• Lululemon appoints former Levi Strauss CEO Chip Bergh to board

• Beats holiday-quarter estimates on higher international sales

• Q4 gross margin down 550 basis points on import tariff drag

• Sees $380 million annual tariff impact

March 17 (Reuters) - Lululemon LULU.O forecast 2026 revenue and profit below analysts' estimates on Tuesday and said it expects to offset "almost all" of the U.S. import tariff impact as it looks to reduce markdowns and boost more full-price sales.

Lululemon shares fell 2% in after hours trading.

The company, known for its pricey leggings and athleisure clothing, has been grappling with a lack of design freshness, softer customer spending and competition from larger rivals such as Nike NKE.N and upstarts, including Alo Yoga and Vuori.

"A top priority for the management team as we enter the year is returning to full-price sales growth in North America... through a series of steps that include the inflection of product newness, SKU (stock keeping unit) reduction and rebalancing the inventory levels," interim co-CEO and Chief Financial Officer Meghan Frank said on a post-earnings call.

The athletic apparel maker is searching for a permanent CEO after Calvin McDonald's departure in December, while also navigating a proxy fight by its founder Chip Wilson, who has increasingly criticized the board's strategic direction and its handling of CEO succession.

Lululemon expects annual revenue to be between $11.35 billion and $11.50 billion, compared with analysts' average estimate of $11.52 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

It forecast annual profit of $12.10 to $12.30 per share, below expectations of $12.58.

"It is still early in the year, and it makes sense for Lululemon to guide low, especially since it doesn't have a permanent CEO in place," Morningstar analyst David Swartz said.

Sustained weakness in athletic apparel and footwear across all across every income cohort and age group, alongside renewed inflation concerns and wobbling consumer confidence, adds pressure for a brand at Lululemon's price point, Consumer Edge analyst Michael Gunther said.

Lululemon shares were down about 1% in extended trading. They have fallen roughly 23% so far this year.

The company, which relies on China for sourcing and manufacturing, said its forecast reflects a gross U.S. import tariff impact of about $380 million, up from $275 million in 2025.

Its gross margin decreased 550 basis points during the fourth quarter, with a 520 bps impact from U.S. import tariffs.

Yet, the company beat analysts' expectations for the crucial holiday quarter, as well as exceeded its January preliminary update, supported by a 17% jump in international revenue.

BOARD CHANGES

Lululemon said on Tuesday it has appointed former Levi Strauss CEO Chip Bergh to its board, and that David Mussafer would not stand for re-election following his current term.

Wilson, who owns 4.27% of the company, had earlier questioned Mussafer's re-election, citing a conflict of interest as he oversees the process to interview board nominees.

The founder had also nominated three independent directors to the company's board and called for annual board elections.