Lululemon: Three x 2

Lululemon: Three x 2

Lululemon’s three growth drivers are product innovation, guest experience and market expansion in athleisure wear. It aims to double (X2) its digital and men’s wear business to achieve a quadruple growth in its non-US sales by 2025. Lululemon is renowned for its athleisure designs catering to various sports codes.

Last week, Lululemon, a business owned by Lunar Capital, unveiled its Q3 2023 results, reported a notable 19% surge in revenue, reaching $2.2 billion for the quarter. Sales in North America saw a 12% increase, while international sales increased by 49%. The latter was mainly attributed to sales in China, which has recently encouraged growth in its economy through favourable policies.

Lululemon’s gross margin for the quarter increased by 110 basis points to achieve 57%. However, there was a 4% decrease in income from operations, settling at $338.1 million. This dip in profit was predominantly a result of an impairment charge incurred on their Mirror product range. Lululemon have decided to discontinue the sale of the hardware associated to the Mirror. Mirror is a subscription service to access thousands of streaming exercises. This service will continue in partnership with Peloton.

Lululemon’s stock price has surged 51% this year, reaching a share price $489.64 per share and boasting a market cap of $61.96 billion as of Friday. Several factors have contributed to the positive sentiment surrounding Lululemon:

  • Diverse Product Pipeline: Lululemon exhibits a clear product roadmap, introducing a variety of new products targeting different sports codes and children’s wear.
  • Robust Online Presence: For the quarter; 41% of Lululemon’s sales were conducted online. Scaling online sales has the potential to yield a higher operating margin compared to traditional in-store sales.
  • Thriving Asian Market: Lululemon has established a robust presence in the international market, particularly in Asia, where a growing demand for their products is evident.
  • Adaptability to Market Trends: The recent emergence of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic may benefit athleisure companies like Lululemon, as these clients need to replace their wardrobes and exercise more. Lululemon, along with other clothing brands, stands to benefit from this trend.

Lululemon is currently enjoying a favourable position and it appears that its Three x 2 strategy is working despite facing intense competition in the market. The challenges come not only from established competitors like Nike, who boast a stronger balance sheet, but also from emerging players entering the field. These newcomers have the potential to introduce novel styles and trends that might resonate more effectively with customers. Despite the competitive landscape, Lululemon’s strengths and strategic advantages position it well in navigating the dynamic and evolving nature of the market.

Lululemon is held in the Lunar BCI Worldwide Flexible fund. It is also held by Lunar Capital’s Offshore Portfolio clients.

This marks the final stocktake for the year, and we’ll resume our updates in January. Our team will continue monitoring the market and the portfolios we manage; and supporting our clients. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for an incredible year and wish all our clients, staff and partners a joyful and safe festive season.

Key Indicators
Index / Fund / Rate
Start of Year
Last Week
This Week
% Change YTD
Index / Fund / Rate
Start of Year
141.43
Last Week
183.29
This Week
184.35
% Change YTD
30.35% Lunar Capital increasesymbol
Index / Fund / Rate
JSE ALSI
Start of Year
73 049
Last Week
75 534
This Week
73 791 Lunar Capital stocktake arrow down
% Change YTD
1.02% Lunar Capital increasesymbol
Index / Fund / Rate
NASDAQ Composite
Start of Year
10 467
Last Week
14 305
This Week
14 404 Lunar Capital increasesymbol
% Change YTD
37.61% Lunar Capital increasesymbol
Index / Fund / Rate
S&P 500
Start of Year
3 840
Last Week
4 595
This Week
4 605 Lunar Capital increasesymbol
% Change YTD
19.91% Lunar Capital increasesymbol
Index / Fund / Rate
Prime Lending Rate
Start of Year
10.50%
Last Week
11.75%
This Week
11.75%
% Change YTD
11.90% Lunar Capital increasesymbol
Index / Fund / Rate
USD/ZAR
Start of Year
16.98
Last Week
18.63
This Week
18.97 Lunar Capital increasesymbol
% Change YTD
11.72% Lunar Capital increasesymbol
Index / Fund / Rate
EUR/ZAR
Start of Year
18.44
Last Week
20.29
This Week
20.42 Lunar Capital increasesymbol
% Change YTD
10.74% Lunar Capital increasesymbol
Index / Fund / Rate
Brent Crude ($'barrel)
Start of Year
85.95
Last Week
79.26
This Week
75.81 Lunar Capital stocktake arrow down
% Change YTD
-11.80% Lunar Capital stocktake arrow down
Source: Iress

Click here to access your account to view statements, obtain tax certificates, add or make changes to your investments.

Our email address is: [email protected]

Disclosures
Lunar Capital (Pty) Ltd is a registered Financial Services Provider. FSP (46567)
Read our full Disclosure statement: https://lunarcapital.co.za/disclosures/
Our Privacy Notice: https://lunarcapital.co.za/privacy-policy/
The Lunar BCI Worldwide Flexible Fund Fact Sheet  can be read here.
This stocktake is prepared for the clients of Lunar Capital (Pty) Ltd. This stocktake does not constitute financial advice and is generated for information purposes only.

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