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Bath & Body Works (BBWI)
NYSE:BBWI

Bath & Body Works (BBWI) AI Stock Analysis

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BBWI

Bath & Body Works

(NYSE:BBWI)

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Neutral 56 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:56Neutral
Price Target:
$23.00
▲(3.19% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/06/26
BBWI scores in the mid-range primarily due to elevated balance-sheet risk (high debt and negative equity) and guidance for further sales/EPS declines in 2026. Offsetting factors include continued strong cash generation, an above-market dividend yield, and a neutral technical setup with modest near-term momentum but a still-weak longer-term trend.
Positive Factors
Free cash flow generation
Strong FY2025 free cash flow of $865M demonstrates durable cash generation capacity. This provides the company with internal funding to execute the Consumer First turnaround, sustain the dividend, repay debt (note redemptions) and fund targeted investments without relying solely on external capital.
Product innovation momentum
Early innovation proof points — notably a new moisturizing hand soap with strong sell-through — validate the Consumer First Formula. Durable product relevance in core categories supports repeat purchase, brand differentiation, and pricing resilience over the medium term as the company refreshes its pipeline.
Distribution & international expansion
Expanded distribution (Amazon launch) and international store growth create structural channels to regain lapsed customers and scale beyond North America. The company has factored a ~$50M benefit into guidance, indicating management sees durable revenue leverage from broader, multi-channel reach.
Negative Factors
Weak balance sheet / negative equity
Negative shareholders' equity and a high debt-to-equity ratio create persistent solvency and refinancing risks. Even with solid cash flow, negative equity constrains financial flexibility, raises creditor scrutiny, and can limit strategic options if operating performance weakens or interest costs rise.
Guided sales decline
Management's guidance for another year of comparable sales declines implies prolonged top-line pressure. Sustained revenue contraction reduces operating leverage, slows deleveraging, hinders the pace of turnaround benefits and forces heavier reliance on cost savings to maintain cash returns.
Margin pressure & cost headwinds
Tariffs, deliberate product investments and higher SG&A guidance point to structural margin compression. Reduced gross and operating margins limit internally generated funds for reinvestment and debt reduction, making sustained margin recovery a key medium-term execution risk.

Bath & Body Works (BBWI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Bath & Body Works Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBath & Body Works, Inc. operates a specialty retailer of home fragrance, body care, and soaps and sanitizer products. The company sells its products under the Bath & Body Works, White Barn, and other brand names through specialty retail stores and websites located in the United States and Canada, as well as through international stores operated by partners under franchise, license, and wholesale arrangements. As of January 29, 2022, it operated 1,755 company-operated retail stores and 338 international partner-operated stores. The company was formerly known as L Brands, Inc. and changed its name to Bath & Body Works, Inc. in August 2021. Bath & Body Works, Inc. was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
How the Company Makes MoneyBath & Body Works generates revenue through multiple channels, primarily through direct sales in its retail locations and e-commerce platforms. The company’s core revenue streams include sales of personal care products such as body care, skincare, and fragrances, as well as home fragrance items like candles and room sprays. Seasonal promotions and limited-edition launches significantly boost sales, particularly during holidays. Additionally, Bath & Body Works benefits from a strong customer loyalty program, encouraging repeat purchases. The company also engages in strategic partnerships and collaborations that enhance its product offerings and market reach, contributing to overall revenue growth.

Bath & Body Works Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue By Segment
Revenue By Segment
Breaks down revenue by product lines or business units, revealing which segments are driving sales and where there might be opportunities or challenges.
Chart InsightsBath & Body Works' store revenue remains robust, with seasonal peaks, while direct sales face challenges, declining by 10% year-over-year. Despite this, the company is optimistic, raising its earnings guidance and planning increased share repurchases. Strategic initiatives, including digital platform enhancements and new partnerships, aim to counteract tariff impacts and digital underperformance. The international segment shows moderate stability, but growth is hindered by tariff-related profit pressures. Overall, the company is focusing on operational efficiencies and expanding distribution channels to drive future growth.
Data provided by:The Fly

