Company Overview - Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB) has experienced significant changes since the last analysis in August 2024, with a total return of 6.5% compared to 20% for the market [1] Investment Perspective - The investment approach focuses on long-only strategies, evaluating companies from an operational and buy-and-hold perspective, rather than market-driven dynamics [2] - The articles emphasize understanding the long-term earnings potential of companies and the competitive dynamics within their industries [2] Market Sentiment - The current market sentiment is relatively bullish, but the articles aim to provide a healthy dose of skepticism, indicating that only a small fraction of companies should be considered a buy at any given time [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global revenue increased by 8%, with a 4% contribution from Helly Hansen [22] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $1.21, a 23% increase compared to the prior year, while adjusted EPS excluding Helly Hansen was $1.33, a 36% increase [28][29] - Adjusted gross margin expanded by 120 basis points to 46.4% due to Project Genius benefits and lower input costs [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wrangler's global revenue increased by 7%, with a 9% increase in the U.S. driven by 16% growth in direct-to-consumer (DTC) and 8% growth in wholesale [23] - Lee's global revenue decreased by 6%, with a 5% decline in the U.S. driven by wholesale declines, partially offset by 9% growth in digital [24][25] - Helly Hansen's global revenue in June was $29 million, exceeding expectations of $20 million to $25 million [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wrangler's international revenue decreased by 6%, driven by a 6% decrease in wholesale [23] - Lee's international revenue also decreased by 6%, with declines in wholesale offsetting low single-digit growth in DTC [25] - The U.S. market showed strong performance with mid-single-digit growth in POS trends in the second quarter [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accelerating growth through geographic, category, and channel expansion, particularly with Helly Hansen [39] - The value creation framework is built on four pillars: accelerate growth, double Helly's operating margins, increase capital allocation optionality, and establish Kontoor as the employer of choice [12] - The company plans to hold an Investor Day in 2026 to share strategic vision and financial model improvements [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 2025 plan, citing significant momentum in Wrangler and a positive outlook for Lee and Helly Hansen [20][41] - The operating environment remains uncertain, but the company is executing at a high level and sees opportunities for shareholder value creation [21][42] - The company anticipates a full-year revenue range of $3.09 billion to $3.12 billion, representing growth of 19% to 20% [35] Other Important Information - Inventory increased by 40% to $686 million, with a focus on improving working capital and inventory turnover [30] - The company declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share [33] - The company is managing tariff impacts through production transfers and pricing strategies, with an estimated $15 million impact on operating profit in 2025 [34][75] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the EBIT contribution from Helly Hansen this fiscal year? - The EBIT contribution is expected to be around $50 million, with a revenue run rate of approximately $680 million [44] Question: Can you elaborate on the cadence for the second half revenue growth? - The revenue outlook for the third quarter is approximately $855 million, with a significant contribution from Helly Hansen expected in the fourth quarter [56] Question: What actions are being taken in APAC for Lee's distribution? - The company is working to strengthen its retail partnerships and improve inventory positions in China, with a focus on sustainable growth [60][62] Question: What is the expected impact of tariffs on the business? - The anticipated net impact to operating profit in 2025 is approximately $15 million, with ongoing efforts to mitigate this through pricing and production adjustments [34][74] Question: How is the company planning to invest in marketing for Helly Hansen? - Significant marketing investments are planned for both Wrangler and Helly Hansen, with a focus on digital and direct-to-consumer strategies [95][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global revenue increased by 8%, with a 4% contribution from Helly Hansen [20][21] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $1.21, a 23% increase compared to the prior year [26] - Adjusted gross margin expanded by 120 basis points to 46.4% [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wrangler's global revenue increased by 7%, with a 9% increase in the U.S. driven by 16% growth in direct-to-consumer (DTC) [21][12] - Lee's global revenue decreased by 6%, with a 5% decline in U.S. wholesale partially