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Academy Sports + Outdoors Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

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Academy Sports + Outdoors (Nasdaq: ASO) announced its first-quarter 2024 results, highlighting a 1.4% decline in net sales and a 5.7% drop in comparable sales. The company reported GAAP diluted EPS of $1.01 and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.08. Despite the challenges, Academy opened two new stores and returned $132 million to shareholders via share repurchases and dividends. Net income stood at $76.5 million, down 18.6% from the previous year. The company reiterated its sales and net income guidance for 2024 but adjusted its EPS forecast due to share repurchases. The company also generated $200 million in cash from operations and invested $32 million back into the business.

Positive
  • Reported GAAP diluted EPS of $1.01 and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.08.
  • Opened two new stores during the first quarter.
  • Returned $132 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
  • Generated $200 million in cash from operations.
  • Invested $32 million back into the company.
  • Share repurchases increased by 145.5% compared to the previous year.
  • Long-term debt decreased by 17.1%, from $584.1 million to $484.1 million.
  • Cash and cash equivalents increased by 28% to $378.1 million.
Negative
  • Net sales declined by 1.4%, from $1,383.6 million to $1,364.2 million.
  • Comparable sales dropped by 5.7%.
  • Net income decreased by 18.6%, from $94.0 million to $76.5 million.
  • Adjusted net income fell by 20.8%, from $103.0 million to $81.6 million.
  • Earnings per common share, diluted, decreased by 15.1%, from $1.19 to $1.01.
  • Adjusted earnings per common share, diluted, fell by 16.9%, from $1.30 to $1.08.
  • Merchandise inventories decreased by 2.1% to $1,356.8 million.

Insights

Academy Sports + Outdoors' first-quarter results present a mixed bag for investors. The net sales decline of 1.4% and a comparable sales drop of 5.7% indicate a challenging market environment. This is important because it suggests that the company's growth is not strong enough to combat macroeconomic pressures, impacting overall revenue. The GAAP diluted EPS of $1.01 and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.08 mark a decrease compared to last year, reflecting a 15.1% and 16.9% decline, respectively. These figures show reduced profitability, which might be concerning for investors expecting robust earnings growth.

On a positive note, the company demonstrated good capital management by returning $132 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. Share buybacks often indicate that the management believes the stock is undervalued, which can be a positive signal for investors. Moreover, the substantial increase in cash and cash equivalents by 28% to $378.1 million strengthens the balance sheet, providing liquidity for future growth initiatives.

Looking ahead, the company reiterated its sales and net income guidance for fiscal 2024, which shows stability in their expectations despite current economic pressures. However, the adjustments in earnings per share forecasts due to share repurchases might mask underlying performance issues. Investors should watch for operational improvements and not just financial engineering.

The introduction of new and innovative products, along with the opening of two new stores and the plan for 15 to 17 more in 2024, positions Academy Sports for long-term growth. However, the comparable sales decline of 5.7% is a red flag, highlighting that new stores alone might not be enough to offset declining sales in existing locations. This metric is important for understanding customer behavior and market penetration, which are essential for sustainable growth.

The company’s strategy to lean into its position as a value leader could help attract cost-conscious consumers in an inflationary environment. However, it also risks compressing margins if not managed properly. The omnichannel business, which posted positive comparable sales, is a bright spot, showcasing the potential of integrated online and physical retail experiences. This is increasingly important as consumer shopping habits continue to evolve.

Investors should note the balance between short-term financial performance and long-term strategic investments. While the results show some immediate pressures, the company’s focus on innovation and expansion could pay off in the long run if they can successfully navigate the current economic challenges.

Net Sales Decline (1.4)%; Comparable Sales Decline (5.7)%

GAAP Diluted EPS of $1.01, or $1.08 Adjusted Diluted EPS

Opened Two New Stores During the First Quarter

Returned $132 Million to Shareholders Through Share Repurchases and Dividends

KATY, Texas, June 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASO) ("Academy" or the "Company") today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended May 4, 2024.

