
Electronics retailer Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) reported Q1 CY2026 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 1.9% year on year to $8.94 billion. The company expects the full year’s revenue to be around $41.65 billion, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.28 per share was 4.3% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
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Best Buy (BBY) Q1 CY2026 Highlights:
- Revenue: $8.94 billion vs analyst estimates of $8.82 billion (1.9% year-on-year growth, 1.3% beat)
- Adjusted EPS: $1.28 vs analyst estimates of $1.23 (4.3% beat)
- The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $41.65 billion at the midpoint
- Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $6.45 at the midpoint
- Operating Margin: 4.1%, up from 2.5% in the same quarter last year
- Locations: 1,065 at quarter end, down from 1,108 in the same quarter last year
- Same-Store Sales rose 2% year on year (-0.7% in the same quarter last year)
- Market Capitalization: $15.75 billion
StockStory’s Take
Best Buy’s first quarter results were well received by the market, following a combination of outperformance in emerging product categories and operational improvements. Management pointed to strong demand for gaming, mobile phones, and new technology categories such as AI glasses and 3D printers as contributors to comparable sales growth. CEO Corie Barry emphasized the company’s ability to meet customers’ evolving needs, particularly through an expanded assortment and enhanced omnichannel experiences. The launch of marketplace initiatives and a focus on value-driven promotions were also cited as key factors supporting the quarter’s results.
Looking ahead, management is focused on leveraging new product launches, enhanced membership benefits, and a transition toward a media and technology-centric business model. CEO-elect Jason Bonfig highlighted the planned rollout of exclusive RGB TV technology, expansion of small- and medium-format stores, and further integration of digital and in-store experiences. Management expects these initiatives, alongside continued growth in Best Buy Ads and Marketplace, to drive both customer engagement and profitability. As Bonfig stated, “We are advancing Best Buy as a retail media, advertising and technology company … not just a retailer anymore.”
Key Insights from Management’s Remarks
Management attributed the quarter’s results to strength in gaming and emerging technology categories, ongoing marketplace and advertising growth, and improvements in delivery and store formats.
- Emerging categories doubled: Products such as AI glasses, 3D printers, collectibles, and health rings saw sales double year over year, attracting both new and returning customers and supporting foot traffic in stores.
- Marketplace and Ads momentum: Best Buy Ads and Marketplace initiatives surpassed internal targets, delivering positive contributions to gross profit and expanding the company’s role as a technology platform beyond traditional retail.
- Gaming and mobile strength: Strong console and software launches in gaming, along with continued growth in mobile phones through expanded carrier partnerships and in-store model enhancements, contributed meaningfully to sales growth.
- Store format evolution: The company is piloting small and medium-format stores to expand reach in urban and underserved areas, while also repurposing space in larger stores for specialized experiences such as Meta Labs and outlet assortments.
- Delivery and fulfillment improvements: 65% of online orders were delivered or available for pickup within one day, reflecting ongoing investments in logistics and meeting customer expectations for convenience and speed.
Drivers of Future Performance
Best Buy’s outlook is anchored by new product exclusives, expansion into media and marketplace services, and a focus on adapting to consumer demand shifts.
- Exclusive RGB TV launch: Management expects the mid-year national launch of RGB TV technology—with exclusive retail rights for the next year—to drive new demand in the home theater category and reinforce Best Buy’s role as a destination for emerging tech. The company is investing in marketing, employee training, and seamless upgrade experiences to maximize the impact of this launch.
- Membership rewards and services: The addition of rewards points for paid members and enhancements to membership benefits are aimed at increasing customer retention and spend. Management believes these changes will differentiate Best Buy’s offering and create recurring profit streams beyond traditional product sales.
- Cost management and strategic investments: Best Buy is targeting efficiencies in supply chain and logistics, while continuing to invest in media, technology, and store format innovation. Management cited ongoing pressures in categories like appliances but expects improvements as new initiatives scale and competitive pricing and delivery strategies take hold.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the rollout and consumer adoption of RGB TV technology and its effect on home theater sales, (2) operational benefits and customer response to new small and medium-format stores, and (3) the scale and profitability of Marketplace and Best Buy Ads initiatives. We will also be watching for margin trends as cost management efforts and emerging category growth unfold.
Best Buy currently trades at $77.75, up from $64.95 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).
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