Burlington Stores, Inc.
For the period ended Jan 31, 2026. Filed Mar 19, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2026 · Filed Mar 19, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-02-01; filed 2025-03-17.
0000950170-25-040472
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2026-01-31; filed 2026-03-19.
0001193125-26-116001
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 142 previous paragraphs and 141 current paragraphs.
123 unchanged; 17 reworded; 1 added; 2 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (1)
Current report
The imposition of significant tariffs on imports from certain countries by the U.S. have heightened uncertainty in the global trade environment. These tariffs, along with retaliatory measures by other countries, may increase inflationary pressure and raise the costs of our merchandise. Additionally, on February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling limiting the authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”), creating uncertainty regarding the potential recovery of tariffs previously assessed under that statute. The availability, timing, and amount of any such refunds remain uncertain and depend on further legal, regulatory, and administrative actions. There remains substantial uncertainty regarding the impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the availability, timing, and amount of potential refunds, if any, as well as the scope and duration of any newly announced tariffs or retaliatory actions.
Removed paragraphs (2)
Previous report
Public health crises, epidemics or pandemics have had, and could in the future have, a negative impact on the Company’s business and operations.
Previous report
Public health crises, epidemics or pandemics have had, and could in the future have, a negative impact on our business and operations, including Company sales and cash flow. Such public health crises, epidemics and pandemics have the potential to create significant volatility, uncertainty and worldwide economic disruption, resulting in an economic slowdown of potentially extended duration, as seen with the COVID-19 pandemic. Such public health crises, epidemics and pandemics, could adversely affect our business and financial results, they may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described throughout this Annual Report.
Reworded paragraphs (17)
Previous wording
Consumer spending levels and shopping behaviors are affected by various economic conditions, which can affect our business or the retail industry generally as a result. These factors include, among other things, prevailing global economic conditions, inflation (including the costs of basic necessities and other goods), levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, prevailing interest rates, housing costs, energy costs, commodities pricing, income tax rates and policies, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. In addition, consumer purchasing patterns may be influenced by consumers’ disposable income, credit availability and debt levels. Slowdown in the U.S. economy, an uncertain global economic outlook, interest rate volatility, or a credit crisis could adversely affect consumer spending habits, resulting in lower net sales and profits than expected on a quarterly or annual basis. Consumer confidence is also affected by the domestic and international political situation and periods of social unrest. The occurrence of terrorist acts or other hostilities in or affecting the U.S. could lead to a decrease in spending by consumers. In addition, natural disasters, industrial accidents, acts of war or global international conflicts (such as the conflict in Ukraine or the conflict in the Middle East), and public health issues (such as pandemics or epidemics) have in the past and may in the future have the effect of disrupting supplies and raising prices globally which, in turn, may have adverse effects on the world and U.S. economies and lead to a downturn in consumer confidence and spending. Certain of these risks, such as risks arising from political volatility, may be enhanced in 2025 in light of the U.S. administration’s change in trade and tariff policies.
Current wording
Consumer spending levels and shopping behaviors are affected by various economic conditions, which can affect our business or the retail industry generally as a result. These factors include, among other things, prevailing global economic conditions, inflation (including the costs of basic necessities and other goods), levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, prevailing interest rates, housing and food costs, energy and fuel costs, commodities pricing, income tax rates and policies, immigration policies (including enforcement practices, particularly in regions with a relatively high concentration of Hispanic customers, which is an important demographic group within our customer base), consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. In addition, consumer purchasing patterns may be influenced by consumers’ disposable income, credit availability and debt levels. Slowdown in the U.S. economy, an uncertain global economic outlook, interest rate volatility, or a credit crisis could adversely affect consumer spending habits, resulting in lower net sales and profits than expected on a quarterly or annual basis. Consumer confidence is also affected by the domestic and international political situation and periods of social unrest. The occurrence of terrorist acts or other hostilities in or affecting the U.S. could lead to a decrease in spending by consumers. In addition, natural disasters, industrial accidents, acts of war or global international conflicts (such as the conflict in Ukraine or the conflict in the Middle East), and public health issues (such as pandemics or epidemics) have in the past and may in the future have the effect of disrupting supplies and raising prices globally which, in turn, may have adverse effects on the world and U.S. economies and lead to a downturn in consumer confidence and spending. Certain of these risks, such as risks arising from economic volatility, may be enhanced in light of the U.S. administration’s trade and tariff policies. General uncertainty regarding the future political and economic environment and potential adverse economic changes could reduce consumer confidence and could negatively affect our operating results. We cannot predict when macroeconomic uncertainty may arise, whether or when such circumstances may improve or worsen or what impact such circumstances could have on our business.
