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Big Lots Inc.$38.00($.42)(1.08%)

    Big Lots Reports First Quarter Adjusted EPS From Continuing Operations Of $0.68 Per Diluted Share
    Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 6:00:00 AM ET
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Big Lots, Inc. (BIG) today reported income from continuing operations of $40.8 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 ended April 28, 2012. As previously disclosed in our March 2, 2012 press release, we incurred an after-tax charge of $3.4 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, during the first quarter related to an inventory accounting change associated with the successful implementation of new retail inventory systems. Excluding this non-recurring, non-cash charge, adjusted income from continuing operations totaled $44.2 million, or $0.68 per diluted share (non-GAAP), for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. This compares to income from continuing operations of $52.5 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20011026/BIGLOTSLOGO )

FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

Adjusted income from continuing operations of $0.68 per diluted share (non-GAAP) versus income from continuing operations of $0.70 per diluted share last year

Generated $108 million of Cash Flow (defined as operating activities less investing activities)

Opened 10 new stores

Invested $99 million to repurchase 2.5 million shares and completed our 2011 $400 million share repurchase program by repurchasing 11.7 million shares, or 16% of our outstanding shares, at an average price per share of $34.11

                                 EPS from Continuing Operations
                                                 Q1 ’12 (1)       Q1 ’11 (2)
U.S. Operations                                  $0.72            $0.70
Add back: Inventory charge                       $0.05            -
U.S. Operations - adjusted basis                 $0.77            $0.70
Canada Operations (3)                            ($0.09)          -
Consolidated - adjusted basis                    $0.68            $0.70
(1) Non-GAAP
(2) GAAP
(3) Canadian operations were acquired on July 18, 2011. Based on materiality, we have not provided pro-forma 2011 results.

First Quarter Results

U.S. Operations

Net sales for U.S. operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 increased 2.8% to $1,262.2 million, compared to $1,227.3 million for the same period of fiscal 2011. Comparable store sales for U.S. stores open at least fifteen months decreased 0.8% for the quarter. Adjusted income from continuing U.S. operations totaled $0.77 per diluted share (non-GAAP) compared to income from continuing operations of $0.70 per diluted share for the same period of fiscal 2011.

Canadian Operations

Net sales for Canadian operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 totaled $32.2 million, while incurring a net loss of $6.1 million, or $0.09 per diluted share (non-GAAP). We acquired our Canadian operations on July 18, 2011. Based on materiality to our total operations, we are not required to and have not provided pro-forma information for Canadian operations.

Inventory and Cash Management

On a consolidated basis, inventory ended the first quarter of fiscal 2012 at $848 million compared to $785 million last year. The increase of approximately 8% represents growth in the number of U.S. stores, approximately 1% per store growth of inventory in our U.S. stores, and our Canadian acquisition.

We ended the first quarter of fiscal 2012 with $83 million of Cash and Cash Equivalents and no borrowings under our credit facility compared to $284 million of Cash and Cash Equivalents and no borrowings under our credit facility as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Our net use of cash and debt during the last twelve months was focused on share repurchase activity, acquiring and funding our Canadian operations, and repaying borrowings under our credit facility offset by positive cash flow (defined as operating activities less investing activities) generated by our U.S. business.

Share Repurchase Activity

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we invested $99 million to repurchase 2.5 million of our shares at an average price of $39.32 per share. This activity exhausted our 2011 share repurchase program which resulted in a total investment of $400 million to repurchase 11.7 million shares at an average share price of $34.11 per share.

On May 22, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program ("2012 share repurchase program") providing for the repurchase of up to $200 million of our common shares. The $200 million authorization is expected to be utilized to repurchase shares in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. Common shares acquired through the repurchase program will be available to meet obligations under equity compensation plans and for general corporate purposes. The 2012 share repurchase program is eligible to begin on May 25, 2012 and will continue until exhausted.

FISCAL Q2 2012 GUIDANCE

Provides initial Q2 guidance for income from continuing operations of $0.37 to $0.42 per diluted share versus income from continuing operations of $0.50 per diluted share for the same period last year

Provides initial Q2 guidance for U.S. comparable store sales in a range of slightly positive to slightly negative

For the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we estimate consolidated income from continuing operations will be in the range of $0.37 to $0.42 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations of $0.50 per diluted share for the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

We estimate income from U.S. operations in a range of $0.44 to $0.49 per diluted share (non-GAAP), compared to last year’s $0.52 per diluted share (non-GAAP). This is based on U.S. comparable store sales in a range of slightly positive to slightly negative and a total U.S. sales increase in the range of 3% to 4%.

