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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended May 3, 2003

or

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period From                 to                

Commission File Number 1-8897

BIG LOTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(614) 278-6800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [x] No [  ]

The number of Common Shares, $.01 par value, outstanding as of June 9, 2003 was 116,735,408 and there were no Preferred Shares, $.01 par value, outstanding at that date.

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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MAY 3, 2003

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation

All references herein to the “Company” are to Big Lots, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial information. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at May 3, 2003, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen week periods ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002, respectively, have been prepared by the Company without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for all periods presented have been made. Such adjustments consisted only of normal recurring items. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and those subsidiaries for which the Company, directly or indirectly, has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted or condensed, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. It is recommended that the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Segment Reporting

The Company manages its business on the basis of one segment, broadline closeout retailing. As of May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002, all of the Company’s operations were located within the United States.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use and which have an original maturity of three months or less. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value. When the intended holding period of a liquid investment exceeds three months, the Company will classify the cash equivalent as a short-term investment. The Company’s policy is to invest in instruments at or above investment grade.

Management Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions which affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of significant contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis, primarily on the retail method. Certain assumptions are made to properly record inventory at the lower of cost or market, and these assumptions are based on historical experience and current information. The Company’s assumptions include significant judgments and estimates made by management including merchandise markup, markdowns, shrinkage, and the aging of inventories, each of which could significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the resulting gross margins. Due to the nature of the Company’s purchasing practices for closeout and deeply discounted merchandise, vendors and merchandise suppliers generally do not offer the Company incentives such as slotting fees, cooperative advertising allowances, buydown agreements, or other forms of rebates that would materially reduce its cost of sales.

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Stock Options

The Company measures compensation cost for stock options issued to employees and directors using the intrinsic value-based method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25. If compensation cost for the Company’s stock options had been determined based on the fair value method of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company’s net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts as follows (see Stock Plans in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements):

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

Property and Equipment

Depreciation and amortization are provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Service lives are principally forty years for buildings and from three to fifteen years for other property and equipment.

Impairment

The Company has long-lived assets that consist primarily of property and equipment. The Company estimates useful lives on buildings and equipment using assumptions based on historical data and industry trends. Where there is an indication of impairment, the Company evaluates the fair value and future benefits of the related long-lived asset, and the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows from the related asset is calculated and compared to the carrying value on the Company’s books. The Company’s assumptions related to estimates of future cash flows are based on historical results of cash flows adjusted for management projections for future periods taking into account known conditions and planned future activities. The Company’s assumptions regarding the fair value of its long-lived assets are based on the discounted future cash flows.

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Computer Software Costs

The Company records software development costs in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Statement of Position 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.”

Income Taxes

The Company has generated deferred tax assets or liabilities due to temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company has established a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the balance that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company records liabilities relating to income taxes utilizing known obligations and estimates of potential obligations.

Pension Liabilities

Pension and other retirement benefits, including all relevant assumptions required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are evaluated each year. Due to the technical nature of retirement accounting, outside actuaries are used to provide assistance in calculating the estimated future obligations. Since there are many estimates and assumptions involved in retirement benefits, differences between actual future events and prior estimates and assumptions could result in adjustments to pension expenses and obligations. Such assumptions include the discount rate, the rate of increase in compensation levels, and the expected long-term rate of return on the related assets.

Legal Obligations

In the normal course of business, the Company must make continuing estimates of potential future legal obligations and liabilities, which requires the use of management’s judgment on the outcome of various issues. Management may also use outside legal advice to assist in the estimating process; however, the ultimate outcome of various legal issues could be materially different from management’s estimates, and adjustments to income could be required. The assumptions that are used by management are based on the requirements of SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.” The Company will record a liability related to legal obligations when it has determined that it is probable that the Company will be obligated to pay and the related amount can be reasonably estimated, and it will disclose the related facts in the footnotes to its financial statements, if material. If the Company determines that either an obligation is probable or reasonably possible, the Company will, if material, disclose the nature of the loss contingency and the estimated range of possible loss, or include a statement that no estimate of loss can be made. The Company makes these determinations in consultation with its outside legal advisors.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise (including related inbound freight), markdowns and inventory shortage, as well as cash discounts and rebates. The Company classifies purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, and the other distribution network costs as selling and administrative expenses. Due to this classification, the Company’s gross margins may not be comparable to those of other retailers that include costs related to their distribution network in cost of sales.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

The Company includes store expenses (such as payroll and occupancy costs), warehousing and distribution costs, advertising, buying, depreciation, insurance, and overhead costs in selling and administrative expenses.