Previous wording
The retail sector is highly competitive, and retailers are constantly adjusting their business models, promotional activities and pricing strategies in response to changing conditions. We compete on the basis of a combination of factors, including, among others, price, breadth, quality and style of merchandise offered, in-store experience, level of customer service, ability to identify and respond to new and emerging fashion trends, brand image and scalability. We compete with a wide variety of retailers for customers, vendors, suitable store locations and personnel. Some of our competitors are larger than we are or have more experience than we do in selling certain product lines or through certain channels. Additionally, existing competitors may consolidate with other retailers, expand their merchandise offerings, expand their e-commerce capabilities, and/or add new sales channels, change their pricing strategies, or use technology more effectively than we do, including the use of artificial intelligence. More generally, consumer e-commerce spending may continue to increase, as it has in recent years, while our business is exclusively in brick-and-mortar stores. If we fail to compete effectively, our sales and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Current wording
The retail sector is highly competitive, and retailers are constantly adjusting their business models, promotional activities and pricing strategies in response to changing conditions. We compete on the basis of a combination of factors, including, among others, price, breadth, quality and style of merchandise offered, in-store experience, level of customer service, ability to identify and respond to new and emerging fashion trends, brand image and scalability. We compete with a wide variety of retailers for customers, vendors, suitable store locations and personnel. Some of our competitors are larger than we are or have more experience than we do in selling certain product lines or through certain channels. Additionally, existing competitors may consolidate with other retailers, expand their merchandise offerings, expand their e-commerce capabilities, and/or add new sales channels, change their pricing strategies, or use technology more effectively than we do, including the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) or other emerging technologies. More generally, consumer e-commerce spending may continue to increase, as it has in recent years, while our business is exclusively in brick-and-mortar stores. If we fail to compete effectively, our sales and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Previous wording
In addition, complying with ESG-related rules and regulations, including collecting, measuring and reporting related data, can be costly, difficult and time consuming. Significant expenditures and commitment of time by management, employees and outside advisors may be involved in developing, implementing and overseeing policies, practices and internal controls related to ESG risk and performance, and we may undertake additional costs to meet our reporting and compliance obligations related to ESG matters. For example, the State of California recently passed the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act that will impose broad climate-related disclosure obligations on companies doing business in California and may increase our costs of compliance as a result.
Current wording
In addition, complying with ESG-related rules and regulations, including collecting, measuring and reporting related data, can be costly, difficult and time consuming. Significant expenditures and commitment of time by management, employees and outside advisors may be involved in developing, implementing and overseeing policies, practices and internal controls related to ESG risk and performance, and we may undertake additional costs to meet our reporting and compliance obligations related to ESG matters. For example, the State of California passed the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act that would impose broad climate-related disclosure obligations on companies doing business in California and may increase our costs of compliance as a result; however, claimants have sought to permanently enjoin the two laws and there remains much uncertainty with respect to the final outcome of these and other climate-related laws.
Previous wording
In addition, to the extent that our new store openings are in existing markets, we may experience reduced net sales volumes in existing stores in those markets. If we experience a decline in performance or lease payment allowances from our lessors become unavailable, we may slow or discontinue store openings, relocations, refreshes and/or remodels.
Current wording
In addition, to the extent that our new store openings are in existing markets, we may experience reduced net sales volumes in existing stores in those markets. If we experience a decline in performance or landlord allowances become unavailable, we may slow or discontinue store openings, relocations, downsizes and/or remodels.
