VF Corp. reported revenues rose 4 percent (5 percent in constant dollars) to a record $3.0 billion from $2.9 billion in the same period of 2011 driven by strength in the Outdoor/Action Sports and Sportswear coalitions, and in its international and direct-to-consumer businesses.

The sale of John Varvatos in April 2012 negatively impacted VFs revenue growth by 1 percentage point in the fourth quarter.

Gross margin rose by 220 basis points to a record 47.4 percent, compared with 45.2 percent in the same period of 2011, reflecting improvements in every coalition. The higher gross margin reflects the continued shift in our revenue mix towards higher margin businesses and lower year over year product costs.

Operating income on an adjusted basis grew 28 percent to $457 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with $358 million in the same period of 2011. On a GAAP basis, fourth quarter operating income increased 28 percent to $450 million, compared with $351 million in last years same period. Acquisition-related expenses for Timberland were $7 million in the fourth quarters of both 2012 and 2011. Adjusted operating margin was 15.1 percent compared to 12.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011. On a GAAP basis, operating margin rose to 14.8 percent from 12.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Net income on an adjusted basis grew by 32 percent to $344 million, compared with $262 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Adjusted earnings per share-which excludes Timberland acquisition-related items of 9 cents per share in 2012 and 4 cents per share in 2011-also increased 32 percent, to $3.07 from $2.32 during last years same period. This increase includes the negative impacts of foreign currency translation of 4 cents per share and higher pension expense of 5 cents per share. On a GAAP basis, fourth quarter net income was $334 million, with a 31 percent increase in earnings per share to $2.98.

2012 was another year of record revenues and profits for VF, with solid results across nearly every coalition, channel and geography, said Eric Wiseman, VF Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Our performance is confirmation of our greatest competitive advantage-the diversity of our portfolio. Its this strength, along with our focus on driving operational excellence into all areas of our business, that enables our brands to deliver the industrys most innovative and meaningful products while deepening relationships with our customers and consumers, and consistently returning value to our shareholders.
Fourth Quarter 2012 Review

Full Year 2012 Review

Revenues increased 15 percent to a record $10.9 billion from $9.5 billion in 2011. On a constant dollar basis, full year revenues increased 17 percent. The Timberland acquisition accounted for 9 percentage points, or $907 million, of the revenue growth in 2012. International revenues on a constant dollar basis were up 29 percent, of which Timberland accounted for 17 percent. Direct-to-consumer revenues were up 25 percent, with Timberland accounting for 15 percentage points of the growth. Full year revenue comparisons include a negative impact of about 1 percentage point from the sale of John Varvatos.
Gross margin rose by 75 basis points to a record 46.5 percent, compared with 45.8 percent in 2011, with improvements in nearly every business. The improvement in gross margin reflects the continued shift in our revenue mix towards higher margin businesses.
Operating income on an adjusted basis increased 17 percent to $1.5 billion in 2012. The Timberland acquisition accounted for 6 percentage points of the increase. On a GAAP basis, full year operating income rose 18 percent to $1.5 billion from $1.2 billion in 2011. Acquisition-related expenses for Timberland in 2012 and 2011 were $31 million and $33 million, respectively. Adjusted operating margin was 13.8 percent compared to 13.5 percent in 2011. On a GAAP basis, operating margin was 13.5 percent versus 13.2 percent in 2011. Excluding Timberland, the full year operating margin was 14.4 percent in 2012 and 13.6 percent in 2011.

Net income on an adjusted basis rose 18 percent to $1.1 billion compared to $913 million in 2011. Adjusted earnings per share-which excludes a $0.32 gain from the sale of John Varvatos and $0.25 in Timberland acquisition-related expenses-increased 17 percent to $9.63 from $8.20 in 2011. This increase includes the negative impacts of foreign currency translation ($0.32 per share) and higher pension expense ($0.19 per share). Timberland contributed $1.12 to adjusted earnings per share in 2012, up from $0.60 per share in 2011. On a GAAP basis, full year net income was $1.1 billion while earnings per share grew 22 percent to $9.70 per share.

Fourth Quarter Coalition Review

Outdoor/Action Sports revenues were up 6 percent in the quarter to $1.7 billion.

