Benchmark Reiterates View on Big Lots

Benchmark has published a research report on Big Lots BIG reiterating their view on the company. In the report, Benchmark wrote, "While Big Lots reported a solid Q2, and maintained the operational outlook for the core US business in the back half, with benefits to EPS through aggressive share repurchases, we have adjusted our EPS lower on the consolidation of the Canadian operations. Canada is expected to be a drag on EPS of $0.30 in 2011." Benchmark rated Big Lots a Buy with a price target of $45.00. Big Lots closed Thursday at $32.21.