Previous wording
Many of our vendors produce merchandise overseas, and our business is exposed to the risk of foreign and domestic operations and international tax policies and trade relations.
Current wording
Many of our vendors produce merchandise overseas, and our business is exposed to the risk of foreign and domestic operations and international tax and tariff policies and trade relations.
Previous wording
changes in import duties, tariffs, taxes, charges, quotas, loss of “most favored nation” trading status with the United States for a particular foreign country and trade restrictions (including the United States imposing antidumping or countervailing duty orders, safeguards, remedies or compensation and retaliation due to illegal foreign trade practices).
Current wording
changes in import duties, tariffs, taxes, charges, quotas, loss of “most favored nation” trading status with the United States for a particular foreign country, trade restrictions (including the United States imposing antidumping or countervailing duty orders, safeguards, remedies or compensation and retaliation due to illegal foreign trade practices) and other barriers to trade.
Previous wording
Over the past few years, uncertainty has increased with respect to tax and trade policies, tariffs and government regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries. Although we source the majority of our merchandise from third party vendors located in the U.S., the production of that merchandise occurs primarily overseas. As a result, we continue to evaluate the impact of currently effective tariffs, as well as any additional proposed tariffs, on our supply chain, costs, sales and profitability. We can provide no assurance that any strategies we implement to mitigate the impact of such tariffs or other trade actions will be successful.
Current wording
Over the past few years, uncertainty has increased with respect to tax and trade policies, tariffs and government regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries. Although we source the majority of our merchandise from third party vendors located in the U.S., the production of that merchandise occurs primarily overseas. As a result, we have been impacted by the volatility in effective tariffs, including new tariffs that commenced in 2025, retaliatory tariffs and other restrictions on trade that have resulted and may result in the future. We can provide no assurance that any strategies we implement to mitigate the impact of such tariffs or other trade actions will be successful.
Previous wording
In addition, other major developments in tax policy or trade relations, such as the disallowance of tax deductions for imported merchandise or the imposition of additional unilateral tariffs on imported products, could increase the cost of products purchased from suppliers in such countries or restrict the importation of products from such countries, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity.
Current wording
In addition, other major developments in tax policy or trade relations, such as the disallowance of tax deductions for imported merchandise or the imposition of additional unilateral tariffs on imported products, could increase the cost of products purchased from suppliers in such countries or restrict the importation of products from such countries. It remains unclear how tax or trade policies, tariffs or trade relations may change in the future, and additional changes in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity.
Previous wording
We rely extensively on various information systems, including data centers, hardware, software and applications to manage many aspects of our business, including to process and record transactions in our stores, to enable effective communication systems, to plan and track inventory flow, to manage logistics and to generate performance and financial reports. In addition, some aspects of our business, like that of most retailers, involve the receipt, storage and transmission of customers’ personal information and consumer preferences, as well as confidential information about our employees, our vendors and our Company, some of which is entrusted to third-party service providers and vendors. We are dependent on the integrity, security and consistent operations of these systems and related back-up systems, software, tools (including encryption technology) and monitoring to maintain reliable operations, provide security and oversight for processing, transmission, storage and the protection of confidential information, and to recover from unexpected outages.
Current wording
We rely extensively on various information systems, including data centers, hardware, software and applications to manage many aspects of our business, including to process and record transactions in our stores, to enable effective communication systems, to plan and track inventory flow, to manage logistics and to generate performance and financial reports. In addition, some aspects of our business, like that of most retailers, involve the receipt, storage and transmission of customers’ personal information and consumer preferences, as well as confidential information about our employees, our vendors and our Company, some of which is entrusted to third-party service providers and vendors. We are dependent on the integrity, security and consistent operations of these systems and related back-up systems, software, tools and monitoring to maintain reliable operations, provide security and oversight for processing, transmission, storage and the protection of confidential information, and to recover from unexpected outages.
