By Tess Stynes
Limited Brands Inc. (LTD) raised its fiscal third-quarter
earnings forecast as the retailer posted net sales growth that
narrowly topped expectations and 5% same-store sales growth.
The parent of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works now
expects per-share earnings of 23 cents to 25 cents, compared with
its prior view for 15 cents to 20 cents. Limited also expects
quarterly net sales of $2.05 billion. Analysts polled by Thomson
Reuters recently expected revenue of $2.04 billion.
The retailer's October same-store sales rose 3%, below analysts'
recent expectations for same-store sales growth of 5%.
Limited Brands in August reported that fiscal second-quarter
profit fell 38% on fewer one-time gains and slightly weaker
sales.
The retailer plans to release its fiscal third-quarter financial
results on Nov. 14.
Shares closed Wednesday at $47.89 and were inactive premarket.
The stock is up 19% this year.
Write to Tess Stynes at Tess.Stynes@dowjones.com
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