Sales from our Canadian operations are expected to be in the range of $32 to $35 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2012, resulting in an operating loss in the range of $4 to $6 million, or $0.07 to $0.10 per diluted share (non-GAAP).

2012 OUTLOOK

Updates fiscal 2012 annual guidance for adjusted income from continuing operations to $3.25 to $3.40 per diluted share (non-GAAP) versus income from continuing operations of $2.99 per diluted share for fiscal 2011

Updates fiscal 2012 U.S. comparable stores sales estimates to be in a range of flat to 1% increase

Updates Cash Flow guidance to $190 million

Based on first quarter operating results and our expectations for the second fiscal quarter, we now estimate our fiscal 2012 consolidated adjusted income from continuing operations to be in the range of $3.25 to $3.40 per diluted share (non-GAAP), compared to our prior guidance of $3.40 to $3.50 per diluted share (non-GAAP). We have revised our Cash Flow guidance to $190 million compared to our prior guidance of $200 million.

We now estimate adjusted income from U.S. operations will be in the range of $3.50 to $3.60 per diluted share (non-GAAP), compared to our prior guidance of $3.63 to $3.73 per diluted share (non-GAAP). This is based on U.S. comparable store sales in the range of flat to a 1% increase and a total U.S. sales increase in the range of 5.5% to 6.5%.

For our Canadian operations, sales are expected to be in the range of $142 to $152 million for fiscal 2012 resulting in an operating loss in the range of $14 to $16 million, or $0.23 to $0.26 per diluted share (non-GAAP).

EPS from Continuing Operations(non-GAAP) Full Year                                     Q2
                                         2012 Guidance          2011                   2012 Guidance                               2011
U.S. Operations                          $3.45 - $3.55          $3.18                  $0.44 - $0.49                               $0.52
Add back: Inventory charge               $0.05                  -                      -                                           -
U.S. Operations - adjusted basis         $3.50 - $3.60          $3.18                  $0.44 - $0.49                               $0.52
Canada Operations (1)                    ($0.23) - ($0.26)      ($0.19)                ($0.07) - ($0.10)                           ($0.02)
Consolidated - adjusted basis            $3.25 - $3.40          $2.99(2)               $0.37 - $0.42                               $0.50 (2)
(1) Canadian operations were acquired on July 18, 2011. Based on materiality, we have not provided pro-forma fiscal 2011 results.
(2) All results presented above are on a non-GAAP basis with the exception of Full Year 2011 and Q2 2011 Consolidated EPS.

Conference Call/Webcast

We will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. to discuss our financial results for the first quarter and provide commentary on our outlook for fiscal 2012. We invite you to listen to the webcast of the conference call through the Investor Relations section of our website (www.biglots.com).

If you are unable to join the live webcast, an archive of the call will be available through the Investor Relations section of our website (www.biglots.com) beginning two hours after the call ends and will remain available through midnight on Wednesday, June 6. A replay of the call will be available beginning today at 12:00 noon through June 6 at midnight by dialing: 1.888.203.1112 (United States and Canada) or 1.719.457.0820 (International). The Replay Confirmation Code is 1866714. All times are Eastern Time.

Big Lots is North America’s largest broadline closeout retailer. As of May 23, 2012, we operated 1,459 BIG LOTS stores in the 48 contiguous United States and 82 LIQUIDATION WORLD and LW stores in Canada. Wholesale operations are conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, and WISCONSIN TOY and with online sales at www.biglotswholesale.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and such statements are intended to qualify for the protection of the safe harbor provided by the Act. The words "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "objective," "goal," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "will," "should," "may," "target," "forecast," "guidance," "outlook" and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. Similarly, descriptions of our objectives, strategies, plans, goals or targets are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to the expectations of management as to future occurrences and trends, including statements expressing optimism or pessimism about future operating results or events and projected sales, earnings, capital expenditures and business strategy. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Forward-looking statements are and will be based upon management’s then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. Although we believe the expectations expressed in forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge, forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, any one or a combination of which could materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Forward-looking statements that we make herein and in other reports and releases are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the current economic and credit crisis, the cost of goods, our inability to successfully execute strategic initiatives, competitive pressures, economic pressures on our customers and us, the availability of brand name closeout merchandise, trade restrictions, freight costs, the risks discussed in the Risk Factors section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other factors discussed from time to time in our other filings with the SEC, including Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. This release should be read in conjunction with such filings, and you should consider all of these risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating forward-looking statements.

