VFC VF Corporation

VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, today announced record results for the second quarter of 2011. All per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis.

Second Quarter Results Summary

Revenues rose 15% to $1,840.1 million from $1,594.1 million in 2010. All VF coalitions achieved double-digit revenue increases in the quarter, with the strongest growth in Outdoor & Action Sports, where revenues increased 23%. Jeanswear and Sportswear revenues each grew by 10%, Imagewear revenues rose 16%, and Contemporary Brands revenues were up 11%.

Gross margin declined, as anticipated, to 45.9% from 47.1% in the 2010 period, reflecting the impact of higher product costs. Gross margin in the quarter also included a 65 basis point benefit from the gain on the closure of a European jeanswear facility; this gain was anticipated and reflected in previously provided full year gross margin guidance. Operating margin was 10.3% compared with 10.6% in the 2010 period.

Growth in both net income and earnings per share of 17% was stronger than anticipated. Net income rose to $129.4 million from $110.8 million, while earnings per share increased to $1.17 from $1.00. Earnings per share in the quarter included costs related to the pending acquisition of The Timberland Company of $.02 per share. Two items in the quarter that were anticipated and reflected in previously provided full year guidance were the aforementioned gain from the facility closure that benefited earnings by $.07 per share, and foreign currency translation that benefited earnings by $.03 per share.

First Half Results Summary

Revenues increased 14% to $3,798.9 million from $3,344.0 million in 2010, with strong growth in every coalition.

Net income of $330.1 million represented a 20% increase over the $274.4 million reported in the 2010 period. Earnings per share were $2.99 compared with $2.47, rising 21% in the first half. Earnings per share in the period benefitted by $.11 in special items reported in the first quarter, and by $.04 due to foreign currency translation. Earnings per share also include the aforementioned second quarter items of $.02 in acquisition-related expenses and $.07 benefit from the facility closure.

“With double-digit revenue growth in all coalitions, and in both our international and direct-to-consumer businesses, VF is firing on all cylinders,” said Eric Wiseman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our marketing investments continue to fuel outstanding growth, our brands are gaining momentum – and we are confident that this momentum is sustainable.” He continued, “The signing of a definitive merger agreement between VF and The Timberland Company on June 12th marks a transformational acquisition for VF, and will result in a $10 billion apparel and footwear powerhouse anchored in outdoor and action sports. We look forward to completing the acquisition this quarter.”

Second Quarter Business Review

Outdoor & Action Sports: Outdoor & Action Sports achieved record revenues and operating income in the second quarter. Total global revenues in Outdoor & Action Sports rose 23% in the quarter, with Americas revenues rising 14% and international revenues up 42% (29% on a constant currency basis). Nearly all Outdoor & Action Sports brands achieved double-digit growth in the quarter, with the two largest brands - The North Face® and Vans® - achieving global revenue growth of 21% and 22%, respectively. Our Kipling® and Napapijri® businesses experienced exceptionally strong growth in the quarter, with revenues up 37% and 46%, respectively. Total direct-to-consumer revenues for Outdoor & Action Sports rose 22% in the quarter, with a 34% increase in The North Face® direct-to-consumer revenues and a 19% increase in Vans® direct-to-consumer revenues.

Operating income for the coalition rose by 10%. Reflecting a higher percentage of advertising expense to revenues versus the 2010 period, and investments to support the coalition’s seasonally higher second half business, operating margin in the quarter was 12.5% compared with last year’s 13.9%. The full year coalition operating margin is still expected to approximate 20%.

Jeanswear: Jeanswear revenues grew strongly in the quarter, rising 10%. Domestic revenues rose 7% with growth across the Mass Market, Lee and Western businesses. Domestically, the Wrangler® and Lee® brands continue to gain share within their respective channels, driven by success in new product innovation and superior execution. International jeans revenues increased 20% (11% on a constant currency basis); Asia revenues rose 24%, revenues in Mexico and Latin America each increased by more than 20%, and European revenues were up 13% (flat on a constant currency basis).

