Big Lots' Performance A Tale Of Two Stories, Wall Street Strategies Reports

In an investor spotlight by Wall Street Strategies, the equity research analyst said that Big Lots, Inc.'s (NYSE: BIG) performance in 2010 was a tale of two stories.

“The first half of the year the company basked in the fortunes of a consumer continuing to be mindful of price on discretionary purchases. From February 2010 to the end of April 2010, Big Lots shares soared some 40%, outpacing the 7% or so gain on the S&P 500,” Wall Street Strategies writes.

“Things went downhill from late April in terms of the fundamental performance of the company and the stock (they often go hand in hand).”

However, Wall Street Strategies said that there was an added cracking in the execution of Big Lots, most especially in the consumables department.

“The company's comparable store sales (comp) trend slowed noticeably, and from May 2010 to mid‐ November 2010 the stock went from being up on the year to down nearly 10%,” Wall Street Strategies adds. “The S&P 500 during that time period remained in positive territory.”

Big Lots currently trades at $32.18.