Updating L Brands Inc., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Briggs & Stratton Corp.

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L BRANDS INC. $23 (New York symbol LB; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 275.2 million; Market cap: $6.3 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.5; Dividend yield: 5.2%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.lb.com) owns two main retail chains: Victoria’s Secret stores (which sell lingerie); and Bath & Body Works outlets (personal-care products, including soaps and shampoos). The company has now appointed activist investor Barrington Capital Group as a special advisor. It is possible that Barrington will continue to urge L Brands to split into two separate companies: one would control the Bath & Body Works chain; the other would operate struggling Victoria’s Secret. Barrington’s involvement is a plus, but the company’s sales remain weak. In the quarter ended May 4, 2019, its overall same-store sales (excluding online sales) fell 3.0%. A 7% gain at Bath & Body Works offset a 7% decline at Victoria’s Secret. L Brands is a hold. HONDA MOTOR CO. LTD. ADRs $25 (New York symbol HMC; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; ADRs outstanding: 1.8…