NASDAQ:FIVE

Five Below Shares Slip 0.3% Despite Blowout Quarter and Raised Guidance

Shares of Five Below (NASDAQ: FIVE) were roughly flat, down 0.3%, on Thursday even as the discount retailer posted a standout second-quarter fiscal 2026 report and sharply raised its full-year outlook — a muted reaction given the scale of the beat.

Strong Sales and Comp Growth

Five Below's net sales rose 22.9% to $1.26 billion for the quarter ended August 1, driven by a 14.1% jump in comparable sales. The company opened 52 net new stores during the quarter, ending with 2,022 locations across 46 states, an 8.8% increase in store count from a year earlier.

Profitability improved dramatically. Operating income surged to $275.4 million from $52.4 million a year ago, while net income jumped to $221.4 million from $42.8 million. GAAP diluted EPS came in at $3.99, up from $0.77 in the prior-year period. On an adjusted basis, diluted EPS was $1.68, versus $0.81 a year earlier.

CEO Winnie Park attributed the results to the company's focus on trend-right merchandise at value pricing, alongside continued new store growth paired with double-digit comparable sales — a combination she described as a sign the company's "operating flywheel" is gaining momentum.

Guidance Raised Substantially

Five Below significantly lifted its full-year outlook. The company now expects fiscal 2026 net sales of $5.63 billion to $5.71 billion, up from a prior range of $5.40 billion to $5.48 billion, alongside comparable sales growth of 10% to 12%, up from a previous forecast of 6% to 8%. Full-year net income guidance was raised to a range of $672 million to $698 million, up sharply from $480 million to $502 million previously, with diluted EPS guidance climbing to $12.10–$12.58 from $8.62–$9.02.

For the third quarter, the company guided for net sales of $1.21 billion to $1.23 billion and comparable sales growth of 8% to 10%.

The board also approved a new $600 million share repurchase authorization on August 29, replacing the company's prior buyback program.

Why the Stock Barely Moved

Given the size of the earnings beat and the magnitude of the guidance raise, today's essentially flat stock reaction stands out. It's possible that much of this strength was already anticipated or priced in following recent momentum in the stock, or that investors are weighing the third-quarter comparable sales guidance of 8% to 10% as a deceleration from the blistering 14.1% pace posted in Q2. The full-year guidance also still reflects the expected impact of current tariff rates, which may be tempering enthusiasm despite the otherwise strong headline numbers.
Five Below Plunges 12% Despite Blowout Earnings, 23% Comparable Sales Growth and Higher Full-Year Guidance

Five Below (FIVE) fell 12% in premarket trading despite delivering one of its strongest quarters in years, highlighting how elevated investor expectations and concerns about future growth can overshadow outstanding headline results.

The discount retailer reported first-quarter revenue of $1.29 billion, up an impressive 32.5% year-over-year, while comparable sales surged 22.7%. The growth was broad-based across merchandise categories, customer demographics, and geographic regions. Management credited strong merchandising execution, successful social media-driven product trends, and compelling value offerings for the exceptional performance.

Profitability improved even more dramatically. Operating income nearly tripled to $154.2 million from $50.8 million a year ago, while net income jumped to $123.1 million from $41.1 million. Diluted earnings per share soared to $2.21 from just $0.75 last year, far exceeding the pace of revenue growth and demonstrating significant operating leverage.

The company also continued expanding aggressively, opening 49 net new stores during the quarter and ending the period with 1,970 locations across 46 states. Management remains committed to its long-term growth strategy and expects to open approximately 150 net new stores during fiscal 2026.

Reflecting the strong quarter, Five Below raised its full-year outlook. The company now expects fiscal 2026 revenue of $5.40 billion to $5.48 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $8.65 to $9.05. Management also maintained expectations for healthy comparable sales growth of 6% to 8% for the year despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and tariff-related challenges.

So why is the stock down?

