Share Repurchase Authorization and Strong Liquidity
Board authorized a share repurchase program up to $400 million; ended the quarter with $1,007.2 million in unrestricted liquidity ( $293.6M cash and $713.6M available under ABL ), providing flexibility to fund growth and return capital without incremental debt.
Connected Customer Growth
Connected customer sales grew 5.4% year-over-year and represented ~19% of total sales, highlighting progress in digital/channel strategy and investments in talent and technology.
Gross Margin Expansion
Reported gross margin expanded 20 basis points to 44.0% (from 43.8% a year ago), driven by timing benefits of strategic pricing initiatives, despite supply chain cost pressures.
Improved Operating Cash Flow
Cash from operating activities increased to $109.2 million in the quarter vs. $71.2 million year-ago, driven by changes in inventory and trade accounts payable, supporting liquidity and capital allocation plans.
New Store Growth and Lower New Store Cost
Opened 6 new warehouse-format stores in Q1 (vs. 4 last year) and remain on track for 20 openings in fiscal 2026; average 2026 new-store size ~55,000 sq ft and average store cost expected to be ~$7.5M–$8.0M (vs. ~$11.7M peak in 2023), improving returns on expansion.
Pro and Category Wins
Pro sales increased 1.4% year-over-year; strength noted in tile, installation materials, decorative accessories and wood. Insulation materials and tile continued to gain share, aided by supply-house merchandising strategies and Vetta tile collection.
ERP Implementation Progress
Completed portions of ERP implementation (financial systems and certain merchandising modules go-live) to enhance productivity and scalability, with additional modules to be implemented later in 2026/early 2027.
Tactical Pricing and Vinyl Test Results
Introduced value-driven vinyl offers (including >20 in-stock styles under $2/sqft) and price-band refinements; early results show positive elasticity and improving square-footage purchase trends, with plans to expand tests.