Billionaire David Harding’s 10 Stock Picks with Huge Upside Potential

3. Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc. (NYSE:ASO)

Winton Group’s stake: $9,042,450

Upside Potential: 44.65%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30

Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc. (NYSE:ASO) is a leading U.S. retailer offering a broad, value-based assortment of sporting goods, apparel, footwear, and outdoor recreation products. Founded in 1938, it operates 298 stores across 19 states, focusing on active families and casual participants. With strong national and private label brand offerings, Academy delivers affordable, localized products tailored to community needs. Its growing omnichannel strategy, including BOPIS and e-commerce, supports expansion in fast-growing markets and enhances customer convenience and loyalty, driving long-term growth opportunities.

Last year, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc. (NYSE:ASO) is focused on revitalizing e-commerce through improved site functionality, broader SKU offerings, and faster fulfillment, including same-day delivery. It’s further enhancing its existing stores by introducing new brands like Jordan and expanding partnerships with Nike, Converse, and others. Academy aims to maintain its value leadership, targeting budget-conscious consumers by offering quality products at competitive prices. These strategies are intended to drive long-term growth and strengthen its market position across channels.

Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc. (NYSE:ASO) plans to hold prices on key traffic-driving items despite tariff pressures by using pricing tools and expanding private labels like Brazos. New brand launches, including a Jacob Wheeler line, which will enhance value. Growth will also come from loyalty efforts—11 million enrolled customers—and improved marketing via a new agency. Tech rollouts, including RFID and handheld POS, aim to boost inventory accuracy and omnichannel conversion.