offset by 9% growth in digital [22][23] - Helly Hansen's revenue for June was $29 million, exceeding expectations [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wrangler's international revenue decreased by 6%, driven by a 6% decrease in wholesale [21] - Lee's international revenue also decreased by 6%, with low single-digit growth in DTC [23] - The U.S. market showed strong performance, particularly in the digital segment [15][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accelerating growth through geographic, category, and channel expansion, particularly for Helly Hansen [37][38] - The value creation framework is built on four pillars: accelerate growth, double operating margins, increase capital allocation optionality, and establish Kontoor as an employer of choice [11] - The company plans to hold an Investor Day in 2026 to share strategic vision and financial model improvements [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 2025 objectives, citing strong momentum entering the second half of the year [39][40] - The operating environment remains uncertain, but the company is executing at a high level with meaningful opportunities to create shareholder value [19][39] - Tariff impacts are expected to be mitigated over a 12 to 18-month period, with proactive measures in place [32][65] Other Important Information - Inventory increased by 40% to $686 million, with a focus on improving working capital and inventory turnover [27] - The company declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share [31] - A voluntary debt repayment of $25 million was made during the quarter [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the EBIT contribution from Helly Hansen this fiscal year? - The expected EBIT contribution is around $50 million, with a revenue run rate of approximately $680 million [42][43] Question: Can you elaborate on the cadence for second half revenue growth? - The revenue outlook for Q3 is approximately $855 million, with growth driven by a 53rd week and Helly Hansen's contribution [51][53] Question: What are the initiatives to mitigate tariff impacts? - The company is implementing pricing increases, transferring production within the global supply chain, and enhancing supplier partnerships [62][65] Question: What is the Helly Hansen revenue contribution for Q3? - The expected revenue contribution from Helly Hansen for Q3 is around $175 million [106] Question: How is the Wrangler business performing in terms of inventory management? - Wrangler's business is thriving, with strong demand and effective inventory management strategies in place [73][75]

KONTOOR BRANDS REPORTS 2025 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS; STRENGTHENS 2025 OUTLOOK Exhibit 99.1 Second Quarter 2025 Highlights Updated Full Year 2025 Outlook Revenue was $658 million and increased 8 percent compared to prior year. Second quarter results include the contribution from Helly Hansen, which closed on May 31, 2025. Wrangler brand global revenue was $461 million and increased 7 percent compared to prior year. Wrangler U.S. revenue increased 9 percent, driven by an 8 percent increase in wholesale and a 1 ...

Core Viewpoint - Kontoor Brands (KTB) is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings despite an increase in revenues for the quarter ended June 2025, with the actual results being a significant factor influencing its near-term stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected to be released on August 7, with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.86, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 12.2%. Revenues are projected to be $627.5 million, which is a 3.4% increase from the previous year [3][2]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating that analysts have not significantly altered their initial estimates during this period [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) model compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that recent analyst revisions may provide more accurate predictions for earnings [8][7]. Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank - For Kontoor, the Most Accurate Estimate aligns with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of 0%. The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4, making it challenging to predict an earnings beat [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Kontoor exceeded the expected earnings of $1.16 per share by delivering $1.20, resulting in a surprise of +3.45%. The company has beaten consensus EPS estimates in the last four quarters [13][14]. Market Reaction Factors - An earnings beat or miss may not solely dictate stock price movements, as other factors can influence investor sentiment. Stocks may decline despite an earnings beat or rise despite a miss due to unforeseen catalysts [15]. Investment Considerations - While Kontoor does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, investors should consider additional factors before making investment decisions related to this stock ahead of its earnings release [17].

