Net Sales and Comparable Sales Growth
Net sales increased 14% year-over-year to $659 million in Q1; comparable store sales (comps) rose 1.7% driven by basket growth and strength in food, general merchandise, hardware, seasonal decor and stationery.
Strong Profitability and Margin Expansion
Gross margin expanded 80 basis points to 41.9%; adjusted net income rose 21% to $56 million; adjusted EPS was $0.91; adjusted EBITDA increased 22% to $88 million and adjusted EBITDA margin improved 80 basis points to 13.3%.
Store Growth and New-Store Productivity
Opened 27 new stores in the quarter (over 15% increase), ending Q1 with 672 stores in 35 states; new-store productivity came in only slightly below plan.
Loyalty Program Expansion
Ollie's Army loyalty membership grew 13% year-over-year to 17.5 million members, adding nearly 500,000 net new members in the quarter; loyalty members account for over 80% of sales.
Balance Sheet Strength and Share Repurchase
Total cash and investments increased $111 million (27%) to $526 million; no meaningful long-term debt; repurchased $53 million of common stock in the quarter and raised full-year buyback target to $125 million (targeting roughly 50% of free cash flow).
Supply Chain Investments and Capacity Expansion
Completed warehouse execution system replacement in Texas DC (last DC upgraded) with productivity benefits across network; Texas DC expansion on schedule to complete early Q3; Illinois DC expansion planned later this year — combined expansions will support capacity for over 850 stores.
Merchandising / Space Productivity Win
Replaced wall-to-wall carpet with a limited living room furniture assortment in re-set space, improving sales productivity by over 100% in the same floor space; seasonal decor performed well despite an early Easter.
Controlled Operating Expenses
SG&A was well managed and flat as a percentage of sales; preopening expenses decreased 3% to $6.4 million (lower dark rent from bankruptcy-acquired sites).
Capital Allocation and Investment
Q1 capital expenditures were $25 million (new stores, store improvements, Texas DC expansion); full-year capex guidance of $103 million to $113 million includes ~ $20 million for Texas and Illinois DC expansions.
Raised Earnings Outlook and Stable Guidance
Company reiterated 75 new store openings for the year and raised full-year adjusted net income / EPS outlook (guidance table included in release) with full-year sales guidance of $2.98B–$3.00B, comp growth target ~2%, gross margin near 40.7%, and adjusted EPS guidance of $4.45–$4.55.