Shares of Beacon Lighting Group Limited (ASX: BLX) jumped another 5.6% today after the lighting retailer reported a 35.3% lift in net profit ($9.1 million) on the back of a 21.2% increase in revenues ($90.83 million) for the six months to 28 December.
The shares traded as high as $1.90 after having jumped more than 9% in Wednesday's session. The stock has risen a remarkable 188% since it listed on the ASX in April last year, demolishing the S&P/ASX 200's (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) returns in that time.
It's not difficult to see why Beacon Lighting Group has become such a favourite amongst investors. Today's result was largely driven by the opening of four new stores and 11.7% growth in comparative store sales, in addition to greater demand for energy-efficient LED lighting products. Meanwhile, sales from its recently launched online store jumped almost 30%.
EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) for the period also jumped by 31.4% to $14.5 million, which was at the upper end of the company's guidance of $13.6-$14.6 million, which it provided in December. Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 1.8 cents, which compares favourably to the 1.4 cent dividend paid in the second half of 2014.
Beacon joins a string of other retailers to have impressed investors this earnings season, with others including Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL), Reject Shop Ltd (ASX: TRS) and JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH).