Core Viewpoint - Growth investors are increasingly focused on stocks with above-average financial growth, but identifying stocks that can sustain this growth is challenging [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Kontoor Brands (KTB) is highlighted as a recommended stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company is known for its Wrangler and Lee apparel brands [3] Group 2: Earnings Growth - Kontoor's historical EPS growth rate is 13.6%, with projected EPS growth of 9.5% this year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 0.4% [5] Group 3: Asset Utilization - Kontoor has an asset utilization ratio (sales-to-total-assets ratio) of 1.58, indicating it generates $1.58 in sales for every dollar in assets, compared to the industry average of 1.19 [6] Group 4: Sales Growth - The company's sales are expected to grow by 1.1% this year, while the industry average is stagnant at 0% [7] Group 5: Earnings Estimate Revisions - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for Kontoor, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 2.9% over the past month [9] Group 6: Investment Potential - Kontoor has achieved a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2, indicating it is a solid choice for growth investors and a potential outperformer [11]

Core Viewpoint - Kontoor Brands (KTB) has shown a significant price increase of 13.3% over the past four weeks, with a mean price target of $87.83 indicating a potential upside of 26.2% from the current price of $69.62 [1] Price Targets and Analyst Estimates - The mean estimate consists of six short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $9.22, suggesting variability in analyst predictions. The lowest estimate of $72 indicates a 3.4% increase, while the highest estimate suggests a 43.6% surge to $100 [2] - Analysts' price targets can often mislead investors, as empirical research shows that these targets rarely indicate actual stock price movements [7][10] - A low standard deviation among price targets indicates strong agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price direction, which can serve as a starting point for further research [9] Earnings Estimates and Analyst Agreement - There is strong agreement among analysts regarding KTB's ability to report better earnings than previously predicted, which supports the expectation of an upside in the stock [4][11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased by 2.9% over the past month, with one estimate rising and no negative revisions [12] - KTB holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates, indicating a strong potential for near-term upside [13]

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying those that can fulfill their potential is challenging [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Kontoor Brands (KTB) is currently recommended as a growth stock by the Zacks Growth Style Score system, which evaluates a company's real growth prospects beyond traditional metrics [2] - The company has a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank, indicating strong potential for growth investors [2] Group 2: Earnings Growth - Kontoor's historical EPS growth rate is 13.6%, with projected EPS growth of 9.5% this year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 1.8% [4] Group 3: Asset Utilization - Kontoor has an asset utilization ratio (sales-to-total-assets ratio) of 1.58, indicating that the company generates $1.58 in sales for every dollar in assets, compared to the industry average of 1.19 [5] Group 4: Sales Growth - The company's sales are expected to grow by 1.1% this year, surpassing the industry average growth of 0.8% [6] Group 5: Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for Kontoor have increased by 2.9% over the past month, reflecting a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions [7] Group 6: Investment Potential - Kontoor has achieved a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Growth Score of B, suggesting it is a potential outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported flat global revenue compared to the prior year, consistent with expectations, with adjusted gross margin expanding by 200 basis points to 47.7% due to lower input costs and favorable mix [29][34] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $1.20, including an $0.11 impact from acquisition-related stock-based compensation, while excluding this expense, adjusted EPS was $1.31, a 13% increase compared to the prior year [37][49] - Inventory decreased by 12% to $443 million, with a strong focus on managing working capital prudently [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wrangler's global revenue increased by 3%, with a notable 40% growth in the female segment, while Lee's global revenue decreased by 8% as brand repositioning continues [15][18][32] - The female business of Wrangler, now at 10% of global revenue, is expected to drive long-term growth opportunities [16] - Lee's U.S. revenue decreased by 8%, but digital sales grew by 12%, indicating a shift towards online engagement [33][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market remains the largest outdoor apparel and footwear market, with significant growth opportunities identified for Helly Hansen, expected to contribute approximately $425 million to full-year revenue [6][24] - International revenue for Wrangler increased by 4%, driven by a 6% growth in wholesale [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Helly Hansen is expected to enhance growth, cash flow, and capital allocation options, with a focus on increasing operating margins and leveraging global supply chain efficiencies [5][9][27] - The company aims to establish itself as an employer of choice in the