June 9, 2026

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Academy Sports + Outdoors, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASO) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results above expectations, supported by sales growth, positive comparable sales, stronger earnings, ecommerce growth, and raised full-year guidance.
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Academy Sports + Outdoors is a sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer selling apparel, footwear, sports equipment, hunting, fishing, camping, fitness, and outdoor products.
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The company reported adjusted EPS of $0.93, above estimates of $0.91, representing a 2.2% earnings surprise. Revenue came in at $1.44 billion, in line with estimates, with revenue growth of 6.7%.

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Results Showed Stronger Retail Momentum

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Net sales increased 6.7% to $1.44 billion, while comparable sales rose 2.9%. The improvement was driven by increases in both traffic and average ticket. Ecommerce sales increased 17.4%, and new stores posted high-single-digit positive comparable sales.
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Net income rose 14.3% to $52.7 million, while adjusted net income increased 18.6% to $61.2 million. Diluted EPS increased 17.6% to $0.80, and adjusted EPS rose 22.4% to $0.93. Academy also opened two new stores during the quarter, bringing its total store count to 324 locations.
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The company also returned capital to shareholders, with its board declaring a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share. Academy expects to open three more stores in the second quarter, with 15 to 20 additional openings planned for the second half of fiscal 2026.

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Guidance Raised

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Academy raised the low end of its fiscal 2026 guidance after the stronger first quarter.
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The company now expects net sales of $6.23 billion to $6.36 billion, comparable sales ranging from flat to up 2.0%, and adjusted diluted EPS of $6.40 to $6.80. Management said inflationary pressure may continue affecting consumer spending, but the company aims to build on its current business momentum.

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The Bigger Picture

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Academy delivered a solid retail quarter with sales growth, positive comps, higher earnings, and improved guidance.
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The stock reaction likely reflected better traffic, strong ecommerce growth, positive new-store performance, and the raised outlook. The main watch point is whether Academy can sustain momentum while inflation continues to pressure discretionary spending.
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