Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ASO, Inc. and its subsidiaries, New Academy Holding Company, LLC ("NAHC"), Academy Managing Co., LLC, Associated Investors, LLC, Academy, Ltd., the Company's operating company, and Academy International Limited. NAHC, Academy Managing Co., LLC, and Associated Investors, LLC are intermediate holding companies. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. ASO Co-Invest Blocker Sub, L.P. and ASO Blocker Sub, L.P. were dissolved effective January 31, 2021. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our management bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Our most significant estimates and assumptions that materially affect the financial statements involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management including the valuation of merchandise inventories, and performing goodwill, intangible and long-lived asset impairment analyses. Reclassifications Within the merchandise division sales table presented in Note 3, certain products and categories were recategorized among various categories and divisions, respectively, during 2023 to better align with our current merchandising strategy and view of the business. As a result, we have reclassified sales between divisions for 2022 and 2021 for comparability purposes. This reclassification is in divisional presentation only and did not impact the overall net sales balances previously disclosed. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider credit and debit card transactions, which typically settle within three business days, demand deposits with banks, and all other highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Financial Instruments Financial instruments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, certain accrued liabilities and debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of those instruments. We have also historically entered into derivative interest rate swaps to reduce the risk that our earnings and cash flows will be affected by changes in interest rates on our debt. The fair value of debt is influenced by fluctuations in market conditions for interest rates (see Note 6). We did not have any derivative financial instruments outstanding as of February 3, 2024 or January 28, 2023. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable consists primarily of amounts due from vendors for vendor allowances and other accounts receivable. We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts based on both historical experience and a specific identification basis. Concentration of Risk Financial instruments which subject us to potential credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. We have established guidelines to limit our exposure to credit risk on cash and cash equivalents by placing investments with high credit quality financial institutions. Deposits with these financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided; however, these deposits typically are redeemable upon demand. We believe that the financial risks associated with these financial instruments are minimal. We purchase merchandise inventories from approximately 1,400 vendors. In each of the years 2023, 2022 and 2021, purchases from our largest vendor represented approximately 11% of our total inventory purchases. No other vendor in any of the aforementioned years exceeded 10% of our purchases. We typically do not enter into long-term inventory purchase commitments, and we did not have any such commitments as of February 3, 2024 or January 28, 2023. A significant portion of our inventory purchases are manufactured outside of the United States, primarily in Asia. While we are not dependent on any single manufacturer outside of the United States, we could be adversely affected by political, health (including pandemic), safety, security, economic, tariff, climate, war or other disruptions affecting the business or operations of third-party manufacturers located outside of the United States. The Company’s geographic concentration in the southern United States subjects us to certain regional risks, such as the state of regional economies, including downturns in the housing market, increased unemployment and gas prices. Other regional risks include legislation, politics, cultural views, severe weather conditions or man-made disasters (such as an oil spill closing large areas of hunting or fishing), fires, heat waves, freezes, hurricanes, tornadoes, large storms and floods and other natural disasters specific to the states in which the Company operates. Merchandise Inventories, net Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost and net realizable value. Merchandise inventories include the direct cost of merchandise and capitalized costs related to procurement, warehousing and distribution and are reflected net of shrinkage, vendor allowances and other valuation reserves. We record an inventory reserve for the estimated shrinkage between physical inventories on a by location basis. We generally perform a full physical inventory count for each store at least once a year, throughout the year, after which our shrinkage accrual rate for each store is updated based on historical results. For vendor allowances based on contractual provisions, we develop accrual rates as determined by the agreements, which are typically linked to purchase volumes. Other non-contractual vendor allowances received are applied upon receipt. We regularly review inventories and record a valuation adjustment when necessary such as for inventory that has a carrying value in excess of the net realizable value or for slow moving or obsolete inventory. Prior to 2023, we valued merchandise inventories at the lower of the weighted average cost method or LIFO method (see Change in Accounting Principle discussion below). The application of the LIFO inventory method