PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Timothy A. Johnson | |
| Vice President, Strategic | ||
| Planning and Investor Relations | ||
| 614-278-6622 | ||
BIG LOTS REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR RESULTS FOR 2006
COMPANY PROVIDES INITIAL GUIDANCE FOR 2007
COMPANY COMMUNICATES 3-YEAR OUTLOOK
COMPANY ANNOUNCES $600 MILLION SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Columbus, Ohio - March 9, 2007 - Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE: BIG) today reported fourth quarter fiscal 2006 net income of $104.3 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, compared to net income of $14.7 million, or $0.13 per diluted share for the same period of fiscal 2005. For the fifty-three week fiscal year ended February 3, 2007, net income was $124.0 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $10.1 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the fifty-two week fiscal year in 2005. Results include both the continuing operations of the business and discontinued operations.
Discontinued Operations
As discussed in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 13, 2006, activity related to KB Toys, a former division of the Company, as well as the operating results and costs associated with 130 stores closed in January 2006 are classified as discontinued operations. For the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 3, 2007, net income from discontinued operations totaled $12.7 million and $11.4 million, respectively, compared to a net loss of $23.0 million and $25.8 million, respectively, for the fourth quarter and full year periods of fiscal 2005.
Continuing Operations
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the income from continuing operations was $91.6 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations of $37.7 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the same period of fiscal 2005. For the fifty-three week fiscal year ended February 3, 2007, income from continuing operations was $112.6 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations of $15.7 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the fifty-two week fiscal year in 2005.
 | Shareholder Relations Department 300 Phillipi Road Columbus, Ohio 43228-5311 Phone: (614) 278-6622 Fax: (614) 278-6666 E-mail: aschmidt@biglots.com |
FULL YEAR FISCAL 2006 HIGHLIGHTS
| · | Income from continuing operations of $1.01 per diluted share versus income from continuing operations of $0.14 per diluted share last year |
| · | Comparable store sales increase of 4.6% |
| · | Operating profit expansion of 290 basis points |
| · | Record $351 million of Cash Flow (defined as operating activities less investing activities) |
| · | Record inventory turnover of 3.4 |
| · | Completed $150 million Share Repurchase program |
Commenting on fiscal year 2006 results, Steve Fishman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, “We made Big Lots a stronger company in 2006 by staying focused on our WIN strategy and holding our team accountable. Quarter by quarter, our execution improved and the merchandise offering in our stores got better and better. During 2006, we restored consistency in comp sales growth, turned inventory faster, and generated more cash than any other period in the Company’s history. We reinvested in our business and returned cash to our shareholders by spending $150 million to repurchase 9.4 million shares of the Company’s stock. Our organization worked extremely hard over the last 12 months and I firmly believe that the WIN strategy is working and we’re seeing the benefits of our efforts in these results. We are equally as excited about what we learned throughout 2006 which served as the basis for our strategies that have been developed for the next three years.”
FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
| · | Income from continuing operations of $0.83 per diluted share versus income from continuing operations of $0.33 per diluted share last year |
| · | Comparable store sales increase of 4.9% |
| · | Gross margin rate of 40.5%, up 340 basis points to last year |
| · | Expense rate of 31.6%, an improvement of 100 basis points to last year |
| · | Record Cash Flow and inventory turnover |
Fourth Quarter Results
Fourth quarter net sales for the fourteen week fiscal quarter ended February 3, 2007, increased 10.8% to $1,545.4 million, compared to $1,394.9 million for the thirteen week fourth quarter in fiscal 2005. Comparable store sales for stores open at least two years at the beginning of the fiscal year increased 4.9% for the quarter.
Operating profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 was $137.0 million, or 8.9% of sales, compared to last year’s operating profit of $62.8 million, or 4.5% of sales. The improvement in operating profit performance resulted from the Company’s 4.9% comparable store sales increase, a higher gross margin rate, and the continuation of expense leverage compared to the prior year. The Company’s gross margin rate increased 340 basis points compared to last year principally due to improved merchandising and inventory management throughout the entire year which led to significantly less clearance merchandise compared to the prior year. Expenses as a percent of sales improved by 100 basis points resulting primarily from store and distribution center efficiencies associated with lower inventory levels and improved timing of inventory flow.
| | Shareholder Relations Department 300 Phillipi Road Columbus, Ohio 43228-5311 Phone: (614) 278-6622 Fax: (614) 278-6666 E-mail: aschmidt@biglots.com |
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company recorded net interest income of $1.9 million, a $3.0 million improvement compared to last year, which was directly attributable to the improved cash generation of the business over the last 12 months.
