Lululemon raises annual forecasts betting on sturdy vacation gross sales

By Juveria Tabassum

(Reuters) -Lululemon Athletica elevated its full-year forecasts on Thursday, betting on resilient demand for its athletic put on within the U.S. through the vacation purchasing season and continued power in its worldwide enterprise.

The corporate’s shares rose about 8% in prolonged buying and selling, with Lululemon (NASDAQ:LULU) approving a rise of $1 billion to its inventory repurchase program.

Lululemon, like its friends, has needed to maintain its foot on the pedal relating to introducing contemporary colours and prints to maintain customers engaged amid stiff competitors from newer manufacturers.

“We’re happy with our enterprise over the prolonged Thanksgiving weekend,” Lululemon’s CEO Calvin McDonald mentioned on a post-earnings name.

The corporate now expects fiscal yr 2024 income between $10.452 billion and $10.487 billion, in contrast with its prior forecast vary of $10.375 billion to $10.475 billion.

“It appears they’re overcoming a number of the product issues that they had earlier this yr with the merchandise,” Morningstar analyst David Swartz mentioned.

“A variety of the expansion is coming from the worldwide enterprise proper now. I feel they’re doing very well in China.”

Lululemon has benefited from its extra focused method in its second-largest market China, the place it has about 130 shops. The corporate works with native health instructors, social media influencers and markets its merchandise by way of well being and wellness occasions within the nation.

Income from China rose 36% within the third quarter, on a constant-currency foundation, following a rise of 37% within the second quarter.

On an adjusted foundation Lululemon earned $2.87 per share within the third quarter, beating estimates of $2.69. Its gross margins rose 150 foundation factors.

Lululemon raised its annual diluted earnings per share forecast to between $14.08 and $14.16, from its prior vary of $13.95 to $14.15.