Operating income declined only slightly in the quarter, helped by the gain from the jeanswear facility closure. At 15.4% in the quarter, the Jeanswear operating margin remained healthy, though down from the 17.0% achieved in the prior year’s quarter, despite higher product costs.

Imagewear: Imagewear had another exceptionally strong quarter, with revenues and operating income both increasing at double-digit rates. Revenues rose 16% in the second quarter, driven by a 32% revenue increase in our Image (uniform) business, with very strong performance in our Protective Apparel business. Imagewear’s unmatched business model is fueling superior growth this year, and provides it with a competitive advantage that should support its continued momentum.

Operating income rose 55% and operating margin continued to strengthen, to 16.5% from 12.3% in last year’s quarter.

Sportswear: Sportswear revenues rose 10% in the second quarter. The 62% increase in Kipling® revenues in the U.S. was the biggest contributor to growth in the quarter, as the brand continued to expand and gain share. Nautica® brand revenues rose 6%, with healthy growth in the men’s wholesale sportswear and direct-to-consumer businesses.

Sportswear operating income rose 20% in the quarter. Operating margin expanded to 9.7% from 8.9% in the prior year period.

Contemporary Brands: Revenues of our Contemporary Brands coalition grew 11% in the quarter driven by a 28% increase in the combined revenues of our Splendid® and Ella Moss® brands and a 36% increase in John Varvatos® brand revenues. Global revenues of the 7 For All Mankind® brand rose 2%, with domestic revenue growth of 4% in the quarter. New stores, comp store growth and higher e-commerce revenue drove a double-digit increase in global Contemporary Brands’ direct-to-consumer revenues.

Second quarter operating income for the Contemporary Brands coalition increased 30% while operating margin improved to 9.1% from 7.7%.

Expansion in International Revenues

International revenues increased 30% (20% on a constant currency basis) in the quarter, driven by the 42% increase in Outdoor & Action Sports and the 20% increase in Jeanswear international businesses. Revenues in Asia were up 30% in the quarter, with our The North Face®, Vans® and Kipling® businesses all growing in excess of 25%. India is a relatively small but rapidly growing market for VF’s brands, with substantial future revenue potential. During the second quarter, revenues in India continued to show great momentum, rising by over 50% in the quarter and nearly 70% year to date.

Growth in Direct-to-Consumer Revenues

Direct-to-consumer revenues grew 17% in the quarter driven by new store openings, a 40%-plus increase in e-commerce revenues, and exceptionally strong comp store growth. The direct-to-consumer businesses of The North Face®, Vans®, 7 For All Mankind®, Napapijri® and Kipling® brands each achieved solid revenue gains in the period. A total of 29 stores were opened across our brands in the quarter and 44 year-to-date, bringing the total number of owned stores to 808.

2011 Guidance Increased

“We are bullish on the outlook for our brands as we enter the second half of 2011, and are raising our full year revenue and earnings guidance accordingly,” said Mr. Wiseman. “We’re continuing to invest behind our strongest growth platforms, and are tremendously excited about adding a new growth platform, The Timberland Company, to our arsenal. We look forward to welcoming both Timberland® and Smartwool® to VF’s family of brands.” He noted that the expected accretion to revenues and earnings of $700 million and $.25 per share, respectively, from the pending acquisition is not included in VF’s updated guidance.

Revenues are now expected to rise 12 to 13% in 2011, up from previous guidance of approximately 10%, reflecting broad-based strength across all our businesses. Accordingly, Outdoor & Action Sports revenues should grow at a high-teen percentage rate, Imagewear revenues should grow at a low-teen percentage rate, and Jeanswear, Sportswear, and Contemporary Brands revenues are each expected to rise at high single-digit rates. In addition, based on the strengthening of our businesses in both Europe and Asia, we now anticipate international revenues in 2011 could increase by more than 20%, compared with previous guidance for 15% growth, with revenue growth in Asia now expected to exceed 30%. Growth in our direct-to-consumer business, another revenue driver, should rise by about 15%, better than the 10 to 15% growth in previously provided guidance.

