V.F. Corp. Pinned to Neutral - Analyst Blog
March 04 2013 - 9:00AM
Zacks
Greensboro, N.C.-based V.F.
Corporation (VFC) – one of the largest apparel retailers
in the world – remains on our Neutral list with a target price of
$169.00. Moreover, the company has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Why
Reiterate?
At one end where we remain
impressed with the company’s consistent positive earnings surprise
trend, strong organic revenue growth and impressive management
guidance, at other end we remain cautious on the stock due to
sluggish economic recovery, slowdown in China as well as high
household debt and unemployment level, which may restrain
consumers’ spending.
The fourth quarter 2012 earnings of
$3.07 per share at V.F. Corp. exhibited an improvement of over 32%
from the comparable year-ago quarter as well as the Zacks Consensus
Estimate of $3.03. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven
a strong top-line growth along with improved margins.
Looking at the earnings surprise
history, the company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimates in
the past 13 quarters. The average positive surprise in the trailing
13 quarters comes to 10.3%.
Given the solid fourth-quarter
results, the company expects 2013 revenue to increase 6% to $11.5
billion. Gross and operating margins are anticipated to expand by
100 basis points. Based on these forecasts, V.F. Corp. expects its
adjusted earnings for 2013 to be $10.70 per share compared with
$9.63 in 2012. Currently, the Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at
$10.81 per share, which is substantially above the company’s
guidance.
Apart from strong fourth-quarter
results, V.F. Corp.’s growth story looks compelling. We believe
that the company’s sustained focus on strategic acquisitions, along
with expanding global operations, bodes well for future growth.
On the flip side, the company
operates in a competitive environment and strives to maintain its
market share, actively competing with numerous manufacturers and
distributors of apparel and related products. The company primarily
competes on the basis of brand recognition, fashion, price,
service, store location, and quality. Failure to offer high-quality
differentiated products at a competitive price may hamper V.F.
Corp.’s market share, and thereby it’s top and bottom line
performances.
Other Stocks Worth
Considering
Other stocks worth considering in
the apparel retail industry are Guess’ Inc. (GES),
Michael Kors Holdings Limited (KORS) and
Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL). Guess and Michael
Kors hold a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while Ralph Lauren carries
a Rank #2 (Buy).
GUESS INC (GES): Free Stock Analysis Report
MICHAEL KORS (KORS): Free Stock Analysis Report
RALPH LAUREN CP (RL): Free Stock Analysis Report
V F CORP (VFC): Free Stock Analysis Report
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