While it's likely too early to plunge into shares of discount retailer Big Lots (NYSE: BIG), investors in consumer staples stocks can at least keep the battered chain on their watch lists. Big Lots stock has lost 20% of its value year to date and plunged 46% cumulatively over the last 12 months.
But the company's fiscal second-quarter 2019 earnings, released on Aug. 30, revealed the potential for a turnaround. Adjusted earnings per share of $0.53 exceeded the high end of management's guidance, and the organization squeaked out a 1.2% comparable-sales increase as total sales edged up by 2.5%.
Below, let's review three comments made by CEO Bruce Thorn during Big Lots' earnings conference call that highlight initiatives to improve store revenue and operating margins.