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Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended July 30, 2022
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 001-08897
BIG LOTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             Ohio                              06-1119097
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)         (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

4900 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio                  43081
     (Address of Principal Executive Offices)                 (Zip Code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common sharesBIGNew York Stock Exchange

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. Yesþ     Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yesþ     Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐     No þ

The number of the registrant’s common shares, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of September 2, 2022, was 28,941,890.

Table of Contents
BIG LOTS, INC. 
FORM 10-Q 
FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED JULY 30, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
   
Item 1.
   
a)
   
b)
   
c)
d)
   
e)
   
Item 2. 
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4. 
   
   
Item 1.  
   
Item 1A.
   
Item 2.  
   
Item 3.  
   
Item 4.  
   
Item 5.  
   
Item 6.  
   
 
1
Table of Contents
Part I. Financial Information


Item 1. Financial Statements


BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 Thirteen Weeks EndedTwenty-Six Weeks Ended
 July 30, 2022July 31, 2021July 30, 2022July 31, 2021
Net sales$1,346,221 $1,457,374 $2,720,935 $3,082,926 
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation expense shown separately below)907,673 879,577 1,777,793 1,851,182 
Gross margin438,548 577,797 943,142 1,231,744 
Selling and administrative expenses510,444 488,658 991,223 986,076 
Depreciation expense37,197 35,289 74,553 69,266 
Operating (loss) profit(109,093)53,850 (122,634)176,402 
Interest expense(3,904)(2,296)(6,654)(4,864)
Other income (expense)257 (133)1,297 827 
(Loss) income before income taxes(112,740)51,421 (127,991)172,365 
Income tax (benefit) expense(28,590)13,714 (32,759)40,095 
Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income$(84,150)$37,707 $(95,232)$132,270 
Earnings (loss) per common share  
Basic$(2.91)$1.11 $(3.31)$3.81 
Diluted$(2.91)$1.09 $(3.31)$3.75 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding  
Basic28,919 34,004 28,770 34,676 
Dilutive effect of share-based awards— 712 — 643 
Diluted28,919 34,716 28,770 35,319 
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.30 $0.30 $0.60 $0.60 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except par value)
 July 30, 2022January 29, 2022
ASSETS  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$49,144 $53,722 
Inventories1,159,008 1,237,797 
Other current assets110,926 119,449 
Total current assets1,319,078 1,410,968 
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,700,600 1,731,995 
Property and equipment - net753,696 735,826 
Deferred income taxes20,991 10,973 
Other assets36,995 37,491 
Total assets$3,831,360 $3,927,253 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$403,697 $587,496 
Current operating lease liabilities233,883 242,275 
Property, payroll, and other taxes95,323 90,728 
Accrued operating expenses121,583 120,684 
Insurance reserves40,210 36,748 
Accrued salaries and wages23,476 45,762 
Income taxes payable1,632 894 
Total current liabilities919,804 1,124,587 
Long-term debt252,600 3,500 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities1,572,575 1,569,713 
Deferred income taxes— 21,413 
Insurance reserves59,621 62,591 
Unrecognized tax benefits8,266 10,557 
Other liabilities127,767 127,529 
Shareholders’ equity:  
Preferred shares - authorized 2,000 shares; $0.01 par value; none issued
— — 
Common shares - authorized 298,000 shares; $0.01 par value; issued 117,495 shares; outstanding 28,932 shares and 28,476 shares, respectively
1,175 1,175 
Treasury shares - 88,563 shares and 89,019 shares, respectively, at cost
(3,106,360)(3,121,602)
Additional paid-in capital621,925 640,522 
Retained earnings3,373,987 3,487,268 
Total shareholders’ equity890,727 1,007,363 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$3,831,360 $3,927,253 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 CommonTreasuryAdditional
Paid-In
Capital		Retained Earnings 
 SharesAmountSharesAmountTotal
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 31, 2021
Balance - May 1, 202134,920 $1,175 82,575 $(2,782,987)$615,955 $3,434,359 $1,268,502 
Comprehensive income— — — — — 37,707 37,707 
Dividends declared ($0.30 per share)
— — — — — (10,611)(10,611)
Purchases of common shares(2,411)— 2,411 (153,327)— — (153,327)
Restricted shares vested38 — (38)1,265 (1,265)— — 
Performance shares vested3 — (3)109 (109)— — 
Other— — — 28 33 — 61 
Share-based employee compensation expense— — — — 11,037 — 11,037 
Balance - July 31, 202132,550 $1,175 84,945 $(2,934,912)$625,651 $3,461,455 $1,153,369 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 31, 2021
Balance - January 30, 202135,535 $1,175 81,960 $(2,709,259)$634,813 $3,351,002 $1,277,731 
Comprehensive income— — — — — 132,270 132,270 
Dividends declared ($0.60 per share)
— — — — — (21,817)(21,817)
Purchases of common shares(3,949)— 3,949 (257,818)— — (257,818)
Restricted shares vested428 — (428)14,260 (14,260)— — 
Performance shares vested536 — (536)17,879 (17,879)— — 
Other— — — 26 33 — 59 
Share-based employee compensation expense— — — — 22,944 — 22,944 
Balance - July 31, 202132,550 $1,175 84,945 $(2,934,912)$625,651 $3,461,455 $1,153,369 
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 30, 2022
Balance - April 30, 202228,893 $1,175 88,602 $(3,107,806)$619,754 $3,467,205 $980,328 
Comprehensive loss— — — — — (84,150)(84,150)
Dividends declared ($0.30 per share)
— — — — — (9,068)(9,068)
Purchases of common shares(9)— 9 (241)— — (241)
Restricted shares vested48 — (48)1,687 (1,687)— — 
Performance shares vested— — — — — — — 
Share-based employee compensation expense— — — — 3,858 — 3,858 
Balance - July 30, 202228,932 $1,175 88,563 $(3,106,360)$621,925 $3,373,987 $890,727 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 30, 2022
Balance - January 29, 202228,476 $1,175 89,019 $(3,121,602)$640,522 $3,487,268 $1,007,363 
Comprehensive loss— — — — — (95,232)(95,232)
Dividends declared ($0.60 per share)
— — — — — (18,049)(18,049)
Purchases of common shares(289)— 289 (10,880)— — (10,880)
Restricted shares vested404 — (404)14,170 (14,170)— — 
Performance shares vested341 — (341)11,952 (11,952)— — 
Share-based employee compensation expense— — — — 7,525 — 7,525 
Balance - July 30, 202228,932 $1,175 88,563 $(3,106,360)$621,925 $3,373,987 $890,727 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 July 30, 2022July 31, 2021
Operating activities:  
Net (loss) income$(95,232)$132,270 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: 
Depreciation and amortization expense75,152 69,669 
Non-cash lease amortization expense137,618 129,958 
Deferred income taxes(31,432)(8,463)
Non-cash impairment charge24,328 954 
(Gain) loss on disposition of property and equipment(1,531)800 
Non-cash share-based compensation expense7,525 22,944 
Unrealized gain on fuel derivatives(257)(1,365)
Loss on extinguishment of debt— 535 
Change in assets and liabilities:  
Inventories78,789 (3,482)
Accounts payable(183,800)(7,836)
Operating lease liabilities(129,436)(114,965)
Current income taxes10,982 (59,900)
Other current assets(4,330)(6,561)
Other current liabilities(19,133)(15,608)
Other assets348 809 
Other liabilities(5,000)2,399 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities(135,409)142,158 
Investing activities:  
Capital expenditures(89,372)(77,075)
Cash proceeds from sale of property and equipment2,509 13 
Other(9)(24)
Net cash used in investing activities(86,872)(77,086)
Financing activities:  
Net proceeds from (repayments of) long-term debt249,100 (50,264)
Payment of finance lease obligations(967)(2,247)
Dividends paid(19,496)(22,664)
Payment for treasury shares acquired(10,880)(255,752)
Payment for debt issuance cost(54)— 
Payments to extinguish debt— (438)
Other— 59 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities217,703 (331,306)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents(4,578)(266,234)
Cash and cash equivalents:  
Beginning of period53,722 559,556 
End of period$49,144 $293,322 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
Table of Contents

BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

All references in this report to “we,” “us,” or “our” are to Big Lots, Inc. and its subsidiaries. We are a home discount retailer in the United States (“U.S.”). At July 30, 2022, we operated 1,442 stores in 47 states and an e-commerce platform. We make available, free of charge, through the “Investor Relations” section of our website (www.biglots.com) under the “SEC Filings” caption, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The contents of our websites are not part of this report.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and these notes have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial information. The consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments which management believes are necessary to present fairly our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for all periods presented. The consolidated financial statements, however, do not include all information necessary for a complete presentation of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Interim results may not necessarily be indicative of results that may be expected for, or actually result during, any other interim period or for the year as a whole. We have historically experienced seasonal fluctuations, with a larger percentage of our net sales and operating profit realized in our fourth fiscal quarter. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and these notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2022 (“2021 Form 10-K”).

Fiscal Periods
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31, which results in fiscal years consisting of 52 or 53 weeks. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. Fiscal year 2022 (“2022”) is comprised of the 52 weeks that began on January 30, 2022 and will end on January 28, 2023. Fiscal year 2021 (“2021”) was comprised of the 52 weeks that began on January 31, 2021 and ended on January 29, 2022. The fiscal quarters ended July 30, 2022 (“second quarter of 2022”) and July 31, 2021 (“second quarter of 2021”) were both comprised of 13 weeks. The year-to-date periods ended July 30, 2022 (“year-to-date 2022”) and July 31, 2021 (“year-to-date 2021”) were both comprised of 26 weeks.