Steve Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "As expected, our first quarter results reflect that our customers remain under pressure in the current economic environment. We will navigate through the remainder of the year by continuing to lean into our position as the value leader in our space, while also inspiring customers to shop through introductions and expansions of new and innovative products. We will also continue making strategic investments in our long-range growth initiatives. We are pleased that we drove a positive comp in our new stores and omnichannel business. Academy has the right elements in place to achieve our long-range goals: a well-established business model, an experienced leadership team and a strong balance sheet."

First Quarter Operating Results
($ in millions, except per share data)

Thirteen Weeks EndedChange
May 4, 2024April 29, 2023%
Net sales$1,364.2  $1,383.6  (1.4)%
Comparable sales(1) (5.7)% (7.3)% 
Income before income tax$97.7  $118.7  (17.7)%
Net income$76.5  $94.0  (18.6)%
Adjusted net income(2)$81.6  $103.0  (20.8)%
Earnings per common share, diluted$1.01  $1.19  (15.1)%
Adjusted earnings per common share, diluted(1)$1.08  $1.30  (16.9)%

(1) Fiscal 2023 had a 53rd week, so the Company is using a shifted comp sales calculation which compares weeks 1-13 in Q1 2024 to weeks 2-14 in fiscal 2023.
(2) Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per common share, diluted are non-GAAP measures. See "Non-GAAP Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.


  Thirteen Weeks EndedChange
Balance Sheet($ in millions)May 4, 2024April 29, 2023%
Cash and cash equivalents$378.1  $295.5  28.0 %
Merchandise inventories, net$1,356.8  $1,386.5  (2.1)%
Long-term debt, net$484.1  $584.1  (17.1)%


 Thirteen Weeks EndedChange
Capital Allocation($ in millions)May 4, 2024April 29, 2023%
Share repurchases$123.5  $50.3  145.5 %
Dividends paid$8.2  $6.9  18.8 %


Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, on June 6, 2024, Academy's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on July 18, 2024, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 20, 2024.

Carl Ford, Chief Financial Officer, said, "Academy generated $200 million in cash from operations during the quarter. We believe that investing this cash into the pillars of our long-range plan will result in long-term, sustainable sales and profit growth for Academy and our shareholders. To that end, in the first quarter, we invested $32 million of capital back into the Company, repurchased $124 million in stock, and paid $8 million in dividends. We are focused on driving traffic, managing our inventory to maintain margins, and controlling expenses as we invest in our growth initiatives."

New Store Openings
Academy opened two new stores during the first quarter. The Company plans to open 15 to 17 stores in 2024.

2024 Outlook
Academy is reiterating its previous sales and net income guidance for fiscal 2024, while updating its earnings per share forecast to reflect the share repurchase activity completed in the first quarter.

 Updated Guidance Previous Guidance
(in millions, except per share data)Low end High end Low end High end
Net sales no change   no change  $6,070.0   $6,350.0 
Sales growth no change   no change   (1.5)%  +3.0%
            
Comparable sales no change   no change   (4.0)%  1.0%
            
Gross margin rate no change   no change   34.3%   34.7%
            
GAAP net income no change   no change  $455   $530 
            
GAAP earnings per common share, diluted$6.05  $7.05  $5.90   $6.90 
            
Diluted weighted average common shares ~75   ~75   ~77    ~77 
            
Capital expenditures no change   no change  $225   $275 
            
Adjusted free cash flow(1) no change   no change  $290   $375 
            

(1) Adjusted free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure. We have not reconciled it to the most comparable GAAP measure because it is not possible to do so without unreasonable efforts given the uncertainty and potential variability of reconciling items , which are dependent on future events and often outside of management's control and could be significant. Because such items cannot be predicted with the level of precision required, we are unable to provide an estimate of the most closely comparable GAAP measure at this time.
Note: Fiscal year 2023 included 53 weeks compared to 52 weeks in fiscal 2024.