Inventory and Cash Management
Inventory ended the quarter at $758 million, down 9% or $78 million compared to last year. Lower inventory value resulted from a decline in store count along with an 8% decline in average store inventory levels year over year. For the fourth quarter, the Company achieved record inventory turnover results driven by improving inventory management and timely flow of merchandise along with strength in comparable store sales. Inventory turnover performance combined with improving operating results yielded higher Cash Flow for the fourth quarter compared to last year. Cash Flow for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 was $304 million compared to approximately $230 million of Cash Flow during the same period last year. The Company ended the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 with no debt and total cash and investments of $282 million, an increase of $280 million over the prior year.
Share Repurchase Update
As announced in February of 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150 million of the Company’s common shares. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company completed its $150 million program by purchasing 702,489 shares at a weighted average cost of $22.78. For fiscal 2006, the Company invested $150 million to repurchase 9,434,610 shares at a weighted average price of $15.90 per share. The shares repurchased represent approximately 8% of the total outstanding shares at the beginning of fiscal 2006.
Discontinued Operations
The Company reported income from discontinued operations of $12.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $23.0 million in fiscal year 2005. The income from discontinued operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 was principally comprised of $13.5 million due to the release of a portion of the Company’s KB Toys business bankruptcy-related indemnification reserves and $0.6 million related to the release of a portion of the remaining lease obligations of the 130 stores closed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005; partially offset by a $1.4 million loss due to the sale of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts distribution center (formerly owned by the KB Toys business). The Company’s loss from discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005 included $22.6 million primarily related to exit costs of the 130 stores closed, $1.0 million associated with the write down of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts distribution center to fair value less selling cost, upon classification as held for sale, partially offset by $0.6 million of income for the reversal of liabilities associated with the KB Toys business.
2007 OUTLOOK
| · | Initial Fiscal 2007 annual guidance for income from continuing operations of $1.18 to $1.23 per share versus income from continuing operations of $1.01 per share last year |
| · | Initial annual Cash Flow guidance of approximately $180 million |
| · | Initial Q1 guidance for income from continuing operations of $0.18 to $0.22 versus income from continuing operations of $0.13 per share last year |
| | Shareholder Relations Department 300 Phillipi Road Columbus, Ohio 43228-5311 Phone: (614) 278-6622 Fax: (614) 278-6666 E-mail: aschmidt@biglots.com |
The Company anticipates fiscal 2007 income from continuing operations of $1.18 to $1.23 per diluted share compared to income from continuing operations of $1.01 per diluted share for fiscal 2006. This guidance for EPS growth in the range of 17% to 22% compared to last year is based on an expected increase in comparable store sales of approximately 3% and continued expense leverage. Expense leverage at the planned 3% comparable store sales increase is expected to be in the range of 50 to 70 basis points. The Company estimates that a comparable store sales increase of approximately 1% is needed to leverage the expense structure of the business. The gross margin rate for fiscal 2007 is expected to be essentially flat to fiscal 2006.
The Company projects its income tax rate to be in the range of 36.0% to 39.0%. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $70 to $75 million with depreciation expense estimated to be in the range of $90 to $95 million. The Company estimates this financial performance combined with an inventory turnover of 3.5 times should result in Cash Flow of approximately $180 million.
For the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company’s guidance calls for a 4% to 6% comparable store sales increase. Based on this level of sales performance, the Company’s earnings are estimated to be in the range of $0.18 to $0.22 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2006 of $0.13 per diluted share.
LONG RANGE OUTLOOK THROUGH FISCAL 2009
| · | Target annual EPS growth rate of 20% |
| · | Target operating profit rate of approximately 5.5% by fiscal 2009 |
| · | Cumulative capital expenditures of approximately $170 to $190 million |
| · | Cumulative Cash Flow of approximately $550 to $600 million |
| · | $600 million share repurchase program to begin in 2007 |
During August of 2005, the Company introduced its WIN Strategy (What’s Important Now). The Company indicated at that time that WIN would be comprised of 3 distinctive phases: Discovery, Testing and Learning, and Execution. The Discovery phase (Q3 and Q4 of 2005) included tactical decisions to improve near-term performance along with the development of strategic changes to be implemented or tested during fiscal 2006. Throughout the Testing and Learning phase (fiscal 2006), the Company implemented or tested several merchandising, marketing, and operational strategies to better understand the business’ future potential. With the tactical changes made and the knowledge gained from testing and learning, the Company is entering the Execution phase, focusing on fiscal 2007 through fiscal 2009. The long-term view includes the learnings of the last 18 months and encompasses a complete assessment of all areas of the Company’s operations in order to identify the key growth initiatives and strategic investments needed to improve the long-term fitness of the business. The Execution phase is a strategic and executable roadmap focused on expanding the operating profit rate, driving sustainable EPS growth, and generating significant Cash Flow to reinvest in the business or return to shareholders.