Long-Lived Assets
As a result of the net loss and decline in net sales during year-to-date 2022, we performed impairment analyses at the store level. Our long-lived assets primarily consist of property and equipment - net and operating lease right-of-use assets. If the net book value of a store’s long-lived assets is not recoverable by the expected undiscounted future cash flows of the store, we estimate the fair value of the store’s assets and recognize an impairment charge for the excess net book value of the store’s long-lived assets over their fair value (categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy). Fair value at the store level is typically based on projected discounted cash flows over the remaining lease term. During the second quarter of 2022, the Company recorded aggregate asset impairment charges of $24.1 million related to 56 underperforming store locations, which were comprised of $17.5 million of operating lease right-of-use assets and $6.6 million of property and equipment - net. The impairment charges were recorded in selling and administrative expenses in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses include store expenses (such as payroll and occupancy costs) and costs related to warehousing, distribution, outbound transportation to our stores, advertising, purchasing, insurance, non-income taxes, accepting credit/debit cards, impairment charges, and overhead. Our selling and administrative expense rates may not be comparable to those of other retailers that include warehousing, distribution, and outbound transportation costs to stores in cost of sales. Distribution and outbound transportation costs included in selling and administrative expenses were $81.9 million and $71.9 million for the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2021, respectively, and $164.0 million and $138.1 million for the year-to-date 2022 and the year-to-date 2021, respectively.


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Advertising Expense
Advertising costs, which are expensed as incurred, consist primarily of television and print advertising, digital, social media, internet and e-mail marketing and advertising, payment card-linked marketing and in-store point-of-purchase signage and presentations. Advertising expenses are included in selling and administrative expenses. Advertising expenses were $22.0 million and $21.9 million for the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2021, respectively, and $43.4 million and $43.8 million for the year-to-date 2022 and the year-to-date 2021, respectively.

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
The following table provides supplemental cash flow information for the year-to-date 2022 and the year-to-date 2021:
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(In thousands)July 30, 2022July 31, 2021
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:  
Cash paid for interest$7,977 $2,310 
Cash paid for income taxes, excluding impact of refunds3,879 108,112 
Gross proceeds from long-term debt998,000 — 
Gross payments of long-term debt748,900 50,264 
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities183,186 163,744 
Non-cash activity:  
Share repurchases payable— 2,066 
Assets acquired under finance lease3,792 — 
Accrued property and equipment26,086 30,551 
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities123,906 134,738 

Reclassifications
We periodically assess, and make minor adjustments to, our product hierarchy, which can impact the roll-up of our merchandise categories. Our financial reporting process utilizes the most current product hierarchy in reporting net sales by merchandise category for all periods presented. Therefore, there may be minor reclassifications of net sales by merchandise category compared to previously reported amounts.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
There are currently no new accounting pronouncements with a future effective date that are of significance, or potential significance, to us.
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NOTE 2 – DEBT

Bank Credit Facility
On September 22, 2021, we entered into a $600 million five-year unsecured credit facility (“Credit Agreement”) that expires on September 22, 2026. In connection with our entry into the Credit Agreement, we paid bank fees and other expenses in the aggregate amount of $1.2 million, which are being amortized over the term of the Credit Agreement.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are available for general corporate purposes, working capital, and to repay certain indebtedness. The Credit Agreement includes a $50 million swing loan sublimit, a $75 million letter of credit sublimit, a $75 million sublimit for loans to foreign borrowers, and a $200 million optional currency sublimit. The Credit Agreement also contains an environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) provision, which may provide favorable pricing and fee adjustments if we meet ESG performance criteria to be established by a future amendment to the Credit Agreement. Under the Credit Agreement, we have the option to establish incremental term loans and/or increases in the revolving credit limits in an aggregate amount of up to $300 million, subject to the lenders agreeing to increase their commitments. Additionally, the Credit Agreement includes two options to extend the maturity date of the Credit Agreement by one year each, subject to each lender agreeing to extend the maturity date of its respective loans. The interest rates, pricing and fees under the Credit Agreement fluctuate based on our debt rating or leverage ratio, whichever results in more favorable pricing to us. The Credit Agreement allows us to select our interest rate for each borrowing from multiple interest rate options. The interest rate options are generally derived from the prime rate or LIBOR. The Credit Agreement updated the LIBOR fallback language to implement fallback provisions, pursuant to which the interest rate on the loans will transition to an alternative rate upon the occurrence of certain LIBOR cessation events. Loans made under the Credit Agreement may be prepaid without penalty. The Credit Agreement contains financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on indebtedness, liens and investments, as well as, subject to the Credit Agreement Consent Letter described below, the maintenance of two financial ratios – a leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. The covenants of the Credit Agreement do not restrict our ability to pay dividends. Additionally, we are subject to cross-default provisions associated with the synthetic lease for our distribution center in Apple Valley, CA (the "Synthetic Lease"), which was amended concurrent with our entry into the Credit Agreement to conform with the covenants of the Credit Agreement. A violation of any of the covenants (including the terms of the Credit Agreement Consent Letter described below and Synthetic Lease Consent Letter described below) could result in a default under the Credit Agreement that would permit the lenders to restrict our ability to further access the Credit Agreement for loans and letters of credit and require the immediate repayment of any outstanding loans under the Credit Agreement. 

On July 27, 2022, we entered into a consent letter related to the Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Consent Letter”), which suspended the testing of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio under the Credit Agreement (as defined therein) for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2022. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement Consent Letter, we also agreed to amend the Credit Agreement or enter into a new credit facility to replace the Credit Agreement, in each case on terms mutually agreeable among us, the administrative agent and the banks, no later than October 28, 2022 (or a later date approved by the administrative agent in its commercially reasonable discretion).

In connection with the execution of the Credit Agreement Consent Letter, on July 29, 2022, we entered into an engagement letter with PNC Capital Markets LLC and PNC Bank, National Association (the “Engagement Letter”), pursuant to which PNC Capital Markets has agreed to arrange, on a best efforts basis, a five-year, syndicated asset-based revolving credit facility (“New Credit Facility”) in an amount up to $900 million in total commitments with an additional uncommitted increase option of up to $300 million. The New Credit Facility will refinance and replace the Credit Agreement. The Engagement Letter provides, among other things, that (a) borrowings under the New Credit Facility will be subject to a borrowing base consisting of eligible credit card receivables and eligible inventory (including in-transit inventory), subject to customary exceptions and reserves, (b) obligations under the New Credit Facility will be guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries and will be secured by our working capital assets, subject to customary exceptions, (c) interest payable under the New Credit Facility will fluctuate based on our availability and outstanding borrowings under the facility, and the New Credit Facility will allow us to select our index rate for each borrowing from multiple interest rate options, including one, three or six month adjusted Term SOFR and (d) the New Credit Facility will contain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, and the only financial covenant under the New Credit Facility will be a springing fixed charge coverage ratio. As of September 7, 2022, we expect to enter into the New Credit Facility during the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2022, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

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On July 27, 2022, we also entered into a consent letter related to the Synthetic Lease (the “Synthetic Lease Consent Letter”), which suspended testing of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio under the Synthetic Lease (as defined therein) for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2022. Pursuant to the Synthetic Lease Consent Letter, we also agreed to amend the Synthetic Lease on terms mutually agreeable among us, the lessor, the administrative agent, and the lease participants, no later than October 28, 2022 (or a later date approved by the majority secured parties in their commercially reasonable discretion). As of September 7, 2022, we expect to enter into such an amendment during the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2022.

We expect that the finalization of the New Credit Facility and amendment of the Synthetic Lease, combined with the availability of alternative measures to manage cash flow, if necessary, will provide sufficient liquidity to fund operations in the foreseeable future.

At July 30, 2022, we had $252.6 million in borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement and $5.8 million committed to outstanding letters of credit, leaving $341.6 million available under the Credit Agreement.

The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for same or similar issues and the current interest rates offered for similar instruments. These fair value measurements are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Given the variable rate features and relatively short maturity of the instruments underlying our long-term debt, the carrying value of these instruments approximates their fair value.

NOTE 3 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Earnings per Share
There were no adjustments required to be made to the weighted-average common shares outstanding for purposes of computing basic and diluted earnings per share for all periods presented. At July 31, 2021, all outstanding awards were included in our computation of earnings per share because the minimum applicable performance conditions had been attained. At July 30, 2022, performance share units that vest based on relative total shareholder return (“TSR PSUs” - see Note 4 for a more detailed description of these awards), were excluded from our computation of earnings (loss) per share because the minimum applicable performance conditions had not been attained. Antidilutive restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”), performance restricted share units (“PRSUs”), and TSR PSUs are excluded from the calculation because they decrease the number of diluted shares outstanding under the treasury stock method. The RSUs, PSUs, PRSUs, and TSR PSUs that were antidilutive, as determined under the treasury stock method, were 0.6 million and 0.2 million for the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2021, respectively, and 0.4 million and 0.1 million for the year-to-date 2022 and the year-to-date 2021, respectively. Due to the net loss in the second quarter of 2022 and the year-to-date 2022, any potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the denominator in computing diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the second quarter of 2022 and the year-to-date 2022.

