GREENSBORO, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB), a global lifestyle apparel company, with a portfolio led by two of the world’s most iconic consumer brands, Wrangler^® and Lee^®, today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 28, 2024.

“2024 was a landmark year for Kontoor driven by continued market share gains, accelerating business fundamentals, increasing capital allocation optionality, and strong returns for our shareholders,” said Scott Baxter, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Our better than expected fourth quarter was driven by stronger revenue, earnings, and cash generation. I want to thank our colleagues around the globe, who continue to execute at a high level. We enter 2025 from a position of strength and I am confident we are well positioned to deliver another year of strong value creation.”

Fourth Quarter 2024 Income Statement Review

Revenue was $699 million and increased 4 percent (5 percent increase in constant currency) compared to prior year. The increase was driven by 9 percent growth in global direct-to-consumer and 4 percent growth in wholesale.

U.S. revenue was $569 million and increased 6 percent compared to prior year. U.S. wholesale revenue increased 5 percent. Direct-to-consumer increased 11 percent driven by a 16 percent increase in digital and a 1 percent increase in brick-and-mortar retail.

International revenue was $130 million and decreased 1 percent (1 percent increase in constant currency) compared to prior year. International wholesale decreased 4 percent (1 percent decrease in constant currency) and direct-to-consumer increased 5 percent, with a 15 percent increase in digital partially offset by a 3 percent decrease in owned brick-and-mortar retail. Europe increased 1 percent, with a 5 percent increase in direct-to-consumer partially offset by a 1 percent decrease in wholesale. Asia decreased 2 percent, with a 4 percent increase in direct-to-consumer more than offset by an 8 percent decrease in wholesale. Non-U.S. Americas decreased 4 percent.

Wrangler brand global revenue was $503 million and increased 9 percent compared to prior year. Wrangler U.S. revenue increased 9 percent, driven by a 9 percent increase in both direct-to-consumer and wholesale. Wrangler international revenue increased 7 percent (9 percent increase in constant currency), driven by a 7 percent increase (9 percent increase in constant currency) in wholesale and an 8 percent increase in direct-to-consumer.

Lee brand global revenue was $194 million and decreased 6 percent compared to prior year. Lee U.S. revenue decreased 6 percent driven by a 10 percent decrease in wholesale partially offset by an 18 percent increase in direct-to-consumer. Lee international revenue decreased 6 percent (4 percent decrease in constant currency) driven by an 11 percent decrease (8 percent decrease in constant currency) in wholesale partially offset by a 5 percent increase in direct-to-consumer.

Gross margin increased 200 basis points to 43.7 percent on a reported basis and increased 160 basis points to 44.7 percent on an adjusted basis compared to prior year adjusted results, excluding the out-of-period duty charge in that period. Adjusted gross margin expansion was driven by the benefits from lower product costs, supply chain efficiencies and direct-to-consumer mix, partially offset by targeted pricing actions included in our plan.

Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses were $221 million, or 31.6 percent of revenue on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, SG&A expenses were $211 million, representing an increase of 5 percent compared to prior year on an adjusted basis, driven by an increase in demand creation investments and volume-related variable expenses, partially offset by lower distribution expenses.

Operating income was $84 million on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $101 million and increased 17 percent compared to prior year on an adjusted basis, excluding the out-of-period duty charge in that period. Adjusted operating margin of 14.5 percent increased 160 basis points compared to prior year on an adjusted basis, excluding the out-of-period duty charge in that period.

Earnings per share (EPS) was $1.14 on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, EPS was $1.38 compared to adjusted EPS of $1.35 in prior year, excluding the out-of-period duty charge in that period, representing an increase of 2 percent. Adjusted EPS in the prior year was positively impacted by a discrete tax benefit. Excluding these impacts, adjusted EPS increased approximately 23 percent.

Full Year 2024 Income Statement Review

Revenue was $2.61 billion and was consistent with prior year. Growth in the U.S. and global direct-to-consumer was offset by a decline in international wholesale revenue.

U.S. revenue was $2.09 billion and increased 1 percent compared to prior year. U.S. wholesale revenue increased 1 percent driven by expanded distribution, market share gains and strength in point-of-sale, partially offset by retailer inventory management actions. Direct-to-consumer increased 5 percent driven by 8 percent growth in digital partially offset by a 1 percent decrease in brick-and-mortar retail.

