Limited's key revenue figure jumps in June

COLUMBU.S., Ohio — Strong sales at Limited Brands Inc.'s Victoria's Secret chain helped the retailer post a 12 percent rise in June revenue at stores open at least a year compared with a year ago, more than triple the growth that analysts expected.

Revenue in stores open at least one year rose 17 percent at Victoria's Secret and 5 percent at Bath and Body Works.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a 3.8 percent rise in the key revenue metric for Limited Brands.

The measure is an important indicator of a retailer's health because it excludes the impact of newly opened or closed stores.

Total revenue also rose almost 12 percent to $1.08 billion from $965.4 million, during the four weeks ended July 3, the retailer said.

Limited Brands, based in Columbus, Ohio, operates 1,028 Victoria's Secret stores and 1,606 Bath and Body Works. It also operates Henri Bendel, C.O. Bigelow, White Barn Candle Co. and La Senza lingerie stores.