UPDATE: Burlington Stores Beats Q4 Expectations, Shares Rise

Shares of

surged more than 2.5% in pre-market trading after the company reported stronger-than-expected results for the fourth quarter. The Burlington, New Jersey-based company posted quarterly net income of $94.9 million, compared to $63.6 million, in the year-ago quarter. Its adjusted earnings surged to $1.43 per share from $1.07 per share. Its revenue gained 11.3% to $1.49 billion. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $.132 per share on revenue of $1.47 billion. Burlington Stores' same-store sales climbed 6.7% in the quarter, versus a 4.0% growth in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin widened by 50 basis points to 42.2% versus 41.7%. Adjusted EBITDA rose 15.6% to $225.1 million. At January 31, 2015, merchandise inventories rose to $788.7 million, compared to $720.1 million at February 1, 2014. Tom Kingsbury, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are extremely pleased to report a full year 4.9% comparable store sales increase on top of last year's 4.7%, which helped drive a 93% increase in Adjusted diluted EPS. The fourth quarter marked an outstanding finish to a strong year of growth for Burlington Stores. Our consistent sales growth at increasing rates of profitability continues to demonstrate the power of our enhanced off price model and the strong execution of our strategies by our store and corporate teams." For the first quarter, Burlington Stores projects earnings of $0.36 to $0.40 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $0.41 per share. It also expects net sales to rise 6% to 7%. For the full fiscal year 2015, the company projects earnings of $2.15 to $2.25 per share on net sales growth of 6% to 7%. Burlington Stores shares gained 2.82% to $59.00 in pre-market trading.