Key Takeaways VFC posted Q3 EPS of 58 cents and revenues of $2.88B, beating estimates despite earnings falling Y/Y.VFC saw strength from The North Face and Timberland, with the Americas delivering its best results. DTC sales returned to growth and it beat revenue and operating income guidance under the Reinvent program.V.F. Corporation (VFC) reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with a sales and earnings beat. While earnings fell year over year, revenues increased. Nevertheless, the company is on trac ...

Core Insights - V.F. Corporation (NYSE:VFC) is a leading player in the branded lifestyle apparel market, owning well-known brands such as The North Face, Vans, and Timberland, and competes with major companies like Nike and Adidas [1][6] - Barclays has maintained an "Overweight" rating for VFC, indicating confidence in the stock's potential despite current challenges [1][6] Financial Performance - VFC reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results, exceeding both sales and earnings estimates with an adjusted earnings per share of $0.52, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.42, although this reflects a decline from $0.60 in the same quarter last year [2][6] - Revenues increased by 2% to $2.8 billion, driven by gains in the Outdoor segment and strong wholesale performance, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.73 billion [3][6] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $5.7 billion, with a trading volume of 19,538,946 shares [5] Strategic Initiatives - VFC's Reinvent program is focused on cost savings and enhancing operating margins, which the company remains optimistic about despite the year-over-year decline in earnings [3][4][6] - Barclays adjusted the price target for VFC from $19 to $18, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic outlook for the company's future performance [5]

Core Viewpoint - V.F. Corporation (VFC) reported a narrower-than-expected loss per share in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, despite a sales miss, with revenues declining year over year but improvements in earnings and margins [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Adjusted loss per share was 13 cents, better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 15 cents, and improved from a loss of 30 cents per share in the same quarter last year [2] - Net revenues were $2.14 billion, down 5% year over year, and below the consensus estimate of $2.18 billion [2] - Adjusted gross margin expanded by 560 basis points to 53.4% due to lower material costs and improved inventory quality [3] Revenue Breakdown - Revenues in the Americas fell 6% year over year, while EMEA revenues decreased by 4% and APAC revenues were flat [5] - Wholesale revenues declined by 4%, and direct-to-consumer revenues were down 5% year over year [6] - The Outdoor segment saw a revenue increase of 5% to $1.28 billion, while the Active segment declined by 18% to $645.3 million [7] Future Outlook - Management projects a revenue decline of 3-5% on a constant dollar basis for the first half of fiscal 2026, with Q1 expected to be the smallest quarter of the fiscal year [11] - An operating loss of $110-$125 million is anticipated for Q1, with gross margins expected to rise year over year [12] - Adjusted operating income is forecasted to expand year over year in fiscal 2026, with higher free cash flow expected compared to fiscal 2025 [13] Cost-Saving Initiatives - The company has achieved its initial target of $300 million in gross cost savings by the end of fiscal 2025 and aims for $500-$600 million in net operating income expansion through the next phase of its Reinvent program [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, revenue decreased by 3%, aligning with guidance of a decline between 2% to 4% [6][28] - Operating income increased by 400 basis points year-over-year to $22 million, exceeding guidance [6] - Gross margin improved by 560 basis points to 53.4%, driven by lower material costs and reduced discounting [6][30] - Net debt decreased by 26% year-over-year, with leverage reduced by one full turn to 4.1 times [7][32] - Adjusted loss per share improved to negative $0.13 from negative $0.30 in Q4 of the previous year [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vans revenue declined by 20% in Q4, following an 8% decline in the prior quarter, with 60% of the decline attributed to strategic actions to eliminate unprofitable business [9][29] - The North Face brand saw a revenue increase of 4% in Q4, with direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales rising by 9% [17][28] - Timberland experienced a strong performance with a 13% revenue increase in Q4, driven by lower discounts and higher margins [17][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The APAC region grew by 2%, while The Americas and EMEA regions saw declines of 5% and 2% respectively due to reduced promotional activity [29] - DTC sales were down 3%, while wholesale sales decreased by 2% [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy called "Reinvent," aimed at improving operational profitability and simplifying the business structure [6][30] - Strategic actions include reducing storefronts and channel inventory in China to set up for long-term growth [11][19] - The company is pursuing brand elevation through channel cleanup and enhanced digital experiences [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround of Vans, indicating that progress is being made despite current numerical setbacks [9][14] - The company is well-positioned to manage tariff impacts through a diversified supply chain and proactive cost management strategies [19][26] - Management remains optimistic about returning to growth and delivering sustainable value creation despite macroeconomic uncertainties [21][22] Other Important Information - The company expects operating cash flow and free cash flow to increase year-over-year, although specific full-year guidance is not provided [34] - The company has strategically reduced its reliance on finished goods sourced from China to less than 2% [19][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on gross margin improvements and free cash flow - Management expects continued improvement in gross margins and free cash flow, with the $313 million free cash flow not including Supreme [40][43] Question: One-time strategic reset actions at Vans - The impact of strategic reset actions will continue into Q1 and Q2, with expectations of fading by Q3 and being gone by Q4 [50][55] Question: Free cash flow and debt management - The company plans to use free cash flow and a revolver to manage upcoming debt maturities, with confidence in improving cash flow [58][61] Question: Health of The North Face brand and DTC momentum - The North Face brand is performing well, with strong DTC sales and plans to increase product offerings [82][84] Question: Tariff impacts and pricing strategies - The company is confident in its ability to offset tariff impacts through strategic pricing and cost management [108][110]