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BURL vs DBI
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Burlington Stores (BURL) vs. Designer Brands (DBI) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Different market scales: BURL (Burlington Stores) is a roughly $17 billion off-price apparel and home retailer, while DBI (Designer Brands) is a small-cap footwear company with a market value near $310 million.
- Contrasting momentum: Burlington has grown sales and expanded margins but saw its stock pull back sharply in recent weeks, while Designer Brands is shrinking comparable sales yet improving profitability.
- Different growth engines: BURL is expanding its store base aggressively, whereas DBI is pivoting toward its Brand Portfolio segment to offset retail softness.
- Profitability trajectories differ: Burlington is guiding to double-digit earnings growth; Designer Brands is guiding to flat-to-slightly-higher sales with modest earnings.
- Risk profiles diverge: DBI carries a higher debt-to-equity ratio and lower liquidity, while BURL holds a stronger balance sheet with no outstanding borrowings.
Introduction
Investors comparing BURL and DBI are examining two very different operators within the consumer discretionary space. Burlington Stores is an off-price retailer selling branded apparel, footwear, accessories, and home goods at discounted prices, while Designer Brands is a designer, producer, and retailer of footwear and accessories operating banners such as DSW and The Shoe Co. This stock comparison is most relevant to traders and investors weighing a large, store-expanding off-price retailer against a smaller, turnaround-oriented footwear business. The contrast in market positioning, growth strategy, and relative performance makes this a useful lens for understanding how momentum and fundamentals can diverge within the same broad sector.
BURL Overview and Recent Performance
Burlington Stores is a national off-price retailer that sells branded merchandise at everyday low prices across more than 1,280 stores. Its strategy, sometimes referenced internally as "Burlington 2.0," emphasizes disciplined buying, faster merchandise flow, and locally tailored assortments. In its most recent reported quarter, total sales rose 11% year over year to roughly $3 billion, while comparable-store sales increased 2% on top of 5% growth a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS), which measures profit attributable to each outstanding share, grew 38% excluding one-time tariff refunds, and the company raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to a range of $11.77 to $11.97.
Despite these results, BURL shares have experienced notable volatility in recent weeks, pulling back after the company's guidance indicated near-term margin compression as it reinvests roughly $55 million of tariff refunds into lower prices. Sentiment has also been shaped by management's caution about spending pressure on moderate- and lower-income households. New-store cannibalization, where recently opened locations reduce sales at nearby existing stores, has also weighed modestly on comparable results.
DBI Overview and Recent Performance
Designer Brands is one of the world's larger designers, producers, and retailers of footwear and accessories. Through banners such as DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Co, and Rubino, it sells national and owned brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Jessica Simpson, and Lucky Brand. In its most recent reported quarter, net sales declined 1.2% year over year to about $730.6 million, and total comparable sales fell 2.4%, partly reflecting softness in seasonal categories such as sandals.
However, profitability improved meaningfully. Adjusted gross margin expanded to 47.9%, and adjusted EPS of $0.34 exceeded analyst expectations. The company raised its full-year guidance, now expecting sales to be flat to up 1% and adjusted EPS of $0.47 to $0.52. Its Brand Portfolio segment grew roughly 18%, driven by strength in Topo and Jessica Simpson. DBI has also reduced its total debt by more than $90 million year over year, though the stock remains down year to date and carries a comparatively low share price relative to its 52-week high.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies operate with fundamentally different business models. Burlington is a pure off-price retailer that benefits from opportunistic buying of excess branded inventory and a value-oriented consumer. Designer Brands combines a full-price footwear retail network with a growing portfolio of owned brands distributed through wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. Where Burlington's growth driver is unit expansion, Designer Brands is focused on margin recovery and brand-building.
On recent momentum, BURL has delivered consistent top-line growth and expanding operating margins, even as its share price corrected from elevated levels. DBI has shown improving profitability on declining comparable sales, indicating a more defensive, efficiency-led trajectory. Risk factors also differ: DBI's higher debt-to-equity ratio and thinner liquidity create a more leveraged profile, while BURL's larger cash position and no outstanding borrowings on its asset-based lending facility provide greater financial flexibility. From a market positioning standpoint, BURL is a large-cap name with an established growth algorithm, whereas DBI is a small-cap turnaround whose valuation reflects both its recovery progress and its execution uncertainty.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor BURL over DBI in the current environment. Burlington demonstrates a more durable growth trajectory supported by store expansion, expanding margins, and a stronger balance sheet, even amid a recent share-price pullback. Designer Brands is making measurable progress on profitability, but its negative comparable sales and smaller, more leveraged footprint suggest a less stable trend profile. The AI's preference is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting BURL's more consistent earnings momentum and broader financial resilience relative to DBI's earlier-stage turnaround.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is BURL is a StrongBuy and DBI is a StrongBuy.
BURL's RSI Oscillator recovers from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for BURL moved out of oversold territory on September 21, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 24 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 23 of the 24 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 4 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +1.62% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BURL advanced for three days, in 219 of 305 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
BURL may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 181 of 250 cases where BURL Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 72%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on BURL as a result. In 64 of 95 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for BURL turned negative on October 21, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 31 of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 74%.
