Victoria’s Secret Battles Through Serious Market Downturn

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Written By Nathan Goldstein

As of the recent quarterly financial results, Victoria’s Secret has reported a 3% increase in revenue, enhancing its gross margin to roughly 40%. Despite these gains, the EBIT margin experienced a slight decrease of 30 basis points.

When measured against fiscal 2019 benchmarks, the company’s revenue has seen a compound annual growth rate decline of approximately 4%.

Victoria Secret’s Cash Position

The period ended with Victoria’s Secret holding $270 million in cash against $145 million in debt, and inventories were reduced by 6%, including a 3% drop in core Victoria’s Secret and PINK lines.

Credits: DepositPhotos

Additionally, a new share repurchase initiative of up to $250 million was announced, signaling confidence from management in the company’s valuation.

Sales Performance and Strategic Challenges

The company’s fourth-quarter results reveal a continuation of sales challenges, with same-store sales growth (SSSG) declining by 6%. T

his figure aligns with the decline seen in the previous year’s fourth quarter, underscoring a lack of significant improvement.

Despite launching several growth initiatives, such as new product lines for Valentine’s Day and a revamped #1 bra collection, these efforts have yet to yield a positive impact on sales.

Lack of Sales Momentum is Concerning

The lack of sales momentum is particularly concerning given that it spans a period traditionally boosted by holiday shopping.

Initial data from the first quarter of 2025 suggests that these trends are not improving, with no reported gains in same-store sales, which could signal ongoing difficulties in capturing consumer interest and spending.

Macroeconomic Context and Market Impact

Victoria’s Secret faces a challenging macroeconomic environment characterized by persistent inflation and weak consumer spending.

These conditions have particularly affected the intimate apparel sector, where the company has seen its market position decline. This economic pressure has translated into reduced consumer spending on premium brands, impacting Victoria’s Secret’s core product offerings.

The intimate apparel market in North America has continued to contract, with industry sales decreasing mid-single digits in the latest quarter, marking the fourth consecutive year-over-year decline.

This trend reflects broader market dynamics where consumer preferences may be shifting away from traditional retail models toward more value-oriented purchases.

Valuation and Market Sentiment

The company’s stock currently trades at 11 times forward earnings, which is below the average of its industry peers, who typically trade at around 13 times forward earnings.

This valuation suggests that the market has tempered its growth expectations for Victoria’s Secret compared to its competitors.

Forward-Looking Implications

The financial and strategic challenges faced by Victoria’s Secret indicate significant hurdles in its path toward regaining its former market strength.

Credits: DepositPhotos

The company’s ability to navigate a tough retail environment and reinvent its brand to align with evolving consumer preferences will be critical in determining its future performance and market valuation.

Can Victoria Secret Turn it Around?

As the market continues to monitor Victoria’s Secret for signs of sustainable improvement, the company’s strategic decisions in the coming quarters will be crucial in shaping its long-term investment potential.

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