did not result in any LIFO charges or credits affecting cost of sales in 2022 or 2021. Change in Accounting Principle Effective January 29, 2023, the Company changed the method of accounting for its inventories from the last-in-first-out (“LIFO”) method to the weighted average cost method. The Company believes that this inventory method change is preferable because we believe it improves comparability with industry peers and is a more accurate representation of merchandise inventories, net and cost of goods sold. Due to historical price deflation on the Company’s merchandise purchases, the Company was in a position where the LIFO merchandise inventories value exceeded the cost of its inventory for all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. In considering the lower of cost or market principle, merchandise inventories valued at LIFO, including necessary valuation adjustments, approximated the cost of such inventories using the weighted average inventory method. As such, there is no impact to the prior periods from the retrospective presentation of the change. The following tables show the pro forma effect to our consolidated financial statements as if the Company had remained on LIFO (amounts in thousands): February 3, 2024 Consolidated Balance Sheet As Reported Effect of Change Pro Forma LIFO Merchandise inventories, net $ 1,194,159 $ (2,615) $ 1,191,544 Total current assets 1,644,900 (2,615) 1,642,285 Total assets 4,676,713 (2,615) 4,674,098 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 217,932 (27,219) 190,713 Total current liabilities 879,858 (27,219) 852,639 Deferred tax liabilities, net 254,796 26,609 281,405 Total liabilities 2,722,063 (610) 2,721,453 Retained earnings 1,711,809 (2,005) 1,709,804 Stockholders' equity 1,954,650 (2,005) 1,952,645 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 4,676,713 (2,615) 4,674,098 Year Ended February 3, 2024 As Reported Effect of Change Pro Forma LIFO Consolidated Statements of Income: Cost of goods sold $ 4,049,080 $ 2,615 $ 4,051,695 Gross margin 2,110,211 (2,615) 2,107,596 Operating income 677,855 (2,615) 675,240 Income before income taxes 663,156 (2,615) 660,541 Income tax expense 143,966 (610) 143,356 Net income 519,190 (2,005) 517,185 Earnings per common share: Basic $ 6.89 $ (0.03) $ 6.86 Diluted $ 6.70 $ (0.03) $ 6.67 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: Net income $ 519,190 $ (2,005) $ 517,185 Deferred income taxes (4,247) 26,609 22,362 LIFO charge — 2,615 2,615 Income taxes payable 17,640 (27,219) (9,579) Net cash provided by operating activities 535,779 — 535,779 Supplier Finance Programs In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-04: Liabilities - Supplier Finance Programs Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. This pronouncement requires that a buyer in a supplier finance program disclose sufficient information about the program to allow a user of the financial statements to understand the program's nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period and potential magnitude. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 29, 2023. We have previously entered into a supply chain financing arrangement with a third-party financial institution, whereby certain suppliers have the ability to settle outstanding payment obligations earlier than the due date required by our original supplier terms. Subsequently, we settle invoices with the financial institution within 45 days, which approximates our original supplier terms. The Company does not have an economic interest in suppliers’ voluntary participation, does not provide any guarantees or pledge assets under these arrangements, and our rights and obligations to our suppliers, including amounts due, are not impacted. The following table shows our liability associated with these arrangements, which is presented within accounts payable February 3, 2024 January 28, 2023 Invoices outstanding at the beginning of the year $ 8,953 $ 4,430 Invoices added 44,673 50,791 Invoices paid (46,452) (46,268) Invoices outstanding at the end of the year $ 7,174 $ 8,953 Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Cost includes interest capitalized on borrowings used to finance the construction of stores and other significant capital projects while under construction. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the asset’s useful life, which is generally determined by asset category as follows: Leasehold improvements Lesser of asset useful life or lease term Software and computer equipment 2–5 years Other equipment 5–10 years Furniture and fixtures 7–10 years Buildings 40 years When assets are retired or sold, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from our accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of income. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred and significant improvements that substantially enhance the useful life or enhance the functionality of an asset are capitalized and amortized. Capitalized Computer Software Costs We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for internal use. Capitalized computer software costs are included in property and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets and amortized on a straight-line basis when placed into service over the estimated useful lives of the software. The amounts capitalized were $33.3 million, $33.3 million and $36.7 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Implementation costs for cloud-based information systems are capitalized in other non-current assets. Amortization of cloud-based software implementation costs is recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses and amortized over the longer of the contract term or expected benefit. The amounts capitalized were $23.5 million, $12.3 million and $3.7 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Capitalized Interest We capitalized interest primarily related to construction of new stores, store renovations, distribution centers and IT projects in the amount of $2.1 million, $0.6 million and $0.4 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Interest expense, net on the consolidated statement of income is shown net of capitalized interest. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review the carrying value of long-lived assets, including store assets, for indicators of impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the use of the assets, which is generally projected based on historical results. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its estimated fair value, which is calculated using discounted expected future cash flows. As a result of our assessment, we did not record an impairment of long-lived assets in 2023, 2022 and 2021. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. We test for goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is the operating segment level. We operate in one operating segment with one reporting unit. The annual goodwill impairment test provides for the option of first performing a qualitative assessment to evaluate the existence of events and circumstances that would lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If such a conclusion is reached, we would then be required to perform a quantitative impairment assessment of goodwill. However, if the qualitative assessment leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then no further assessments are required. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined a quantitative assessment was not necessary. Our quantitative assessment for determining the fair value of our reporting unit includes using an estimated discounted cash flow model (income approach) and market value approach. The output of this assessment is an estimated fair value for our reporting unit that is compared to its carrying value to determine whether an impairment charge is necessary. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow analysis of our projected long-term future company income, and the market value approach is based on earnings multiples for a comparable set of public companies. No impairment of goodwill existed for 2023, 2022 or 2021. Intangible Assets Intangible assets primarily consists of the trade name "Academy Sports + Outdoors" (the "Trade Name"). The Trade Name is expected to generate cash flows indefinitely and, therefore, is accounted for as an indefinite-lived asset not subject to amortization. The Trade Name is tested for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the Trade Name may not be recoverable. The annual Trade Name impairment test provides for the option of first performing a qualitative assessment to evaluate the existence of events and circumstances that would lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If such a conclusion is reached, we would then be required to perform a quantitative impairment assessment for the Trade Name. However, if the qualitative assessment leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, then no further assessments are required. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined a quantitative assessment was not necessary. Impairment is calculated as the excess of the Trade Name’s carrying value over its fair value. The fair value of the Trade Name is determined using the relief-from-royalty method, a variation of the income approach. This method assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of these types of assets. Once a supportable royalty rate is determined, the rate is then applied to the projected long-term sales over the expected remaining life of the intangible assets to estimate the royalty savings. This approach is dependent on a number of factors, including projections of long-term sales, royalty rates, discount rates and other variables. No impairment of intangible assets existed for 2023, 2022 or 2021. Deferred Loan Costs Costs incurred to issue debt are deferred and recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. Those costs related to the issuance of our term loan and senior notes are recorded in long-term debt, net of current maturities and amortized as a component of interest expense over the terms of the related debt agreement using the effective interest method. The costs related to the issuance of our revolving credit facility is recorded in other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets and amortized as a component of interest expense over the terms of the related debt agreements using the straight-line method. Derivative Instruments We are exposed to interest rate risk, primarily related to changes in interest rates on our Term Loan (see Note 4) and have historically used interest rate swap agreements, which we have designated as "cash flow" hedges, to hedge against market risks relating to possible adverse changes in interest rates. We assess, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether derivatives used as hedging instruments are highly effective in offsetting the changes in the fair value or cash flow of the hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or ceases to be highly effective, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. Derivative financial instruments are recognized at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 5). The changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), net of tax effects, and are subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. On January 19, 2021, we settled our three remaining outstanding interest rate swaps, which were scheduled to expire on various dates during 2021, for $4.1 million. As of February 3, 2024, we do not have any derivative financial instruments outstanding. Self-Insurance We maintain deductibles or self-insurance retentions for