The 50-day moving average for BURL moved below the 200-day moving average on September 25, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BURL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 25 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 73 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: BURL's P/B Ratio (7.925) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.839). P/E Ratio (22.238) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.245). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.955) is also within normal values, averaging (0.517). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.064) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.212) is also within normal values, averaging (0.652).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 73 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. BURL’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 76 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. BURL’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 86, placing this stock worse than average.
DBI in +9.56% Uptrend, rising for three consecutive days on October 15, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. Considering data from situations where DBI advanced for three days, in 222 of 278 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on DBI as a result. In 69 of 97 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for DBI just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where DBI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
DBI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for DBI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 20 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 51 of 57 cases where DBI's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 89%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where DBI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 84%.
DBI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for DBI entered a downward trend on October 20, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 40 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: DBI's P/B Ratio (1.112) is slightly lower than the industry average of (2.954). P/E Ratio (18.714) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.630). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.190) is also within normal values, averaging (0.949). Dividend Yield (0.031) settles around the average of (0.022) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.110) is also within normal values, averaging (1.252).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. DBI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 81 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 86 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. DBI’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 90, placing this stock worse than average.
BURL | DBI | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 85 | 26 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 73 Overvalued | 40 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 25 | 81 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 73 | 44 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 76 | 86 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 25 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
DBI's Valuation (40) in the Apparel Or Footwear Retail industry is somewhat better than the same rating for BURL (73). This means that DBI’s stock grew somewhat faster than BURL’s over the last 12 months.
DBI's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Apparel Or Footwear Retail industry is in the same range as BURL (100). This means that DBI’s stock grew similarly to BURL’s over the last 12 months.
BURL's SMR Rating (25) in the Apparel Or Footwear Retail industry is somewhat better than the same rating for DBI (81). This means that BURL’s stock grew somewhat faster than DBI’s over the last 12 months.
DBI's Price Growth Rating (44) in the Apparel Or Footwear Retail industry is in the same range as BURL (73). This means that DBI’s stock grew similarly to BURL’s over the last 12 months.
BURL's P/E Growth Rating (76) in the Apparel Or Footwear Retail industry is in the same range as DBI (86). This means that BURL’s stock grew similarly to DBI’s over the last 12 months.
| BURL | DBI | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 89% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 78% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 78% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 76% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 14 days ago 72% | 8 days ago 80% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 4 days ago 84% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 87% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 71% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
BURL’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while DBI’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- BURL’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- DBI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
BURL’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while DBI’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- BURL’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- DBI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
BURL (@Apparel/Footwear Retail) experienced а -5.66% price change this week, while DBI (@Wholesale Distributors) price change was +2.02% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Apparel/Footwear Retail industry was -2.09%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.41%, and the average quarterly price growth was -9.35%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Wholesale Distributors industry was -3.86%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was +5.10%.
Reported Earning Dates
BURL is expected to report earnings on Nov 24, 2026.
DBI is expected to report earnings on Dec 08, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Apparel/Footwear Retail (-2.09% weekly)Companies in the apparel and/or footwear retail industry sell clothing, accessories and footwear, for different age groups and genders. The industry’s product categories could range from basics, such as underwear, to luxury items. Some retailers source items from wholesalers or an apparel brand to sell in their stores; some others are licensed to make and market their own retail goods under particular brands. Several companies outsource production of clothing to developing/emerging economies where labor costs are relatively inexpensive. Apparel retail is often influenced by fashion trends, and many companies feel the need to adapt to what’s “in vogue” to retain customers and attract new ones. A major disruption in this industry has been the burgeoning trend in digital shopping – to compete with rapidly growing e-commerce, even traditional retail players are upping the ante on their online platforms. Much of the products’ performance in apparel/footwear retail is cyclical, i.e., economic boom times encourage consumer spending, while recessions induce thriftiness among people. Some large-cap U.S. apparel/footwear retail companies include TJX Companies Inc., Ross Stores, Inc., Lululemon Athletica Inc. and Burlington Stores, Inc.
@Wholesale Distributors (-3.86% weekly)Companies in this industry handle the wholesale shipments for the manufacturer of a product. They have warehouses and distribution centers, and they ship products directly to the retailer. Digitization, increasing competition, emerging customer demand, and product innovation are some of shifts that the industry has been facing in recent times – something that is potentially creating needs/opportunities for business model revisions or transformations. Data, analytics, and technology are becoming increasingly important for whole distributors in anticipating and analyzing consumer needs, and therefore planning their business strategies accordingly. Fastenal Company, W.W. Grainger, Inc., Genuine Parts Company and Pool Corporation are some of the largest names in the business.
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BURL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, BURL has been loosely correlated with ROST. These tickers have moved in lockstep 52% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if BURL jumps, then ROST could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To BURL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BURL | 100% | +1.81% | ||
| ROST - BURL | 52% Loosely correlated | +1.06% | ||
| TJX - BURL | 44% Loosely correlated | +1.28% | ||
| DBI - BURL | 41% Loosely correlated | +8.26% | ||
| SHOE - BURL | 34% Loosely correlated | +7.56% | ||
| CAL - BURL | 32% Poorly correlated | +4.95% | ||
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