Academy Sports + Outdoors
Retailer of sports and outdoor gear
Assistant Buyer - Camping/Water Sports
About the job
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience is required.
- Strong communication skills at all organizational levels.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-changing environment while staying organized.
- Skill in analyzing data, drawing insights, and presenting recommendations to drive results.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Comfort working both independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
- Ability to build strategic relationships with vendors and internal teams.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to travel up to 10% with occasional overnight stays.
- Regular in-office attendance is required.
- Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties.
- Ability to adhere to company policies and professional standards.
- Support the buying process by managing advertising selections, analyzing sales trends, and helping choose products for print and digital features.
- Manage merchandising tasks including inventory monitoring, sample coordination, and financial projections.
- Lead the creation and maintenance of item setup and item ranging to ensure products flow correctly into the business.
- Partner with vendors to track accuracy, resolve issues, and maintain relationships.
- Collaborate with the Category Management team, including the Buyer, Planner, Replenishment Analyst, Forecast Analyst, Omnichannel Merchandiser, and Space Planner, to build strategies supporting sales and financial goals.
- Communicate regularly with vendors to keep product information accurate, pricing aligned, and orders on track.
- Partner with marketing, eCommerce-only vendors, and cross-functional support teams on advertising, allocation, new store openings, and private label development.
- 0–3 years of experience, preferably in a corporate retail environment.
About the company
Academy Sports + Outdoors sells sports and outdoor equipment, including apparel, footwear, and gear for many activities, serving individuals, families, and teams. It operates through physical stores and an online platform, letting customers shop in-store or online. It differentiates itself with price matching, gift cards, a branded credit card, and easy returns with order tracking and in-store pickup. Its goal is to provide high-quality equipment at competitive prices and make shopping convenient to build ongoing relationships with customers.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Katy, Texas
Founded
1938
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- September 10, 2026 Hoka launch widens premium running assortments and lifts footwear credibility.
- August 25, 2026 Ariat shops across 200 stores strengthen a sticky westernwear franchise.
- Academy opened three stores in Q2 2026 and plans eleven more in Q3 2026.
What critics are saying
- Lower-income traffic fell in Q2 2026, exposing Academy to consumer trade-down pressure.
- September 2026 tariff refund boosted margins; that profit lift disappears next quarter.
- If new-store growth slows, Academy becomes a low-growth chain competing against Dick's and Walmart.
What makes Academy Sports + Outdoors unique
- Localized merchandising keeps Academy relevant across 21 states and 327 stores.
- Private labels plus national brands create value breadth competitors struggle to match.
- Omnichannel pickup, delivery, and in-store experiences deepen convenience versus pure online rivals.
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Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 13%1 year growth
↑ 13%2 year growth
↑ 13%Academy Sports and Outdoors posted second quarter results on 10 September showing a 3% sales rise to $1.65 billion, but comparable sales fell 0.4%. The gap stems from a one-time tariff refund that boosted gross margin by 510 basis points to 40.4%. E-commerce sales grew 12.8% and adjusted earnings per share rose 19.1% to $2.31. The company raised full-year EPS guidance to $6.50-$6.90 and repurchased $181 million of stock. However, traffic from households earning under $50,000 annually dropped in the high single digits, whilst traffic from those earning over $100,000 showed high single-digit growth. Management acknowledged the consumer backdrop will remain challenged, and the tariff refund that drove this quarter's performance will not repeat.
Academy Sports + Outdoors is the destination for premium performance running with launch of Hoka. Sep 10, 2026, 09:05 ET Academy is introducing five Hoka styles in select stores and online at Academy.com KATY, Texas, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Academy Sports + Outdoors ("Academy") (Nasdaq: ASO), a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, announced today it is launching Hoka performance running shoes in 15 stores across Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas and online at Academy.com in early October. With men's, women's and kids' styles available, including the Arahi 9, Challenger 8, Clifton 11, Rincon 5, and Torrent 5, Academy is fueling fun for the whole family. "At Academy Sports + Outdoors, our gear is designed to support athletes across all skills and experience levels. With the addition of Hoka, we are both building out our premium running assortment and offering customers more great footwear styles to wear in their everyday lives," said Matt McCabe, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer. "Our organizations have a shared ethos - to make a positive impact through accessibility to sports, the outdoors, and general wellness and we're excited for our customers to be able to pick up everything they need for their next warm-up, race, or cool down jog." Academy offers a strong assortment from many top brands including Brooks, Nike, adidas, ASICS, New Balance, Puma, and OOFOS. 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 more than 300 stores across 21 states and counting. 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, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands. For more information, visit www.academy.com. 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. The statements discussed in this press release that are not purely historical data are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the statements regarding the Notes and the use of proceeds therefrom, including the Redemption and repayment of the term loan facility. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on Academy. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to factors that are set forth in Academy's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 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, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. Media inquiries: Meredith Klein, Vice President of Communications 346.826.6615 [email protected] Investor inquiries: Dan Aldridge, Vice President of Investor Relations 832.739.4102 [email protected] SOURCE Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy Sports and Outdoors (NASDAQ:ASO) trading up 3.6% on better-than-expected earnings. September 10, 2026 Key points. * Academy Sports and Outdoors beat earnings expectations: Second-quarter EPS was $2.31 versus the $2.07 consensus, while revenue rose 3.0% year over year to $1.65 billion. Shares gained 3.6% in mid-day trading. * The company raised fiscal 2026 EPS guidance to $6.50-$6.90 while maintaining revenue expectations of approximately $6.2-$6.4 billion, supported by cost controls, e-commerce growth and tariff refunds. * Growth remains mixed: e-commerce sales rose 12.8%, but comparable-store sales declined 0.4%. Academy also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, representing a 1.1% annualized yield. * Five stocks to consider instead of Academy Sports and Outdoors. Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASO - Get Free Report)'s stock price traded up 3.6% during mid-day trading on Thursday after the company announced better than expected quarterly earnings. The stock traded as high as $52.74 and last traded at $52.9840. Approximately 523,982 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 66% from the average session volume of 1,536,316 shares. The stock had previously closed at $51.15. The company reported $2.31 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $2.07 by $0.24. Academy Sports and Outdoors had a return on equity of 17.85% and a net margin of 6.24%.The company had revenue of $1.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.65 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.94 earnings per share. The company's revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. Academy Sports and Outdoors has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.500-6.900 EPS. Academy Sports and Outdoors dividend announcement. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 14th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 16th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 16th. Academy Sports and Outdoors's dividend payout ratio is 10.56%. Key headlines impacting Academy Sports and Outdoors. Here are the key news stories impacting Academy Sports and Outdoors this week: * Adjusted second-quarter EPS was $2.31, ahead of the approximately $2.07-$2.10 analyst consensus and up 19.1% from $1.94 a year earlier. Revenue rose 3.0% to $1.65 billion, in line with expectations. * Academy raised its fiscal 2026 EPS guidance to $6.50-$6.90 while maintaining revenue expectations of roughly $6.2-$6.4 billion. The improved outlook was supported by cost discipline, e-commerce momentum and the benefit of tariff refunds, although that benefit is expected to diminish. * E-commerce sales increased 12.8%, and newly opened stores produced mid-single-digit comparable sales growth, indicating that expansion and digital initiatives are gaining traction. * Investors and analysts view ASO as potentially undervalued following the rally, with a low earnings multiple and stable underlying earnings power supporting the bullish case. However, the valuation argument is dependent on continued execution. * Comparable sales declined 0.4%, highlighting weaker consumer demand and a performance gap versus some sporting-goods peers. The soft store base also keeps investors focused on whether growth can accelerate after temporary tariff-related benefits fade. Analysts set new price targets. Several research firms recently weighed in on ASO. Truist Financial reduced their price target on shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors from $54.00 to $52.00 and set a "hold" rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, June 10th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors from $55.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research report on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors from a "negative" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price target on shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors from $67.00 to $60.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 10th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors in a report on Tuesday. They issued a "market perform" rating and a $42.00 price target on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Academy Sports and Outdoors presently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $58.14. Institutional trading of Academy Sports and Outdoors. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. bought a new stake in Academy Sports and Outdoors during the 2nd quarter valued at $38,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors by 38.9% in the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 921 shares of the company's stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 258 shares in the last quarter. State of Wyoming bought a new stake in shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors during the 2nd quarter valued at $55,000. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors during the 3rd quarter valued at $61,000. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Academy Sports and Outdoors by 192.6% in the 4th quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 1,311 shares of the company's stock worth $65,000 after purchasing an additional 863 shares during the period. Academy Sports and Outdoors stock up 3.6%. The company has a current ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The firm has a market cap of $3.29 billion, a PE ratio of 9.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.65 and a beta of 1.02. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $46.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $51.65. About Academy Sports and Outdoors. Academy Sports and Outdoors is a leading specialty retailer of sporting goods and outdoor gear, operating more than 260 stores across the United States. Headquartered in Katy, Texas, the company offers a broad assortment of merchandise spanning athletic footwear and apparel, team sports equipment, camping and outdoor recreation products, hunting and fishing supplies, and fitness accessories. In addition to its brick-and-mortar footprint, Academy serves customers through its e-commerce platform, offering online ordering, in-store pickup, and home delivery options. The company's product portfolio includes seasonal and year-round categories designed to meet the needs of both casual enthusiasts and serious athletes. This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected]. 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Academy Sports and Outdoors shares surged over 11% in premarket trading Wednesday after the sporting goods retailer beat second-quarter earnings expectations and raised full-year profit guidance. Adjusted earnings per share reached $2.31, surpassing the analyst consensus of $2.08. Revenue hit $1.65 billion, up 3.0% year-over-year, matching market expectations. Comparable sales declined 0.4%, reflecting pressure on consumer spending among lower-income households. However, e-commerce revenue grew 12.8% during the quarter. The company raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings guidance to between $6.50 and $6.90 per share, up from the previous range of $6.40 to $6.80. Full-year net sales guidance remained unchanged at $6.23 billion to $6.36 billion. Chief executive Steve Lawrence said the company is reinvesting tariff-related benefits into value whilst expanding new brands and accelerating omnichannel initiatives.
Academy Sports + Outdoors reported second quarter fiscal 2026 sales growth of 3.0%, though comparable sales declined 0.4%. E-commerce sales increased 12.8%, whilst new stores posted mid-single-digit comparable growth. The retailer's diluted GAAP earnings per share rose 17.3% to $2.17, with adjusted EPS up 19.1% to $2.31. A net tariff refund contributed $0.06 to EPS, including reinvestments. The company opened three new stores during the quarter across Pennsylvania and Tennessee, bringing its total store count to 327. It plans to open 11 stores in the third quarter. Academy affirmed its sales guidance for fiscal 2026 whilst raising EPS expectations. The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, payable 14 October 2026.