Analyst sees Limited Brands recovery in 4Q

NEW YORK
Stock Market Reports, AP - 4 months ago

Specialty retailer Limited Brands Inc. reports fiscal second-quarter results after the market closes Wednesday, but one analyst said she doesn't expect markedly improved results until the fourth quarter.

Retailers such as Limited Brands Inc., which operates Bath and Body Works and Victoria's Secret, have suffered from falling sales as consumers cut back. In response, they have cut costs and lowered inventory levels.

Lazard Capital Markets analyst Todd Slater said in a note to investors that Limited's belt-tightening will likely lead to an earnings beat. He expects earnings of 17 cents per share, a penny above company guidance of earnings of 11 cents to 16 cents per share due to cost cutting. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, on average, expect a profit of 16 cents per share.

Still, Slater said the company's second- and third-quarter results are likely to suffer due to the recession. In the fourth quarter, however, Columbus, Ohio-based Limited Brands could recover, helped by easing comparisons from a year ago.

He reiterated his "Buy" rating on the stock.

Shares rose 35 cents to $28.50 during morning trading.