Burlington Stores — May 28, 2026 release

This operating margin expansion was driven by ahead of plan sales, higher gross margin, and leverage on supply chain expenses.”   Mr. O’Sullivan continued, “We are raising our full year Fiscal 2026 sales and earnings guidance, passing through the entire upside from the first quarter to the full year. Our updated guidance is for comp store sales to increase 2% to 4%, and for EPS growth of 13% to 16%. These numbers underscore our ability to convert incremental comp sales into very strong earnings growth.” Fiscal 2026 First Quarter Operating Results • Total sales increased 14% compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2025 to $2,852 million, while comparable store sales increased 6% compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2025.  • Gross margin rate as a percentage of net sales was 44.1% vs. 43.8% for the first quarter of Fiscal 2025, an increase of 30 basis points. Merchandise margin expanded 20 basis points, while freight expense improved 10 basis points as a percentage of net sales.     • Product sourcing costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A), were $216 million vs. $197 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025. Product sourcing costs include the costs of processing goods through our supply chain and buying costs.   • SG&A was 34.7% as a percentage of net sales vs 34.7% in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025. Adjusted SG&A , excluding $7 million and $6 million of expenses, respectively, associated with bankruptcy acquired leases, was 26.8% as a percentage of net sales vs. 26.6% in the first quar