Company Overview - BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. has become a preferred destination for shoppers seeking essentials and other items, focusing on simplifying assortments, expanding its own-brands portfolio, enhancing digital capabilities, and providing value to customers [12] - The company carries approximately 7,000 active stock keeping units and consistently offers 25% or more savings on a representative basket of manufacturer-branded groceries compared to traditional supermarket competitors [12] Investment Insights - BJ is currently rated 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B, indicating a solid position in the market [13] - The Momentum Style Score for BJ is B, with shares having increased by 7.6% over the past four weeks [13] - Six analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.04 to $4.23 per share [13] - BJ has an average earnings surprise of 12%, suggesting potential for positive performance [13] Conclusion - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, BJ's Wholesale Club should be considered for investors' short lists [14]

Core Insights - BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. is experiencing strong performance driven by membership growth and digital innovations [1] - The company is focused on enhancing member loyalty, refining product assortments, improving digital capabilities, and expanding its club network [1] Membership Growth - In Q4 of fiscal 2024, BJ's reported a record membership exceeding 7.5 million, with a renewal rate of 90% [2] - Membership fee income increased by 7.9% year-over-year in the same quarter [2] - BJ's has implemented a multifaceted membership strategy, including enhancements to its credit card program and additional benefits for Club Plus members, resulting in nearly 40% penetration of higher-tier memberships [3] Value Proposition - BJ's offers pricing that is up to 25% better than grocery competitors, appealing to value-conscious consumers [4] - The company maintains a curated assortment of products across various categories, enhancing its value-driven model [4] Digital Transformation - Digitally enabled comparable sales grew by 26% year-over-year in Q4 of fiscal 2024, significantly contributing to overall sales growth [6] - The BJ's mobile app is utilized by 60% of members, featuring coupon clipping, store navigation, and Express Pay Checkout, which enhances the shopping experience [7] Expansion Strategy - BJ's opened seven new clubs and 12 gas stations in fiscal 2024, with plans to open 25 to 30 new clubs over the next two fiscal years [9] Financial Outlook - BJ's projects mid-single-digit percentage growth in total revenue and low-to-mid single-digit percentage increases in comparable club sales, excluding gasoline sales [10] - The company anticipates a high-single to low-double-digit percentage increase in earnings per share in the long run [10]

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well. What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Z ...

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores. What are t ...

Core Insights - BJ's Wholesale Club is opening its 25th location in Whippany, New Jersey, on March 21, 2025, featuring an on-site gas station and a focus on providing value-driven shopping experiences [1][2]. Product Offering - The Whippany location will offer a wide range of products, including fresh foods, household essentials, and consumer electronics, with members enjoying savings of up to 25% off grocery store prices [2][7]. Membership Benefits - New members can sign up for a one-year Club Card Membership for $25, with a Club+ Card Membership available for $70, offering additional benefits such as gas discounts and rewards [6][7]. Growth Metrics - BJ's Wholesale has achieved a membership growth of over 7.5 million members with a 90% renewal rate, contributing to its strong growth trajectory [8][9]. Digital and E-commerce Initiatives - The company reported a 26% year-over-year increase in digitally enabled comparable sales, driven by enhanced e-commerce experiences and expanded product assortments [9][10]. Expansion Strategy - BJ's plans to open 25-30 more locations over the next two fiscal years, continuing its expansion strategy alongside the opening of seven clubs and 12 gas stations in fiscal 2024 [9][10]. Stock Performance - BJ's stock has gained 17.9% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 1.6% [11].