The earnings per common share guidance reflects a tax rate of approximately 22.0% and does not include any potential future share repurchases.

Conference Call Info
Academy will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its financial results. The call will be webcast at investors.academy.com. The following information is provided for those who would like to participate in the conference call:

U.S. callers 1-877-407-3982
International callers1-201-493-6780
Passcode13746678
  

A replay of the conference call will be available for approximately 30 days on the Company's website.

About Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to 284 stores across 18 states as of the end of the quarter. Academy’s mission is to provide “Fun for All” and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy’s product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, footwear and sports & recreation through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands.

Non-GAAP Measures
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings per Common Share, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow have been presented in this press release as supplemental measures of financial performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP measures is useful to investors as it provides additional information on comparisons between periods by excluding certain items that affect overall comparability. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures for business planning purposes, to consider underlying trends of its business, and in measuring its performance relative to others in the market, and believes presenting these measures also provides information to investors and others for understanding and evaluating trends in the Company’s operating results or measuring performance in the same manner as the Company’s management. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. The calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similar measures reported by other companies and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures. For additional information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024 (the "Annual Report"), and our Quarterly Report for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2024 (the "Quarterly Report"), which may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

See “Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on Academy’s current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements may incorporate words such as “believe,” “expect,” “forward,” “ahead,” “opportunities,” “plans,” “priorities,” “goals,” “future,” “short/long term,” “will,” “should,” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. The forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding the Company’s fiscal 2024 outlook, the Company’s strategic plans and financial objectives, growth of the Company’s business and operations, the Company’s payment of dividends and declaration of future dividends, including the timing and amount thereof, share repurchases by the Company, the Company's expectations regarding its future performance, and future financial condition, and other such matters, and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, assumptions, or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global, regional, or local economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors that could affect overall consumer spending or our industry, including the possible effects of ongoing macroeconomic challenges, inflation and increases in interest rates, or changes to the financial health of our customers, many of which are beyond Academy's control. These and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Academy's filings with the SEC, including the Annual Report and the Quarterly Report, under the caption "Risk Factors," as may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement in this press release speaks only as of the date of this release. Academy undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.

Investor ContactMedia Contact
Matt HodgesAllan Rojas
VP, Investor RelationsDirector, Communications
281-646-5362281-944-6048
matt.hodges@academy.comallan.rojas@academy.com



ACADEMY SPORTS AND OUTDOORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 May 4, 2024 Percentage of Sales(1) April 29, 2023 Percentage of Sales(1)
Net sales$1,364,220  100.0 % $1,383,609  100.0 %
Cost of goods sold 908,427  66.6 %  916,494  66.2 %
Gross margin 455,793  33.4 %  467,115  33.8 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses 353,410  25.9 %  340,919  24.6 %
Operating income 102,383  7.5 %  126,196  9.1 %
Interest expense, net 9,486  0.7 %  11,230  0.8 %
Write off of deferred loan costs 449  0.0 %    0.0 %
Other (income), net (5,204) (0.4)%  (3,713) (0.3)%
Income before income taxes 97,652  7.2 %  118,679  8.6 %
Income tax expense 21,187  1.6 %  24,709  1.8 %
Net income$76,465  5.6 % $93,970  6.8 %
        
Earnings Per Common Share:       
Basic$1.03    $1.22   
Diluted$1.01    $1.19   
        
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:       
Basic 73,993     76,862   
Diluted 75,798     79,288   

(1) Column may not add due to rounding


ACADEMY SPORTS AND OUTDOORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
 May 4, 2024 February 3, 2024 April 29, 2023
ASSETS     
CURRENT ASSETS:     
Cash and cash equivalents$378,145  $347,920  $295,536 
Accounts receivable - less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,817, $2,217 and $2,286, respectively 13,700   19,371   10,412 
Merchandise inventories, net 1,356,811   1,194,159   1,386,457 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 68,320   83,450   34,622 
Assets held for sale       1,763 
Total current assets 1,816,976   1,644,900   1,728,790 
      