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Intangible Assets

Trademarks, service marks, and other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of fifteen years. Where there is an indication of impairment, the Company evaluates the fair value and future benefits of the related intangible asset and the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows from the related intangible asset is calculated and compared to the carrying value on the Company’s books. The Company’s assumptions related to estimates of future cash flows are based on historical results of cash flows adjusted for management projections for future periods taking into account known conditions and planned future activities. The Company’s assumptions regarding the fair value of its intangible assets are based on the discounted future cash flows. As of May 3, 2003, the amount of the Company’s intangible assets was $0.25 million and the related accumulated amortization was $0.02 million.

Investments

Any unrealized gains or losses on equity securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded in other comprehensive income net of applicable income taxes. At May 3, 2003, the Company held no available-for-sale equity securities.

Insurance Reserves

The Company is self-insured for certain losses relating to general liability, workers’ compensation, and employee medical benefit claims, and the Company has purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit significant exposure in these areas. Accrued insurance liabilities are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. Such amounts are determined by applying actuarially based calculations taking into account known trends and projections of future results. Actual claims experience can impact these calculations and, to the extent that subsequent claim costs vary from estimates, future earnings could be impacted and the impact could be material.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes retail sales in its stores at the time the customer takes possession of merchandise. All sales are net of returns and exclude sales tax. The reserve for retail merchandise returns is based on the Company’s prior experience.

Wholesale sales are recognized in accordance with the shipping terms agreed upon on the purchase order. Wholesale sales are predominantly recognized under FOB origin where title and risk of loss pass to the buyer when the merchandise leaves the Company’s distribution center. However, when the shipping terms are FOB destination, recognition of sales revenue is delayed until completion of delivery to the buyer’s place of business.

Other Comprehensive Income

The Company’s comprehensive income is equal to net income, as there are no items that qualify as components of other comprehensive income.

Reclassification

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Note 3 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” SFAS No. 143 requires that an obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset be recognized as a liability when incurred. Subsequent to initial measurement, an entity recognizes changes in the amount of the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or amount of estimated cash flows. SFAS No. 143 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company

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does not believe This pronouncement was adopted in fiscal 2003 and has no material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS No. 146 requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan period. SFAS No. 146 is required to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this pronouncement has no material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure.” SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Although it does not require use of fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation, it does provide alternative methods of transition. It also amends the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 and APB No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies of the effects of an entity’s accounting policy with respect to stock-based employee compensation on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements. SFAS No. 148’s amendment of the transition and annual disclosure requirements is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The amendment of disclosure requirements of APB No. 28 is effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. Although the Company has not changed to the fair value method, the disclosure requirements of this Statement have been adopted.

Note 4 — Debt

On May 8, 2001, the Company entered into a senior revolving credit agreement (“Revolving Credit Agreement”) with a group of financial institutions, which consisted of a $358.75 million three-year revolving credit facility and a $153.75 million 364-day facility, renewable annually. The Revolving Credit Agreement replaced the Company’s prior senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“Prior Revolver”) which, at the time of its replacement, consisted of a $500 million revolving credit facility that was due to expire on May 6, 2002. There were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement for the quarters ended May 3, 2003, and May 4, 2002.

Also on May 8, 2001, the Company entered into the Senior Note Agreement pursuant to which it completed a $204 million private placement of senior notes with maturities ranging from four to six years (“Senior Notes”). Principal maturities of long-term debt for the current and next four fiscal years are as follows:

The Senior Notes currently carry a weighted-average yield of 8.21 percent and rank pari passu with the Company’s Revolving Credit Agreement. Proceeds from the issue were used to pay down the Prior Revolver.

