The Motley Fool·2025-12-27 18:07Group 1: Lululemon Athletica - Lululemon Athletica's stock price has decreased by approximately 45% over the past year due to slowing sales growth in North America, increased competition, tariffs impacting margins, and a recent CEO transition [4][7] - The company announced that CEO Calvin McDonald will leave his position effective January 31, 2026, with interim co-CEOs appointed during the search for a replacement [5] - Elliott Management has taken a significant stake in Lululemon and is influencing the decision regarding the new CEO [6] - In the third quarter, net revenue in the Americas decreased by 2%, with comparable-store sales dropping by 5%, reflecting consumer hesitance in a weakening economy [7] - Conversely, the international segment saw a 33% increase in net revenue in the third quarter, with China experiencing a 46% revenue gain [8] - Lululemon maintains a strong market presence in women's active apparel and is addressing product issues by accelerating development times and planning to refresh 35% of its spring 2026 product lineup [9][10] - The company has a robust balance sheet with over $1 billion in cash and no long-term debt, generating high returns on invested capital (ROIC) of around 30% [12] - Despite the stock's decline, it trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of approximately 15, suggesting that much of the negative news may already be priced in [13] Group 2: Zebra Technologies - Zebra Technologies' stock price has fallen nearly 37% over the past year, with the company providing hardware, software, and services that digitize and automate workflows [14] - The Enterprise Visibility & Mobility (EVM) segment accounts for about two-thirds of total revenue, generating $865 million in net sales in the third quarter, contributing to a total revenue of $1.32 billion, which is a 5% increase year-over-year [16] - The Asset Intelligence & Tracking (AIT) segment generated $455 million in net sales, focusing on barcode printing and asset tracking solutions [17] - The demand for Zebra's products is driven by the ongoing shift towards automation and digital transformation, with over 80% of Fortune 500 companies utilizing its technology [18] - Zebra is accelerating its focus on artificial intelligence, integrating advanced chipsets into devices and developing AI-powered applications, with revenue expected to materialize starting in 2026 [19][20] - The company is exiting its autonomous mobile robotics division, indicating a strategic pivot towards AI software and hardware [21]