0000768835-12-000080.txt : 20120627 0000768835-12-000080.hdr.sgml : 20120627 20120627142749 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000768835-12-000080 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 11-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20111231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20120627 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20120627 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BIG LOTS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000768835 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-VARIETY STORES [5331] IRS NUMBER: 061119097 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OH FISCAL YEAR END: 0131 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 11-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-08897 FILM NUMBER: 12929216 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 300 PHILLIPI ROAD STREET 2: P.O.BOX 28512 CITY: COLUMBUS STATE: OH ZIP: 43228-0512 BUSINESS PHONE: 614-278-6800 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 300 PHILLIPI ROAD STREET 2: P.O.BOX 28512 CITY: COLUMBUS STATE: OH ZIP: 43228-0512 11-K 1 big201111-k.htm BIG LOTS 11-K 12-31-2011 BIG 2011 11-K


 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 11-K


[X]    ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

or

[ ]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period From ______ to ______


Commission File Number 33-19309


A.
Full title of the plan and the address of the plan, if different from that of the issuer named below:

BIG LOTS SAVINGS PLAN


B.
Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office:

BIG LOTS, INC.
300 Phillipi Road, P.O. Box 28512
Columbus, Ohio 43228-0512
(614) 278-6800


 






Big Lots Savings Plan

Financial Statements as of and for the
Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010,
Supplemental Schedule as of December 31, 2011, and
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm







Big Lots Savings Plan

INDEX
 
 
 
 
Page
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits for the Years Ended
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE * :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Form 5500, Schedule H, line 4i - Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year) as of
December 31, 2011    
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURE
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consent of Ary Roepcke Mulchaey, P.C.
 
 









* All other financial schedules required by Section 2520.103-10 of the U.S. Department of Labor's Annual Reporting and Disclosure Requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 have been omitted because they are not applicable.







REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Associate Benefits Committee of Big Lots, Inc.:
Columbus, Ohio

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of the Big Lots Savings Plan (the “Plan”) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related statements of changes in net assets available for benefits for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Plan is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Plan's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the changes in net assets available for benefits for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Our audits were performed for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2011, is presented for the purpose of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements but is supplementary information required by the Department of Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plan's management. The supplemental schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic 2011 financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.


/s/ Ary Roepcke Mulchaey, P.C.

Columbus, Ohio
June 27, 2012


1




Big Lots Savings Plan

STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010


 
 
 
2011
 
2010
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Investments, at fair value (See Note C):
 
 
 
 
 
   Big Lots, Inc. common shares
 
 
$
32,949,452

 
$
30,687,018

   Mutual funds
 
 
70,197,082

 
79,575,246

   Unitized pooled mutual fund
 
 
9,971,615

 

   Common/Collective trust
 
 
46,014,846

 
43,969,928

     Total investments
 
 
159,132,995

 
154,232,192

 
 
 
 
 
 
Receivables:
 
 
 
 
 
   Company contribution
 
 
4,767,527

 
4,946,694

   Participant contributions
 
 
245,443

 
247,179

   Notes from participants (See Note B)
 
 
8,753,340

 
8,907,177

     Total receivables
 
 
13,766,310

 
14,101,050

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
   Fee income receivable
 
 
24,823

 
180,541

   Due from brokers
 
 
3,265

 

   Accrued income
 
 
5

 
46

       Total other assets
 
 
28,093

 
180,587

       Total assets
 
 
172,927,398

 
168,513,829

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
   Administrative expenses payable
 
 
46,024

 
56,442

   Due to brokers
 
 
2,889

 

   Fee income payable
 
 
8,482

 
180,541

     Total liabilities
 
 
57,395

 
236,983

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets reflecting investments at fair value
 
 
172,870,003

 
168,276,846

 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments from fair value to contract value for fully benefit responsive investment contracts
 
 
(706,533
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets available for benefits
 
 
$
172,163,470

 
$
168,276,846



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


2




Big Lots Savings Plan

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010


 
 
 
2011
 
2010
Additions to net assets attributed to:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income:
 
 
 
 
 
