Limited Brands Q1 net income up 47%

Columbus, Ohio -- Limited Brands reported Wednesday that strong sales boosted its first-quarter profit to $165.2 million, up 47% over its prior-year profit of $112.5 million. The company warned that rising costs will hurt its margins this year. The parent of Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret and La Senza previously reported a revenue increase of 15% to $2.22 billion. Same-store sales rose 15%.