Stock market today: S&P 500 drops for fifth day as focus shifts to Powell’s speech
On Friday, Citi analysts, led by Paul Lejuez, adjusted the price target for Burlington Stores (NYSE:BURL) to $340 from the previous target of $344, while continuing to endorse the stock with a Buy rating. The revision follows Burlington’s impressive performance in the fourth quarter, with comparable store sales increasing by 6%, outpacing competitors like MarMaxx and Ross Stores (NASDAQ:ROST), which saw increases of 4% and 3% respectively. According to InvestingPro data, Burlington currently trades at a P/E ratio of 30.4, with analyst targets ranging from $293 to $380, suggesting further upside potential.Want deeper insights? InvestingPro offers exclusive access to comprehensive analysis and 8 additional expert tips for Burlington Stores.
The analysts highlighted Burlington’s strong sales results and above-plan earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margin, which demonstrated the company’s improved execution. With an EBITDA of $1.08 billion and a robust gross profit margin of 43.25% as reported by InvestingPro, the company shows strong operational efficiency. Despite a slow start to the fourth quarter due to warmer weather, Burlington’s management effectively managed inventory by reducing purchases to avoid significant markdowns and quickly adapting to positive shifts in consumer trends as the holiday season approached.
Furthermore, while February trends have been slow, a pattern that is consistent across the retail sector and partly attributed to weather conditions, Burlington’s performance in the fourth quarter has reinforced the analysts’ belief in the company’s ability to adjust and succeed. Citi’s analysts remain confident in the off-price retail model, suggesting that off-price retailers like Burlington are well-positioned to benefit from market dislocation and uncertainty.
The report concluded with Citi affirming their stance on Burlington Stores as their top pick within the off-price sector, citing another quarter of good execution as a basis for increased confidence in the company’s potential to continue improving its EBIT margin. The price target adjustment reflects a nuanced view of Burlington’s market position and prospects, while the Buy rating signals Citi’s ongoing positive outlook for the retailer’s stock.
In other recent news, Burlington Stores Inc. reported its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings, surpassing Wall Street expectations with an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.07, compared to the forecast of $3.76. The company’s revenue met projections, totaling $3.28 billion. Burlington Stores also announced plans to open 100 net new stores in 2025, indicating continued expansion efforts. The company ended the fourth quarter with a liquidity position of $1.8 billion. In terms of analyst activity, Burlington Stores was not specifically mentioned for any upgrades or downgrades in the recent reports. The company repurchased $61 million in stock during the fourth quarter, contributing to a total of $242 million in annual share repurchases. Additionally, Burlington Stores plans to make significant capital expenditures of approximately $950 million in fiscal 2025, including the purchase of its Cactus (NYSE:WHD) distribution center in Southern California. These developments reflect Burlington Stores’ strategic efforts to strengthen its market position and financial performance.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.