Earnings are now anticipated to increase to approximately $7.50 per share, up from prior guidance for earnings of approximately $7.25 per share, and another strong year of cash flow from operations of $1 billion is anticipated in 2011.

Dividend Declared

The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.63 per share, payable on September 19, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 9, 2011.

Statement on Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting VF and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results of operations or financial condition of VF to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this release include the overall level of consumer demand for apparel; the level of consumer confidence; fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials and contracted products; disruption and volatility in the global capital and credit markets; VF's reliance on a small number of large customers; the financial strength of VF's customers; changing fashion trends and consumer demand; increasing pressure on margins; VF's ability to implement its growth strategy; VF's ability to grow its international and direct-to-consumer businesses; VF's ability to successfully integrate and grow acquisitions; VF's ability to maintain the strength and security of its information technology systems; stability of VF's manufacturing facilities and foreign suppliers; continued use by VF's suppliers of ethical business practices; VF's ability to accurately forecast demand for products; continuity of members of VF's management; VF's ability to protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights; maintenance by VF's licensees and distributors of the value of VF's brands; foreign currency fluctuations; and legal, regulatory, political and economic risks in international markets. More information on potential factors that could affect VF's financial results is included from time to time in VF's public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including VF's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

About VF

VF Corporation is a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel with more than 30 brands, including Wrangler®, The North Face®, Lee®, Vans®, Nautica®, 7 For All Mankind®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, Ella Moss®, JanSport®, John Varvatos®, Kipling®, lucy®, Majestic®, Napapijri®, Red Kap®, Reef®, Riders® and Splendid®.

Webcast Information

VF will hold its second quarter conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. ET. Interested parties should call 1-888-551-9020 domestic, or 1-719-457-2652 international, to access the call. You may also access this call via the Internet at www.vfc.com. A replay will be available through July 28, 2011 and can be accessed by dialing 1-877-870-5176 domestic, and 1-858-384-5517 international. The pass code is 2286304. A replay also can be accessed at the Company’s web site at www.vfc.com.

VF CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Income (In thousands, except per share amounts)               Three Months Ended June Six Months Ended June   2011 2010 2011 2010   Net Sales $ 1,821,218 $ 1,576,947 $ 3,758,342 $ 3,307,033 Royalty Income   18,905     17,157     40,580     36,950     Total Revenues   1,840,123     1,594,104     3,798,922     3,343,983     Costs and Operating Expenses

 

Cost of goods sold 994,591 842,502 2,028,447 1,774,705 Marketing, administrative and general expenses   656,861     582,078     1,307,161     1,176,494    

1,651,452

    1,424,580     3,335,608     2,951,199     Operating Income 188,671 169,524 463,314 392,784   Other Income (Expense) Interest income 1,510 496 2,476 990 Interest expense (15,962 ) (20,494 ) (31,902 ) (40,993 ) Miscellaneous, net   (2,735 )   1,923     (4,666 )   8,346     (17,187 )   (18,075 )   (34,092 )   (31,657 )   Income Before Income Taxes 171,484 151,449 429,222 361,127   Income Taxes   41,917     39,959     98,235     86,178  

 

Net Income 129,567 111,490 330,987 274,949  

Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

  (199 )   (655 )   (916 )   (598 )   Net Income Attributable to VF Corporation $ 129,368   $ 110,835   $ 330,071   $ 274,351       Earnings Per Share Attributable to VF Corporation

Common Stockholders

Basic $ 1.19 $ 1.02 $ 3.04 $ 2.50 Diluted 1.17 1.00 2.99 2.47    

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

Basic 109,079 108,957 108,651 109,608 Diluted 110,890 110,479 110,453 111,054     Cash Dividends Per Common Share $ 0.63 $ 0.60 $ 1.26 $ 1.20         Fiscal Periods: VF operates and reports using a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31 of each year. Similarly, the fiscal second quarter ends on the Saturday closest to June 30. For presentation purposes herein, all references to periods ended June 2011, December 2010 and June 2010 relate to the fiscal periods ended as of July 2, 2011, January 1, 2011 and July 3, 2010, respectively.   VF CORPORATION Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands)           June December June 2011 2010 2010   ASSETS   Current Assets Cash and equivalents $ 611,478 $ 792,239 $ 540,191 Accounts receivable, net 889,201 773,083 735,022 Inventories 1,285,950 1,070,694 1,102,180 Other current assets   259,279     190,044     210,735   Total current assets 3,045,908 2,826,060 2,588,128  