Both the Revolving Credit and Senior Note Agreements contain customary affirmative and negative covenants including financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain specified fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios as well as a minimum level of net worth.

On October 30, 2001, the financial covenants of the Revolving Credit Agreement were amended to provide the Company with increased operating flexibility. On February 25, 2002, both the Revolving Credit Agreement and Senior Note Agreement were amended to exclude the non-cash fiscal 2001 fourth quarter charge from the fixed charge coverage and leverage ratio financial covenant calculations. As part of the February 25, 2002 amendments, the Company provided collateral, consisting principally of its inventories, as security for both the Revolving Credit and Senior Note Agreements, and agreed to certain changes in other terms.

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The February 25, 2002 amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement imposed certain limitations on the extent to which the Company may borrow under the Revolving Credit Agreement. The Company’s borrowing base fluctuates monthly based on the value of the Company’s inventory, as determined in accordance with the Revolving Credit Agreement. On April 30, 2002, the Revolving Credit Agreement was further amended to increase the applicable borrowing base factor.

On May 8, 2002, the Company’s 364-day facility expired. This facility had not been used during the prior year and, accordingly, was not renewed. The Company believes that the remaining $358.75 million three-year revolving credit facility, combined with cash provided by operations, existing cash balances, and the Senior Notes, provide sufficient liquidity to meet its operating and seasonal borrowing needs.

The amortization of debt issuance costs is included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Note 5 — Contingencies and Litigation

On April 25, 2003, the Company received final court approval for the settlement of an employment-related legal proceeding. The Company was fully reserved for this employment-related matter as of February 1, 2003, the amount was not material and the Company does not believe that the finalization of this employment-related matter significantly impacts its future operating results.

The Company is currently a party to two purported class action lawsuits filed in the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, California, relating to the calculation of earned overtime wages for certain of the Company’s former and current store managers and assistant store managers in that state. Each of the lawsuits was filed by plaintiffs who are current or former store managers or assistant store managers on behalf of themselves and other similarly situated store managers and assistant store managers. The lawsuits allege that the Company improperly classified such employees as exempt under California’s wage and hour laws and seek damages, restitution, reclassification and attorneys fees and costs. While the alleged damages in these lawsuits are substantial, the Company is vigorously defending these actions and is also pursuing alternative dispute resolution possibilities. The Company believes that if an adverse resolution of these cases occurs, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations for the year in which resolution occurs. However, management does not believe that such an adverse resolution would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or liquidity. The liability, if any, associated with this matter was not estimable at May 3, 2003. Where and to the extent that the Company believes that a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, the Company will record a liability.

The Company and its subsidiaries are or may be subject to certain other legal proceedings and claims, including a legal proceeding concerning a former advertising practice with respect to the pricing of products, which are incidental to their ordinary course of business. Management continues to believe that meritorious defenses are available to the Company and will aggressively defend the Company in these actions. No liabilities have been recorded relating to these matters because the liabilities, if any, were not estimable at May 3, 2003. Where and to the extent that the Company believes that a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, the Company will record a liability.

The Company is self-insured for certain losses relating to general liability, workers’ compensation, and employee medical benefit claims, and the Company has purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit significant exposure in these areas. Accrued insurance liabilities are actuarially determined based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. With the exception of the referenced employment-related proceeding and self-insured claims, the Company has not recorded any additional liabilities for legal matters.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Statement for Purposes of “SAFE HARBOR” Provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the statement. The Company wishes to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Act.

This report, as well as other verbal or written statements or reports made by or on the behalf of the Company, may contain or may incorporate material by reference which includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Statements, other than those based on historical facts, which address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategy, expansion and growth of the Company’s business and operations, and other similar matters are forward-looking statements, which are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “objective,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “will likely result,” or “will continue” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business, actual events and results may materially differ from anticipated results described in such statement.

