Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales increased by 7% in Q3, following an 11% growth last year, resulting in year-to-date total sales growth of 8% on top of 11% from the previous year [5][14] - Comparable store sales for Q3 rose by 1%, with a significant drop in traffic due to warmer-than-usual weather impacting sales [5][6] - Adjusted EBIT margin for Q3 was 6.2%, up 60 basis points from last year, exceeding guidance [15][19] - Adjusted earnings per share for Q3 was $1.80, representing a 16% increase year-over-year [15][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross margin rate for Q3 was 44.2%, an increase of 30 basis points year-over-year, driven by a 10 basis point increase in merchandise margin and a 20 basis point decrease in freight expenses [14][15] - Product sourcing costs were $214 million in Q3, compared to $209 million last year, with a 40 basis point decrease in product sourcing costs as a percentage of sales [15][17] - Store inventories were down 2% year-over-year, indicating effective inventory management despite the weather-driven sales slowdown [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Southeast region was the strongest performer in Q3, while the Southwest trailed the chain [78] - Strong performance was noted in beauty, accessories, and shoes, while home category sales were softer [78] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open 110 net new stores in 2026, reflecting a strong new store pipeline and performance from new stores [9][60] - The long-term financial goal remains to achieve approximately $1.6 billion in operating income by 2028, with a focus on margin expansion and new store sales [10][63] - The company is cautious about comp sales growth due to economic uncertainty, planning for flat to 2% growth in 2026 [9][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of weather on Q3 sales, noting that once temperatures dropped, comp sales improved to mid-single digits [6][22] - The company remains optimistic about the off-price retail sector, indicating that the shift from traditional retail to off-price is likely to continue [51][52] - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of lower-income customers, who have been outperforming the chain [66] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $61 million in stock during Q3, with $444 million remaining on the repurchase authorization [17] - The company is maintaining its fourth quarter guidance for comp sales growth of 0% to 2% and total sales growth of 7% to 9% [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about relative comp performance versus peers - Management acknowledged a 1% comp in Q3 compared to peers' 6% to 7%, attributing part of the gap to weather but recognizing the need for further analysis on performance differences [28][30] Question: Details on operating margin expansion despite lower comp - Management confirmed that decisions made to mitigate tariff impacts contributed to higher margins but may have negatively affected sales [39][41] Question: Risks and opportunities in the 2026 outlook - Management highlighted economic uncertainty as a key risk but noted potential tailwinds such as higher tax refunds [44][45] Question: Market share risks from competitors - Management emphasized that the off-price sector's overall health benefits all players, including Burlington, and that market share gains are primarily coming from non-off-price retailers [51][52] Question: Pricing strategy in Q3 and Q4 - Management stated a cautious approach to pricing, avoiding increases unless necessary, and indicated a potential for more aggressive pricing in Q4 depending on market conditions [56][57] Question: New store openings and productivity - Management expressed confidence in the new store pipeline, with recent openings performing well and contributing to total sales growth [60][62]