Investors seeking stability and innovation in the consumer products sector often compare Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) and Helen of Troy Limited (HELE). Both companies compete in the Household & Personal Products industry, offering diverse brand portfolios and focusing on innovation to capture market share globally. This article will explore their strengths and challenges to help you decide which company presents the most compelling investment opportunity in 2026.
Table of contents
Companies Overview
I will begin the comparison between Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) and Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) by providing an overview of these two companies and their main differences.
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. Overview
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. operates globally as a branded consumer products company with a focus on Household & Personal Products. It manages three segments: Home and Personal Care, Global Pet Care, and Home and Garden. The company offers a wide range of products including home appliances, pet care items, pest control solutions, and household cleaning products. Headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin, SPB serves its customers through retailers, e-commerce, wholesalers, and distributors.
Helen of Troy Limited Overview
Helen of Troy Limited is a consumer products provider operating in multiple regions including the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The company is organized into three segments: Home & Outdoor, Health & Wellness, and Beauty. Its product portfolio includes food preparation tools, health monitoring devices, air purifiers, grooming tools, and hair appliances. Headquartered in El Paso, Texas, HELE distributes products through mass merchandisers, drugstores, specialty retailers, e-commerce, and directly to consumers.
Key similarities and differences
Both SPB and HELE operate in the Household & Personal Products industry and serve global markets with diversified product lines across multiple segments. They share a multi-channel distribution strategy involving retail, e-commerce, and wholesale partners. However, SPB has a significant focus on pet care and home pest control, while HELE emphasizes health and wellness products alongside beauty and home outdoor items. Their geographic reach and brand portfolios also differ, reflecting distinct market positioning.
Income Statement Comparison
The table below compares the key income statement metrics for Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) and Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) for their most recent fiscal years.
| Metric | Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) | Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 1.53B | 431M |
| Revenue | 2.81B | 1.91B |
| EBITDA | 215M | 269M |
| EBIT | 117M | 214M |
| Net Income | 99.9M | 124M |
| EPS | 3.88 | 5.38 |
| Fiscal Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Income Statement Interpretations
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
Over the 2021-2025 period, Spectrum Brands showed a declining trend in revenue and net income, with revenue falling from 3.13B in 2022 to 2.81B in 2025, and net income decreasing significantly overall. Margins remained relatively stable, with a gross margin around 36.7%. The most recent year saw revenue drop by 5.23% and net margin decline by 15.54%, indicating a slowdown and weaker profitability.
Helen of Troy Limited
Helen of Troy experienced a revenue decline from 2.22B in 2022 to 1.91B in 2025, alongside a net income reduction exceeding 50% over the period. Despite this, the company maintained strong margins, including a 47.9% gross margin and 6.5% net margin in 2025. The latest fiscal year showed a 4.86% revenue decline and a 22.85% net margin contraction, highlighting recent challenges.
Which one has the stronger fundamentals?
Both companies face unfavorable income growth trends with declining revenues and net incomes over the period. Helen of Troy holds stronger profitability metrics, reflected in higher gross and net margins and a more favorable EBIT margin. Spectrum Brands shows slightly better interest expense management but weaker growth performance. Overall, fundamentals are challenged for both, with Helen of Troy showing marginally better margin strength.
Financial Ratios Comparison
This table presents a side-by-side comparison of key financial ratios for Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) and Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) based on their most recent fiscal year data.
| Ratios | Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) | Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | 5.23% | 7.35% |
| ROIC | 4.95% | 5.32% |
| P/E | 13.51 | 10.25 |
| P/B | 0.71 | 0.75 |
| Current Ratio | 2.26 | 2.00 |
| Quick Ratio | 1.41 | 1.03 |
| D/E (Debt-to-Equity) | 0.34 | 0.57 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 19.36% | 30.74% |
| Interest Coverage | 4.16 | 2.75 |
| Asset Turnover | 0.83 | 0.61 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 8.55 | 5.23 |
| Payout ratio | 48.25% | 0% |
| Dividend yield | 3.57% | 0% |
Interpretation of the Ratios
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
Spectrum Brands shows a generally favorable ratio profile with 64.29% favorable metrics, including a solid price-to-earnings ratio of 13.51 and a low price-to-book of 0.71. However, net margin (3.56%), ROE (5.23%), and ROIC (4.95%) are unfavorable, signaling modest profitability. The company offers a 3.57% dividend yield, supported by a stable payout, but free cash flow to equity is negative, which might challenge dividend sustainability.
Helen of Troy Limited
Helen of Troy’s ratios are slightly favorable, with 42.86% favorable and 42.86% neutral metrics. The PE ratio is attractive at 10.25 and the current ratio is sound at 2.0, though ROE is unfavorable at 7.35%. The company does not pay dividends, likely focusing on reinvestment and growth strategies, with no recent payout or buyback programs reported, reflecting a prioritization of capital allocation towards expansion.
