Alliancebernstein Increases Stake in Bath & Body Works

Investment firm adds over 123,000 shares to its portfolio

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alliancebernstein L.P. has increased its stake in Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI) by 2.2% during the third quarter, according to a recent SEC filing. The firm now owns 5,861,444 shares of the company's stock, worth approximately $151 million, making it one of the largest institutional investors in Bath & Body Works.

Why it matters

This investment signals Alliancebernstein's confidence in Bath & Body Works' long-term growth potential, despite the retailer facing some challenges in recent quarters. As one of the largest shareholders, Alliancebernstein's increased stake could influence the company's strategic direction.

The details

According to the filing, Alliancebernstein purchased an additional 123,648 shares of Bath & Body Works during the third quarter, bringing its total ownership to approximately 2.84% of the company's outstanding shares. The investment firm cited the retailer's strong brand recognition, loyal customer base, and potential for expansion as reasons for the increased stake.

  • Alliancebernstein increased its stake in Bath & Body Works during the third quarter of 2026.

The players

Alliancebernstein L.P.

A global investment management firm that provides a range of investment solutions to institutional and individual investors.

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

A leading specialty retailer focused on personal care, home fragrance, and complementary products, known for its flagship Bath & Body Works brand.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

This investment by Alliancebernstein highlights the continued appeal of Bath & Body Works as a retail brand, despite the challenges facing the broader industry. The increased stake could signal the firm's belief in the company's ability to navigate the changing retail landscape and maintain its position as a leading specialty retailer.