If you had to guess which company has risen 31% since its IPO in November, hardwood flooring supplier Lumber Liquidators (NYSE: LL) probably wouldn't be it.

Lumber? Doesn't that have to do with housing and construction? And isn't construction in the toilet? But somehow Lumber Liquidators has defied its industry and the broader economy, posting a first quarter gain in sales of 24% with a 93% jump in earnings.

How did they pull that one off in what should be the toughest environment in decades? According to a profile in today's Wall Street Journal [subscription], the company "sells almost solely to consumers, not home builders; it constantly shops the competition . . . it keeps costs low by placing its stores in industrial and other low-rent areas; it buys virtually all of its hardwood directly from mills; and it largely uses commissions to pay employees."

The company has ambitious expansion plans and hey, if it can grow profitably in this environment, it is definitely worth a look. This is one home improvement stock I'll be keeping an eye on.

Lumber Liquidators (NYSE: LL) is the largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring in the United States. Product lines include prefinished domestic and exotic hardwoods, engineered hardwoods, unfinished hardwoods, bamboo, cork, and laminates. Altogether, the firm offers 150 varieties of flooring. These are sold from 124 stores in 44 states, via catalogs, over the Internet and through a Virginia call center. Competitors include Home Depot (NYSE: HD) and Lowe's Companies (NYSE: LOW).

The firm surprised the Street last week, when it reported Q4 EPS of 12 cents and revenues of $105.5 million. Analysts had been expecting ten cents and $102.2 million. In discussing the solid numbers, the CEO pointed to growth-oriented infrastructure investments and a higher-margin merchandise assortment. Management also guided FY08 EPS to 70-78 cents (73 cent consensus) and FY08 revenues to $475-$490 million ($483.27M consensus).

It seems that investors have been yelling "timber!" at Lumber Liquidators (NYSE: LL). Late last week, the company priced its IPO at $11, which was below its $12-$14 range. Since then, the stock has plunged to $9.25.

Lumber Liquidators is a specialty retailer focused on hardwood flooring, offering more than 25 premium brands at everyday low prices. There are 111 stores in 42 states. And, of course, there are other channels, such as a catalog and Internet site.

The formula has worked quite well. From 2004 to 2006, sales have gone from $171.8 million to $332.1 million. Operating income was $21.4 million and same-store sales continue to hum.

It's impressive stuff – especially in light of the slowdown in real estate.

But can the company sustain it?

Well, investors don't think so. If the economy slows down, it seems inevitable that consumers will defer mega projects like flooring.

The underwriters on the deal include Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) and Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER).

You can find the prospectus at the SEC website. Also, if you want to check out more information recent IPO activity, visit DealProfiles.com.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.