vsco-20220527
0001856437false00018564372022-05-272022-05-27

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): May 31, 2022 (May 27, 2022)
Victoria's Secret & Co.
(Exact Name of Registrant
as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
001-4051586-3167653
(Commission File Number)(IRS Employer Identification No.)
4 Limited Parkway East
Reynoldsburg,OH43068
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
(614) 577-7000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 Par ValueVSCOThe New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.




Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

and
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
The following information is being furnished pursuant to Item 2.02, "Results of Operations and Financial Condition" and Item 7.01, “Regulation FD Disclosure”, and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
On May 31, 2022, Victoria's Secret & Co. (the "Company") issued a press release setting forth its first quarter 2022 results and its second quarter 2022 earnings guidance. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 5.07. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
On May 27, 2022, the Company held its 2022 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) by means of remote communication. At the Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders (i) elected eight directors to serve until the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders, (ii) approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, (iii) selected, on an advisory basis, an annual frequency for future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, and (iv) ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting form for fiscal year 2022.
The final voting results with respect to each of the four proposals are set forth below.
Proposal 1. To elect eight directors to serve until the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.
Nominee
For
Against
Abstain
Broker Non-Votes
Irene Chang Britt
71,265,358
232,248
60,019
4,002,116
Sarah Davis
70,817,512
680,141
59,972
4,002,116
Jacqueline Hernández
70,800,310
697,045
60,270
4,002,116
Donna James
70,720,515
789,499
47,611
4,002,116
Mariam Naficy
71,452,047
56,550
49,028
4,002,116
Lauren Peters
71,400,931
94,318
62,376
4,002,116
Anne Sheehan
68,263,846
862,591
2,431,188
4,002,116
Martin Waters
71,395,670
112,062
49,893
4,002,116
Proposal 2. To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.
For
Against
Abstain
Broker Non-Votes
70,854,622
626,224
76,779
4,002,116
Proposal 3. To select, on an advisory basis, the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.
1 Year
2 Years
3 Years
Abstain
Broker Non-Votes
71,055,117
24,769
415,019
62,721
4,002,116
Proposal 4. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2022.
For
Against
Abstain
Broker Non-Votes
75,475,689
56,631
27,421



In light of the voting results for Proposal 3 as disclosed above, the Company will include an advisory vote on the compensation of its named executive officers in its proxy materials every year until the next advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of its named executive officers.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
Exhibit 99.1    Press Release of Victoria's Secret & Co., dated May 31, 2022.
Exhibit 104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)




SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
VICTORIA'S SECRET & CO.
Date:May 31, 2022By:/s/ Timothy Johnson
Timothy Johnson
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


Document

Exhibit 99.1
https://cdn.kscope.io/352a387aedc5932ae1d19288692a50b8-vscologo_wordmarkxblacka.jpg
Victoria's Secret & Co. Reports First Quarter 2022 Results
Diluted EPS of $0.93 and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.11
Delivers trailing twelve month EBITDA over $1 billion
Returned $110 million to shareholders through capital allocation program

Reynoldsburg, Ohio (May 31, 2022)—Victoria’s Secret & Co. (“Victoria’s Secret” or the “Company”) (NYSE: VSCO) today reported 2022 financial results for the first quarter ended April 30, 2022.

Commenting on results, Chief Executive Officer Martin Waters stated, "We are pleased with our first quarter results and our team's strong execution. Against the backdrop of significant global headwinds and a challenging inflationary environment, we delivered sales results at the high end of our guidance range and better than expected adjusted earnings per diluted share. Our performance is a testament to the hard work and relentless focus of our team. Powered by our brand revolution, we have strengthened our emotional connection with our customer and further enhanced our leadership in bras through innovative product launches, while diligently focusing on the efficiency of our retail operations."

Martin continued, “As a result of our deliberate actions, we have stabilized the business and delivered over $1 billion in EBITDA for the trailing twelve-month period. Looking ahead, I believe we have the focused strategy, resilient and expert talent, and customer connection that we need to sustain and grow our dominant position as the market leader in the intimates merchandise category. We are well prepared to continue to address macro challenges through merchandise and marketing that delights our customers, new business initiatives designed to expand our customer base and grow sales, and disciplined financial management. Our Board and our entire team are aligned on our key priorities and are swiftly working together to advance them to create value for our shareholders and other stakeholders.”