Which one has the best ratios?
Spectrum Brands presents a stronger overall ratio profile with more favorable evaluations, particularly in valuation and liquidity metrics, despite some profitability weaknesses. Helen of Troy’s ratios are mixed with more neutral indicators and no dividend yield, suggesting a more cautious stance on returns. Thus, Spectrum Brands currently has the more favorable financial ratios based on the data provided.
Strategic Positioning
This section compares the strategic positioning of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. and Helen of Troy Limited, including market position, key segments, and exposure to technological disruption:
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
- Operates globally with diversified consumer products under multiple well-known brands in household and personal products.
- Key segments include Home and Personal Care, Global Pet Care, and Home and Garden with strong revenue contributions.
- Exposure to technological disruption is not explicitly stated; operates mainly in established consumer product markets.
Helen of Troy Limited
- Focuses on consumer products with broad geographic reach and multiple brands in household, health, and beauty categories.
- Operates through Home & Outdoor, Health & Wellness, and Beauty segments with balanced revenue streams.
- No explicit mention of technological disruption; operates in mature consumer product sectors.
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. vs Helen of Troy Limited Positioning
Spectrum Brands displays a diversified approach across pet care, home, and personal care segments, while Helen of Troy concentrates on home, health, and beauty categories. Spectrum’s wider segment spread offers diversification, Helen of Troy’s focused portfolio centers on specialized consumer products.
Which has the best competitive advantage?
Both companies are shedding value relative to their cost of capital. Spectrum Brands shows growing profitability despite value destruction, whereas Helen of Troy faces declining profitability, implying Spectrum currently has a less unfavorable competitive advantage.
Stock Comparison
The stock price movements over the past 12 months reveal significant bearish trends for both Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) and Helen of Troy Limited (HELE), with SPB showing some recent bullish momentum and HELE maintaining near-neutral short-term performance.
Trend Analysis
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) experienced a 20.57% price decline over the past year, indicating a bearish trend with accelerating downward momentum and notable volatility (std dev 15.02). The stock recently rebounded by 17.3%, showing a short-term bullish trend.
Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) suffered an 85.04% price drop over the last 12 months, confirming a strong bearish trend with acceleration and high volatility (std dev 31.1). Its recent price change of 0.81% reflects a neutral short-term trend.
Comparing both stocks, SPB delivered the highest market performance in the analyzed period, with a less severe overall decline and a stronger recent recovery compared to HELE.
Target Prices
The consensus target prices from reliable analysts indicate a clear valuation outlook for these companies.
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| Helen of Troy Limited | 22 | 22 | 22 |
Analysts expect Spectrum Brands’ stock to rise from $63.2 to $75, suggesting moderate upside potential. Helen of Troy’s consensus target at $22 also indicates a potential increase from its current $18.78 price.
Analyst Opinions Comparison
This section compares analysts’ ratings and grades for Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) and Helen of Troy Limited (HELE):
Rating Comparison
SPB Rating
- Rating: B, status Very Favorable
- Discounted Cash Flow Score: 1, Very Unfavorable
- ROE Score: 2, Moderate
- ROA Score: 3, Moderate
- Debt To Equity Score: 3, Moderate
- Overall Score: 3, Moderate
HELE Rating
- Rating: B, status Very Favorable
- Discounted Cash Flow Score: 5, Very Favorable
- ROE Score: 1, Very Unfavorable
- ROA Score: 1, Very Unfavorable
- Debt To Equity Score: 4, Favorable
- Overall Score: 3, Moderate
Which one is the best rated?
Both SPB and HELE share an overall rating of B and an overall score of 3, indicating moderate standing. HELE excels in discounted cash flow and debt-to-equity scores, while SPB shows stronger ROE and ROA scores.
Scores Comparison
Here is a comparison of the Altman Z-Score and Piotroski Score for Spectrum Brands (SPB) and Helen of Troy (HELE):
SPB Scores
- Altman Z-Score: 1.77, in the distress zone indicating higher bankruptcy risk.
- Piotroski Score: 6, representing average financial strength.
HELE Scores
- Altman Z-Score: 1.10, in the distress zone signaling elevated bankruptcy risk.
- Piotroski Score: 3, indicating very weak financial strength.
Which company has the best scores?
Based strictly on the provided data, SPB shows a higher Altman Z-Score and a stronger Piotroski Score than HELE, suggesting relatively better financial health between the two.
Grades Comparison
Here is a comparison of the stock grades assigned to Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. and Helen of Troy Limited by recognized grading companies:
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. Grades
The following table summarizes recent grades from credible financial institutions for Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.:
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Buy | 2025-11-17 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-11-14 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-09-25 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Buy | 2025-08-08 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-07-09 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Buy | 2025-06-25 |
| UBS | Maintain | Buy | 2025-05-09 |
| UBS | Maintain | Buy | 2025-04-17 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-04-16 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-04-02 |
Overall, Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. has predominantly received “Buy” and “Equal Weight” ratings, reflecting a generally positive but balanced outlook.