Share Repurchase Programs
On December 1, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of our common shares (“2021 Repurchase Authorization”). Pursuant to the 2021 Repurchase Authorization, we may repurchase shares in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. The 2021 Repurchase Authorization has no scheduled termination date. In the second quarter of 2022 and in the year-to-date 2022, no shares were repurchased under the 2021 Repurchase authorization. As of July 30, 2022, we had $159.4 million available for future repurchases under the 2021 Repurchase Authorization.

Purchases of common shares reported in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity include shares acquired to satisfy income tax withholdings associated with the vesting of share-based awards.

Dividends
The Company declared and paid cash dividends per common share during the quarterly periods presented as follows:
Dividends
Per Share		Amount DeclaredAmount Paid
2022:(In thousands)(In thousands)
First quarter$0.30 $8,981 $10,705 
Second quarter0.30 9,068 8,791 
Total$0.60 $18,049 $19,496 
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The amount of dividends declared may vary from the amount of dividends paid in a period due to the vesting of share-based awards. The payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, compliance with applicable laws and agreements and any other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

NOTE 4 – SHARE-BASED PLANS

We have issued RSUs, PSUs, PRSUs and TSR PSUs under our shareholder-approved equity compensation plans. We recognized share-based compensation expense of $3.9 million and $11.0 million in the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2021, respectively, and $7.5 million and $22.9 million for the year-to-date 2022 and the year-to-date 2021, respectively. At July 30, 2022, we had no outstanding PRSUs.

Non-vested Restricted Stock Units
The following table summarizes the non-vested restricted stock units activity for the year-to-date 2022:
Number of SharesWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding non-vested RSUs at January 29, 2022909,287 $33.87 
Granted418,247 38.13 
Vested(355,911)29.29 
Forfeited(23,271)29.59 
Outstanding non-vested RSUs at April 30, 2022948,352 $37.52 
Granted83,912 27.34 
Vested(48,096)43.03 
Forfeited(83,399)41.98 
Outstanding non-vested RSUs at July 30, 2022900,769 $35.87 

The non-vested restricted stock units granted in the year-to-date 2022 generally vest and are expensed on a ratable basis over three years from the grant date of the award, if a threshold financial performance objective is achieved and the grantee remains employed by us through the vesting dates. In the year-to-date 2022, an immaterial amount of non-vested restricted stock units were granted with a minimum service requirement of one year and no required financial performance objectives.

Non-vested Restricted Stock Units Granted to Non-Employee Directors
In the second quarter of 2022, 14,770 common shares underlying the restricted stock units granted in 2021 to the non-employee directors vested on the trading day immediately preceding our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2022 Annual Meeting”). These units were part of the annual compensation of the non-employee directors of the Board. In the second quarter of 2022, the chairman of our Board received an annual restricted stock unit grant having a grant date fair value of approximately $245,000 and the remaining non-employees elected to our Board at our 2022 Annual Meeting each received an annual restricted stock unit grant having a grant date fair value of approximately $145,000. The 2022 restricted stock units will vest on the earlier of (1) the trading day immediately preceding our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or (2) the non-employee director’s death or disability. However, the non-employee directors will forfeit their restricted stock units if their service on the Board terminates before either vesting event occurs.

Performance Share Units
Prior to 2020, in 2021, and in the year-to-date 2022, we issued PSUs to certain members of management, which will vest if certain financial performance objectives are achieved over a three-year performance period and the grantee remains employed by us during the performance period. The financial performance objectives for each fiscal year within the three-year performance period are generally approved by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors during the first quarter of the respective fiscal year.

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As a result of the process used to establish the financial performance objectives, we will only meet the requirements for establishing a grant date for PSUs when we communicate the financial performance objectives for the third fiscal year of the award to the award recipients, which will then trigger the service inception date, the fair value of the awards, and the associated expense recognition period. If we meet the applicable threshold financial performance objectives over the three-year performance period and the grantee remains employed by us through the end of the performance period, the PSUs will vest on the first trading day after we file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the last fiscal year in the performance period.

The number of shares to be distributed upon vesting of the PSUs depends on the average performance attained during the three-year performance period compared to the performance targets established by the Compensation Committee, and may result in the distribution of an amount of shares that is greater or less than the number of PSUs granted, as defined in the award agreement.

In the year-to-date 2022, we also awarded TSR PSUs to certain members of management, which vest based on the achievement of total shareholder return (“TSR”) targets relative to a peer group over a three-year performance period and require the grantee to remain employed by us through the end of the performance period. If we meet the applicable performance thresholds over the three-year performance period and the grantee remains employed by us through the end of the performance period, the TSR PSUs will vest on the first trading day after we file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the last fiscal year in the performance period. We use a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of the TSR PSUs on the grant date and recognize expense over the service period. The TSR PSUs have a contractual period of three years.

The number of shares to be distributed upon vesting of the TSR PSUs depends on the average performance attained during the three-year performance period compared to the performance targets established by the Compensation Committee, and may result in the distribution of an amount of shares that is greater or less than the number of TSR PSUs granted, as defined in the award agreement.

We have begun or expect to begin recognizing expense related to PSUs and TSR PSUs as follows:
Issue YearMeasurement BasisOutstanding PSUs and TSR PSUs at July 30, 2022Actual Grant DatesExpected Valuation (Grant) DateActual or Expected Expense Period
2019ROIC/EPS6,109 March 2021Fiscal 2021
2021ROIC/EPS143,792 March 2023Fiscal 2023
2022Relative TSR61,235 March 2022 through July 2022Fiscal 2022 - 2024
2022ROIC/EPS244,972 March 2024Fiscal 2024
Total456,108 

We recognized $0.3 million and $7.2 million of share-based compensation expense related to PSUs, TSR PSUs, and PRSUs in the second quarter of 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $0.4 million and $15.8 million of share-based compensation expense related to PSUs, TSR PSUs, and PRSUs in the year-to-date 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The following table summarizes the activity related to PSUs and TSR PSUs for the year-to-date 2022:
Number of UnitsWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding PSUs and TSR PSUs at January 29, 2022240,110 $70.24 
Granted68,231 58.09 
Vested(234,001)70.24 
Forfeited— — 
Outstanding PSUs and TSR PSUs at April 30, 202274,340 $59.09 
Granted2,609 30.33 
Vested— — 
Forfeited(9,605)58.09 
Outstanding PSUs and TSR PSUs at July 30, 202267,344 $58.12 
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The following activity occurred under our share-based plans during the respective periods shown:
Second QuarterYear-to-Date
(In thousands)2022202120222021
Total fair value of restricted stock vested$1,289 $2,417 $13,920 $29,318 
Total fair value of performance shares vested$— $219 $13,753 $37,387 

The total unearned compensation cost related to all share-based awards outstanding, excluding PSUs issued in 2021 and 2022, at July 30, 2022 was approximately $27.4 million. This compensation cost is expected to be recognized through July 2025 based on existing vesting terms with the weighted-average remaining expense recognition period being approximately 2.1 years from July 30, 2022.

NOTE 5 – INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes was based on a current estimate of the annual effective tax rate, adjusted to reflect the effect of discrete items.

For the first quarter of 2022, the Company's estimated annual effective tax rate fluctuated with changes in the estimated full-year pre-tax earnings. Differences between pre-tax and taxable income, such as non-deductible executive compensation, cause the effective income rate to vary significantly. Accordingly, the Company did not believe that it could estimate the annual effective tax rate for 2022 with sufficient precision and, as permitted by GAAP, the income tax benefit for the first quarter of 2022 was calculated based upon the year-to-date pre-tax loss and the effect of differences between book and taxable loss.

For the year-to-date 2022, the Company determined it could estimate the effective income tax rate with sufficient precision. Therefore, the income tax benefit was based on the estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted to reflect the effect of discrete items. For the second quarter of 2022, and in consideration of the first quarter of 2022 provision for income taxes discussed above, the Company recorded an immaterial cumulative adjustment to arrive at the year-to-date 2022 estimated effective tax rate.

We have estimated the reasonably possible expected net change in unrecognized tax benefits through July 29, 2023, based on (1) expected cash and noncash settlements or payments of uncertain tax positions, and (2) lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations for unrecognized tax benefits. The estimated net decrease in unrecognized tax benefits for the next 12 months is approximately $2.0 million. Actual results may differ materially from this estimate.

NOTE 6 – CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings
We are involved in legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. We currently believe that each such action and claim will be resolved without a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. However, litigation involves an element of uncertainty. Future developments could cause these actions or claims to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

NOTE 7 – BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA

We use the following seven merchandise categories, which are consistent with our internal management and reporting of merchandise net sales: Food; Consumables; Soft Home; Hard Home; Furniture; Seasonal; and Apparel, Electronics, & Other. The Food category includes our beverage & grocery; specialty foods; and pet departments. The Consumables category includes our health, beauty and cosmetics; plastics; paper; and chemical departments. The Soft Home category includes our home décor; frames; fashion bedding; utility bedding; bath; window; decorative textile; and area rugs departments. The Hard Home category includes our small appliances; table top; food preparation; stationery; home maintenance; home organization; and toys departments. The Furniture category includes our upholstery; mattress; ready-to-assemble; and case goods departments. The Seasonal category includes our lawn & garden; summer; Christmas; and other holiday departments. The Apparel, Electronics, & Other department includes our apparel; electronics; jewelry; hosiery; and candy & snacks departments, as well as the assortments for The Lot, our cross-category presentation solution, and the Queue Line, our streamlined checkout experience.

