TipRanks
5 min read
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Lululemon Athletica (LULU) shares have declined more than 20% following the release of its quarterly earnings report last week, as investors react to tariff-driven margin concerns and slowing revenue growth. The Canadian athletic apparel brand is beginning to feel the weight of reality in the Trump era following the introduction of sweeping tariffs, while also facing headwinds in its core U.S. market due to tightening discretionary spending and intensifying competition.
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Several analysts have since lowered their price targets on the stock. Upon closer examination, several underlying trends raise concerns, prompting a cautiously neutral stance.
Despite posting a solid earnings beat for Q1 FY2025, Lululemon (LULU) experienced its steepest single-day drop in years after trimming its full-year EPS guidance by $0.37 per share. While gross margins improved to 58.3% thanks to lower production costs, operating margins slipped 110 basis points to 18.5%, highlighting mounting pressure on profitability. Additionally, comparable store sales grew just 1%, with a 2% decline in the Americas—a concerning trend for the brand’s largest market.
Notably, it’s not just the top-line numbers that tell the story. Lululemon’s inventory levels increased 23% versus planned high-teens growth. More and more of its products are collecting dust on its shelves. This could signal demand softness. Lululemon has struggled in the past with its women’s apparel aligning with ever-changing trends.
Though based in Vancouver, Canada, Lululemon is still exposed to the impact of President Trump’s tariffs. Like many apparel retailers, the company relies on Asian manufacturing partners in countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia, importing finished goods into key markets, particularly the U.S., which remains its largest. As a result, the renewed import levies are a significant factor behind the company’s downward revision to its earnings guidance. Regardless of the troubles the company faces on a macro level, its store count continues to rise as expansion beckons.
Lululemon plans to implement targeted price increases on a select group of products. While this strategy can help support margins, it also carries the risk of dampening demand. After all, Lululemon isn’t selling necessities—it’s offering premium athletic apparel. In tougher financial climates, price-sensitive consumers may opt to delay purchases or explore more affordable alternatives.
