National Vision Reports Higher Q3 Earnings but Lowers Comparable Sales Growth Outlook

National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:EYE) reported third-quarter adjusted earnings above analyst expectations on Thursday, although revenue fell slightly short of forecasts and the optical retailer issued fiscal 2026 guidance below market estimates.

Shares declined approximately 0.5% in pre-market trading following the announcement.

Adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.30 from $0.13 a year earlier, exceeding the analyst consensus of $0.17. Quarterly revenue rose 4.8% to $510.5 million from $487.3 million, compared with expectations of $512.65 million.

Comparable store sales increased 3.6%, while adjusted comparable sales grew 2.8%. The company attributed the growth to higher average transaction values, an increased proportion of higher-priced products and demand from managed care customers, partially offset by reduced traffic among self-paying customers.

Adjusted operating margin expanded by 320 basis points to 7.3% from 4.1%, including a one-time $4.7 million benefit from refunds of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

“Our strategy continues to deliver profitable growth as we execute the commercial transformation of the business,” said Chief Executive Alex Wilkes. “Third quarter adjusted operating margin expanded 320 basis points and adjusted diluted earnings per share more than doubled year over year.”

National Vision Updates FY2026 Financial Guidance

National Vision now expects fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $0.95 to $1.03, compared with the analyst consensus of $1.01. The midpoint of the company’s guidance is $0.99.

Annual revenue is forecast at $2.02 billion to $2.04 billion, below the market estimate of $2.06 billion.

The company also lowered its adjusted comparable store sales growth forecast to between 2% and 3%, compared with its previous guidance of 3% to 5%.

During the quarter, National Vision opened eight new America’s Best locations, bringing its total store count to 1,285, an increase of 3.5% from a year earlier.

National Vision Holdings stock price