The North Face® brands momentum continued in the quarter despite a second year of unusually warm weather conditions in the U.S. and comparisons against exceptionally strong growth achieved in the prior years fourth quarter. Global revenues for The North Face® brand rose 10 percent (11 percent in constant dollars) with strong growth in both the Americas and Europe, and exceptional growth in Asia. The brands growth continues to be very well balanced, with double-digit revenue increases in both its wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels.

The Vans® brand achieved a 21 percent (22 percent in constant dollars) increase in global revenues in the fourth quarter, with 14 percent growth in the Americas region and continued outstanding momentum in Europe, where constant dollar revenues rose nearly 60 percent. The Vans® brand also posted double-digit revenue increases in both its wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels.

Timberlands fourth quarter global revenues, which were also impacted by unseasonably warm weather, were down 4 percent with strong growth in Asia offset by declines in both the Americas and Europe. Timberlands direct-to-consumer revenues increased by 5 percent in the fourth quarter. This increase was offset by a decline in its wholesale business due to lower closeout sales and other strategic distribution choices to position the brand for long-term growth and profitability.

Fourth quarter Outdoor/Action Sports operating income rose 18 percent and operating margin increased 190 basis points to 18.8 percent compared with 16.9 percent in the 2011 period.
Jeanswear revenues increased 3 percent (4 percent in constant dollars) to $735 million in the quarter. The Americas business grew by 5 percent in constant dollars during the quarter, while Europe posted a modest decline in revenues. Jeanswear revenues in Asia were up modestly reflecting the impact of a buildup in retailers inventories.
Global revenues for the Wrangler® brand on a constant dollar basis increased 5 percent driven by solid growth in its Western and Mass businesses in the U.S., and moderate growth in Latin America offset by a slight decline in Europe.

The Lee® brands global revenues were about flat on a constant dollar basis in the fourth quarter as the brand continues to navigate challenging dynamics in the mid-tier channel in the U.S. and weak macroeconomic conditions in Europe.

Jeanswear operating margin continued to improve, moving closer to historic levels. Both the Wrangler® and Lee® brands improved profitability in every region of the world, driven by lower year over year product costs and continued improvements in operating efficiencies.
Imagewear revenues grew 2 percent in the fourth quarter to $262 million, with a difficult comparison against strong growth achieved in the prior year period. As anticipated, the higher product costs that negatively impacted profitability in the first nine months of the year subsided, contributing to a 19 percent increase in operating income and 13.1 percent operating margin in the fourth quarter of 2012 versus 11.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Sportswear had an outstanding quarter with revenues increasing 15 percent to $183 million and both the Nautica® and Kipling® (U.S.) brands achieving strong double-digit revenue growth. Nautica® brand growth reflected double-digit revenue increases in both its wholesale and direct-to-consumer businesses. Sportswear operating income was up 70 percent in the quarter, with operating margin up 580 basis points over the prior year. An overall higher mix of direct-to-consumer business for the coalition and improved operating performance in Nautica® retail stores drove this significant improvement.

Contemporary Brands revenues were down 17 percent in the quarter to $107 million, with the decline due entirely to the sale of John Varvatos. Excluding John Varvatos in both the 2011 and 2012 periods, revenues increased 4 percent. Revenues for the 7 For All Mankind® brand rose modestly while the Splendid® and Ella Moss® brands, on a combined basis, achieved high single-digit revenue growth in the quarter.
Contemporary Brands operating income and profitability in the fourth quarter both improved, with operating income increasing 20 percent and operating margin expanding by 260 basis points (320 basis points excluding John Varvatos). This improvement was driven by improved direct-to-consumer performance and lower closeout sales.
International Review (In Constant Dollars)

Fourth quarter international revenues increased 7 percent driven by an 11 percent increase in Asia, a 10 percent increase in Americas (non-U.S) and 5 percent growth in Europe. For the full year 2012, international revenues grew 29 percent (11 percent excluding Timberland), with a 28 percent increase in Europe (10 percent excluding Timberland), 42 percent growth in Asia (19 percent excluding Timberland) and a 14 percent increase in the Americas non-U.S. region (10 percent excluding Timberland). International revenues accounted for 37 percent of total VF revenues in 2012 compared with 34 percent in 2011.