The Company’s ability to achieve such results is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, any one, or a combination, of which could materially affect the results of the Company’s operations. These factors include: sourcing and purchasing merchandise; the cost of the merchandise; economic and weather conditions which affect buying patterns of the Company’s customers; changes in consumer spending and consumer debt levels; inflation; the Company’s ability to anticipate buying patterns and implement appropriate inventory strategies; continued availability of capital and financing; competitive pressures and pricing pressures; the Company’s ability to comply with the terms of its credit facilities (or obtain waivers for non-compliance); interest rate fluctuations; transportation and distribution delays or interruptions, including, but not limited to, the impact of the recent management lockout of the West Coast dockworkers and any ongoing work slowdown on the economy and on the Company’s ability to receive inventory; fuel price fluctuations; interruptions in suppliers’ businesses; costs and potential problems and interruptions associated with implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology; a deterioration in general economic conditions caused by acts of war or terrorism; delays associated with constructing, opening and operating new stores; and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in its press releases, and in other communications.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized or that they will have the expected effects on the Company or its business or operations.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this report, or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company may make on related subjects in its Forms 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Recent Announcements

In conjunction with the Company’s initiative to change its name to Big Lots, Inc., 434 stores were converted during the fiscal years of 2001 and 2002, including 380 stores previously operating under the names Odd Lots,

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Mac Frugal’s, and Pic ‘N’ Save, and 54 existing Big Lots stores located in conversion markets. As of the end of fiscal 2002, all stores were operating under the Big Lots name.

In connection with this process, the Company has made certain improvements to the converted sites. The improvements made vary by location and include, among other things, painting, lighting retrofits, new signage (interior and exterior), new flooring, and updated restrooms. The Company believes that Big Lots is its most recognizable brand name and that this change offers numerous opportunities to increase brand awareness among customers, suppliers, investors, and the general public. The Company believes the change will also allow it to leverage television advertising and other expenses.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company continued to remodel stores, making similar improvements as those made to the conversion stores and described above. The Company anticipates remodeling approximately 213 stores during fiscal 2003, of which 59 were completed in the first quarter. In addition to the remodeled stores, the Company added 34 furniture departments during the first quarter and continued construction of its fifth distribution center in Durant, Oklahoma.

In addition, the Company began a national television campaign in the first quarter of fiscal 2003, which, for the first time covered all stores in all markets. Markets that received television coverage during fiscal 2002 will remain at their historical media target rating point levels, while new markets not previously covered will benefit from television advertising for the first time. The Company estimates that approximately 40% of stores received television advertising coverage during the first half of fiscal 2002, with approximately 60% receiving television advertising coverage during the second half of fiscal 2002. New 30-second television commercials have been produced for fiscal 2003 to build awareness and to promote the Big Lots brand.

Overview

The Company is the nation’s largest broadline closeout retailer. At May 3, 2003, the Company operated a total of 1,392 stores in 45 states under the names BIG LOTS and BIG LOTS FURNITURE. The Company’s goal is to build upon its leadership position in broadline closeout retailing, a growing segment of the retailing industry, by expanding its market presence in both existing and new markets. The Company believes that the combination of its strengths make it a low-cost value retailer well-positioned for future growth.

Wholesale operations are currently conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, WISCONSIN TOY, and with online purchasing at biglotswholesale.com.

The Company has historically experienced, and expects to continue to experience, seasonal fluctuations, with a significant percentage of its net sales and operating profit being realized in the fourth quarter. In addition, the Company’s quarterly results can be affected by the timing of store openings and closings, the amount of net sales contributed by new and existing stores, as well as the timing of remodels, television and circular advertising, and the timing of certain holidays. Furthermore, in anticipation of increased sales activity during the fourth quarter, the Company purchases substantial amounts of inventory during the third quarter and hires a significant number of temporary employees to increase store staffing during the fourth quarter.

The seasonality of the Company’s business also influences the Company’s demand for seasonal borrowings. The Company historically has drawn upon its seasonal credit lines in the first three fiscal quarters and has substantially repaid the borrowings during the fourth fiscal quarter. During the fiscal year 2002, the Company did not begin drawing on its seasonal credit lines until the third quarter and had completely repaid these seasonal borrowings prior to the end of the fourth quarter. For fiscal year 2003, the Company does not expect to begin drawing on its seasonal credit lines until the third quarter.

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The following table compares components of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations of the Company as a percent of net sales and reflects the number of stores in operation at the end of each period.

