Both are down, but the parent is a buy

Article Excerpt

On August 3, 2021, the old L Brands holding company (old New York symbol LB) split into two separate firms: Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works. Investors received one new share of Victoria’s Secret for every three shares of L Brands they held. L Brands then changed its name to Bath & Body Works. So far, the split has produced mixed results—Victoria’s Secret is now up roughly 14%, but its former parent has dropped 40%. Consumers continue to cut back on discretionary purchases as they cope with elevated prices and interest rates. We like the outlook for both, but prefer Bath & Body Works for your new buying due to the involvement of an activist investor and its steady dividend. VICTORIA’S SECRET & CO. $47 is a hold. The company (New York symbol VSCO; Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 78.6 million; Market cap: $3.7 billion; No dividend paid; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.victoriassecretandco.com) sells lingerie, sleepwear and beauty products through 1,380 stores in over 70 countries under…