These Three Will Survive the Slump

Article Excerpt

Slowing retail sales and weak consumer confidence have hurt most consumer stocks. Clothing is largely a discretionary purchase, so the downturn has been particularly hard on these three apparel-related companies. Based on the steep drop in their stock prices, it appears that investors feel they will not survive. We have a more optimistic view. All three are lowering their operating costs and shedding unprofitable businesses. That puts them in a good position to expand their earnings once the economy turns around. Their leading brands will also give them an advantage as conditions improve. All three should reward patient investors, but only two are buys right now. LIMITED BRANDS INC. $9.15 (New York symbol LTD; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 322.1 million; Market cap: $2.9 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.4; WSSF Rating: Average) operates two main retail chains: Victoria’s Secret (lingerie) and Bath & Body Works (soaps and bath oils). It also operates the La Senza (lingerie) chain in Canada and 30 other…