Burlington Stores Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, Comparable Sales Up Y/Y

Core Insights - Burlington Stores, Inc. reported strong fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 results, with both sales and earnings exceeding expectations, leading to an 8.7% increase in share price [1][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached $4.07, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of$3.76, and increased by 11.2% from $3.66 in the previous year [4]. - Total sales amounted to$3,277.1 million, a 4.8% increase year-over-year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,261 million [4]. - Comparable store sales rose by 6$451 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.8%, up 50 basis points [6]. - Adjusted EBIT was $359.5 million, reflecting a 9.9$327.1 million in the prior year, with an adjusted EBIT margin of 11%, also up 50 basis points [6]. Operational Developments - The company expanded its footprint with new store openings and relocations, aligning with its long-term financial goals [3]. - Product sourcing costs rose to $217 million from$210 million in the previous year [6]. Liquidity and Debt Position - Burlington ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $994.7 million and long-term debt of$1.54 billion [7]. - The company had $1.82 billion in liquidity, including$995 million in unrestricted cash [7]. - Share repurchase activity included the buyback of 218,443 shares for $61 million, with$263 million remaining under the current authorization [8]. Future Guidance - For Q1 fiscal 2025, total sales are expected to grow by 5-7%, with comparable store sales projected to remain flat [11]. - For fiscal 2025, total sales are anticipated to increase by 6-8%, with comparable store sales expected to rise between 0% and 2% [12]. - Adjusted EPS for fiscal 2025 is projected to range between $8.70 and$9.30, compared to $8.35 in the prior year [12].