Back in February, Dick's Sporting Goods made a bold decision to stop selling assault style rifles and high capacity magazines, and to raise the minimum age to purchase a gun to 21.

Executives there braced for pain. Instead they got good news.

Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) stock price surged by as much as 27% after it reported stronger than expected quarterly sales and profit Wednesday.

It's the first measure of their decision to pull away from some guns.

"There's been a number of people who have started shopping us, or said they're going to shop us more, because of the policy," said Chief Executive Officer Ed Stack on an earnings call with analysts Wednesday. "There's definitely been some benefit of people who joined us, so to speak, because of the policy."

Stack said on the call that the company has raised its full year 2018 guidance to a range of $2.92 to $3.12 earnings per share, from a previously announced range of $2.80 to $3.

The company also announced that its online sales jumped 24%. Same-store sales, however, were down 2.5%.

In its earnings statement, the company blamed the same-store slump on "a continued deceleration in hunt and electronics sales, as well as colder spring weather, which resulted in a delayed start to key outdoor sports and activities."

Related: Dick's expected backlash with new gun policy, but got flowers instead

Stack, and his chief financial officer, Lee Belitsky, both said the company's "hunt business" was getting dragged down by the company's new gun policy, though it was already on the decline before that.

The gun industry as a whole has experienced sharp declines in sales and profit since the 2016 election of President Trump, a Republican endorsed by the National Rifle Association. Concerns about gun control had driven sales during the Obama administration, but those concerns have dissipated since.

"Hunting business saw an accelerated decline in an area that was already challenging," said Belitsky.

While the company's new gun policy might have gained some fans among customers, it definitely turned off some friends among the gun industry. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, a gun industry group, expelled Dick's from its membership on May 4.

The NSSF said it made the move after Dick's hired a gun control lobbyist.

Related: Dick's stops selling 'assault-style' weapons

A few days later, on May 9, the gun maker Mossberg terminated its relationship with Dick's.

"We don't have the best relationship with the firearms manufacturers right now," said Stack, when asked about it by an analyst. "As far as the NSSF expelling us, we didn't have a whole lot to do with them ... It's not really that big of a deal."

Other big retailers have made changes to their gun policies since a mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 people.

Walmart, (WMT)which stopped selling assault-style rifles in 2015, earlier this year raised the minimum gun buying age to 21. Kroger (KR) also said it would phase out gun sales at its Fred Meyer stores.

Related: Bank of America sticks with Remington through Chapter 11

The gun and ammunition maker Vista Outdoor (VSTO)said earlier this month that it might divest from its gun brands. But under pressure from Wall Street firm BlackRock (BLK), a major shareholder, American Outdoor Brands (AOBC), which owns the Smith & Wesson brand, said it won't be pushed into "politically motivated" actions.

A top executive for Bank of America (BAC) said in April that the bank would no longer "finance military-style firearms for civilian use," though the bank continued to help Remington through its bankruptcy process, which ended earlier this month.</s>Net income for the first quarter rose to $60.1 million at Dick’s Sporting Goods, up from the same quarter the year before, when it were $58.2 million. Sales were also up, increasing 4.6% to $1.91 billion.

The financial results are being closely watched in the gun community because of Dick’s strong stance in the gun debate. After the Parkland, Fla., shooting, the retailer announced it would remove assault weapons from its Field & Stream stores and stop selling guns and ammunition to people under 21.

The results indicate that, at least so far, the threatened boycotts by the gun community and actions by gun manufacturers to isolate Dick’s didn’t have an effect on the retailer’s financial picture.

In the first quarter, the company opened eight new Dick’s Sporting Goods stores. As of May 5, 2018, according to the release, the company operated 724 Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in 47 states, 94 Golf Galaxy stores in 32 states, and 35 Field & Stream stores in 16 states. Adjusted for the calendar shift due to the 53rd week in 2017, consolidated same store sales decreased 2.5% on a 13-week to 13-week comparable basis, the company reported.

