Levi Strauss' net income augments 59% in FY'13

12 Feb '14

4 min read

Levi Strauss & Co. announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended November 24, 2013.

Fourth-quarter revenues were flat to prior year on a reported basis, and excluding the impact of currency, fourth-quarter net revenues increased slightly. Due to the timing of the company’s fiscal year-end, the Black Friday sales week occurred after the fourth quarter closed. Fourth-quarter net income declined due to a slightly lower gross margin, higher seasonal advertising spend and a 2012 tax benefit.

Full-year net revenues increased two percent on a reported and constant currency basis due to continued growth in the Americas region and the strength of the Levi’sMen’s business. Despite the lower net income in the fourth quarter, full-year net income increased 59 percent reflecting gross margin improvement.

"Overall, we are pleased with the progress we made in 2013. We grew the top- and bottom-line, generated significant cash from operations and further strengthened the balance sheet by reducing our debt," said Chip Bergh, president and chief executive officer.

"These results were despite a challenging fourth quarter, in part due to the calendar shift; but also a soft fourth-quarter environment and clearly some challenges in certain key international markets and in our U.S. women's business.

In 2014 we will continue to focus on growing the business over the long term by driving our profitable core business, addressing key opportunities to build a more balanced portfolio, and improving our retail operations, while at the same time reducing our controllable costs."

Fourth Quarter 2013 Highlights

-Gross profit in the fourth quarter was $637 million compared with $649 million for the same period in 2012. Gross margin for the fourth quarter was 49 percent of net revenues compared with 50 percent of net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2012. The decline in gross margin reflected an increase in price promotion and markdown activity, reflecting the slower holiday season and a decline in the Levi’sJunior’s and Misses’ businesses at wholesale in the Americas.

-Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the fourth quarter increased to $571 million compared with $558 million in the same period of 2012, primarily reflecting increased advertising activities across all markets such as in support of the continued international roll out of our shaping jean for women, Revel, as well as the global Levi’sModern Frontier campaign.

-Operating income for the fourth quarter declined to $66 million from $91 million for the same period in 2012, reflecting the lower gross margin and higher advertising.

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