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We periodically assess, and make minor adjustments to, our product hierarchy, which can impact the roll-up of our merchandise categories. Our financial reporting process utilizes the most current product hierarchy in reporting net sales by merchandise category for all periods presented. Therefore, there may be minor reclassifications of net sales by merchandise category compared to previously reported amounts.

The following table presents net sales data by merchandise category:
Second QuarterYear-to-Date
(In thousands)2022202120222021
Seasonal$331,299 $259,682 $565,470 $563,600 
Furniture294,218 409,078 684,604 890,509 
Food172,513 178,167 349,133 358,464 
Soft Home154,787 183,249 321,082 407,103 
Consumables150,531 159,301 305,842 321,689 
Hard Home127,418 145,702 256,702 297,900 
Apparel, Electronics, & Other115,455 122,195 238,102 243,661 
  Net sales$1,346,221 $1,457,374 $2,720,935 $3,082,926 

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

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“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 statements. We wish to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Act.

Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act, and such statements are intended to qualify for the protection of the safe harbor provided by the Act. The words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “approximate,” “expect,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “target,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “outlook,” 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, developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the current economic and credit conditions, inflation, 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 risk that the parties are unable to reach agreement on the New Credit Facility or an amendment to the Synthetic Lease, the risks discussed in the Risk Factors section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (as updated in this Quarterly Report on the 10-Q), 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 report 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.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our public announcements and SEC filings.

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OVERVIEW

The discussion and analysis presented below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. Each term defined in the notes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements has the same meaning in this item and the balance of this report.

The following are the results from the second quarter of 2022 that we believe are key indicators of our operating performance when compared to our operating performance from the second quarter of 2021:

•Net sales decreased $111.2 million, or 7.6%.
•Comparable sales for stores open at least fifteen months, plus our e-commerce net sales, decreased $129.4 million, or 9.2%.
•Gross margin dollars decreased $139.3 million, while gross margin rate decreased 700 basis points to 32.6% of net sales.
•Selling and administrative expenses increased $21.7 million to $510.4 million, which included $24.1 million of store asset impairment charges. As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses increased 440 basis points to 37.9% of net sales.
•Operating (loss) profit decreased to an operating loss of $109.1 million from an operating profit of $53.9 million.
•Diluted (loss) earnings per share decreased to $(2.91) per share from $1.09 per share.
•Cash and cash equivalents decreased $244.2 million, from $293.3 million at the end of the second quarter of 2021 to $49.1 million at the end of the second quarter of 2022.
•Inventory increased by 22.8%, or $215.2 million, from $943.8 million at the end of the second quarter of 2021 to $1,159.0 million at the end of the second quarter of 2022. This increase is largely due to a 24% increase in average unit cost of on hand inventory.
•We declared and paid a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.30 per common share in the second quarter of 2022, which was consistent with the quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per common share paid in the second quarter of 2021.

See the discussion and analysis below for additional details regarding our operating results.

STORES

The following table presents stores opened and closed during the year-to-date 2022 and the year-to-date 2021:
20222021
Stores open at the beginning of the fiscal year1,431 1,408 
Stores opened during the period18 25 
Stores closed during the period(7)(15)
Stores open at the end of the period1,442 1,418 

We have reevaluated our store opening and closing plans for 2022 and now anticipate more store closings than previously anticipated. We now expect our store count at the end of 2022 to increase by approximately 10 or fewer stores compared to our store count at the end of 2021.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table compares components of our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income as a percentage of net sales at the end of each period:
Second QuarterYear-to-Date
2022202120222021
Net sales100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation expense shown separately below)67.4 60.4 65.3 60.0 
Gross margin32.6 39.6 34.7 40.0 
Selling and administrative expenses37.9 33.5 36.4 32.0 
Depreciation expense2.8 2.4 2.7 2.2 
Operating (loss) profit(8.1)3.7 (4.5)5.7 
Interest expense(0.3)(0.2)(0.2)(0.2)
Other income (expense)0.0 (0.0)0.0 0.0 
(Loss) income before income taxes(8.4)3.5 (4.7)5.6 
Income tax (benefit) expense(2.1)0.9 (1.2)1.3 
Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income(6.3)%2.6 %(3.5)%4.3 %

SECOND QUARTER OF 2022 COMPARED TO SECOND QUARTER OF 2021

Net Sales
Net sales by merchandise category (in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales), net sales change (in dollars and percentage), and comparable sales (“comp” or “comps”) in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021 were as follows:
Second Quarter
($ in thousands)20222021ChangeComps
Seasonal$331,299 24.6 %$259,682 17.8 %$71,617 27.6 %25.8 %
Furniture294,218 21.9 409,078 28.1 (114,860)(28.1)(29.7)
Food172,513 12.8 178,167 12.2 (5,654)(3.2)(4.0)
Soft Home154,787 11.5 183,249 12.6 (28,462)(15.5)(16.8)
Consumables150,531 11.2 159,301 10.9 (8,770)(5.5)(6.3)
Hard Home127,418 9.4 145,702 10.0 (18,284)(12.5)(13.9)
Apparel, Electronics, & Other115,455 8.6 122,195 8.4 (6,740)(5.5)(8.8)
  Net sales$1,346,221 100.0 %$1,457,374 100.0 %$(111,153)(7.6)%(9.2)%
 
We periodically assess, and make minor adjustments to, our product hierarchy, which can impact the roll-up of our merchandise categories. Our financial reporting process utilizes the most current product hierarchy in reporting net sales by merchandise category for all periods presented. Therefore, there may be minor reclassifications of net sales by merchandise category compared to previously reported amounts.

Net sales decreased $111.2 million, or 7.6%, to $1,346.2 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $1,457.4 million in the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by a 9.2% decrease in our comps, which decreased net sales by $129.4 million. This decrease was partially offset by our non-comparable sales, which increased net sales by $18.2 million, driven by increased sales in our new and relocated stores offset by closed stores compared to the second quarter of 2021. Our comps are calculated based on the results of all stores that were open at least fifteen months plus our e-commerce net sales.

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We believe that the decreases in net sales and comps in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021 were primarily attributable to a decrease in demand as a result of economic pressures on our customers caused by inflation, including rising fuel and food prices, and the absence of government stimulus payments compared to second quarter of 2021, which we believe negatively impacted the discretionary spending of our customers.

The increased net sales and positive comps in our Seasonal category compared to the second quarter of 2021 was primarily driven by our lawn & garden and summer departments. The net sales and comps of these departments were impacted by increased inventory levels and category-specific promotional activity in the second quarter of 2022 as we aggressively discounted our Seasonal category to reduce our inventory levels entering the third quarter of 2022. Based on consumer demand in 2021, we increased our lawn & garden and summer department purchases for the 2022 lawn & garden and summer selling season. Late in the first quarter of 2022 and throughout the second quarter of 2022, consumer demand for discretionary goods declined and we determined that we needed to take aggressive steps to move through Seasonal inventory. As a result of our promotional actions, we ended the second quarter of 2022 without significant excess Seasonal inventory and we believe that our Seasonal inventory position at the end of the second quarter of 2022 is appropriate to support our current expectations for the second half of 2022.

In the second quarter of 2022, we experienced decreased comps and net sales in our Furniture, Soft Home, and Hard Home merchandise categories. These categories, particularly the Furniture category, were most impacted by the decline in demand that we experienced as they are generally more discretionary in nature. As discussed above, inflation and the absence of government stimulus payments reduced our customer's discretionary spending compared to the second quarter of 2021. In the second quarter of 2022, we began adjusting our merchandise mix within these categories to lower our entry-level price points to drive purchases from our consumers whose discretionary funds have been negatively impacted by inflation. We have also continued to offer high value products with higher price points that we believe will attract customers from higher income households such as our Broyhill® branded home products. We expect more price point mix adjustments within these categories in the second half of 2022 to expand our lower entry-level price points.

While our Food and Consumables categories experienced decreased comps and net sales in the second quarter of 2022, these categories performed relatively better than our home products categories as they are less sensitive to changes in discretionary spending. However, we believe our customers have consolidated shopping trips in response to higher fuel prices which has negatively impacted comps and net sales for Food and Consumables categories.

Our Apparel, Electronics, & Other category also experienced decreases in net sales and comps which were primarily driven by the decreased discretionary spending discussed above, partially offset by the favorable response of our customers to the product assortments found in The Lot and Queue Line.

Gross Margin
Gross margin dollars decreased $139.3 million, or 24.1%, to $438.5 million for the second quarter of 2022, compared to $577.8 million for the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in gross margin dollars was primarily due to a decrease in gross margin rate, which decreased gross margin dollars by $95.2 million, and a decrease in net sales, which decreased gross margin dollars by $44.1 million. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased 700 basis points to 32.6% in the second quarter of 2022 as compared to 39.6% in the second quarter of 2021. The gross margin rate decrease was primarily a result of higher markdowns, higher inbound freight costs, and a higher shrink rate, partially offset by a higher initial markup. The higher markdowns were driven by increased promotions in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021. We aggressively discounted merchandise in the second quarter of 2022, particularly in our Seasonal category, to reduce our inventory levels to an appropriate position at the end of the quarter. The increase in inbound freight costs was due to higher ocean carriage rates and higher fuel costs. The higher shrink rate was driven by a higher rate of theft and other loss in our stores during 2021, which has led to unfavorable physical inventory results and higher shrink accruals in the second quarter of 2022. The higher initial markup was driven by modest price increases in targeted merchandise categories and specific items that have been most impacted by higher freight costs.

