L Brands January Comps. Up 7%, Lifts Q4 EPS View - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - L Brands, Inc. (LB) reported that its comparable store sales for the four weeks ended January 31, 2015, increased 7%. Net sales were $783.1 million for the four-week period ended January 31, 2015, an increase of 7% compared to sales of $731.2 million for the four-week period ended February 1, 2014.

Net sales for the fourth quarter ended January 31, 2015, were $4.069 billion, an increase of 7% compared to $3.818 billion for the quarter ended February 1, 2014. Comparable store sales for the fourth quarter increased 6%.

The company expects to report fourth quarter earnings per share between $1.78 and $1.80, above its previous guidance of $1.61 to $1.71. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report earnings of $1.76 per share for the fourth-quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

The company increased its annual ordinary dividend by 47%, to $2.00 per share from $1.36 per share. In addition, the company announced a special dividend of $2.00 per share. The quarterly ordinary dividend of $0.50 per share and the $2.00 special dividend will be paid on March 6, 2015, to shareholders of record on February 20, 2015.

Additionally, the company has authorized a new $250 million share repurchase program, which includes the remaining $91 million outstanding under the previous program. The company repurchased $84 million of stock in 2014.