Retail

The Secret Behind the Record Results at L Brands

Chris Lange

Published: November 19, 2020 11:44 am

L Brands Inc. (NYSE: LB) released fiscal third-quarter financial results after markets closed Wednesday. The firm said that it had $1.13 in earnings per share (EPS) and $3.055 billion in revenue, compared with consensus estimates that called for $0.09 in EPS and revenue of $2.67 billion. The same period of last year reportedly had EPS of $0.02 on $2.68 billion in revenue.

Management noted that L Brands reported a record third quarter, driven by exceptional results and continued strength at Bath & Body Works, and a significant improvement in performance at Victoria’s Secret.

The company reported comparable sales of 28% for the quarter, this number includes direct sales (online), and it excludes periods when stores were closed for four consecutive days or more. Counting this way, Bath & Body Works saw comparable sales increase 56% and Victoria’s Secret comparable sales increased 4%.

Now excluding direct sales, but still following the four consecutive day closure rule, L Brands had comparable sales growth of 13%. Bath & Body Works comparable sales increased by 38% and Victoria’s Secret comparable sales decreased by 10%.

In terms of segment sales:

• Victoria’s Secret had net sales of $1.35 billion.
• Bath & Body Works had net sales of $1.70 billion.

The company did not provide guidance, citing COVID-19 uncertainty. However, analysts are calling for $1.87 in EPS and $4.62 billion in revenue for the fiscal fourth quarter.

L Brands stock hit a new 52-week high of $39.95 early Thursday. The 52-week low is $8.00, and the consensus price target is $32.71.