Big Lots sees Q4 comp sales improving vs. Q3 to high-single-digit negative range

The company states: “For the fourth quarter, the company expects comp sales to improve relative to the third quarter and be in the high-single-digit negative range, as key actions to improve the business continue to gain traction. The 53rd week is expected to contribute approximately 400 basis points of sales benefit compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. This benefit will be partially offset by a net decrease in store count which will have an unfavorable impact of approximately 300 basis points of sales. With regard to gross margin rate, the company expects the rate to improve to approximately 38% 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 2022, 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 fourth 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 Q4 adjusted operating result to be ahead of last year. The company expects a share count of approximately 29.3 million for the fourth quarter.”