Big Lots (NYSE: BIG), the nation's largest close-out retailer, posted tremendous and record-setting gains for 3Q 2007. Net income for the quarter totaled $14.3 million or $0.14 per diluted share, a staggering improvement over net income of $1.7 million in 3Q 2006. Big Lots struggled throughout 2006 while putting together a supply chain management system that is now beginning to pay off in big contributions to the bottom line. Big Lots posted this huge rise in net income despite the fact that net sales for 3Q dipped almost 2%.
3Q 2007 operating income grew 10X operating income from 3Q 2006, to $22.7 million from $2.3 million. CEO Steve Fishman credits the vast improvement in operating profit to a much more efficient product distribution system and higher gross margin dollars per square foot.
Will Rich Ross really have a positive impact on Disney's movie operations?
Consumers sick of recession, may spend extra on holidays
Corrections, seasonality and Santa Claus
