Academy(US:ASO) Globenewswire·2025-12-09 13:00Core Insights - Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. reported a 3.0% increase in net sales for the third quarter, reaching $1,383.7 million, while comparable sales decreased by 0.9% [1][2] - The company achieved a diluted GAAP EPS of $1.05, reflecting a 14% increase compared to the previous year [1][2] - eCommerce sales saw a significant increase of 22.2%, and the company opened eleven new stores across ten states [1][2][7] Financial Performance - Third Quarter Results: - Net sales: $1,383.7 million (up 3.0% from $1,343.3 million) - Comparable sales: (0.9)% (improved from (4.9)%) - Net income: $71.6 million (up 8.8% from $65.8 million) - Adjusted net income: $77.3 million (up 9.6% from $70.5 million) - Diluted EPS: $1.05 (up 14.1% from $0.92) [2][3] - Year-to-Date Results: - Net sales: $4,334.9 million (up 1.8% from $4,256.5 million) - Comparable sales: (1.4)% (improved from (5.9)%) - Net income: $243.1 million (down 14.6% from $284.8 million) - Adjusted net income: $260.2 million (down 13.5% from $300.7 million) - Diluted EPS: $3.57 (down 7.5% from $3.86) [3][4] Balance Sheet Highlights - As of November 1, 2025: - Cash and cash equivalents: $289.5 million (down 2.2% from $296.0 million) - Merchandise inventories: $1,701.2 million (up 11.6% from $1,525.0 million) - Long-term debt: $481.3 million (down 0.4% from $483.1 million) [4][5] Store Expansion - Academy opened eleven new stores in the third quarter, increasing its total to 317 locations across 21 states, with plans to open an additional 20-25 stores in fiscal 2026 [7][8] Guidance and Outlook - The company narrowed its sales guidance for fiscal 2025, adjusting the low end from -3.0% to -2.0% and the high end from +1.0% to flat. The gross margin guidance was raised to a low end of 34.3% from 34.0% [9][10]