Results of Operations

Net Sales

Net sales increased to $948.4 million for the thirteen week period ended May 3, 2003, from $904.1 million for the thirteen week period ended May 4, 2002, an increase of $44.3 million, or 4.9%. This increase resulted from a comparable stores sales increase of 1.0%, with the remaining 3.9% growth driven primarily by an increase of 43 new stores year over year (net of store closings). The Company attributes its first quarter comparable store sales increase of 1.0% to an increase in the dollar value of the average transaction of 0.8% and an increase in the number of customer transactions of 0.2%.

Comparable store sales are calculated using all stores that have been open for at least two years as of the beginning of the fiscal year.

The Company believes the increase in the number of customer transactions and the increase in the dollar value of the average transaction for the thirteen week period ended, May 3, 2003, may have resulted from several factors such as more reliable in-stock levels on consumables products, more productive advertising circulars, increased television advertising spending, the successful re-grand opening of 434 conversion stores and 59 remodel stores since March 2001, and the introduction of furniture departments in 129 stores over the prior year. In terms of product categories, first quarter 2003 sales growth was driven by strong gains in domestics, furniture, hardlines, and consumables.

The Company believes that future sales growth is dependent upon the increased number of customer transactions as well as increases in the dollar value of the average transaction. The following table summarizes comparable year-to-date store sales for all reportable periods as well as growth in customer transactions and in the value of the average transaction:

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Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $19.6 million in the first quarter of 2003 to $398.1 million from $378.5 million in the first quarter of 2002. Gross profit as a percent of net sales increased slightly to 42.0% in the first quarter of 2003 compared to 41.9% in the first quarter of the prior year, with the major elements of gross profit consistent with prior year levels.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased $23.4 million in the first quarter of 2003 to $376.9 million from $353.5 million in the first quarter of 2002. As a percent of net sales, selling and administrative expenses increased 60 basis points to 39.7% from 39.1% in the prior year first quarter.

The rate increase over last year is primarily due to investment spending related to 2003 business initiatives (national television advertising, payroll and supplies associated with store remodels, and additional furniture departments) coupled with expense deleverage associated with the 1% comparable store sales growth (primarily salaried payroll, store occupancy and insurance).

Warehousing and distribution costs, which are included in Selling and Administrative Expenses (see Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), decreased slightly as a percentage of sales for the first quarter as compared to 2002, with the major elements of warehousing and distribution costs consistent with prior year levels.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, including the amortization of debt issuance costs, was $4.8 million in the first quarter of 2003 compared to $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2002. As a percentage of net sales, interest expense was 0.5%, slightly down from 0.6% in the first quarter of 2002. The 2003 interest primarily relates to the Senior Notes and the amortization of debt issuance costs. The decrease in interest expense for the quarter compared to the same period in fiscal 2002 is primarily due to the capitalization of interest expense related to construction costs for the new distribution center in Durant, Oklahoma.

Interest Income

Interest income was $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2003 compared to $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2002. Interest income is generated by interest earned on cash equivalents. Cash equivalents in the first quarter of 2003 were $137.2 million compared to $54.8 million for the same period in 2002.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate of the Company is currently at 39.5%. This remains unchanged from the prior year effective tax rate.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

On May 8, 2001, the Company entered into the Revolving Credit Agreement with a group of financial institutions, which consisted of a $358.75 million three-year revolving credit facility and a $153.75 million 364-day facility, renewable annually. The Revolving Credit Agreement replaced the Company’s Prior Revolver which, at the time of its replacement, consisted of a $500 million revolving credit facility that was due to expire on May 6, 2002.

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Also on May 8, 2001, the Company entered into the Senior Note Agreement pursuant to which it completed a $204 million private placement of Senior Notes. Principal maturities of long-term debt for the current and next four fiscal years are as follows:

The Senior Notes currently carry a weighted-average yield of 8.21 percent and rank pari passu with the Company’s Revolving Credit Agreement. Proceeds from the issue were used to pay down the Prior Revolver.

Both the Revolving Credit and Senior Note Agreements contain customary affirmative and negative covenants including financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain specified fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios as well as a minimum level of net worth.

