Academy Sports Beats Estimates as Shares Surge on Results

Academy Sports and Outdoors reported stronger-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, sending its shares sharply higher in premarket trading. The retailer posted adjusted earnings per share of 2.31, topping the consensus estimate of 2.07, and the stock jumped roughly 12.5 percent to 50.30 in early trading, measured against the prior close of 44.71. Net sales for the quarter covering May through July rose 3.0 percent to 1.647 billion, while comparable sales fell 0.4 percent. Ecommerce sales climbed 12.8 percent, and new stores posted positive mid-single-digit comparable growth. The company ended the quarter with 327 stores, up from 306 a year earlier, meaning new locations rather than stronger sales at established stores carried the top line. Net income rose 10 percent to 137.9 million, diluted GAAP earnings increased 17.3 percent to 2.17, and adjusted EPS climbed 19.1 percent. Part of the gap between net income and per-share growth reflects a 6.1 percent reduction in diluted shares after the company spent 182.1 million on buybacks in the first half. The headline gross margin figure requires context. Gross margin expanded to 40.4 percent from 36.