The lines between business and politics have blurred in the past few years, as more companies have cut ties with the National Rifle Association, or stopped selling particular guns or accessories. There has been a corresponding backlash from companies in the gun business, or business owners that feel an alliance to the community.

The moves on both sides have intensified since the Parkland, Fla., shooting. After Dick’s announced its self-imposed limitations, which included not selling high-capacity magazines, two gun-makers, Illinois-based Springfield Armory and Connecticut-based O.F. Ossberg & Sons had both announced they would, respectively, sever ties with Dick’s and not accept orders from the company, according to the NRA’s web site.

The NRA-ILA ran an article about the news under the headline: “Hard Times for Dick's as Second Amendment Supporters Respond to Company’s Anti-Gun Bent.”

What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that Dick’s has inserted itself into a tight spot from which it might not emerge unscathed, if it manages to survive at all. Its business with Second Amendment supporters in particular may well grind to a halt.

Mossberg said it would stop accepting orders from Dick’s in response to the fact that Dick’s had hired a Second Amendment lobbyist.

Other companies that reacted after Parkland have faced a backlash, too. United Airlines’ CEO was questioned about its decision to end a discount program for NRA members at the company’s annual meeting this week. Chief Executive Oscar Munoz said the decision was reached largely in response to a United pilot’s daughter who was killed in the massacre, according to Reuters.</s>The Company reported consolidated net income for the first quarter ended May 5, 2018 of $60.1 million, or $0.59 per diluted share. The Company reported consolidated net income for the first quarter ended April 29, 2017 of $58.2 million, or $0.52 per diluted share.

On a non-GAAP basis, the Company reported consolidated net income for the first quarter ended April 29, 2017 of $60.3 million, or $0.54 per diluted share. First quarter 2017 non-GAAP results excluded costs incurred to convert former The Sports Authority ("TSA") stores. The GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations are included in a table later in the release under the heading "GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations."

Net sales for the first quarter of 2018 increased 4.6% to approximately $1.91 billion. Adjusted for the calendar shift due to the 53rd week in 2017, consolidated same store sales decreased 2.5% on a 13-week to 13-week comparable basis. Based on an unshifted calendar, consolidated same store sales for the first quarter decreased 0.9%. Consolidated same store sales were impacted by a continued deceleration in hunt and electronics sales, as well as colder spring weather, which resulted in a delayed start to key outdoor sports and activities. First quarter 2017 consolidated same store sales increased 2.4%.

"Our strong first quarter earnings reflect improved execution against our merchandising strategy, which resulted in higher merchandise margins. Product newness, strength in our private brands and a more refined assortment led to a much healthier business, with fewer promotions and cleaner inventory throughout the quarter. We believe these benefits will continue as we further optimize our assortments," said Edward W. Stack, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are also continuing to see the results of investments in our digital experience, and we will continue to invest as we build the best omni-channel experience for all athletes."

"This is an exciting time for our Company as we focus on driving executional excellence, delivering an improved shopping experience and differentiating ourselves to create a premier omni-channel experience," added Lauren R. Hobart, President of DICK'S Sporting Goods. "We continue to see significant opportunity to drive competitive marketplace advantage and win with our athletes longer-term."

Adjusted for the calendar shift due to the 53rd week in 2017, eCommerce sales for the first quarter of 2018 increased 24%. eCommerce penetration for the first quarter of 2018 was approximately 11% of total net sales, compared to approximately 9% during the first quarter of 2017.

In the first quarter, the Company opened eight new DICK'S Sporting Goods stores. As of May 5, 2018, the Company operated 724 DICK'S Sporting Goods stores in 47 states, with approximately 38.4 million square feet, 94 Golf Galaxy stores in 32 states, with approximately 2.0 million square feet, and 35 Field & Stream stores in 16 states, with approximately 1.7 million square feet.

Store count, square footage and new stores are listed in a table later in the release under the heading "Store Count and Square Footage."

