Limited Brands June Same-Store Sales Jump 12%, Top Street Views

   DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 

Limited Brands Inc.'s (LTD) June same-store sales rose 12% from a year earlier, returning to double-digit growth after a more modest increase in May.

The performance easily topped analysts' estimates for a 3.8% increase.

The parent of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works had been on a hot streak before the dip in May, when same-store sales rose 6%, posting double-digit increases every other month this year.

For the five weeks ended July 2, Limited Brands reported total sales rose 12% to $1.08 billion.

Last month's same-store sales growth includes 17% growth at its Victoria's Secret chain and 5% at its Bath & Body Works stores. Its dominant positions in the intimate apparel and beauty and personal care segments of the market have bolstered its top line and margins in recent quarters, leading to higher earnings.

The company in May reported that its fiscal first-quarter profit climbed 47% amid double-digit same-store sales growth and expanded margins.

Shares closed Wednesday at $39.31 and were inactive premarket. The stock is up by two-thirds in the past year.

-By Tess Stynes, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2481; [e-mail]