Jumpin' Jakks.

Malibu-based Jakks Pacific Inc. capped five months of stock-price growth last Thursday, hitting a 52-week high of $25.56.

The company's stock has been trading between $22 and $25 since March. Last Thursday's 4 percent stock price jump followed the announcement of first-quarter earnings, which showed net income up 39 percent, to $3.2 million, from $2.3 million. The earnings, at 12 cents per share, far exceeded analysts' estimates of 8 cents per share.

"We are pleased with our first quarter performance and believe we are well positioned to achieve our record sales and earnings expectations for 2007," said Jack Friedman, Jakks' chief executive.

Friedman, who also founded video game publisher THQ Inc., added that demand for role-play sets relating to popular characters such as Barbie or Ariel from "The Little Mermaid," wrestling action figures and plug-r,-play games provided a boost for Jakks.

While Jakks is known for its kid-friendly video games, the company also makes activity sets for properties owned by other companies, such as Mattel Inc.'s Barbie, the World Wrestling Federation's action figures and an array of drawing and coloring sets, toy cars, dog toys, and seasonal games.

Staff reporter Emily Bryson York ,Tan be reached at [phone], ext. 235, or at [e-mail].