| | Shareholder Relations Department 300 Phillipi Road Columbus, Ohio 43228-5311 Phone: (614) 278-6622 Fax: (614) 278-6666 E-mail: aschmidt@biglots.com |
Based on the detailed strategies underlying the Execution phase (fiscal 2007 - fiscal 2009), the Company announced a three-year financial outlook based on the following assumptions: 1) an annual comparable store sales increase of approximately 3% with sales approaching $170 per selling square foot; 2) a gross margin rate that is essentially flat to actual 2006 results; and 3) expense leverage in the areas of stores, distribution and transportation, insurance costs, and lower depreciation expense based on disciplined capital allocation. Based on these longer-term assumptions, the Company has estimated that the operating profit rate would be approximately 5.5% by fiscal 2009. This operating profit rate expansion would translate to earnings per share of approximately $1.75 by fiscal 2009, or 20% annual compounded growth over the three year period.
Cash Flow for the next three years is anticipated to be approximately $550 to $600 million. Cash Flow estimates include the operating profit growth mentioned above along with an estimated $170 to $190 million of capital expenditures. Additionally, the Company expects to achieve improvements in payables leverage and expects inventory turnover to reach approximately 3.7 by fiscal 2009.
The Company also announced today its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $600 million of the Company’s common shares commencing immediately and continuing until exhausted. Based on the current share price and number of shares outstanding, the program would allow the Company to acquire approximately 22% of its outstanding shares. The Company believes that the repurchase plan builds value for shareholders. The size of the repurchase program fits well within the Company’s capital structure and long range view of its Cash Flow potential. The Company said it expects the purchases to be made from time to time in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions at the Company's 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.
Conference Call/Webcast
The Company will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company's fourth quarter and fiscal 2006 financial results, its fiscal 2007 financial guidance, and provide commentary on the Company’s three year outlook. The Company invites you to listen to the webcast of the conference call through the Investors 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 Investors section of our website (www.biglots.com) beginning two hours after the call ends and will remain available through midnight on Sunday, March 25. A replay of the call will also be available beginning March 9 at 12:00 noon (Eastern Time) through March 25 at midnight by dialing: 1.800.207.7077 (United States and Canada) or 1.913.383.5767 (International or metro-Seattle). The PIN is 5326.
Big Lots is the nation’s largest broadline closeout retailer. The Company currently operates 1,375 BIG LOTS stores in 47 states. Wholesale operations are conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, WISCONSIN TOY and with online sales at www.biglotswholesale.com. The Company’s website is located at www.biglots.com.
| | Shareholder Relations Department 300 Phillipi Road Columbus, Ohio 43228-5311 Phone: (614) 278-6622 Fax: (614) 278-6666 E-mail: aschmidt@biglots.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 that Act. The words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” “target,” “forecast” 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 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.
| | Shareholder Relations Department 300 Phillipi Road Columbus, Ohio 43228-5311 Phone: (614) 278-6622 Fax: (614) 278-6666 E-mail: aschmidt@biglots.com |
BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
FEBRUARY 3 | JANUARY 28 | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | ||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 281,657 | $ | 1,710 | |||
Inventories | 758,185 | 836,092 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 60,292 | 78,539 | |||||
Other current assets | 48,913 | 77,413 | |||||
Total current assets | 1,149,047 | 993,754 | |||||
Property and equipment - net | 505,647 | 584,083 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 45,057 | 18,609 | |||||
Other assets | 20,775 | 29,051 | |||||
| $ | 1,720,526 | $ | 1,625,497 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 193,996 | $ | 169,952 | |||
Property, payroll and other taxes | 93,706 | 107,126 | |||||
Accrued operating expenses | 58,815 | 60,270 | |||||
Insurance reserves | 43,518 | 46,474 | |||||
KB lease obligation | 12,660 | 27,205 | |||||
Accrued salaries and wages | 43,515 | 25,171 | |||||
Income taxes payable | 28,022 | 325 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 474,232 | 436,523 | |||||
Long-term obligations | 0 | 5,500 | |||||
Deferred rent | 37,801 | 42,288 | |||||
Insurance reserves | 44,238 | 42,037 | |||||
Other liabilities | 34,552 | 20,425 | |||||
Shareholders' equity | 1,129,703 | 1,078,724 | |||||
