Summary of DICK'S Sporting Goods Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: DICK'S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) - **Date**: December 03, 2025 - **Key Speakers**: Ed Stack (Executive Chairman), Lauren Hobart (President and CEO), Navdeep Gupta (EVP and CFO) Key Points Business Transformation - DICK'S has undergone significant transformation since 2019, evolving its product offerings, merchandising, marketing, and e-commerce strategies [3][4][6] - The introduction of the "House of Sport" concept has been pivotal, with 35 locations opened since 2022, demonstrating high productivity and strong sales [6][7][49] Strategic Acquisitions - The acquisition of Foot Locker is seen as a strategic move to enhance DICK'S position in the footwear market, which is considered the "engine" of the retail business [20][21] - DICK'S aims to leverage its expertise to turn around Foot Locker, focusing on retail fundamentals and improving product access [23][24] Market Position and Growth - DICK'S has experienced growth while many retailers have struggled, with a 5.7% comparable sales increase in Q3 and a two-year stack of 10% [41] - The company is optimistic about the holiday season, raising its guidance for Q4 [42] Product and Brand Strategy - DICK'S emphasizes differentiated products and athlete experience, aiming to be the best sports company globally rather than just a retailer [9][10] - The company has established strong relationships with key brands like Nike and Gymshark, enhancing its product offerings [67][70] E-commerce and Digital Initiatives - DICK'S is focusing on enhancing its e-commerce platform and integrating digital components into its retail strategy [6][75] - The GameChanger app, with 9 million users, is a significant asset, providing unique engagement opportunities in youth sports [51][52] Financial Performance and Margins - The company anticipates margin rates to be lower in Q4 due to inventory clean-up but expects a fresh start in 2026 [38][39] - DICK'S aims for continued margin expansion through investments in technology and operational excellence [81][82] Future Outlook - DICK'S plans to open more House of Sport locations, targeting 75-100 stores in the future, capitalizing on high-performing real estate [47][48] - The company is optimistic about upcoming major sports events, including the World Cup, which is expected to drive significant consumer engagement [72][73] Additional Insights - The company is exploring AI applications to enhance employee efficiency and customer experience [74][75] - DICK'S is committed to maintaining focus on its core business while managing the integration of Foot Locker [33][53] Conclusion DICK'S Sporting Goods is positioned for growth through strategic transformations, acquisitions, and a strong focus on brand partnerships and e-commerce. The company is optimistic about its future, particularly with upcoming sports events and continued expansion of its innovative retail concepts.

Core Viewpoint - Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) is highlighted as an interesting stock by Jim Cramer, who notes its potential despite challenges from higher interest rates and tariffs, which may be mitigated by a PC refresh cycle [1]. Company Overview - Best Buy sells technology products, electronics, appliances, and entertainment items, along with related services such as delivery, installation, and technical support [1]. Earnings Outlook - Upcoming earnings reports from Best Buy and other companies are anticipated, with Cramer expressing a belief that Best Buy will perform adequately despite external pressures [1]. Investment Considerations - Cramer previously included Best Buy as a dividend stock prospect, noting its yield of 5%, but later removed it from consideration due to its reliance on strong consumer growth and tariff relief [1]. - There is a suggestion that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential compared to Best Buy, indicating a competitive investment landscape [2].