Helen of Troy Limited Grades
The following table shows recent grades from reputable grading firms for Helen of Troy Limited:
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2026-01-09 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Hold | 2026-01-09 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Hold | 2026-01-06 |
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-10-10 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Hold | 2025-10-10 |
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-10-02 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Downgrade | Hold | 2025-07-11 |
| UBS | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-07-11 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Buy | 2025-07-07 |
| Canaccord Genuity | Maintain | Buy | 2025-04-25 |
Helen of Troy Limited’s grades mainly range between “Hold” and “Neutral,” with fewer “Buy” ratings and some downgrades, indicating a more cautious stance by analysts.
Which company has the best grades?
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. has received consistently stronger grades, predominantly “Buy” ratings, compared with Helen of Troy Limited’s mainly “Hold” and “Neutral” evaluations. This difference may influence investors’ perception of growth potential and risk exposure.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Below is a comparative overview of key strengths and weaknesses for Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) and Helen of Troy Limited (HELE), based on their latest financial and operational data.
| Criterion | Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) | Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | Broad product segments: pet supplies, home & personal care, home & garden; balanced revenue streams (1.08B, 1.15B, 0.57B USD in 2025) | Concentrated in Beauty & Wellness and Home & Outdoor segments; less diverse but focused (1.0B, 0.91B USD in 2025) |
| Profitability | ROIC at 4.95% below WACC of 5.45%; net margin 3.56%; slightly unfavorable profitability but improving ROIC trend (+255%) | ROIC at 5.32% below WACC of 5.64%; net margin 6.49%; profitability declining (-67% ROIC trend), less favorable |
| Innovation | Moderate innovation indicated by stable asset turnover and fixed asset turnover (8.55 favorable) | Moderate innovation with lower asset turnover (5.23 favorable), but weaker ROIC trend suggests innovation challenges |
| Global presence | Strong global presence with diversified geographic markets within segments | Global reach focused on niche consumer products, potentially limited geographic diversification |
| Market Share | Solid market presence in multiple consumer categories with stable revenue base | Niche market focus with growing revenues in core segments but risk of market saturation |
Key takeaways: Spectrum Brands shows better diversification and a growing ROIC trend despite current slight value destruction, indicating potential for turnaround. Helen of Troy faces profitability challenges with declining ROIC and less diversification, warranting cautious evaluation before investment.
Risk Analysis
Below is a comparative table of key risk factors for Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) and Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) based on recent 2025 data:
| Metric | Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) | Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | Beta 0.68 (lower volatility) | Beta 0.78 (moderate volatility) |
| Debt level | Debt-to-Equity 0.34 (favorable) | Debt-to-Equity 0.57 (neutral) |
| Regulatory Risk | Moderate, consumer product regulations | Moderate, with global operations |
| Operational Risk | Diversified segments reduce risk | Diverse product lines, some concentration risk |
| Environmental Risk | Moderate, pest control and chemicals | Moderate, includes consumer health products |
| Geopolitical Risk | Low to moderate, US-based operations | Moderate, global exposure |
Synthesis: Both companies face moderate operational and regulatory risks inherent to the consumer products industry. SPB’s lower debt and beta suggest more financial stability and less market volatility, while HELE’s higher debt and weaker financial scores increase risk. Notably, both companies are in the distress zone for Altman Z-Score, indicating potential financial vulnerability. Investors should weigh these risks carefully in portfolio construction.
Which Stock to Choose?
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB) shows a declining income trend with unfavorable growth in revenue, net margin, and EPS over 2021-2025. Its financial ratios are mostly favorable, including a low debt level and a solid current ratio, but profitability remains weak. The company’s rating is very favorable overall, supported by moderate scores, though its Altman Z-Score signals financial distress.
Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) also faces unfavorable income growth with declining revenue and net margin. It exhibits a slightly favorable financial ratio profile, with some neutral and unfavorable metrics, notably higher debt and no dividend yield. HELE’s overall rating is very favorable, but it has a weak Piotroski score and an Altman Z-Score in the distress zone.
Considering ratings and financial evaluations, SPB’s stronger ratio favorability and moderate scores suggest potential appeal for investors seeking stability amid challenges. Conversely, HELE’s profile might appeal to those tolerant of higher risk and focused on turnaround prospects, given its unfavorable moat and weaker financial health indicators. The choice could depend on an investor’s risk tolerance and strategy focus.
Disclaimer: Investment carries a risk of loss of initial capital. The past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Be sure to understand risks before making an investment decision.
Go Further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. and Helen of Troy Limited to enhance your investment decisions:
