Narrower focus pays off for Limited

Article Excerpt

LIMITED BRANDS INC. $41 (New York symbol LTD; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 318.4 million; Market cap: $13.1 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.4; Dividend yield: 2.0%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.limitedbrands.com) operates two main retail chains: Victoria’s Secret (lingerie) and Bath & Body Works (soaps and bath oils). This dividend-paying stock also operates the La Senza chain in Canada and 40 other countries. Sales fell 19.1%, from $10.7 billion in 2007 to $8.6 billion in 2010 (fiscal years end January 31). That’s mainly because it sold 75% of its Limited and Express clothing chains in 2007. Sales in rose 11.4%, to $9.6 billion, in 2011. Earnings rose 12.5%, from $1.68 a share in 2007 to $1.89 a share in 2008, but fell 65.6% to $0.65 a share in 2009. However, earnings soared to $2.42 a share in 2011. Excluding an investment gain, Limited earned $2.06 a share in 2011. Shifting to higher-margin products The higher 2011 sales and earnings reflect Limited’s shift away from…