Best Buy(BBY) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter revenue of $8.8 billion, slightly below last year, with an adjusted operating income rate of 3.8%, flat year over year [6][36] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share decreased by 4% to $1.15, primarily due to lower investment income [36] - The gross profit rate improved by approximately 10 basis points to 23.4% compared to last year [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales growth was driven by computing, mobile phones, and tablets, while there were declines in home theater, appliances, and drones, resulting in a domestic comparable sales decline of 0.7% [6][35] - The combined computing and tablet categories saw a 6% growth in comparable sales [6] - Domestic revenue decreased by 0.9% to $8.1 billion, with international revenue down 0.6% to $640 million [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that customer behavior remained resilient despite persistent inflation, with consumers being value-focused and thoughtful about big-ticket purchases [7][8] - Online sales grew year over year for the second consecutive quarter, accounting for nearly 32% of total domestic sales [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its position as a leading omnichannel destination for technology while building new profit streams, including Best Buy Marketplace and Best Buy Ads [16][22] - Strategic priorities include improving omnichannel experiences, launching incremental profit streams, and driving operational effectiveness [16][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current tariff environment and updated the annual outlook, lowering the full-year comparable sales range to down 1% to up 1% [15][41] - The company expects growth in computing and tablets driven by product replacement needs and ongoing innovation [31][92] Other Important Information - The company is actively mitigating tariff impacts through various strategies, including leveraging manufacturing flexibility and negotiating costs with vendors [12][52] - The company plans to maintain approximately 60 days of forward supply in inventory and feels good about inventory levels for the back-to-school season [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help us understand the changes in China sourcing? - Management noted that the percentage of product COGS from China has decreased to approximately 30-35% from 55%, with half of the China-sourced products subject to 20% tariffs [50][51] Question: Did you see any pull forward in demand? - Management indicated that while there may have been some pull forward in demand, it was difficult to quantify due to the Easter shift impacting sales [56][58] Question: How do you view consumer behavior in light of tariffs? - Management stated that consumers remain resilient but are making trade-offs in their spending due to inflation and higher prices [64][66] Question: What is the expected impact of the marketplace on margins? - Management expects the marketplace to have a positive impact on operating income and gross profit rates, particularly in the back half of the year [83][89]