, in the opinion of management, after consultation with independent and corporate counsel, there is a remote likelihood that litigation, including punitive damage claims, will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company, but such litigation may have a material impact on the Company’s financial results and cash flows for a particular period. The Company believes the valuation of its inventory and the related excess and obsolescence reserve is also a critical accounting policy. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost, principally determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and prevailing inventory costs existing at that time. The Company determines its excess and obsolescence reserve by projecting the year in which inventory will be consumed into a finished product. Given ever-changing market conditions, customer preferences and the anticipated introduction of new products, it does not seem prudent nor supportable to carry inventory at full cost beyond that needed during the next 36 months. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This ASU simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by eliminating the requirement for entities to separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent 43 amounts in classified balance sheets. Instead, it requires deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted ASU 2015- 17 in the first quarter of 2017 and applied it retroactively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The impact of adopting this change in accounting principle on the December 31, 2016 balance sheet was to reduce current deferred tax assets and working capital by $8.8 million and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities by $8.5 million from the amounts previously reported for these items. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a full retrospective or retrospective with cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 one year making it effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 and can be applied using a modified retrospective or full retrospective method. The Company has evaluated the new standard against its existing accounting policies and practices, including reviewing standard purchase orders, invoices, shipping terms, and reviewing agreements with customers. The Company expects to adopt the new standard in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. The Company will modify its revenue recognition related to certain of its sales promotion activities that involve the shipment of no charge firearms. As a result, the Company expects to record a contract liability of approximately $7 million on January 1, 2018. In addition, certain promotional expenses that had been classified as selling expenses will be recorded as cost of products sold in future periods. The Company believes the new guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results, cash flows, or financial position, but may have a material impact on the Company’s financial results for a particular period. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases" (ASU 2016-02), which requires companies to recognize leased assets and liabilities for both capital and operating leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Companies are required to adopt the guidance using a modified retrospective method. While the Company is currently assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on the consolidated financial statements, the adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial position. Forward-Looking Statements and Projections The Company may, from time to time, make forward-looking statements and projections concerning future expectations. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to certain qualifying risks and uncertainties, such as market demand, sales levels of firearms, anticipated castings sales and earnings, the need for external financing for operations or capital expenditures, the results of pending litigation against the Company, the impact of future firearms 44 control and environmental legislation and accounting estimates, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Words such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “could” and other words and terms of similar meaning, typically identify such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date such forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent unanticipated events. ITEM 7A—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK The Company is exposed to changing interest rates on its investments, which consist primarily of United States Treasury instruments with short-term (less than one year) maturities and cash. The interest rate market risk implicit in the Company's investments at any given time is low, as the investments mature within short periods and the Company does not have significant exposure to changing interest rates on invested cash. The Company has not undertaken any actions to cover interest rate market risk and is not a party to any interest rate market risk management activities. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in market interest rates over the next year would not materially impact the Company’s earnings or cash flows. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in market interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair value of the Company’s investments. 45 ITEM 8—FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 47 49 51 52 53 54 46 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Opinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We have audited Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. and Subsidiary's (“the Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and our report dated February 21, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/RSM US LLP Stamford, Connecticut February 21, 2018 47 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. and Subsidiary (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 , and the related notes and schedule (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated February 21, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement , whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/RSM US LLP We have served as the Company's auditor since 2005. Stamford, Connecticut February 21, 2018 48 Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) December 31, Assets Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents Trade receivables, net Gross inventories Less LIFO reserve Less excess and obsolescence reserve Net inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Total Current Assets Property, Plant, and Equipment Less allowances for depreciation Net property, plant and equipment Deferred income taxes Other assets Total Assets See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 2017 2016 $ 63,487 60,082 $ 87,126 69,442 87,592 (45,180) (2,698) 39,714 3,501 166,784 365,013 (261,218) 103,795 - 13,739 $284,318 99,417 (42,542) (2,340) 54,535 3,660 214,763 331,639 (227,398) 104,241 334 27,541 $346,879 49 December 31, 2017 2016 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current Liabilities Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses Product liability Employee compensation and benefits Workers’ compensation Total Current Liabilities Product liability Deferred income taxes Contingent liabilities (Note 17) Stockholders’ Equity Common stock, non-voting, par value $1: Authorized shares – 50,000; none issued Common stock, par value $1: Authorized shares – 40,000,000 2017 – 24,092,488 issued, 17,427,090 outstanding 2016 – 24,034,201 issued, 18,688,511 outstanding Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Less: Treasury stock – at cost 2017 – 6,665,398 shares 2016 – 5,345,690 shares Total Stockholders’ Equity Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. $ 32,422 