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our public announcements and SEC filings.

BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
                                                       APRIL 28     APRIL 30
                                                       2012         2011
                                                       (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)
                 ASSETS
Current assets:
                 Cash and cash equivalents             $82,571      $283,895
                 Inventories                           847,655      784,865
                 Deferred income taxes                 45,997       51,136
                 Other current assets                  68,646       63,206
                 Total current assets                  1,044,869    1,183,102
Property and equipment - net                           569,146      521,925
Deferred income taxes                                  3,402        10,786
Goodwill                                               15,030       0
Other assets                                           44,358       42,009
                                                       $1,676,805   $1,757,822
                 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
                 Accounts payable                      $433,505     $372,425
                 Property, payroll and other taxes     79,106       79,845
                 Accrued operating expenses            100,327      60,270
                 Insurance reserves                    35,441       37,848
                 KB bankruptcy lease obligation        3,069        3,452
                 Accrued salaries and wages            25,307       24,222
                 Income taxes payable                  19,303       32,792
                 Total current liabilities             696,058      610,854
Long-term obligations under bank credit facility       0            0
Deferred rent                                          62,016       44,924
Insurance reserves                                     50,811       47,077
Unrecognized tax benefits                              17,274       18,221
Other liabilities                                      41,219       29,930
Shareholders’ equity                                   809,427      1,006,816
                                                       $1,676,805   $1,757,822
BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
                                                                                               13 WEEKS ENDED                         13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                                                               APRIL 28, 2012                         APRIL 30, 2011
                                                                                                                              %                                    %
                                                                                               (Unaudited)                            (Unaudited)
Net sales                                                                                      $1,294,481                     100.0   $1,227,274                   100.0
            Gross margin                                                                       512,449                        39.6    494,129                      40.3
            Selling and administrative expenses                                                418,319                        32.3    387,167                      31.5
            Depreciation expense                                                               25,288                         2.0     20,664                       1.7
Operating profit                                                                               68,842                         5.3     86,298                       7.0
            Interest expense                                                                   (336)                          (0.0)   (501)                        (0.0)
            Other income (expense)                                                             37                             0.0     112                          0.0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes                                          68,543                         5.3     85,909                       7.0
            Income tax expense                                                                 27,763                         2.1     33,378                       2.7
Income from continuing operations                                                              40,780                         3.2     52,531                       4.3
            Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $22 and $40, respectively (34)                           (0.0)   (60)                         (0.0)
Net income                                                                                     $40,746                        3.1     $52,471                      4.3
Earnings per common share - basic (a)
            Continuing operations                                                              $0.64                                  $0.71
            Discontinued operations                                                            0.00                                   0.00
            Net income                                                                         $0.64                                  $0.71
Earnings per common share - diluted (a)
            Continuing operations                                                              $0.63                                  $0.70
            Discontinued operations                                                            0.00                                   0.00
            Net income                                                                         $0.63                                  $0.70
Weighted average common shares outstanding
            Basic                                                                              64,119                                 74,047
            Dilutive effect of share-based awards                                              1,046                                  1,219
            Diluted                                                                            65,165                                 75,266
(a)         The earnings per share for Continuing Operations, Discontinued Operations and Net Income are separately calculated in accordance with accounting pronouncements; therefore, the sum of earnings per share for Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations may differ, due to rounding, from the calculated earnings per share of Net Income.
BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT OPERATING PERFORMANCE
(In thousands, except per share data)
                                                                                          13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                                                          APRIL 28, 2012 (a)
                                                                                          U.S.                                                               Canada       Consolidated
                                                                                          (Unaudited)                                                        (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)
Net sales                                                                                 $1,262,235                                                         $32,246      $1,294,481
                        Gross margin                                                      500,945                                                            11,504       512,449
                        Selling and administrative expenses                               401,526                                                            16,793       418,319
                        Depreciation expense                                              24,424                                                             864          25,288
Operating profit (loss)                                                                   74,995                                                             (6,153)      68,842
                        Interest expense                                                  (336)                                                              0            (336)
                        Other income (expense)                                            0                                                                  37           37
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes                              74,659                                                             (6,116)      68,543
                        Income tax expense                                                27,763                                                             0            27,763
Income (loss) from continuing operations                                                  46,896                                                             (6,116)      40,780
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations (b)                   $0.72                                                              ($0.09)      $0.63
(a)                     The consolidated results of operations are comprised of the U.S. and Canadian operating segments. Prior year results are not presented as we operated only one segment during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.
(b)                     The diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by segment are separately calculated; therefore, the sum of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by segment may differ, due to rounding, from the calculated consolidated diluted earnings per share from continuing operations. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by segment is a "non-GAAP financial measure," as that term is defined by Rule 101 of Regulation G (17 CFR Part 244) and Item 10 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR Part 229), which our management believes is useful information to investors.
BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
                                                              13 WEEKS ENDED  13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                              APRIL 28, 2012  APRIL 30, 2011
                                                              (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)
                   Net cash provided by operating activities  $125,582        $125,545
                   Net cash used in investing activities      (17,989)        (19,099)
                   Net cash used in financing activities      (93,648)        (90)
                   Impact of foreign currency on cash         79              -
Increase in cash and cash equivalents                         14,024          106,356
                   Cash and cash equivalents:
                   Beginning of period                        68,547          177,539
                   End of period                              $82,571         $283,895

BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)

The following table reconciles gross margin, gross margin rate, operating profit, operating profit rate, income tax expense, effective income tax rate, income from continuing operations, net income, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2012 for our consolidated and U.S. segment results (GAAP financial measures) to adjusted gross margin, adjusted gross margin rate, adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating profit rate, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted effective income tax rate, adjusted income from continuing operations, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, and adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP financial measures).

First quarter of 2012 - Thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012
Consolidated Results
                                                      As reported  Adjustment to exclude                     As Adjusted
                                                                   change in inventory accounting principle  (non-GAAP)
Gross margin                                          $ 512,449    $ 5,574                                   $ 518,023
Gross margin rate                                     39.6%        0.4%                                      40.0%
Operating profit                                      68,842       5,574                                     74,416
Operating profit rate                                 5.3%         0.4%                                      5.7%
Income tax expense                                    27,763       2,186                                     29,949
Effective income tax rate                             40.5%        -0.1%                                     40.4%
Income from continuing operations                     40,780       3,388                                     44,168
Net income                                            40,746       3,388                                     44,134
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.63       $ 0.05                                    $ 0.68
Diluted earnings per share                            $ 0.63       $ 0.05                                    $ 0.68
U.S. Segment Results
                                                      As reported  Adjustment to exclude                     As Adjusted
                                                                   change in inventory                       (non-GAAP)
                                                                   accounting principle
Gross margin                                          $ 500,945    $ 5,574                                   $ 506,519
Gross margin rate                                     39.7%        0.4%                                      40.1%
Operating profit                                      74,995       5,574                                     80,569
Operating profit rate                                 5.9%         0.5%                                      6.4%
Income tax expense                                    27,763       2,186                                     29,949
Effective income tax rate                             37.2%        0.1%                                      37.3%
Income from continuing operations                     46,896       3,388                                     50,284
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.72       $ 0.05                                    $ 0.77

The adjusted gross margin, adjusted gross margin rate, adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating profit rate, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted effective income tax rate, adjusted income from continuing operations, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, and adjusted diluted earnings per share are "non-GAAP financial measures" as that term is defined by Rule 101 of Regulation G (17 CFR Part 244) and Item 10 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR Part 229). These non-GAAP financial measures exclude from the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") a pretax charge for a change in an accounting principle associated with our implementation of new inventory management information systems of $5,574 ($3,388, net of tax).

Our management believes that the disclosure of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors because the non-GAAP financial measures present an alternative and appropriate method for measuring our operating performance, excluding certain items included in the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, along with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, in evaluating our operating performance.

SOURCE Big Lots, Inc.

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