Core Viewpoint - Bath & Body Works, Inc. is experiencing a decline in stock value due to weak quarterly performance and lowered guidance, amid challenges such as sluggish holiday demand and product misfires [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company reported third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 35 cents, missing the expected 40 cents [1]. - Full-year outlook has been revised to reflect low-single-digit sales declines, with adjusted EPS now projected at least $2.87, down from the previous range of $3.35–$3.60 and below the consensus estimate of $3.44 [4]. Analyst Insights - Bank of America Securities analyst Lorraine Hutchinson maintains a Buy rating but has reduced the price target from $40 to $32, citing product misfires and macroeconomic challenges [2][5]. - Hutchinson anticipates that the fourth quarter will likely represent the lowest point for sales trends, with expectations for a turnaround beginning to emerge by 2026 as strategic changes take effect [3][5]. Market Reaction - Following the announcement, BBWI shares fell by 25.50% to $15.68 [7].

Core Viewpoint - Bath & Body Works, Inc. reported disappointing third-quarter results, missing earnings expectations and lowering its full-year outlook, indicating a decline in discretionary consumer spending as the holiday season approaches [1][5]. Financial Performance - The company reported third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 35 cents, below the expected 40 cents [1]. - Quarterly sales were $1.594 billion, a 1% decrease year over year, missing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.634 billion [2]. - Gross profit for the quarter was $658 million, down from $700 million a year ago, with a gross profit margin of 41.3%, a decline of 220 basis points year over year [3]. Margin and Operating Income - Merchandise margin dropped by approximately 260 basis points, impacted by a ~$35 million tariff hit, which accounted for about 200 basis points [4]. - Operating income was $161 million, down from $218 million a year ago, with an operating margin of 10.1%, a decrease of 340 basis points [4]. Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2025 Outlook - The company anticipates fourth-quarter sales to decline in the high-single-digit range due to a challenging holiday season and weakening consumer sentiment [6]. - The full-year outlook has been revised to low-single-digit sales declines, with adjusted EPS now expected to be at least $2.87, significantly lower than the previous range of $3.35–$3.60 and the consensus estimate of $3.44 [9]. - The projected gross profit rate for the full year is approximately 43.3%, factoring in a ~100-basis-point tariff drag [9]. Cost Management - SG&A rate is expected to be about 24%, reflecting deleverage from softer sales but supported by tight cost controls [7]. - Adjusted SG&A is projected at about 28.3% due to weaker sales [10].

Core Insights - Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI) is recognized as one of the most beaten-down dividend stocks, with a stock price decline of over 31% since the beginning of 2025 [2][5] - Jefferies has lowered its price target for BBWI from $32.00 to $28.50 while maintaining a Hold rating, citing ongoing promotional activities that are impacting margins [3][5] - The company's recent product launches, including the Disney Villains collection, have not met expectations, raising concerns about its ability to drive growth through innovation rather than discounts [4][5] Financial Performance - Bath & Body Works has consistently paid dividends since initiating its policy in 2021, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.08% as of October 16 [6] Market Position - Jefferies notes that customer traffic has shown minimal improvement following new product launches, indicating that innovation has not significantly increased customer engagement [4][5] - The company faces challenges in achieving short-term growth in sales and margins due to its reliance on promotions and mixed results from new products [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the performance of dividend-paying stocks, highlighting that the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index has gained just over 2.5% since the start of 2025, significantly lagging behind the broader market's nearly 13% gain [1]. Dividend Growth and Market Conditions - Dividend growth has been slow in Q3 2025 due to uncertainty surrounding tariff policies, which has made companies cautious about future cash commitments [2]. - While most firms continued to raise dividends, the increases were smaller than usual, and some companies that do not follow a fixed schedule have delayed their dividend actions [2][3]. Economic Factors Impacting Dividends - Companies may increase their payouts as tariff and policy clarity improves, but they still require more legislative and executive assurances for long-term dividend commitments [3]. - Current tax benefits from the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' have positively impacted corporate earnings, but long-term confidence for larger dividend commitments remains uncertain [3]. Methodology for Stock Selection - The article outlines a methodology for identifying beaten-down dividend stocks, focusing on those with year-to-date share price declines of over 25% as of October 16, 2025 [5]. Company-Specific Insights Edison International (NYSE:EIX) - Edison International has experienced a year-to-date share price drop of 29.11% due to challenges such as wildfires in California and increased operating costs [8][9]. - Despite reporting lower second-quarter earnings and ongoing investigations related to wildfires, analysts remain cautiously optimistic, with TD Cowen initiating coverage with a Buy rating and a price target of $71.00, suggesting a potential upside of about 25% [11]. - The company has a strong dividend history, having increased its dividend for 21 consecutive years, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $0.8275 per share and a dividend yield of 5.84% [12]. Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI) - Bath & Body Works has seen a year-to-date share price decline of 31.39%, with concerns raised about its reliance on promotional activities and mixed results from new product launches [13][15]. - Jefferies has lowered its price target for BBWI from $32.00 to $28.50 while maintaining a Hold rating, indicating limited short-term growth expectations due to ongoing dependence on promotions [14][16]. - The company has been a consistent dividend payer since initiating its dividend policy in 2021, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share and a dividend yield of 3.08% [17].