Buckle (NYSE: BKE) Q1 2026 net income rises to $46.9M
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
The Buckle, Inc. reported a strong first quarter for fiscal 2026, with net income of $46.9 million, or $0.93 per share, for the quarter ended May 2, 2026, up from $35.2 million, or $0.70 per share, a year earlier.
Net sales grew 6.1% to $288.7 million, driven by a 5.1% increase in comparable store net sales and 2.8% growth in online sales to $47.7 million. Results also reflect a $19.1 million cash benefit from a final interchange fee litigation settlement, recorded as a reduction to selling expenses.
As of quarter end, Buckle operated 442 stores in 42 states, compared with 439 stores a year earlier, and has since reached 444 stores after opening three new locations and closing one store.
Positive
- Strong earnings growth: Net income rose to $46.9 million, or $0.93 per share, from $35.2 million, or $0.70 per share, driven by 6.1% higher net sales and operating leverage.
- Healthy top-line momentum: Net sales increased 6.1% to $288.7 million, with comparable store net sales up 5.1% and online sales up 2.8% to $47.7 million.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Buckle posted double-digit profit growth on modest sales gains, aided by a legal settlement.
Buckle delivered a solid quarter: net sales rose 6.1% to $288.7 million, while comparable store net sales increased 5.1%. Net income climbed to $46.9 million, or $0.93 per share, versus $0.70 per share a year earlier, showing strong operating leverage.
A key factor was the $19.1 million interchange fee litigation settlement, recorded as a reduction to selling expenses. This boosts reported profitability and cash, but is non-recurring, so it does not reflect ongoing earnings power.
The company continues modest physical expansion, ending the quarter with 442 stores in 42 states, up from 439 a year earlier, and notes 444 stores after subsequent openings. Future filings will clarify how comparable sales and margins trend without legal settlement benefits.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 2.02, 9.01
2 items
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Net income: $46.9 million
Earnings per share: $0.93 basic ($0.92 diluted)
Net sales: $288.7 million
+5 more
8 metrics
Net income
$46.9 million
Quarter ended May 2, 2026
Earnings per share
$0.93 basic ($0.92 diluted)
Quarter ended May 2, 2026
Net sales
$288.7 million
Q1 fiscal 2026, up 6.1% vs prior-year quarter
Comparable store net sales growth
5.1%
13-week quarter ended May 2, 2026 vs prior year
Online sales
$47.7 million
Q1 fiscal 2026, up 2.8% vs $46.4 million prior year
Interchange fee settlement
$19.1 million
Cash proceeds net of legal fees, recorded as reduction to selling expenses
Total assets
$1,048.789 million
As of May 2, 2026 balance sheet
Total stockholders’ equity
$458.871 million
As of May 2, 2026
Key Terms
comparable store net sales, operating lease right-of-use assets, deferred compensation, Safe Harbor Statement, +1 more
5 terms
comparable store net sales financial
"Comparable store net sales for the 13-week fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2026 increased 5.1 percent"
Comparable store net sales measure the total sales generated by stores that have been open for a specific period, usually at least one year, comparing sales from the same period in previous years. It helps investors understand how well a company's existing stores are performing over time, excluding the effects of new store openings or closures. This provides a clearer picture of the company's core growth and customer demand.
operating lease right-of-use assets financial
"OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS | 364,826 | | | 339,687"
An operating lease right-of-use (ROU) asset is an accounting entry that shows the value of a leased item you have the legal right to use—like a building, vehicle, or equipment—recorded on a company’s balance sheet along with the corresponding lease obligation. Investors care because it adds to reported assets and liabilities, changing measures like leverage and return on assets much like bringing a long-term rental onto the company’s financial snapshot, which can affect credit terms and valuation.
deferred compensation financial
"DEFERRED COMPENSATION | 33,813 | | | 31,994 | | | 28,275"
Deferred compensation is pay that employees or executives have earned now but will receive at a later date, such as delayed bonuses, retirement benefits, or stock grants. It matters to investors because it creates future obligations and shapes incentives—like a promise to pay later that can affect a company’s reported profits, cash needs and potential stock dilution—so it helps signal how a business manages costs and retains key people.
Safe Harbor Statement regulatory
"SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995"
A safe harbor statement is a disclaimer that companies include in their public disclosures to limit legal liability if future results differ from what was forecasted or expected. It acts like a protective shield, helping companies avoid lawsuits if their predictions don’t come true, and gives investors a clearer understanding that certain statements are forward-looking and involve risks.
additional paid-in capital financial
"Additional paid-in capital | 227,372 | | | 221,998 | | | 209,995"
Amount of money shareholders have paid to a company for shares that is above the stock’s nominal or par value; think of it as the extra premium paid when a group buys a ticket that has a low listed price. It matters to investors because it represents permanent capital on the balance sheet that can cushion losses, affect book value per share and indicate how much fresh cash equity holders have contributed beyond the minimum share value.
Earnings Snapshot
Net sales: $288.7 million
first quarter fiscal 2026
Net sales
$288.7 million
up 6.1% vs prior-year 13-week quarter
Net income
$46.9 million
vs $35.2 million prior-year quarter
EPS
$0.93 per share (basic); $0.92 diluted
vs $0.70 per share (basic and diluted) prior year
Comparable store net sales
5.1% increase
vs prior-year 13-week period
Online sales
$47.7 million
up 2.8% vs $46.4 million prior year
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (date of earliest event reported)
THE BUCKLE, INC .
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (Commission | (I.R.S. Employer | ||||||
| incorporation or organization) | File Number) | Identification No.) | ||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||||||||
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (308 ) 236-8491
__________________________________________________________
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
ITEM 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On May 29, 2026, The Buckle, Inc. announced financial results for the fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2026. The full text of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.
The information shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), as amended, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as set forth by specific reference in such filing.
ITEM 9.01(d). Exhibits
Exhibit 99.1 Press Release Dated May 29, 2026
Exhibit 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| The Buckle, Inc. | |||||
| Date: May 29, 2026 | By: /s/ THOMAS B. HEACOCK | ||||
| Name: Thomas B. Heacock | |||||
| Title: Senior Vice President of Finance, | |||||
| Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | |||||
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit 99.1 | Press Release Dated May 29, 2026 | ||||
| Exhibit 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | ||||
Exhibit 99.1
 | The Buckle, Inc. | ||||
2407 W. 24th St. Kearney, NE 68845 | |||||
| P.O. Box 1480 Kearney, NE 68848-1480 | |||||
phone: 308-236-8491 | |||||
fax: 308-236-4493 | |||||
For Immediate Release: May 29, 2026 | web: www.buckle.com | ||||
| Contact: | Thomas B. Heacock, Chief Financial Officer | ||||
| The Buckle, Inc. | |||||
| (308) 236-8491 | |||||
THE BUCKLE, INC. REPORTS FIRST QUARTER NET INCOME
KEARNEY, NE -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE: BKE) announced today that net income for the fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2026 was $46.9 million, or $0.93 per share ($0.92 per share on a diluted basis).
Net sales for the 13-week fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2026 increased 6.1 percent to $288.7 million from net sales of $272.1 million for the prior year 13-week fiscal quarter ended May 3, 2025. Comparable store net sales for the 13-week fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2026 increased 5.1 percent from comparable store net sales for the prior year 13-week period ended May 3, 2025. Online sales increased 2.8 percent to $47.7 million for the 13-week fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2026, compared to net sales of $46.4 million for the 13-week fiscal quarter ended May 3, 2025.
Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was $46.9 million, or $0.93 per share ($0.92 per share on a diluted basis), compared with net income of $35.2 million, or $0.70 per share ($0.70 per share on a diluted basis) for the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
As disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2026, the Company entered into a final settlement agreement resolving interchange fee litigation and received cash proceeds of $19.1 million, net of legal fees, during the fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2026. The Company recorded the settlement as a reduction to Selling Expenses for the quarter ended May 2, 2026.
Management will hold a live audio webcast at 10:00 a.m. EDT today to discuss results for the quarter. To register for the live event, please visit https://buckle.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1biv_wJXRU2zF4J96aDa4Q. A replay of the event can be accessed through Buckle’s investor relations website within twenty-four hours after the conclusion of the live event (https://corporate.buckle.com/investor-relations/events).
About Buckle
Buckle is a specialty retailer focused on delivering exceptional service and style through unforgettable experiences. Offering a curated mix of high-quality, on-trend apparel, accessories, and footwear, Buckle is for those living the styled life. Known as a denim destination, each store carries a wide selection of fits, styles, and finishes from leading denim brands, including the Company’s exclusive brand, BKE. Headquartered in Kearney, Nebraska, Buckle currently operates 444 retail stores in 42 states, which includes the opening of three new stores located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Gretna, Nebraska, and Buckeye, Arizona, as well as the closing of one store earlier this month (after the fiscal month ended). As of the end of the fiscal quarter, it operated 442 stores in 42 states compared with 439 stores in 42 states at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: All forward-looking statements made by the Company involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors which may be beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, the Company’s future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.
Note: News releases and other information on The Buckle, Inc. can be accessed at www.buckle.com.
