Accessibility StatementSkip Navigation Michael Dastugue, Shannon Hennessy, and Clay Johnson named Directors KATY, Texas, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. ("Academy" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: ASO) today announced that Michael Dastugue, Shannon Hennessy, and Clay Johnson have been appointed to its Board of Directors (the "Board"), and Mr. Dastugue to the Audit Committee, effective Monday, December 1, 2025. As Academy continues to make progress on its Long Range Plan, the additio ...

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 - Wall Street analysts forecast that Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) will report quarterly earnings of $2.69 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of 2.2% [1] - Anticipated revenues are projected to be $3.19 billion, reflecting an increase of 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year [1] Earnings Estimates - Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been adjusted downward by 0.4%, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [2] - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting potential investor reactions, with empirical studies showing a strong relationship between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price performance [3] Key Metrics - Analysts predict 'Comparable store sales - YoY change' to be 3.5%, down from 4.2% in the same quarter last year [5] - The 'Number of stores - Total (EOP)' is expected to reach 886, compared to 864 in the same quarter last year [5] - The 'Number of stores - Dicks Sporting Goods' is projected to be 718, down from 727 year-over-year, while 'Number of stores - Golf Galaxy/Specialty Concept Store' is expected to increase to 182 from 137 [6] Sales Performance - The average prediction for 'Sales per store' is $3.64 million, an increase from $3.54 million in the previous year [7] - Over the past month, shares of Dick's have returned -9.3%, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.3% change [7] - Currently, DKS holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [7]

Core Viewpoint - Brunswick (BC) is positioned well to potentially beat earnings estimates in its upcoming quarterly report, supported by a strong history of exceeding expectations [1]. Company Performance - Brunswick has a solid track record of surpassing earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 77.17% over the last two quarters [2]. - In the last reported quarter, Brunswick achieved earnings of $1.16 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.89 per share by 30.34%. In the previous quarter, the company reported earnings of $0.56 per share against an expectation of $0.25 per share, resulting in a surprise of 124.00% [3]. Earnings Estimates - Recent favorable changes in earnings estimates for Brunswick indicate a positive outlook, with a Zacks Earnings ESP of +2.33%, suggesting analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [6][9]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) enhances the likelihood of another earnings beat [9]. Predictive Metrics - Research indicates that stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [7]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, reflecting the latest analyst revisions, which may provide a more accurate prediction of earnings [8].

Core Insights - J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. has appointed Sam Van as the new CEO, effective October 1, succeeding Jonathan Chiang, who will remain as Chairman of the Board [1][4] - The company is at a critical juncture following its recent IPO, with plans to optimize its manufacturing facility in Taiwan and expand into the U.S. market [2][5] - Under Mr. Van's leadership, J-Star aims to accelerate growth through both organic means and strategic mergers and acquisitions [2] Company Overview - J-Star is a leading provider of carbon fiber and composite solutions, serving various sectors including sports equipment, healthcare, and automotive parts [1][5] - The company has over 50 years of experience in the material composites industry and operates through subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Samoa [5] Leadership Background - Sam Van has extensive experience in capital markets and has assisted over 70 companies with IPOs, including listings on major exchanges [3] - His previous roles include CEO of SRO Partners and senior positions at the New York Stock Exchange and FINRA [3] Strategic Vision - The new CEO emphasizes the importance of innovation and engineering excellence, aiming to enhance J-Star's global presence and create long-term shareholder value [4] - The company is launching its own brands of sporting goods and electric bicycles as part of its growth strategy [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant impact of tariffs on small businesses in the U.S., highlighting a surge in demand for short-term credit lines from lending startups as companies seek to manage increased costs associated with tariffs on imported goods [2][15]. Lending Startups - Slope, a lending startup founded in 2021, has seen a 730% year-over-year increase in credit line applications as businesses face higher tariffs [15]. - The firm typically serves businesses with annual revenues up to $25 million and can approve loans of up to $250,000 instantly and up to $3 million within two business days [6][15]. - Other lending startups like Clearco and Wayflyer have also reported significant increases in loan applications, with Clearco extending 46% more loans in July and August compared to the same months in 2024 [6][15]. Impact of Tariffs on Businesses - Tariffs averaging 50% on Chinese goods have created immediate financial pressure on importers, forcing them to seek credit to cover duties that must be paid upon arrival of goods [15]. - Small importers are increasingly relying on credit lines to finance imported merchandise, as tariffs create substantial upfront costs before sales can be made [7][15]. - A New Jersey-based importer took a 60-day credit line from Slope to cover $300,000 in duties, indicating the necessity of advance funds to manage cash flow [8][9]. Price Adjustments and Consumer Impact - Businesses are passing tariff costs onto consumers, with some increasing prices by 15% to 20% to cover higher tariffs [10][16]. - The American consumer has not yet felt the full effects of the trade war, as price hikes from tariffs typically take time to reach retail prices [4][15]. Industry Adaptation - Companies are adapting to the tariff environment by seeking short-term financing to maintain liquidity and manage operational costs [7][11]. - Some businesses, like a health and beauty brand, are securing credit lines in anticipation of future tariff increases, indicating a proactive approach to financial management [11][16]. - The article notes that the current tariff situation is forcing many small businesses to work harder to maintain profitability, with some potentially exiting the market while others may gain market share [12][16].