729 14,315 5,211 52,677 $ 48,493 1,733 25,467 5,200 80,893 90 1,402 - 86 - - 24,092 28,329 321,323 24,034 27,211 293,400 (143,595) 230,149 $284,318 (78,745) 265,900 $346,879 50 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (In thousands, except per share data) Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net firearms sales Net castings sales Total net sales Cost of products sold Gross profit Operating Expenses: Selling General and administrative Other operating income, net Total operating expenses Operating income Other income: Royalty income Interest income Interest expense Other income, net Total other income, net $517,701 4,555 522,256 $658,433 5,895 664,328 $544,850 6,244 551,094 368,248 444,774 378,934 154,008 219,554 172,160 49,232 28,396 31 77,659 56,146 29,004 (5) 85,145 49,864 27,864 (113) 77,615 76,349 134,409 94,545 506 27 (152) 916 1,297 1,142 14 (186) 542 1,512 1,084 5 (156) 622 1,555 Income before income taxes 77,646 135,921 96,100 Income taxes 25,504 48,449 33,974 Net income and comprehensive income $ 52,142 $ 87,472 $ 62,126 Basic Earnings Per Share $2.94 $4.62 $3.32 Diluted Earnings Per Share $2.91 $4.59 $3.21 Cash Dividends Per Share $1.36 $1.73 $1.10 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 51 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Dollars in thousands) Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Balance at December 31, 2014 $23,717 $25,472 Net income Dividends paid Stock-based compensation Exercise of stock options and vesting of RSU’s Tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options and vesting of RSU’s Common stock issued – compensation plans Unpaid dividends accrued Repurchase of 82,100 shares of 4,530 (788) 436 (59) 59 common stock Balance at December 31, 2015 23,776 29,591 Net income Dividends paid Stock-based compensation Exercise of stock options and vesting of RSU’s Tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options and vesting of RSU’s Common stock issued – compensation plans Unpaid dividends accrued Repurchase of 283,343 shares of 3,054 (14,002) 8,826 258 (258) common stock Balance at December 31, 2016 24,034 27,211 Retained Earnings Treasury Stock $(61,886) $198,159 62,126 (20,569) (618) 239,098 87,472 (32,815) (2,841) (64,727) (355) 293,400 52,142 (23,905) (14,018) (78,745) Total $185,462 62,126 (20,569) 4,530 (788) 436 - (618) (2,841) 227,738 87,472 (32,815) 3,054 (14,002) 8,826 - (355) (14,018) $265,900 52,142 (23,905) 3,659 (2,483) - (314) Net income Dividends paid Stock-based compensation Exercise of stock options and vesting of RSU’s Common stock issued – compensation plans Unpaid dividends accrued Repurchase of 1,319,708 shares of 3,659 (2,483) 58 (58) (314) common stock Balance at December 31, 2017 $24,092 $28,329 $321,323 (64,850) $(143,595) (64,850) $230,149 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 52 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Operating Activities Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Stock-based compensation Excess and obsolescence inventory reserve Loss (gain) on sale of assets Deferred income taxes Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Trade receivables Inventories Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses Employee compensation and benefits Product liability Prepaid expenses, other assets and other liabilities Income taxes payable Cash provided by operating activities Investing Activities Property, plant, and equipment additions Net proceeds from sale of assets Cash used for investing activities Financing Activities Dividends paid Tax benefit from share-based compensation Repurchase of common stock Payment of employee withholding tax related to share- based compensation Proceeds from exercise of stock options Cash used for financing activities $ 52,142 $ 87,472 $ 62,126 34,264 3,659 358 31 1,736 9,360 14,463 (16,060) (11,466) (1,000) 13,704 - 101,191 35,355 3,054 522 59 1,836 2,279 (17,958) 5,602 (3,186) 1,075 (6,348) (4,962) 104,800 36,235 4,530 (1,468) (113) (3,257) (21,986) 9,058 6,808 9,378 (101) 6,553 4,806 112,569 (33,596) 3 (33,593) (35,215) 325 (34,890) (28,705) 222 (28,483) (23,905) - (64,850) (2,482) - (91,237) (32,815) 8,825 (14,018) (14,001) - (52,009) (20,569) 436 (2,841) (999) 211 (23,762) (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year (23,639) 87,126 $ 63,487 17,901 69,225 $ 87,126 60,324 8,901 $ 69,225 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 53 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Dollars in thousands, except per share) 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (the “Company”) is principally engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of firearms to domestic customers. Approximately 99% of sales were from firearms. Export sales represented approximately 4% of firearms sales. The Company’s design and manufacturing operations are located in the United States and almost all product content is domestic. The Company’s firearms are sold through a select number of independent wholesale distributors principally to the commercial sporting market. The Company manufactures investment castings made from steel alloys and metal injection molding (“MIM”) parts for internal use in its firearms and utilizes available capacity to manufacture and sell investment castings and MIM parts to unaffiliated, third-party customers. Castings were approximately 1% of the Company’s total sales for the year ended December 31, 2017. Preparation of Financial Statements The Company follows United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The significant accounting policies described below, together with the notes that follow, are an integral part of the Financial Statements. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Revenue Recognition Substantially all product sales are sold FOB (free on board) shipping point. Revenue is recognized when product is shipped and the customer takes ownership and assumes the risk of loss. Accruals are made for sales discounts and incentives based on the Company’s experience. The Company accounts for cash sales discounts as a reduction in sales and sales incentives as a charge to selling expense. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in net sales and costs incurred by the Company for the delivery of goods are classified as selling expenses. Federal excise taxes are excluded from net sales. See “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below for a discussion of revenue recognition in future periods. 54 Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions with remaining maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the creditworthiness of its customers and historical experience. While the Company uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic and industry conditions or any other factors considered in the Company’s evaluation. Bad debt expense has been immaterial during each of the last three years. Inventories Substantially all of the Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of cost, principally determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market. Elements of cost in inventories include raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed over useful lives using the straight-line and declining balance methods predominately over 15 years for buildings, 7 years for machinery and equipment and 3 years for tools and dies. When assets are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, their gross carrying values and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and a gain or loss on such disposals is recognized when appropriate. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations; replacements and improvements are capitalized. Long-lived Assets The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. In performing this review, the carrying value of the assets is compared to the projected undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the assets. If the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the assets, the assets are considered to be impaired. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value. The Company bases fair value of the assets on quoted market prices if available or, if not available, quoted market prices of similar assets. Where quoted market prices are not available, the Company estimates fair value using the estimated future cash flows generated by the assets discounted at a rate commensurate with the risks associated with the recovery of the assets. 55 Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of “temporary differences” by applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Product Liability The Company provides for product liability claims including estimated legal costs to be incurred defending such claims. The provision for product liability claims is charged to cost of products sold. Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses for 2017, 2016, and 2015, were $3.1 million, $2.9 million, and $3.0 million, respectively. Shipping Costs Costs incurred related to the shipment of products are included in selling expense. Such costs totaled $4.8 million, $5.7 million, and $6.4 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Research and Development In 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company spent approximately $9.8 million, $8.7 million, and $8.5 million, respectively, on research and development activities relating to new products and the improvement of existing products. These costs are expensed as incurred. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share is based upon the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflect the impact of options, restricted stock units, and deferred stock outstanding using the treasury stock method. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740). The new guidance requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities be presented as a net noncurrent asset or liability on the balance sheet. Previously such items were presented as a net current asset or liability and a net noncurrent asset or liability. The new guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 in the first quarter of 2017 and applied it retroactively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The impact of adopting this change in accounting principle on the December 31, 2016 balance sheet was to reduce current deferred tax assets and working 56 capital by $8.8 million and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities by $8.5 million from the amounts previously reported for these items. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a full retrospective or retrospective with cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 one year making it effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 and can be applied using a modified retrospective or full retrospective method. The Company has evaluated the new standard against its existing accounting policies and practices, including reviewing standard purchase orders, invoices, shipping terms, and reviewing agreements with customers. The Company expects to adopt the new standard in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. The Company will modify its revenue recognition related to certain of its sales promotion activities that involve the shipment of no charge firearms. As a result, the Company expects to record a contract liability of approximately $7 million on January 1, 2018. In addition, certain promotional expenses that had been classified as selling expenses will be recorded as cost of products sold in future periods. The Company believes the new guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results, cash flows, or financial position, but may have a material impact on the Company’s financial results for a particular period. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The most significant change in the new compensation guidance is that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends) on share-based compensation awards should be recognized in the Statement of Income as income tax expense. Previously such benefits or deficiencies were recognized in the Balance Sheet as adjustments to additional paid-in capital. The new guidance was effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017. The impact of adopting this change in accounting principle reduced the Company’s effective tax rate by 2% for the period ending December 31, 2017. This did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases" (ASU 2016-02), which requires companies to recognize leased assets and liabilities for both capital and operating leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Companies are required to adopt the guidance using a modified retrospective method. While the Company is currently assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on the consolidated financial statements, the adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial position. 57 2. Trade Receivables, Net Trade receivables consist of the following: December 31, Trade receivables Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for discounts 2017 2016 $61,707 (400) (1,225) $60,082 $71,247 (400) (1,405) $69,442 In 2017, the largest individual trade receivable balances accounted for 22%, 20%, and 12% of total trade receivables, respectively. In 2016, the largest individual trade receivable balances accounted for 19%, 15%, 14%, and 11% of total trade receivables, respectively. 3. Inventories Inventories consist of the following: December 31, Finished goods Materials and products in process Adjustment of inventories to a LIFO basis 2017 2016 $ 22,558 62,336 84,894 (45,180) $ 39,714 $ 24,099 72,978 97,077 (42,542) $ 54,535 In 2017, inventory quantities were reduced. This reduction resulted in a liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years as compared with the current cost of purchases, the effect of which decreased 2017 costs of products sold by approximately $0.4 million. 4. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment consist of the following: December 31, Land and improvements Buildings and improvements Machinery and equipment Dies and tools 58 2017 2016 $ 1,986 $ 1,986 51,361 265,772 45,894 $365,013 49,183 242,169 38,301 $331,639 5. Other Assets Other assets consist of the following: December 31, Patents, at cost Accumulated amortization Deposits on capital items Other 2017 2016 $ 6,814 (4,202) 7,958 3,169 $13,739 $ 6,525 (3,915) 21,436 3,495 $27,541 The capitalized cost of patents is amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives. The cost of patent amortization was $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.3 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The estimated annual patent amortization cost for each of the next five years is $0.3 million. Costs incurred to maintain existing patents are charged to expense in the year incurred. Software development costs were incurred to develop and implement an integrated ERP system prior to the time the system became operational. These costs were capitalized and amortized using the straight line method over a period of sixty months. They became completely amortized in 2016. Costs incurred subsequent to the system becoming operational are being expensed. The cost of software development cost amortization was $0.3 million and $0.4 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. 6. Trade Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following: December 31, Trade accounts payable Federal excise taxes payable Accrued other 7. Line of Credit 2017 2016 $ 8,758 10,509 13,155 $32,422 $16,973 14,275 17,245 $48,493 The Company has an unsecured $40 million revolving line of credit with a bank. This facility, which is renewable annually, has an expiration date of June 15, 2018. The credit facility remained unused throughout 2016 and 2017. Borrowings under this facility would bear interest at LIBOR (2.106% at December 31, 2017) plus 200 basis points and the Company is charged three-eighths of a percent (0.375%) per year on the unused portion. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company was in compliance with the terms and covenants of the credit facility. 59 8. Employee Benefit Plans The Company sponsors a qualified defined-contribution 401(k) plan that covers substantially all of its employees. Under the terms of the 401(k) plan, the Company matches a certain portion of employee contributions to their individual 401(k) accounts using the “safe harbor” guidelines provided in the Internal Revenue Code. Expenses related to matching employee contributions to the 401(k) plan were $3.5 million, $3.7 million, and $3.3 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Additionally, in 2017, 2016, and 2015 the Company provided discretionary supplemental contributions to the individual 401(k) accounts of substantially all employees. Each employee received a supplemental contribution to their account based on a uniform percentage of qualifying compensation established annually. The cost of these supplemental contributions totaled $5.6 million, $6.0 million, and $5.0 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. 9. Other Operating Income, net Other operating income, net consists of the following: Year ended December 31, (Loss) gain on sale of operating assets Total other operating income, net 10. Income Taxes 2017 $(31) $(31) 2016 $5 $5 2015 $113 $113 The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2014. The federal and state income tax provision consisted of the following: Year ended December 31, Federal State 2017 Current Deferred $1,865 $20,232 3,987 (580) $1,285 $24,219 2016 Current $31,393 5,678 $37,071 Deferred $10,181 1,197 $11,378 2015 Current Deferred $(2,774) $31,382 (483) 5,849 $(3,257) $37,231 60 The effective income tax rate varied from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows: Year ended December 31, Statutory federal income tax rate State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Domestic production activities deduction Impact of Accounting Standard Update 2016-09 Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on deferred taxes Other items Effective income tax rate 2017 35.0% 2.9 (2.6) (0.9) (0.7) (0.9) 32.8% 2016 35.0% 3.3 (2.3) - - (0.4) 35.6% 2015 35.0% 3.6 (3.2) - - - 35.4% As discussed in the Recent Accounting Pronouncements section of Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017. The impact of adopting this change in accounting principle reduced the Company’s effective tax rate by 0.9% for the period ending December 31, 2017. This did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. The Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 lowers the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for years beginning after December 31, 2017. The Company estimates that its effective tax rate in 2018 will approximate 24.5%. As a result, the value of net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2017 was reduced by $0.5 million. In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740). The new guidance requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities be presented as a net noncurrent asset or liability on the balance sheet. Previously such items were presented as a net current asset or liability and a net noncurrent asset or liability. The new guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 in the first quarter of 2017 and applied it retroactively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The impact of adopting this change in accounting principle on the December 31, 2016 balance sheet was to reduce current deferred tax assets and working capital by $8.8 million and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities by $8.5 million from the amounts previously reported for these items. 61 Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: December 31, Deferred tax assets Product Liability Employee compensation and benefits Allowances for doubtful accounts and discounts Inventories Stock-based compensation Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation Other Total deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets 2017 2016 $ 201 2,336 1,769 758 1,406 1,326 7,796 8,956 242 9,198 $(1,402) $ 655 3,627 3,813 981 2,527 1,533 13,136 12,457 345 12,802 $ 334 The Company made income tax payments of approximately $23.4 million, $43.0 million, and $27.5 million, during 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The Company expects to realize its deferred tax assets through tax deductions against future taxable income or carry back against taxes previously paid. The Company does not believe it has included any “uncertain tax positions” in its federal income tax return or any of the state income tax returns it is currently filing. The Company has made an evaluation of the potential impact of additional state taxes being assessed by jurisdictions in which the Company does not currently consider itself liable. The Company does not anticipate that such additional taxes, if any, would result in a material change to its financial position. 11. Earnings Per Share Set forth below is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share calculations for the periods indicated: Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Numerator: Net income Denominator: $52,142 $87,472 $62,126 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – Basic 17,725,494 18,931,415 18,696,659 Dilutive effect of options and restricted stock units outstanding under the Company’s employee compensation plans Weighted average number of common shares 213,596 118,100 668,420 outstanding – Diluted 17,939,090 19,049,515 19,365,079 62 The dilutive effect of outstanding options and restricted stock units is calculated using the treasury stock method. There are no anti-dilutive stock options in 2017, 2016, and 2015 because the closing price of the Company’s stock on December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 exceeded the strike price of all outstanding options on each of those dates. 12. Stock Repurchases In 2017, 2016, and 2015 the Company repurchased shares of its common stock. Details of these purchases are as follows: Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program 82,100 283,343 900,997 173,288 4,490 240,933 1,685,151 $30,710,000 Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share 82,100 283,343 900,997 173,288 4,490 240,933 1,685,151 $34.57 $49.43 $49.70 $49.92 $47.92 $46.30 $48.45 Period First Quarter 2015 Fourth Quarter 2016 First Quarter 2017 January 29 to February 25 February 26 to April 1 Third Quarter 2017 July 30 to August 26 August 27 to September 30 Total All of these purchases were made with cash held by the Company and no debt was incurred. At December 31, 2017, approximately $31 million remained authorized for share repurchases. 