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Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses were $510.4 million for the second quarter of 2022, compared to $488.7 million for the second quarter of 2021. The increase of $21.7 million in selling and administrative expenses was driven by $24.1 million of store asset impairment charges (see Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements) resulting from a review of underperforming stores, and an increase in distribution and transportation costs of $10.0 million, partially offset by decreases in accrued bonus expense of $7.4 million and share-based compensation expense of $7.2 million. The increase in distribution and transportation expenses was driven by increased fuel costs and outbound transportation rates as well as the costs associated with the forward distribution centers ("FDCs") opened in the past year, partially offset by lower volumes. The decrease in accrued bonus expense was due to lower performance in the second quarter of 2022 relative to our quarterly and annual operating plans as compared to the second quarter of 2021. Our share-based compensation expense decreased due to the 2019 PSUs (for which the grant date was established in 2021), which carried a higher grant date fair value and for which substantially more awards were granted than the 2022 TSR PSUs, and forfeitures resulting from executive departures.

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses increased 440 basis points to 37.9% for the second quarter of 2022 compared to 33.5% for the second quarter of 2021.

Depreciation Expense
Depreciation expense increased $1.9 million to $37.2 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $35.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase in depreciation expense was driven by increased investments in our strategic initiatives, new stores, and supply chain improvements in the last twelve months.

Depreciation expense as a percentage of sales increased 40 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2021.

Interest Expense
Interest expense was $3.9 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase in interest expense was primarily driven by an increase in total average borrowings. We had total average borrowings (including finance leases and the sale and leaseback financing liability) of $397.8 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to total average borrowings of $148.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase in total average borrowings was driven by our borrowings under the Credit Agreement throughout the second quarter of 2022 compared to the average balance on our term note agreement, which was fully repaid in the second quarter of 2021. We had no borrowings under the Credit Agreement in the second quarter of 2021.

Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) was $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $(0.1) million in the second quarter of 2021. The change was driven by gains on our diesel fuel derivatives in second quarter of 2022 compared to losses on diesel fuel derivatives during the second quarter of 2021, as well as a $0.5 million loss on debt extinguishment recognized in connection with the prepayment of the term note secured by equipment at our California distribution center in the second quarter of 2021.

Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2021 was 25.4% and 26.7%, respectively. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was driven by an increase in employment related tax credits and audit settlements, partially offset by nondeductible executive compensation. The effective income tax rate was further impacted by the loss before income taxes in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the income before income taxes in the second quarter of 2021.

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YEAR-TO-DATE 2022 COMPARED TO YEAR-TO-DATE 2021

Net Sales
Net sales by merchandise category (in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales) in the year-to-date 2022 and the year-to-date 2021, and the change in net sales (in dollars and percentage) and the change in comps (in percentage) from the year-to-date 2022 compared to the year-to-date 2021 were as follows:
Year-to-Date
($ in thousands)20222021ChangeComps
Furniture$684,604 25.2 %$890,509 28.9 %$(205,905)(23.1)%(24.9)%
Seasonal565,470 20.8 563,600 18.3 1,870 0.3 (1.1)
Food349,133 12.8 358,464 11.6 (9,331)(2.6)(3.6)
Soft Home321,082 11.8 407,103 13.2 (86,021)(21.1)(22.5)
Consumables305,842 11.2 321,689 10.4 (15,847)(4.9)(5.9)
Hard Home256,702 9.4 297,900 9.7 (41,198)(13.8)(15.3)
Apparel, Electronics, & Other238,102 8.8 243,661 7.9 (5,559)(2.3)(4.8)
  Net sales$2,720,935 100.0 %$3,082,926 100.0 %$(361,991)(11.7)%(13.3)%

Net sales decreased $362.0 million, or 11.7%, to $2,720.9 million in the year-to-date 2022, compared to $3,082.9 million in the year-to-date 2021. The decrease in net sales was driven by a comp decrease of 13.3%, which decreased net sales by $397.7 million, partially offset by our non-comparable sales which increased net sales by $35.7 million as a result of increased net sales in our new and relocated stores compared to closed stores, and an increase in net store count compared to the year-to-date 2021. Our comps and net sales decreased in the year-to-date 2022 primarily due to the absence of government sponsored relief packages that were present in the year-to-date 2021, which included government stimulus payments and enhanced unemployment benefits. Additionally, we experienced decreased demand in the year-to-date 2022 as a result of general economic pressures on our customers caused by inflation, including rising fuel and food prices, which we believe impacted the discretionary spending of our customers.

In the year-to-date 2022, we experienced decreased comps and net sales in Furniture, Food, Soft Home, Consumables, Hard Home and Apparel, Electronics, & Other. Our home products categories - Furniture, Soft Home, and Hard Home - were most impacted, as purchases from these categories are generally more discretionary in nature. As discussed above, an inflationary environment and absence of government stimulus payments reduced our customer's discretionary spending. As also discussed above, we began to adjust, and expect to continue to adjust, our mix of price points in these categories to enhance our entry-level price point offerings for our consumers whose discretionary funds have been most negatively impacted by inflationary factors.

Our Food and Consumables categories performed marginally better than our home products categories in the year-to-date 2022 as they are less sensitive to changes in discretionary spending.

Our Apparel, Electronics, & Other category experienced decreases in net sales and comps which were driven by the decreased discretionary spending discussed above, partially offset by the favorable response of our customers to the newness of our product assortments found in The Lot and Queue Line.

The increased net sales in our Seasonal category in the year-to-date 2022 compared to the year-to-date 2021 was primarily driven by our lawn & garden and summer departments. These weather-sensitive departments were negatively impacted in the first quarter of 2022 by cooler weather stretching into March and April in much of the country, which led to a slow start to the lawn & garden and summer selling seasons. However, these negative impacts were more than offset in the second quarter of 2022, when the net sales and comps of these departments benefited from increased inventory levels and category-specific promotional activity as we aggressively discounted our lawn & garden and summer assortments to be competitive in the current market and reduce our inventory levels going into the third quarter of 2022. As a result of our promotional actions, we ended the second quarter of 2022 without significant excess Seasonal inventory and we believe that our Seasonal inventory position at the end of the second quarter of 2022 is appropriate to support our current expectations for the second half of 2022.


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Gross Margin
Gross margin dollars decreased $288.6 million, or 23.4%, to $943.1 million for the year-to-date 2022, compared to $1,231.7 million for the year-to-date 2021. The decrease in gross margin dollars was due to a decrease in net sales, which decreased gross margin by $144.6 million, and a decrease in gross margin rate, which decreased gross margin by $144.0 million. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased 530 basis points to 34.7% in the year-to-date 2022, compared to 40.0% in the year-to-date 2021. The gross margin rate decrease was primarily a result of higher markdowns, higher inbound freight costs, and a higher shrink rate, partially offset by a higher initial markup. The higher markdowns were driven by increased promotions in the year-to-date 2022 compared to the year-to-date 2021, as we aggressively discounted Seasonal and other products to drive net sales in the second quarter of 2022 and to end the second quarter of 2022 in an inventory position aligned with our expectations for the second half of 2022. Inbound freight costs increased due to higher ocean carriage rates, detention and demurrage charges related to supply chain delays, and higher fuel costs. The higher shrink rate was driven by a higher rate of theft and other loss in our stores during 2021, which has led to unfavorable physical inventory counts in the 2022 physical inventory cycle and a higher shrink accrual rate in the year-to-date 2022. The higher initial markup was driven by modest price increases in targeted merchandise categories and on specific items that have been most impacted by higher freight costs.

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses were $991.2 million for the year-to-date 2022, compared to $986.1 million for the year-to-date 2021. The increase of $5.1 million in selling and administrative expenses was attributable to increases in distribution and transportation costs of $25.9 million and store asset impairment charges of $24.1 million, partially offset by decreases in accrued bonus expense of $26.4 million, share-based compensation expense of $15.4 million, and self-insurance expense of $6.7 million. The increase in distribution and transportation costs was driven by increased fuel costs and outbound transportation rates, as well as the costs associated with the FDCs opened in the past year, partially offset by lower volumes. The non-cash store asset impairment charges were recorded as a result of a review of underperforming store locations. The decrease in accrued bonus expense was due to lower operating performance in the year-to-date 2022 relative to our annual operating plans as compared to the year-to-date 2021. Our share-based compensation expense decreased primarily due to the 2019 PSUs (for which the grant date was established in the first quarter of 2021), which carried a higher grant date fair value and for which substantially more awards were granted than the 2022 TSR PSUs. Our share-based compensation expense also decreased due to forfeitures resulting from executive departures in the year-to-date 2022. The decrease in self-insurance expense was primarily driven by favorable workers' compensation, general liability, and healthcare claims experience, which led to lower incurred expense in the year-to-date 2022 compared to the year-to-date 2021.

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses increased 440 basis points to 36.4% for the year-to-date 2022 compared to 32.0% for the year-to-date 2021.

Depreciation Expense
Depreciation expense increased $5.3 million to $74.6 million in the year-to-date 2022, compared to $69.3 million for the year-to-date 2021. The increase was driven by increased investments in our strategic initiatives, new stores, and supply chain improvements in the last 12 months.