Financial Tables to Follow
THE BUCKLE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
| Thirteen Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| May 2, 2026 | May 3, 2025 | ||||||||||
| SALES, Net of returns and allowances | $ | 288,735 | $ | 272,121 | |||||||
COST OF SALES (Including buying, distribution, and occupancy costs) | 155,259 | 145,145 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 133,476 | 126,976 | |||||||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | |||||||||||
| Selling | 55,216 | 67,199 | |||||||||
| General and administrative | 18,807 | 16,231 | |||||||||
| 74,023 | 83,430 | ||||||||||
| INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | 59,453 | 43,546 | |||||||||
| OTHER INCOME, Net | 2,643 | 3,067 | |||||||||
| INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 62,096 | 46,613 | |||||||||
| INCOME TAX EXPENSE | 15,214 | 11,420 | |||||||||
| NET INCOME | $ | 46,882 | $ | 35,193 | |||||||
| EARNINGS PER SHARE: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.93 | $ | 0.70 | |||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.92 | $ | 0.70 | |||||||
| Basic weighted average shares | 50,619 | 50,199 | |||||||||
| Diluted weighted average shares | 50,996 | 50,541 | |||||||||
THE BUCKLE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
| ASSETS | May 2, 2026 | January 31, 2026 (1) | May 3, 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 266,164 | $ | 249,461 | $ | 268,884 | |||||||||||
| Short-term investments | 23,818 | 24,698 | 22,883 | ||||||||||||||
| Receivables | 7,281 | 10,980 | 7,927 | ||||||||||||||
| Inventory | 150,197 | 139,504 | 132,395 | ||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 23,510 | 23,235 | 23,554 | ||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 470,970 | 447,878 | 455,643 | ||||||||||||||
| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT | 533,205 | 523,002 | 518,076 | ||||||||||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (364,191) | (360,556) | (365,986) | ||||||||||||||
| 169,014 | 162,446 | 152,090 | |||||||||||||||
| OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS | 364,826 | 339,687 | 330,014 | ||||||||||||||
| LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS | 33,813 | 32,393 | 28,275 | ||||||||||||||
| OTHER ASSETS | 10,166 | 8,875 | 11,307 | ||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,048,789 | $ | 991,279 | $ | 977,329 | |||||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 60,619 | $ | 47,749 | $ | 63,015 | |||||||||||
| Accrued employee compensation | 18,353 | 54,960 | 15,228 | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued store operating expenses | 24,672 | 20,072 | 23,494 | ||||||||||||||
| Gift certificates redeemable | 14,798 | 17,237 | 14,753 | ||||||||||||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 85,451 | 85,877 | 83,634 | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes payable | 26,794 | 10,810 | 17,605 | ||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 230,687 | 236,705 | 217,729 | ||||||||||||||
| DEFERRED COMPENSATION | 33,813 | 31,994 | 28,275 | ||||||||||||||
| NON-CURRENT OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES | 325,418 | 297,937 | 286,052 | ||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 589,918 | 566,636 | 532,056 | ||||||||||||||
| COMMITMENTS | |||||||||||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | |||||||||||||||||
| Common stock, authorized 100,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; issued and outstanding; 51,518,086 shares at May 2, 2026, 51,156,626 shares at January 31, 2026, and 51,157,306 shares at May 3, 2025 | 515 | 512 | 512 | ||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 227,372 | 221,998 | 209,995 | ||||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 230,984 | 202,133 | 234,766 | ||||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 458,871 | 424,643 | 445,273 | ||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 1,048,789 | $ | 991,279 | $ | 977,329 | |||||||||||
| (1) Derived from audited financial statements. | |||||||||||||||||
FAQ
How did Buckle (BKE) perform financially in Q1 fiscal 2026?
Buckle reported net income of $46.9 million, or $0.93 per share, for Q1 fiscal 2026. Net sales rose 6.1% to $288.7 million, reflecting higher comparable store and online sales versus the prior-year quarter.
What were Buckle (BKE) Q1 2026 net sales and growth rate?
Net sales for Q1 fiscal 2026 were $288.7 million, a 6.1% increase from $272.1 million in the prior-year quarter. Growth was supported by stronger comparable store performance and modest online sales gains over the same 13-week period.
How did Buckle’s comparable store sales change in Q1 2026?
Comparable store net sales increased 5.1% for the 13-week quarter ended May 2, 2026. This compares sales at stores open at least one year to the prior-year 13-week period and indicates improved performance in existing locations.
What were Buckle’s online sales results for Q1 fiscal 2026?
Online sales reached $47.7 million in Q1 fiscal 2026, up 2.8% from $46.4 million a year earlier. This shows continued, though modest, growth in Buckle’s e-commerce channel alongside its brick-and-mortar operations.
Did Buckle record any notable one-time items in Q1 2026?
Yes. Buckle received $19.1 million in cash, net of legal fees, from a final settlement of interchange fee litigation. The company recorded this amount as a reduction to selling expenses in the quarter, boosting reported profitability.
How many stores did Buckle operate at the end of Q1 2026?
At the end of the fiscal quarter, Buckle operated 442 stores in 42 states, up from 439 stores a year earlier. Including openings and one closure after the fiscal month ended, the company reports operating 444 stores.