13. Compensation Plans In May 2017, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2017 SIP”) under which employees, independent contractors, and non-employee directors may be granted stock options, restricted stock, deferred stock awards, and stock appreciation rights, any of which may or may not require the satisfaction of performance objectives. Vesting requirements are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company has reserved 750,000 shares for issuance under the 2017 SIP, of which 727,000 shares remain available for future grants as of December 31, 2017. In April 2007, the Company adopted and the shareholders approved the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 SIP”), which had similar provisions as the 2017 SIP. The 2007 SIP plan expired April 63 24, 2017. The Company had reserved 2,550,000 shares for issuance under the 2007 SIP, of which 2,182,000 shares were issued. Compensation expense related to stock options is recognized based on the grant-date fair value of the awards estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense related to deferred stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock units is recognized based on the grant-date fair value of the Company’s common stock, using either the actual share price or an estimated value using the Monte Carlo valuation model. The total stock-based compensation cost included in the Statements of Income was $3.7 million, $3.1 million, and $4.5 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Stock Options There were no stock options granted in 2017, 2016 or 2015. The following table summarizes the stock option activity of the 2007 SIP: Outstanding at December 31, 2014 Granted Exercised Canceled Outstanding at December 31, 2015 Granted Exercised Canceled Outstanding at December 31, 2016 Granted Exercised Canceled Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Exercisable Options Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Non-Vested Options Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares 40,977 - (29,139) - 11,838 - - - 11,838 - - - 11,838 11,838 - 8.82 - 8.77 - 8.95 - - - 8.95 - - - 8.95 8.95 - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 6.29 - 6.13 - 6.69 - - - 6.69 - - - 6.69 6.69 - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) 4.1 - 3.1 - 3.3 - - 2.3 - - - 1.3 1.3 - At December 31, 2017, the aggregate intrinsic value of all options, including exercisable options, was $0.5 million. 64 Deferred Stock Deferred stock awards vest based on the passage of time or the Company’s attainment of performance objectives. Upon vesting, these awards convert one-for-one to common stock. In 2017, 5,432 deferred stock awards were issued to non-employee directors that will vest in May 2018 and 6,360 deferred stock awards were issued to non-employee directors that will vest in May 2020. In 2016, 3,881 deferred stock awards were issued to non-employee directors that vested in May 2017 and 5,292 deferred stock awards were issued to non-employee directors that will vest in May 2019. In 2015, 4,000 deferred stock awards were issued to non-employee directors that vested in April 2016 and 5,370 deferred stock awards were issued to non-employee directors that will vest in April 2018. Compensation expense related to these awards is amortized ratably over the vesting period. Compensation expense related to these awards was $0.7 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2017, there was $0.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to deferred stock that is expected to be recognized over a period of three years. Restricted Stock Units The Company grants restricted stock units in lieu of incentive stock options to senior employees. Some of these RSU’s are retention awards and have only time-based vesting. Other RSU’s have a vesting “double trigger.” The vesting of these RSU’s is dependent on the achievement of corporate objectives established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, stock performance relative to industry indices, and the passage of time. During 2017, 114,000 restricted stock units were issued. Compensation costs related to these restricted stock units was $4.3 million, of which $1.2 million was recognized in 2017. The costs are being recognized ratably over the remaining periods required before the units vest, which range from 24 to 26 months. During 2016, 62,000 restricted stock units were issued. Compensation costs related to these restricted stock units was $3.4 million, of which $0.8 million was recognized in 2016. The costs are being recognized ratably over the remaining periods required before the units vest, which ranged from 24 to 28 months. During 2015, 76,000 restricted stock units were issued. Compensation costs related to these restricted stock units was $1.9 million, of which $0.5 million was recognized in 2015. The costs are being recognized ratably over the remaining periods required before the units vest, which ranged from 26 to 48 months. 65 At December 31, 2017, there was $5.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units that is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.25 years. 14. Operating Segment Information The Company has two reportable operating segments: firearms and castings. The firearms segment manufactures and sells rifles, pistols, and revolvers principally to a number of federally- licensed, independent wholesale distributors primarily located in the United States. The castings segment manufactures and sells steel investment castings and metal injection molding parts. Corporate segment income relates to interest income, the sale of non-operating assets, and other non-operating activities. Corporate segment assets consist of cash and other non-operating assets. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources, in part, based on profit and loss before taxes. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 1). Intersegment sales are recorded at the Company’s cost plus a fixed profit percentage. Year ended December 31, Net Sales Firearms Castings Unaffiliated Intersegment Eliminations Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes Firearms Castings Corporate Identifiable Assets Firearms Castings Corporate Depreciation Firearms Castings Capital Expenditures Firearms Castings 2017 2016 2015 $517,701 $658,433 $544,850 4,555 24,436 28,991 (24,436) $522,256 $77,368 (53) 331 $77,646 $206,091 12,524 65,703 $284,318 $31,701 2,118 $33,819 $32,710 886 $33,596 5,895 36,779 42,674 (36,779) $664,328 $136,390 (1,237) 768 $135,921 $242,758 16,096 88,025 $346,879 $32,010 2,688 $34,698 $33,455 1,760 $35,215 6,244 31,585 37,829 (31,585) $551,094 $98,565 (3,407) 942 $96,100 $221,670 15,289 78,924 $315,883 $32,409 3,029 $35,438 $26,246 2,459 $28,705 66 In 2017, the Company’s largest customers and the percent of total sales they represented were as follows: Davidson’s-21%; Lipsey’s-18%; Sports South-13%; and Jerry’s/Ellett Brothers-12%. In 2016, the Company’s largest customers and the percent of total sales they represented were as follows: Davidson’s-19%; Lipsey’s-17%; Jerry’s/Ellett Brothers-15%; and Sports South-14%. In 2015, the Company’s largest customers and the percent of total sales they represented were as follows: Davidson’s-18%; Lipsey’s-17%; Sports South-13%; and Jerry’s/Ellett Brothers-11%. The Company’s assets are located entirely in the United States and domestic sales represented at least 96% of total sales in 2017, 2016, and 2015. 15. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) The following is a tabulation of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the two years ended December 31, 2017: Net Sales Gross profit Net income Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share Net Sales Gross profit Net income Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share 16. Related Party Transactions Three Months Ended 4/1/17 $167,355 55,753 22,224 1.22 $1.21 7/1/17 $131,854 34,946 10,199 0.58 $0.57 9/30/17 $104,817 30,214 9,370 0.53 $0.52 12/31/17 $118,230 33,094 10,350 0.59 $0.59 Three Months Ended 4/2/16 $173,109 59,113 23,278 1.23 $1.21 7/2/16 $167,944 56,694 23,515 1.24 $1.22 10/1/16 $161,427 50,251 19,850 1.05 $1.03 12/31/16 $161,848 53,496 20,829 1.11 $1.10 From time to time, the Company contracts with the National Rifle Association (“NRA”) for some of its promotional and advertising activities. The Company paid the NRA $0.8 million, $8.4 million and $1.6 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which primarily related to the 2016 “Ruger $5 Million Match Campaign” and the 2015-16 “2.5 Million Gun Challenge”. One of the Company’s Directors also serves as a Director on the Board of the NRA. The Company has contracted with Symbolic, Inc. (“Symbolic”) to assist in its marketing efforts. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company paid Symbolic $1.4 million, $1.9 million, and $2.0 million, respectively, which amounts included $0.9 million, $0.9 million, and $1.1 million, respectively, for the reimbursement of expenses paid by Symbolic on 67 the Company’s behalf. Symbolic’s principal and founder was named the Company’s Vice President of Marketing in June 2017, and remains a partner of Symbolic. 17. Contingent Liabilities As of December 31, 2017, the Company was a defendant in four (4) lawsuits and is aware of certain other such claims. The lawsuits fall into four categories: traditional product liability litigation, patent litigation, non-product litigation, and municipal litigation, discussed in turn below. Traditional Product Liability Litigation One of the four lawsuits mentioned above involves claims for damages related to an allegedly defective product due to its design and/or manufacture. This lawsuit stems from a specific incident of personal injury and is based on a traditional product liability theory such as strict liability, negligence and/or breach of warranty. The Company management believes that the allegation in this case is unfounded, that the incident was unrelated to the design or manufacture of the firearm, and that there should be no recovery against the Company. Patent Litigation Davies Innovations, Inc. v. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. is a patent litigation suit originally filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division. Upon motion by the Company, the case was transferred to the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire. The suit is based upon alleged patent infringement as the plaintiff claims that certain features of the Ruger SR-556 and SR-762 modern sporting rifles infringe its patent. The complaint seeks a judgment of infringement and unspecified monetary damages including costs, fees and treble damages. Pursuant to the Company's Motion for Summary Judgment, filed on February 15, 2017, the Court dismissed the plaintiff’s claim of literal infringement, but allowed the case to proceed to discovery on alternate theories. Since then, the parties have been engaging in discovery and the Company has filed a renewed Motion for Summary Judgment, which has not yet been set for hearing. The Company management believes that the allegations in this case are unfounded, that there is no infringement of plaintiff’s patent, that plaintiffs patent is invalid, and there should be no recovery against the Company. 68 Non-Product Litigation David S. Palmer, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated vs. Sturm, Ruger & Co. is a putative class-action suit filed in Florida state court on October 17, 2017 on behalf of Florida consumers. The suit alleges breach of warranty and deceptive trade practices related to the sale of 10/22 Target Rifles. The Company filed an Answer denying all material allegations and a Motion to Strike the putative class representative’s claims. That motion remains pending. Municipal Litigation Municipal litigation generally includes those cases brought by cities or other governmental entities against firearms manufacturers, distributors and retailers seeking to recover damages allegedly arising out of the misuse of firearms by third-parties. There is only one remaining lawsuit of this type, filed by the City of Gary in Indiana State Court in 1999. The complaint in that case seeks damages, among other things, for the costs of medical care, police and emergency services, public health services, and other services as well as punitive damages. In addition, nuisance abatement and/or injunctive relief is sought to change the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution practices of the various defendants. The suit alleges, among other claims, negligence in the design of products, public nuisance, negligent distribution and marketing, negligence per se and deceptive advertising. The case does not allege a specific injury to a specific individual as a result of the misuse or use of any of the Company's products. After a long procedural history, the case was scheduled for trial on June 15, 2009. The case was not tried on that date and was largely dormant until a status conference was held on July 27, 2015. At that time, the court entered a scheduling order setting deadlines for plaintiff to file a Second Amended Complaint, for defendants to answer, and for defendants to file dispositive motions. The plaintiff did not file a Second Amended Complaint by the deadline. In 2015, Indiana passed a new law such that Indiana Code §34-12-3-1 became applicable to the City's case. The defendants have filed a joint motion for judgment on the pleadings, asserting immunity under §34-12-3-1 and asking the court to revisit the Court of Appeals' decision holding the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act inapplicable to the City's claims. The motion was fully briefed by the parties. On September 29, 2016, the court entered an order staying the case pending a decision by the Indiana Supreme Court in KS&E Sports v. Runnels, which presents related issues. The Indiana Supreme Court decided KS&E Sports on April 24, 2017, and the Gary court lifted the stay. The Gary court also entered an order setting a supplemental briefing schedule under which the parties addressed the impact of the KS&E Sports decision on defendants' motion for judgment on the pleadings. 69 A hearing on the motion for judgment on the pleadings was held on December 12, 2017. On January 2, 2018, the Court entered an order dismissing the case in its entirety. The City filed a Notice of Appeal on February 1, 2018. Summary of Claimed Damages and Explanation of Product Liability Accruals Punitive damages, as well as compensatory damages, are demanded in certain of the lawsuits and claims. In many instances, the plaintiff does not seek a specified amount of money, though aggregate amounts ultimately sought may exceed product liability accruals and applicable insurance coverage. For product liability claims made after July 10, 2000, coverage is provided on an annual basis for losses exceeding $5 million per claim, or an aggregate maximum loss of $10 million annually, except for certain new claims which might be brought by governments or municipalities after July 10, 2000, which are excluded from coverage. The Company management monitors the status of known claims and the product liability accrual, which includes amounts for asserted and unasserted claims. While it is not possible to forecast the outcome of litigation or the timing of costs, in the opinion of management, after consultation with special and corporate counsel, it is not probable and is unlikely that litigation, including punitive damage claims, will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company, but may have a material impact on the Company’s financial results and cash flows for a particular period. Product liability claim payments are made when appropriate if, as, and when claimants and the Company reach agreement upon an amount to finally resolve all claims. Legal costs are paid as the lawsuits and claims develop, the timing of which may vary greatly from case to case. A time schedule cannot be determined in advance with any reliability concerning when payments will be made in any given case. Provision is made for product liability claims based upon many factors related to the severity of the alleged injury and potential liability exposure, based upon prior claim experience. Because the Company's experience in defending these lawsuits and claims is that unfavorable outcomes are typically not probable or estimable, only in rare cases is an accrual established for such costs. In most cases, an accrual is established only for estimated legal defense costs. Product liability accruals are periodically reviewed to reflect then-current estimates of possible liabilities and expenses incurred to date and reasonably anticipated in the future. Threatened product liability claims are reflected in the Company's product liability accrual on the same basis as actual claims; i.e., an accrual is made for reasonably anticipated possible liability and claims handling expenses on an ongoing basis. A range of reasonably possible losses relating to unfavorable outcomes cannot be made. However, in product liability cases in which a dollar amount of damages is claimed, the amount of damages claimed, which totaled $0.1 million and $0.