On October 30, 2001, the financial covenants of the Revolving Credit Agreement were amended to provide the Company with increased operating flexibility. On February 25, 2002, both the Revolving Credit Agreement and Senior Note Agreement were amended to exclude the non-cash fiscal 2001 fourth quarter charge from the fixed charge coverage and leverage ratio financial covenant calculations. As part of the February 25, 2002 amendments, the Company provided collateral, consisting principally of its inventories, as security for both the Revolving Credit and Senior Note Agreements, and agreed to certain changes in other terms.

The February 25, 2002 amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement imposed certain limitations on the extent to which the Company may borrow under the Revolving Credit Agreement. The Company’s borrowing base fluctuates monthly based on the value of the Company’s inventory, as determined in accordance with the Revolving Credit Agreement. On April 30, 2002, the Revolving Credit Agreement was further amended to increase the applicable borrowing base factor.

On May 8, 2002, the Company’s 364-day facility expired. This facility had not been used during the prior year and, accordingly, was not renewed. The Company believes that the remaining $358.75 million three-year revolving credit facility, combined with cash provided by operations, existing cash balances, and the Senior Notes, provide sufficient liquidity to meet its operating and seasonal borrowing needs.

The amortization of debt issuance costs is included in interest expense in the statement of operations.

The primary sources of liquidity for the Company have been cash flow from operations, proceeds from the Senior Notes, and as necessary, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Working capital at May 3, 2003, was $646.4 million. Net debt as of May 3, 2003 was $62 million, down $87 million compared to last year. In addition, $22.4 million was outstanding in letters of credit, which reside under the Revolving Credit Agreement, and there were $142.2 million of invested funds.

Capital expenditures were $47.4 million for the thirteen week period ended May 3, 2003, an increase of $30.4 million from the same period of 2002. Capital expenditures in 2003 were primarily driven by the construction of a new distribution facility in Durant, Oklahoma, remodeling of existing stores related to the Company’s strategic initiatives, and new store openings. Capital expenditures in 2002 were primarily driven by investments in strategic initiatives in conjunction with the Company’s strategic repositioning, as well as new store openings. Capital expenditures requirements in 2003 are anticipated to be approximately $160-$165 million, primarily to complete the new distribution facility in Durant, Oklahoma, invest in new store and store expansions, and remodel approximately 213 existing Big Lots stores.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment.

The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company has certain critical accounting policies and accounting estimates, which are described below.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments. Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use and which have an original maturity of three months or less. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value. When the intended holding period of a liquid investment exceeds three months, the Company will classify the cash equivalent as a short-term investment. The Company’s policy is to invest in instruments at or above investment grade.

Merchandise inventories. Merchandise inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis, primarily on the retail method. Certain assumptions are made to properly record inventory at the lower of cost or market, and these assumptions are based on historical experience and current information. The Company’s assumptions include significant judgments and estimates made by management including merchandise markup, markdowns, shrinkage, and the aging of inventories, each of which could significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the resulting gross margins. Due to the nature of the Company’s purchasing practices for closeout and deeply discounted merchandise, vendors and merchandise suppliers generally do not offer the Company incentives such as slotting fees, cooperative advertising allowances, buydown agreements, or other forms of rebates that would materially reduce its cost of sales.

Property and equipment. Depreciation and amortization are provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Service lives are principally forty years for buildings and from three to fifteen years for other property and equipment.

Impairment. The Company has long-lived assets that consist primarily of property and equipment. The Company estimates useful lives on buildings and equipment using assumptions based on historical data and industry trends. Where there is an indication of impairment, the Company evaluates the fair value and future benefits of the related long-lived asset, and the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows from the related asset is calculated and compared to the carrying value on the Company’s books. The Company’s assumptions related to estimates of future cash flows are based on historical results of cash flows adjusted for management projections for future periods taking into account known conditions and planned future activities. The Company’s assumptions regarding the fair value of its long-lived assets are based on the discounted future cash flows.