Depreciation expense as a percentage of sales increased by 50 basis points compared to the year-to-date 2021.

Interest Expense
Interest expense was $6.7 million in the year-to-date 2022, compared to $4.9 million in the year-to-date 2021. The increase in interest expense was driven by higher total average borrowings (including finance leases and the sale and leaseback financing liability). We had total average borrowings of $349.4 million in the year-to-date 2022 compared to $164.5 million in the year-to-date 2021. The increase in total average borrowings was driven by our borrowings under the Credit Agreement throughout the year-to-date 2022 compared to the average balance on our term note agreement, which was fully repaid in the second quarter of 2021. We had no borrowings under the Credit Agreement in the year-to-date 2021.

Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) was $1.3 million in the year-to-date 2022, compared to $0.8 million in the year-to-date 2021. The change was primarily driven by the absence of a $0.5 million loss on debt extinguishment recognized in the year-to-date 2021 related to the prepayment of the term note secured by equipment at our California distribution center.

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Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the year-to-date 2022 and the year-to-date 2021 were 25.6% and 23.3%, respectively. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily attributable to increased audit settlements and a net deficiency associated with vesting of share-based payment awards in 2022 compared to a net benefit in the year-to-date 2021, partially offset by lower non-deductible executive compensation. Additionally, the increase in the effective income tax rate was impacted by the loss before income taxes in the year-to-date 2022 compared to the income before income taxes in the year-to-date 2021.

Known Trends and 2022 Guidance
In the year-to-date 2022, the U.S. economy experienced its highest inflationary period in decades, which has adversely impacted costs in our business, particularly freight and transportation-related expenses, and adversely impacted the buying power of our customers. We expect the inflationary environment to continue to negatively impact costs within our business and discretionary spending by our customers through the remainder of fiscal 2022.

Given the wide range of potential outcomes, we are not currently providing earnings per share guidance for the third quarter of 2022; however, we anticipate a significant operating loss in the third quarter of 2022. As of August 30, 2022, we expect the following in the third quarter of 2022:
•A comparable sales decrease in the low double digits compared to the third quarter of 2021;
•Gross margin rate in the mid 30s due to continued promotional activity; and
•Combined selling and administrative expenses and depreciation up compared to the third quarter of 2021, which is primarily a result of increased outbound transportation costs, partially offset by lower rent and depreciation expenses resulting from the store asset impairment charges discussed above.

For 2022, we expect capital expenditures of approximately $160 million.

Capital Resources and Liquidity
On September 22, 2021, we entered into the Credit Agreement, which provides for a $600 million five-year unsecured credit facility that expires on September 22, 2026. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are available for general corporate purposes, working capital, and to repay certain indebtedness. The Credit Agreement includes a $50 million swing loan sublimit, a $75 million letter of credit sublimit, a $75 million sublimit for loans to foreign borrowers, and a $200 million optional currency sublimit. The Credit Agreement also contains an ESG provision, which may provide favorable pricing and fee adjustments if we meet ESG performance criteria to be established by a future amendment to the Credit Agreement. Under the Credit Agreement, we have the option to establish incremental term loans and/or increases in the revolving credit limits in an aggregate amount of up to $300 million, subject to the lenders agreeing to increase their commitments. Additionally, the Credit Agreement includes two options to extend the maturity date of the Credit Agreement by one year each, subject to each lender agreeing to extend the maturity date of its respective loans. The interest rates, pricing and fees under the Credit Agreement fluctuate based on our debt rating or leverage ratio, whichever results in more favorable pricing to us. The Credit Agreement allows us to select our interest rate for each borrowing from multiple interest rate options. The interest rate options are generally derived from the prime rate or LIBOR. The Credit Agreement updated the LIBOR fallback language to implement fallback provisions, pursuant to which the interest rate on the loans will transition to an alternative rate upon the occurrence of certain LIBOR cessation events. Loans made under the Credit Agreement may be prepaid without penalty. The Credit Agreement contains financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on indebtedness, liens and investments, as well as, subject to the Credit Agreement Consent Letter described below, the maintenance of two financial ratios – a leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. The covenants of the Credit Agreement do not restrict our ability to pay dividends. Additionally, we are subject to cross-default provisions associated with the Synthetic Lease for our distribution center in Apple Valley, CA, which was amended concurrent with our entry into the Credit Agreement to conform with the covenants (including the terms of the Credit Agreement Consent Letter described below and the Synthetic Lease Consent Letter described below) of the Credit Agreement. A violation of any of the covenants could result in a default under the Credit Agreement that would permit the lenders to restrict our ability to further access the Credit Agreement for loans and letters of credit and require the immediate repayment of any outstanding loans under the Credit Agreement. At July 30, 2022, we were in compliance with the applicable covenants of the Credit Agreement.

On July 27, 2022, we entered into a consent letter related to the Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Consent Letter”), which suspended the testing of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio under the Credit Agreement (as defined therein) for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2022. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement Consent Letter, we also agreed to amend the Credit Agreement or enter into a new credit facility to replace the Credit Agreement, in each case on terms mutually agreeable among us, the administrative agent and the banks, no later than October 28, 2022 (or a later date approved by the administrative agent in its commercially reasonable discretion).

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In connection with the execution of the Credit Agreement Consent Letter, on July 29, 2022, we entered into an engagement letter with PNC Capital Markets LLC and PNC Bank, National Association (the “Engagement Letter”), pursuant to which PNC Capital Markets has agreed to arrange, on a best efforts basis, a five-year, syndicated asset-based revolving credit facility (“New Credit Facility”) in an amount up to $900 million in total commitments with an additional uncommitted increase option of up to $300 million. The New Credit Facility will refinance and replace the Credit Agreement. The Engagement Letter provides, among other things, that (a) borrowings under the New Credit Facility will be subject to a borrowing base consisting of eligible credit card receivables and eligible inventory (including in-transit inventory), subject to customary exceptions and reserves, (b) obligations under the New Credit Facility will be guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries and will be secured by our working capital assets, subject to customary exceptions, (c) interest payable under the New Credit Facility will fluctuate based on our availability and outstanding borrowings under the facility, and the New Credit Facility will allow us to select our index rate for each borrowing from multiple interest rate options, including one, three or six month adjusted Term SOFR and (d) the New Credit Facility will contain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, and the only financial covenant under the New Credit Facility will be a springing fixed charge coverage ratio. As of September 7, 2022, we expect to enter into the New Credit Facility during the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2022.

On July 27, 2022, we also entered into a consent letter related to the Synthetic Lease (the “Synthetic Lease Consent Letter”), which suspended testing of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio under the Synthetic Lease (as defined therein) for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2022. Pursuant to the Synthetic Lease Consent Letter, we also agreed to amend the Synthetic Lease on terms mutually agreeable among us, the lessor, the administrative agent, and the lease participants, no later than October 28, 2022 (or a later date approved by the majority secured parties in their commercially reasonable discretion). As of September 7, 2022, we expect to enter into such an amendment during the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2022.

At July 30, 2022, we had $252.6 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement, and the borrowings available under the Credit Agreement were $341.6 million, after taking into account the reduction in availability resulting from outstanding letters of credit totaling $5.8 million.

See Part II, Item 1A. "Risk Factors-If we are unable to comply with the terms of the 2021 Credit Agreement, our capital resources, financial condition, result of operations, and liquidity may be materially adversely effected" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for discussion of the risks associated with our indebtedness, liquidity and debt covenants.

The primary source of our liquidity is cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facility as necessary. Our net income (loss) and, consequently, our cash provided by (used in) operations are impacted by net sales volume, seasonal sales patterns, and operating profit (loss) margins. Our cash provided by operations typically peaks in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year due to net sales generated during the holiday selling season. Generally, our working capital requirements peak late in our third fiscal quarter or early in our fourth fiscal quarter as we build our inventory levels prior to the holiday selling season. We have historically funded those requirements with cash provided by operations and borrowings under our credit facility. We currently expect to increase our borrowings under our credit facility at the end of the third quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2022 to fund our cash requirements. Cash requirements include among other things, capital expenditures, working capital needs, interest payments, and other contractual commitments.

On December 1, 2021 our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of our common shares under the 2021 Repurchase Authorization. Pursuant to the 2021 Repurchase Authorization, we may repurchase shares in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. The 2021 Repurchase Authorization has no scheduled termination date. In the second quarter of 2022, we did not purchase shares under the 2021 Repurchase Authorization. As of July 30, 2022, we had $159.4 million available for future repurchases under the 2021 Repurchase Authorization.

In May 2022, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per common share payable on June 24, 2022 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 10, 2022. The cash dividend of $0.30 per common share is consistent with our quarterly dividends declared in 2021. In the year-to-date of 2022, we paid approximately $19.5 million in dividends compared to $22.7 million in the year-to-date of 2021.

Based on historical and expected financial results, and our expectation to enter into the New Credit Facility and an amendment to the Synthetic Lease during the third fiscal quarter of 2022, we believe that we have or, if necessary, have the ability to obtain, adequate resources to fund our cash requirements, including ongoing and seasonal working capital requirements, proposed capital expenditures, new projects and currently maturing obligations.

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In August 2022, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per common share payable on September 23, 2022 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 9, 2022.

