10-Q · June 4, 2026
Five Below reported Q1 FY2026 results surpassing analyst expectations with revenues of $1.29 billion, up 32.5% year-over-year, and EPS of $2.22, exceeding the forecast of $1.68. Operating income significantly improved…
Earnings analysis · 10-Q
FIVE earnings analysis
Filed September 3, 2026 · Our reading of the company's report
The latest report
Five Below delivered strong Q2 operating momentum, with sales up 22.9%, comparable sales up 14.1%, diluted EPS of $3.99 versus $0.77, and operating margin of 21.8% versus 5.1%. However, the margin and earnings surge was…
Read full summary
Five Below delivered strong Q2 operating momentum, with sales up 22.9%, comparable sales up 14.1%, diluted EPS of $3.99 versus $0.77, and operating margin of 21.8% versus 5.1%. However, the margin and earnings surge was materially supported by a $169.5M tariff-refund benefit, while inventory and planned expansion spending are increasing. Liquidity is strong, with $1,187.9M of cash and short-term investments and no revolver borrowings, but litigation and the new $600.0M repurchase authorization add downside considerations.
Gross and operating margin
How much of each revenue dollar the business keeps.
One point per quarterly or annual filing. Both margins are shares of that report's revenue.
From revenue to operating profit
Where each $100 of revenue went in this report.
Cost of sales, operating expenses, and what remained. Figures are rounded to whole dollars.
Where revenue came from
The business segments reported by the company.
Shares of the segments disclosed in this filing, largest first.
How we read each report
Our analysis across the last few reports.
Our model's reading of each filing, not the share price or the market's reaction. Annual and quarterly reports each occupy one position.
Reported figures
- Earnings per share
- $3.99
What stood out
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Sales growth and comps remained strong
Net sales increased 22.9% year over year to $1,261.5M from $1,026.8M, driven by a 14.1% comparable-sales increase and $94.6M of non-comparable sales. Transactions increased approximately 13.6%.
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Margins surged, aided by tariff refund
Gross margin expanded to 48.5% from 33.3%, while operating margin increased to 21.8% from 5.1%. The improvement included a $163.6M reduction to cost of goods sold from IEEPA tariff refunds and a lower inventory shrinkage accrual rate.
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EPS and net income accelerated
Diluted EPS rose to $3.99 from $0.77, and net income increased 417.7% to $221.4M from $42.8M. The quarter included $5.9M of tariff-refund interest income, making the earnings comparison substantially benefit-assisted.
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Leisure led category growth
All three disclosed merchandise categories grew: leisure increased 36.9% to $644.2M, fashion and home increased 9.2% to $337.7M, and snack and seasonal increased 13.1% to $279.6M.
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Operating cash generation improved
Operating cash flow increased to $442.7M from $225.7M. Capital expenditures were $110.4M versus $80.9M, implying approximately $332.3M of year-to-date cash flow after capex, although the company does not report free cash flow as a GAAP metric.
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Liquidity supports expansion
The company operated 2,022 stores in 46 states versus 1,858 stores a year earlier. Cash and short-term investment securities totaled $1,187.9M at August 1, 2026, compared with $670.2M at August 2, 2025, while the $225.0M revolving facility had no borrowings.
What to watch
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One-time tariff benefit inflates margins
The $169.5M pre-tax IEEPA tariff-refund benefit consisted of a $163.6M COGS reduction and $5.9M of interest income. Management does not expect remaining refunds to be material, so future margins and earnings will not receive the same benefit.
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Inventory and seasonal working capital
Inventory increased to $941.2M from $799.6M year over year, a 17.7% increase, while accounts payable rose to $436.7M from $371.8M. Management says working-capital needs rise in the third and fourth quarters ahead of the holiday season, increasing execution and markdown risk.
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Litigation exposure expanded
A securities class action received class certification on August 3, 2026, and defendants requested an appeal on August 17, 2026; the parties are now in discovery. Separately, two consumer tariff-related putative class actions were filed on June 23 and July 16, 2026, seeking unspecified damages, fees and expenses.
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Large new repurchase authorization
The board authorized a new $600.0M share-repurchase program on August 29, 2026, replacing the prior program, after the company repurchased 310,501 shares for approximately $60.0M at an average price of $193.24 during the quarter. Repurchases could reduce liquidity available for stores and other investments.
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Aggressive store expansion spending
Management plans approximately $250M-$260M of fiscal 2026 cash capital expenditures, including approximately $100M to construct and open approximately 150 net new stores. The expansion plan raises exposure to lease, construction, labor and store-productivity execution risks.
Management's outlook
The 10-Q does not provide numeric revenue or EPS guidance. Management expects fiscal 2026 cash capital expenditures of approximately $250M-$260M, including approximately $100M for approximately 150 net new stores. The prior 8-K separately disclosed raised fiscal-year sales and EPS outlook.
Earlier filings 4
10-K · March 19, 2026
Five Below’s 10-K highlights continued store-driven growth: net sales rose to $4.8 billion in fiscal 2025 (from $3.6 billion in 2023), comparable sales increased 12.8% in fiscal 2025, and management finished the year…
10-Q · August 28, 2025
Five Below reported a quarter of accelerating top-line and profit growth: net sales were $1,026,847,000 (13 weeks ended August 2, 2025) vs $830,069,000 a year ago and diluted EPS rose to $0.77 from $0.60. Operating…
10-Q · June 5, 2025
Five Below reported a strong quarter with net sales of $970,527,000 and diluted EPS of $0.75, both improving materially year-over-year. Gross margin expanded to ~33.4% and operating margin to ~5.2%, while operating cash…
This is our reading of a public filing, not the filing itself. Analysis can contain errors; check the source document for full context.