Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 were approximately $5.2 billion, growing 4.8% year over year [15] - Total comparable club sales increased 1.1% year over year, with merchandise comp sales growing by 1.8% [15][19] - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.16, a decrease of approximately 2% year over year due to a legal settlement [20] - Adjusted EBITDA was down about 2% year over year to $301.4 million, but grew approximately 5% when adjusting for the settlement [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Perishables, grocery, and sundries division grew comp sales by 1.8%, with a two-year stack of 6% [5][16] - General merchandise and services division also increased by 1.8% in Q3, with a two-year stack of about 2% [16] - Digital sales grew by 30% year over year and 61% on a two-year stack, now approaching 17% of total sales [10][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Membership fee income grew by nearly 10% to approximately $126.3 million, driven by strong member counts and a recent fee increase [8][17] - Comp gallons in the gas business grew 2% year over year, significantly outpacing the industry [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing member value through improved merchandising, digital convenience, and expansion of physical footprint [25] - A new club opened in Warner Robins, Georgia, and another in Smyrna, Tennessee, both performing above expectations [10][11] - The company plans to open 14 new clubs this year, the most in many years, and aims for 25-30 new clubs in the next two years [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver value despite a challenging macroeconomic environment [13][24] - The company is narrowing its full-year merchandise comp sales guidance to a range of 2%-3% and increasing expected adjusted earnings per share to $4.30-$4.40 [23][24] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a focus on member value and long-term growth strategies [25] Other Important Information - The company has launched new own-brand products aimed at providing high quality at lower prices, enhancing member loyalty [9] - A 10% discount for team members was introduced to support them during the holiday season [61] - The company is leveraging AI for improved shopping experiences and operational efficiencies [72][74] Q&A Session Summary Question: Exposure to SNAP program and member behavior across income demographics - Management noted that low-income consumers showed resilience in purchasing habits despite inflation pressures, with stable performance observed [28][30] Question: Long-term sales growth expectations - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term growth through improved membership, merchandising, and convenience [35][36] Question: Competitive response in new markets - Management indicated strong performance in new clubs and confidence in competing effectively in markets like Dallas [39][40] Question: Inventory positioning for Q4 - Management acknowledged a conservative inventory position that may limit sales upside but supports overall value for members [44][45] Question: Fourth quarter same-store sales assumptions - Management is cautiously optimistic about Q4 performance, with preparations in place for the holiday season [53][54] Question: General merchandise inventory planning for next year - Management indicated that inventory decisions are made based on ongoing clarity regarding tariffs and consumer response [56][57] Question: Sustainability of SG&A per square foot levels - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining efficiency in operations while planning for future investments [83][84]