Limited's revenue rises 20 percent in April

5/5/2011

COLUMBUS — Limited Brands Inc., which operates Victoria's Secret and Bath&Body Works, raised its earnings outlook Thursday and said revenue grew 20 percent in April at stores open at least a year.

The figure was much better than the 12 percent increase analysts had predicted.

That measurement is a key indicator of a chain's performance because it excludes the impact of newly opened or closed stores.

Limited now expects to earn to between 37 and 39 cents in the first quarter, up from previous predictions of 26 to 31 cents. Total revenue for April rose 17 percent to $683 million.

Limited Brands, based in Columbus, is scheduled to report first-quarter earnings May 18.