Previous wording
Like most major corporations, we, our customers and our third-party services providers face an evolving, increasing threat landscape in which cybercriminals, among others, employ a complex array of techniques designed to disrupt operations and/or access personal and other sensitive information, including, for example, the use of fraudulent or stolen access credentials, malware, ransomware, phishing, denial of service and other types of attacks. Hardware, software or applications we develop or obtain from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that are not presently known and could unexpectedly compromise information security. In addition, our employees, contractors or third parties with which we do business or to which we outsource business operations may attempt to circumvent our security measures in order to misappropriate such information, and may purposefully or inadvertently cause a breach involving such information or become subject to various other cyber-crimes. Further, our computer systems and the third-party systems of our vendors are also subject to damage or interruption from a number of non-criminal causes, including power outages; computer and telecommunications failures; computer viruses; and design or usage errors by our employees or contractors. Moreover, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence, Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud technologies may intensify our cybersecurity risks.
Current wording
Like most major corporations, we and our third‑party service providers face an increasingly complex threat landscape, with cybercriminals using techniques such as stolen credentials, malware, ransomware, phishing, and denial‑of‑service attacks to disrupt operations or access sensitive information. Hardware, software or applications (including AI capabilities) we develop or obtain from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that are not presently known and could unexpectedly compromise information security. In addition, our employees, contractors, or third parties may intentionally or inadvertently circumvent security controls, which could result in data breaches or other cybersecurity incidents. Further, our systems and third‑party systems may also experience non‑malicious disruptions, such as power outages, telecommunications failures, software defects, or human error. Moreover, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence, machine learning, Software as a Service (SaaS), and cloud technologies may intensify our cybersecurity risks, especially as threat actors use AI to enhance attacks that are harder to detect and defend against.
Previous wording
lost revenues resulting from operational disruption or the unauthorized use of proprietary information or the failure to retain or attract customers following an attack;
Current wording
lost revenues resulting from operational disruption or the unauthorized use of proprietary information or the failure to retain or attract customers following an incident;
Previous wording
We accept payments using a variety of methods, including cash, checks, credit and debit cards, and gift cards, and we may offer new payment options over time. Acceptance of these payment methods subjects us to rules, regulations, contractual obligations and compliance requirements, including payment network rules and operating guidelines, data security standards and certification requirements, and rules governing electronic funds transfers. These requirements may change over time or be reinterpreted, making compliance more difficult or costly.
Current wording
We accept payments using a variety of methods, including cash, checks, credit and debit cards, buy now pay later, and gift cards, and we may offer new payment options over time. Acceptance of these payment methods subjects us to rules, regulations, contractual obligations and compliance requirements, including payment network rules and operating guidelines, data security standards and certification requirements, and rules governing electronic funds transfers. These requirements may change over time or be reinterpreted, making compliance more difficult or costly.
Previous wording
As of February 1, 2025, our obligations include (i) $1,238.9 million, inclusive of original issue discount, under our senior secured term loan facility (Term Loan Facility) and (ii) $156.2 million under our 2.25% Convertible Notes due April 15, 2025 (our “2025 Convertible Notes”) and $297.1 million under our 1.25% Convertible Notes due December 15, 2027 (our “2027 Convertible Notes” and, together with our 2025 Convertible Notes, our “Convertible Notes”). We had no outstanding balance on our $900.0 million asset-based lending facility (ABL Line of Credit) as of February 3, 2024. Our debt obligations also include $25.0 million of finance lease obligations as of February 1, 2025. Estimated cash required to make interest payments for these debt obligations, net of the impact of our interest rate swap, amounts to approximately $70.1 million in the aggregate for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026.
Current wording
As of January 31, 2026, our obligations include (i) $1,719.4 million, inclusive of original issue discount, under our senior secured term loan facility (Term Loan Facility) and (ii) $297.1 million under our 1.25% Convertible Notes due December 15, 2027 (our “2027 Convertible Notes”). We had no outstanding balance on our $1,000.0 million asset-based lending facility (ABL Line of Credit) as of January 31, 2026. Our debt obligations also include $22.9 million of finance lease obligations as of January 31, 2026. Estimated cash required to make interest payments for these debt obligations, net of the impact of our interest rate swap, amounts to approximately $93.2 million in the aggregate for the fiscal year ending January 30, 2027.
