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Academy Sports Reports Q4 Growth, Expands Store Footprint

Story Highlights
  • Academy Sports and Outdoors returned to modest sales growth in fiscal 2025, expanding its store base and raising its dividend even as comparable sales and earnings softened.
  • The retailer is leaning on digital transformation, omni-channel initiatives and continued store openings to drive 2026 sales growth of 2%–5% amid ongoing consumer and macroeconomic pressures.
  • Looking for the best stocks to buy? Follow the recommendations of top-performing analysts.
Academy Sports Reports Q4 Growth, Expands Store Footprint

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An announcement from Academy Sports and Outdoors ( (ASO) ) is now available.

Academy Sports and Outdoors reported that for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 31, 2026, net sales rose 2.5% to $1.72 billion while comparable sales fell 1.6%, and diluted EPS increased 4.8% to $1.98, as the retailer opened five new stores in the quarter and 24 for fiscal 2025. For the full year, sales grew 2.0% to $6.05 billion despite a 1.5% comp decline and lower earnings, while the company expanded its footprint to 322 stores, raised its quarterly dividend by 15%, moderated share repurchases and issued 2026 guidance calling for 2%–5% sales growth amid ongoing consumer and macroeconomic pressures.

Academy ended fiscal 2025 with higher cash and inventory levels, largely stable long-term debt and a larger store base totaling 21.9 million gross square feet, positioning it for continued brick-and-mortar expansion. Management highlighted an inflection point back to topline growth, emphasizing accelerated digital transformation, omni-channel initiatives and external tailwinds such as higher tax refunds and major sporting events in 2026, while warning that persistent financial strain on U.S. consumers could weigh on comparable sales momentum.

The most recent analyst rating on (ASO) stock is a Buy with a $65.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Academy Sports and Outdoors stock, see the ASO Stock Forecast page.

Spark’s Take on ASO Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, ASO is a Neutral.

The score is driven primarily by mixed financial performance (margin normalization and weaker cash conversion offset by improved leverage and positive FCF). Technicals are supportive with a clear uptrend and positive momentum, while valuation is favorable on a low P/E. The latest earnings call adds a modestly positive but cautious signal, with strong omnichannel and margin improvement tempered by slightly negative comp guidance and higher SG&A.

To see Spark’s full report on ASO stock, click here.

More about Academy Sports and Outdoors

Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. is a U.S. sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer that sells equipment, apparel, footwear and related accessories through a growing chain of large-format stores and an expanding omni-channel platform. The company targets value-oriented consumers across its regional footprint and is investing in digital capabilities and new store openings to capture market share in the sports and outdoor leisure market.

Average Trading Volume: 1,492,465

Technical Sentiment Signal: Buy

Current Market Cap: $3.77B

See more insights into ASO stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.

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