Overview
- Levi Strauss, which reported Tuesday, beat Q1 estimates with adjusted earnings of $0.42 a share on $1.74 billion in revenue and lifted its 2026 guidance to 5.5%–6.5% sales growth and $1.42–$1.48 EPS.
- Shares rose about 10% to 12% Wednesday after the stronger quarter and higher full-year outlook.
- Stronger full-price sales of premium jeans and a 7% gain in direct-to-consumer sales improved profitability, with company stores and its website doing more of the heavy lifting than wholesale.
- Management said price increases, cost controls, and diversified sourcing are offsetting U.S. import duties near 10%, and it estimates earnings could improve by about $35 million if that rate persists versus its 20% planning case.
- Levi began a search for a new finance chief as Harmit Singh prepares to retire after about 13 years, and he will stay through the transition to keep continuity.