Earnings Preview: Limited Brands' EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise

Limited Brands (NYSE: LTD) releases its next round of earnings this Monday, November 14, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of 24 cents/share and revenues of $2.16 billion. Limited Brands' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 18 cents/share on revenues of $1.98 billion. We'll have to wait for Monday to see if the company falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an estimated increase in both EPS and revenue from the year-ago quarter.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

(Estimates Source: Zacks)

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Limited Brands were trading at $43.17. Since January 1st, shares have given investors a return of 42.9%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 11.6%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts is a Moderate Buy. This rating has strengthened over the past three months.

Competitors:

Wondering how Limited Brands compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

• ANN (NYSE: ANN): Hold with a $0.47 recent quarter EPS
• Ascena Retail Group (NASDAQ: ASNA): Moderate Buy with a $0.48 recent quarter EPS
• Christopher & Banks (NYSE: CBK): Hold with a -$0.37 recent quarter EPS
• Charming Shoppes (NASDAQ: CHRS): Moderate Buy with a -$0.01 recent quarter EPS

Limited Brands is in the retail-apparel and shoes industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Limited Brands is a specialty retailer of women's apparel, beauty, and personal care products and accessories operating under various trade names.

Take Action:

There is your peek into Limited Brands' upcoming earnings numbers, including some competitors to watch around the time of the announcement. Check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap. In the meantime, here are some links to explore today.

• To see up-to-date news on Limited Brands, click here
• To see other trading ideas, click here
• To see other company earnings recaps, click here