     Net appreciation in fair value of investments
 
$
6,484,324

 
$
10,571,192

 
     Dividends
 
1,027,812

 
990,560

 
     Fee income
 
185,841

 
484,702

 
       Total investment income
 
7,697,977

 
12,046,454

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income on notes from participants
 
405,585

 
472,313

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contributions:
 
 
 
 
 
   Company
 
4,767,527

 
4,946,694

 
   Participant
 
8,662,723

 
8,475,286

 
   Rollover
 
297,833

 
275,409

 
     Total contributions
 
13,728,083

 
13,697,389

 
     Total additions
 
21,831,645

 
26,216,156

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deductions from net assets attributed to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Benefits paid to participants
 
17,570,274

 
16,542,656

 
   Administrative expenses
 
211,271

 
224,494

 
   Fee expense
 
163,476

 
484,702

 
     Total deductions
 
17,945,021

 
17,251,852

 
   Net increase in net assets available for benefits
 
3,886,624

 
8,964,304

 

 
 
 
 
Net assets available for benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
   Beginning of year
 
168,276,846

 
159,312,542

 
   End of year
 
$
172,163,470

 
$
168,276,846

 
 
 
 
 
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


3

Big Lots Savings Plan

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010







A.
PLAN DESCRIPTION

The following description of the Big Lots Savings Plan (the “Plan”) provides only general information. Participants should refer to the Plan agreement for a more complete description of the Plan's provisions.

General - The Plan is a defined contribution plan covering all U.S. employees of Big Lots, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) who have completed one year of service and have completed 1,000 service hours within the eligibility computation period and have attained 21 years of age. Eligible employees may begin participation on the first day following satisfaction of eligibility requirements.

The purpose of the Plan is to encourage employee savings and to provide benefits to participants in the Plan upon retirement, death, disability, or termination of employment. The Plan is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”).

Trustee - As a result of its 2009 purchase of Wachovia Bank, N.A., effective June 1, 2010, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Trustee”) became the Trustee and Plan Administrator of the Plan. Until May 31, 2010, Wachovia Bank, N.A. was the Trustee.

Administration - The Company has established the Associate Benefits Committee that is responsible for the general operation and administration of the Plan. The Company is the Plan sponsor and a fiduciary of the Plan as defined by ERISA. The Trustee provides recordkeeping services to the Plan.

Contributions - Contributions to the Plan may consist of participant contributions, Company matching contributions, rollover contributions, and profit sharing contributions. Each year, a participant may elect to make a voluntary tax-deferred or after tax contribution up to 50% of their annual compensation (subject to certain limitations for highly compensated individuals), as defined in the Plan. Participants may also rollover amounts representing distributions from other qualified defined benefit or defined contribution plans. Contributions withheld by the Company are participant directed and are limited by section 402(g) of the Code to an annual maximum of $16,500 in 2011 and 2010. Additional contributions of up to $5,500 in 2011 and 2010 are allowed under the Code for all eligible participants at least age 50 by the end of the respective Plan years. The annual Company matching contribution is 100 percent of the first two percent and 50 percent of the next four percent of participant contributions and was allocated to each participant who (a) was an active participant and employed by the Company on December 31 of the Plan year (including a participant who was on approved leave of absence or layoff) and who completed one year of Vesting Service, as defined by the Plan, or (b) who retired, became disabled, or died during the Plan year. Additional profit sharing amounts may be contributed at the option of the Company's Board of Directors. No profit sharing contributions were made in 2011 or 2010.

Participant Accounts - Each participant account is credited with the participant's contribution and allocations of (a) the Company's matching contribution, and (b) Plan earnings, and charged with an allocation of administrative expenses. Allocations are based on participant earnings or account balances, as defined. The amount of the benefit to which a participant is entitled is the amount of the participant's vested account.

Administrative Expenses and Fees - The Plan participants pay administrative expenses of the Plan through revenue sharing arrangements between the Plan's investment funds and the Plan's trustee, and through fees deducted directly from participant accounts.

The Plan pays no indirect expenses, as revenue sharing and sub transfer fees are credited directly into the Plan's trust accounts. Effective June 3, 2011, the Plan started to allocate fee income into the accounts of those participants investing in those funds that have revenue sharing arrangements. Prior to June 3, 2011, the Plan remitted those amounts to the Plan's trustee with the amounts being reported in the Plan's financial statements as fee income and fee expense.


