Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the first quarter reached 2.2billion,anincreaseof353 million or 19% compared to the same period last year, driven by an 11.7% increase in comparable store sales [9][10] - Diluted earnings per share reached 1.81,reflectinga62290 billion, out of the 1.6trillionspentonfoodathome[7]−Customerengagementremainscentraltothestrategy,withplanstolaunchanewloyaltyprogramtoenhancecustomeraccesstohealthyproducts[7][21]CompanyStrategyandDevelopmentDirection−Thecompanyplanstoopenatleast35newstoresin2025,withafocusonenhancingstoredensityinexistingmarketsandexpandingintonewregions[14][24]−Asignificantmovetoself−distributefreshmeatandseafoodthroughdistributioncentersaimstoenhanceproductfreshnessandoptimizesupplychaincapacity[8][22]−Thecompanyiscommittedtoinvestingincustomerengagement,supplychainoptimization,andenhancingtheshoppingexperience[18][19]Management′sCommentsonOperatingEnvironmentandFutureOutlook−Managementexpressedconfidenceinnavigatinguncertaintiesfromthemacroenvironment,emphasizingastrongfinancialpositionandexecutionofstrategicinitiatives[17]−For2025,thecompanyexpectstotalsalesgrowthof12299 million in operating cash flow during the first quarter, allowing for self-funded investments of 49millionincapitalexpenditures[13]−Thecompanyreturned219 million to shareholders through share repurchases, with $232 million remaining under the current share repurchase authorization [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on gross margin expansion and potential reinvestment - Management indicated that investments are being made in loyalty, supply chain systems, and self-distribution, similar to last year [30] Question: Consumer shift to health and wellness and competitive landscape - Management remains focused on maximizing offerings for health enthusiast customers, confident in their differentiated position despite competitors entering the market [32][33] Question: Performance of new stores and loyalty program - New stores are performing well, and the loyalty program is expected to launch nationally in the second half of the year, showing positive early results [40][41] Question: Household additions and customer engagement - The company is seeing strong new customer growth and higher engagement from existing customers, driving a higher share of wallet [46][48] Question: Impact of tariffs and pricing actions - Management is monitoring potential impacts of tariffs on building costs but currently feels well-positioned regarding food sourcing [95][96] Question: Supply constraints and inventory management - Management acknowledged challenges with fresh product transitions but is focused on improving stock levels to meet customer demand [120]