Levi Strauss & Co. is on something of a roll — and Michelle Gass, president and chief executive officer, is looking to keep it going. Organic sales grew by 7 percent to $6.2 billion for the fiscal year ended Nov. 3 — on top of a 3 percent increase in 2024. This year, sales are expected to grow by another 4 to 5 percent. More from WWD The challenge, of course, is maintaining the momentum. “We are very pleased with 2025,” Gass told WWD in an interview. “I would say it marked a true inflection point for t ...

Core Insights - Levi Strauss & Co. reported fourth-quarter earnings of 41 cents per share, exceeding the Street estimate of 39 cents, while quarterly revenue was $1.77 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.71 billion but down from $1.84 billion in the same period last year [2][4] Financial Performance - The company’s quarterly earnings beat expectations, with earnings per share at 41 cents compared to the estimated 39 cents [2] - Revenue for the quarter was $1.77 billion, which was above the consensus estimate of $1.71 billion but represented a decline from $1.84 billion year-over-year [2] Strategic Direction - The CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., Michelle Gass, emphasized the company's transition towards a direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, aiming to establish itself as a head-to-toe denim lifestyle brand [3] - The company has focused on improving operational execution and agility, which has contributed to elevated brand status and enhanced profitability, as reflected in the Q4 and full year 2025 results [3] Future Outlook - For fiscal 2026, Levi Strauss expects adjusted earnings to be in the range of $1.40 to $1.46 per share, which is below the analyst estimate of $1.48 [4] - Following the earnings report, Levi stock experienced a decline of 1.42%, closing at $20.18 in extended trading [4]

Core Viewpoint - VF Corporation reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter results, but shares fell over 8% intraday despite improving profitability and cash flow trends for fiscal 2026 [1] Financial Performance - The company posted third-quarter earnings of $0.58 per share, exceeding analyst expectations of $0.45 [1] - Revenue totaled $2.88 billion, up 2% in constant currency and above the consensus estimate of $2.75 billion [1] - Adjusted gross margin increased to 57%, up 10 basis points from a year earlier [2] - Operating margin expanded 30 basis points to 12.1% [2] - Operating income rose to $341 million from $318 million in the prior-year quarter [2] Future Projections - For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, VF Corporation projected revenue ranging from flat to up 2% year over year [3] - Adjusted operating income is expected to be between $10 million and $30 million for the fourth quarter [3] - For the full fiscal year, the company forecasts higher free cash flow, adjusted operating income, and operating cash flow compared with the prior year [3]

Core Insights - The results reflect the company's strategic initiatives to enhance its brand and focus on direct-to-consumer business [1] Group 1 - The company is committed to elevating its namesake brand [1] - There is a significant emphasis on doubling down on its direct-to-consumer business model [1] - The company is narrowing its focus to improve overall performance [1]

Core Insights - Levi Strauss exceeded Wall Street expectations for fourth-quarter sales and profit, driven by strong demand for wide-leg denim jeans despite challenges from higher U.S. import tariffs and other factors [1] Financial Performance - The company reported better-than-expected sales and profit figures for the fourth quarter, indicating robust consumer interest and effective product positioning [1] Market Dynamics - The demand for wide-leg denim jeans has been a significant contributor to the company's performance, showcasing a shift in consumer preferences within the denim market [1]

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 - VF Corp's president and CEO Bracken Darrell expressed optimism about Vans' turnaround strategy, indicating that it is "starting to deliver" as the company focuses on refreshing the brand's product lineup [1] Financial Performance - Vans experienced a 10% decline in revenue during the third quarter of fiscal 2026, yet global digital e-commerce sales grew for the first time in over four years, particularly driven by the Americas region [2] Online and In-Store Traffic - The CEO highlighted an increase in online traffic during Q3, emphasizing the need to boost in-store traffic as a key goal for the brand [3] - The company is exploring various strategies to enhance store traffic, viewing it as a critical aspect of their growth strategy [3] Product Development and Trends - New product styles such as the Super Lowpro, Skate Loafer, and Crosspath XC models showed "consistently strong trends" in Q3, alongside signature silhouettes like Authentic and Slip-On benefiting from increased interest in skate-inspired shoes from high fashion brands [3] - The company is launching premium elevated products and plans to introduce them into wholesale channels over time, reflecting a positive outlook from the team [4] Collaboration and Market Responsiveness - A recent successful collaboration was the "K-Pop Demon Hunters" project, which demonstrated the brand's ability to bring products to market quickly, achieving a turnaround from idea to store shelf in just 10 weeks [4] Long-Term Strategy - Darrell emphasized the importance of patience in the turnaround process, advising against forcing changes too quickly and allowing the strategy to develop naturally [4]

Key Takeaways lululemon saw Americas revenues fall 2% y/y in 3Q25, with U.S. sales down 3% and comparable sales off 5%.LULU cited lower visit frequency, heavier promotions and consumer trade-down as drivers of weak U.S. traffic.LULU is executing a three-pillar plan and leaning on China momentum, with benefits expected in FY26.lululemon athletica inc.’s (LULU) business model is built around premium apparel positioning, anchored in technical innovation, brand loyalty and full-price selling. The company contin ...

Company Actions - Amazon is cutting approximately 16,000 jobs globally, marking one of the largest reductions in its history [1] - The layoffs are part of an effort to strengthen the organization by reducing layers, increasing ownership, and removing bureaucracy, according to Beth Galetti, Amazon's senior vice president [3] - Amazon emphasizes that these layoffs do not indicate further workforce reductions are planned, although teams will continue to reassess their organizational structure [3] Industry Trends - Amazon's layoffs reflect a broader trend across various industries, including financial services and technology, as companies recalibrate headcount while investing in automation and artificial intelligence [2][4] - Other companies, such as Citigroup and Nike, are also implementing job cuts due to similar technological advancements, with Citigroup planning additional layoffs and Nike cutting 775 distribution center jobs [4][5] - A significant increase in layoffs has been observed, with a 175% year-over-year rise in U.S. layoffs in October attributed to AI adoption and cost-cutting measures [6]

Core Insights - PVH Corporation is benefiting from the effective execution of its PVH+ Plan, which focuses on enhancing growth by leveraging its core strengths and connecting its brands, Calvin Klein and TOMMY HILFIGER, with consumers [1] Group 1: Collaboration with OpenAI - The company has announced a partnership with OpenAI to integrate advanced AI capabilities into its operations, supporting its multi-year PVH+ growth strategy [2] - Through this collaboration, PVH will co-develop custom AI capabilities that will enhance product design, demand planning, inventory optimization, and consumer engagement [3] - The integration of OpenAI enterprise APIs will modernize workflows across product, marketing, supply chain, and retail functions, including the use of ChatGPT Enterprise [4] Group 2: Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Channels - PVH is making strides in strengthening its direct-to-consumer (DTC) and digital channels, which are central to its PVH+ Plan [5] - Both Calvin Klein and TOMMY HILFIGER are gaining traction online through innovative product campaigns and global talent collaborations, leading to increased traffic, new customer acquisition, and improved repeat purchasing [5] Group 3: Stock Performance - PVH's shares have decreased by 22.5% over the past three months, contrasting with a 6.4% growth in the industry [6]