The Company ended the first quarter of 2018 with approximately $105 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $280 million in outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Over the course of the last 12 months, the Company continued to invest in omni-channel growth, while returning over $446 million to shareholders through share repurchases and quarterly dividends.

Total inventory decreased 3.8% at the end of the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the end of the first quarter of 2017.

On May 17, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized and declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.225 per share on the Company's Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The dividend is payable in cash on June 29, 2018 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 8, 2018.

During the first quarter of 2018, the Company repurchased approximately 3.3 million shares of its common stock at an average cost of $32.33 per share, for a total cost of $107.9 million. The Company has approximately $650 million remaining under its authorization that extends through 2021.
• Based on an estimated 101 million diluted shares outstanding, the Company currently anticipates reporting earnings per diluted share in the range of to 3.12, compared to the previous range of to 3.00. The Company's earnings per diluted share guidance is not dependent upon share repurchases beyond the executed through the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company reported GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of for the 53 weeks ended .
• Consolidated same store sales are currently expected to be in the range of approximately flat to a low single-digit decline on a 52-week to 52-week comparative basis, compared to a decline of 0.3% in 2017.
• The Company expects to open 19 new DICK'S Sporting Goods stores and relocate four DICK'S Sporting Goods stores in 2018. The Company does not expect to open any new Field & Stream or Golf Galaxy stores in 2018.
• In 2018, the Company anticipates net capital expenditures to be approximately . In 2017, net capital expenditures were .

The Company will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the first quarter results. Investors will have the opportunity to listen to the earnings conference call over the internet through the Company's website located at . To listen to the live call, please go to the website at least fifteen minutes early to register, download, and install any necessary audio software.

In addition to the webcast, the call can be accessed by dialing (877) 443-5743 (domestic callers) or (412) 902-6617 (international callers) and requesting the "DICK'S Sporting Goods Earnings Call."

For those who cannot listen to the live webcast, it will be archived on the Company's website for approximately 30 days. In addition, a dial-in replay of the call will be available. To listen to the replay, investors should dial (877) 344-7529 (domestic callers) or (412) 317-0088 (international callers) and enter confirmation code 10119905. The dial-in replay will be available for approximately 30 days following the live call.

In addition to reporting the Company's financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), the Company reports certain financial results that differ from what is reported under GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include consolidated non-GAAP net income, and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, which management believes provides investors with useful supplemental information to evaluate the Company's ongoing operations and to compare with past and future periods. Management also uses certain non-GAAP measures internally for forecasting, budgeting, and measuring its operating performance. These measures should be viewed as supplementing, and not as an alternative or substitute for, the Company's financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. The methods used by the Company to calculate its non-GAAP financial measures may differ significantly from methods used by other companies to compute similar measures. As a result, any non-GAAP financial measures presented herein may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. A reconciliation of the Company's non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are provided below and on the Company's website at investors.DICKS.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Involving Known and Unknown Risks and Uncertainties

This release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond our control. Our future performance and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon by investors as a prediction of actual results. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, the Company's future performance, including outlook for earnings and sales in 2018; anticipated store openings and store relocations; capital expenditures; and share repurchases.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: changes in consumer discretionary spending; our eCommerce platform not producing the anticipated benefits within the expected time frame or at all; the streamlining of the Company's vendor base and execution of the Company's new merchandising strategy not producing the anticipated benefits within the expected time frame or at all; the amount that we devote to strategic investments and the timing and success of those investments; the integration of strategic acquisitions being more difficult, time-consuming, or costly than expected; negative reactions to our policies related to the sale of firearms and accessories; vendors continuing to sell or increasingly selling their products directly to customers or through broadened or alternative distribution channels; inventory turn; changes in the competitive market and competition amongst retailers, including an increase in promotional activity; changes in consumer demand or shopping patterns and our ability to identify new trends and have the right trending products in our stores and on our website; changes in existing tax, labor and other laws and regulations, including those changing tax rates and imposing new taxes and surcharges; limitations on the availability of attractive retail store sites; omni-channel growth; unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential customer information; risks relating to our private brand offerings and new retail concepts; website downtime, disruptions or other problems with our eCommerce platform, including interruptions, delays or downtime caused by high volumes of users or transactions, deficiencies in design or implementation, or platform enhancements; disruptions or other problems with our information systems; factors affecting our vendors, including supply chain and currency risks; talent needs and the loss of Edward W. Stack, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; developments with sports leagues, professional athletes or sports superstars; weather-related disruptions and seasonality of our business; and risks associated with being a controlled company.

