Best Buy Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 4/6
Best Buy's earnings have been declining at an average annual rate of -22.3%, while the Specialty Retail industry saw earnings declining at 4.3% annually. Revenues have been declining at an average rate of 5.1% per year. Best Buy's return on equity is 36.1%, and it has net margins of 2.6%.
Key information
-22.30%
Earnings growth rate
-17.94%
EPS growth rate
| Specialty Retail Industry Growth | 26.64% |
| Revenue growth rate | -5.07% |
| Return on equity | 36.07% |
| Net Margin | 2.56% |
| Next Earnings Update | 28 May 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • May 10
BBY: Margin Initiatives And Cost Discipline Will Support Earnings Resilience
Analysts have trimmed their average price targets on Best Buy by mid to high single digit dollar amounts, generally citing softer traffic, competitive pressure in consumer electronics, and tempered expectations for same store sales and earnings growth, despite recent profitability beats. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Best Buy clusters around a mixed but generally cautious view, with analysts adjusting price targets in both directions as they weigh solid execution against softer traffic and a competitive consumer electronics backdrop.Narrative Update • Apr 22
BBY: Cost Discipline And New Profit Streams Will Offset Competitive Pressures
The analyst price target for Best Buy edges down to $72.50 from $74.85 as analysts factor in softer projected revenue growth, a slightly higher discount rate, and a more modest future P/E assumption, partly offset by stable profitability expectations. Analyst Commentary Street research on Best Buy has turned more cautious overall, with many firms trimming price targets even when acknowledging solid Q4 execution and stable profitability.
Narrative Update • Apr 06
BBY: Cost Discipline And Newer Initiatives Will Support Future Margins
Best Buy's analyst price targets have generally trended lower by roughly $5 to $15, into a range of $66 to $83, as analysts factor in softer comparable sales, competitive pressure in consumer electronics, and slightly lower forward earnings estimates, despite Q4 results that were better than many expected. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Best Buy reflects a tighter cluster of price targets, generally in the mid to high US$60s and low US$80s, as analysts update their models following the latest Q4 print and 2026 guidance.Seeking Alpha • Apr 03
Best Buy: Despite Sales Headwinds, Dividend And Low P/E Are Tough To Ignore (Upgrade)
Summary Best Buy (BBY) has experienced a ~25% share price decline from its October peak, entering bear market territory. Despite weak comp sales and industry headwinds, BBY has maintained market share and recently increased its dividend by 1%. The stock's substantial price erosion and higher yield now make BBY appealing for income-focused investors. I am upgrading BBY to a buy, viewing current levels as a buy-the-dip opportunity despite ongoing sales weakness. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Mar 23
BBY: Cost Discipline And New Revenue Streams Will Support Future Returns
Analysts have reduced the blended price target for Best Buy by about $8, reflecting tempered revenue growth expectations and tougher competitive trends, even as they point to resilient profitability and cost discipline. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Best Buy centers on a cluster of price target cuts that follow Q4 results and updated guidance, but the narrative is not one sided.Narrative Update • Mar 09
BBY: Cost Discipline And New Profit Streams Will Support Future Earnings
The analyst price target in our model for Best Buy has been lowered from $82.38 to $74.85. This reflects how analysts are trimming earnings expectations and P/E assumptions after Q4 results and updated guidance, even as they highlight solid cost control, resilient profitability and ongoing competitive pressures in consumer electronics.Narrative Update • Feb 23
BBY: Cost Discipline And Alternative Profit Streams Will Support Future Earnings
Analysts have trimmed their average price targets on Best Buy by single digits into the $70 to $99 range, reflecting growing caution around FY27 earnings power. At the same time, they highlight stable EBIT margins, ongoing cost discipline and support from newer initiatives and product cycles.Narrative Update • Feb 09
BBY: Alternative Profit Streams And Cost Discipline Will Support Earnings Power
Analysts have lowered their Best Buy fair value estimate to $96.00 from $99.34, reflecting reduced price targets across several firms and a view that higher required returns and slightly softer margin assumptions now offset more constructive expectations for revenue and P/E multiples. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Best Buy reflects a mix of trimmed and raised price targets, but there is a clear pocket of bullish commentary around execution, category trends and earnings potential.Narrative Update • Jan 25
BBY: Replacement Cycles And New Profit Streams Will Support Future Earnings
Analysts have trimmed their average price targets for Best Buy by a few dollars, reflecting slightly lower fair value estimates and growth assumptions. They continue to cite solid execution, replacement cycle support, and potential upside from newer initiatives and alternative profit streams.