workers' compensation, general liability and employee health benefits. Additionally, we use the services of an independent actuary to assist in determining losses associated with workers' compensation, general liability and employee health benefits. Liabilities associated with these losses are actuarially derived and estimated in part by considering historical claims experience, industry factors, severity factors, claim development, as well as other actuarial assumptions. If actual trends, including the severity or frequency of claims, medical cost inflation or fluctuations in premiums, differ from our estimates, it could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. Changes in legal claims, claim development, trends and interpretations, variability in inflation rates, changes in the nature and method of claims settlement, benefit level changes due to changes in applicable laws, insolvency of insurance carriers and changes in discount rates could all adversely affect our ultimate expected losses. We believe the actuarial valuation provides the best estimate of the ultimate expected losses, and we have recorded the present value of the actuarially determined ultimate losses for the insurance related liabilities mentioned above. Leases We account for our leases in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842 which requires that lessees recognize assets and liabilities arising from operating leases on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. Nearly all of our store locations and all of our corporate office facilities, and warehouse and distribution centers are leased. We may receive reimbursement from a landlord for some or all of the cost of a construction project, which may be structured as a tenant improvement allowance or a construction allowance. Cash received from a landlord for tenant improvement allowances in store lease transactions are a reduction to the right-of-use assets on the balance sheet, which are amortized ratably over the remaining terms of the corresponding leases. Cash received for construction allowances is a reimbursement of certain spend incurred in the construction of the premises on behalf of the landlord, where the landlord owns the assets. We account for each lease and non-lease components for our building leases as a single lease component which allows certain costs such as common area maintenance associated with these leases to be included as rent expense. We exclude leases with contract terms of 12 months or less from ASC 842 accounting treatment, which results in straight-line recognition of the cost over the lease term with no associated balance sheet lease liability or right-of-use asset. Net Sales We sell merchandise under implicit contracts whereby the transaction price is the listed sales price less any discounts or coupons applied. Our typical coupons offer a discount, which is applied immediately at the time of purchase. However, under certain circumstances we may issue a coupon, or similar incentive, which contains a material future right. In such instances, a portion of the revenue is deferred and subsequently recognized when earned. Revenue from merchandise sales is recognized, net of sales tax, when the Company’s performance obligation to the customer is met, which is when the Company transfers control of the merchandise to the customer. Store merchandise sales are recognized at the point of sale. For e-commerce sales, significant judgment is applied in determining when the transfer of control occurs, which we believe occurs upon customer receipt, and accordingly online merchandise sales are recognized upon delivery of the merchandise to the customer. The Company does not extend a material amount of credit. The sales return allowance, which is our provision for anticipated merchandise returns, is provided through a reduction of sales and cost of goods sold on a gross basis in the period that the related sales are recorded. The sales return allowance and related liability are included in merchandise inventories and in accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. Merchandise returns are estimated based on historical experience. Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold includes the direct cost of merchandise and costs related to procurement, warehousing and distribution. These costs consist primarily of payroll and benefits, occupancy costs and freight. Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in net sales. Shipping and handling costs that we incur associated with shipping products to customers are included in cost of goods sold. Vendor Allowances Vendor allowances include volume purchase rebates, promotional and advertising allowances, cooperative advertising funds and support for new store openings. These allowances are generally determined for each fiscal year with the majority of allowances based on quantitative contract terms. Allowances related to the purchase of merchandise inventories are recorded as a reduction of cost of goods sold as the related merchandise is sold. Allowances for cooperative advertising and promotion programs and other expenses are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses as a reduction of the related costs as the related expense is incurred. Any such allowance in excess of actual costs incurred that are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, or that do not require proof of performance, are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales. For volume purchase rebates, we record an estimate of vendor allowances earned based on the latest projected purchase volumes. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include store and corporate administrative payroll and payroll benefits, store and corporate headquarters occupancy costs, depreciation, advertising, credit card processing, information technology, pre-opening costs and other store and administrative expenses. Advertising Expenses Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses, net of specific vendor allowances, were $153.7 million, $144.5 million and $151.2 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Pre-Opening Expenses Non-capital expenditures associated with opening new stores and distribution centers prior to sales generation or start of operations, which consist primarily of occupancy costs, marketing, payroll and recruiting costs, are expensed as incurred. The following table summarizes our pre-opening expense activity for the periods presented: Fiscal Year Ended February 3, 2024 January 28, 2023 January 29, 2022 Number of new stores opened 14 9 — Pre-opening expenses (in millions) $ 8.3 $ 5.5 $ 0.2 Equity Compensation We account for equity compensation in accordance with ASC 718, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all equity awards made to employees based on estimated fair values on the grant date. Option equity award fair values are estimated on the date of grant using an option-pricing model and restricted unit fair values are based on the estimated unit price on the date of the grant. For awards with service-based vesting requirements only, the fair value of the award is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, and for awards with performance-based vesting requirements, the fair value of the award ultimately expected to meet the performance target is recognized as expense over the service period. We recognize forfeitures as they occur. Share Repurchases On September 2, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a share repurchase program (the "2021 Share Repurchase Program") under which the Company may purchase up to $500 million of its outstanding shares during the three-year period ending September 2, 2024. On June 2, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the "2022 Share Repurchase Program") under which the Company may purchase up to $600 million of its outstanding shares during the three-year period ending June 2, 2025. On November 29, 2023, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the "2023 Share Repurchase Program") under which the Company may purchase up to $600 million of its outstanding shares during the three-year period ending November 29, 2026. The 2023 Share Repurchase Program, the 2022 Share Repurchase Program and the 2021 Share Repurchase Program are collectively referred to as the "Share Repurchase Programs". Under the Share Repurchase Programs, repurchases can be made using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, block trades, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase programs and/or a non-discretionary trading plan, all in compliance with the rules of the SEC and other applicable legal requirements. The timing, manner, price and amount of any common share repurchases will be determined by the Company in its discretion and will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. The Share Repurchase Programs do not obligate the Company to acquire any particular number of common shares, and the programs may be suspended, extended, modified or discontinued at any time. The following table summarizes our share repurchases for the periods presented: Fiscal Year Ended February 3, 2024 January 28, 2023 January 29, 2022 Shares Repurchased (1) 3,651,231 11,903,636 10,566,796 Aggregate amount paid (amounts in millions) (2) $ 204.2 $ 489.5 $ 411.4 (1) Purchases for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2022, include purchases that were made prior to our Share Repurchase Programs. (2) Includes estimated excise tax fees of $1.4 million for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024. The Company allocates the excess of the repurchase price over the par value of shares acquired to Retained Earnings and Additional Paid-in Capital. The portion allocated to Additional Paid-in Capital is determined by dividing the number of shares to be retired by the number of shares issued multiplied by the balance of Additional Paid-in Capital as of the retirement date. As of February 3, 2024, we no longer had availability under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program, and we had $696.7 million available for share repurchases pursuant to the combined 2023 Share Repurchase Program and 2022 Share Repurchase Program. Income Taxes The Company is subject to U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets are more-likely-than-not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including recent results of operations, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of deferred tax assets if it is more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of the asset will not be realized. The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more-likely-than-not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from such positions are measured based on the largest benefit having a greater than 50% likelihood of being ultimately sustained. Interest and penalties from income tax matters are recognized in income tax expense. Other Income During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company received and recognized approximately $7.2 million in business interruption proceeds due to the suspension of normal operations at some of our Texas store locations, as well as our e-commerce platform, for several days in February of 2021 as a result of a winter storm which had a significant impact on the energy infrastructure in the state of Texas. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2022 the Company completed a sale in which we factored rights to pursue a legal matter pertaining to the overpayment of certain tariffs and we received and recognized net proceeds of approximately $3.7 million. The proceeds for both events are included in Other (income), net on the Consol |