For additional information on these and other factors that could affect our actual results, see our risk factors, which may be amended from time to time, set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our most recent Annual Report filed with the SEC on March 30, 2018. The Company disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release, except as required by applicable law or regulation. Forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date of this release.

Founded in 1948, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. As of May 5, 2018, the Company operated more than 720 DICK'S Sporting Goods locations across the United States, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best through a blend of dedicated associates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops dedicated to Team Sports, Athletic Apparel, Golf, Lodge/Outdoor, Fitness and Footwear.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DICK'S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream specialty stores, as well as DICK'S Team Sports HQ, an all-in-one youth sports digital platform offering a comprehensive range of services including technology solutions such as online registration and league management services, and mobile apps for scheduling, communications and live scorekeeping; team gear such as uniforms and equipment, fan wear, and access to donations and sponsorships. DICK'S offers its products through a content-rich eCommerce platform that is integrated with its store network and provides customers with the convenience and expertise of a 24-hour storefront. For more information, visit the Press Room or Investor Relations pages at dicks.com.

The stores that opened during the first quarter of 2018 are as follows:

The following represents a reconciliation of beginning and ending stores and square footage for the periods indicated:

The following table represents a reconciliation of the Company's gross capital expenditures to its capital expenditures, net of tenant allowances.</s>(WHDH) — Dick’s Sporting Goods sales are soaring, proving that the company can succeed without assault rifles.

Dick’s stopped selling assault-style rifles and high capacity magazines in February following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. They also raised the minimum age to purchase a gun to 21.

Its stock price surged by as much as 27 percent Wednesday after it reported stronger-than-expected quarterly sales and profit.

CEO Ed Stack said a number of people started shopping with them, or said they’re going to shop with them more, because of the new gun policy.

The company also announced its online sales jumped 24 percent in the quarter. Store sales, however, were down 2.5 percent.

The company’s “hunt business” was getting dragged down by the new policy, although it was already on the decline before that, according to Stack.</s>Don't count out Dick's Sporting Goods quite yet. Despite controversy over new gun policies, the company reported an increase in sales in the first quarter of 2018, and plans to open 19 new stores this year.

Dick's Sporting Goods earned the ire of gun advocates after the deadly school shooting in Parkland, Florida in February when it announced it would stop selling assault-style weapons, and would restrict gun and magazine sales to those younger than 21.

The company said in a news release that eCommerce sales increased 24 percent during the first quarter, and that net sales increased 4.6 percent to about $1.91 billion.

However, despite the company's upbeat tone, the news wasn't all rosy. It said consolidated same-store sales decreased 2.5 percent, when adjusting for an extra week in 2017. (Dick's opened eight new stores in the first quarter, which affects the numbers). Fourth quarter earnings in 2017 showed the same downward trend.

The company expects consolidated same store sales to be flat for the year, or experience a "low single-digit decline." In 2017, those sales declined 0.3 percent.

Dick's also noted that sales slowed down in electronics and hunting categories, which may indicate the chain is, in fact, feeling the effects of gun owners' displeasure.

In 2017, USA Today reported, CEO Edward Stack told analysts, "There has been some negative pushback on this and some of those customers that buy firearms buy other things also. We've had some pushback ... we try to have that in our (2018 financial) guidance — that there's going to be people who just don't shop us anymore for anything."

In Delaware, the company has two stores in New Castle County and one in Dover.

