Spectrum Brands Rallies, Hits 52-Week High - Analyst Blog

Shares of Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. SPB continue to rally on the index as the stock price hit a new 52-week high of $82.65 yesterday, before closing a notch lower at $81.04. Moreover, the stock has amassed a year-to-date return of 15.7%.

The company has been riding high on its innovative product designs, strong second-quarter fiscal 2014 performance, focus on rewarding shareholders and efforts to drive long-term growth.

Early this year, the company unveiled products with the latest technologies and key innovations from its Black + Decker, George Foreman and Remington brands at the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show. Further, the company's Baldwin brand launched the new and contemporary Santa Monica collection at the 13th Annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show in Apr 2014.

Moreover, Spectrum Brands' emphasis on expansions and acquisitions in order to drive long-term growth has always appealed to investors. Recently, the company ventured into a new product line with the acquisition of leading animal repellents company, The Liquid Fence Company Inc.

Investor optimism also surrounds the company's second-quarter results, reported in May, wherein earnings per share surged 63.6% year over year and net sales recorded 3.4% growth. On an average, the stock has delivered a positive earnings surprise of roughly 7.5% over the last 7 quarters. The company also has long-term EPS growth of 16%, greater than the peer group growth rate of 10.9%.

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock also remains focused on boosting shareholders' value, as evident from its announcement of a 20% hike in quarterly dividend to 30 cents a share in Apr 2014. This further underscores the company's sound financial position.

Other than Spectrum Brands, Aaron's, Inc. AAN, Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc. RH and Constellation Brands Inc. STZ also reached 52-week high of $34.95, $87.95 and $85.99 respectively, on Jun 18, 2014.