Consumer electronics retailer Best Buy has revised its full-year sales outlook downward, citing a period of subdued demand and preparing for cost-conscious holiday shoppers. While the company exceeded Wall Street’s quarterly earnings expectations, its revenue fell short.
Best Buy anticipates fiscal year revenue to range between $43.1 billion and $43.7 billion, down from the previous estimate of $43.8 billion to $44.5 billion. The company projects a decline in comparable sales between 6% and 7.5%, compared to the earlier guidance of a 4.5% to 6% drop. Additionally, it adjusted the high end of its profit forecast, with expected adjusted earnings per share ranging from $6 to $6.30, down from the initial estimate of $6 to $6.40.
CEO Corie Barry acknowledged that the company foresaw softer consumer electronics sales this year, but the economic landscape, characterized by high inflation and the Federal Reserve’s efforts to temper spending, has made consumer demand more unpredictable and uneven. Barry stated that Best Buy is well-prepared for the holiday season, catering to deal-focused customers with promotions and offers across various budget ranges.
Best Buy outperformed in adjusted earnings per share for the fiscal third quarter, reporting $1.29 compared to the expected $1.18. However, its revenue of $9.76 billion fell short of the anticipated $9.90 billion. Net income for the period dropped to $263 million, or $1.21 per share, from $277 million, or $1.22 per share, in the same period the previous year. Year-over-year comparable sales declined by 6.9%, with a 7.3% decrease in the U.S. segment, reflecting reduced purchases of appliances, computers, home theaters, and mobile phones—gaming, however, experienced sales growth.
Best Buy’s online sales in the U.S. decreased by 9.3%, contrasting with the overall trend of higher profitability. The company increased profitability by leveraging its annual membership program, selling products with more favorable margins, and benefiting from reduced supply-chain costs. Despite lower demand for merchandise, Best Buy managed to enhance profitability.