#United States #Oak Brook #Ace Hardware #Retail Growth #Q2 Results

Ace Hardware Reports Record-Breaking Second Quarter Results for 2026

OAK BROOK, Ill., Aug. 12, 2026 – Ace Hardware Corporation, known as the largest hardware cooperative globally, proudly announced its second quarter results for 2026. The company recorded total revenues reaching an impressive $3.0 billion, marking a significant year-over-year growth of 5.9%. This rise in revenue translated into a net income of $155.6 million, up by $36.5 million from the same period last year. The report emphasizes Ace's ability to attract more customers, resulting in its highest quarterly revenue and earnings in its rich history.

John Venhuizen, President and CEO of Ace, expressed gratitude towards consumers for their continued preference for Ace. He attributed the record-breaking quarter to a blend of solid same-store sales growth, notable digital revenue expansion, ongoing store footprint growth, and the entrepreneurial flair of local retailers. These factors collectively fueled the revenue increase, which is significant in today’s retail environment.

During this quarter, Ace’s approximate 4,000 retail stores reported a 1.1% increase in same-store sales. While average ticket size saw a positive 3.1% growth, there was a slight decline in same-store transactions by 1.9%, showcasing fluctuations typical in retail dynamics.

Detailed Financial Performance

In detail, the consolidated revenues ended on July 4, 2026, totaled $2.9859 billion, primarily from wholesale sales at $2.7 billion, which showcased a robust increase of $159.9 million or 6.3% compared to the previous year. Noteworthy growth was observed across several categories, especially in grilling, outdoor power tools, and paint sundries. New domestic Ace stores opened between January 2025 and June 2026 contributed approximately $67.2 million in additional revenue.

However, while total retail revenues from Ace Retail Group, Inc. reached $280.7 million, this represented a moderated growth of 2.1% compared to the same period last year. The same-store sales for ARG grew by 0.4%, benefiting from the incremental revenues of $6.3 million from new store openings since the end of the first quarter of 2025.

As of the second quarter of 2026, Ace Hardware culminated with 5,283 domestic stores, adding 34 new locations and closing 17 during the period. This reflects Ace’s continuous commitment to expand its presence and reach.

Nevertheless, increased costs were reported as wholesale operating expenses rose by 3.6% due to surging professional fees and an enhanced marketing budget. The company noted a decrease in wholesale operating expenses as a percentage of revenue, a positive indicator of operational efficiency.

The Future of Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware’s steer towards digital growth has shown promising outcomes, as the digital revenue soared by 12.8% compared to the second quarter of 2025. This digital first approach aligns with current market trends where consumers are increasingly heading online for their shopping needs. This model offers Ace an expanded platform to engage and serve customers more effectively.

Financially, the current balance sheet reflected a robust growth trajectory with increased cash and receivables due to elevated sales volumes while managing its debt effectively. The long-term debt profile saw an uptick due to the ongoing investments in growth strategies, yet remains manageable within the broader financial framework.

In conclusion, Ace Hardware Corporation’s Q2 2026 report stands as a testimony to its resilience in adapting to the evolving retail landscape while maintaining strong community ties. With continuous efforts in digital growth and store expansions, the future appears promising as Ace reaffirms its position as a leader in the hardware retail sector. For more up-to-date information, visit acehardware.com.