Big Lots misses expectations in first quarter

Big Lots Inc. (BIG) reported net sales of $1.26 billion for the first quarter, down from $1.29 billion in the first quarter of 2017, hurt by a drop in comparable store sales and a lower store count year-over-year. Comparable store sales fell 3%.

Net income dropped to $31.2 million or $0.74 per diluted share during the quarter from $52 million or $1.15 per diluted share in the prior-year period. Adjusted net income totaled $40 million or $0.95 per diluted share. The company missed market estimates on revenue and adjusted EPS numbers which sent the stock plummeting more than 9% in premarket trade.

Inventory at the end of Q1 2018 rose 1.6% to $850 million while cash and cash equivalents stood at $65 million at quarter-end. During the quarter, the company returned $14 million to shareholders through dividends. On May 31, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per common share, payable on June 29, 2018, to shareholders of record on June 15, 2018.

For Q2 2018, net income is estimated to be $0.60 to $0.70 per diluted share, and comparable store sales are expected to be flat to up 2%. For full-year 2018, Big Lots expects adjusted net income to be $4.50 to $4.70 per diluted share while comparable store sales are expected to increase around 1%.