Merchandise inventories, net at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 increased 13.0% to $2.0 billion compared to $1.7 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase was primarily due to inventory to support new brand launches, intentional strategic investments to improve merchandise in-stocks in key categories post-holiday, and the addition of 60 net new stores since February 3, 2024.
As previously announced, during the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company borrowed $199.7 million on its revolving credit facility to support ongoing capital allocation priorities, including share repurchases and capital expenditures, and merchandise inventory growth. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company repaid all amounts borrowed, together with interest due. At the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
Share Repurchase Program
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company repurchased 620,053 shares of its common stock at a cost of $249.5 million. During fiscal 2024, the Company repurchased 2.5 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $1.0 billion. As of February 1, 2025, $2.7 billion remained available under the $3.0 billion share repurchase program announced in October 2024.
Store Update
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company opened nine new stores, remodeled five stores, and closed one store. During fiscal 2024, the Company opened 66 new stores, relocated two stores, remodeled 41 stores, and closed six stores. At the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company operated 1,445 stores totaling 15.1 million square feet.
Fiscal 2025 Outlook
For fiscal 2025, the Company plans to:
| | | |
| | | FY25 Outlook |
Net sales | | | $11.5 billion to $11.6 billion |
Comparable sales | | | 0% to 1% |
New stores, net | | | approximately 60 |
Remodel and relocation projects | | | 40-45 |
Operating margin | | | 11.7% to 11.8% |
Diluted earnings per share | | | $22.50 to $22.90 |
Share repurchases | | | approximately $900 million |
Interest income | | | approximately $6 million |
Effective tax rate | | | approximately 24.5% |
Capital expenditures | | | $425 million to $500 million |
Depreciation and amortization expense | | | $290 million to $300 million |