The following table compares the primary components of our cash flows from the year-to-date 2022 compared to the year-to-date 2021:
(In thousands)20222021Change
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(135,409)$142,158 $(277,567)
Net cash used in investing activities(86,872)(77,086)(9,786)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities$217,703 $(331,306)$549,009 

Cash (used in) provided by operating activities decreased $277.6 million to cash used in operating activities of $135.4 million in the year-to-date 2022 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $142.2 million in the year-to-date 2021. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in operating performance from net (loss) income after adjusting for non-cash activities such as non-cash impairment charge, non-cash share-based compensation expense, and non-cash lease expense, and cash outflows related to a pay down of accounts payable on an increased inventory position. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in the change in current income taxes, which was driven by a change from generating income before income taxes in the year-to-date 2021 to a loss before income taxes in the year-to-date 2022.

Cash used in investing activities increased by $9.8 million to $86.9 million in the year-to-date 2022 compared to $77.1 million in the year-to-date 2021. The increase was driven by an increase in capital expenditures, which was primarily due to increased investments in new stores and other strategic initiatives.

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities increased by $549.0 million to cash provided by financing activities of $217.7 million in the year-to-date 2022 compared to cash used in financing activities of $331.3 million in the year-to-date 2021. The increase was driven by net proceeds from long-term debt due to borrowings under the Credit Agreement to fund working capital requirements, and a decrease in payment for treasury shares acquired. The decrease in payment for treasury shares acquired was due to shares repurchased under a share repurchase authorization in the year-to-date 2021, whereas there were no shares repurchased in the year-to-date 2022 under the 2021 Repurchase Authorization.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, judgments, and assumptions, and bases its estimates, judgments, and assumptions on historical experience, current trends, and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in our 2021 Form 10-K for additional information about our accounting policies.

The estimates, judgments, and assumptions that have a higher degree of inherent uncertainty and require the most significant judgments are outlined in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2021 Form 10-K. Had we used estimates, judgments, and assumptions different from any of those discussed in our 2021 Form 10-K, our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity for the current period could have been materially different from those presented.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are subject to market risk from exposure to changes in interest rates on investments that we make from time to time and on borrowings under the Credit Agreement. We had $252.6 million of borrowings under the Credit Agreement at July 30, 2022. An increase of 1% in our variable interest rate on our expected future borrowings could affect our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity through higher interest expense by approximately $2.5 million.

We are subject to market risk from exposure to changes in our derivative instruments associated with diesel fuel. At July 30, 2022, we had outstanding derivative instruments, in the form of collars, covering 0.6 million gallons of diesel fuel. The below table provides further detail related to our current derivative instruments, associated with diesel fuel.
Calendar Year of MaturityDiesel Fuel DerivativesFair Value
PutsCallsAsset (Liability)
(Gallons, in thousands)(In thousands)
2022600 600 1,113 
Total600 600 $1,113 

Additionally, at July 30, 2022, a 10% difference in the forward curve for diesel fuel prices could affect unrealized gains (losses) in other income (expense) by approximately $0.3 million.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have each concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. Other Information


Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For information regarding certain legal proceedings to which we have been named a party or are subject, see Note 6 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed within Part 1, Item 1A. of our 2021 Form 10-K. Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes to our risk factors as disclosed in the 2021 Form 10-K and in our subsequent filings with the SEC.

If we are unable to comply with the terms of the Credit Agreement or the Synthetic Lease, our capital resources, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity may be materially adversely effected.

We borrow funds under our $600 million five-year unsecured credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) from time to time, depending on operating or other cash flow requirements. The Credit Agreement contains financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on indebtedness, liens, and investments, as well as the maintenance of a leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. Additionally, we are subject to similar covenants under the synthetic lease agreement (the “Synthetic Lease”) that we entered in connection with our distribution center in California. A violation of any of these covenants may permit the lenders under the Credit Agreement to restrict our ability to borrow additional funds or provide letters of credit under the Credit Agreement and may require us to immediately repay any outstanding loans and permit the lease participants under the Synthetic Lease to require us to immediately pay all amounts owing thereunder. Our failure to comply with these covenants may have a material adverse effect on our capital resources, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

On July 27, 2022, we entered into a consent letter related to the Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Consent Letter”), which suspended the testing of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio under the Credit Agreement (as defined therein) for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2022. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement Consent Letter, we also agreed to amend the Credit Agreement or enter into a new credit facility to replace the Credit Agreement, in each case on terms mutually agreeable among us, the administrative agent and the banks, no later than October 28, 2022 (or a later date approved by the administrative agent in its commercially reasonable discretion).

In connection with the execution of the Credit Agreement Consent Letter, on July 29, 2022, we entered into an engagement letter with PNC Capital Markets LLC and PNC Bank, National Association (the “Engagement Letter”), pursuant to which PNC Capital Markets agreed to arrange, on a best efforts basis, a five-year, syndicated asset-based revolving credit facility (the “New Credit Facility”) in an amount up to $900 million in total commitments with an additional uncommitted increase option of up to $300 million. The New Credit Facility will refinance and replace the Credit Agreement. The Engagement Letter provides, among other things, that (a) borrowings under the New Credit Facility will be subject to a borrowing base consisting of eligible credit card receivables and eligible inventory (including in-transit inventory), subject to customary exceptions and reserves, (b) obligations under the New Credit Facility will be guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries and will be secured by our working capital assets, subject to customary exceptions, (c) interest payable under the New Credit Facility will fluctuate based on our availability and outstanding borrowings under the facility, and the New Credit Facility will allow us to select our index rate for each borrowing from multiple interest rate options, including one, three or six month adjusted Term SOFR and (d) the New Credit Facility will contain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, and the only financial covenant under the New Credit Facility will be a springing fixed charge coverage ratio. As of September 7, 2022, we expect to enter into the New Credit Facility during the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2022.

On July 27, 2022, we also entered into a consent letter related to the Synthetic Lease (the “Synthetic Lease Consent Letter”), which suspended testing of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio under the Synthetic Lease (as defined therein) for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2022. Pursuant to the Synthetic Lease Consent Letter, we also agreed to amend the Synthetic Lease on terms mutually agreeable among us, the lessor, the administrative agent, and the lease participants, no later than October 28, 2022 (or a later date approved by the majority secured parties in their commercially reasonable discretion). As of September 7, 2022, we expect to enter into such an amendment during the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2022.

We cannot guarantee that we will be successful in entering into the New Credit Facility and an amendment to the Synthetic Lease. If we are unable by October 28, 2022 (or such later date approved by the applicable parties) to reach agreement on the terms and conditions of the New Credit Facility or an amendment to the Synthetic Lease or obtain other relief from the banks under the Credit Agreement and the lease participants under the Synthetic Lease, we would be in default under the Credit Agreement and the Synthetic Lease and the outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement and the amounts owing under the Synthetic Lease could be accelerated. If such indebtedness or amounts are accelerated, we may not be able to repay, or borrow sufficient funds to refinance, such accelerated indebtedness or amounts. Even if we are able to obtain new financing, it may not be on commercially reasonable terms or on terms that are acceptable to us. If we are in default for any reason under the Credit Agreement or the Synthetic Lease and we are unable to successfully restructure the applicable agreement, such inability could have a material adverse effect on our capital resources, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.
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Table of Contents


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(In thousands, except price per share data)
Period
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)(2)
(b) Average Price Paid per Share (1)(2)
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
(d) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
May 1, 2022 - May 28, 20225 $31.92 — 159,425 
May 29, 2022 - June 25, 20222 23.83 — 159,425 
June 26, 2022 - July 30, 20222 21.24 — 159,425 
   Total9 $28.41 — 159,425 

(1)     In May, June, and July 2022, in connection with the vesting of certain outstanding RSUs, we acquired 5,350, 1,375, and 1,742 of our common shares, respectively, which were withheld to satisfy minimum statutory income tax withholdings.
(2)     The 2021 Repurchase Authorization is comprised of a December 1, 2021 authorization by our Board of Directors for the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our common shares. During the second quarter of 2022, we had no repurchases under the 2021 Repurchase Authorization. At July 30, 2022, the 2021 Repurchase Authorization has $159.4 million of remaining authorization. The 2021 Repurchase Authorization has no scheduled termination date.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

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Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are filed herewith.

 Exhibit No.Document
Form of Big Lots 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan Performance Share Units Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to our Form 10-K dated March 29, 2022).
Big Lots, Inc. Executive Severance Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q dated June 8, 2022).
Big Lots, Inc. Senior Executive Severance Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q dated June 8, 2022).
Credit Facility Consent Letter (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K dated July 29, 2022).
Synthetic Lease Consent Letter (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 8-K dated July 29, 2022).
Form of Big Lots 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement.
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Labels Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.SchXBRL Taxonomy Schema Linkbase Document
101.InsXBRL Taxonomy Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Date File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

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.

Dated: September 7, 2022
 BIG LOTS, INC.
  
 
By: /s/ Jonathan E. Ramsden
  
 Jonathan E. Ramsden
 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
 (Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

27
Exhibit 10.6
BIG LOTS 2020 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AWARD AGREEMENT


Grantee:______________________________
Grant Date:______________________________
Number of RSUs:______________________________

In accordance with the terms of the Big Lots 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as may be amended (“Plan”), this Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the Grant Date by and between you, the Grantee, and Big Lots, Inc., an Ohio corporation (“Company”), in connection with the Company’s grant of these Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) and related Dividend-Equivalent Rights (“DERs”) to you. The RSUs and DERs are subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement (including Exhibit A) shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.

