Dick's Sporting Goods cheers strong end to the year

(Sharecast News) - Dick's Sporting Goods posted better-than-expected quarterly sales on Thursday, fuelled by strong trading over the holiday season. The US sportswear retailer, which last year acquired Foot Locker in a $2.4bn deal, said comparable sales rose 3.1% in the three months to 31 January, while net sales surged 60% to $6.2bn.

Diluted earnings per share fell, primarily due to the acquisition of Foot Locker, off 5% at $3.45. That was, however, notably better than expected, with consensus closer to $2.87.

Over the year as a whole, sales rose by 28% to $17.2bn, or 4.5% on a comparable basis, while diluted EPS lost 6% at $13.20.

Ed Stack, executive chair and son of founder Richard Stack, said: "2025 was another strong year for the Dick's business, with growth in comps and EPS exceeding our expectations."

Chief executive Lauren Hobart added: "Our strong execution powered a great holiday season. Dick's and Foot Locker are perfectly positioned at the intersection of sport and culture, which is becoming an even stronger part of everyday life.

"For 2026, we expect to drive continued comp growth, strategic expansion of our square footage and strong profitability for the Dick's business. We also look forward to returning the Foot Locker business to both top line and bottom line growth in 2026."

The Pittsburgh-based retailer, which was founded in 1948, forecast full-year consolidated diluted EPS in the range of $13.70 and $14.70, with comparable sales growth of between 2% and 4%.

As at 1500 GMT, the stock was trading up 2% in New York.