Shares of Helen of Troy Ltd. (HELE), a Zacks #1 Rank (“Strong Buy”) stock, have jumped nearly 9% so far today on better-than-expected fiscal first-quarter results.
The company reported earnings of 47 cents per share, topping the average forecast by more than 34%.
Sales fell 1% to $143.9 million. The company said revenue at its personal care segment slipped 5% on account of the difficult retail environment. However, housewares segment sales grew 11%, primarily due to the robust performance of its OXO brands worldwide.
The consensus estimate for the year ending February 2010 has moved up by 27 cents, or 18.5%, over the past 2 months to $1.73 per share.
Moreover, the average forecast for the next fiscal is pegged at $1.91 per share, which has increased by 60 cents, or 46%, over the same period.
Helen of Troy’s shares are trading on heavier-than-usual volume of about 495,000, against the average daily volume of about 181,000.
“HELE” Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?
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