Narrative Update • Jan 10
BBY: Limited Upside As Higher Margin Category Recovery Will Remain Uncertain
Analysts have made only a modest adjustment to their fair value estimate for Best Buy to about $63.68 from $63.00. This reflects updated views on discount rates, slightly higher long term revenue growth, broadly stable profit margins, and a marginally higher future P/E multiple, consistent with recent price target moves that balance solid execution with mixed demand signals and category recovery expectations.Narrative Update • Dec 25
BBY: Alternative Profit Streams Will Drive Future Earnings And Margin Expansion
Analysts have nudged their blended price targets for Best Buy modestly higher, now clustering in the low to mid 90 dollar range from the high 80s previously. They point to solid execution, market share gains, and emerging alternative profit streams that are expected to support steady earnings and margin expansion.Narrative Update • Dec 11
BBY: Alternative Profit Streams Will Support Future Earnings And Margin Expansion
Analysts have nudged our Best Buy fair value estimate slightly lower to approximately $83.90 per share, reflecting a modestly higher discount rate, even as they raise price targets into the low to high $90s on continued market share gains, improved comps, and expectations that newer initiatives and alternative profit streams will support durable earnings and margin growth. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts remain broadly constructive on Best Buy, pointing to consistent execution, market share gains, and rising alternative profit streams as key supports for both earnings power and valuation.Narrative Update • Nov 27
BBY: Ongoing Execution And Profit Stream Expansion Will Support Future Performance Amid Risks
Best Buy's fair value estimate has increased from $81.38 to $83.95. Analysts cite strong execution, market share gains, and an improved earnings outlook as primary drivers for the upward revision in price targets.Narrative Update • Nov 07
BBY: Future Marketplace Expansion and Profit Streams Will Offset Margin Pressures
Best Buy's analyst price target has increased from $88 to $95, as analysts highlight stronger gross margin prospects and renewed confidence in alternative profit streams. This is supporting a more favorable business outlook.Narrative Update • Oct 24
Retail Media Momentum And E-Commerce Expansion Will Shape Future Results
Best Buy’s analyst price target increased modestly, rising by $1 to $95. Analysts cited renewed confidence in retail media expansion, alternative profit streams, and robust recent earnings performance to support this adjustment.Analysis Article • Sep 12
We Think You Can Look Beyond Best Buy's (NYSE:BBY) Lackluster Earnings
The market for Best Buy Co., Inc.'s ( NYSE:BBY ) shares didn't move much after it posted weak earnings recently. We did...Narrative Update • Aug 29
AI-Driven Personalization Will Improve Consumer Engagement And Conversion Rates
Analysts have raised Best Buy’s price target to $78.76, citing optimism over the U.S. digital marketplace launch and expected SKU expansion, though some remain cautious on execution risks and near-term profitability. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts highlight the significant growth potential from Best Buy's third-party digital marketplace launch, expecting a broad increase in the variety of products and vendors.Analysis Article • Jul 30
Should You Investigate Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) At US$66.44?
Let's talk about the popular Best Buy Co., Inc. ( NYSE:BBY ). The company's shares received a lot of attention from a...Analysis Article • Jul 15
Is Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) A Risky Investment?
The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...Analysis Article • Jun 30
Investors Met With Slowing Returns on Capital At Best Buy (NYSE:BBY)
To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? Firstly, we'd want to...Seeking Alpha • Mar 19
Best Buy: Near-Term Share Price To Be Pressured By Tariff Uncertainty
Summary I maintain a hold rating for Best Buy due to uncertainty around tariffs and poor consumer spending, despite signs of recovery in 4Q24. Positive comp growth after 13 quarters and strong demand in computing and tablets indicate potential upside, especially with the Windows 10 upgrade cycle. Tariff concerns, with 60% of BBY’s cost of goods sold from China, pose a significant risk to near-term earnings and market sentiment. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 28
Best Buy: Juggling Tariff Risk, Consumer Weakness, Ecommerce Pressure (Downgrade)
Summary Best Buy's Q4 results may see a boost from strong countrywide holiday season electronics sales. A weak outlook may weigh more. Best Buy has continued to lose market share to ecommerce competition, combining with consumer weakness and major tariff uncertainty. The risks aren't completely reflected in BBY stock's valuation. I estimate -26% downside to a fair value of $65.9. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 31
Best Buy: It Is Better To Wait Given The Uncertainties In FY25
Summary I give a hold rating for Best Buy due to uncertainties in FY25 demand, despite expected strong 4Q24 performance. BBY's 4Q24 could see positive comparable sales growth, driven by holiday season demand and improving consumer sentiment. Risks include potential tariffs impacting consumer electronics costs and a weakening US consumer balance sheet, affecting FY25 demand. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNew Narrative • Dec 09
Neutral for an average person like me.
