US weekly jobless claims fell to 197,000, marking the fourth consecutive week below 200,000 and the lowest post-pandemic level. Continuing claims rose slightly to 1.716 million from a revised 1.699 million. The figures demonstrate strength in the labour market despite flat monthly jobs data, suggesting a "low hire/low fire" environment. September's jobs report showed only 29,000 positions added. The steady employment picture supports the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates at 3.75-4.00%, despite inflation at 3.4% remaining above target levels. PepsiCo exceeded Q3 expectations with earnings of $2.34 per share on revenues of $25.27 billion. Helen of Troy reported fiscal Q2 earnings of $0.79 per share, beating estimates of $0.51 by 54.9%.

Helen of Troy reported first quarter fiscal 2027 results with consolidated net sales growing 8.2% to $402.1 million, up from $371.7 million in the prior year period. The El Paso, Texas-based company posted GAAP diluted earnings per share of $1.51, which included a $1.74 after-tax gain from selling a distribution facility. Adjusted diluted EPS came in at $0.17, down from $0.41 in the year-ago quarter. Gross profit margin declined to 46.0% from 47.1%. The company raised its full fiscal 2027 consolidated net sales outlook to $1.759–$1.831 billion whilst maintaining adjusted diluted EPS guidance of $3.25–$3.75. CEO G. Scott Uzzell said the results reflect "early signs of progress" on the company's multi-year roadmap and disciplined execution across both business segments.

Helen of Troy Limited has raised analyst price targets to $29.33 following its latest annual results, despite reporting statutory losses of $39.08 per share. The company's revenues of $1.8 billion met analyst forecasts, whilst losses were 7.7% larger than expected. Four analysts now forecast 2027 revenues of $1.79 billion, roughly flat year-on-year, with the company expected to turn profitable at $2.62 earnings per share. The consensus price target rose 19%, with estimates ranging from $23.00 to $40.00 per share. Analysts anticipate Helen of Troy's years of declining revenue will end, marking an improvement on the past five years' 4.4% annual revenue shrinkage. However, the company is still expected to grow slower than the industry average of 4.9% annually.