First Quarter Results
The Company reported net income of $80.8 million, or earnings per diluted share of $0.93 in the first quarter of 2022. This result compares to net income of $174.0 million, or earnings per share of $1.97 for the first quarter of 2021.

First quarter 2022 reported results include a pre-tax charge of $21.7 million related to a certain occupancy-related legal matter. Excluding this special item, adjusted earnings per diluted share for the first quarter 2022 were $1.11, which was above the previously communicated guidance of $0.70 to $0.95 per diluted share.




First quarter 2022 reported operating income was $94.1 million. Excluding the special item mentioned above, adjusted operating income was $115.8 million, which was above the previously communicated guidance of $80 million to $110 million and was down compared to $225.7 million in the first quarter of 2021. The decrease in operating income compared to last year reflects incremental supply chain cost pressures and anniversarying last year’s federal stimulus benefits.

The Company reported net sales of $1.484 billion for the first quarter of 2022, a decrease of 4.5% compared to net sales of $1.554 billion in the prior year first quarter. This result was at the high end of the previously communicated guidance of sales in the range of a decrease of 4% to 8%. Total comparable sales for the first quarter of 2022 decreased 8% compared to the first quarter of 2021. Excluding the estimated first quarter 2021 benefit of $75 million related to government stimulus payments, net sales were essentially flat year over year.

At the conclusion of this press release, we have included a reconciliation of reported to adjusted results.

Capital Allocation
On March 2, 2022, the Company announced a share repurchase program providing for the repurchase of up to $250 million of the Company’s common stock during the year. During the first quarter, the Company invested approximately $110 million to repurchase approximately 2.2 million shares under this program. The Company expects to complete the repurchase program by the end of the fiscal year.

Second Quarter 2022 Outlook
The Company is forecasting second quarter 2022 sales to be up low-single digits to down low-single digits compared to last year’s second quarter 2021 sales of $1.614 billion. At this forecasted level of sales, operating income is expected to be in the range of $125 million to $155 million compared to $202.7 million in 2021. At this forecasted level of operating income, earnings per diluted share are estimated to be in the range of $0.95 to $1.25 compared to earnings per share of $1.71 last year.

Victoria’s Secret & Co. will conduct its first quarter earnings call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. To listen, call 1-800-619-9066 (international dial-in number: 1-212-519-0836); conference ID 5358727. For an audio replay, call 1-800-834-5839 (international replay number: 1-203-369-3351); conference ID 226791 or log onto www.victoriassecretandco.com. The materials accompanying the earnings call have been posted on the investor relations section of the Company’s website. The audio replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call.

About Victoria’s Secret & Co.
Victoria’s Secret & Co. (NYSE: VSCO) is a Fortune 500 specialty retailer of modern, fashion-inspired collections including signature bras, panties, lingerie, casual sleepwear, athleisure and swim, as well as award-winning prestige fragrances and body care. VS&Co is comprised of market leading brands, Victoria’s Secret and Victoria’s Secret PINK, that share a common purpose of inspiring and uplifting our customers in every stage of their lives. We are committed to empowering our more than 30,000 associates across a global footprint of over 1,350 retail stores in more than 70 countries. We provide our customers with products and experiences that make them feel good inside and out while driving positive change through the power of our products, platform and advocacy.




Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

We caution that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this press release or made by us, our management, or our spokespeople involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our future operating results, the implementation and impact of our strategic plans, and our ability to meet environmental, social, and governance goals. Words such as “estimate,” “commit,” “target,” “goal,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “strive,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “potential” and any similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Risks associated with the following factors, among others, could affect our financial performance and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements:
the spin-off from Bath & Body Works, Inc. (f/k/a L Brands, Inc.) may not be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
a loss of synergies from separating the businesses that could negatively impact our balance sheet, profit margins or earnings;
we may not realize all of the expected benefits of the spin-off;
general economic conditions, inflation, consumer confidence, consumer spending patterns and market disruptions, including pandemics or significant health hazards, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist activities, financial crises, political crises or other major events, or the prospect of these events;
the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic has had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations;
the seasonality of our business;
difficulties arising from turnover in company leadership or other key positions;
our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified associates and manage labor-related costs;
our dependence on mall traffic and the availability of suitable store locations on appropriate terms;
our ability to grow through new store openings and existing store remodels;
our ability to successfully operate and expand internationally and related risks;
our independent franchise, license, wholesale, and joint venture partners;
our direct channel business;
our ability to protect our reputation and the image of our brands;
our ability to attract customers with marketing, advertising and promotional programs;
our ability to maintain, enforce and protect our trade names, trademarks and patents;
the highly competitive nature of the retail industry and the segments in which we operate;
consumer acceptance of our products and our ability to manage the life cycle of our brands, keep up with fashion trends, develop new merchandise and launch new product lines successfully;
our ability to source, distribute and sell goods and materials on a global basis, including risks related to:
political instability, environmental hazards or natural disasters;
significant health hazards or pandemics, which could result in closed factories, reduced workforces, scarcity of raw materials, and scrutiny or embargoing of goods produced in impacted areas;
duties, taxes and other charges;
legal and regulatory matters;
volatility in currency exchange rates;
local business practices and political issues;



delays or disruptions in shipping and transportation and related pricing impacts;
disruption due to labor disputes; and
changing expectations regarding product safety due to new legislation;
our geographic concentration of vendor and distribution facilities in central Ohio and Southeast Asia;
the ability of our vendors to deliver products in a timely manner, meet quality standards and comply with applicable laws and regulations;
fluctuations in freight, product input and energy costs, including those caused by inflation;
our ability to adequately protect our assets from loss and theft;
claims arising from our self-insurance;
our and our third-party service providers' ability to implement and maintain information technology systems and to protect associated data and system availability;
our ability to maintain the security of customer, associate, third-party and company information;
stock price volatility;
shareholder activism matters;
our ability to maintain our credit rating;
our ability to service or refinance our debt and maintain compliance with our restrictive covenants;
our ability to comply with laws, regulations and technology platform rules or other obligations related to data privacy and security;
our ability to comply with regulatory requirements;
legal and compliance matters; and
tax, trade and other regulatory matters.

Except as may be required by law, we assume no obligation and do not intend to make publicly available any update or other revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect circumstances existing after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of future events, even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized. More information on potential factors that could affect our results is included in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2022.


For further information, please contact:

Victoria's Secret & Co.:
Investor Relations:Media Relations:
Jason WareBrooke Wilson
investorrelations@victoria.comcommunications@victoria.com




Victoria's Secret & Co.
Total Sales (Millions):
First
Quarter
First
Quarter
%
Inc/
(Dec)
20222021
Stores - North America$930.9 $932.9 (0.2 %)
Direct420.6 520.9 (19.3 %)
International1
132.3 100.4 31.8 %
Total$1,483.8 $1,554.2 (4.5 %)

1 - Results include consolidated joint venture sales in China, royalties associated with franchised stores and wholesale sales.

Victoria's Secret & Co.
Comparable Sales Increase (Decrease):
First
Quarter
First
Quarter
20222021
Stores and Direct1
(8%)25%
Stores Only2
(3%)3%

NOTE: Stores are excluded from the comparable sales calculation when they have been closed for four consecutive days or more. Therefore, comparable sales results exclude periods of time that stores were closed for four consecutive days or more as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for further discussion regarding our comparable sales calculation.
1 - Results include company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada, consolidated joint venture stores in China and direct sales.
2 - Results include company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada and consolidated joint venture stores in China.

Victoria's Secret & Co.
Total Stores:
Stores atReclassed toStores at
1/29/22OpenedClosed
Joint Venture1
4/30/22
Company-Operated:
U.S.808 — (3)— 805 
Canada26 — — — 26 
Subtotal Company-Operated834 — (3)— 831 
China Joint Venture:
Beauty & Accessories1
35 — (2)41 
Full Assortment30 — — — 30 
Subtotal China Joint Venture65 — (2)71 
Partner-Operated:
Beauty & Accessories335 (4)(8)324 
Full Assortment128 — — 131 
Subtotal Partner-Operated463 (4)(8)455 
Total1,362 4 (9) 1,357 
1 - Includes eight partner-operated stores.




