For Immediate Release - November 12, 2003
Scottsdale, Ariz. - November 12, 2003 - Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (AMEX: SWB), parent company of the legendary 151-year-old handgun maker, Smith & Wesson Corp., was named “2003 Hunting and Shooting Sports Firearms Manufacturer of the Year” by the sporting goods industry’s national association of wholesalers.
The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), meeting in Phoenix over the past weekend, is comprised of 34 wholesaler companies and has been recognizing manufacturers since 1979. This is the first time Smith & Wesson has been chosen for one of the industry’s most prestigious awards. Smith & Wesson was selected over all of the other producers of firearms that provide products for the industry.
“This recognition by the sporting goods wholesale community is a great reflection of how far Smith & Wesson has progressed over the past two years,” said Colton Melby, president and chief operating officer of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation. “We continue to bring new products to marketplace and strive to be a business partner to our wholesale and retail customers.”
Smith & Wesson announced the introduction of several new products including the new Smith & Wesson model 642 J-frame with Crimson Trace Lasergrips at the show. Smith & Wesson’s new products, introduced to market in 2003, include the well received Smith & Wesson Model 500 Magnum, the SW99 .45ACP, the 9mm and .40S&W. Smith & Wesson also introduced, in the spring of this year, the first-ever scandium frame pistol, the 4040PD. These products were again well received by the sporting goods wholesalers during last weekend’s event.
“The Company continues to quickly respond to the marketplace and provide new products, innovative accessories and features that benefit our customers,” said Melby. “We believe the new products, programs and promotions that we’ve introduced will continue the momentum created since our acquisition of the company in 2001, as we have experienced a growth in sales, market share and profitability.”
About Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation is the parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., one of the world’s leading producers of quality handguns, law enforcement products and firearm safety and security products. Law enforcement personnel, military personnel, target shooters, hunters, collectors and firearms enthusiasts throughout the world have used the company’s products with confidence for 150 years. Smith & Wesson Corp. also manufactures and markets Smith & Wesson branded handcuffs and other products utilizing its metal working expertise. For more information, visit www.smithandwesson.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this press release about the company’s future expectations, including the development of licensing and branding opportunities, and all other statements in this release, other than historical facts, are “forward- looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27 A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21 E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It is important to note that actual results and ultimate corporate actions could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements based on such factors as softening consumer demand based on national or political events or based on consumers’ personal satisfaction or desire for our products for a variety of reasons (style, quality, etc.); or the inability to leverage the name Smith & Wesson in the licensing categories selected by management to pursue; or a perceived or actual decline in the quality of products produced among other factors. Such “forward-looking statements” are subject to risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports, including the report on form 10-KSB for the year ended April 30, 2002 and Forms 10-QSB for the quarters ending July 31, 2002, October 31, 2002 and January 31, 2003.
CONTACT:
Media/Investor Relations:
Amy Armstrong, 480/949-9700
aarmstrong@smithandwesson.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Patty Bruner
Christensen
480-614-3009