6. lululemon athletica

lululemon athletica

3-year average:
Revenue Growth: 45%
Profit Growth: 81%
Total Return: 109%

When is a pair of yoga pants not just a pair of yoga pants? For some fashion-conscious folk, the small-yet-distinctive Lululemon signature squiggle is what sets them apart. Moving into the top 10 (up seven spots from where it first appeared on last year’s list) this maker of long-lasting, cut-above yoga apparel continues to impress. Revenue surged 41% in 2011 which management attributed to the addition of 41 new stores and existing-store sales growth of 22%. The Vancouver-based outfit ditched the franchise model and now has more than 180 corporate-owned locations in Canada, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. Lululemon has also been increasing its online presence which, the company says, is an increasingly important part of its growth strategy, now representing more than 10% of net revenue. -- N.S.

Get stock quote: LULU Revenue ($ millions): $1,100
Net Income ($ millions): $197
Sectors: Retail