On Wednesday, Telsey Advisory Group adjusted its outlook on shares of VF Corporation (NYSE:VFC), the apparel giant behind brands like Vans and The North Face. The firm raised the price target to $19.00 from the previous $15.00, while keeping a Market Perform rating on the stock.
VF Corp, after a challenging second half of fiscal year 2024, has surpassed expectations in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, albeit with moderated results. Despite the two flagship brands, Vans and The North Face, facing ongoing pressures in the quarter, both brands showed sequential improvements. This progress coincides with the recent appointment of new Global Brand Presidents, tasked with stabilizing and eventually returning the brands to growth.
The company, which has not offered detailed guidance since October 2023, is signaling expectations of top-line and gross margin improvements for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. This outlook is supported by ongoing cost savings that are being reinvested into core growth areas. Analysts are taking note of VF Corp's commitment to strengthening its balance sheet, delivering cost savings, and reshaping its brand portfolio, especially following the sale of the Supreme brand.
The new management team at VF Corp is expected to have some breathing room to implement strategies and initiatives aimed at driving better results. However, the timeline for improved performance in the current macro-operating environment remains uncertain. Greater clarity is anticipated during the company's Investor Day in October, where management will present their vision and strategy.
The revised price target of $19 reflects a 19.4x multiple on the firm's two-year forward earnings per share (EPS) estimate of $0.98. This valuation is in line with the one-year historical next twelve months (NTM) average of 19.1x and slightly below the ten-year average of 19.9x.
In other recent news, VF Corporation has unveiled considerable developments during its first quarter fiscal year 2025 earnings call. The company announced an additional $50 million in cost savings and plans to divest its Supreme brand for $1.5 billion, aiming to focus on its core business and increase leverage.
Despite experiencing declines in its Americas platform and key brands such as Vans and The North Face, VF Corporation is projecting modest revenue enhancements in the second quarter, with an emphasis on cost reduction and profitability improvement.
Furthermore, VF Corporation is on track to achieve its $300 million cost savings target and is actively evaluating its portfolio for potential further asset sales. Management expressed confidence in a return to top-line growth, with detailed strategies and brand plans to be shared in a forthcoming investor event in October.
The company's CEO, Bracken Darrell, highlighted the company's progress and strategic priorities, including innovation, franchise management, and distribution adjustments. VF Corporation remains committed to navigating current market challenges while preparing for future growth opportunities. These are among the recent developments in the company's operations.
InvestingPro Insights
As VF Corporation (NYSE:VFC) navigates through a period of strategic transition, the latest data from InvestingPro provides a mixed financial perspective. The company's market capitalization stands at a modest $6.4 billion, with a notable Price / Book ratio of 4.61 as of the last twelve months leading to Q1 2025, suggesting a premium valuation compared to its book value.
Despite a challenging revenue decline of 10.16% during this period, there are signs of resilience and potential for recovery. The gross profit margin remains robust at 51.89%, indicating that VF Corp retains its ability to generate profit from its sales.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that VF Corporation has a high shareholder yield and has consistently maintained its dividend payments for an impressive 54 consecutive years. Additionally, analysts predict that the company will return to profitability this year, aligning with the firm's own expectations for improved financial performance in the coming quarters. While the company has not been profitable over the past twelve months, the strong returns over the last month and three months, at 26.95% and 30.62% respectively, offer a glimmer of optimism for investors.
For those seeking more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro has several additional tips available on their platform, providing deeper insights into VF Corporation's financial health and future prospects. These insights could be particularly valuable as the company approaches its Investor Day in October, where it will outline its strategic vision.
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