📊 HELE Key Takeaways
Is Helen Of Troy Ltd. (HELE) a Good Investment?
Helen of Troy is in severe financial distress with a catastrophic operating margin of -55.5% and $843.4M net loss, coupled with declining 4.9% YoY revenue. The company faces acute liquidity stress with only $27.1M cash reserves against $869M long-term debt and negative interest coverage of -13.8x, creating material solvency risk. While positive operating cash flow and 46% gross margin suggest underlying product viability, the mounting operating losses and weak cash position threaten financial stability.
Fundamentals have deteriorated sharply: revenue is declining while operating and net losses are extreme, yielding deeply negative margins and interest coverage. Although gross margin is strong and free cash flow is positive, cash is thin versus substantial debt, elevating refinancing and covenant risks. Until margins normalize and cash generation materially improves, the risk/reward remains unfavorable.
Why Buy Helen Of Troy Ltd. Stock? HELE Key Strengths
- 46% gross margin demonstrates viable core products and competitive pricing power
- Positive operating cash flow of $59.8M and free cash flow of $28.8M provide near-term runway
- $2.3B asset base offers restructuring value and potential acquisition appeal
- High gross margin (~46%), indicating pricing power/product mix
- Positive operating and free cash flow (FCF margin ~2.2%)
- Adequate current ratio (1.81x) and positive equity base
HELE Stock Risks: Helen Of Troy Ltd. Investment Risks
- Operating margin of -55.5% reflects severe structural profitability crisis beyond revenue challenges
- Minimal cash position ($27.1M) relative to $869M debt and inability to service debt from operations (-13.8x coverage)
- Declining revenue (-4.9% YoY) combined with deepening losses suggests market demand weakness and failed operational corrections
- Severe operating and net losses with deeply negative margins and returns
- High leverage and minimal cash; negative interest coverage (-13.8x) suggests solvency pressure
- Revenue decline (-4.9% YoY) and sub-1.0 quick ratio limit flexibility
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating margin trajectory and operating income path to profitability
- Operating cash flow sustainability given disconnect from operating income
- Quarterly revenue stabilization and debt refinancing/covenant status
- Operating margin
- Interest coverage
Helen Of Troy Ltd. (HELE) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The relatively thin 2.2% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility.
HELE Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
HELE vs Utilities Sector: How Helen Of Troy Ltd. Compares
How Helen Of Troy Ltd. compares to Utilities sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Helen Of Troy Ltd. Stock Overvalued? HELE Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Helen Of Troy Ltd. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Utilities sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Helen Of Troy Ltd. Balance Sheet: HELE Debt, Cash & Liquidity
HELE Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Helen Of Troy Ltd.'s revenue has remained relatively flat over the 5-year period, with a 1% decline. The most recent EPS of $5.95 reflects profitable operations.
HELE Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
HELE Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2026 | $512.8M | $49.6M | $2.17 |
| Q2 2026 | $431.8M | $17.0M | $0.74 |
| Q1 2026 | $371.7M | $6.2M | $0.26 |
| Q3 2025 | $530.7M | $49.6M | $2.17 |
| Q2 2025 | $474.2M | $17.0M | $0.74 |
| Q1 2025 | $416.8M | $6.2M | $0.26 |
| Q3 2024 | $549.6M | $51.8M | $2.15 |
| Q2 2024 | $491.6M | $27.4M | $1.14 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Helen Of Troy Ltd. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
HELE SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Helen Of Troy Ltd. (CIK: 0000916789)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
| Date | Form | Document | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 10, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X05/wk-form4_1773154355.xml | View → |
| Mar 10, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X05/wk-form4_1773154323.xml | View → |
| Mar 5, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X05/wk-form4_1772760509.xml | View → |
| Mar 3, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X05/wk-form4_1772561568.xml | View → |
| Mar 3, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X05/wk-form4_1772561515.xml | View → |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about HELE
What is the AI rating for HELE?
Helen Of Troy Ltd. (HELE) has a Combined AI Rating of STRONG SELL from Claude (STRONG SELL) and ChatGPT (STRONG SELL) with 84% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are HELE's key strengths?
Claude: 46% gross margin demonstrates viable core products and competitive pricing power. Positive operating cash flow of $59.8M and free cash flow of $28.8M provide near-term runway. ChatGPT: High gross margin (~46%), indicating pricing power/product mix. Positive operating and free cash flow (FCF margin ~2.2%).
What are the risks of investing in HELE?
Claude: Operating margin of -55.5% reflects severe structural profitability crisis beyond revenue challenges. Minimal cash position ($27.1M) relative to $869M debt and inability to service debt from operations (-13.8x coverage). ChatGPT: Severe operating and net losses with deeply negative margins and returns. High leverage and minimal cash; negative interest coverage (-13.8x) suggests solvency pressure.
What is HELE's revenue and growth?
Helen Of Troy Ltd. reported revenue of $1.3B.
Does HELE pay dividends?
Helen Of Troy Ltd. does not currently pay dividends.
Where can I find HELE SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Helen Of Troy Ltd. (CIK: 0000916789) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is HELE's EPS?
Helen Of Troy Ltd. has a diluted EPS of $-36.70.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is HELE a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Helen Of Troy Ltd. has a STRONG SELL rating with 84% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is HELE stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for HELE: ROE of -99.0% (sector avg: 10%), net margin of -64.1% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy HELE stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Helen Of Troy Ltd. a combined STRONG SELL rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is HELE's free cash flow?
Helen Of Troy Ltd.'s operating cash flow is $59.8M, with capital expenditures of $31.0M. FCF margin is 2.2%.
How does HELE compare to other Utilities stocks?
Vs Utilities sector averages: Net margin -64.1% (avg: 12%), ROE -99.0% (avg: 10%), current ratio 1.81 (avg: 0.8).