Hibbett Inc.’s stock HIBB fell 5% premarket Friday, after the sporting goods retailer posted weaker-than-expected fiscal first-quarter earnings and cut its full-year guidance, as its customer continues to grapple with inflation. “Our consumers are facing a number of headwinds that range from inflation to concerns over outright job loss. ,” Chief Executive Mike Longo said in a statement. “Of note, the total amount of the average tax refund was unfavorable to last year by approximately 10%.
“Of note, the total amount of the average tax refund was unfavorable to last year by approximately 10%. We believe this disproportionately impacted our consumer and impacted our sales in the important first quarter of the year.” The company also had high levels of inventory that required an elevated level of promotional activity, he said. Birmingham, Alabama-based Hibbett had net income of $35.9 million, or $2.74 a share, for the quarter to April 29, down from $39.3 million, or $2.