Lululemon Athletica boosts outlook sending shares higher

Lululemon Athletica raised its forecast for annual sales and profit on the strength of sales for its pricey activewear.

Shares gained more than 11% on Friday.

Contributing to better-than-expected quarterly results were an easing of air freight costs and tighter inventory control as well as a strong rebound in China.

The move toward more comfortable clothing and activewear since the pandemic has taken hold with most Americans, especially among a higher-income customer base.

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A New York City Lululemon store

The corporate logo for Lululemon hangs on a wall at their store in Brookfield Place in New York City.  ((Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images) / Getty Images)

“We’ve seen no change in our (customer) behavior in terms of frequency of purchase or engagement,” said Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald on a post-earnings call.

Lululemon saw inventories rise a smaller-than-expected 24%. The company expects growth of about 20% at the end of the current quarter.

Revenue from China rose 79% helped by the easing of that country’s strict COVID-19 curbs.

North America sales jumped 17%.

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Lululemon sign

A Lululemon sign is seen at a shopping mall in San Diego, California. (REUTERS/Mike Blake / Reuters Photos)

Net revenue increased 24% to $2 billion, beating estimates of $1.93 billion, according to Refinitiv IBES.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
LULU LULULEMON ATHLETICA INC. 365.44 +37.09 +11.30%

Lululemon now expects full-year 2023 revenue between $9.44 billion and $9.51 billion, compared with $9.30 billion to $9.41 billion projected earlier.

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It forecastS annual profit between $11.74 and $11.94 per share, up from $11.50 to $11.72 earlier.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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