lululemon athletica (NASDAQ:LULU) is expected to lower its full-year guidance next week due to recent execution missteps and rising competitive pressures, according to analysts at Citi.
The company, which is set to report its second-quarter earnings on August 29 after the close, is anticipated to deliver earnings per share (EPS) that are relatively in line with consensus estimates.
However, Citi believes the real focus will be on the company's revised outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Analysts noted that Lululemon's recent decision to pull the highly anticipated Breezethrough legging launch from stores and e-commerce could have significant implications for the company's second-half sales and margins.
"This most recent execution mis-step highlights potential issues facing LULU that could impact sales/margins longer-term (internal talent issues while facing more competition)," wrote Citi.
Investors are widely expecting Lululemon's management to lower its full-year 2024 guidance, although the extent of the reduction is still debated.
The investment bank's forecast for Lululemon's fiscal 2024 EPS has been revised downward to $13.24, significantly below the company's current guidance of $14.27 to $14.47 and below the consensus estimate of $14.13.
Analysts anticipate Lululemon will lower its fiscal 2024 sales guidance from the previously expected 11-12% growth to high single digits, reflecting weaker global comparable sales.
The bank also predicts that management will cut back on selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses in response to a lower top-line outlook.
Looking ahead, Citi remains cautious about Lululemon's near-term prospects, lowering its price target for the stock to $270, down from $300. Analysts expect management to provide below-consensus guidance for the third quarter, further reflecting the challenges the company faces in a more competitive retail landscape.