Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. $ASO Stock Holdings Lifted by Principal Financial Group Inc.

Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASO) by 38.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 438,513 shares of the company’s stock after acquiring an additional 120,989 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc.’s holdings in Academy Sports and Outdoors were worth $24,754,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of ASO. Salomon & Ludwin LLC grew its holdings in shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors by 139.8% in the 4th quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 482 shares of the company’s stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 281 shares during the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors in the 4th quarter valued at $51,000. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new position in shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors in the 3rd quarter valued at $61,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Academy Sports and Outdoors by 89.9% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,388 shares of the company’s stock worth $62,000 after purchasing an additional 657 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC increased 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 in the last quarter.

Academy Sports and Outdoors Trading Down 1.2%

Shares of ASO stock opened at $47.82 on Tuesday. Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. has a 12-month low of $41.29 and a 12-month high of $62.44. The company has a market capitalization of $2.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.42, a P/E/G ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 1.05. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $49.80 and a 200 day moving average price of $54.24. The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23.

Academy Sports and Outdoors (NASDAQ:ASO) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, June 9th. The company reported $0.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.02. Academy Sports and Outdoors had a return on equity of 17.85% and a net margin of 6.24%.The business had revenue of $1.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.44 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.76 EPS. The firm’s revenue was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. Academy Sports and Outdoors has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.400-6.800 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. will post 6.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Academy Sports and Outdoors Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 16th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 18th were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 18th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. Academy Sports and Outdoors’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 10.56%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on ASO. Stephens initiated coverage on shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors in a report on Wednesday, May 13th. They issued an “overweight” rating and a $78.00 price objective for the company. Barclays cut their target price on Academy Sports and Outdoors from $55.00 to $50.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, June 11th. UBS Group reduced their price target on Academy Sports and Outdoors from $56.00 to $55.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, June 10th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated a “hold” rating on shares of Academy Sports and Outdoors in a research note on Wednesday, June 10th. Finally, Truist Financial lowered their price objective on Academy Sports and Outdoors from $54.00 to $52.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, June 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $58.53.

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.