Best Buy beats quarterly estimates and hikes its outlook, but stock falls

by | Sep 21, 2026 | Stock Market

Best Buy beats quarterly estimates and hikes its outlook, but stock falls

Best Buy announced fiscal second-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, prompting the consumer electronics retailer to increase its financial guidance for the full year. The company reported comparable sales growth of 4.1% during the quarter, significantly surpassing its prior outlook of 1%. Computing categories drove much of the gains, with the company achieving growth across all major product lines. Best Buy also reported an adjusted operating income rate that came in higher than anticipated.

In response to its strong first-half performance, Best Buy raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $42.3 billion to $42.8 billion, up from previous expectations of $41.2 billion to $42.1 billion. The company also adjusted its comparable sales forecast upward to a range of 1.9% to 3%, compared with prior guidance that anticipated a potential decline of 1% to a gain of 1%. Adjusted earnings per share guidance was increased to between $6.70 and $6.90 from the prior range of $6.30 to $6.60.

For the quarter ended Aug. 1, Best Buy reported net income of $315 million, or $1.48 per share, compared with $186 million, or 87 cents per share, in the year-ago period. On an adjusted basis, the company posted $1.47 per share. Revenue increased 3.6% to $9.44 billion from $9.44 billion in the prior-year quarter. Management noted that a $34 million benefit from tariff refunds contributed to gross profit rates during the period.

Despite the positive results, Best Buy shares declined approximately 7% in morning trading. Incoming CEO Jason Bonfig attributed the quarter’s strength to tech innovation driving customer interest and consistent consumer behavior. Current CEO Corie Barry emphasized transparency regarding the tariff refunds to help investors assess underlying business strength. Bonfig indicated the company remains confident in consumer health and is optimistic about performance in categories including televisions, appliances, and phones, with expectations that the Grand Theft Auto 6 launch will boost gaming sales in the fourth quarter.

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