4

Big Lots Savings Plan

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010






The Company pays substantially all other expenses for the administration of the Plan except for loan administration fees and distribution processing fees, which are allocated to the participant's account. Brokerage fees, transfer taxes, and other expenses incurred in connection with the investment of the Plan's assets will be added to the cost of such investments or deducted from the proceeds thereof, as the case may be.

Investments - Participants may direct the investment of their contributions in 1 percent increments into various investment options offered by the Plan. Effective September 1, 2006, the Plan no longer offers shares of the Company's common stock as an investment option. Participants were not required to sell existing shares; however, they can no longer purchase additional shares of the Company's common stock within the Plan.

Vesting - Participants are immediately vested in participant and rollover contributions, plus actual earnings thereon. Vesting in the Company matching contribution is based on years of service. A participant is 100 percent vested after five years of credited service as follows:
Years of Service

Vested percentage
Less than 2

At least 2 but less than 3

25
At least 3 but less than 4

50
At least 4 but less than 5

75
5 or more

100

Benefit Payments - Upon termination, retirement, disability, or death, a participant may elect (1) to receive a lump-sum amount equal to the vested interest value of their account (in cash or in kind); (2) an eligible rollover distribution; or (3) to defer distribution provided the participant has not attained age 70 ½ and has a vested interest value of at least $1,000. The portion of the Company's matching contribution that is not fully vested will be forfeited at the time employment terminates. The Company has the right to terminate or amend the Plan at any time. If the Plan is terminated, the Plan assets will be distributed to the participants, after payment of any expenses properly chargeable thereto, in proportion to their respective account balances.

Participant Loans - Participants may borrow from their fund accounts a minimum of $1,000 up to a maximum amount equal to the lesser of $50,000 or 50 percent of their vested account balance. One loan per participant may be outstanding at any time, and the loan term may not exceed five years. Loans are secured by the balance in the participant's account. Loans bear interest at the Prime rate plus one percent using the rate stated in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month in which the loan was taken. Loan repayments, including interest, are typically processed through regular payroll deductions. The loan balance may be paid off by the participant at any time without penalty.

Forfeited Accounts - Forfeited nonvested contributions are used to reduce Company matching contributions and pay certain Plan expenses. Employer contributions were reduced by $229,203 and $112,000 in 2011 and 2010, respectively, from forfeited nonvested accounts. There were no unused forfeitures at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

B.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Accounting - The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and changes therein, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.


5

Big Lots Savings Plan

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010






Investments - Investments are reported at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The RiverSource Trust Income Fund A invests in fully benefit-responsive contracts. This fund is recorded at fair value; however, since these contracts are fully benefit-responsive, an adjustment is reflected in the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits to present these investments at contract value. Contract value is the relevant measurement attributable to fully benefit-responsive investment contracts because contract value is the amount participants would receive if they were to initiate permitted transactions under the terms of the Plan. The contract value represents contributions plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and administrative expenses.

See “Note C. Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” below for discussion of fair value measurements.

Income Recognition - Purchases and sales of securities are recorded on a trade-date basis. Interest is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Net appreciation or depreciation includes the Plan's gains and losses on investments bought and sold as well as held during the year.

Payment of Benefits - Benefit payments are recorded when paid.

Notes from Participants - Notes receivable from participants represent participant loans that are recorded at their unpaid principal balance plus any accrued but unpaid interest. Interest income from participants is recorded when it is earned. Related fees are recorded as administrative expenses and are expensed when they are incurred.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs"). ASU 2011-04 amended Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to converge the fair value measurement guidance in GAAP and IFRSs. Some of the amendments clarify the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, while other amendments change a particular principle in ASC 820. In addition, ASU 2011-04 requires additional fair value disclosures. The amendments are to be applied prospectively and are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Plan management is currently evaluating the effect that the provisions of ASU 2011-04 will have on the Plan’s financial statements.

Subsequent Events - Management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to the financial statement date. Based on this evaluation, management is not aware of any events or transactions (other than those disclosed elsewhere) that occurred subsequent to the financial statement date but prior to filing that would require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.