Insurance reserves. The Company is self-insured for certain losses relating to general liability, workers’ compensation, and employee medical benefit claims, and the Company has purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit significant exposure in these areas. Accrued insurance liabilities are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. Such amounts are determined by applying actuarially-based calculations taking into account known trends and projections of future results. Actual claims experience can impact these calculations and, to the extent that subsequent claim costs vary from estimates, future earnings could be impacted and the impact could be material.

Income taxes. The Company has generated deferred tax assets or liabilities due to temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company has established a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the balance that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company records liabilities relating to income taxes utilizing known obligations and estimates of potential obligations.

Pension liabilities. Pension and other retirement benefits, including all relevant assumptions required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, are evaluated each year. Due to the technical nature of retirement accounting, outside actuaries are used to provide assistance in calculating the estimated future obligations. Since there are many estimates and assumptions involved in retirement benefits, differences between actual future events and prior estimates and assumptions could result in adjustments to pension expenses and obligations. Such assumptions include the discount rate, rate of increase in compensation levels, and the expected long-term rate of return on the related assets.

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Legal obligations. In the normal course of business, the Company must make continuing estimates of potential future legal obligations and liabilities, which requires the use of management’s judgment on the outcome of various issues. Management may also use outside legal advice to assist in the estimating process; however, the ultimate outcome of various legal issues could be materially different from management’s estimates and adjustments to income could be required. The assumptions that are used by management are based on the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.” The Company will record a liability related to legal obligations when it has determined that it is probable that the Company will be obligated to pay and the related amount can be reasonably estimated, and it will disclose the related facts in the footnotes to its financial statements, if material. If the Company determines that either an obligation is probable or reasonably possible, the Company will, if material, disclose the nature of the loss contingency and the estimated range of possible loss, or include a statement that no estimate of loss can be made. The Company makes these determinations in consultation with its outside legal advisors.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise (including related inbound freight), markdowns and inventory shortage, as well as cash discounts and rebates. The Company classifies purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, and the other distribution network costs as selling and administrative expenses. Due to this classification, the Company’s gross margins may not be comparable to those of other retailers that include costs related to their distribution network in cost of sales.

Selling and administrative expenses. The Company includes store expenses (such as payroll and occupancy costs), warehousing and distribution costs, advertising, buying, depreciation, insurance, and overhead costs in selling and administrative expenses.

The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the Company’s accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, with no need for management’s judgment in the principles’ application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. See the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003, which contain accounting policies and other disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

All aspects of the retailing industry are highly competitive. The Company competes with discount stores (such as Wal-Mart®, KMart®, and Target®), dollar stores, deep discount drugstore chains, and other value-oriented specialty retailers. Certain of the Company’s competitors have greater financial, distribution, marketing, and other resources than the Company.

The Company relies on buying opportunities from both existing and new sources, for which it competes with other closeout merchandisers and wholesalers. The Company believes that its management has long-standing relationships with its suppliers and is competitively positioned to continue to seek new sources in order to maintain an adequate continuing supply of quality merchandise at attractive prices.

The Company is subject to market risk from exposure to changes in interest rates based on its financing, investing, and cash management activities. The Company does not expect changes in interest rates in 2003 to have a material effect on income or cash flows; however, there can be no assurances that interest rates will not materially change.

The Company continues to believe that it has, or if necessary has the ability to obtain, adequate resources to fund ongoing operating requirements, future capital expenditures related to the expansion of existing businesses, development of new projects, and currently maturing obligations. Additionally, management is not aware of any current trends, events, demands, commitments or uncertainties which reasonably can be expected to have a material impact on the liquidity, capital resources, financial position, or results of operations of the Company.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

	(a)		Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have performed an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as that term is defined in Rule 13a-14 (c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), within 90 days of the date of this report, and each has concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in design and operation in order to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s periodic reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules, forms and regulations.
	(b)		Changes in internal controls. As a result of the evaluation, no significant changes were made in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

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Part II-Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings. Not applicable.

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds. Not applicable.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities. Not applicable.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. Not applicable

Item 5. Other Information. Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a)

Exhibits.

(b)

Reports on Form 8-K.

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Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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Certification

I, Michael J. Potter, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Big Lots, Inc.;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

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Certification

I, Jeffrey G. Naylor, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Big Lots, Inc.;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

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