This Agreement describes the RSUs and DERs you have been granted and the conditions that must be met before the RSUs vest and you become entitled to receive the Shares underlying the RSUs and any cash accrued under the DERs. To ensure that you fully understand these terms and conditions, you should carefully read the Plan and this Agreement.
Description of the RSUs

Each RSU represents a right to receive one Share after such RSU vests. The Company shall transfer to you one Share for each RSU that vests, provided you comply with the terms of this Agreement and the Plan. However, you shall forfeit any rights to the RSUs and the underlying Shares (i.e., no Shares will be transferred to you) to the extent the RSUs do not vest or you do not comply with the terms of this Agreement and the Plan.

No portion of the RSUs that have not vested or been settled, nor any underlying Shares that have not yet been transferred to you may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, encumbered or otherwise disposed of by you in any way (including a transfer by operation of law); and any attempt by you to make any such sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other disposition shall be null and void and of no effect.

Vesting of the RSUs

Subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the Plan, (i) if you are continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate from the Grant Date through the Outside Date, then your RSUs shall vest and the underlying Shares shall be transferred to you or (ii) if you are continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate from the Grant Date to the applicable event described below, then your RSUs shall vest (if at all) and the underlying Shares shall be transferred to you as indicated below:

A.    If you die or incur a Disability before the Outside Date, as defined in Exhibit A, a fraction of your RSUs shall vest upon your death or Disability, based on the following formula: (i) the total number of RSUs granted herein; multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days of employment or service that you have completed with the Company or its Affiliates between the Grant Date and the date of your death or Disability and the denominator of which is 366.

B.    If your Retirement, as defined in Exhibit A, occurs before the Outside Date, a fraction of your RSUs shall vest upon your Retirement, based on the following formula: (i) the total number of RSUs granted herein; multiplied


by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days of employment or service that you have completed with the Company or its Affiliates between the Grant Date and the date of your Retirement and the denominator of which is 366.

C.    If your employment terminates before the Outside Date under circumstances making you eligible for benefits under the Big Lots Executive Severance Plan, a fraction of your RSUs shall vest upon your termination of employment, based on the following formula: (i) the total number of RSUs granted herein; multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days of employment or service that you have completed with the Company or its Affiliates between the Grant Date and the date of your termination of employment and the denominator of which is 366.

D.    If a Change in Control occurs before the Outside Date and you incur a separation from service (as defined in Code Section 409A) within the thirty (30) days preceding or the twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control, then any RSUs subject to this Award Agreement that have not vested prior to the later of the date of the separation from service or the date of the Change in Control shall vest upon the later of the separation from service and the date of the Change in Control.

If your employment with the Company terminates before the Outside Date and the events described in sections A, B, C and D above do not occur before the Outside Date, this Agreement will expire and all of your rights in the RSUs will be forfeited. Shares underlying RSUs that vest pursuant to this Agreement shall be transferred to you as soon as administratively practicable after the date the RSUs vest.

Your Rights in the RSUs

Subject to the Company’s insider trading policies and applicable laws and regulations, after any underlying Shares are delivered to you in respect of vested RSUs, you shall be free to deal with and dispose of such underlying Shares. You have no rights in the Shares underlying unvested RSUs. You shall have none of the rights of a shareholder (including, without limitation, the right to vote or receive dividends) with respect to any Shares underlying these RSUs until such time as you become the record holder of such Shares.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for each RSU granted under this Agreement you have been granted one DER. Each DER represents the right to receive the equivalent of all of the cash dividends that would be payable with respect to the Shares underlying the RSUs to which the DERs relate. Such cash dividends shall accrue without interest and shall vest and be paid in cash when the RSUs vest, or shall be forfeited if the RSUs and underlying Shares are forfeited.

Tax Treatment of the RSUs

You should consult with a tax or financial adviser to ensure you fully understand the tax ramifications of your RSUs.

This brief discussion of the federal tax rules that affect your RSUs is provided as general information (not as personal tax advice) and is based on the Company’s understanding of federal tax laws and regulations in effect as of the Grant Date. Article 21 of the Plan further describes the manner in which tax withholding may occur.

You are not required to pay income taxes on your RSUs on the Grant Date. However, you will be required to pay income taxes (at ordinary income tax rates) when, if and to the extent, your RSUs and corresponding DERs vest. The amount of ordinary income you will recognize is the value of your RSUs and the cash value accrued under the DERs when the RSUs and DERs vest. You may elect to allow the Company to withhold, upon settlement of the RSUs a number of Shares sufficient to satisfy the withholding obligation, from the Shares to be issued pursuant to your vested RSUs that would satisfy at least the required statutory minimum (or you may elect such higher withholding provided that such higher amount would not have a negative accounting impact on the Company) with respect to the Company’s tax withholding obligation. If you wish to make the withholding election permitted by this paragraph, you must give
2


notice to the Company in the manner then prescribed by the Company. All such elections by you shall be irrevocable, made by you in a manner approved by the Committee, and shall be subject to any restrictions or limitations that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. If you have not made an election to satisfy the withholding requirement by paying the taxes in cash or making the withholding election permitted by this paragraph, you shall be deemed to have elected to have the Company withhold a number of Shares that would satisfy the minimum statutory total tax (but no more than such minimum) that could be imposed on the transaction.

Any appreciation of the Shares you receive in connection with vested RSUs may be eligible to be taxed at capital gains rates when you sell the Shares. If your RSUs do not vest, your RSUs and DERs shall expire and no taxes will be due.

This Award is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Code Section 409A and shall be administered in accordance with Code Section 409A. Refer to Section 23.13 of the Plan for more information on compliance with Code Section 409A, including the applicability of a six (6) month delay on the settlement of the RSUs for “specified employees,” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

No Section 83(b) Election

Because the RSUs are not property under the Code, you may not make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to your RSUs.

General Terms and Conditions

Nothing contained in this Agreement obligates the Company or an Affiliate to continue to employ you in any capacity whatsoever or prohibits or restricts the Company or an Affiliate from terminating your employment at any time or for any reason whatsoever; and this Agreement does not in any way affect any employment agreement that you may have with the Company.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws, and not the laws of conflicts of laws, of the State of Ohio.

If any provision of this Agreement is adjudged to be unenforceable or invalid, then such unenforceable or invalid provision shall not affect the enforceability or validity of the remaining provisions of this Agreement, and the Company and you agree to replace such unenforceable or invalid provision with an enforceable and valid arrangement which in its economic effect shall be as close as possible to the unenforceable or invalid provision.

You represent and warrant to the Company that you have the full legal power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to perform your obligations under this Agreement and that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except that the enforcement of this Agreement may be subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other similar laws now or hereinafter in effect relating to creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity. You also represent and warrant to the Company that you are aware of and agree to be bound by the Company’s trading policies and the applicable laws and regulations relating to the receipt, ownership and transfer of the Company’s securities. The Company represents and warrants to you that it has the full legal power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement and that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except that the enforcement of this Agreement may be subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other similar laws now or hereinafter in effect relating to creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity.
3



Acceptance

By accepting your RSUs, you acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan, as in effect on the Grant Date, and agree that your RSUs are granted under and are subject to the terms and conditions described in this Agreement and in the Plan. You further agree to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions and interpretations of the Committee upon any issues arising under this Agreement or the Plan. You also represent and warrant to the Company that you are aware of and agree to be bound by the Company’s insider trading policies and the applicable laws and regulations relating to the receipt, ownership and transfer of the Company’s securities.


___________________________________Date:___________________________
Chair, Compensation Committee


EXHIBIT A


As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

Outside Date shall mean the first (1st) anniversary of the date upon which the RSU Award was granted to the Grantee.

Retirement shall be deemed to have occurred upon the Termination of Employment or Service of a Grantee who, upon the effective date of his or her Termination of Employment or Service, has: (i) attained the age of 55 years or older; (ii) completed at least five years of employment with or service to the Company or its Affiliates; (iii) submitted a written request, in a form satisfactory to the Company, to the Committee or the Company’s human resources department requesting retirement under the terms of this Agreement; and (iv) had such written request approved in writing by a member of the Committee or an authorized officer of the Company.
4

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Bruce K. Thorn, certify that:

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

2.Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;

b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: September 7, 2022
 By: /s/ Bruce K. Thorn
 Bruce K. Thorn
 President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Jonathan E. Ramsden, certify that:

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

2.Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;

b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: September 7, 2022
 By: /s/ Jonathan E. Ramsden
 Jonathan E. Ramsden
 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and
 Administrative Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

EXHIBIT 32.1


CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


This certification is provided pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and accompanies the quarterly report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”) for the quarter ended July 30, 2022, of Big Lots, Inc. (the “Company”). I, Bruce K. Thorn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify that:

(i)the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

(ii)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: September 7, 2022
 By: /s/ Bruce K. Thorn
 Bruce K. Thorn
 President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

EXHIBIT 32.2


CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


This certification is provided pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and accompanies the quarterly report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”) for the quarter ended July 30, 2022, of Big Lots, Inc. (the “Company”). I, Jonathan E. Ramsden, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of the Company, certify that:

(i)the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

(ii)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: September 7, 2022
 By: /s/ Jonathan E. Ramsden
 Jonathan E. Ramsden
 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and
 Administrative Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)