Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net sales increase of 3% to $667 million for the fourth quarter, driven by new stores and comparable sales growth, with an 8.5% increase when excluding the impact of the previous year's extra week of sales [11][12] - Adjusted net income was $73 million, with adjusted earnings per share at $1.19, and adjusted EBITDA at $109 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.4% for the quarter [15][16] - Gross margin increased by 20 basis points to 40.7%, primarily due to lower supply chain costs, although there was a slight decrease in merchandise margin driven by product mix [13][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable store sales growth for the fourth quarter was 2.8%, with increases in both transactions and basket size [11][12] - The best-performing categories included housewares, food and candy, electronics, and room air [11] - Membership in "Ali's Army" increased over 8% to over 15.1 million members, with sales to members representing over 80% of total sales [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with 559 stores across 31 states, marking a 9% year-over-year increase, having opened 13 new stores in the quarter and 50 for the fiscal year [12] - The company is positioned to benefit from the closure of competitors, particularly Big Lots, which presents a significant market share opportunity [37][72] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced an agreement to acquire 40 additional store leases from former Big Lots locations, which are expected to generate outsized profitability due to below-market rents and long-term leases [7][19] - The company aims for approximately 75 new store openings in the upcoming fiscal year, with a focus on accelerating growth and capitalizing on market opportunities created by competitors' closures [19][72] - The long-term growth algorithm targets 10% unit growth and 1% to 2% comparable store sales growth, with a gross margin goal of approximately 40% [18][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers remain under pressure, which bodes well for the company's value-oriented offerings [5][26] - The company is optimistic about its ability to capture market share from competitors, particularly in light of the recent closures of Big Lots stores [37][72] - Management expressed confidence in the company's operational capacity to support accelerated growth, citing investments in infrastructure and distribution capabilities [88] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a new $300 million share buyback program, reflecting its commitment to returning capital to shareholders while pursuing growth opportunities [17][18] - The company expects to incur approximately $5 million in dark rent related to the acquired Big Lots locations, which will impact earnings in the short term but is seen as a strategic investment for long-term profitability [19][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Assessment of the consumer state and outlook for 2025 - Management indicated that consumers are under pressure but that the company thrives in such environments, with strong performance in consumables driving traffic [25][26] Question: Gross margin expectations for 2025 - Management expects gross margin to remain around 40%, with stable supply chain costs and a focus on reinvesting in customer loyalty [28][29] Question: Impact of Big Lots closures on sales - Management noted that the impact was less than anticipated, with some stores performing better than expected due to fresh inventory [34][36] Question: Progress on private label credit card rollout - The credit card has been rolled out to most stores, with initial indications showing higher basket sizes for credit card customers [41][44] Question: Addressable market from Big Lots closures - Management estimates a $2.7 billion addressable market opportunity from Big Lots closures, with potential to capture a significant share [97] Question: Category performance and pre-opening expenses - Management highlighted strong performance in consumables, while discretionary categories faced challenges due to weather; pre-opening expenses are expected to follow the store opening cadence [114][118]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net sales increase of 3% to $667 million for the fourth quarter, driven by new stores and comparable sales growth, with an 8.5% increase when excluding the impact of last year's extra week of sales [13] - Adjusted net income was $73 million, with adjusted earnings per share at $1.19, and adjusted EBITDA was $109 million with an EBITDA margin of 16.4% for the quarter [16] - Gross margin increased by 20 basis points to 40.7%, primarily due to lower supply chain costs, although slightly offset by a lower merchandise margin [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable store sales grew by 2.8%, driven by equal increases in both transactions and basket size, with strong performance in housewares, food and candy, electronics, and room air categories [13][14] - Membership in "Ali's Army" increased over 8% to over 15.1 million members, with sales to members representing over 80% of total sales [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with 559 stores across 31 states, marking a 9% year-over-year increase, having opened 13 new stores in the quarter and 50 for the fiscal year [14] - The company is positioned to benefit from the closure of competitors, particularly Big Lots, with an addressable market share opportunity estimated at $2.7 billion [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced an agreement to acquire 40 additional store leases from former Big Lots locations, which are expected to generate outsized profitability due to below-market rents and long-term leases [9] - The company aims to open approximately 75 new stores in the upcoming fiscal year, with a focus on accelerating growth while maintaining a strong balance sheet [20][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers remain under pressure, which bodes well for the company's value-oriented offerings, and they expect to thrive in this environment [6][27] - The long-term growth algorithm is projected at 10% unit growth, with comparable store sales growth of 1% to 2%, and gross margin expected to remain around 40% [19] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a new $300 million share buyback program, demonstrating a commitment to returning capital to investors while pursuing growth opportunities [18] - The company is experiencing a stable business model in the closeout market, with consistent availability of merchandise due to various market drivers [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Assessment of the consumer state and outlook for 2025 - Management indicated that consumers are under pressure but the company thrives in such environments, with strong performance in consumables driving traffic [26][27] Question: Gross margin expectations for 2025 - Management expects gross margin to remain around 40%, with stable supply chain costs and a good buying environment anticipated [29][30] Question: Impact of Big Lots closures on sales - Management noted that the impact was less than expected, with some positive momentum observed post-liquidation [35][37] Question: Progress on private label credit card - The credit card rollout is expected to be completed by the end of Q1, with initial indications showing higher basket sizes for credit card customers [45] Question: Dead rent dynamics and flow-through expectations - Management explained that the acquired stores will incur dead rent, impacting flow-through, but long-term profitability is expected to be strong [50][51] Question: Category performance and sales productivity - Management noted strong performance in consumables, while discretionary categories faced challenges due to weather [114]