Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 3% year over year to $1,459 million, with comparable sales growing by 4%, reflecting sequential improvements over the prior quarter [35][36] - Adjusted operating income reached $55 million, exceeding the high end of guidance by $20 million, despite a $14 million impact from a security incident [35][36] - Gross margins improved to 35.6%, up 20 basis points year over year and 60 basis points above guidance, driven by lower discounting and stronger regular price selling [10][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Victoria's Secret and PINK both saw comparable sales growth, with PINK experiencing double-digit increases in apparel and a significant improvement in new customer acquisition [20][36] - The beauty segment continued to perform well, with sales up mid-single digits, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of growth [21][37] - Bra sales in North America were down low single digits, but showed sequential improvement over Q1, with market share growing by approximately 0.5% in total bras [12][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales grew by 22% year over year, with retail comps up high single digits, particularly strong in China driven by digital channels [9][38] - The 18 to 24 age group was identified as a strong customer growth segment, contributing to improved customer acquisition [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Path to Potential" strategy, emphasizing product innovation, brand strength, and customer experience to drive long-term growth [5][34] - Plans to enhance the PINK brand with a digital and social-first approach, aiming to reconnect with younger consumers [15][16] - The upcoming Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is expected to be a key brand moment, aimed at driving traffic and customer acquisition [27][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a complex macro environment while continuing to invest in brand building and innovative marketing [26][53] - The company anticipates continued momentum into the third quarter, with a forecast for net sales between $1,390 million and $1,420 million [50] - Despite challenges from tariffs, the company is maintaining its adjusted operating income guidance for the year [46][47] Other Important Information - The company is committed to optimizing inventory levels and improving production lead times to enhance operational efficiency [11][102] - A focus on strategic pricing and promotional strategies is being implemented to mitigate tariff impacts while maintaining customer value [71][104] Q&A Session Summary Question: Implications of the end of the de minimis exemption on the industry - Management indicated that the de minimis exemption is not a significant factor for the business, as e-commerce distribution centers are primarily located in Columbus [56] Question: Insights on innovation and future plans - Management highlighted a deep pipeline of innovation focused on bras and sports, with a more frequent release of new products planned for the back half of the year [62][65] Question: Gross margin strategy and Store of the Future performance - Management discussed a conscious effort to reduce promotions and focus on regular price sales, with positive results from Store of the Future remodels showing double-digit sales lifts [71][72] Question: Performance of international business and category strengths - Management noted that the intimates business is strong internationally, with beauty and intimates being the core categories performing well globally [75][76] Question: Details on the upcoming fashion show and marketing investments - Management confirmed that the fashion show will focus on the Victoria's Secret brand, with marketing spend remaining flat year over year [81][83] Question: Inventory planning and pricing power - Management acknowledged the need for better inventory optimization and indicated that pricing power exists, particularly in gifting and beauty categories [101][104]