Academy Sports and Outdoors Inc Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASO), a leading sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, announced its financial results for the third quarter ending November 2, 2024.

Key Financial Metrics

Interpretation : Despite a decline in net and comparable sales, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. showed resilience with a GAAP diluted EPS of $0.92 and an adjusted diluted EPS of $0.98. This suggests that while sales have decreased, the company has effectively managed its expenses and operations to maintain profitability.

Revenue Performance by Segment

Unfortunately, the report does not provide a detailed breakdown of revenue performance by segment. However, CEO Steve Lawrence noted a 7% sales increase in the Outdoor division compared to the same quarter last year.

Interpretation : The Outdoor segment delivered a robust performance, offsetting some of the declines in other areas. This growth underscores the company's strong positioning within the outdoor recreation market.

Key Developments and Operational Highlights

• Opened 16 new stores in fiscal 2024, with plans to enter new markets such as Ohio.
• The company plans to open 20 to 25 new stores in fiscal 2025.
• Announcement of a new $700 million share repurchase program.
• GAAP operating cash flow increased by 29% year-to-date.
• Adjusted free cash flow increased by 67% year-to-date.
• Inventories are well-managed, with units per store down 7% and dollars per store down 4%.

Comments from Company Officers

CEO Steve Lawrence expressed satisfaction with the company's third-quarter sales, noting improvements in comparable sales trends compared to the year's first half. He emphasized the successful expansion into Ohio and other markets and improvements in their new store opening process and digital marketing capabilities. The CEO highlighted the strength in fundamentals and anticipated continued momentum into the fourth quarter and beyond.

Shareholder Returns

The company repurchased approximately one million shares of its common stock, amounting to $53 million at an average purchase price of $51.19 per share. Moreover, Academy declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share payable on January 15, 2025.

Forward Guidance

Academy narrowed its fiscal 2024 guidance for net sales to $5.89B to $5.94B. The company plans to drive further growth through strategic investments and marketing initiatives.

Conclusion : Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. demonstrates strong operational management and strategic expansion initiatives despite facing sales challenges. The company's commitment to returning value to shareholders and investment in growth initiatives positions it well for future performance.

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