As of May 5, the company said, it operated 724 Dick's Sporting Goods stores in 47 states, with about 38.4 million square feet. It also operates 94 Golf Galaxy stores and 35 Field & Stream stores.

The debate over gun control in Delaware: Walkouts, rallies, and new laws</s>Dick's Sporting Goods shares jumped 23 percent at the market's open Wednesday after it beat first-quarter expectations and hiked its full-year earnings forecast, easing concerns that restrictions it placed on gun purchases would hurt its sales.

The retailer reported $60.09 billion in net income, or 59 cents per share, topping analysts polled by Thomson Reuters' estimates of 45 cents per share. Sales reached $1.91 billion, up 4.6 percent from the year-ago quarter and greater than estimates of $1.88 billion.

Dick's increased its full-year forecast to between $2.92 and $3.12 per share, up from the previously anticipated $2.80 to $3.00 per share.

In the quarter, same-store sales dropped 2.5 percent. Analysts had expected them to decrease 1.4 percent. Dick's said hunting and electronic sales lagged, while colder spring weather led to a delayed start to outdoor sports and activities.

In February, Dick's stopped selling all assault-style rifles in its stores following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, which killed 17 students and staff members. CEO Ed Stack told analysts in March it was "too early to tell" how the decision would affect the company's financial performance long term, but that it "wouldn't be positive from a traffic and sales standpoint."

Investors worried the move would weigh on Dick's performance. Part of Wednesday's big move likely had to do with hedge funds scrambling to cover their bets against the stock.

Nearly 15 percent of the company's shares available for trading were sold short, according to FactSet. A short squeeze occurs when investors who borrowed the stock for a short sale are forced to buy them back as the share prices moves higher.</s>(Reuters) - Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc (DKS.N) on Wednesday topped analysts’ estimates for quarterly results and raised its full-year profit forecast, sending its shares surging 28 percent and on track for their best day since the 2002 initial public offering.

The retailer of camping supplies, sporting goods and guns reiterated that its tighter gun sales policy would pressure its hunt business, but said the decision was attracting more customers to stores.

“There’s been a number of people who have started shopping (with) us. They said they’re going to shop (with) us more because of the policy,” Chief Executive Edward Stack said on a post-earnings call with analysts.

Dick’s was one of the first retailers to bar selling of guns to people under age 21 and ending the sale of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines following a massacre at a Florida high school in February.

The move, however, has soured relationships with firearm suppliers, Stack said.

Dick’s raised its full-year profit forecast by 12 cents to $2.92 to $3.12 per share, betting on higher margins from selling more goods at full price and cutting back on inventories.

Analysts on average were expecting a profit of $2.94 per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

The company maintained its annual same-store sales growth target of between flat to a low single-digit decline.

“We continue to believe that Dick’s remains well positioned to see its comparable store sales inflect to positive in the next quarter or two,” Telsey Advisory Group’s Joseph Feldman wrote.

Dick’s reported first-quarter earnings of 59 cents per share, above analysts’ average estimate of 45 cents.

Sales of $1.91 billion in the three months ended May 5 also exceeded estimate of $1.88 billion, despite a 2.5 percent decline in same-store sales due to colder weather that hurt purchases of hunting gear and electronics.

The company's shares have gained 6 percent this year, outperforming the near 4 percent gain for the S&P 500 index .SPX.</s>If the gun crowd is avoiding Dick's Sporting Goods because of its newly enacted corporate policies restricting some sales, it isn't showing in the bottom line.

First-quarter earnings and sales were higher, defying the predictions of gun rights advocates who said the company would lose significant business from its decision to ban sales of assault-style weapons and enacting a policy requiring gun buyers to be at least 21 years old. The company also hired a Washington, D.C., lobbyist to push for a federal assault weapons ban.

Based on the results, Dick's shares surged in early Wednesday trading, up 27% to $38.75 in afternoon trading.

