Big Lots raises outlook after strong quarter

COLUMBUS, Ohio Big Lots reported third-quarter fiscal 2009 income from continuing operations of $30.3 million, or 37 cents per diluted share, compared with income from continuing operations of $12.4 million, or 15 cents per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 increased 1.3% to $1.03 billion, compared with $1.02 billion for the same period in fiscal 2008. Comparable-store sales for stores open at least two years at the beginning of the fiscal year decreased 0.2% for the quarter.

Big Lots has increased its fourth-quarter guidance for income from continuing operations to $1.09 to $1.14 per diluted share, a 9% to 14% increase compared with income from continuing operations of $1.00 per diluted share for the same period last year. The company has also raided its fiscal 2009 annual guidance for income from continuing operations to $2.15 to $2.20 per diluted share, a 14% to 16% increase compared to income from continuing operations of $1.89 per diluted share last year.