Limited

Limited Brands Inc. (Columbus, Ohio) reported a 28 percent increase in earnings for its fourth quarter ended Jan. 29, 2005.

Operating income was up 7.3 percent in the quarter and net income was up 7.2 percent.

Net sales gained 3 percent and same-store sales increased 2 percent in the quarter.

For the full year, earnings gained 26 percent, operating income was up 13 percent and net income was up 3 percent.

Net sales gained 5.3 percent and same-store sales increased 4 percent.

For 2005, the company expects earnings growth of 13 – 15 percent.