Even Chief Executive Ed Stack was unsure in February how the new policies would affect sales, but warned that some buyers could avoid the store for outdoor and other equipment in the wake of its widely publicized action following the school shootings in Parkland, Florida.

In comments on an earnings conference call, Stack said benefits outweighed the drawbacks. Indeed, hunting sales declined at the stores, but other shoppers who are supporters of the policy have become customers.

"There's definitely been some benefits from people who have joined us because of the policy," Stack said.

More: Dick's Sporting Goods won't sell assault weapons after Parkland shooting, says CEO Ed Stack

More: Dick's Sporting Goods CEO Ed Stack: 'We're going to be a winner'

Net income in the first quarter was up 3 percent on a 5 percent increase in sales, the company reported on Wednesday.

"Our strong first-quarter earnings reflect improved execution against our merchandising strategy, which results in higher merchandise margins," Stack said in a prepared release. "Product newness, strength in our private brands and a more refined assortment led to a much healthier business, with fewer promotions and cleaner inventory throughout the quarter."

The better results come even as others predicted Dick's, which started as a single store on Binghamton's East Side in 1948, would continue to suffer under pressure from online retailing behemoth Amazon.

The company said online sales increased by 24 percent in the first quarter as it recently realigned its online strategy, bringing the operation in-house after dispatching that segment to a third party for several years. In the first quarter, online sales accounted for 11 percent of overall sales, mainly in footwear and apparel, up from 9 percent a year ago.

First-quarter net income was $60.1 million, 59 cents a share, on sales of $1.9 billion, compared with net income of $58.2 million, 52 cents a share, on sales of $1.8 billion for the same period one year ago.

Same-store sales — sales at stores open for more than a year and a key measure of retailing health — fell by 2.5% compared to the same period one year ago.

The results topped Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 12 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 42 cents per share.

The company opened eight new stores in the first quarter, compared to not a single new store opening in the fourth quarter and 25 new stores in the first quarter of 2017. The Pittsburgh-based company now was 724 stores operating under the Dick's brand and 129 stores operating under the Field & Stream and Golf Galaxy brands, with total retail space of 42.1 million square feet.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.</s>Just a couple of months ago the Dick’s Sporting Goods chief executive worried that his decision to yank assault rifles and ammunition from store shelves would have customers running for the exits.

The move — coming in the wake of the Parkland school shooting — “won’t be positive from a sales and traffic standpoint,” Stack said in March after gun enthusiasts threatened to boycott the chain’s 720 stores.

Stack, in a bold move, also raised the age to buy firearms to 21 from 18.

But on Wednesday, Dick’s reported the damage wasn’t nearly as severe as feared — as the chain beat Wall Street expectations.

After the surprisingly good results, shares of the Pittsburgh chain’s shares shot up 26 percent, to close at $38.35.

Its shares are up 21 percent since it announced its gun restrictions on Feb. 28.

“They were concerned that losing the gun business would cost them, but they are making it up by selling other stuff,” Susquehanna Financial Group analyst Sam Poser told The Post. “Whatever their concerns were, they didn’t come to fruition.”

Revenue in the three months ended May 5 rose 4.6 percent, to $1.91 billion, while profit increased 3.2 percent, to $60.1 million. At the same time, Dick’s raised its profit estimate for the year.

Customer traffic fell 3.7 percent in the quarter and same-store sales declined 2.5 percent, but management largely blamed cold weather in March and April for the declines.

While sales in brick-and-mortar stores were down, e-commerce sales, following a wider trend, were up 24 percent in the quarter — up from a 9.9 percent increase a year ago.

“I’m extremely optimistic about the future of Dick’s Sporting Goods,” Stack said on a conference call.

That being said, management expects its hunting business to continue to shrink.

Guns are sold in its Field & Stream stores — but it’s a low-margin business that had been declining well before the firearm policy was announced, it said.

