Lululemon Athletica was set for its biggest one-day percentage loss in more than eight years after the company warned investors that first-quarter sales would fall, according to Reuters.
The Canadian yogawear apparel maker’s shares fell more than 23 percent to $51, its lowest level since December 2015. Its shares were the biggest percentage loser on the Nasdaq on Thursday, putting them into negative territory for the year.
Lululemon’s holiday sales were stronger than many other retailers, so analysts and investors were surprised by the “sudden collapse” in its post-holiday sales. The company’s executives said its available apparel for the current quarter had failed to entice shoppers, resulting in weaker sales both online and in stores.
The company is also under intense competition from retailers such as Under Armour, Nike and other more affordable athletic brands.
“Their fourth-quarter results uncovered several issues that are likely to create an overhang on the stock for the foreseeable future,” said Wells Fargo analyst Ike Boruchow, who downgraded the stock to “market perform” from “outperform.”
But some analysts said the company has some exciting new initiatives in the works, including a loyalty program, improved online and mobile capabilities, and its first global marketing campaign.
Advertisement: Scroll to Continue
“While disappointing, we’re comforted that the miss was partly self-inflicted,” RBC Capital Markets analyst Brian Tunick wrote in a note. “Quality of sales continues, inventory is controlled … and efforts are underway to address product/traffic issues.”
