Core Thesis - V.F. Corporation (VFC) is experiencing a significant growth trajectory, with 75% of its business showing growth this quarter, an increase from 65%-70% last quarter and 60% in 1Q26, indicating a broad-based recovery across multiple segments and geographies [3][6] Financial Performance - As of February 5th, VFC's share price was $20.10, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 37.16 and 18.42 respectively [1] - The Americas region has shown particularly strong performance, noted as one of the best in over three years, with positive gross margin trends and an optimistic outlook for reaching or exceeding a long-term target of 55% [4] Direct-to-Consumer Channel - Growth in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel is highlighted as a key driver of consumer demand, providing a fast lever for scaling new products, especially through digital platforms [4][6] Brand Performance - Vans brand is stabilizing despite facing revenue headwinds, with expected declines in the mid-single digits for 4Q26, while global e-commerce growth marks the first increase in over four years [5] - Altra is being cultivated as a high-potential brand, with a revenue target of $1 billion, emphasizing a disciplined approach to debt and a focus on organic growth [6] Management Strategy - Management maintains a transparent guidance philosophy aimed at achieving the top end of revenue ranges, with a focus on robust DTC and digital execution [6] - The company has seen a stock price appreciation of approximately 72% since previous bullish coverage, reflecting improved revenue, EPS, gross margins, and debt reduction [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is targeting a 10% operating margin by fiscal 2028 and is trending on plan towards that goal [15] - There has been a decline in revenue, necessitating modest revenue growth to return to baseline levels [18] - The company is confident in achieving free cash flow growth this year, supported by operating income growth and improved inventory management [42][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen 70% of its portfolio return to growth, excluding the Dickies business [11] - The North Face brand is underdeveloped in the U.S. compared to Europe and APAC, indicating significant growth opportunities [28] - Vans is undergoing a turnaround with new product launches and marketing strategies, although financial outcomes have yet to reflect these changes [21][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment is showing mixed signals, with a slight increase in negative commentary from medium and lower-end consumers [12] - The U.S. market remains strong for direct-to-consumer sales, with 70% of Vans' business coming from this channel [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to create a multi-brand organization that leverages best-in-class processes across its brands [5] - There is a focus on elevating brand positioning and expanding distribution, particularly for Timberland and North Face [32][28] - The company is committed to minimizing markdowns and using promotions strategically during key sales periods [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the consumer's resilience, particularly in the U.S., despite some signs of shifting trends [12][13] - The company is focused on long-term growth trajectories rather than short-term fluctuations, aiming for consistent upward trends over the next three to five years [26] Other Important Information - The company is implementing integrated business planning and markdown management to improve gross margins and operational efficiency [16][41] - There is a strong emphasis on training and aligning leadership teams to ensure a unified vision for the company's future [9][10] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: What is the company's plan to offset tariffs by fiscal 2027? - The company is on a run rate to offset all tariffs within fiscal 2027, having established a pricing plan and worked closely with supplier partners [39][40] Question: How does the company plan to drive favorable promotions? - The company aims to minimize markdowns and use promotions as a strategic tool during key moments rather than as a regular practice [41] Question: What is the outlook for cash flow and deleveraging the balance sheet? - The company is confident in its free cash flow growth and plans to pay down debt, supported by operating income growth and improved working capital management [42][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company aims to achieve a 10% operating margin by fiscal 2028 and is trending on plan towards that goal [14][17] - The company has seen a decline in revenue but expects modest revenue growth to return to baseline levels [17][41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 70% of the company's portfolio, excluding the Dickies business, was back to growth in fiscal Q2 [10] - The company is focused on improving the Vans brand, with new product launches and marketing strategies showing positive internal data, although financial outcomes have yet to reflect this [20][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment is perceived as "stubbornly positive," though there are signs of mixed sentiment, particularly among medium and lower-end consumers [11][12] - The U.S. market remains a strong focus, with 70% of Vans' business being direct-to-consumer [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to creating a multi-brand organization that leverages best-in-class processes across its brands [5][6] - There is a strategic focus on expanding the North Face brand into year-round categories and elevating its market presence [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expresses confidence in the ability to offset tariffs by fiscal 2027 through strategic pricing and partnerships [39] - The company is optimistic about cash flow growth and plans to continue improving operating income [41][42] Other Important Information - The company has made significant leadership changes to align the team with its vision, which has fostered a unified direction [8][9] - The company is exploring opportunities in the Altra brand, which has seen a 37% growth last quarter [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's take on the consumer environment? - Management describes the consumer environment as "stubbornly positive" but notes some emerging negative sentiment among lower-end consumers [11] Question: How is the company addressing tariffs? - The company plans to be on a run rate to offset all tariffs by fiscal 2027, supported by a strategic pricing plan [39] Question: What is the outlook for cash flow and operating income? - Management is confident in growing cash flow and operating income, with a target of achieving a 10% operating income by fiscal 2028 [41][42] Question: How is the Vans brand performing? - Management believes the actions taken for Vans are correct, and while financial outcomes are not yet visible, internal data shows positive trends [20][24]

Summary of V.F. Corporation FY Conference Call (September 17, 2025) Company Overview - **Company**: V.F. Corporation (NYSE: VFC) - **Key Brands**: Vans, The North Face, Timberland, Altra, Dickies Key Points and Arguments Portfolio Review and Brand Sale - The decision to sell Dickies was unexpected and driven by an attractive inbound offer from Blue Star Alliance, despite Dickies being a valued brand within the portfolio [2][3] - The sale is expected to improve leverage ratios and allow for debt repayment, indicating a strategic long-term decision rather than a reaction to short-term performance [3][4][5] Financial Health and Debt Management - The proceeds from the Dickies sale will fully fund the next tranche of debt, reducing the need to draw on the asset-based lending facility, thus saving on interest expenses [6][8] - The company is on track to meet fiscal year free cash flow guidance and is committed to paying down debt [4][6] Consumer Sentiment and Economic Outlook - The U.S. consumer remains "stubbornly positive," with the company not overly reliant on economic conditions for growth [9] - The company is confident in its ability to offset tariffs through cost reductions and strategic pricing [10][12] Brand-Specific Insights Vans - Strategic actions affecting Vans are expected to conclude by Q4, with new product introductions planned for upcoming seasons [23][31] - The brand is focusing on both comfort and style, with a mix of trends appealing to diverse consumer preferences [29] - Marketing efforts are being enhanced, including a partnership with SZA as the new Artistic Director to attract a broader audience [33][34] The North Face - The North Face is focusing on improving its cultural relevance and expanding its product offerings, particularly in the women's segment [49] - The brand's performance in the Americas is lagging compared to Europe and APAC, with plans to elevate product offerings in the U.S. market [50][52] - The company aims to position The North Face as a four-season brand, with plans for better product availability and marketing strategies [57] Timberland - Timberland has seen strong growth, particularly driven by the 60th anniversary of the Yellow Boot and successful collaborations [58][59] - The brand is focused on sustaining growth beyond the Yellow Boot and ensuring a solid foundation for future expansion [60][61] Altra - Altra is experiencing significant growth, with a reported 20% increase last quarter, but brand awareness remains low at around 8% [68][69] - The company sees potential for Altra to grow systematically, particularly in the trail running segment [69] Marketing and Operational Efficiency - The company is improving marketing efficiency by reallocating funds from non-working media to more impactful advertising [38][40] - There is a focus on direct-to-consumer strategies, with some store closures expected to optimize the retail footprint [42][43] Conclusion - V.F. Corporation is strategically repositioning its brand portfolio, focusing on long-term growth and operational efficiency while navigating economic challenges and consumer trends. The sale of Dickies is a pivotal move to enhance financial health and prioritize core brands.