Bath & Body Works Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Mar 04, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 14, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call communicated a clearly articulated multi-year turnaround plan (Consumer First Formula) with concrete early execution wins — product innovation proof points, strategic marketplace expansion (Amazon), international momentum, clean inventory, strong FY2025 free cash flow, and a defined $250M cost-savings program. However, near-term financials remain pressured: comparable and category-specific sales declines, margin compression driven by tariffs and planned product investments, and guidance calling for further revenue declines in 2026 (and a lower free cash flow target). Management emphasized confidence in the strategy and patience for benefits to accrue over 2026 into 2027, but near-term operating and macro headwinds temper the immediate outlook.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Quarterly Revenue and EPS Beat vs Expectations
Q4 net sales of $2.7 billion, down 2.3% year-over-year but better than the guidance floor; adjusted EPS of $2.05, down ~2% year-over-year but ahead of expectations.
Strong Product Proof Points and Innovation Momentum
Launch of a new moisturizing hand soap showing strong consumer reviews and sell-through (productivity noted as double the gel it replaces), signaling early success from the Consumer First Formula and a larger 2026 product pipeline focused on body care, home fragrance, and soaps/sanitizers.
Franchise & Collaboration Wins
Champagne Toast had its strongest year ever, validating elevated franchise positioning; Disney Princess 2.0 launch resonated in line with expectations; more collaborations planned and being deployed strategically.
Marketplace & Distribution Expansion — Amazon Launch
Launched on Amazon (Feb 20) with a curated 50-SKU assortment and elevated product storytelling to extend reach to new and lapsed customers; guidance embeds an initial ~$50 million (0.5 point) benefit from expanded distribution.
International Growth and Store Expansion
International net sales up 8.6% in Q4; system-wide retail sales grew 13%; international partners opened 36 stores (closed 7) in Q4 and added 44 net new stores for the year, ending with 573 international locations.
Inventory Discipline and Store Fleet Strength
Inventory down 5% versus prior year with 'clean' inventory heading into spring; 60% of store fleet in off-mall locations; opened 21 NA stores and closed 28 in Q4 with 32 net new stores for the year.
Cash Flow and Capital Returns
Generated $865 million of free cash flow in FY2025 (including ~$125 million working capital benefit); returned $167 million via dividends and repurchased 15.1 million shares for $400 million in 2025; 2026 FCF expected at ~$600 million (includes $65 million after-tax settlement).
Cost Savings Program (Fuel for Growth)
Launched a multi-year Fuel for Growth program targeting $250 million of cost savings over two years, with approximately $175 million included in 2026 guidance to fund strategic investments.
Negative Updates
Top-Line Pressure and Guidance for Continued Declines
Company expects 2026 net sales to be down 4.5% to down 2.5%; Q1 2026 guidance calls for net sales down 6% to down 4%, indicating near-term top-line pressure despite operational actions.
Category Underperformance — Body Care and Seasonal
Body care declined mid-single digits in Q4 driven by underperformance in seasonal collections (notably Holiday Traditions) and consumer feedback that body care offerings had become too predictable.
Margin Compression Expected
Q4 adjusted gross profit rate was 45.7%, down 100 basis points year-over-year; company expects FY2026 gross profit rate of ~42.4% reflecting merchandise margin pressure from product investments and B&O deleverage.
Higher Operating Expense Rate
Q4 adjusted SG&A rate was 23.2% (up 90 basis points year-over-year); guidance assumes full-year SG&A rate of ~29.2% and Q1 SG&A rate of ~32.3%, reflecting investment timing and sales deleverage.
Tariff and Cost Headwinds
Tariff impacts contributed to margin pressure (Q1 2026 expected ~150 basis points headwind versus Q1 2025); guidance assumes tariffs and product cost inflation roughly neutral to earnings year-over-year but with outsized near-term impacts.
Declining AUR and Reliance on Promotions
Mix-adjusted average unit retail (AUR) declined low single digits in Q4; management assumes promotional intensity comparable to 2025 and notes historically heavy reliance on promotions as a strategic challenge.
Lowered Shareholder Return Activity in Near Term
No share repurchases assumed in the 2026 outlook; company will redeem $284 million of January 2027 notes in Q1 and is prioritizing funding Consumer First investments and maintaining leverage targets.
Full-Year EPS and Lower Free Cash Flow Outlook
FY2025 adjusted EPS was $3.21 (down ~2%); 2026 adjusted EPS guidance is $2.40–$2.65 (implying near-term EPS contraction) and expected free cash flow declines to ~ $600 million in 2026 from $865 million in 2025.
Company Guidance
For fiscal 2026 Bath & Body Works expects net sales down 4.5% to down 2.5%, full-year adjusted EPS of $2.40–$2.65, a full-year gross profit rate of ~42.4% (with roughly 130 bps of margin pressure embedded and tariffs roughly neutral to earnings y/y), an adjusted SG&A rate of ~29.2%, adjusted net non‑operating expense of ~$230M, an adjusted tax rate of ~26.5%, weighted average diluted shares of ~203M, and no share repurchases assumed; Q1 guidance calls for net sales down 6% to down 4%, Q1 gross profit rate ~42.5% (including ~150 bps tariff headwind), Q1 adjusted SG&A rate ~32.3%, Q1 adjusted net non‑operating expense ~$60M, Q1 adjusted tax rate ~28.5%, ~202M weighted shares, and Q1 adjusted EPS of $0.24–$0.30. Management plans ~$175M of the $250M two‑year Fuel for Growth savings in 2026, ~$270M of CapEx, ~$600M of free cash flow (including a $65M after‑tax settlement benefit), will maintain a $0.80 annual dividend, redeem $284M of January 2027 notes in Q1, targets ~1% square footage growth, expects international net sales up mid‑ to high‑single digits, and has factored roughly $50M (≈0.5 point) of benefit from expanded distribution (e.g., Amazon) into the plan.

