Stage Stores lowered FY2016 guidance post Q3 results

• Stage Stores (NYSE:NYSE:SSI) reports comparable-store sales fell 8.2% in Q3.
• Gross margin rate squeezed 380 bps to 17.8%.
• Adjusted SG&A expense rate expanded 70 bps to 26.5%.
• Merchandise inventories -.7.8% to $569.34M.
• Store count -27 Y/Y to 820.
• Q4 Guidance: Comparable-store sales: -2% to -6%; Adjusted EPS: $0.65 to $0.90; Weighted average diluted shares: 28.3M.
• FY2016 Guidance: Comparable-store sales: -7% to -8%; Adjusted EPS: -$0.40 to -$0.15; Weighted average diluted shares: 27.1M; Capex: ~$65M.