Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales grew by 6% compared to 11% growth last year, while comp sales were flat after 2% growth last year, both metrics at the midpoint of guidance [7][10] - EBIT margin increased by 30 basis points, and adjusted EPS was up 18% over last year despite flat comp sales [8][28] - Gross margin rate for Q1 was 43.8%, an increase of 30 basis points versus last year, driven by a 20 basis point increase in merchandise margin and a 10 basis point decrease in freight expense [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comp store sales were flat, with a notable deceleration from Q4 to Q1, affecting all demographic trade areas [17][68] - The beauty business was the best performing category in Q1, while overall performance across categories was fairly broad based [97] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable store inventories were down 8% versus the end of Q1 2024, with reserve inventory up 31% compared to last year, reflecting strategic acquisitions to mitigate tariff impacts [28][76] - The Southeast Region outperformed the chain, while the Midwest Region trailed due to unfavorable weather [95] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Burlington Two Point O" strategy, emphasizing merchandising capabilities and store experience improvements [21][105] - Plans to open 100 net new stores in 2025, with a significant portion expected to open in the latter half of the year [23][115] - The company is actively managing tariff impacts by seeking margin and expense savings opportunities [9][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about external uncertainties, particularly regarding tariffs and the state of the consumer, which could impact sales trends [10][36] - The company has a playbook to manage through economic slowdowns and inflation, focusing on providing value to customers [19][84] - Management remains optimistic about long-term growth potential despite short-term challenges [20][88] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with approximately $1.1 billion in total liquidity, including $371 million in cash [29] - A new two-year $500 million share repurchase authorization was approved by the Board of Directors [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on off-price retail - Management indicated that disruption from tariffs could create both risks and opportunities for off-price retailers, with recent tariff reductions potentially leading to attractive buying opportunities [40][46] Question: Monthly comp sales trend in Q1 - Comp sales were down about 2% in February, improved in March and April, with May month-to-date trends similar to the March-April combined period [58][61] Question: Comp performance by demographic - Lower income trade areas outperformed the chain, and Hispanic consumer trends showed relative strength, although border stores underperformed [70][72] Question: Freight costs and guidance - Guidance is contingent on holding ocean freight costs to contracted rates, with secured truck and intermodal capacity at favorable rates [89][91] Question: Marketing programs update - The marketing strategy has evolved to focus on value, with an integrated approach to enhance customer experience and store layout [102][105]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable store sales for Q4 increased by 6%, exceeding guidance of 0% to 2% [8] - Total sales for the full year 2024 grew by 11%, following a 10% increase in 2023 [31] - Adjusted EBIT margin for Q4 was 11.1%, up 10 basis points year-over-year, and significantly above guidance [28] - Adjusted earnings per share in Q4 was $4.13, representing a 12% increase compared to the previous year [28] - Operating margin for the full year expanded by 100 basis points [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The strategy to elevate assortment contributed to strong Q4 performance, focusing on a mix of well-known national brands and higher quality items [9][10] - New store openings totaled 147 in 2024, with 101 net new stores added after accounting for relocations and closures [16][30] - Merchandise margin increased by 60 basis points for the full year [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong performance in lower-income trade areas, indicating success with the "Need a Deal" customer segment [61] - Comp store sales growth was driven by both increased transactions and higher average transaction values [89] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow total sales to approximately $16 billion and operating profit to about $1.6 billion by 2028 [15] - The long-range model includes an average of 100 net new store openings each year, with a focus on transforming the store network [16] - The company is strategically purchasing distribution centers to enhance supply chain control and efficiency [33][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged uncertainty in the economic environment for 2025, planning conservatively while remaining flexible to adapt to sales trends [25][40] - The company is optimistic about its business prospects over the next two to three years, despite potential short-term volatility [66][70] Other Important Information - The company ended Q4 with approximately $1.8 billion in total liquidity, including $995 million in cash [29] - Capital expenditures for FY 2024 increased to $844 million, with a forecast of $950 million for FY 2025 due to strategic purchases of distribution centers [34][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you elaborate on sales trends in the first quarter? - The first quarter started weaker than expected, primarily due to unfavorable weather in key regions and delays in tax refunds [46][48] Question: Can you provide details on margin contraction in the first quarter? - Margin contraction is expected due to modest merchandise margin pressure and fixed cost deleverage, particularly in the first quarter [52][54] Question: How did the comp trend for 2024 break down between customer segments? - Strong performance was noted among both "Need a Deal" customers and "Want a Deal" customers, with comp growth driven by delivering value to both segments [60][64] Question: What are the implications of higher CapEx for debt levels and stock buybacks? - The increase in CapEx is expected to have a modest impact on leverage ratios, and the company plans to continue share repurchases at similar levels as previous years [80][84] Question: How is the company positioned regarding off-price merchandise availability? - The company reported strong availability in the off-price channel, with effective vendor partnerships contributing to successful inventory management [109]