Online sales account for nearly 33% of their revenue.Seeking Alpha • Nov 27
Best Buy: With Weaker Spending, It's Best To Get Out Of This Stock (Rating Downgrade)
Summary Best Buy's Q3 results show a decline in sales, with a -3.2% y/y revenue drop and weaker-than-expected comparable sales, signaling near-term weakness. E-commerce pressure, declining same-store sales, and an unsustainable dividend raise concerns about Best Buy's long-term viability and profitability. Best Buy's heavy promotional spending to drive sales may cut into margins, especially with a more deal-oriented consumer base. With cash flow barely covering shareholder returns and secular risks shifting spending online, I recommend downgrading Best Buy to a sell rating. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Nov 14
Best Buy: Q3 Outlook Remains Weak
Summary Best Buy Co., Inc. is soon reporting the company's Q3 results, likely having relatively weak earnings due to persisting consumer weakness. Over the long term, Best Buy's operating model is challenged by ecommerce competition, making for a weak growth outlook despite the company's good ability to maintain earnings power. BBY stock is valued for slightly more growth than I anticipate, marking an estimated -14% downside. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Best Buy makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Jan 26 | 41,691 | 1,069 | 7,588 | 0 |
| 01 Nov 25 | 41,825 | 645 | 7,629 | 0 |
| 02 Aug 25 | 41,598 | 778 | 7,635 | 0 |
| 03 May 25 | 41,448 | 883 | 7,615 | 0 |
| 01 Feb 25 | 41,528 | 927 | 7,628 | 0 |
| 02 Nov 24 | 42,226 | 1,270 | 7,668 | 0 |
| 03 Aug 24 | 42,537 | 1,260 | 7,665 | 0 |
| 04 May 24 | 42,832 | 1,243 | 7,718 | 0 |
| 03 Feb 24 | 43,452 | 1,241 | 7,813 | 0 |
| 28 Oct 23 | 43,541 | 1,276 | 7,785 | 0 |
| 29 Jul 23 | 44,372 | 1,290 | 7,842 | 0 |
| 29 Apr 23 | 45,118 | 1,322 | 7,844 | 0 |
| 28 Jan 23 | 46,298 | 1,419 | 7,884 | 0 |
| 29 Oct 22 | 47,928 | 1,550 | 8,125 | 0 |
| 30 Jul 22 | 49,251 | 1,772 | 8,317 | 0 |
| 30 Apr 22 | 50,771 | 2,200 | 8,442 | 0 |
| 29 Jan 22 | 51,761 | 2,454 | 8,542 | 0 |
| 30 Oct 21 | 52,333 | 2,644 | 8,493 | 0 |
| 31 Jul 21 | 52,276 | 2,536 | 8,565 | 0 |
| 01 May 21 | 50,337 | 2,234 | 8,261 | 0 |
| 30 Jan 21 | 47,262 | 1,798 | 7,848 | 0 |
| 31 Oct 20 | 45,521 | 1,727 | 7,830 | 0 |
| 01 Aug 20 | 43,432 | 1,629 | 7,601 | 0 |
| 02 May 20 | 43,058 | 1,435 | 7,821 | 0 |
| 01 Feb 20 | 43,638 | 1,541 | 7,995 | 0 |
| 02 Nov 19 | 43,243 | 1,531 | 7,952 | 0 |
| 03 Aug 19 | 43,069 | 1,515 | 7,994 | 0 |
| 04 May 19 | 42,912 | 1,521 | 7,969 | 0 |
| 02 Feb 19 | 42,879 | 1,464 | 7,979 | 0 |
| 03 Nov 18 | 43,441 | 1,093 | 8,136 | 0 |
| 04 Aug 18 | 43,171 | 1,054 | 8,069 | 0 |
| 05 May 18 | 42,732 | 1,019 | 8,022 | 0 |
| 03 Feb 18 | 42,151 | 999 | 8,023 | 0 |
| 28 Oct 17 | 40,270 | 1,242 | 7,601 | 0 |
| 29 Jul 17 | 39,895 | 1,196 | 7,556 | 0 |
| 29 Apr 17 | 39,488 | 1,169 | 7,488 | 0 |
| 28 Jan 17 | 39,403 | 1,207 | 7,524 | 0 |
| 29 Oct 16 | 39,544 | 1,077 | 7,512 | 0 |
| 30 Jul 16 | 39,418 | 1,014 | 7,492 | 0 |
| 30 Apr 16 | 39,413 | 996 | 7,528 | 0 |
| 30 Jan 16 | 39,528 | 807 | 7,612 | 0 |
| 31 Oct 15 | 40,114 | 854 | 7,610 | 0 |
| 01 Aug 15 | 40,327 | 841 | 7,611 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: BBY has a large one-off loss of $388.0M impacting its last 12 months of financial results to 31st January, 2026.
Growing Profit Margin: BBY's current net profit margins (2.6%) are higher than last year (2.2%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: BBY's earnings have declined by 22.3% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: BBY's earnings growth over the past year (14.9%) exceeds its 5-year average (-22.3% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: BBY earnings growth over the past year (14.9%) exceeded the Specialty Retail industry -1.1%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: BBY's Return on Equity (36.1%) is considered high.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/27 19:42 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/27 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/01/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/01/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Best Buy Co., Inc. is covered by 45 analysts. 22 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Christopher Graja | Argus Research Company |
| Michael Lasser | Barclays |
| Seth Sigman | Barclays |