Levi Strauss & (US:LEVI)2025-10-09 22:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, the company achieved a net revenue growth of 7%, with international markets contributing approximately 75% of this growth and the U.S. contributing 25% [17][18] - Gross margin reached a record 61.7%, expanding 110 basis points year-over-year, despite an 80 basis point headwind from tariffs [19][20] - Adjusted EBIT margin was 11.8%, with adjusted diluted EPS at $0.34, both exceeding expectations and reflecting a year-to-date growth of approximately 25% [21][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales increased by 9%, with a strong performance in both stores and online, while wholesale net revenues grew by 5% [11][13] - Women's business grew by 12% year-to-date, while men's business saw a solid growth of 5% in Q3 [9][10] - The tops category experienced notable growth, with overall tops up 9% for the quarter and 10% year-to-date [82] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market grew by 3%, while international business saw a 9% increase, driven by strong performance in Asia [6][14] - In Europe, net revenues were up 3%, with key markets like the U.K. showing high mid-teen growth [22][33] - Asia's net revenues accelerated to a 12% increase, with double-digit growth in both DTC and wholesale channels [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pivoting to a DTC-first strategy, focusing on becoming a head-to-toe denim lifestyle retailer, which is expected to drive growth [5][7] - Continued investment in impactful marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships is aimed at enhancing brand relevance and expanding market share [6][8] - The company is also focusing on premiumization efforts, with the rollout of the elevated Blue Tab collection [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's momentum, citing a strong product pipeline and effective marketing strategies [6][16] - Despite a complex macro environment, management anticipates continued strong performance and growth opportunities, particularly in international markets [16][28] - The company raised its full-year revenue and EPS guidance, reflecting optimism about future performance [17][27] Other Important Information - The company returned $151 million to shareholders in Q3, marking a 118% increase year-over-year, and declared a dividend of $0.14 per share, up 8% from the previous year [23][24] - Inventory levels were up 12% in dollar terms, driven by investments ahead of the holiday season and higher product costs due to tariffs [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: European momentum and pre-books for next spring - Management noted that Europe grew 3% in Q3, with strong performance in key markets and positive pre-book trends for spring [31][32] Question: Momentum entering the season and demand trends - Management confirmed no material change in demand trends, emphasizing strong underlying business momentum [41][42] Question: Wholesale business growth drivers - Growth in the wholesale channel was primarily driven by existing accounts responding positively to the expanded product pipeline [65][66] Question: Sustainability of low single-digit growth in the Americas - Management expects continued positive growth in DTC, while U.S. wholesale may see a decline due to strong prior year comparisons [70][72] Question: Lifestyle offering growth rates and AUR opportunities - The tops business saw significant growth, with management confident in further expanding this category and improving average unit retail (AUR) [80][84]