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 456,594   445,209   365,024 
RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS 1,116,222   1,111,237   1,087,854 
TRADE NAME 578,364   578,236   577,799 
GOODWILL 861,920   861,920   861,920 
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS        
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS 43,803   35,211   20,547 
Total assets$4,873,879  $4,676,713  $4,641,934 
      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY     
CURRENT LIABILITIES:     
Accounts payable$735,563  $541,077  $712,643 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 262,048   217,932   221,388 
Current lease liabilities 121,465   117,849   112,333 
Current maturities of long-term debt 3,000   3,000   3,000 
Total current liabilities 1,122,076   879,858   1,049,364 
      
LONG-TERM DEBT, NET 484,084   484,551   584,093 
LONG-TERM LEASE LIABILITIES 1,098,799   1,091,294   1,058,869 
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES, NET 253,069   254,796   257,120 
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 10,330   11,564   11,526 
Total liabilities 2,968,358   2,722,063   2,960,972 
      
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES     
      
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:     
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding        
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares; 72,590,530; 74,349,927 and 76,439,594 issued and outstanding as of May 4, 2024, February 3, 2024, and April 29, 2023, respectively. 726   743   764 
Additional paid-in capital 240,559   242,098   229,633 
Retained earnings 1,664,236   1,711,809   1,450,565 
Stockholders' equity 1,905,521   1,954,650   1,680,962 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$4,873,879  $4,676,713  $4,641,934 



ACADEMY SPORTS AND OUTDOORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 May 4, 2024 April 29, 2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
Net income$76,465  $93,970 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization 28,853   26,261 
Non-cash lease expense 6,137   2,165 
Equity compensation 6,138   11,382 
Amortization of deferred loan and other costs 624   674 
Deferred income taxes (1,726)  (1,923)
Write off of deferred loan costs 449    
Changes in assets and liabilities:   
Accounts receivable, net 5,671   6,091 
Merchandise inventories, net (162,652)  (102,940)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 15,129   13,125 
Other noncurrent assets (3,392)  (3,215)
Accounts payable 186,475   26,776 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 20,819   (31,673)
Income taxes payable 21,922   12,642 
Other long-term liabilities (1,235)  (1,200)
Net cash provided by operating activities 199,677   52,135 
    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
Capital expenditures (32,227)  (40,464)
Purchases of intangible assets (128)  (83)
Net cash used in investing activities (32,355)  (40,547)
    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:   
Proceeds from Revolving Credit Facilities 3,900    
Repayment of Revolving Credit Facilities (3,900)   
Repayment of Term Loan (750)  (750)
Debt issuance fees (5,690)   
Repurchase of common stock for retirement (122,425)  (50,015)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 2,789   7,090 
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (2,839)  (2,593)
Dividends paid (8,182)  (6,929)
Net cash used in financing activities (137,097)  (53,197)
    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 30,225   (41,609)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 347,920   337,145 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD$378,145  $295,536 



ACADEMY SPORTS AND OUTDOORS, INC.
RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
 

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT

We define “Adjusted EBITDA” as net income (loss) before interest expense, net, income tax expense and depreciation, amortization, and impairment, and other adjustments included in the table below. We define “Adjusted EBIT” as Adjusted EBITDA less depreciation and amortization. We describe these adjustments reconciling net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT in the following table (amounts in thousands):

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 May 4, 2024 April 29, 2023
Net income$76,465  $93,970 
Interest expense, net 9,486   11,230 
Income tax expense 21,187   24,709 
Depreciation and amortization 28,853   26,261 
Equity compensation (a) 6,138   11,382 
Write off of deferred loan costs 449    
Adjusted EBITDA (b)$142,578  $167,552 
Less: Depreciation and amortization (28,853)  (26,261)
Adjusted EBIT (b)$113,725  $141,291 
      
(a) Represents non-cash charges related to equity-based compensation, which vary from period to period depending on certain factors such as timing and valuation of awards, achievement of performance targets and equity award forfeitures.
(b) Effective January 28, 2023, we no longer exclude pre-opening expenses from our computations of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT for the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 2023 have been revised to the current period computation methodology.


Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Common Share

We define “Adjusted Net Income” as net income (loss) plus other adjustments included in the table below, less the tax effect of these adjustments. We define “Adjusted Earnings per Common Share, Basic” as Adjusted Net Income divided by the basic weighted average common shares outstanding during the period and “Adjusted Earnings per Common Share, Diluted” as Adjusted Net Income divided by the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. We describe these adjustments reconciling net income (loss) to Adjusted Net Income, and Adjusted Earnings Per Common Share in the following table (amounts in thousands, except per share data):

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 May 4, 2024 April 29, 2023
Net income$76,465  $93,970 
Equity compensation (a) 6,138   11,382 
Write off of deferred loan costs 449    
Tax effects of these adjustments (b) (1,432)  (2,370)
Adjusted Net Income (c)$81,620  $102,982 
    
Earnings per common share:   
Basic$1.03  $1.22 
Diluted$1.01  $1.19 
Adjusted earnings per common share:   
Basic$1.10  $1.34 
Diluted$1.08  $1.30 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:   
Basic 73,993   76,862 
Diluted 75,798   79,288 
    
 
(a) Represents non-cash charges related to equity-based compensation, which vary from period to period depending on certain factors such as timing and valuation of awards, achievement of performance targets and equity award forfeitures.
(b) For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2024 and April 29, 2023, this represents the estimated tax effect (by using the projected full year tax rates for the respective years) of the total adjustments made to arrive at Adjusted Net Income.
(c ) Effective January 28, 2023, we no longer exclude pre-opening expenses from our computations of Adjusted Net Income.


Adjusted Free Cash Flow

We define “Adjusted Free Cash Flow” as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less net cash used in investing activities. We describe these adjustments reconciling net cash provided by operating activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow in the following table (amounts in thousands):

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 May 4, 2024 April 29, 2023
Net cash provided by operating activities$199,677  $52,135 
Net cash used in investing activities (32,355)  (40,547)
Adjusted Free Cash Flow$167,322  $11,588 

FAQ

What were Academy Sports + Outdoors' net sales in Q1 2024?

Academy Sports + Outdoors reported net sales of $1,364.2 million in Q1 2024.

How did Academy Sports + Outdoors' comparable sales perform in Q1 2024?

Academy Sports + Outdoors' comparable sales dropped by 5.7% in Q1 2024.

What was the GAAP diluted EPS for Academy Sports + Outdoors in Q1 2024?

The GAAP diluted EPS for Academy Sports + Outdoors in Q1 2024 was $1.01.

How much did Academy Sports + Outdoors return to shareholders in Q1 2024?

Academy Sports + Outdoors returned $132 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in Q1 2024.

How many new stores did Academy Sports + Outdoors open in Q1 2024?

Academy Sports + Outdoors opened two new stores in Q1 2024.

What was Academy Sports + Outdoors' net income in Q1 2024?

Academy Sports + Outdoors reported a net income of $76.5 million in Q1 2024.

What is the updated EPS forecast for Academy Sports + Outdoors in 2024?

The updated EPS forecast for Academy Sports + Outdoors in 2024 is between $6.05 and $7.05.

How much did Academy Sports + Outdoors invest back into the company in Q1 2024?

Academy Sports + Outdoors invested $32 million back into the company in Q1 2024.

What was the percentage increase in Academy Sports + Outdoors' share repurchases in Q1 2024?

Academy Sports + Outdoors' share repurchases increased by 145.5% in Q1 2024.

How much cash did Academy Sports + Outdoors generate from operations in Q1 2024?

Academy Sports + Outdoors generated $200 million in cash from operations in Q1 2024.

Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc.

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