The restrictive stance on gun sales may even have boosted customer traffic to some stores, according to Reveal Mobile, a Raleigh, NC, company that tracks mobile data and found that foot traffic at Dick’s stores surged nearly 4 percent the weekend following its new gun policies, as first reported by The Post.

“It’s very easy for people to go to their social media accounts” to express their support or anger, “but it’s harder to change their shopping patterns,” said Matthew Davis, chief marketing officer of Reveal Mobile.

Davis noted that the backlash against Facebook following it privacy debacle did not affect its advertising revenue or customers use of their accounts.

Meanwhile, Vista Outdoor, which makes many outdoor products — from Savage assault-style rifles to Camp Chef grills, Bollé safety goggles, Bell bike helmets, Blackburn bike accessories and Bushnell golf range finders — said earlier this month that it may sell off its gun business following decisions by several major retailers, including REI Co-op, to no longer sell any Vista outdoor products because of the company’s gun business.

Shares of Vista are down 3 percent since Feb. 28.</s>If the gun crowd is avoiding Dick's Sporting Goods because of its newly enacted corporate policies restricting some sales, it isn't showing in the bottom line.

First-quarter earnings and sales were higher, defying the predictions of gun rights advocates who said the company would lose significant business from its decision to ban sales of assault-style weapons and enacting a policy requiring gun buyers to be at least 21 years old. The company also hired a Washington, D.C., lobbyist to push for a federal assault weapons ban.

The NRA's Institute for Legislative Action has been especially critical of Dick's moves, especially the hiring of the lobbyists.

"It’s entirely possible that the chain realizes it has irrevocably damaged its image among the pro-freedom community, especially with those who take part in outdoor activities," it wrote on its website earlier this month. It went on to say "Dick’s new lobbying venture is likely meant to fully embrace anti-gun advocacy at all levels and through whatever means necessary."

Based on the results, Dick's shares surged Wednesday, up 27% to $38.75 in afternoon trading.

Even Chief Executive Ed Stack was unsure in February how the new policies would affect sales, but warned that some buyers could avoid the store for outdoor and other equipment in the wake of its widely publicized action following the school shootings in Parkland, Florida.

In comments on an earnings conference call, Stack said benefits outweighed the drawbacks. Indeed, hunting sales declined at the stores, but other shoppers who are supporters of the policy have become customers.

"There's definitely been some benefits from people who have joined us because of the policy," Stack said.

Net income in the first quarter was up 3 percent on a 5 percent increase in sales, the company reported on Wednesday.

"Our strong first-quarter earnings reflect improved execution against our merchandising strategy, which results in higher merchandise margins," Stack said in a prepared release. "Product newness, strength in our private brands and a more refined assortment led to a much healthier business, with fewer promotions and cleaner inventory throughout the quarter."

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The better results come even as others predicted Dick's, which started as a single store on Binghamton's East Side in 1948, would continue to suffer under pressure from online retailing behemoth Amazon.

The company said online sales increased by 24 percent in the first quarter as it recently realigned its online strategy, bringing the operation in-house after dispatching that segment to a third party for several years. In the first quarter, online sales accounted for 11 percent of overall sales, mainly in footwear and apparel, up from 9 percent a year ago.

First-quarter net income was $60.1 million, 59 cents a share, on sales of $1.9 billion, compared with net income of $58.2 million, 52 cents a share, on sales of $1.8 billion for the same period one year ago.

Same-store sales — sales at stores open for more than a year and a key measure of retailing health — fell by 2.5% compared to the same period one year ago.

The results topped Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 12 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 42 cents per share.

The company opened eight new stores in the first quarter, compared to not a single new store opening in the fourth quarter and 25 new stores in the first quarter of 2017. The Pittsburgh-based company now was 724 stores operating under the Dick's brand and 129 stores operating under the Field & Stream and Golf Galaxy brands, with total retail space of 42.1 million square feet.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Amid concerns that the value of the company's stocks would fall after the decision to cease the sales of certain firearms, Dick's Sporting Goods reports a stronger than expected quarter, with shares up 27%.