Yahoo Finance Bath & Body Works, Inc. Just Beat Analyst Forecasts, And Analysts Have Been Updating Their Predictions
Shareholders might have noticed that Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI) filed its first-quarter result this time last week. The early response was not positive, with shares down 8.6% to US$46.37 in the past week. Revenues were US$1.4b, approximately in line with whatthe analysts expected, although statutory earnings per share (EPS) crushed expectations, coming in at US$0.38, an impressive 23% ahead of estimates. The analysts typically update their forecasts at each earnings report, and we can judge from their estimates whether their view of the company has changed or if there are any new concerns to be aware of. So we collected the latest post-earnings statutory consensus estimates to see what could be in store for next year.
Check out our latest analysis for Bath & Body Works
Taking into account the latest results, Bath & Body Works' 19 analysts currently expect revenues in 2025 to be US$7.40b, approximately in line with the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are forecast to descend 18% to US$3.24 in the same period. Yet prior to the latest earnings, the analysts had been anticipated revenues of US$7.40b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$3.25 in 2025. So it's pretty clear that, although the analysts have updated their estimates, there's been no major change in expectations for the business following the latest results.
There were no changes to revenue or earnings estimates or the price target of US$53.11, suggesting that the company has met expectations in its recent result. The consensus price target is just an average of individual analyst targets, so - it could be handy to see how wide the range of underlying estimates is. The most optimistic Bath & Body Works analyst has a price target of US$70.00 per share, while the most pessimistic values it at US$42.00. This shows there is still a bit of diversity in estimates, but analysts don't appear to be totally split on the stock as though it might be a success or failure situation.
Taking a look at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can understand these forecasts is to see how they compare to both past performance and industry growth estimates. One thing that stands out from these estimates is that shrinking revenues are expected to moderate over the period ending 2025 compared to the historical decline of 11% per annum over the past five years. By contrast, our data suggests that other companies (with analyst coverage) in a similar industry are forecast to see their revenue grow 4.7% per year. So it's pretty clear that, while it does have declining revenues, the analysts also expect Bath & Body Works to suffer worse than the wider industry.
The Bottom Line
The most important thing to take away is that there's been no major change in sentiment, with the analysts reconfirming that the business is performing in line with their previous earnings per share estimates. On the plus side, there were no major changes to revenue estimates; although forecasts imply they will perform worse than the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates.
Keeping that in mind, we still think that the longer term trajectory of the business is much more important for investors to consider. We have estimates - from multiple Bath & Body Works analysts - going out to 2027, and you can see them free on our platform here.
Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for Bath & Body Works (1 is a bit unpleasant) you should be aware of.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