Core Insights - V.F. Corporation (VFC) reported a narrower-than-expected loss per share in Q1 fiscal 2026, with a sales beat and improved earnings year over year despite a dip in revenues [1][3][9] - The company is progressing with its Reinvent program, aiming for cost savings and improved operating profitability [1][13] Revenue Performance - VFC's net revenues for Q1 fiscal 2026 were $1.76 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.69 billion, with a year-over-year decline of approximately 2% in constant currency [3][4] - The North Face and Timberland brands continued to perform well, while Altra showed strong growth; however, Vans faced challenges due to channel rationalization [2][14] Segment Analysis - Revenues in the Outdoor segment increased by 8% year over year to $812.5 million, while the Active segment saw a decline of 10% to $699.7 million [7] - The All-Other segment reported a revenue increase of 4% year over year to $248.5 million [7] Financial Position - VFC ended Q1 with cash and cash equivalents of $642.4 million and long-term debt of $3.56 billion, with net debt down $1.4 billion from the previous year [8] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of 9 cents per share, payable on September 18, 2025 [8] Future Outlook - For Q2 fiscal 2026, VFC expects revenues to decline by 2% to 4% in constant currency, with adjusted operating income projected between $260 million and $290 million [12] - For the full fiscal 2026, VFC anticipates growth in adjusted operating income and cash flow, driven by strong performance from The North Face, Timberland, and Altra [13][14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 revenue of $1.8 billion, flat on a reported basis and down 2% year-over-year in constant dollars, which was better than the guidance of down 3% to down 5% [31][32] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 200 basis points to 54.1%, driven by higher quality inventory and lower discounts [34] - Adjusted loss per share was $0.24 compared to $0.35 in Q1 of the previous year [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vans revenue decreased by 15%, with 40% of the decline attributed to channel rationalization actions [12][33] - The North Face grew by 5%, with strong performance in footwear and bags, aiming for higher growth rates in the future [14][32] - Timberland's revenue increased by 9%, reflecting growth across all regions and channels [16][33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The APAC region grew by 4%, while the Americas and EMEA regions saw declines of 3% and 2%, respectively [33] - Excluding Vans, the Americas region was up 3% year-over-year [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming its operations, improving cost structures, and aiming for growth after two years of resetting [9][11] - A unified product and marketing engine is being built across brands globally, with a focus on premiumization and improved inventory management [10][29] - The company aims to reduce leverage to below 2.5 times by fiscal 2028 while investing in growth [10][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in turning the company back into a growth entity despite current macroeconomic challenges [6][9] - The anticipated impact of tariffs is expected to negatively affect gross profit by $60 million to $70 million in fiscal 2026, but management believes they can mitigate these impacts [38][39] - The company is optimistic about the upcoming back-to-school season and plans to invest more in marketing [110] Other Important Information - The company has changed its segment reporting to better reflect key areas of focus across brands [43] - The company is pursuing a $1.5 billion asset-backed revolving loan to enhance liquidity and flexibility [42] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the expectations for the Warp Tour and its impact? - Management expected modest impact initially but saw enormous demand with tickets selling out quickly, indicating strong engagement and merchandise sales [49][52] Question: Can you clarify the $60 million to $70 million gross profit impact from tariffs? - Management confirmed that this impact is mostly in the back half of the year and will be offset through pricing and other actions [57][58] Question: What are the long-term views on gross margin improvement? - Management sees opportunities for gross margin improvement across all brands, particularly through premiumization and better product mix [66][70] Question: How do you expect unit volumes to be affected by price increases? - Management indicated that unit volumes might decrease in line with price increases, but the overall impact is uncertain due to industry-wide effects [78][79] Question: What is the outlook for free cash flow and net debt? - Management expects free cash flow to be up year-over-year despite fluctuations in quarterly performance, and net debt is anticipated to decline [118][120]