Core Viewpoint - Burlington Stores, Inc. has announced the appointment of Michael Skirvin to its Board of Directors and Audit Committee, effective November 18, 2025, which is expected to enhance the company's strategic growth oversight [1][2]. Company Overview - Burlington Stores, Inc. is a nationally recognized off-price retailer, specializing in high-quality branded apparel, footwear, accessories, and home merchandise, with Fiscal 2024 net sales of $10.6 billion [4]. - The company operates 1,115 stores across 46 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, offering discounts of up to 60% off other retailers' prices [4]. Leadership Insights - John Mahoney, Chairman of the Board, emphasized that Skirvin's extensive experience will strengthen the Board's qualifications and oversight capabilities [2]. - Michael O'Sullivan, CEO, expressed excitement about Skirvin's addition, highlighting his 30 years of experience in the off-price retail sector as beneficial for the company's Burlington 2.0 strategy [2]. Michael Skirvin's Background - Michael Skirvin served as CEO of Bob's Discount Furniture from 2016 to 2020 and held various roles at The TJX Companies from 1989 to 2010, including Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer [3].

Core Viewpoint - Burlington Stores, Inc. is set to release its second quarter fiscal year 2025 results on August 28, 2025, before the U.S. stock market opens, followed by a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time [1] Company Overview - Burlington Stores, Inc. is a nationally recognized off-price retailer headquartered in New Jersey, with fiscal 2024 net sales of $10.6 billion [6] - The company operates 1,115 stores across 46 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, offering high-quality branded merchandise at discounts of up to 60% compared to other retailers [6] Conference Call Details - The U.S. toll-free dial-in for the conference call is 1-800-715-9871 with a passcode of 6135700, and the international dial-in number is 1-646-307-1963 [2] - A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations page of the company's website [2] Replay Information - For those unable to participate in the live conference call, a replay will be available starting at 11:30 a.m. ET on August 28, 2025, through September 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET [3] - The U.S. toll-free replay dial-in number is 1-800-770-2030, and the international replay dial-in number is 1-609-800-9909, with the same passcode of 6135700 [3] Communication Channels - Burlington Stores announces material information through SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, and webcasts, and may also utilize its website and social media for important communications [4] - The company encourages stakeholders to review information posted on its website and social media channels, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - Apple is planning to significantly increase its investments in artificial intelligence (AI) to catch up with competitors and enhance its product offerings [8][10]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Apple's stock has only increased by approximately 30% over the past three years, making it the second-worst performer among the "Magnificent Seven" stocks [2]. - In the fiscal third quarter, Apple reported a revenue growth of nearly 10% year over year, reaching $94 billion, marking a record for the June quarter [3][7]. - iPhone revenue grew by 13% year over year to $44.6 billion, driven by the popularity of the iPhone 16 family [3]. - Mac revenue increased by 15% year over year to $8 billion, while iPad and wearables, home, and accessories sales declined by 8% and 9% year over year, respectively [4]. - Overall, hardware revenue grew by 8% year over year, accounting for nearly 71% of total revenue, while services reached an all-time high of $27.4 billion [5]. Group 2: AI Strategy - Apple has been perceived as lagging in AI compared to rivals like Alphabet and Microsoft, but it is now taking AI more seriously [8]. - The company has a significant advantage with its extensive range of devices, which can be integrated with AI to enhance user experience [9]. - Management has indicated a significant increase in AI investments, with nearly $3.5 billion spent on capital expenditures in the latest quarter, the highest since January 2023 [10][12]. Group 3: Investment Outlook - Apple's stock is currently trading at 29 times its projected earnings for the next year, the second-lowest among the "Magnificent Seven" stocks [14]. - The current valuation presents a more favorable upside potential, especially if the new AI initiatives are successful [16]. - With $133 billion in cash and marketable securities, Apple has ample resources to compete in the AI sector [16].

Zillow surveyed thousands of homebuyers to identify the paint colors in the kitchen, bedroom, living room, and bathroom that can increase the selling price by up to $2,500. (Photo: Getty Images) https://t.co/UEmdU2DVan https://t.co/yddlfN2lyh ...

Core Viewpoint - Burlington Stores, Inc. reported a 6% increase in total sales for the first quarter of Fiscal 2025, with comparable store sales remaining flat, while adjusted EPS guidance for the full year is maintained at $8.70 to $9.30, excluding bankruptcy-related lease expenses [1][4][8]. Financial Performance - Total sales reached $2,500 million, a 6% increase compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2024, following an 11% increase last year [4][5]. - Comparable store sales were flat, consistent with the midpoint of guidance, and up from a 2% increase last year [4][5]. - Net income was $101 million, translating to diluted EPS of $1.58, compared to $79 million or $1.22 per share in the same quarter last year [4][20]. - Adjusted EPS increased by 18% to $1.67, exceeding guidance [4][5]. Margins and Expenses - Adjusted EBIT margin increased by 30 basis points, outperforming guidance [4][5]. - Gross margin rate improved to 43.8% from 43.5% year-over-year, with merchandise margin expanding by 20 basis points [5]. - SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased to 34.7% from 35.0% in the prior year, while adjusted SG&A was 26.8% compared to 27.1% [5]. Inventory and Liquidity - Merchandise inventories rose by 15% to $1,315 million, while comparable store inventories decreased by 8% [6]. - The company ended the quarter with $1,119 million in liquidity, including $371 million in unrestricted cash [9]. Outlook - For Fiscal Year 2025, the company expects total sales to increase by 6% to 8%, with comparable store sales projected to rise by 0% to 2% [7][8]. - Capital expenditures are anticipated to be approximately $950 million, with plans to open around 100 net new stores [8]. - Adjusted EPS is forecasted to be in the range of $8.70 to $9.30, compared to $8.35 last year [8].