Direct-to-Consumer Review

Direct-to-consumer revenues increased 8 percent in the fourth quarter. The North Face® brands direct-to-consumer business continued to post strong growth, up 13 percent in the quarter. Direct-to-consumer revenues for the Vans® brand also demonstrated exceptional results with revenues rising by 18 percent. Direct-to-consumer revenues for the Nautica®, Timberland®, Kipling®, Splendid® and Ella Moss® brands each achieved healthy growth during the quarter. A total of 41 stores were opened across our brands in the quarter and 141 stores during the year, bringing the total number of owned retail stores to 1,129. For the full year 2012, direct-to-consumer revenues grew 25 percent and accounted for 21 percent of total VF revenues compared with 19 percent in 2011. Timberland accounted for 15 percentage points of the 25 percent total growth (28 percent excluding John Varvatos) in direct-to-consumer revenues in 2012.

Balance Sheet Review

Inventories remain well controlled, and were down $100 million, or 7 percent, from December 2011 levels. Cash flow from operations reached a record $1.3 billion in 2012, which funded the repayment of all outstanding commercial paper, the repurchase of two million shares, a pension plan contribution of $100 million and a healthy dividend increase.

2013 Guidance

The year ahead presents tremendous opportunities for us to expand our presence globally, lead our industry in product innovation and identify new platforms to support long-term growth, said Wiseman. We are confident that we are the best positioned company in our industry, and look forward to delivering another year of record results to our shareholders.

Key points related to our full year 2013 outlook include:

  • Strong, balanced revenue growth, with sales expected to increase by about 6 percent to $11.5 billion including growth in every coalition. Outdoor & Action Sports revenues should increase by about 10 percent with a near 20 percent increase for the Vans® brand, a high single-digit increase for The North Face® brand and mid single-digit growth for the Timberland® brand. Jeanswear is expecting modest revenue growth driven by a 3-4 percent increase in the Americas region. Contemporary Brands (excluding John Varvatos) and Sportswear are each expected to grow revenues at a high single-digit rate, and mid single-digit growth is expected in Imagewear.
  • 10 percent growth in international revenues, with continued strength in Asia, where revenues are expected to increase at a low teen rate; high single-digit revenue growth in Europe; and mid-teen growth in the Americas (non-U.S.) region. International revenues should approximate 38 percent of total revenues in 2013.
  • Mid-teen growth in direct-to-consumer revenues, driven by approximately 160 store openings in 2013, comp store growth and an increase of over 30 percent in e-commerce revenues. Direct-to-consumer revenues are expected to grow to 23 percent of total revenues in 2013.
  • Substantial margin expansion, including a 100 basis point improvement in gross margin and nearly a 100 basis point increase in operating margin.
  • Adjusted earnings per share grows to $10.70, representing an 11 percent increase. On a GAAP basis, earnings per share are expected to increase 9 percent to about $10.60 from $9.70 in the prior year, which included the $0.32 per share gain from the John Varvatos sale. In addition, 2013 GAAP earnings per share guidance include a negative $0.10 per share in Timberland acquisition-related expenses, which were $0.25 per share in 2012.
  • Record cash flow from operations, approaching $1.4 billion.
  • Other full year assumptions include a 24 percent effective tax rate, a euro to U.S. dollar conversion rate of 1.30 and capital expenditures of approximately $325 million.

In terms of the quarterly revenue comparisons in 2013, first quarter revenue growth should be more modest, given seasonal shipments that boosted the prior years first quarter revenues. Fourth quarter revenue growth should be the strongest, reflecting the growing contribution and expansion of our direct-to-consumer business.

Adjusted Amounts

This release refers to adjusted amounts that exclude restructuring and other items related to the acquisition of Timberland, which approximated $7 million ($0.09 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to $7 million ($0.04 per share) in the same period of 2011. Adjusted amounts for the full year exclude Timberland acquisition-related expenses of $33 million ($0.22 per share) in 2011, $31 million ($0.25 per share) in 2012, and $14 million ($0.10 per share), which is anticipated in 2013. Additionally, adjusted amounts in 2012 exclude the gain on the sale of John Varvatos of approximately $42 million ($0.32 per share inclusive of a $0.10 per share tax benefit triggered by the sale). Reconciliations of GAAP measures to adjusted amounts are presented in the supplemental financial information included with this release, which identify and quantify all excluded items.

Dividend Declared

VFs Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.87 per share, payable on March 18, 2013 to shareholders of record on March 8, 2013.