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are set forth as an indication of possible maximum liability the Company 70 might be required to incur in these cases (regardless of the likelihood or reasonable probability of any or all of this amount being awarded to claimants) as a result of adverse judgments that are sustained on appeal. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company was a defendant in 3 and 5 lawsuits, respectively, involving its products and is aware of other such claims. During 2017 and 2016, respectively, 0 and 3 product-related claims were filed against the Company, 0 and 1 claims were settled, and 2 and 0 claims were dismissed. The Company’s product liability expense was $0.4 million in 2017, $2.1 million in 2016, and $0.9 million in 2015. This expense includes the cost of outside legal fees, insurance, and other expenses incurred in the management and defense of product liability matters. A roll-forward of the product liability reserve and detail of product liability expense for the three years ended December 31, 2017 follows: Balance Sheet Roll-forward for Product Liability Reserve Cash Payments Accrued Legal Expense (Income) (b) Balance Beginning of Year (a) Legal Fees (c) Settlements (d) Balance End of Year (a) 2015 2016 2017 $ 845 (77) $ 744 1,221 $1,819 (477) (18) (133) (290) (6) (13) $ 744 $1,819 (233) $ 819 Income Statement Detail for Product Liability Expense Accrued Legal Expense (b) Insurance Premium Expense (e) Total Product Liability Expense 2015 2016 2017 $ (77) 997 $ 920 $ 1,221 $ (477) 834 837 $2,055 $ 360 71 Notes (a) The beginning and ending liability balances represent accrued legal fees only. Settlements and administrative costs are expensed as incurred. Only in rare instances is an accrual established for settlements. (b) The expense accrued in the liability is for legal fees only. In 2015 and 2017, the costs incurred related to cases that were settled or dismissed were less than the amounts accrued for these cases in prior years. (c) Legal fees represent payments to outside counsel related to product liability matters. (d) Settlements represent payments made to plaintiffs or allegedly injured parties in exchange for a full and complete release of liability. (e) Insurance expense represents the cost of insurance premiums. There were no insurance recoveries during any of the above years. 18. Financial Instruments The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading or hedging purposes, nor does it hold interest rate, leveraged, or other types of derivative financial instruments. Fair values of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and income taxes payable reflected in the December 31, 2017 and 2016 balance sheets approximate carrying values at those dates. 19. Subsequent Events On February 16, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a dividend of 23¢ per share to shareholders of record on March 15, 2018. The Company’s management has evaluated transactions occurring subsequent to December 31, 2017 and determined that there were no events or transactions during that period that would have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. 72 ITEM 9—CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures The Company conducted an evaluation, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of December 31, 2017. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of December 31, 2017, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures over financial reporting were effective. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. The Company conducted an evaluation, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. This evaluation was performed based on the criteria established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in 2013. Management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the COSO in 2013. The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by RSM US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in this Form 10-K. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 73 New York Stock Exchange Certification Pursuant to Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, the Company submitted an unqualified certification of our Chief Executive Officer to the New York Stock Exchange in 2017. The Company has also filed, as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certifications required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. ITEM 9B—OTHER INFORMATION None. PART III ITEM 10—DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Information concerning the Company’s directors, including the Company’s separately designated standing audit committee, and on the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held May 9, 2018, which will be filed with the SEC in March 2018. Information concerning the Company’s executive officers required by this Item is set forth in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Company.” Information concerning beneficial ownership reporting compliance required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held May 9, 2018, which will be filed with the SEC in March 2018. ITEM 11—EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information concerning director and executive compensation required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held May 9, 2018, which will be filed with the SEC in March 2018. ITEM 12—SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held May 9, 2018, which will be filed with the SEC in March 2018. 74 ITEM 13—CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held May 9, 2018. ITEM 14—PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES Information concerning the Company’s principal accountant fees and services and the pre- approval policies and procedures of the audit committee of the board of directors required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held May 9, 2018, which will be filed with the SEC in March 2018. 75 PART IV ITEM 15—EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE (a) Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule (1) Financial Statements can be found under Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K (2) Schedule can be found on Page 82 of this Form 10-K (3) Listing of Exhibits: Exhibit 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to the Form S-3 Registration Statement previously filed by the Company File No. 33-62702). Exhibit 3.2 Bylaws of the Company, as amended through May 8, 2017. Exhibit 10.1 Exhibit 10.2 Exhibit 10.3 Exhibit 10.4 Exhibit 10.5 Exhibit 10.6 Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2007, by and between the Company and Bank of America (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2007). Severance Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2008, by and between the Company and Thomas A. Dineen (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 11, 2008). Severance Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2008, by and between the Company and Thomas P. Sullivan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 11, 2008). Severance Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2008 by and between the Company and Kevin B. Reid, Sr. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 5, 2008). Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated June 15, 2017, by and between the Company and Bank of America (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 19, 2017). Transition Services and Consulting Agreement, dated August 1, 2016, by and between the Company and Michael O. Fifer (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 2, 2016). 76 Exhibit 10.7 Exhibit 10.8 Agreement, dated August 1, 2016, by and between the Company and Christopher J. Killoy (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 2, 2016). Executive Severance Agreement, dated August 1, 2016, by and between the Company and Shawn C. Leska (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 2, 2016). Exhibit 23.1 Consent of RSM US LLP Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a- 14(a) of the Exchange Act. Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act. Exhibit 32.1 Exhibit 32.2 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 77 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC. (Registrant) S/THOMAS A. DINEEN Thomas A. Dineen Principal Financial Officer Principal Accounting Officer, Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer February 21, 2018 Date Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. S/CHRISTOPHER J. KILLOY 2/21/18 Christopher J. Killoy Chief Executive Officer, Director (Principal Executive Officer) S/JOHN A. COSENTINO, JR. 2/21/18 John A. Cosentino, Jr. Director S/C. MICHAEL JACOBI 2/21/18 C. Michael Jacobi Director S/RONALD C. WHITAKER 2/21/18 Ronald C. Whitaker Director S/AMIR P. ROSENTHAL 2/21/18 Amir P. Rosenthal Director S/PHILLIP C. WIDMAN 2/21/18 Phillip C. Widman Director S/TERRENCE G. O’CONNOR 2/21/18 Terrence G. O’Connor Director S/SANDRA S. FROMAN 2/21/18 Sandra S. Froman Director S/MICHAEL O. FIFER 2/21/18 Michael O. Fifer Director S/THOMAS A. DINEEN 2/21/18 Thomas A Dineen Principal Financial Officer Principal Accounting Officer, Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer 78 EXHIBIT INDEX Page No. Exhibit 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to the Form S-3 Registration Statement previously filed by the Company File No. 33-62702). Exhibit 3.2 Bylaws of the Company, as amended through May 8, 2017. Exhibit 10.1 Exhibit 10.2 Exhibit 10.3 Exhibit 10.4 Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2007, by and between the Company and Bank of America (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2007). Severance Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2008, by and between the Company and Thomas A. Dineen (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 11, 2008). Severance Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2008, by and between the Company and Thomas P. Sullivan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 11, 2008). Severance Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2008 by and between the Company and Kevin B. Reid, Sr. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 2, 2008). Exhibit 10.5 Ninth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated June 15, 2017, by and between the Company and Bank of America (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 8, 2016). Exhibit 10.6 Transition Services and Consulting Agreement, dated August 1, 2016, by and between the Company and Michael O. Fifer (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 2, 2016). Exhibit 10.7 Agreement, dated August 1, 2016, by and between the Company and Christopher J. Killoy (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 2, 2016). Exhibit 10.8 Executive Severance Agreement, dated August 1, 2016, by and between the Company and Shawn C. Leska (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 2, 2016). 79 EXHIBIT INDEX (continued) Exhibit 23.1 Consent of RSM US LLP Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a- 14(a) of the Exchange Act. Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act. Exhibit 32.1 Exhibit 32.2 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 83 84 86 88 89 80 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC. ITEMS 15(a) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE 81 Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Item 15(a)--Financial Statement Schedule Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (In Thousands) COL. A COL. B COL. C ADDITIONS COL. D COL. E Description (1) Charged (Credited) to Costs and Expenses (2) Charged to Other Accounts –Describe Balance at Beginning of Period Balance at End of Period Deductions Deductions from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts: Year ended December 31, 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015 $ 400 $ 400 $ 400 $ - $ 9 $ 120 Allowance for discounts: Year ended December 31, 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015 $1,405 $1,443 $1,003 $11,795 $14,835 $11,797 Excess and obsolete inventory reserve: $ 400 $ - $ 9 (a) $ 400 $ 400 $ 120 (a) $11,975 (b) $14,873 (b) $11,357 (b) $1,225 $1,405 $1,443 Year ended December 31, 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015 $2,340 $2,118 $3,750 $1,247 $1,044 $(1,468) $ 889(c) $ 822 (c) $ 164 (c) $2,698 $2,340 $2,118 (a) Accounts written off (b) Discounts taken (c) Inventory written off 82 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Exhibit 23.1 We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Nos. 333-84677 and 333-53234) on Form S-8 of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. of our reports dated February 21, 2018 relating to our audits of the consolidated financial statements, the financial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2017. /s/ RSM US LLP Stamford, Connecticut February 21, 2018 83 EXHIBIT 31.1 I, Christopher J. Killoy, certify that: CERTIFICATION 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Report”) of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (the “Registrant”); 2. Based on my knowledge, this Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Report, fairly present in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Report; 4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this Report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 84  5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: February 21, 2018 S/CHRISTOPHER J. KILLOY Christopher J. Killoy Chief Executive Officer 85 EXHIBIT 31.2 I, Thomas A. Dineen, certify that: CERTIFICATION 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Report”) of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (the “Registrant”); 2. Based on my knowledge, this Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Report, fairly present in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Report; 4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this Report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 86  5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: February 21, 2018 S/THOMAS A. DINEEN Thomas A. Dineen Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer 87 EXHIBIT 32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Christopher J. Killoy, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge: (1) (2) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respect, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: February 21, 2018 S/CHRISTOPHER J. KILLOY Christopher J. Killoy Chief Executive Officer A signed original of this statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 88 EXHIBIT 32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Thomas A. Dineen, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge: (1) (2) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respect, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: February 21, 2018 S/THOMAS A. DINEEN Thomas A. Dineen Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer A signed original of this statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 89 

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