International revenue was $521 million and decreased 5 percent compared to prior year. International wholesale decreased 7 percent and direct-to-consumer increased 3 percent, with a 15 percent increase in digital partially offset by a 6 percent decrease in owned brick-and-mortar retail. Europe decreased 5 percent, with a 7 percent increase in direct-to-consumer more than offset by an 8 percent decrease in wholesale. Asia decreased 5 percent driven by a 1 percent decrease in direct-to-consumer and a 7 percent decrease in wholesale. Non-U.S. Americas decreased 4 percent.

Wrangler brand global revenue was $1.81 billion and increased 3 percent compared to prior year. Wrangler U.S. revenue increased 3 percent, driven by growth in direct-to-consumer and wholesale. Wrangler international revenue decreased 1 percent, driven by a 3 percent decrease in wholesale partially offset by a 14 percent increase in direct-to-consumer.

Lee brand global revenue was $791 million and decreased 6 percent compared to prior year. Lee U.S. revenue decreased 5 percent driven by a decline in wholesale and brick-and-mortar retail, partially offset by growth in digital. Lee international revenue decreased 7 percent driven by declines in wholesale and brick-and-mortar retail, partially offset by growth in digital.

Gross margin increased 280 basis points to 44.5 percent on a reported basis and increased 260 basis points to 45.1 percent on an adjusted basis compared to prior year adjusted results, excluding the out-of-period duty charge in that period. Adjusted gross margin expansion was driven by the benefits from lower product costs, direct-to-consumer mix and supply chain efficiencies, partially offset by lower pricing.

Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses were $819 million, or 31.4 percent of revenue on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, SG&A expenses were $796 million, representing an increase of 5 percent compared to prior year on an adjusted basis, driven by an increase in demand creation and investments in our direct-to-consumer and technology platforms, partially offset by lower distribution expenses.

Operating income was $342 million on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $381 million and increased 9 percent compared to prior year on an adjusted basis, excluding the out-of-period duty charge in that period. Adjusted operating margin of 14.6 percent increased 130 basis points compared to prior year on an adjusted basis, excluding the out-of-period duty charge in that period.

Earnings per share (EPS) was $4.36 on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, EPS was $4.89 compared to adjusted EPS of $4.45 in prior year, excluding the out-of-period duty charge in that period, representing an increase of 10 percent.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity Review

The Company ended fiscal 2024 with $334 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $740 million in long-term debt.

Inventory at the end of fiscal 2024 was $390 million, representing a 22 percent decrease compared to prior year.

At the end of fiscal 2024, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and $494 million available for borrowing against this facility.

As previously announced, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share, payable on March 20, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2025.

The Company returned a total of $198 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during 2024. In addition, the Company made a $25 million voluntary early term loan repayment during 2024. The Company has $215 million remaining under its authorized share repurchase program.

2025 Outlook

The Company’s outlook does not yet include the expected revenue, earnings and cash flow contribution from the acquisition of Helly Hansen, which is anticipated to close during the second quarter of 2025.

“Our outlook reflects continued revenue growth, market share gains, gross margin expansion, strong operating earnings and cash generation. The scaling benefits of Project Jeanius will support increased investment in our brands and platforms, and further enhance our best-in-class return on invested capital,” said Scott Baxter, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“The fundamentals of our business remain strong and the acquisition of Helly Hansen will further enhance our TSR model and provide the opportunity for even stronger value creation moving forward. We are mindful of the uncertain environment and will continue to manage the business conservatively, but we are confident in our ability to drive strong shareholder returns in 2025 and beyond,” added Baxter.

The Company’s 2025 outlook includes the following assumptions:

• Revenue is expected to be in the range of $2.63 billion to $2.69 billion, reflecting growth of 1 percent to 3 percent compared to prior year. The Company’s revenue outlook includes an approximate 1 percent negative impact from unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. The revenue outlook also includes the impact of a 53^rd week, which is not expected to meaningfully benefit 2025 revenue on a full year basis. The Company expects revenue growth to be driven by market share gains, channel and category expansion, expanded distribution, and the benefit from increased demand creation and other brand investments. The Company expects these growth drivers to be partially offset by conservative retailer inventory management and more tempered consumer spending around the globe.
  
