To The Moon

In a challenging macro environment, $lululemon athletica(LULU)$ , known as the "middle-class reaper," has achieved counter-trend growth, with net revenue and net profit both increasing in the second quarter, and revenue in the Chinese market soaring by 61%.

On Thursday, Lululemon released its second-quarter financial report

Revenue of $2.2 billion and net profit of $341.6 million, both up 18% year-on-year, surpassing analysts' expectations. Diluted earnings per share were $2.68, higher than the expected $2.54 and an increase from $2.26 in the same period last year.

Gross profit margin in the second quarter increased by 230 basis points to 58.8%, higher than the analyst's expected 58.5%. Overnight, Lululemon's stock price rose 1.2% to $381.26, with a year-to-date increase of nearly 18%.

Both in terms of product categories and market performance in various regions, Lululemon's performance is very impressive.

In terms of regions, international business is the main driving force behind sales growth.

Sales outside of North America grew by 52%, with revenues in China increasing by a whopping 61%, accounting for 12% of total revenue, a growth rate that is far higher than the 30% growth rate in the same period last year.

Lululemon's CEO, Calvin McDonald, said that both e-commerce and physical stores in the Chinese market are performing very well. Currently, Lululemon has 107 stores in China, and plans to open 35 stores globally this fiscal year, with most of them in the Chinese market.

At the same time, the North American market has improved somewhat. Lululemon's sales in North America increased by 11%, as its affluent customer base purchased more fitness equipment and sling bags. In addition, Lululemon's market share in the US increased by 1.3 percentage points, with growth in both men's and women's clothing market share.

In terms of product categories, after "harvesting" female consumers, Lululemon has set its sights on middle-class men. Sales of men's clothing increased by 15% this quarter, and the retailer opened 10 new stores, including its first store in Thailand.

Regarding this quarter's performance, Calvin McDonald pointed out at the earnings conference that these achievements demonstrate the company's business strength, and the company's strong performance will continue into the third quarter.

Currently, due to a weak consumer spending environment, some clothing manufacturers, including Nike, have taken a conservative approach. However, Lululemon expects to maintain its strong sales momentum this fiscal year and has raised its performance guidance.

Lululemon expects revenue to reach between $9.51 billion and $9.57 billion this year, with full-year profits expected to be between $1.202 billion and $1.217 billion.

Previously, Lululemon announced an ambitious growth plan called the "Power of Three x2" strategy, aiming to double sales from $6.25 billion in 2021 to $12.5 billion by 2026. To achieve this goal, the retailer has been working hard to expand its physical store coverage and double revenue from men's clothing and direct-to-consumer sales.