UBS analysts increased their price target for Bath & Body Works (NYSE:BBWI) to $52 from $46 while keeping their Neutral rating unchanged. The analysts noted that Bath & Body Works’ modest guidance for fiscal 2024 sales growth indicates a slower-than-expected recovery to pre-pandemic sales growth rates. This adjustment dampens confidence in the company’s long-term revenue projections and suggests a slim chance of its price-to-earnings ratio improving.
Moreover, the company’s forecast hints at a return to positive sales growth in the second half of the year, introducing additional risk. Investor discussions reveal expectations of surpassing the company’s fiscal year 2024 earnings per share guidance of $3.00-$3.35, with projections leaning towards $3.50-$3.80. Consequently, even if sales growth accelerates as anticipated in the latter half, the stock may not significantly benefit since this outcome seems already anticipated.