Ollie’s (OLLI) Profits Soared While Its Shoppers Pulled Back

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings (OLLI) reported a strong second quarter in terms of earnings, but faced a decline in comparable store sales. Adjusted earnings per share jumped 43.4% to $1.42, while comparable store sales fell 1.8%. The company opened 15 new stores, bringing its total to 686 locations across 36 states. The increase in store count drove a 9.1% jump in net sales to $741.3 million.

Ollie's membership climbed 12.7% to 18.1 million, with the 35-55 age group being the fastest-growing group. The bargain model is attracting customers with higher incomes who are trading down to Ollie's for value. However, the company's core business slowed due to unfavorable weather, economic pressure on consumers, and a promotional environment across retail.

Ollie's guidance for fiscal 2026 was trimmed, with net sales expected to be between $2.928 billion and $2.941 billion and comparable sales growth forecasted to be flat to 0.5%. Hedge fund ownership of Ollie's increased from 36 to 38, but short interest remains at 13.61% of float, indicating that some investors are still bearish on the stock.