Core Insights - Consumer spending showed positive growth in August, driven by back-to-school shopping and potential tariff effects [1][4] - Total retail sales increased by 0.5% month-over-month and 6.8% year-over-year, indicating strong annual performance despite a slight decline from the previous month [2][3] - Core retail sales, excluding restaurants, rose by 0.3%, slightly lower than overall retail sales growth [2] Retail Performance - The retail monitor indicates considerable volatility in consumer spending, with fluctuations influenced by tariffs and inflation [3][6] - Eight out of twelve retail sectors experienced growth, particularly digital products which increased by 1.6% [4][5] - Discretionary spending showed mixed results, with food and beverage up by 1% and general merchandise up by 0.4%, while sporting goods and garden supplies saw declines of 0.8% and 2.1% respectively [5] Inflation and Tariff Impact - Some gains in retail sales may reflect inflation in imported goods, with consumers potentially buying ahead of tariff increases [4][6] - Adjusted for inflation, consumer spending has been weak over the past three months, suggesting a possible tariff impact [6] Digital Sales Trends - Online sales, particularly in software and digital products, have been consistently strong, contributing positively to overall retail performance [7][8] - The digital category has shown robust growth, with regular increases between 0.5% and 1.5% [8]

Group 1 - Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) closed at $209.50, with a +1.32% change from the previous day, underperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.47% [1] - Over the past month, DKS shares appreciated by 0.26%, outperforming the Retail-Wholesale sector's loss of 1.38% but lagging behind the S&P 500's gain of 0.64% [1] Group 2 - The upcoming earnings release is expected to show an EPS of $4.29, a 1.83% decline compared to the same quarter last year, with anticipated revenue of $3.6 billion, reflecting a 3.57% increase [2] - For the annual period, earnings are projected at $14.38 per share and revenue at $13.9 billion, indicating increases of +2.35% and +3.37% respectively from the previous year [3] Group 3 - Recent adjustments to analyst estimates for DKS are important as they indicate changing business trends, with positive revisions suggesting a favorable business outlook [3] - The Zacks Rank system, which incorporates estimate changes, provides a rating system with DKS currently holding a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5] Group 4 - DKS is currently traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 14.38, which aligns with the industry average, while the PEG ratio stands at 2.95, matching the average for the Retail - Miscellaneous industry [6] - The Retail - Miscellaneous industry has a Zacks Industry Rank of 163, placing it in the bottom 35% of over 250 industries, indicating potential underperformance compared to higher-ranked industries [7]

Company Performance - Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) closed at $201.83, down 2.11% from the previous trading session, underperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.32% [1] - Over the past month, DKS shares have increased by 17.92%, while the Retail-Wholesale sector and S&P 500 gained 3.84% and 4.51%, respectively [1] Financial Forecast - The upcoming financial results are expected to show an EPS of $4.29, reflecting a 1.83% decrease from the same quarter last year, with revenue forecasted at $3.6 billion, a 3.57% increase year-over-year [2] - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $14.38 per share and revenue at $13.9 billion, indicating increases of 2.35% and 3.37% from the previous year [3] Analyst Estimates and Rankings - Recent estimate revisions are crucial for understanding near-term business trends, with positive revisions indicating a favorable business outlook [3][4] - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), currently rates DKS at 3 (Hold), with a recent 0.1% downward shift in the EPS estimate [5] Valuation Metrics - DKS has a Forward P/E ratio of 14.34, which is higher than the industry average of 13.26, and a PEG ratio of 2.94 compared to the industry average of 2.87 [6] Industry Context - The Retail - Miscellaneous industry, part of the Retail-Wholesale sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 180, placing it in the bottom 28% of over 250 industries [7]

Core Insights - Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. reported a decline in first quarter sales by 0.9% with comparable sales down 3.7% [1][2] - eCommerce sales increased by 10.2%, and the company opened five new stores, maintaining positive comparable sales in low single digits [1][2] - The company revised its annual comparable sales guidance to a range of -4% to +1% due to inflationary pressures [2][10] Financial Performance - Net sales for the first quarter were $1,351.4 million, down from $1,364.2 million, reflecting a 0.9% decrease [2][25] - Net income decreased by 39.7% to $46.1 million compared to $76.5 million in the previous year [2][25] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) fell to $0.68, down 32.7% from $1.01 [2][25] Balance Sheet Highlights - Cash and cash equivalents decreased by 24.6% to $285.1 million from $378.1 million [3] - Merchandise inventories increased by 15.0% to $1,560.0 million compared to $1,356.8 million [3] - Long-term debt remained relatively stable at $482.2 million, down 0.4% from $484.1 million [3] Capital Allocation - The company returned $108 million to shareholders through share buybacks and dividends, with share repurchases totaling $99.9 million, a decrease of 19.1% from the previous year [4][5] - Dividends paid increased by 6.1% to $8.7 million compared to $8.2 million [4] Store Expansion - Academy opened five new stores, bringing the total to 303 locations across 21 states [6][7] - The company plans to open 20 to 25 stores in fiscal 2025 [6] Tariff Mitigation Strategies - The company has reduced its cost exposure to China to approximately 9% of total cost of goods sold for its private label business, with plans to further reduce it to around 6% by the end of fiscal 2025 [8][9] - Actions taken include diversifying the supply chain and leveraging private brand portfolios to maintain margin integrity [9] 2025 Outlook - The updated fiscal 2025 guidance reflects a wider range of scenarios due to uncertain demand, with net sales projected between $5,970 million and $6,265 million [10][12] - The company anticipates adjusted net income to range from $375 million to $435 million, with diluted EPS expected between $5.10 and $5.90 [13][35]