Academy(US:ASO) Benzingaยท2025-03-21 17:41Core Viewpoint - JPMorgan analyst Christopher Horvers maintains a Neutral rating on Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (ASO), raising the price target to $54 from $52, despite mixed quarterly results [1][4]. Financial Performance - Academy Sports reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.96, exceeding the street estimate of $1.83 [1]. - Quarterly sales reached $1.676 billion, reflecting a 6.6% year-over-year decline, slightly missing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.677 billion [1]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is improving new store site selection for the second half of 2024, addressing previous underperformance in unit growth that began in 2022 [2]. - IT enhancements and plans are expected to boost the performance of existing stores [3]. - Academy Sports is expanding its Nike product assortment to 145 of its 300+ locations and its website, starting in April, to better compete with Dick's Sporting Goods [3]. Market Challenges - The macroeconomic environment poses challenges for Academy Sports, particularly due to its higher exposure to lower-income consumers compared to competitors like Dick's Sporting Goods [4]. - Despite an attractive valuation, there is uncertainty regarding the company's growth potential under current market conditions, with projected 1Q/FY25 comparable sales of -3.5% and flat, respectively [4]. Stock Performance - ASO shares are trading higher by 1.14% to $47.96 as of the last check on Friday [5].