Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI) reported a solid fourth quarter, surpassing analyst expectations with adjusted earnings of $2.06 per share, $0.19 higher than the consensus of $1.87. Revenue also exceeded forecasts, coming in at $2.91 billion against an anticipated $2.84 billion. Despite the strong quarter, shares of the company dropped by 8.79% as investors reacted to a disappointing outlook for fiscal 2024.
The company's fourth-quarter net sales saw a marginal increase of 0.8% compared to the same period last year, with the additional week in the quarter contributing approximately $80 million. However, for the full year, net sales experienced a decline of 1.7%. Bath & Body Works' CEO, Gina Boswell, attributed the quarter's performance to robust holiday sales, innovative strategies, and enhanced customer engagement through their loyalty program.
Looking ahead, the company's guidance for fiscal 2024 indicates a potential decrease in net sales by up to 3%, with the loss of the 53rd week expected to impact growth by about 100 basis points. The projected earnings per share range from $3.00 to $3.35, falling short of the analyst consensus of $3.34 and below the adjusted earnings per share of $3.27 for fiscal 2023.
Boswell remains optimistic, focusing on improving customer experience and driving long-term profitable growth. The company also announced a new share repurchase program authorizing up to $500 million in buybacks, signaling confidence in its financial position.
Investors, however, seem wary of the future, with the stock experiencing a significant downturn following the guidance announcement. Bath & Body Works' performance in the coming year will be closely watched as it navigates the challenges outlined in its forecast.
Following the report, analysts at BMO Capital Markets said the company reported a strong Q4 and a likely conservative guide. They reiterated the firm's Outperform rating on the stock, adding that the share price decline represents a buying opportunity.
"BBWI posted a strong EPS beat with better sales flowing through to materially better GMs," said the analysts. "After its recent rally, we understand why investors might look to the below-Street guidance (in line with its recent practice), but we expect this to prove conservative and expect earnings and multiple upside. We believe share weakness represents a particularly attractive buying opportunity."