Bath & Body Works Stock Pops After Beat-And-Raise Quarter
Bath & Body Works stock is higher Monday after the retailer reported better-than-expected results and raised its full-year forecast.


Bath & Body Works (BBWI) stock is trading notably higher Monday after the specialty retailer beat top- and bottom-line expectations for its fiscal third quarter and raised its full-year outlook.
In its quarter ended November 2, Bath & Body Works said its revenue increased 3% year over year to $1.6 billion. Its earnings per share (EPS) decreased 5.8% from the year-ago period to 49 cents.
"Our strong results exceeded the high end of our net sales and earnings per diluted share guidance," said Bath & Body Works CEO Gina Boswell in a statement. "As a result, we are raising our full-year guidance to fully reflect this outperformance."

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The results topped analysts' expectations. Wall Street was anticipating revenue of $1.58 billion and earnings of 47 cents per share, according to CNBC.
As its CEO mentioned, Bath & Body Works increased its full-year outlook following the strong quarter. The company now expects to revenue to decline between 2.5% and 1.7% and earnings per share to arrive between $3.15 to $3.28. The retailer had previously said it expected revenue to be down between 4% and 2% and earnings per share of $3.06 to $3.26.
"Innovation across our core products, adjacencies, and collaborations is resonating with both new and existing customers supported by the investments we have made in marketing and technology," Boswell said. "As we enter the critical holiday period, I am pleased with our strong execution and the momentum we are building, as we drive towards sustainable, long-term profitable growth."
Is Bath & Body Works stock a buy, sell or hold?
It's been a rough year on the price charts for Bath & Body Works, which was down more than 27% heading into Monday's session. Still, most of Wall Street has kept the faith on the consumer discretionary stock.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for BBWI stock is $42.76, representing implied upside of nearly 20% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is a Buy.
Financial services firm UBS Global Research is taking a more cautious approach to the mid-cap stock, though, as evidenced by its a Neutral rating (equivalent to a Hold) and $38 price target.
"Our view is a soft category demand should weigh on BBWI's fiscal 2024 sales and earnings and limit the stock from outperforming," wrote UBS Global Research analyst Jay Sole in a November 7 note. "We see little chance of upside earnings surprises or price-to-earnings expansion in the near- to medium-term. Over the long term, we think BBWI could rebound and this is a main reason our rating is not Sell."
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
The Surprising Truth About Loneliness and Longevity
We've all heard about the epidemic of loneliness that can shorten lives and make retirement miserable. But there's more to the story.
-
The Dollar Index Is Sliding. Is Your Portfolio Prepared?
The Dollar Index Is Sliding. Is Your Portfolio Prepared? The dollar's fall has been troubling because inflation appears to be constrained and the economy has been strong. Here's what it means for investors.
-
The Dollar Index Is Sliding. Is Your Portfolio Prepared?
The Dollar Index Is Sliding. Is Your Portfolio Prepared? The dollar's fall has been troubling because inflation appears to be constrained and the economy has been strong. Here's what it means for investors.
-
Seven Financial Considerations When Downsizing for Retirement
With prices going up on everything, you may be looking for a cheaper place to live. To truly evaluate costs, take a hard look at taxes and intangibles.
-
I Have Plenty of Money: Why Do I Need a Long-Term Care Plan?
Long-term care planning, whether through insurance or self-funding, is crucial not only for financial protection but also to preserve family relationships and reduce the emotional and logistical burdens on loved ones.
-
The GENIUS, CLARITY, and Anti-CBDC Acts: What Bitcoin Investors Need to Know
Movement on the crypto front at the federal level has the potential to usher in substantial change. Here's what it means for your portfolio.
-
Wellness Stocks to Invest in Now
Breakthroughs that help us live longer, healthier lives can also create opportunities for investors.
-
Three Steps for Evaluating a Downsize in Retirement: A Financial Planner's Guide
Unless you think things through, you could end up with major (and costly) regrets. To make the right choice, base it on the three keys to retirement happiness.
-
Worried About Your Retirement Income? Four Questions to Ask Yourself, From a Financial Planner
If you're nearing or in retirement and stressing about your retirement income (so many of us are), consider taking some time to think about these four issues.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Step Back From New Highs
Investors, traders and speculators continue the low-volume summer grind against now-familiar uncertainties.