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

626,271 602,908 593,465   Intangible Assets 1,555,517

 

1,490,925 1,496,682   Goodwill 1,194,342 1,166,638 1,335,526   Other Assets   378,408     371,025     307,641     $ 6,800,446   $ 6,457,556   $ 6,321,442       LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   Current Liabilities Short-term borrowings $ 42,567 $ 36,576 $ 41,970 Current portion of long-term debt 2,693 2,737 202,742 Accounts payable 456,114 510,998 427,955 Accrued liabilities   512,540     559,164     438,853   Total current liabilities 1,013,914 1,109,475 1,111,520   Long-term Debt 934,600 935,882 937,150   Other Liabilities 581,394 550,880 624,938   Commitments and Contingencies   Stockholders' Equity Common Stock 109,598 107,938 107,898 Additional paid-in capital 2,221,135 2,081,367 1,976,515 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (179,783 ) (268,594 ) (314,793 ) Retained earnings   2,118,343     1,940,508     1,879,305  

Total equity attributable to VF Corporation

 

4,269,293

 

3,861,219

 

3,648,925

Noncontrolling interests

  1,245     100     (1,091 )   Total stockholders' equity   4,270,538     3,861,319     3,647,834     $ 6,800,446   $ 6,457,556   $ 6,321,442     VF CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands)           Six Months Ended June   2011 2010   Operating Activities Net income $ 330,987 $ 274,949 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided (used) by operating activities: Depreciation 57,091 52,485 Amortization of intangible assets 19,246 19,859 Other amortization 11,418 7,588 Stock-based compensation 32,977 31,353