Core Insights - Best Buy Co., Inc. reported a strong quarterly performance, beating earnings expectations by 9 cents with earnings of $1.31 per share and higher-than-expected revenue, leading to a stock price increase of over 5% [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Best Buy's earnings beat expectations, with a reported earnings per share of $1.31, exceeding forecasts [1] - The company experienced strong same-store sales, contributing to its positive financial results [1] - Management raised their full-year forecast across the board, indicating confidence in future performance [1] Group 2: Market Context - The stock was mentioned in the context of a broader positive trend among retailers, including Abercrombie & Fitch and Kohl's, which also reported strong results [1] - Despite potential challenges from higher interest rates and tariffs, Best Buy is expected to benefit from a PC refresh cycle [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales increased by 36.3% to $4.17 billion, driven by approximately $931 million from the Foot Locker acquisition and a 5.7% comp increase for the DICK'S business [26][28] - Non-GAAP EPS for the DICK'S business was $2.78, up from $2.75 in the prior year's quarter [31] - Consolidated gross profit was $1.38 billion, or 33.13% of net sales, down 264 basis points from last year, primarily due to the lower gross margin from the Foot Locker business [28][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - DICK'S business comps increased by 5.7%, with growth in average ticket and transactions, following a 4.3% increase last year [18][27] - Foot Locker's proforma comp sales for Q3 declined by 4.7%, with a 10.2% decline internationally [8][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - DICK'S business saw broad-based strength across footwear, apparel, and hard lines, contributing to the overall sales growth [27] - Foot Locker's comparable sales in North America decreased by 2.6%, while international sales decreased by 10.2%, primarily due to softness in Europe [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Foot Locker is viewed as a transformative opportunity, aiming to redefine sports retailing and expand the total addressable market [7][9] - Immediate priorities include cleaning out underperforming assets, optimizing inventory, and closing underperforming stores to position Foot Locker for future success [10][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround of Foot Locker, emphasizing the need for operational excellence and strong supplier relationships [9][55] - The back-to-school season in 2026 is anticipated to be an inflection point for Foot Locker's recovery [14][39] Other Important Information - The company plans to invest in Foot Locker to return it to profitable growth, with a focus on cleaning out unproductive inventory and optimizing store performance [10][35] - Future pre-tax charges related to the Foot Locker acquisition are expected to be between $500 million and $750 million [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is DICK'S business driving strong comps and confidence going into the holiday season? - Management highlighted the success of their differentiated product assortment and engaging athlete experience, contributing to a 5.7% comp increase [43][44] Question: What assumptions were made about Foot Locker's inventory cleanup in Q4? - Management indicated that Foot Locker's gross margins are expected to decline by 1,000-1,500 basis points due to aggressive inventory markdowns [48][49] Question: Can you walk through the building blocks for Foot Locker to be accretive to EPS in 2026? - Management emphasized the importance of cleaning out unproductive inventory and the confidence in the new management team to drive the turnaround [52][55] Question: How will markdowns at Foot Locker impact the market and DICK'S sales? - Management expressed confidence that markdowns on older inventory will not affect the sales of new products, which are expected to be well-received [67][68] Question: Will there be infrastructure investments needed for Foot Locker's turnaround? - Management indicated that the focus will be on inventory management and merchandising improvements rather than significant capital investments [76][80]

Core Insights - Best Buy Co., Inc. is highlighted as a stock to watch, with expectations of being impacted by higher interest rates and tariffs, but potentially benefiting from a PC refresh cycle [1] Company Overview - Best Buy sells a variety of technology products, electronics, appliances, and entertainment items, along with services such as delivery, installation, and technical support [2] - The company was previously considered a strong dividend stock, yielding 4.5%, but was removed from a list of interesting prospects due to its reliance on strong consumer growth and tariff relief [2] Market Context - The upcoming earnings report for Best Buy is anticipated to be affected by external economic factors, including tariffs and interest rates [1] - There is a comparison made with AI stocks, suggesting that while Best Buy has potential, certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a consolidated sales increase of 5.2% to $3.17 billion for Q1 2025, with comparable store sales (comps) increasing by 4.5% [18][10] - Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were $3.37, a 2.1% increase from $3.30 in the previous year [22][11] - Gross profit for Q1 was $1.17 billion, representing 36.7% of net sales, with an increase of 41 basis points from the previous year [19][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed across key categories, including footwear, apparel, and team sports, contributing to the overall comp growth [88][10] - The average ticket increased by 3.7%, and transactions rose by 0.8% compared to the previous year [18][11] - The company opened two additional House of Sport locations and four new Fieldhouse locations in Q1, with plans to open approximately 16 total in 2025 [13][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to gain market share from online-only and omnichannel retailers, with a two-year comp stack of 9.8% and a three-year comp stack of 13.4% [18][11] - The company has acquired over 20 million new athletes in the past three years, indicating strong market penetration [12][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced plans to acquire Foot Locker, aiming to create a global leader in the sports retail industry and expand its reach to over 3,200 stores worldwide [7][6] - The strategic focus includes repositioning real estate, driving growth in key categories, and accelerating e-commerce business [12][10] - The company is investing in technology and marketing to enhance the omnichannel athlete experience and drive greater online presence [14][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the complex macroeconomic environment but expressed confidence in the company's strong position and ongoing momentum [11][10] - The company reaffirmed its guidance for 2025, expecting comp sales growth in the range of 1% to 3% and EPS between $13.80 and $14.40 [27][12] - Management emphasized the importance of long-term strategic investments rather than short-term gains [35][6] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with approximately $1 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with no borrowings on its credit facility [22][11] - Inventory levels increased by 12% compared to the previous year, with management confident in the positioning of inventory [23][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the Foot Locker transaction - Management believes the acquisition will strengthen brand relationships and increase operational efficiency, capturing $100 million to $125 million in synergies [34][6] Question: Updates on tariffs and pricing strategies - Management confirmed that all known tariffs have been factored into guidance, and they are actively working with brand partners to navigate pricing [43][10] Question: Durability of comp strength - Management noted that while there are higher comps to lap in the back half of the year, the consumer remains strong and resilient [50][10] Question: Nike's distribution strategy - Management expressed confidence in the partnership with Nike, highlighting their ability to segment products effectively [52][10] Question: Golf Galaxy performance - Golf remains a key category, with plans to expand Golf Galaxy Performance Centers, indicating long-term growth potential [98][10] Question: Game Changer business impact - The Game Changer platform is expected to enhance engagement with youth athletes and drive crossover sales to DICK'S stores [100][10]

