Big Lots (BIG) Tops Q4 EPS by 38c, Revenues Miss, Comp. Sales Up. 3.1%; Offers Q1 EPS Guidance Below Consensus, FY19 EPS Mid-Point Below Consensus

Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) reported Q4 EPS of $2.68, $0.38 better than the analyst estimate of $2.30. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.6 million versus the consensus estimate of $1.6 million.

• Income of $2.68 per diluted share compared to last year's adjusted income of $2.57 per diluted share (non-GAAP), exceeding our previously communicated guidance of $2.20 to $2.40 per diluted share
• Comparable store sales increase 3.1%, exceeding our previously communicated guidance of flat to +2%

Mr. Thorn continued, "I am particularly proud of the team's focus to deliver the all-important fourth quarter while also undertaking a strategic review of our competitive positioning and our opportunities for long-term, profitable sales growth. As mentioned on our December earnings call, we've engaged an industry leading consultative firm to help us take an outside in view of our business and there was significant progress and learnings achieved during the quarter. I look forward to sharing an update on this topic on our earnings call later this morning, and future updates in the months and quarters ahead."

GUIDANCE:

Big Lots sees Q1 2019 EPS of $0.65-$0.75, versus the consensus of $0.92.

Big Lots sees FY2019 EPS of $3.55-$3.75, versus the consensus of $3.66.

• Forecasting comparable store sales to increase in the low single digit range
• Forecasting cash flow (cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures) of approximately $95 to $105 million
• Forecasting cash returned to shareholders of approximately $100 million, including share repurchases and quarterly dividend payments

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Big Lots (BIG) click here.

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