Previous wording
In the event the conditional conversion feature of our 2027 Convertible Notes is triggered, holders of our 2027 Convertible Notes will be entitled to convert their notes at any time during specified periods at their option. If one or more holders elect to convert their 2027 Convertible Notes, we would be required to settle the principal portion of our conversion obligation in cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity. In addition, even if holders of our 2027 Convertible Notes do not elect to convert their notes, we could be required under applicable accounting rules to reclassify all or a portion of the outstanding principal of the 2027 Convertible Notes as a current rather than long-term liability, which would result in a material reduction of our net working capital. Our 2025 Convertible Notes are now convertible at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date of April 15, 2025.
Current wording
In the event the conditional conversion feature of our 2027 Convertible Notes is triggered, holders of our 2027 Convertible Notes will be entitled to convert their notes at any time during specified periods at their option. If one or more holders elect to convert their 2027 Convertible Notes, we would be required to settle the principal portion of our conversion obligation in cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity. In addition, even if holders of our 2027 Convertible Notes do not elect to convert their notes, we could be required under applicable accounting rules to reclassify all or a portion of the outstanding principal of the 2027 Convertible Notes as a current rather than long-term liability, which would result in a material reduction of our net working capital.
Previous wording
Conversion of the Convertible Notes will dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders, including holders who had previously converted their Convertible Notes, or may otherwise depress the price of our common stock.
Current wording
Conversion of the 2027 Convertible Notes will dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders, including holders who had previously converted their 2027 Convertible Notes, or may otherwise depress the price of our common stock.
Previous wording
The conversion of some or all of the Convertible Notes will dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders, as we will deliver shares of our common stock with respect to any excess over principal upon conversion of any of the Convertible Notes. Our Convertible Notes may from time to time in the future be convertible at the option of their holders prior to their scheduled terms under certain circumstances and our 2025 Convertible Notes are now convertible at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date of April 15, 2025. Any sales in the public market of the common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock. In addition, the existence of the Convertible Notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of the Convertible Notes could be used to satisfy short positions, or anticipated conversion of the Convertible Notes into shares of our common stock could depress the price of our common stock.
Current wording
The conversion of some or all of the 2027 Convertible Notes will dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders, as we will deliver shares of our common stock with respect to any excess over principal upon conversion of any of the 2027 Convertible Notes. The 2027 Convertible Notes may from time to time in the future be convertible at the option of their holders prior to their scheduled terms under certain circumstances. Any sales in the public market of the common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock. In addition, the existence of the 2027 Convertible Notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of the 2027 Convertible Notes could be used to satisfy short positions, or anticipated conversion of the 2027 Convertible Notes into shares of our common stock could depress the price of our common stock.
Previous wording
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated substantially in the past and may continue to fluctuate significantly. For example, in Fiscal 2024, our stock price fluctuated from a high of $298.89 to a low of $174.64. Future announcements or disclosures concerning us or any of our competitors, our strategic initiatives, our sales and profitability, our financial condition, any quarterly variations in actual or anticipated operating results or comparable sales, any failure to meet analysts’ expectations and sales of large blocks of our common stock, among other factors, could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. In addition, the stock market has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market price of many retail and other stocks that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies.
Current wording
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated substantially in the past and may continue to fluctuate significantly. For example, in Fiscal 2025, our stock price fluctuated from a high of $315.14 to a low of $212.92. Future announcements or disclosures concerning us or any of our competitors, our strategic initiatives, our sales and profitability, our financial condition, any quarterly variations in actual or anticipated operating results or comparable sales, any failure to meet analysts’ expectations and sales of large blocks of our common stock, among other factors, could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. In addition, the stock market has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market price of many retail and other stocks that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies.