We prefer the former parent right now

Article Excerpt

On August 3, 2021, L Brands (old New York symbol LB) became two separate firms: Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works. Investors received one new share of Victoria’s Secret for every three shares of L Brands they held. L Brands then changed its name to Bath & Body Works. Both stocks initially rose after the split. However, concerns over rising inflation and interest rates have hurt their sales and stock prices—Victoria’s Secret is now down 7% since the split, while Bath & Body Works has dropped 35%. Even so, we prefer Bath & Body Works for your new buying, particularly as it’s now the target of a prominent activist. VICTORIA’S SECRET & CO. $41 is a hold. The company (New York symbol VSCO; Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 80.8 million; Market cap: $3.3 billion; No dividend paid; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.victoriassecretandco.com) sells lingerie, sleepwear and beauty products through 1,351 stores in over 70 countries under the Victoria’s Secret and PINK (aimed at younger shoppers) banners. Victoria’s Secret…