Operations and Membership - As of fiscal year end 2024, the company operates 250 warehouse clubs and 186 gas stations across 21 states[35]. - The company has over 7.5 million members, with annual membership fee income of $456.5 million for fiscal year 2024[36]. - The annual membership fee for Club Card increased from $55 to $60, and for Club+ from $110 to $120 effective January 1, 2025[36]. - BJ's has over 7.5 million paid memberships as of February 1, 2025, targeting price-sensitive customers with large household sizes[50]. - Club+ members accounted for 39% of total memberships and 50% of merchandise spend (excluding gas and membership fee income) in fiscal year 2024[53]. Sales and Merchandise - The company claims to provide members with savings of over 25% on a representative basket of manufacturer-branded groceries compared to supermarket competitors[24]. - Private label brands, Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen, account for approximately 26% of total net sales, excluding gasoline[36]. - In fiscal year 2024, perishables, grocery, and sundries constituted approximately 87% of merchandise sales, while general merchandise and services made up about 13%[51]. - The company limits its merchandise offerings to approximately 7,000 core active SKUs, significantly fewer than supermarkets and supercenters[44]. - BJ's private label products accounted for approximately 26% of total net sales, excluding gasoline, in fiscal year 2024[47]. Strategic Initiatives and Expansion - The company completed the acquisition of four distribution centers and a private transportation fleet from Burris Logistics on May 2, 2022[36]. - The company aims to achieve high sales volumes and efficient operations by purchasing directly from manufacturers and minimizing handling costs[41]. - The company operates in a market where warehouse clubs attract customers from various retail channels, offering lower prices than traditional retailers[37]. - The company has made significant investments in enhancing fresh offerings and new club openings, indicating a commitment to operational improvements[80]. - The company is focused on market expansion and strategic initiatives under the leadership of William C. Werner, executive vice president of strategy and development[81]. Financial Management and Debt - As of February 1, 2025, the total outstanding debt was $575.0 million, including $175.0 million under the ABL Revolving Facility and $400.0 million under the First Lien Term Loan at interest rates of 5.41% and 6.08% respectively[264]. - A 100 basis point change in prevailing market rates would result in an annual interest cost change of approximately $5.8 million[264]. - The company is exposed to interest rate risk, with substantially all borrowings carrying variable interest rates, which may impact net interest expense and cash flow from operations[263]. - The company aims to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows, reflecting a proactive financial management strategy[263]. - The company may utilize interest rate caps and/or swap agreements in the future to manage interest rate risks associated with variable rate debt[263]. Leadership and Workforce - The executive team includes Robert W. Eddy as chairman and CEO, Laura L. Felice as CFO, and Paul Cichocki as chief commercial officer, among others, indicating a strong leadership structure[78][79][80][81]. - The company has expanded its executive team with Anjana Harve as chief information officer, effective September 2023, enhancing its IT leadership[79]. - The leadership team has extensive experience in retail and consumer products, which supports the company's strategic objectives and operational effectiveness[78][79][80][81]. - The company employs over 33,000 full-time and part-time team members as of February 1, 2025, with no union representation[69]. Community Engagement - BJ's Charitable Foundation has awarded over $37 million to nonprofit organizations since its inception in 2004, supporting community initiatives[74].

Group 1 - Zacks Premium offers various tools to help investors become more confident and informed, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] - The Zacks Style Scores rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, providing complementary indicators to the Zacks Rank [2][3] - Stocks are assigned ratings from A to F based on their Style Scores, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Group 2 - The Value Score identifies attractive and discounted stocks using ratios like P/E and Price/Sales, appealing to value investors [3] - The Growth Score focuses on a company's financial strength and future outlook, analyzing projected earnings and sales for sustainable growth [4] - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price trends by evaluating recent price changes and earnings estimate shifts [5] Group 3 - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, serving as a key indicator alongside the Zacks Rank to identify stocks with strong value, growth, and momentum [6] - The Zacks Rank model, based on earnings estimate revisions, has shown a strong track record, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks averaging a +25.41% annual return since 1988 [8] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal success [9][10] Group 4 - BJ's Wholesale Club has become a preferred shopping destination by simplifying product assortments and enhancing digital capabilities, leading to increased membership [11] - The company is rated 2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B and a Value Style Score of B, indicating attractive valuation metrics [12] - BJ's earnings estimates have been revised higher, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.22 per share for fiscal 2026 and an average earnings surprise of 12% [12][13]