industry, emphasizing talent retention and cultural fit with Helly Hansen [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted an increase in macro volatility but expressed confidence in the company's operational agility and ability to navigate challenges [12][41] - Recent trends in POS (point of sale) have shown improvement, with March and April indicating a positive shift after a slowdown in February [30][41] Other Important Information - The company expects full-year revenue to be in the range of $3.06 billion to $3.09 billion, representing growth of 17% to 19%, with organic revenue growth expected at 1% to 2% [43][44] - The adjusted gross margin outlook for the full year is now expected to be between 45.9% and 46.1%, reflecting an increase compared to the previous year [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: State of U.S. Consumer - Management characterized the U.S. consumer as resilient, with positive trends observed in March and April, indicating a recovery from earlier volatility [60][63] Question: Guidance for 2Q and 2026 Outlook - The company expects 2Q revenue growth of approximately 4%, with organic growth driven by new programs and distribution expansion [45][66] Question: Lee Brand Transition - Management expressed confidence in the Lee brand's transition, highlighting improvements in product quality and digital engagement, with expectations for growth in 2026 [76] Question: Gross Margin Drivers - The significant gross margin outperformance was attributed to a favorable mix, lower product costs, and benefits from Project Genius, with expectations for continued positive contributions [77][79] Question: Tariff Impact and Mitigation - The unmitigated tariff impact for 2025 is now estimated at $50 million, with proactive measures being implemented to offset potential costs [51][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported flat global revenue compared to the prior year, consistent with expectations, with adjusted gross margin expanding by 200 basis points to 47.7% driven by lower input costs and favorable mix [29][34][42] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $1.31, a 13% increase compared to the prior year, exceeding previous expectations [36][47] - Net debt was reported at $379 million, with a net leverage ratio of 0.9 times trailing twelve-month adjusted EBITDA, below the targeted range ahead of the Helly Hansen acquisition [38][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wrangler's global revenue increased by 3%, with a notable 40% growth in the female segment, while Lee's global revenue decreased by 8% [15][31][32] - The company gained 70 basis points of market share in the men's and women's bottoms category during the first quarter [18][31] - The Lee brand is undergoing a repositioning strategy, with expectations for sequential improvement in revenue [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market remains the largest outdoor apparel and footwear market, with significant growth opportunities identified for Helly Hansen [6][7] - International revenue for Wrangler increased by 4%, driven by a 6% growth in wholesale [31] - The company noted a resilient consumer environment, with improvements in point-of-sale (POS) trends observed in March and April [13][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Helly Hansen is expected to enhance revenue growth, earnings, and cash flow, with a focus on accelerating the brand's growth and improving operating margins [5][6][9] - The company aims to establish itself as an employer of choice in the industry, emphasizing talent retention and cultural fit with Helly Hansen [10][11] - Project Genius is expected to contribute to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies, with a full run rate anticipated by 2026 [14][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic volatility, highlighting operational agility and a strong supply chain as competitive advantages [12][41] - The outlook for 2025 includes expected revenue growth of 17% to 19%, with Helly Hansen contributing approximately $425 million [42][44] - Management remains cautious about retail inventory levels and consumer behavior, planning conservatively for the year [43][49] Other Important Information - The company has established a value creation framework with four pillars to drive growth and improve profitability [6][9] - Tariff impacts are being actively managed, with expectations to mitigate the effects within a 12 to 18-month period [49][52] - The company plans to continue its share repurchase program once acquisition-related debt is reduced [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: State of U.S. Consumer - Management described the U.S. consumer as resilient, with positive trends observed in March and April following a strong start to the year [56][58] Question: Guidance for 2Q and 2026 - The company expects organic revenue growth of 1% to 2% for the full year, with second-half growth driven by new programs and distribution expansion [61][62] Question: Lee Brand Transition - Management expressed confidence in the Lee brand's product quality and digital performance, anticipating a positive inflection in growth by 2026 [68][73] Question: Gross Margin Drivers - The significant gross margin outperformance was attributed to favorable product mix, lower product costs, and benefits from Project Genius [74][76] Question: Tariff Impact and Mitigation - The unmitigated tariff impact has been revised to approximately $50 million, with Mexico's tariff exemption contributing to the reduction [80][81] Question: Helly Hansen Contribution - Helly Hansen is expected to contribute approximately $425 million in revenue for the full year, with double-digit growth anticipated in the second half [24][87]