After posting its latest Q1 2027 results, Burlington Stores (BURL) reported total revenue of US$2.9 billion and basic EPS of US$1.79, with trailing 12 month EPS of US$9.90 and net income of US$624.1 million framing the broader earnings picture. Over the past year, total revenue on a trailing basis moved from US$11.6 billion in Q4 2026 to US$11.9 billion in Q1 2027, while trailing EPS stepped up from US$9.69 to US$9.90 over the same period, giving investors a clear view of how the top and bottom lines have tracked together. With net profit margins at 5.2% over the last 12 months compared with 4.9% a year earlier, this set of results puts profitability firmly at the center of the story.

See our full analysis for Burlington Stores.

With the numbers on the table, the next step is to see how this earnings print lines up with the most common narratives around Burlington Stores, and where the latest margin and growth trends push back against those stories.

TTM earnings grow 18.7% on 9% revenue rise

• Over the last 12 months, Burlington generated US$11.9b of revenue, up from US$10.6b two years ago, while TTM net income reached US$624.1m and basic EPS came in at US$9.90, reflecting 18.7% earnings growth backed by around 9% revenue growth.
• Analysts' consensus view ties this combination of earnings growth and sales expansion to the off price expansion story, yet the numbers also highlight some tension:
  • Consensus points to store growth and merchandising upgrades as drivers of future earnings, and the 18.7% TTM earnings growth compared with the 9% revenue growth supports the idea that Burlington is converting sales into profit more efficiently.
  • At the same time, revenue growth running below the cited 11.9% US market rate shows that while the off price model is working on profitability, Burlington still needs to work harder on the top line to match broader market pace.

Curious how this growth profile fits with the wider market view on Burlington's off price expansion story, and what other investors are focusing on right now, See what the community is saying about Burlington Stores

Net margin at 5.2% with higher debt risk

• Trailing net profit margin sits at 5.2% compared with 4.9% a year earlier, and TTM net income of US$624.1m on US$11.9b of revenue comes alongside a high level of debt that is flagged as a minor risk.
• Bears focus on margin and leverage pressure, and the current figures give some support to that caution:
  • Critics highlight that a 5.2% margin leaves less room for error if costs rise, and the mention of elevated debt means interest and repayments could absorb a meaningful slice of those profits if borrowing costs stay high.
  • On the other hand, the move from 4.9% to 5.2% shows margins have held up despite that debt load, which challenges the idea that leverage is already capping profitability based on the latest 12 month data.

Skeptics are asking whether a 5.2% margin is enough cushion given the debt load and cost risks on the horizon, and you can see their full breakdown in the 🐻 Burlington Stores Bear Case

P/E premium vs peers and DCF fair value

• The stock trades on a trailing P/E of 30.3x versus peer and industry averages of 19.8x and 21.7x, while the DCF fair value is US$351.05 compared with the current share price of US$300.52, implying the stock is about 14.4% below that DCF estimate and below the analyst target of US$368.47.
• Supporters argue the valuation setup still looks appealing, and the numbers provide some backing for that bullish stance:
  • The DCF fair value of US$351.05 and an analyst target of US$368.47 both sit above the current US$300.52 share price, which aligns with bulls who see upside even after accounting for a P/E premium to peers.
  • At the same time, the 30.3x P/E compared with 19.8x for peers and 21.7x for the industry is a reminder that the market is already paying more for Burlington's earnings, so any change in growth or margins could matter more than at lower valued retailers.

Supporters point to growth, margins, and valuation signals painting a more optimistic picture than the headline P/E suggests, and the detailed bullish case lays out how that thesis fits together in the 🐂 Burlington Stores Bull Case

Next Steps

To see how these results tie into long-term growth, risks, and valuation, check out the full range of community narratives for Burlington Stores on Simply Wall St. Add the company to your watchlist or portfolio so you'll be alerted when the story evolves.

Seeing both the risks and rewards laid out, do you feel the balance tilts bullish or cautious right now? Act while the details are fresh and pressure test the numbers for yourself with 4 key rewards and 1 important warning sign

Explore Alternatives

Burlington's relatively modest revenue growth compared with earnings, high P/E premium, and elevated debt level may limit room for error if conditions become tougher.

If you want less balance sheet strain and more breathing room on margins, check out companies filtered through the solid balance sheet and fundamentals stocks screener (46 results) to see sturdier options.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.