C.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DISCLOSURES

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, provides the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 and the lowest priority to Level 3.

Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.


6

Big Lots Savings Plan

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010






The asset or liability's fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

Following is a description of the valuation techniques and inputs used for each class of assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Common shares: Valued at the closing price reported on the New York Stock Exchange (Level 1).

Mutual funds: Valued at the net asset value (“NAV”) of shares held by the plan at year end. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of shares outstanding. The NAV is a quoted price in an active market (Level 1).

Unitized pooled mutual fund: Valued at the respective NAV as reported by such trusts/funds, which are reported at fair value. The value of each unit is determined by subtracting total liabilities from the total value of the assets, including accrued income, and dividing the amount remaining by the number of units outstanding on the valuation date. There are no restrictions as to the redemption of these investments nor does the Plan have any contractual obligations to further invest in any of these funds. The NAV is a quoted price in a market that is not active (Level 2).

Common collective trust: Valued at the respective NAV as reported by such trusts/funds, which are reported at fair value. The value of each unit is determined by subtracting total liabilities from the total value of the assets, including accrued income, and dividing the amount remaining by the number of units outstanding on the valuation date. The investment seeks to maintain principle value, protect against market price volatility, obtain consistent income return, and provide liquidity for benefit payments and withdrawals. The common collective trust invests primarily in investment contracts issued by insurance companies, banks, and other financial institutions. The Plan does not have any contractual obligations to further invest in this fund. The NAV is a quoted price in a market that is not active (Level 2).

These methods may produce a fair value that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.


7

Big Lots Savings Plan

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010






The following table sets forth the Plan's investment assets at fair value as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, by level, within the fair value hierarchy:
 
Assets at fair value as of December 31, 2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Common stocks:

 

 

 

   Retail
$
32,949,452

 
$

 
$

 
$
32,949,452



 

 

 

Mutual funds:

 

 

 

   Growth funds
19,269,829

 

 

 
19,269,829

   Value funds
18,500,112

 

 

 
18,500,112

   Index funds
10,749,005

 

 

 
10,749,005

   Balanced funds
10,147,012

 

 

 
10,147,012

   International funds
8,791,956

 

 

 
8,791,956

   Bond fund
2,173,450

 

 

 
2,173,450

   Money market fund
565,718

 

 

 
565,718

   Total mutual funds
70,197,082

 

 

 
70,197,082



 

 

 

Unitized pooled mutual fund:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Bond fund (a)

 
9,971,615

 

 
9,971,615

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common/Collective trust:
 

 

 

   Fixed income (b)

 
46,014,846

 

 
46,014,846

Total
$
103,146,534

 
$
55,986,461

 
$

 
$
159,132,995

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets at fair value as of December 31, 2010
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Common stocks:

 

 

 

   Retail
$
30,687,018

 
$

 
$

 
$
30,687,018



 

 

 

Mutual funds:

 

 

 

   Growth funds
32,768,655

 

 

 
32,768,655

   Index funds
10,405,436

 

 

 
10,405,436

   International funds
9,640,001

 

 

 
9,640,001

   Balanced funds
9,488,670

 

 

 
9,488,670

   Fixed income funds
9,370,978

 

 

 
9,370,978

   Value funds
6,348,733

 

 

 
6,348,733

   Bond fund
1,184,724

 

 

 
1,184,724

   Money market fund
368,049

 

 

 
368,049

   Total mutual funds
79,575,246

 

 

 
79,575,246



 

 

 

Common/Collective trusts:
 

 

 

   Fixed income (c)

 
43,969,928

 

 
43,969,928

Total
$
110,262,264

 
$
43,969,928

 
$

 
$
154,232,192

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


8

Big Lots Savings Plan

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010






(a)
This fund invests in the Wells Fargo Collective Fund for Pimco Total Return. Total Return is a core bond portfolio strategy that seeks maximum current income and price appreciation consistent with the preservation of capital and prudent risk taking. All sectors of the bond markets are utilized.     
(b)
Investment seeks to provide income consistency. The fund is invested in the RiverSource Trust Income Fund A, which may invest in fixed-income instruments, stable value investment contracts issued by various banks, life insurance companies and other financial institutions and in units of collective investment funds with investment objectives similar to those of this fund.”
(c)
Investment seeks to provide income consistency. The fund is invested in the RiverSource Trust Income Fund II, which may invest in fixed-income instruments, stable value investment contracts issued by various banks, life insurance companies and other financial institutions and in units of collective investment funds with investment objectives similar to those of this fund.

