Burlington Stores (NYSE: BURL) shares climbed more than 6% intra-day Thursday after the off-price retailer reported fourth-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations and issued a strong outlook for the year ahead.
The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $4.99 for the quarter, surpassing the consensus estimate of $4.75. Total sales increased 11% year over year to $3.64 billion, beating the $3.59 billion consensus forecast. Comparable store sales rose 4% compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA reached $562 million during the quarter, up from $456 million a year earlier, excluding $8 million and $5 million of expenses respectively related to bankruptcy-acquired leases. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 150 basis points year over year as a percentage of sales.
Adjusted EBIT totaled $442 million for the quarter, compared with $364 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, excluding the same bankruptcy-related expenses.
For the full fiscal year 2025, Burlington reported total sales growth of 9%, while comparable store sales increased 2%.
Looking ahead, the company expects adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 to range between $1.60 and $1.75, below the consensus estimate of $1.79. Total sales are projected to rise between 9% and 11%, while comparable store sales are expected to increase 2% to 4% year over year.
Adjusted EBIT margin is forecast to decline by 60 to 100 basis points.
For the full fiscal year 2026, Burlington expects adjusted earnings per share between $10.95 and $11.45, significantly above the consensus estimate of $9.77. The company anticipates total sales growth of 8% to 10%, assuming comparable store sales rise between 1% and 3% following the 2% increase recorded in fiscal 2025.
