Hibbett Sports reports Q3 profit rise of 15%, beats Street

Birmingham, Ala. Sporting-goods retailer Hibbett Sports said late Thursday its profit surged 15% in the third quarter as sales rose and expenses were contained.

The company earned $8.8 million in the quarter ended Oct. 31, up $7.7 million a year earlier.

Revenue rose 4% to $145.9 million from $140.1 million. Analysts had expected $144 million.

Same-store sales dipped 0.2% during the quarter. The company said it expects the figure to change in a range from rising 2% to falling 2% for the fourth quarter.