Core Insights - BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. reported mixed fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 results, with revenues missing estimates while earnings exceeded expectations [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were 93 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 87 cents but down from $1.11 in the prior year [2] - Total revenues reached $5,278.5 million, a decline of 1.5% year over year, and below the consensus estimate of $5,309 million [2] - Net sales decreased by 1.7% to $5,161.5 million, while membership fee income increased by 7.9% to $117 million [2] Comparable Sales Growth - Comparable club sales rose by 4% year over year, improving from a 1.5% increase in the third quarter [3] - Excluding gasoline sales, comparable club sales increased by 4.6%, driven by strong traffic, outperforming the estimate of a 2.8% increase [3] - Digitally enabled comparable sales surged by 26% during the quarter [3] Expansion Plans - The company added seven new clubs and 12 gas stations in fiscal 2024, with plans to open five new clubs in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 and target 25 to 30 new club openings over the next two fiscal years [4] Stock Performance - BJ's shares reached a 52-week high of $113.80, closing at $112.33, with a 12.2% increase during the trading session [5] - Over the past six months, the stock has risen by 44.5%, contrasting with a 2.2% decline in the industry [5] Margin Analysis - Gross profit decreased to $949 million from $963.3 million year over year, with merchandise gross margin rate contracting by 10 basis points [6] - Operating income fell by 16.6% year over year to $178.4 million, and operating margin shrank by 60 basis points to 3.4% [7] - Adjusted EBITDA declined by 9% to $264.6 million, with the adjusted EBITDA margin contracting by 40 basis points to 5% [7] Expense Overview - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose by 2.3% year over year to $758.2 million, reflecting higher labor and occupancy costs [8] - SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased by 60 basis points to 14.4% [8] Financial Snapshot - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $28.3 million and long-term debt of $398.8 million [9] - Stockholders' equity stood at $1,847.5 million [9] Cash Flow and Share Repurchase - Net cash provided by operating activities was $271.9 million, with adjusted free cash flow totaling $111.5 million [10] - The company repurchased 645,294 shares worth $61.6 million during the quarter, fully utilizing its $500 million authorization since the program's launch [10][11] Guidance - BJ's anticipates fiscal 2025 comparable club sales, excluding gasoline sales, to increase between 2% and 3.5% year over year [12] - Management guided adjusted earnings per share between $4.10 and $4.30, compared to $4.05 reported for fiscal 2024 [12] - The company expects capital expenditures of about $800 million for fiscal 2025 [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the fourth quarter reached $5.1 billion, an increase of 5.4% year over year on a comparable thirteen-week basis [6] - Merchandise comparable sales, excluding gas sales, increased by 4.6% year over year, driven by strong traffic [6] - Total comparable club sales for the fourth quarter, including gas sales, grew by 4% year over year [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported robust traffic and market share gains across its clubs and gas stations, indicating strong performance in both areas [4] - General merchandise continues to show progress, with ongoing efforts to differentiate and grow this segment [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing strong traffic trends, with expectations that the first half of the fiscal year will be stronger than the second half [11] - The club industry as a whole is gaining market share as consumers seek alternatives to high grocery store prices [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company’s four strategic priorities include improving member loyalty, enhancing the shopping experience, delivering value conveniently, and expanding its footprint [5] - The digital business is significantly contributing to growth, with 90% of digital orders fulfilled through clubs, enhancing convenience for members [16] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong performance for the fourth quarter and highlighted the importance of member value and strategic execution [4] - There are ongoing initiatives to optimize new store openings and improve overall productivity, with a focus on driving clubs to their mature run rates as quickly as possible [35] Other Important Information - The company is cautious about capital allocation and aims to grow sustainably without overextending, despite a significant capital expenditure budget for the year [30] - Management acknowledged challenges related to merchandise margins due to rising commodity prices but remains optimistic about overall performance [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color around the cadence of the comp throughout the fourth quarter? - Management noted that the comp cadence was strong throughout the quarter, with positive trends in traffic [10][11] Question: How do you manage tariff risks? - Management provided context on past tariff management and indicated that they are monitoring the situation closely [14] Question: What is driving the strength of the digital business? - The strength is attributed to expanded online offerings and increased app usage, with a focus on convenience for members [15][16] Question: Can you frame your exposure to China and Mexico? - Management addressed concerns regarding exposure to these markets, particularly in relation to the food business [20] Question: What are your expectations for merchandise margins this year? - Management indicated that while margins were slightly below expectations due to rising commodity costs, they had a good year overall [46] Question: What is the long-term outlook for new store openings? - Management discussed the potential for continued growth in both existing and new markets, emphasizing a measured approach to expansion [28][30] Question: How is the Fresh 2.0 initiative performing? - Management highlighted the success of the Fresh 2.0 initiative and its positive impact on basket size and customer engagement [40]

Company Expansion Plans - BJ's Wholesale Club plans to open between 25 and 30 new locations over the next two fiscal years, with several in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as early as next year [1] - Recently opened locations include Brooksville, Florida, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with a new location in Southern Pines, North Carolina, set to open soon [2] - Additional openings are planned in Delray Beach and Casselberry, Florida, Warner Robins, Georgia, and Sevierville, Tennessee, throughout the fiscal year [4] Job Creation - Each new location is expected to provide 100 to 150 job opportunities in the local communities [4] Membership Fee Increase - BJ's Wholesale Club will increase membership fees for the first time in seven years [3]