BUCKLE INC 8-K

What Happened

• Buckle, Inc. (BKE) filed a Form 8-K (Item 5.02) reporting that Kari G. Smith (Executive Vice President of Stores) and Michelle M. Hoffman (Senior Vice President of Sales) will retire effective February 13, 2026. The Company announced the retirements on January 23, 2026.
• Following their last day, each executive signed a Separation Agreement and General Release of Claims: Ms. Hoffman on February 16, 2026, and Ms. Smith on February 18, 2026.

Key Details

• Each separation agreement provides a one-time cash payment equal to 26 weeks of pay based on their most recent annual salary (as disclosed in Buckle’s 2025 Proxy Statement filed April 23, 2025).
• Each will also receive a one-time cash payment of $20,000 in lieu of COBRA healthcare continuation reimbursement.
• Reported under Form 8-K Item 5.02 (departure of directors or certain officers).

Why It Matters

• These are planned, orderly leadership exits in two senior store and sales roles; the company has disclosed the cash costs tied to the separations.
• For investors, the items to watch next are announcements of successors or interim leadership and any potential impacts on store operations and sales execution. The disclosed payments represent a one-time compensation expense; the filing does not report additional ongoing obligations.