Bath & Body Works Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Operating fundamentals are mixed: profitability and cash generation remain solid (FY operating margin ~15%, FCF ~ $0.9B), but revenue is flat-to-down and margins have compressed from prior peaks. The biggest drag is balance-sheet risk, with very high debt (~$5.0B) and persistently negative equity, which limits financial flexibility.
Income Statement
63
Positive
Revenue has been essentially flat to down over the last several years, with the most recent year showing another small decline versus prior periods. Profitability remains solid for specialty retail (gross margin ~44% and operating margin ~15% in the latest year), but earnings power has clearly moderated from the 2022 peak as operating and net margins compressed. Overall, the business is still meaningfully profitable, but the trend is moving the wrong way on both sales growth and margins.
Balance Sheet
28
Negative
Leverage is a key concern: total debt remains very high (~$5.0B) while shareholders’ equity is negative across all periods provided. This capital structure reduces financial flexibility and increases sensitivity to any demand slowdown or margin pressure. While total assets are relatively stable, the persistent negative equity profile is a structural weakness and keeps balance sheet quality below average.
Cash Flow
58
Neutral
Cash generation is a relative strength: the company produced strong operating cash flow (~$1.1B) and free cash flow (~$0.9B) in the latest year. However, free cash flow has been volatile and recently declined, and cash generation does not consistently exceed net income (free cash flow is below net income in each period shown). Cash flow still looks supportive, but the downtrend and variability temper the score.
BreakdownJan 2026Jan 2025Jan 2024Jan 2023Jan 2022
Income Statement
Total Revenue7.29B7.31B7.43B7.56B7.88B
Gross Profit3.19B3.23B3.24B3.25B3.85B
EBITDA1.38B1.62B1.64B1.61B2.17B
Net Income649.00M798.00M878.00M800.00M1.33B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.07B4.87B5.46B5.49B6.03B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments953.00M674.00M1.08B1.23B1.98B
Total Debt4.95B4.96B5.57B6.05B6.01B
Total Liabilities6.35B6.25B7.09B7.70B7.54B
Stockholders Equity-1.28B-1.39B-1.63B-2.21B-1.52B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow865.00M660.00M656.00M816.00M1.22B
Operating Cash Flow1.10B886.00M954.00M1.14B1.49B
Investing Cash Flow-227.00M-162.00M-286.00M-328.00M-259.00M
Financing Cash Flow-599.00M-1.13B-815.00M-1.56B-3.19B

Bath & Body Works Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price22.29
Price Trends
50DMA
22.04
Positive
100DMA
21.77
Positive
200DMA
25.03
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.15
Positive
RSI
47.97
Neutral
STOCH
41.71
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BBWI, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 22.29 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 22.98, above the 50-day MA of 22.04, and below the 200-day MA of 25.03, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.15 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 47.97 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 41.71 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for BBWI.

