The seller of candles, scents and soaps wants to market fewer products as it tries to position itself for long-term growth. ...

Core Insights - Bath & Body Works Inc. experienced a significant stock decline of nearly 25% after reporting disappointing third-quarter earnings and reducing its full-year outlook due to macro consumer pressures [1][3] - The company reported a net income of $77 million, or 37 cents per share, down from $106 million, or 49 cents per share, in the previous year, with adjusted earnings of 35 cents per share compared to the expected 39 cents [3][9] - The company has announced a turnaround plan aiming for $250 million in cost savings by 2027, focusing on core products and attracting younger consumers [2][5] Financial Performance - Third-quarter net income was $77 million, a decrease from $106 million year-over-year, with earnings per share of 37 cents compared to 49 cents last year [3] - Revenue for the quarter was reported at $1.59 billion, falling short of the expected $1.63 billion [9] - The company anticipates fourth-quarter revenue to decline in the high single digits, contrasting with Wall Street's expectation of a 1.5% increase [4] Strategic Initiatives - The "Consumer First Formula" strategy includes four priorities: creating innovative products, reigniting the brand, winning in the marketplace, and operating efficiently [5] - The company plans to exit certain product categories, such as haircare and men's grooming, to refocus on core offerings like body care and fragrances [6] - Bath & Body Works aims to enhance its digital presence by revamping its app and website, and lowering the free shipping threshold in early 2026 [8] Market Positioning - CEO Daniel Heaf emphasized the need to adapt to evolving consumer preferences for efficacy, ingredient-led products, and modern packaging [7] - The company is recruiting influencers to generate social buzz and attract new consumers [7]

Core Insights - Bath & Body Works reported weaker-than-expected Q3 results, with a decline in sales and earnings, leading to a cut in full-year guidance [1][2] - CEO Daniel Heaf acknowledged that the company has made mistakes, including failing to attract younger consumers and becoming overly reliant on discounting, which has harmed brand value [2] - The company plans to simplify its product offerings by eliminating hair care and men's grooming products, focusing instead on core areas like body care and home fragrances to attract a younger audience [3][4] Strategic Initiatives - The company aims to "reignite its brand" and transform into a faster and more efficient organization by breaking down silos and speeding up decision-making processes [4] - Bath & Body Works is launching on Amazon to reach new customers, estimating that $60 million to $80 million of its products are sold via the grey market on the platform, presenting a significant sales opportunity [5] - The stock price of Bath & Body Works has decreased by 25% today and 58% this year, indicating market concerns about its performance [5]

Core Insights - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) has recently been highlighted by Jim Cramer, focusing on its earnings and acquisition plans, particularly the Kenvue acquisition [1] - The company reported earnings of $1.82 per share, surpassing the expected $1.76, which initially led to a 3% increase in stock price before it declined due to acquisition concerns [1] Company Overview - Kimberly-Clark Corporation specializes in personal care and household products, including diapers, wipes, feminine and adult care products, tissues, paper towels, and soaps [2]

Group 1 - Kimberly-Clark Corporation is acquiring Kenvue, the maker of well-known brands such as Tylenol, Band-Aids, and Neutrogena, which has impacted its stock performance negatively [1] - The company has transitioned from a domestic entity to a global powerhouse, experiencing significant growth in its market presence [1] - Kimberly-Clark's product offerings include personal care and household items like diapers, wipes, feminine and adult care products, tissues, paper towels, and soaps [2] Group 2 - There is a belief that certain AI stocks may present greater upside potential and lower downside risk compared to Kimberly-Clark as an investment option [3]

Company Overview - Bath & Body Works (BBWI) is a leading global retailer specializing in personal care and home fragrance products, operating under the Bath & Body Works and White Barn brand names [11] - The company offers a wide range of products, including soaps, lotions, fragrances, candles, and other personal care items, sold through a robust omnichannel platform that includes physical stores and a growing online presence [11] Investment Ratings - BBWI currently holds a 3 (Hold) rating on the Zacks Rank, indicating a neutral outlook [12] - The company has a VGM Score of A, reflecting strong overall performance across value, growth, and momentum metrics [12] - BBWI also boasts a Value Style Score of A, supported by attractive valuation metrics such as a forward P/E ratio of 7.66, which may appeal to value investors [12] Earnings Estimates - For fiscal 2026, one analyst has revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.00 to $3.45 per share [12] - The company has an average earnings surprise of +3.3%, indicating a history of exceeding earnings expectations [12] Investment Consideration - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, BBWI is recommended to be on investors' short list for potential investment opportunities [13]

Core Viewpoint - The consumer staples sector is viewed as a safe investment during economic uncertainty, as it includes companies that produce essential goods that people need daily [1][5]. Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Consumer Staples - Consumer staples stocks consist of companies that produce or sell basic goods, such as groceries and personal-care items [6]. - The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) categorizes the Consumer Staples sector as including food and staples retail, food and beverage production, and household and personal product manufacturing [7]. - These stocks are considered defensive, generating stable revenues and producing significant free cash flow, often returned to shareholders as dividends [8]. Group 2: Investment Rationale - Investors are drawn to consumer staples stocks because they provide a steady demand for necessities, making them less sensitive to economic fluctuations [8]. - Historical performance shows that consumer staples outperformed the S&P 500 during major downturns, such as the Great Recession and the COVID-19 crash [10]. - Despite their defensive nature, consumer staples may have limited growth potential during economic expansions, as demand for basic goods does not significantly increase [11]. Group 3: Identifying Quality Consumer Staples Stocks - A quality screen for consumer staples stocks includes criteria such as being part of the S&P Composite 1500, having a long-term estimated earnings-per-share growth rate of at least 5%, and having at least five covering analysts [12][13][14]. - Stocks should also have a consensus Buy rating of 2.5 or less and a dividend yield of at least 1.5% to ensure they provide better income than the S&P 500 [15][16]. Group 4: Recommended Consumer Staples Stocks - The following companies are highlighted as strong consumer staples stocks based on the outlined criteria: - Dollar General (DG): Long-term EPS growth of 6.5%, consensus rating of 2.39, dividend yield of 2.1% [16] - Tyson Foods (TSN): Long-term EPS growth of 19.6%, consensus rating of 2.29, dividend yield of 3.5% [16] - Kroger (KR): Long-term EPS growth of 6.1%, consensus rating of 2.16, dividend yield of 1.8% [16] - Sysco (SYY): Long-term EPS growth of 6.1%, consensus rating of 2.10, dividend yield of 2.6% [16] - Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP): Long-term EPS growth of 7.2%, consensus rating of 1.91, dividend yield of 2.7% [16] - Philip Morris International (PM): Long-term EPS growth of 11.4%, consensus rating of 1.88, dividend yield of 3.0% [16] - Coca-Cola (KO): Long-term EPS growth of 6.1%, consensus rating of 1.62, dividend yield of 2.9% [16]