Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a total sales decline of 5.8% in the fourth quarter, primarily due to the lapping of the fifty-third week in 2023, foreign currency headwinds, and store closures [48] - Total comparable sales increased by 2.6%, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive comps [48] - Gross margin expanded by 300 basis points year over year to 29.6%, driven by lower markdown levels and cost optimization programs [49][50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker banners led the comp increase with a 3.6% rise, supported by strong holiday sales [7][48] - Champs Sports experienced a 1.8% comp increase, marking the second consecutive quarter of positive comps since its repositioning [7][42] - The footwear category saw high single-digit comp growth, driven by strong launches from brand partners like Jordan and Adidas [31][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America overall comps were up 3.6%, with Foot Locker North America banner achieving a 5.5% comp increase [39] - European comps increased by 1.9%, despite a competitive and promotional environment [45] - Asia Pacific comps fell by 7.6%, reflecting competitive dynamics and the winding down of operations in South Korea [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its Lace Up plan, which includes enhancing customer experience through store refreshes and digital improvements [10][15] - Plans for 2025 include maintaining a disciplined approach to capital investments, prioritizing customer-facing initiatives that drive returns [15][56] - The company aims to optimize its real estate portfolio, having closed over 20% of its global doors since 2019 [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased consumer caution and sensitivity, impacting business performance in early 2025 [14][66] - The outlook for 2025 includes expected ongoing comp sales growth and margin expansion, despite recognizing consumer uncertainties [52][55] - Management expressed confidence in the execution of the Lace Up plan and the potential for profitable market share gains [59] Other Important Information - The company achieved $100 million in savings as part of its cost optimization program in 2024, exceeding prior expectations [13][50] - The FLX Rewards program saw significant adoption, with loyalty penetration reaching 49% of sales in North America [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on what you're seeing quarter to date regarding consumer behavior? - Management observed that while there was strong momentum coming out of the holiday season, consumer uncertainty began to rise in February, leading to choppy performance [64][66] Question: What are the expectations for NIKE in the near term? - Management indicated that they are closely aligned with NIKE to optimize merchandise mix and inventory levels, anticipating positive outcomes from NIKE's innovation pipeline [76][82] Question: Why aren't there bigger cost savings reflected in SG&A? - Management acknowledged that while progress has been made, the current SG&A rate is not supportive of long-term profit targets, and they will continue to work on lowering it [71][72]