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Best Buy CEO: Consumer “resilient” however “unpredictable” heading into vacation season

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Shares of Best Buy are having their best day since 2020 after reporting strong earnings. The company raised its fiscal-year guidance and now expects to see full-year adjusted earnings per share in the range of
$6.10 to $6.35, up from a prior range of $5.75 to $6.20.

It wasn’t all good news for the economy though as the company lowered the top end of its guidance ranges for both full-year revenue and comparable sales. Comp sales declined 2.3% in the quarter with weakness in appliances, home theater and gaming, partly offset by computing and tablets.

Here are some notable comments on the consumer from the conference call:

  • Best Buy CEO notes consumer environment remains “unpredictable and uneven”
  • Company sees “resilient consumer so far” but expects potential “unsettled” behavior heading into holiday season
  • Consumers remain “deal focused” and attracted to “predictable sales moments”
  • Many product categories like appliances and TVs “continued to be very promotional”
  • Best Buy observes consumers willing to spend on high-priced items when needed or for compelling new technology
  • Company doesn’t see signals of major changes in customer behavior that would make them “increasingly cautious”
  • Macro factors like inflation, spending on experiences vs. goods, and stagnant housing market continue to pressure consumer electronics industry
  • Some early signs of easing inflation pressures, though housing remains a concern
  • Spending on experiences has remained “relatively sticky” but showing some early signs of pulling back

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