Group 1 - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating Foot Locker, Inc. for potential violations related to its sale to DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc., where shareholders can choose between $24.00 in cash or 0.1168 shares of DICK'S common stock for each share of Foot Locker [1] - NV5 Global, Inc. is being investigated for its sale to Acuren Corporation, with shareholders set to receive approximately $23.00 per share, consisting of $10.00 in cash and an estimated $13.00 in Acuren common stock [2] - The firm may seek increased consideration for shareholders and additional disclosures regarding the proposed transactions [3] Group 2 - Shareholders are encouraged to contact Halper Sadeh LLC to discuss their legal rights and options regarding the proposed transactions [4] - Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors globally who have experienced securities fraud and corporate misconduct, recovering millions for defrauded investors [4]

Group 1 - Monteverde & Associates PC has recovered millions for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report [1] - The firm is investigating Foot Locker, Inc. regarding its proposed merger with DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc., where Foot Locker shareholders can choose to receive either $24.00 in cash or 0.1168 shares of DICK'S common stock for each share of Foot Locker [1] Group 2 - Monteverde & Associates PC is a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court [2] - The firm operates from the Empire State Building in New York City [2]

Group 1: Share Buyback Programs - Several major firms have announced significant new share buyback programs as Q1 2025 concludes, with three stocks having buyback capacity of 8% or more of their market capitalizations [1] - Applied Materials has authorized a $10 billion share buyback program, bringing its total buyback capacity to $17.6 billion, which is nearly 14% of its $126 billion market capitalization [1] - Churchill Downs has approved a $500 million share repurchase program, resulting in a total buyback capacity of $626 million, approximately 8% of its $8 billion market capitalization [6] - DICK'S Sporting Goods announced a $3 billion share buyback program, giving it a total buyback capacity of approximately $3.51 billion, equal to 22% of its nearly $16 billion market capitalization [11][12] Group 2: Dividend Increases - Applied Materials announced a significant dividend increase of 15%, raising the payment to $0.46 per share, with a yield of 1.2% [4] - DICK'S Sporting Goods also raised its dividend by 10%, planning to pay a total of $4.85 over the next four quarters, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.5% [14] Group 3: Financial Performance and Metrics - Applied Materials has repurchased $4.4 billion worth of shares over the last four quarters, but the timing of these purchases was not optimal as the current share price is 19% lower than the average repurchase price of $192 [2][3] - Churchill Downs has repurchased $216 million worth of shares in the last 12 months, which is moderately above its average repurchase pace of $187 million over the past decade [7] - DICK'S Sporting Goods spent $268 million on share buybacks in fiscal 2024, below its average annual buyback pace of $430 million over the past 10 years, with the current share price being 8% lower than the average price paid for shares [13]

Market Overview - Major U.S. indexes have experienced significant volatility in 2024, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite declining by 6.12%, 4.07%, and 10.40% year-to-date, respectively [1] - Investor concerns are heightened due to potential trade wars, government shutdowns, and recession fears, influenced by President Trump's fiscal, trade, and immigration policies [1] Economic Indicators - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.2% in February, following a 0.5% increase in January, with an annual CPI drop of 2.8% from 3% in January [2] - Trump's tariffs have raised inflation fears and concerns about economic growth, impacting expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, which are currently between 4.25% and 4.50% [2] - The labor market remains stable, but immigration policies and layoffs threaten its stability [2] Investment Opportunities - In a volatile market, dividend-paying stocks are recommended for portfolio diversification, with notable companies including Toll Brothers, DICK'S Sporting Goods, KornFerry International, Banco Santander, and Applied Materials [3] Company Profiles Toll Brothers - Toll Brothers specializes in building various residential communities and has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4] - The company declared a dividend of 25 cents per share, with a dividend yield of 0.9%, and has increased its dividend five times over the past five years, with a payout ratio of 7% [5] DICK'S Sporting Goods - DICK'S Sporting Goods is a major omni-channel retailer for sporting goods, holding a Zacks Rank of 3 [6] - The company announced a dividend of $1.21 per share, yielding 2.3%, and has raised its dividend seven times in the last five years, with a payout ratio of 31% [7] KornFerry International - KornFerry is a leading executive recruitment firm with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [8] - The company declared a dividend of 48 cents per share, yielding 2.2%, and has increased its dividend six times over the past five years, with a payout ratio of 31% [9] Banco Santander - Banco Santander is the largest bank in Spain, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 3 [11] - The bank declared a dividend of 8 cents per share, yielding 2.4%, and has increased its dividend seven times in the last five years, with a payout ratio of 19% [12] Applied Materials - Applied Materials is a major supplier of semiconductor fabrication equipment, with a Zacks Rank of 3 [13] - The company announced a dividend of 46 cents per share, yielding 1.1%, and has increased its dividend six times over the past five years, with a payout ratio of 18% [14]