Baird analysts said yesterday that the market for recreational vehicles will slow down due to a stalled economy. RV sales have been on the way back after a sharp decline in 2008-09...the growth has been 10% so far this year. But, Baird warned investors that consumer spending is down and high unemployment continues to plague the U.S. Consumer confidence overall is down. Baird lowered their 2011 fiscal-year earnings targets for Thor Industries Inc. and Winnebago Industries Inc. They predict Thor will post 2011 earnings of $2.10 per share instead of a previous forecast of $2.35. Winnebago is expected to make 24 cents per share, down from 43 cents per share.
As a result, Winnebago shares fell 55 cents, or 6 percent, to close at $8.50, while Thor shares slid 78 cents, or 3.2 percent, to finish at $23.45.