Burlington Stores Inc (BURL) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Surpassing Sales Expectations ...

In This Article:

  • Comparable Store Sales Growth (Q4 2024): Increased by 6%, exceeding guidance of 0% to 2%.

  • Total Sales Growth (Q4 2024): Increased by 10%.

  • Gross Margin (Q4 2024): 42.9%, an increase of 30 basis points from the previous year.

  • Adjusted EBIT Margin (Q4 2024): Expanded by 10 basis points to 11.1%.

  • Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Q4 2024): $4.13, a 12% increase from the prior year.

  • Total Sales Growth (Full Year 2024): Increased by 11%.

  • Operating Margin Expansion (Full Year 2024): Expanded by 100 basis points.

  • New Store Openings (2024): 147 new stores opened, 101 net new stores added.

  • Cash and Liquidity (End of Q4 2024): $995 million in cash, $1.8 billion in total liquidity.

  • Share Repurchases (Q4 2024): $61 million repurchased, $263 million remaining on authorization.

  • 2025 Guidance - Total Sales Growth: Expected to be 6% to 8%.

  • 2025 Guidance - Comp Store Sales Growth: Expected to be 0% to 2%.

  • 2025 Guidance - Adjusted Earnings Per Share: Expected to be $8.70 to $9.30.

  • Capital Expenditures (2025): Expected to be approximately $950 million.

Release Date: March 06, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Burlington Stores Inc (NYSE:BURL) reported a strong 6% increase in comparable store sales for the fourth quarter, surpassing their guidance of 0% to 2%.

  • The company achieved an 11% total sales growth for the full year 2024, indicating robust performance.

  • Burlington Stores Inc (NYSE:BURL) expanded its operating margin by 100 basis points in 2024, exceeding initial expectations.

  • The company successfully opened 101 net new stores in 2024, aligning with its long-term growth strategy.

  • Burlington Stores Inc (NYSE:BURL) demonstrated effective inventory management, with comparable store inventories down 3% year-over-year, contributing to faster inventory turns.

Negative Points

  • The first quarter of 2025 started weaker than expected, with sales trends impacted by unfavorable weather and delayed tax refunds.

  • Burlington Stores Inc (NYSE:BURL) provided a conservative guidance for 2025, with expected comp store sales growth of only 0% to 2%.

  • The company anticipates a challenging margin comparison in the first quarter of 2025, with potential EBIT margin contraction.

  • Higher capital expenditures are expected in 2025 due to the purchase of distribution centers, which may impact debt levels and stock buybacks.

  • The uncertain economic and geopolitical environment poses risks to consumer spending and could affect Burlington Stores Inc (NYSE:BURL)'s performance.