D.
TAX STATUS

The Plan obtained its latest determination letter on February 25, 2010, in which the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") stated that the Plan was designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Code. As qualified, the Plan is required to operate in conformity with the Code to maintain its qualification. Although the Plan has been amended subsequent to the Plan documents reviewed by the IRS, the Plan administrator believes the Plan is being, and was, prior to receipt of the February 25, 2010 determination letter, operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Code, and therefore, believes that the Plan is qualified and the related trust is tax exempt.

GAAP requires Plan management to evaluate uncertain tax positions taken by the Plan. The financial statement effects of a tax position are recognized when the position is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, to be sustained upon examination by the IRS. The Plan administrator has analyzed the tax positions taken by the Plan, and has concluded that as of December 31, 2011, there are no uncertain positions taken or expected to be taken. The Plan has recognized no interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Plan is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdiction; however, there are currently no audits for any tax periods in progress. The Plan administrator believes it is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2008.

E.
INVESTMENTS

The fair value of individual investments that represent five percent or more of Plan net assets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
 
2011
 
2010
 
RiverSource Trust Income Fund A
$
46,014,846

 
$

*
Big Lots, Inc. common shares
32,949,452

 
30,687,018


Selected American Shares Fund
11,327,868

 

*
Vanguard Institutional Index Fund
10,749,005

 

*
American Balanced Fund
10,147,012

 
9,488,670


The Growth Fund of America
10,026,846

 
11,915,978


PIMCO - Unitized pooled mutual fund
9,971,615

 

*
Artisan International Fund
8,791,956

 
9,640,001


RiverSource Trust Income Fund II

 
43,969,928

*
Davis New York Venture Fund

 
12,533,985

*
RiverSource S & P 500 Index Fund

 
10,405,436

*
Harbor Bond Fund

 
9,370,978

*
 
 
 
 
 
* Shown for comparison purposes only, since these investments represent more than five percent
 
   of Plan net assets in only one of the years presented.
 


9

Big Lots Savings Plan

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010






During 2011 and 2010, the Plan's investments (including gains and losses on investments bought and sold, as well as held during the year) appreciated in value as follows:
 
2011
 
2010
Big Lots, Inc. common shares
$
7,240,233

 
$
2,239,036

Mutual funds
(1,547,148
)
 
7,724,253

Unitized pooled mutual fund
74,151

 

Common/Collective trust
717,088

 
607,903

Net appreciation
$
6,484,324

 
$
10,571,192

 
F.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The Plan provides for the various investment options. Any investment is exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit and overall market volatility risk. These risks could result in a material effect on participants' account balances and the amounts reported in the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits and the Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits.

G.
PLAN TERMINATION

Although it has not expressed any intent to do so, the Company has the right under the Plan to discontinue its contributions at any time and to terminate the Plan subject to the provisions of ERISA. In the event the Company terminates or partially terminates the Plan, affected participants would become 100 percent vested in their accounts.

H.
PARTIES-IN-INTEREST

Certain Plan investments are shares of mutual funds managed by the Trustee, its subsidiaries or affiliates. In addition, the Plan holds common shares of the Company and makes loans to participants. These transactions qualify as exempt party-in-interest transactions.

I.
RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FORM 5500

Upon a participant's default in a participant loan, the remaining loan amount due to the Plan will be treated as a deemed distribution to the extent a distribution to the participant is not permissible under the Plan. A participant loan that has been treated as a deemed distribution on Form 5500 is removed from Plan assets on Form 5500. However, deemed distributions remain part of the participant's account balance in these financial statements until a distributable event occurs for the participant.


