Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of Burlington Stores Inc (BURL +1.10%) were looking stronger today, climbing as much as 16%, and finishing up 8% after it raised its second-quarter same-store sales estimates, and announced a debt refinancing.
So what: The apparel retailer said it now saw comparable sales rising 3% to 4% in the second quarter, above a previous range of 2% to 3%, and lapping an increase from a year ago of 7.8%. Regarding the debt refinancing, it's retiring notes with an interest rate of 9% to 10% and, instead, expects to pay between 4% and 5% for the new debt. As a result, it said it now expects EPS to improve by $0.13 to $0.14 in the second half of the year as it reduces interest expense by $16 to $18 million.
Now what: During a quarter where many retailers have reported surprisingly slow sales, the increase in comps was a pleasant surprise for Burlington. The debt refinancing, meanwhile, will help drive profitability during the coming quarters, and also prompted a ratings upgrade from Moody's to B1 from B2. Of all the items above, however, the increase in EPS should be the most meaningful, as that will drive profitability in years ahead, as well.
