It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS). Shares have added about 4.9% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Dick's due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
DICK'S Sporting Q1 Earnings Miss Estimates, Comparable Sales Up 6%
DICK'S Sporting posted first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, wherein the top line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increased year over year. However, earnings missed the consensus mark and declined from the prior-year quarter.
The company delivered a strong fiscal first-quarter fiscal 2026 performance, with net sales rising sharply year over year and beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate, supported by continued momentum in the core DICK’S business and contributions from the Foot Locker acquisition. However, profitability was softer, as non-GAAP earnings declined from the prior-year quarter and missed estimates despite healthy comparable sales growth across the business.
The company reported adjusted earnings of $2.90 per share in the fiscal first quarter, lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.91 and declining from $3.37 recorded in the year-ago quarter.
DKS’ Quarterly Performance: Key Metrics & Insights
Net sales of $5.17 billion increased 62.7% year over year and surpassed the consensus estimate of $5.06 billion. The upside was driven by the addition of the Foot Locker business, along with continued strength in the core DICK’S business. Consolidated comps for DICK'S Business grew 6% year over year, on growth in average ticket and transactions and broad-based momentum across footwear, apparel and hardlines.
Results reflected the inclusion of the Foot Locker business and the dilutive impact of shares issued for the acquisition, while core demand stayed healthy. Pro forma consolidated comparable sales increased 4.1% in the quarter.
DKS Records Higher Margins & Expenses
Gross profit rose 44.5% year over year to $1.68 billion but the gross margin contracted 411 bps.
The SG&A expense rate of 22.5% fell 220 bps year over year. SG&A expenses, in dollar terms, grew almost 48.2% year over year to $1.16 billion.
DKS’ Financial Health Snapshot
DICK’S Sporting ended the fiscal first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $998.3 million. Inventories totaled $5.42 billion, up 52%, reflecting the addition of Foot Locker inventory, while long-term debt and financing lease obligations stood at $1.91 billion.
This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company repurchased 0.7 million shares under its share repurchase program for $141.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. It had $3 billion remaining under its authorization as of May 2, 2026. DKS also paid $5 million in fiscal 2025 for shares repurchased in the prior fiscal year.
On May 26, 2026, the company’s board of directors announced a quarterly cash dividend of $1.25 per share for holders of its common and Class B common stock. The dividend will be distributed on June 26 to its shareholders recorded as of the close of business on June 12.
What to Expect From DKS in FY26?
For full-year fiscal 2026, the company expects net sales of $22.1-$22.4 billion. In its full-year fiscal 2026 segment outlook, the company expects net sales of $14.5-$14.7 billion for the DICK’S business and $7.6-$7.7 billion for the Foot Locker business. Operating income guidance was updated to $1.69-$1.81 billion on a GAAP basis and $1.71-$1.83 billion on a non-GAAP basis, while GAAP earnings are projected at $13.27-$14.27 per diluted share; non-GAAP earnings are still expected at $13.50-$14.50. The company expects planned gross capital spending of about $1.6 billion for fiscal 2026.
At the segment level, DKS raised the low end of its comparable sales outlook to 2.5%-4.0%, while the Foot Locker business raised the low end of its pro forma comparable sales view to 1.5%-3.0%. Management also outlined segment profit expectations of $1.60-$1.68 billion for the DICK’S business and $110-$150 million for Foot Locker.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates.
VGM Scores
Currently, Dick's has a average Growth Score of C, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock has a score of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, Dick's has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