10

Big Lots Savings Plan

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010






The following reconciles participant loans and net assets available for benefits per these financial statements to Form 5500 at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
2011
 
2010
Notes from participants per the financial statements
$
8,753,340

 
$
8,907,177

Less: Certain deemed distributions of participant loans
(94,218
)
 
(121,247
)
   Participant loans per Form 5500
$
8,659,122

 
$
8,785,930


 
2011
 
2010
Net assets available for benefits per the financial statements
$
172,163,470

 
$
168,276,846

Add: Adjustment from fair value to contract value for fully
 
 
 
   benefit-responsive contract
706,533

 

Less: Certain deemed distributions of participant loans
(94,218
)
 
(121,247
)
   Net assets available for benefits per Form 5500
$
172,775,785

 
$
168,155,599


The following is a reconciliation of the increase in net assets per the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, to Form 5500 net income:
                
Net increase in assets per the financial statements
$
3,886,624

Add: Adjustment from fair value to contract value for fully
 
   benefit-responsive contract
706,533

Add: Certain deemed distributions of participant loans

   at December 31, 2010
121,247

Less: Certain deemed distributions of participant loans

   at December 31, 2011
(94,218
)
   Net income per Form 5500
$
4,620,186



11


Big Lots Savings Plan
EIN #06-1119097 PLAN #002
FORM 5500, SCHEDULE H, LINE 4i -SCHEDULE OF ASSETS (HELD AT END OF YEAR)
DECEMBER 31, 2011

(a)
(b) Identity of issue, borrower, lessor or similar party
(c) Description of investment including maturity date, rate of interest, collateral, par, or maturity value
 (d) Cost **
 (e) Current value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
Big Lots, Inc.
Common shares: 872,602 shares
 
$
32,949,452

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common/Collective trust:

 

 
 
RiverSource
Trust Income Fund A: 4,485,972 units
 
46,014,846

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unitized pooled mutual fund:
 
 
 
 
*
PIMCO Total Return Fund
Collective Fund: 659,701 units
 
9,971,615

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds:

 

 
 
Selected
American Shares Fund: 287,218 shares
 
11,327,868

 
 
Vanguard
Institutional Index Fund: 93,437 shares
 
10,749,005

 
 
American
Balanced Fund: 557,222 shares
 
10,147,012

 
 
The Growth Fund of America
Growth Fund: 349,124 shares
 
10,026,846

 
 
Artisan
International Fund: 443,366 shares
 
8,791,956

 
 
Baron
Asset Fund: 89,628 shares
 
4,128,286

 
 
Baron
Growth Fund: 73,789 shares
 
3,789,060

 
 
American Century
Equity Income Fund: 463,603 shares
 
3,370,391

 
 
Royce
Total Return Fund: 214,836 shares
 
2,715,523

 
 
Vanguard
Inflation Pro Sec Fund: 78,436 shares
 
2,173,450

 
 
Hussman
Strategic Growth Fund: 106,604 shares
 
1,325,637

 
 
Washington Mutual
Investors Fund: 38,251 shares
 
1,086,330

 
*
Wells Fargo
Money Market Fund: 565,718 shares
 
565,718

 
 

Total mutual funds


70,197,082

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes receivable from participants
4.25% - 10.50%
8,753,340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL

$
167,886,335

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
Party-in-interest
 
 
 
 
**
Cost is not applicable for participant-directed investments
 

The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this schedule.


12




SIGNATURE
 
 
 
 
 
The Plan. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the plan administrator has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIG LOTS SAVINGS PLAN
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated: June 27, 2012
By:  /s/ Charles W. Haubiel, II
 
 
Charles W. Haubiel, II
 
 
Executive Vice President, Legal and Real Estate, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



13
EX-23.1 2 big201111k-exhibit.htm EXHIBIT 23.1 - CONSENT BIG 2011 11K - Exhibit


Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the (i) Registration Statement No. 33-19309 on Form S-8, (ii) Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-19309 on Form S-8, and (iii) Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 33-19309 on Form S-8 of our report dated June 27, 2012 relating to the financial statements and supplemental schedule of Big Lots Savings Plan appearing in this Annual Report on Form 11-K of Big Lots Savings Plan for the year ended December 31, 2011.


/s/ Ary Roepcke Mulchaey, P.C.

Columbus, Ohio
June 27, 2012