Bath & Body Works Risk Analysis

Bath & Body Works disclosed 41 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Bath & Body Works reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Bath & Body Works Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
81
Outperform
$7.88B8.7417.78%2.46%-2.97%-8.57%
72
Outperform
$5.24B28.3220.83%3.10%13.37%-19.37%
69
Neutral
$29.00B25.1847.97%5.45%4.28%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
56
Neutral
$4.56B4.16%-1.04%-20.88%
55
Neutral
$5.45B33.411.98%-20.98%
51
Neutral
$13.75B12.8537.04%5.46%-0.95%-48.28%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BBWI
Bath & Body Works
22.29
-10.72
-32.48%
BBY
Best Buy Co
65.60
-8.99
-12.05%
ULTA
Ulta Beauty
653.64
298.64
84.12%
VIPS
Vipshop
15.97
-0.35
-2.14%
ETSY
Etsy
56.63
9.68
20.62%
MNSO
MINISO Group Holding
16.63
-2.06
-11.02%

Bath & Body Works Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackFinancial Disclosures
Bath & Body Works Reports Q4 Results, Guides 2026 Lower
Negative
Mar 4, 2026

Bath & Body Works reported on March 4, 2026 that fourth-quarter 2025 net sales fell 2% to $2.7 billion, with earnings per diluted share declining to $1.99, or $2.05 on an adjusted basis, as it absorbed $15 million in transformation-related costs. Full-year 2025 net sales were essentially flat at $7.3 billion, but earnings per share dropped to $3.11, or $3.21 adjusted, while the company repurchased 15.1 million shares for $400 million.

Management said fourth-quarter results came in above guidance and highlighted early progress on its “Consumer First Formula,” including accelerated innovation in core categories, brand refresh efforts, an earlier-than-planned Amazon launch and a streamlined operating model. Despite this, Bath & Body Works guided to a 2.5% to 4.5% net sales decline for fiscal 2026 and lower adjusted earnings, reflecting ongoing business transformation, though headline EPS is expected to benefit from litigation-related gains, tax items and bond-related impacts, alongside projected free cash flow of about $600 million and interest savings from redeeming remaining 2027 bonds.

The most recent analyst rating on (BBWI) stock is a Hold with a $23.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bath & Body Works stock, see the BBWI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Bath & Body Works Announces Redemption of 2027 Senior Notes
Positive
Mar 4, 2026

On March 3, 2026, Bath & Body Works, Inc. announced it had issued a notice of redemption for all outstanding 6.694% Senior Notes due 2027, with a redemption date set for April 10, 2026. The redemption price will be determined under the governing indenture as the greater of 100% of the principal amount or the present value of remaining scheduled payments discounted at the applicable treasury rate plus 50 basis points, together with accrued interest to the redemption date.

This move signals an active approach to managing the company’s debt profile and could reduce future interest expense or allow for refinancing on more favorable terms, depending on market conditions. The transaction may improve Bath & Body Works’ capital structure flexibility and is likely to be closely watched by bondholders and equity investors assessing the company’s balance sheet strength and financial strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (BBWI) stock is a Hold with a $23.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bath & Body Works stock, see the BBWI Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Bath & Body Works announces chief legal officer transition
Neutral
Feb 25, 2026

On February 24, 2026, Bath & Body Works, Inc. announced that Michael Wu ceased serving as its Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, and the company has begun a search for his successor. Wu is expected to remain as a non-executive employee through an orderly transition period until around March 27, 2026, during which he will continue to receive his current compensation and benefits.

Subject to his continued employment in good standing through the anticipated separation date, Wu’s departure will be treated as a termination without cause under his existing executive severance agreement, entitling him to specified payments and benefits. After his separation, he will remain bound by ongoing restrictive covenants, including perpetual confidentiality, a one-year non-solicitation obligation and a nine-month non-competition commitment, underscoring the company’s effort to protect its legal and strategic interests during the leadership change.

The most recent analyst rating on (BBWI) stock is a Hold with a $23.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bath & Body Works stock, see the BBWI Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 06, 2026