Should You Buy the Bad News for This Michael Burry Stock Pick?

Core Viewpoint - Michael Burry's bullish perspective on Lululemon suggests that the company's recent struggles may present a buying opportunity for investors, as he believes the pessimism surrounding the stock is overdone [1][20][24] Company Overview - Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Vancouver, Lululemon designs and markets athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories for both men and women, targeting consumers with active lifestyles [1] - The company has a market capitalization of $24.8 billion and operates globally through various channels, including company-owned stores, outlets, and e-commerce platforms [5] Recent Performance and Challenges - Lululemon's stock has declined over 60% from its all-time high of $516.39 in December 2023, primarily due to softening U.S. demand, product cycle issues, and increased competition [6][12] - The company has faced operational challenges, including management's acknowledgment of stale product lines and the need for improved execution, leading to two cuts in full-year guidance [4][12] - Lululemon is set to exit the Nasdaq 100, which may trigger further selling as index funds rebalance [3] Financial Results - In Q3, Lululemon reported a 7.1% year-over-year revenue increase to $2.57 billion, driven by a 33% surge in international revenues, while net revenues in the Americas fell by 2% [12][18] - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 was $2.59, down 9.8% year-over-year, reflecting margin pressures from higher markdowns and tariffs [13] - The company has a strong balance sheet with $1 billion in cash and no debt, and it plans to continue share buybacks [14] Future Outlook - For Q4, Lululemon expects revenues between $3.5 billion and $3.59 billion, with EPS projected at $4.66 to $4.76, indicating near-term margin pressure but a steadier long-term trajectory [18] - The company plans to open 17 net new stores in Q4 and 46 for the full fiscal year 2025, with a focus on international expansion, particularly in China [15][17] Analyst Sentiment - The consensus rating for Lululemon is currently "Hold," with only three out of 30 analysts recommending a "Strong Buy" [22] - Following a recent rally, LULU stock has surpassed the average price target of $205.65, but the highest target of $303 suggests potential upside of nearly 42% [23]