UBS cuts Academy Sports shares target, cites downbeat guidance By Investing.com

On Wednesday, UBS adjusted its stance on Academy Sports & Outdoors Inc. (NASDAQ:ASO) shares, changing the stock’s rating from Buy to Neutral and reducing the price target to $58 from the previous $81. The firm’s assessment suggests that the stock is likely to remain within its current trading range due to several factors affecting investor sentiment.

The primary concerns highlighted by UBS include skepticism around the company’s financial guidance for the fiscal year 2024, which may be seen as overly optimistic, leading to the possibility of future downward revisions in estimates. Additionally, ongoing debates regarding market share shifts are influencing the investment outlook for Academy Sports.

Moreover, apprehensions about the company’s unit economics and potential growth opportunities, commonly referred to as “white space,” are causing hesitancy among investors to fully value the company’s store opening strategy. According to UBS, these factors collectively contribute to a balanced risk-reward scenario for Academy Sports’ shares, at least in the short term.

UBS’s commentary emphasizes that the positive aspects of Academy Sports’ investment case are currently offset by prevailing uncertainties. This equilibrium of factors leads to the expectation that the stock will not experience significant price movement in the near future. The firm’s revised price target and rating reflect this adjusted perspective on the company’s market position and anticipated performance.

In other recent news, Academy Sports + Outdoors has reported a slight increase in Q4 sales, reaching $1.8 billion, despite a 3.6% decrease in comparable store sales. The company projects net sales between $6.07 billion and $6.35 billion for fiscal 2024, with comparable sales growth ranging from negative 4% to positive 1%. Academy Sports has also announced an exclusive partnership with DoorDash (NASDAQ:), aiming to provide customers with on-demand delivery services from its 285 stores across 19 states.

Truist Securities has adjusted its outlook on Academy Sports, reducing the price target to $73.00 from $75.00, while maintaining a Buy rating. Jefferies initiated coverage on Academy Sports, issuing a Buy rating and setting a price target of $85.00. B.Riley increased the share price target from $65.00 to $72.00, maintaining a Buy rating, while TD Cowen reduced its share price target to $82 from $86, but maintained an Outperform rating.

These are some of the recent developments involving Academy Sports + Outdoors, a company that continues to adapt to market conditions and consumer demands. The company’s strategic partnerships and financial projections have been the focus of various analyst firms, each providing their own perspective on the company’s future performance.

InvestingPro Insights

In light of UBS’s recent reevaluation of Academy Sports & Outdoors Inc. (NASDAQ:ASO), investors may find additional context in real-time data and insights. According to InvestingPro data, Academy Sports is currently trading at an attractive earnings multiple, with a P/E ratio of 8.16 and an adjusted P/E ratio over the last twelve months as of Q4 2024 at 7.52, signaling potential undervaluation. The company’s market capitalization stands at $3.81 billion, reflecting its position in the market.

InvestingPro Tips indicate that management’s aggressive share buybacks could be a sign of confidence in the company’s value. Moreover, despite recent price declines, with a 1-month total return of -8.84% and a 3-month return of -23.03%, analysts predict the company will be profitable this year, which is corroborated by its profitability over the last twelve months. Additionally, the stock’s liquid assets exceed its short-term obligations, suggesting financial stability.

Investors seeking a deeper analysis can find more InvestingPro Tips for Academy Sports, including insights into earnings revisions and stock performance over various periods. For those interested in leveraging these insights, InvestingPro offers a comprehensive set of tips, and by using the coupon code PRONEWS24, new subscribers can receive an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.

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