Levi's CEO Michelle Gass Reveals New Pricing Strategies To Offset 'Very High' Tariffs: 'There's Only So Much You Can Absorb' - Nike (NYSE:NKE), Levi Strauss (NYSE:LEVI)

Core Insights - The fashion industry is experiencing significant disruption due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, with Levi Strauss & Co. outlining strategies to manage these trade pressures [1] Group 1: Company Strategies - Levi Strauss & Co. has a structural advantage with approximately 60% of its business being international, which mitigates the tariff burden compared to domestic competitors [2] - The company is implementing targeted price increases and reducing promotional events to maintain margins and offset the impact of tariffs [3] - Collaboration with suppliers and brands, such as Nike Inc., is emphasized to enhance flexibility in the supply chain and address potential disruptions [4] Group 2: Market Context - The U.S. is facing significant trade tensions, with predictions indicating apparel prices could rise by 64% in the short term and remain 27% higher in the long term due to tariffs [5] - Uniqlo's CEO has warned of severe costs that the U.S. could incur from these tariffs, highlighting the broader implications for the industry [6] Group 3: Financial Performance - Levi's reported strong financial performance, with third-quarter earnings of 34 cents per share, exceeding the consensus estimate of 31 cents, indicating effective management of tariff impacts [7] - The company's stock has surged 19.12% year-to-date, reflecting positive market sentiment despite recent minor fluctuations [8]