The likely explanation is that expectations had become extremely elevated following the company's recent recovery and strong momentum. While the first-quarter numbers were exceptional, investors appear focused on the outlook for future growth. Second-quarter guidance calls for comparable sales growth of 7% to 9%, a sharp moderation from the extraordinary 22.7% growth reported in the first quarter. Although this remains a very healthy growth rate, it may have disappointed investors hoping that the exceptional first-quarter momentum would continue.

Some investors may also be concerned that tariff costs, consumer spending uncertainty, and increasingly difficult year-over-year comparisons could make it challenging to sustain the extraordinary growth rates seen this quarter. The company's guidance explicitly assumes current tariff levels remain in place through July, highlighting a potential source of future earnings pressure.

Importantly, nothing in the earnings report suggests operational weakness. Revenue growth accelerated, profits surged, comparable sales were outstanding, guidance was increased, and store expansion remains on track. The premarket selloff appears driven primarily by expectations, valuation concerns, and fears that growth may normalize after an exceptionally strong quarter rather than by any deterioration in the underlying business.

Overall, Five Below delivered a blockbuster earnings report, but after such extraordinary results, investors appear focused less on how strong the quarter was and more on whether that pace of growth can be maintained going forward.
At its 2025 Annual Meeting held on June 12, Five Below, Inc. reported shareholder voting results for four key proposals:

Election of Directors:
All ten nominated directors—including CEO Winnie Y. Park and board members such as Ronald L. Sargent and Mimi E. Vaughn—were re-elected to serve until the 2026 Annual Meeting. Most candidates received overwhelming support, though Sargent saw notable opposition (over 6.6 million votes against).

Auditor Ratification:
KPMG LLP was reappointed as the independent public accounting firm for fiscal year ending January 31, 2026, with strong approval:
For: 43.9M | Against: 2.9M

Executive Compensation (Say-on-Pay):
The non-binding resolution to approve executive compensation passed with majority support:
For: 42.4M | Against: 1.4M

Frequency of Say-on-Pay Votes:
Shareholders voted to continue holding annual (1-year) advisory votes on executive compensation, which the Board of Directors has adopted.
Uber Eats and Five Below Launch Nationwide Delivery Partnership

June 5, 2025 – Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and Five Below (NASDAQ: FIVE) have announced a nationwide partnership allowing customers to order products from over 1,500 Five Below stores through the Uber Eats app. Shoppers can now receive toys, games, snacks, crafts, tech accessories, and more — all at budget-friendly prices — delivered directly to their doorstep.

The partnership brings Five Below’s high-energy, value-driven shopping experience to the on-demand delivery space, supporting last-minute needs like birthday gifts or snack runs. Uber One members receive added benefits, including $0 delivery fees on eligible orders.

This launch expands Uber Eats’ retail offerings as it continues to grow beyond food delivery, helping retailers like Five Below tap into digital storefronts and offer customers faster, more convenient access to everyday essentials.
Five Below, Inc. Reports Q4 & Fiscal 2024 Results
Philadelphia, PA – March 19, 2025 – Five Below, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVE) announced strong Q4 and fiscal 2024 results, with solid sales growth and expansion.

Q4 2024 Highlights:
Net Sales: $1.39B (+7.8% excluding the 53rd week in FY23).
Comparable Sales: -3.0%.
New Stores: 22 net openings, total 1,771 stores (+14.7% YoY).
GAAP EPS: $3.39, Adjusted EPS $3.48.
FY 2024 Highlights:
Net Sales: $3.88B (+10.4% excl. 53rd week).
New Stores: 227 openings (vs. 204 in FY23).
GAAP EPS: $4.60, Adjusted EPS $5.04.
Stock Repurchase: $40M (267,000 shares).
FY 2025 Outlook:
Sales: $4.21B - $4.33B (0% - 3% comp growth).
EPS: $3.90 - $4.52, Adjusted EPS $4.10 - $4.72.
New Stores: 150 openings.
CEO Winnie Park: “We’re delivering trend-right products and value, keeping Five Below exciting for customers.”
Video Thumbnail
09-03-26European Investor
Video Thumbnail
06-04-26The Investor
Video Thumbnail
12-04-25European Investor