Pension funding under expense

22,029 24,190 Other, net 6,523 18,694 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Accounts receivable (97,162 ) 3,271 Inventories (199,650 ) (161,541 ) Other current assets (15,124 ) (9,182 ) Accounts payable (73,723 ) 64,007 Accrued compensation (50,222 ) (14,125 ) Accrued income taxes (56,817 ) (42,120 ) Accrued liabilities (38,883 ) 44,590 Other assets and liabilities   8,989     (5,518 )   Cash provided (used) by operating activities (42,321 ) 308,500   Investing Activities Capital expenditures (64,022 ) (45,309 ) Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired - (38,446 ) Trademark acquisition (56,598 ) - Software purchases (8,221 ) (2,937 ) Other, net   (1,107 )   (3,957 )   Cash used by investing activities (129,948 ) (90,649 )   Financing Activities Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings 6,252 (2,551 ) Payments on long-term debt (1,260 ) (1,719 ) Purchase of Common Stock (5,166 ) (317,911 ) Cash dividends paid (137,182 ) (131,340 ) Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net 83,845 75,490 Tax benefits of stock option exercises   14,718     2,758     Cash used by financing activities (38,793 ) (375,273 )   Effect of Foreign Currency Rate Changes on Cash   30,301     (33,936 )   Net Change in Cash and Equivalents (180,761 ) (191,358 )   Cash and Equivalents - Beginning of Year   792,239     731,549     Cash and Equivalents - End of Period $ 611,478   $ 540,191     VF CORPORATION Supplemental Financial Information Business Segment Information (In thousands)         Three Months Ended June Six Months Ended June   2011 2010 2011 2010   Coalition Revenues Outdoor & Action Sports $ 717,928 $ 584,447 $ 1,506,143 $ 1,263,009 Jeanswear 613,367 556,016 1,292,610 1,178,081 Imagewear 244,074 211,225 490,882 432,523 Sportswear 120,272 109,074 232,166 211,251 Contemporary Brands 118,103 106,083 230,019 210,172 Other   26,379     27,259     47,102     48,947     Total coalition revenues $ 1,840,123   $ 1,594,104   $ 3,798,922   $ 3,343,983       Coalition Profit Outdoor & Action Sports $ 89,472 $ 81,524 $ 233,377 $ 208,551 Jeanswear 94,365 94,741 217,491 201,549 Imagewear 40,271 26,020 77,169 48,832 Sportswear 11,658 9,740 19,088 16,908 Contemporary Brands 10,689 8,214 20,373 16,666 Other   64     (10 )   (2,010 )   (1,235 )   Total coalition profit 246,519 220,229 565,488 491,271   Corporate and Other Expenses (60,583 ) (48,782 ) (106,840 ) (90,141 ) Interest, net   (14,452 )   (19,998 )   (29,426 )   (40,003 )   Income Before Income Taxes $ 171,484   $ 151,449   $ 429,222   $ 361,127     VF CORPORATION Supplemental Financial Information Business Segment Information – Constant Currency Basis (In thousands)     Three Months Ended June 2011 Impact of Foreign As Currency Constant Reported Exchange Currency   Coalition Revenues Outdoor & Action Sports $ 717,928 $ 26,911 $ 691,017 Jeanswear 613,367 12,498 600,869 Imagewear 244,074 1,242 242,832 Sportswear 120,272 - 120,272 Contemporary Brands 118,103 2,806 115,297 Other   26,379     -   26,379     Total coalition revenues $ 1,840,123   $ 43,457 $ 1,796,666       Coalition Profit Outdoor & Action Sports $ 89,472 $ 2,770 $ 86,702 Jeanswear 94,365 591 93,774 Imagewear 40,271 247 40,024 Sportswear 11,658 - 11,658 Contemporary Brands 10,689 19 10,670 Other   64     -   64     Total coalition profit 246,519 3,627 242,892   Corporate and Other Expenses (60,583 ) - (60,583 ) Interest, net   (14,452 )   -   (14,452 )   Income Before Income Taxes $ 171,484   $ 3,627 $ 167,857       Constant Currency Financial Information VF is a global company that reports financial information in U.S. dollars in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations affect the amounts reported by VF from translating its foreign revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars. These rate fluctuations can have a significant effect on reported operating results. As a supplement to our reported operating results, we present constant currency financial information, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. We use constant currency information to provide a framework to assess how our businesses performed excluding the effects of changes in foreign currency translation rates. Management believes this information is useful to investors to facilitate comparisons of operating results and better identify trends in our businesses.  

To calculate coalition revenues and profits on a constant currency basis, operating results for the current year period for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the comparable period of the prior year (rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the current year period).

  These constant currency performance measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of or superior to, our operating performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The constant currency information presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.   VF CORPORATION Supplemental Financial Information Business Segment Information – Constant Currency Basis (In thousands)     Six Months Ended June 2011 Impact of Foreign As Currency Constant Reported Exchange Currency   Coalition Revenues Outdoor & Action Sports $ 1,506,143 $ 29,781 $ 1,476,362 Jeanswear 1,292,610 16,055 1,276,555 Imagewear 490,882 1,930 488,952 Sportswear 232,166 - 232,166 Contemporary Brands 230,019 2,999 227,020 Other   47,102     -   47,102     Total coalition revenues $ 3,798,922   $ 50,765 $ 3,748,157       Coalition Profit Outdoor & Action Sports $ 233,377 $ 3,698 $ 229,679 Jeanswear 217,491 1,795 215,696 Imagewear 77,169 413 76,756 Sportswear 19,088 - 19,088 Contemporary Brands 20,373 10 20,363 Other   (2,010 )   -   (2,010 )   Total coalition profit 565,488 5,916 559,572   Corporate and Other Expenses (106,840 ) - (106,840 ) Interest, net   (29,426 )   -   (29,426 )   Income Before Income Taxes $ 429,222   $ 5,916 $ 423,306