VICTORIA'S SECRET & CO.
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED APRIL 30, 2022 AND MAY 1, 2021
(Unaudited)
(In thousands except per share amounts)
20222021
Net Sales$1,483,806 $1,554,220 
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy(962,300)(882,079)
Gross Profit521,506 672,141 
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses(427,384)(446,455)
Operating Income94,122 225,686 
Interest Expense(12,414)(929)
Other Loss(3,708)(191)
Income Before Income Taxes78,000 224,566 
Provision for Income Taxes1,856 50,534 
Net Income76,144 174,032 
Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest(4,679)— 
Net Income Attributable to Victoria's Secret & Co.$80,823 $174,032 
Net Income Per Diluted Share Attributable to Victoria's Secret & Co.$0.93 $1.97 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding1
87,057 88,303 

1 - Reported Weighted Average Shares Outstanding reflects diluted shares in the first quarter of 2022. For periods prior to the separation in the third quarter of 2021, basic shares at the separation date are being utilized for the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share.





VICTORIA'S SECRET & CO.
ADJUSTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 (Unaudited)
(In thousands except per share amounts)
The non-GAAP financial information presented in this press release should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Further, the Company's definition of such non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies. Management believes that the presentation of adjusted financial information provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. While it is not possible to predict future results, management believes the adjusted information is useful for the assessment of the ongoing operations of the Company because the adjusted items are not indicative of our ongoing operations due to their size and nature. Management uses adjusted financial information as key performance measures of results of operations for the purpose of evaluating performance internally. In addition, we present EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the twelve-months ended April 30, 2022 which are non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted to remove certain special items. The non-GAAP financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company's historical financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
First Quarter
20222021
Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Operating Income
Reported Operating Income - GAAP$94,122 $225,686 
Occupancy-related Legal Matter (a)21,679 — 
Adjusted Operating Income$115,801 $225,686 
Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Victoria's Secret & Co.
Reported Net Income Attributable to Victoria's Secret & Co. - GAAP$80,823 $174,032 
Occupancy-related Legal Matter (a)21,679 — 
Tax Effect of Adjusted Items(5,477)— 
Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Victoria's Secret & Co.$97,025 $174,032 
Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Net Income Per Diluted Share Attributable to Victoria's Secret & Co.
Reported Net Income Per Diluted Share Attributable to Victoria's Secret & Co. - GAAP$0.93 $1.97 
Occupancy-related Legal Matter (a)0.19 — 
Adjusted Net Income Per Diluted Share Attributable to Victoria's Secret & Co.$1.11 $1.97 
(a) In the first quarter of 2022, we recognized a $21.7 million charge ($16.2 million net of tax of $5.5 million), included in buying and occupancy expense, related to a legal matter with a landlord regarding a high-profile store that we surrendered to the landlord prior to separation.




VICTORIA'S SECRET & CO.
ADJUSTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TWELVE-MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2022
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Second QuarterThird QuarterFourth QuarterFirst QuarterTwelve-Months Ended
2021202120212022April 30, 2022
Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Victoria's Secret & Co. to EBITDA
Net Income Attributable to Victoria's Secret & Co. - GAAP$151,084 $75,213 $246,052 $80,823 $553,172 
Interest Expense2,812 11,917 11,765 12,414 38,908 
Income Tax Expense47,928 21,416 76,859 1,856 148,059 
Depreciation and Amortization78,123 74,862 69,573 70,288 292,846 
EBITDA$279,947 $183,408 $404,249 $165,381 $1,032,985 
Reconciliation of EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA$279,947 $183,408 $404,249 $165,381 $1,032,985 
Occupancy-related Legal Matter (a)— — — 21,679 21,679 
Adjusted EBITDA$279,947 $183,408 $404,249 $187,060 $1,054,664 
(a) In the first quarter of 2022, we recognized a $21.7 million charge ($16.2 million net of tax of $5.5 million), included in buying and occupancy expense, related to a legal matter with a landlord regarding a high-profile store that we surrendered to the landlord prior to separation.