Hot Topic Inc.

* Youth-oriented apparel retailer Hot Topic Inc. said fiscal first-quarter profit rose 23%, helped by strong growth at its Torrid chain for plus-size teens. The City of Industry-based company said net income rose to $5.4 million, or 11 cents a share, from $4.4 million, or 9 cents, a year earlier. Net sales rose 27% to $128.1 million. Sales at stores open for at least a year rose 4%.