12/1/2009-Staples (NASDAQ:SPLS) reported Q3 EPS of $0.39, ex-items, topping consensus estimates by a penny.

Revenues in the quarter fell 6% to $6.52 billion, but came in ahead of consensus estimates of $6.45 billion.

Meanwhile, comparable-store sales were flat, but showed positive customer traffic, the company said.

"With North American Retail growing again, improving trends in our Catalog businesses, solid profitability in our European office products portfolio, and record free cash flow, we're increasingly optimistic about the future."

Staples said it expects Q4 sales to increase between one percent and three percent in US dollars, or to decrease in the low single-digits in local currency, year-over-year, vs. consensus estimates of $6.14 billion, which represents a 0.5% year-over-year decline. The company expects Q4 EPS in the range of $0.36 to $0.38 (vs. consensus estimates of $0.37).

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