10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2023

Burlington Stores, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jul 30, 2022

Filed August 25, 2022For Securities:BURL

Summary

Burlington Stores, Inc. reported a significant decline in net sales and net income for the three and six months ended July 30, 2022, compared to the same periods in the prior year. Net sales for the quarter fell by 10.3% to $1.98 billion, and for the six months by 11.2% to $3.91 billion. This downturn is attributed to a 17% decrease in comparable store sales, driven by economic pressures on their core customer base and increased promotional activity across the retail landscape. The company also experienced a decrease in gross margin rate due to higher markdowns, increased inventory shortage, and elevated freight costs. Despite the revenue challenges, Burlington is strategically expanding its store footprint, opening 46 new stores in the first six months of the fiscal year, with plans to open 90 net new stores for the full year, aiming for a long-term goal of 2,000 stores. The company has also been actively managing its debt, with no outstanding borrowings on its ABL Line of Credit and continuing to pay down its term loan and convertible notes. While facing headwinds, the company remains focused on operational efficiency and expanding its market presence.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.99B
Cost of Revenue$1.21B
Gross Profit$776.67M
SG&A Expenses$685.50M
Operating Expenses$1.97B
Net Income$11.97M
EPS (Basic)$0.18
EPS (Diluted)$0.18
Shares Outstanding (Basic)65.80M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)65.96M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales decreased by 10.3% to $1.98 billion for the three months ended July 30, 2022, compared to the prior year period.
  • 2Comparable store sales decreased by 17% for both the three and six-month periods ended July 30, 2022, indicating a challenging retail environment.
  • 3Gross margin rate declined to 38.9% for the quarter and 39.9% for the six months, impacted by increased markdowns, inventory shortage, and higher freight costs.
  • 4Despite sales declines, the company opened 46 net new stores in the first six months of fiscal 2022 and plans to open 90 net new stores for the full year, underscoring its expansion strategy.
  • 5Inventory levels increased significantly, up to $1.27 billion from $828.2 million in the prior year, partly due to increased reserve inventory and new store openings.
  • 6The company utilized $636.1 million of cash during the first six months of fiscal 2022, a significant increase from the $36.0 million used in the prior year, primarily due to changes in working capital and lower operating cash flow.
  • 7Burlington continues to manage its debt, with no borrowings on its ABL Line of Credit as of July 30, 2022, and a substantial remaining authorization for share repurchases ($449.9 million).

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the decrease in net sales and net income is a significant decline in comparable store sales, down 17%, attributed to economic pressures on consumers and a highly promotional retail environment. This was compounded by increased markdowns, inventory shortage, and higher freight costs, which negatively impacted the gross margin rate.

Inventory increased significantly to $1.27 billion from $828.2 million year-over-year. This increase is primarily due to a rise in 'reserve inventory' (inventory held for future release) and the opening of 85 net new stores since the prior year's second quarter. The company aims to use this reserve merchandise to chase sales trends and ensure a flow of fresh products.

Burlington is actively pursuing a growth strategy through physical expansion. In the first six months of fiscal 2022, they opened 46 new stores and plan to open 90 net new stores for the full year, with a long-term vision of reaching 2,000 stores. They are focused on a disciplined real estate strategy, unit economics, and enhancing the store experience.

Burlington continues to manage its debt obligations effectively. As of July 30, 2022, there were no borrowings on its Asset-Based Lending (ABL) Line of Credit, which has a commitment of $900 million. The company also continues to pay down its term loan and convertible notes. They believe that cash generated from operations, along with their existing cash and ABL Line of Credit, will be sufficient to meet their liquidity needs for at least the next twelve months.