Academy Sports Q4 Sales Rise 2.5% to $1.7B, Opens 24 New Stores
Academy Sports reported a 2.5% sales increase to $1.7 billion in Q4 and opened 24 new stores in 2025 that exceeded year-one pro formas. Inflationary pressures on imported goods are expected to persist into H1 2026, and winter storm closures cost roughly 100 basis points in comparable sales.
1. Q4 Financial Results
Academy Sports delivered Q4 sales of $1.7 billion, up 2.5% year-over-year, aligning with its guidance range and marking the first top-line growth since 2021.
2. Store Expansion and Performance
The company opened 24 new stores in 2025, with these locations outperforming their first-year pro formas and contributing mid-single-digit comparable sales gains.
3. Inflationary and Weather Headwinds
Management warned that inflation on goods sourced outside the U.S. will continue into the first half of 2026, and winter storms that closed half of its stores for three days imposed a 100 basis-point comp headwind.
4. Outlook and Strategic Initiatives
Academy plans 20–25 new store openings in 2026, expects modest SG&A leverage from automation, and will relaunch its loyalty program by Father’s Day to support further sales growth.