Updates to market open

** Gun maker Smith & Wesson's SWBI.O shares surge 28% early Thurs after its qtrly earnings increased on strong sales

** SWBI rises as high as $17.56, highest since Apr 2024. Stock last up 24.9% at $17.13

** Maryville, Tennessee-based firm late Weds reported Q4 rev rose ~27% yr/yr to $178.4 mln

** New products made up 38% of total rev with sales growth driven by handgun shipments, which accounted for more than 80% of total units shipped, co said

** Co said it expects firearm industry demand in fiscal 2027 to be healthy and slightly higher than in fiscal 2026

** On the earnings call, CFO Deana McPherson said co expects approx 15%-20% rev growth in Q1 and mid-single-digit rev growth for the full year compared to fiscal 2026

** For qtr ended Apr 30, SWBI reported GAAP profit of $16.2 mln, or 36 cents/sh, up from $8.6 mln, or 19 cents/sh, a year earlier

** With the advance, SWBI shares up 73% YTD and well outperforming Nasdaq's .IXIC 13% gain