Big Lots Inc (BIG)

[Advisors]

This announced on 31 August 2018, i.e. 2 weeks ago:
Despite a small Earnings miss vs. consensus:

CFRA KEEPS BUY OPINION ON BIG LOTS, INC. SHARES
10:44 am ET August 31, 2018

We are adjusting our target by $1 to $49, applying a peer average P/E multiple of 10.9X, which is below BIG's three-year historic average of 13.0X. Shares are down significantly today on a Jul-Q 11.9% earning miss of $0.59 compared to $0.67 consensus estimate. Almost all of the earnings shortfall came from rising transportation costs that rose $6M in Jul-Q, nearly double the pace in Apr-Q. With rising operating costs, we are lowering our EPS estimates in FY 19 (Jan.) by $0.05 to $4.50 and FY 20's by $0.10 to $4.85 a share. We see FY 19 same-store sales up 2%, in line with Jul-Q's results. BIG increased its inventory to position it for autumn sales for harvest and Halloween, while its furnishing department has added a new assortment of fireplaces. Both furniture and soft home (flooring, home decor, bath and window) sales were up 5%. During Jul-Q, BIG opened 4 stores and closed 4, leaving it with 1,415 stores. It bought back $100M, or 2.4M shares.