Four Stocks for an Early Spring: Dicks, Energizer, Lowe's, Toro

Summer stocks may be looking at a boost, with a mild winter ending and warmer temperatures around the corner. Sporting goods companies that may have felt an early winter pinch with fewer cold-weather clothing sales could be headed for a climb with camping gear, sports equipment and beach accessories set to make an earlier-than-usual debut this year. Dicks Sporting Goods DKS has climbed more than $8 to more than $44 per share so far this year, and may be poised for more growth as people start their spring and summer sports training earlier than usual. The stock's rise has also driven the announcement of a $200 million share buyback. Companies that sell summer-use only products may also be a good investment heading into a summer season that promises to start early. Energizer Holdings ENR, the owner of Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropic Brand sun block, has been benefiting from the sun protection brands. During the fourth quarter of 2011 personal care “organic sales growth was 1.4%, primarily due to higher shipments of disposables in sun care,” said Energizer Chief Financial Officer Daniel Sescleifer in a conference call February 1. The company recently expanded Banana Boat sales into Brazil. Home and lawn care are also likely to be needed sooner this year than cooler years, where mowing the lawn might be procrastinated until the last snow melts. Companies like Lowe's LOW may be well positioned to benefit from gardeners and do-it-yourselfers alike. The stock has risen about $2 a share since the start of the year and shares are currently valued at about $27. The company announced plans to expand garden centers at more than 200 southern U.S. locations in its third-quarter conference call in November. The retailer is also looking to increase product differentiation, CEO Robert Niblock said in the earnings repot. “We're working more closely than ever with our key vendor partners on new product development and new display techniques,” he said. Toro TTC owns lawn care brands, and operates in the professional, residential, and distribution business segments. The company also acquired the Garden Greens roller product line, according to a press release issued in December 9, which will allow more golf course sales, another avenue for summer weather sales growth. “Rolling greens has become an important agronomic practice for golf courses that improves the health and playability of the greens,” said Darren Redetzke, commercial business vice president, in the press release. “This acquisition fills an important product gap in our core golf business.” With warmer weather coming sooner than usual, companies that normally benefit from summer business may receive a pleasant spring surprise. Neither Benzinga nor its staff recommend that you buy, sell, or hold any security. We do not offer investment advice, personalized or otherwise. Benzinga recommends that you conduct your own due diligence and consult a certified financial professional for personalized advice about your financial situation.