Big Lots sees Q1 comp sales to improve relative to Q4

For the first quarter of fiscal 2024, the company expects comp sales to improve relative to the fourth quarter and be in the mid-single-digit negative range, as key actions to improve the business continue to gain traction. With regard to gross margin rate, the company expects the rate to improve significantly versus the prior year, up between 200-250 basis points, driven by reduced markdown activity, lower freight costs, and cost reduction and productivity initiatives. The company expects adjusted SG&A dollars to be down by a low-single digit percentage versus 2023, including the impact of additional expense from the recently completed sale and leaseback. The company does not expect to recognize any tax benefit in the first quarter as management expects to remain in a three-year cumulative loss position, which requires the company to record valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, including those related to net operating losses. The company is not providing EPS guidance at this point, but does expect its Q1 adjusted operating loss to be lower than last year. The company expects a share count of approximately 29.4 million for the first quarter.