Limited Brands Q4 comps up 5%

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Limited Brands reported that adjusted earnings per share for the 14-week fourth quarter ended Feb. 2 were $1.76 compared with $1.50 for the 13-week fourth quarter ended Jan. 28, 2012.

Comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 5%. Net sales were $3.86 billion for the quarter compared with $3.5 billion for the same period last year.

For the full year, the company reported adjusted earnings per share of$2.92 compared with $2.60 for the year ended Jan. 28, 2012. Adjusted operating income was $1.707 billion in 2012 compared with $1.546 billion in 2011, and adjusted net income was $866.7 million compared to $817.3 million in 2011.

The company reported a comparable stores sales increase of 6% for the year. Net sales were $10.46 billion for the 53-week year ended Feb. 2, 2013, compared with $10.36 billion for the 52 weeks ended Jan. 28, 2012.

Limited said it currently expects 2013 full-year earnings per share to be between $2.92 and $3.12, including earnings per share between 40 cents and 45 cents in the first quarter.

The company expects to report a February comparable-store sales increase in line with its previous guidance for up low single digit comps.