| $ | 1,720,526 | $ | 1,625,497 | ||||
BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | |||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||||
14 WEEKS ENDED | 13 WEEKS ENDED | ||||||||||||
FEBRUARY 3 | JANUARY 28 | ||||||||||||
2007 | % | 2006 | % | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 1,545,354 | 100.0 | $ | 1,394,902 | 100.0 | |||||||
Gross margin | 625,472 | 40.5 | 517,023 | 37.1 | |||||||||
Selling and administrative expenses | 461,793 | 29.9 | 426,831 | 30.6 | |||||||||
Depreciation expense | 26,711 | 1.7 | 27,394 | 2.0 | |||||||||
Operating profit | 136,968 | 8.9 | 62,798 | 4.5 | |||||||||
Interest expense | (191 | ) | (0.0 | ) | (1,424 | ) | (0.1 | ) | |||||
Interest and investment income | 2,048 | 0.1 | 282 | 0.0 | |||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | 138,825 | 9.0 | 61,656 | 4.4 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 47,234 | 3.1 | 24,003 | 1.7 | |||||||||
Income from continuing operations | 91,591 | 5.9 | 37,653 | 2.7 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax expense (benefit) of $6,218 and ($14,142), respectively | 12,708 | 0.8 | (23,001 | ) | (1.6 | ) | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 104,299 | 6.7 | $ | 14,652 | 1.1 | |||||||
Income (loss) per common share - basic | |||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | 0.84 | $ | 0.33 | |||||||||
Discontinued operations | 0.12 | (0.20 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 0.96 | $ | 0.13 | |||||||||
Income (loss) per common share - diluted | |||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | 0.83 | $ | 0.33 | |||||||||
Discontinued operations | 0.11 | (0.20 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 0.94 | $ | 0.13 | |||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||
Basic | 109,090 | 113,428 | |||||||||||
Dilutive effect of share-based awards | 1,888 | 596 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 110,978 | 114,024 | |||||||||||
BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | |||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||||
53 WEEKS ENDED | 52 WEEKS ENDED | ||||||||||||
FEBRUARY 3 | JANUARY 28 | ||||||||||||
2007 | % | 2006 | % | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 4,743,048 | 100.0 | $ | 4,429,905 | 100.0 | |||||||
Gross margin | 1,891,432 | 39.9 | 1,731,666 | 39.1 | |||||||||
Selling and administrative expenses | 1,622,339 | 34.2 | 1,596,136 | 36.0 | |||||||||
Depreciation expense | 101,279 | 2.1 | 108,657 | 2.5 | |||||||||
Operating profit | 167,814 | 3.5 | 26,873 | 0.6 | |||||||||
Interest expense | (581 | ) | (0.0 | ) | (6,272 | ) | (0.1 | ) | |||||
Interest and investment income | 3,257 | 0.1 | 313 | 0.0 | |||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | 170,490 | 3.6 | 20,914 | 0.5 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 57,872 | 1.2 | 5,189 | 0.1 | |||||||||
Income from continuing operations | 112,618 | 2.4 | 15,725 | 0.4 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax expense (benefit) of $4,445 and ($15,886), respectively | 11,427 | 0.2 | (25,813 | ) | (0.6 | ) | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 124,045 | 2.6 | $ | (10,088 | ) | (0.2 | ) | |||||
Income (loss) per common share - basic | |||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | 1.02 | $ | 0.14 | |||||||||
Discontinued operations | 0.10 | (0.23 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1.12 | $ | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||
Income (loss) per common share - diluted | |||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | 1.01 | $ | 0.14 | |||||||||
Discontinued operations | 0.10 | (0.23 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1.11 | $ | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||
Basic | 110,336 | 113,240 | |||||||||||
Dilutive effect of share-based awards | 1,594 | 437 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 111,930 | 113,677 | |||||||||||
BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
14 WEEKS ENDED | 13 WEEKS ENDED | ||||||
February 3, 2007 | January 28, 2006 | ||||||
| (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 308,712 | $ | 239,630 | |||
Net cash used in investing activities | (5,096 | ) | (9,498 | ) | |||
Net cash used in financing activities | (29,485 | ) | (243,514 | ) | |||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 274,131 | (13,382 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | |||||||
Beginning of period | 7,526 | 15,092 | |||||
End of period | $ | 281,657 | $ | 1,710 | |||
BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
53 WEEKS ENDED | 52 WEEKS ENDED | ||||||
February 3, 2007 | January 28, 2006 | ||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 381,477 | $ | 212,965 | |||
Net cash used in investing activities | (30,421 | ) | (66,702 | ) | |||
Net cash used in financing activities | (71,109 | ) | (147,074 | ) | |||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 279,947 | (811 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | |||||||
Beginning of period | 1,710 | 2,521 | |||||
End of period | $ | 281,657 | $ | 1,710 | |||