The outdoor coop had operating income before patronage dividends of $181,392,000, up 3% from $175,475,000 on a 6% improvement in sales to $2,557,543,000 compared to $2,423,221,000. Net income rose 8% to $38,065,000 from $35,250,000 after patronage dividends of $116,937,000 this year compared to $116,818,000, a 66% payout ratio. The chain said comp store sales, including digital, were up 4% and digital sales were up 18%. In addition to the payout to members, REI also donated $9.3 million to various outdoor non-profits. Advertising expense declined slightly in in 2016 to $71.6 million from $72.6 million, ... Log in to view full article.