Victoria's Secret Analyst Flags Profit Pressure, Keeps Rating Amid Tariff And Cyber Headwinds

Core Viewpoint - Victoria's Secret & Co. has faced challenges in its financial outlook, leading to lowered earnings guidance and cautious analyst sentiment regarding its performance in a competitive market [1][4]. Financial Performance - The company reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 9 cents, aligning with analyst consensus estimates [1]. - Quarterly sales reached $1.35 billion, remaining flat year over year and also meeting market expectations [1]. Fiscal Year Guidance - Victoria's Secret has revised its fiscal year 2025 adjusted operating income guidance to a range of $270 million to $320 million, down from a previous forecast of $300 million to $350 million [2]. - For the second quarter, the company forecasts sales between $1.38 billion and $1.41 billion, slightly below the $1.42 billion estimate [3]. Profitability Concerns - The analyst noted that profit forecasts for the second quarter lagged behind prior consensus, which had already accounted for a $10 million impact from cybersecurity issues and another $10 million from tariffs [3]. - A gross tariff impact of $120 million is expected for the year, with $70 million already mitigated, resulting in a net hit of $50 million that could reduce gross margin by over 100 basis points [6]. Strategic Adjustments - The company has taken steps to mitigate tariff impacts, including cost-cutting measures, diversifying sourcing, and improving shipping efficiency [7]. - Victoria's Secret is shifting from blanket discounts to more targeted promotions, such as gift-with-purchase events [7]. Earnings Projections - The analyst has lowered the fiscal year 2025 EPS estimate to $2.10 from $2.22, and for fiscal year 2026, the EPS is now projected at $2.25, down from $2.38 [7][8].