Academy Sports and Outdoors Reports 6.7% Net Sales Increase to $1.44 Billion

Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. reported a net sales increase of $1.44 billion for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2026, marking a 6.7% rise from $1.35 billion in the same period last year. The company's gross margin also improved, reaching $479.3 million, a 4.5% increase compared to $458.9 million in the prior year. Operating income rose to $74.7 million, up 7.8% from $69.3 million, while net income increased by 14.4% to $52.7 million, resulting in basic earnings per share of $0.82, up from $0.69.

The company experienced notable growth across its merchandise divisions, with outdoor sales increasing by 11.7%, sports and recreation by 6.2%, apparel by 4.7%, and footwear by 2.8%. Academy opened two new stores during the quarter, contributing to a total of 324 locations across 21 states. The new stores generated $54.5 million in net sales, and comparable sales increased by 2.9%, driven by a 4.5% rise in average ticket size, although transactions decreased by 1.5%.

Academy’s selling, general, and administrative expenses rose to $404.7 million, a 3.9% increase attributed to strategic investments in new stores and technology. The company reported a decrease in gross margin as a percentage of net sales, down 80 basis points to 33.2%, primarily due to tariff impacts. The company’s cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter stood at $337.8 million, with net cash provided by operating activities increasing to $160.6 million.

Looking ahead, Academy plans to continue its expansion strategy, with expectations to open more stores and enhance its e-commerce capabilities. The company is also focused on managing inventory effectively to meet consumer demand while navigating macroeconomic challenges such as inflation and tariffs. The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share, payable on July 16, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders.