On Thursday, Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) shares saw its price target increased by TD (TSX:TD) Cowen to $447 from the previous $437, while the firm maintained a Buy rating on the stock.
This adjustment comes in the wake of the company's solid international performance and a raise in fiscal year earnings per share (EPS) guidance by Lululemon's management.
The company's management has expressed confidence in a second-half acceleration due to improved innovation and new product introductions. This optimism has helped to alleviate investor concerns over a possible guidance cut after the first-quarter results.
The raised FY24 EPS guidance now stands at $14.27-$14.47, taking into account the first-quarter EPS beat and higher interest income.
Lululemon's valuation, which is at a seven-year low, alongside the updated EPS guidance from management, suggests a positive outlook for the company's shares.
The reassurance provided by the company's solid international results and the potential for sentiment improvement among investors were key points noted by the analyst.
The update on the company's financial outlook reflects the successful flow-through of the first-quarter earnings beat, which has contributed to the improved EPS guidance for the fiscal year. This has been a significant factor in the analyst's decision to raise the price target for Lululemon.
In summary, Lululemon's strong performance in the first quarter and upward revision of its full-year earnings forecast have led to a more optimistic stance from TD Cowen. The firm's revised price target suggests a positive trajectory for the athletic apparel company's stock in the near future.
In other recent news, Lululemon Athletica Inc. reported first-quarter earnings per share (EPS) of $2.54, exceeding the $2.30 estimate.
The company's strong performance was driven by robust sales growth, with international sales increasing by 40% on a constant currency basis and U.S. sales growing by 2%.
Lululemon's management reaffirmed its fiscal year 2024 guidance, projecting sales growth between 11-12% and a slight operating margin expansion of 10 basis points.
The EPS guidance was also raised by $0.27, now ranging from $14.27 to $14.47, factoring in share repurchases and higher interest income.
BofA Securities has updated its stance on Lululemon, raising the stock target to $440 and maintaining a Buy rating, reflecting optimism about the company's growth prospects.
Other analysts have also adjusted their views. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) reduced its price target to $404 but maintained an Overweight rating, citing potential for a U.S. sales surge and near-term positive EPS revisions.
BTIG reiterated its Buy rating with a price target of $425, expressing confidence in the company's fundamentals and future prospects.
TD Cowen also reaffirmed its Buy rating but reduced the price target to $437, citing the company's strong financial returns despite increased competition. Meanwhile, Citi adjusted its price target on Lululemon shares to $415 while maintaining a Buy rating.
InvestingPro Insights
As Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) garners a revised price target from TD Cowen, it's essential to consider the company's financial health and market performance. Lululemon holds a robust market capitalization of $38.82 billion and has demonstrated a commendable revenue growth of 18.6% over the last twelve months as of Q4 2024. This growth is a testament to the company's strong market presence and the successful implementation of its strategic initiatives.
An InvestingPro Tip highlights that Lululemon is trading at a low P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth, with a P/E ratio of 24.96 and a slightly adjusted P/E of 24.22 for the last twelve months as of Q4 2024. This could signal an attractive investment opportunity for those looking at the company's earnings potential. Additionally, the stock's price has experienced a notable decline over the past three months, positioning it near its 52-week low, which may present a buying opportunity for investors seeking to capitalize on the company's long-term performance.
Investors should note that Lululemon has more liquid assets than short-term obligations, reflecting financial stability and the ability to meet immediate liabilities. Moreover, the company does not pay a dividend, which may be a strategic decision to reinvest earnings back into the business for further growth. For those interested in additional insights, there are over 10 additional InvestingPro Tips available, which can be accessed for a deeper analysis of Lululemon's financials and market performance. To benefit from these insights, use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.
With the next earnings date set for September 5, 2024, investors and analysts alike will be keen to see whether the company can maintain its momentum and continue to exceed expectations. The combination of Lululemon's solid financials and the potential for stock price recovery makes it a company worth watching in the coming months.
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