  The Company expects first half revenue growth to be consistent with the full year, including an approximate 1 percent negative impact from unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates compared to the Company’s prior preliminary outlook. The Company expects first half revenue growth to be weighted to the second quarter due to the timing of seasonal programs and new distribution gains.
  
  
• Adjusted gross margin is expected to be in the range of 45.3 percent to 45.5 percent, representing an increase of 20 to 40 basis points compared to adjusted gross margin in prior year. Gross margin expansion is driven by the benefits of Project Jeanius, favorable mix and other supply chain efficiencies, partially offset by higher product costs.
  
  
• Adjusted SG&A is expected to increase at a low-single digit rate compared to adjusted SG&A in prior year. The Company will continue to invest in its brands and capabilities in support of long-term profitable growth, including demand creation, product development, direct-to-consumer and international expansion, partially offset by the benefits of Project Jeanius.
  
  
• Adjusted operating income is expected to be in the range of $400 million to $408 million, representing an increase of 5 percent to 7 percent compared to prior year on an adjusted basis.
  
  
• Adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of $5.20 to $5.30, representing an increase of 6 percent to 8 percent compared to the prior year on an adjusted basis and includes the negative impact from unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s adjusted EPS outlook does not contemplate or include the benefit of share repurchases as a result of the previously announced acquisition of Helly Hansen.
  
  The Company expects first half adjusted EPS growth to be modestly above the expected growth rate for the full year.
  
  
• Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $35 million.
  
  
• For the full year, the Company expects an effective tax rate of approximately 20 percent. Interest expense is expected to approximate $30 million. Other Expense is expected to approximate $11 million. Average shares outstanding are expected to be approximately 56 million.
  
  
• The Company expects cash flow from operations to exceed $300 million.
  
  
• The Company is raising its outlook for the run-rate benefit from Project Jeanius to greater than $100 million ($100 million prior). The Company expects to achieve full run-rate savings by the end of 2026. The 2025 benefits of Project Jeanius are included in the Company’s outlook.
  
  
• The Company’s outlook does not yet include the expected revenue, earnings and cash flow contribution from the acquisition of Helly Hansen. Based on an anticipated close in the second quarter of 2025, the Company expects the acquisition of Helly Hansen to contribute approximately $0.15 to full year adjusted EPS with expected accretion in 2026 to materially increase. The expected contribution from Helly Hansen does not include the benefit from anticipated synergies.
  
  
• The Company’s outlook does not contemplate or include any impact from potential changes in tariffs.

This release refers to “adjusted” amounts from 2024 and 2023 and “constant currency” amounts, which are further described in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section below. As previously disclosed, fourth quarter 2023 results included a $6 million duty charge related to prior periods and full year 2023 results included a $14 million duty charge related to prior years. All per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis. Amounts as presented herein may not recalculate due to the use of unrounded numbers.

Webcast Information

Kontoor Brands will host its fourth quarter and full year 2024 conference call beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time today, February 25, 2025. The conference will be broadcast live via the Internet, accessible at https://www.kontoorbrands.com/investors. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, an archived version will be available at the same location.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted Amounts - This release refers to “adjusted” amounts. Adjustments during 2024 represent charges related to business optimization activities and actions to streamline and transfer select production within our internal manufacturing network. Adjustments during 2023 represent charges related to strategic actions taken by the Company to drive efficiencies in our operations, which included reducing our global workforce, streamlining and transferring select production within our internal manufacturing network and optimizing and globalizing our operating model. Additional information regarding adjusted amounts is provided in notes to the supplemental financial information included with this release.

Constant Currency - This release refers to “reported” amounts in accordance with GAAP, which include translation and transactional impacts from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. This release also refers to “constant currency” amounts, which exclude the translation impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures are presented in the supplemental financial information included with this release that identifies and quantifies all reconciling adjustments and provides management's view of why this non-GAAP information is useful to investors. While management believes that these non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating the business, this information should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternate for, reported results under GAAP. The non-GAAP measures used by the Company in this release may be different from similarly titled measures used by other companies.

For forward-looking non-GAAP measures included in this filing, the Company does not provide a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because the information needed to reconcile these measures is unavailable due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting the timing and/or amount of various items that have not yet occurred and have been excluded from adjusted measures. Additionally, estimating such GAAP measures and providing a meaningful reconciliation consistent with the Company’s accounting policies for future periods requires a level of precision that is unavailable for these future periods and cannot be accomplished without unreasonable effort.

About Kontoor Brands

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB) is a global lifestyle apparel company, with a portfolio led by two of the world’s most iconic consumer brands: Wrangler^® and Lee^®. Kontoor designs, manufactures, distributes, and licenses superior high-quality products that look good and fit right, giving people around the world the freedom and confidence to express themselves. Kontoor Brands is a purpose-led organization focused on leveraging its global platform, strategic sourcing model and best-in-class supply chain to drive brand growth and deliver long-term value for its stakeholders. For more information about Kontoor Brands, please visit www.KontoorBrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this release and attachments 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 the Company and therefore involve several risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “will,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “should,” “may” and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates. 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. We do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements or publicly announce the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, other than as required under the U.S. federal securities laws. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results of operations or financial condition of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: macroeconomic conditions, including elevated interest rates, moderating inflation, fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates, global supply chain issues and inconsistent consumer demand, continue to adversely impact global economic conditions and have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows (including future uncertain impacts); the level of consumer demand for apparel; reliance on a small number of large customers; potential difficulty in completing the acquisition of Helly Hansen, in successfully integrating it and/or in achieving the expected growth, cost savings and/or synergies from such acquisition; supply chain and shipping disruptions, which could continue to result in shipping delays, an increase in transportation costs and increased product costs or lost sales; intense industry competition; the ability to accurately forecast demand for products; the Company’s ability to gauge consumer preferences and product trends, and to respond to constantly changing markets; the Company’s ability to maintain the images of its brands; changes to trade policy, including tariff and import/export regulations; disruption and volatility in the global capital and credit markets and its impact on the Company's ability to obtain short-term or long-term financing on favorable terms; the Company maintaining satisfactory credit ratings; restrictions on the Company’s business relating to its debt obligations; increasing pressure on margins; e-commerce operations through the Company’s direct-to-consumer business; the financial difficulty experienced by the retail industry; possible goodwill and other asset impairment; the ability to implement the Company’s business strategy; the stability of manufacturing facilities and foreign suppliers; fluctuations in wage rates and the price, availability and quality of raw materials and contracted products; the reliance on a limited number of suppliers for raw material sourcing and the ability to obtain raw materials on a timely basis or in sufficient quantity or quality; disruption to distribution systems; seasonality; unseasonal or severe weather conditions; potential challenges with the Company’s implementation of Project Jeanius; the Company's and its vendors’ ability to maintain the strength and security of information technology systems; the risk that facilities and systems and those of third-party service providers may be vulnerable to and unable to anticipate or detect data security breaches and data or financial loss or maintain operational performance; ability to properly collect, use, manage and secure consumer and employee data; legal, regulatory, political and economic risks; the impact of climate change and related legislative and regulatory responses; stakeholder response to sustainability issues, including those related to climate change; compliance with anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws by the Company and third-party suppliers and manufacturers; changes in tax laws and liabilities; the costs of compliance with or the violation of national, state and local laws and regulations for environmental, consumer protection, employment, privacy, safety and other matters; continuity of members of management; labor relations; the ability to protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights; the ability of the Company’s licensees to generate expected sales and maintain the value of the Company’s brands; volatility in the price and trading volume of the Company’s common stock; anti-takeover provisions in the Company’s organizational documents; and fluctuations in the amount and frequency of our share repurchases. Many of the foregoing risks and uncertainties will be exacerbated by any worsening of the global business and economic environment.

More information on potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results are described in detail in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports and statements that the Company files with the SEC.

Basis of presentation for all financial tables within this release: The Company operates and reports using a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31 each year. For presentation purposes herein, all references to periods ended December 2024 and December 2023 correspond to the 13-week and 52-week fiscal periods ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. References to December 2024 and December 2023 relate to the balance sheets as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. Amounts herein may not recalculate due to the use of unrounded numbers.

Constant Currency Financial Information

The Company is a global company that reports financial information in U.S. dollars in accordance with GAAP. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations affect the amounts reported by the Company 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 that excludes the impact of translating foreign currencies into U.S. dollars. We use constant currency information to provide a framework to assess how our business performed excluding the effects of changes in the rates used to calculate foreign currency translation. Management believes this information is useful to investors to facilitate comparison of operating results and better identify trends in our businesses.

To calculate foreign currency translation 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 as an alternative for, reported results under GAAP. The constant currency information presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.