Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB) lifts 2026 outlook, plans Lee sale and $750M buyback
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Kontoor Brands reported a strong first quarter of 2026 and outlined major strategic moves. Revenue from continuing operations was $613 million, up 45 percent year over year, with Wrangler growing and Helly Hansen contributing $176 million. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations was $1.06, while total adjusted EPS including discontinued operations was $1.55.
The company initiated a process to divest its Lee business, now reported as discontinued operations with $195 million of first quarter revenue, and expects the divestiture to be immaterial to earnings per share over 12 to 18 months. Full-year 2026 adjusted EPS outlook was raised to a range of $6.60 to $6.70, and revenue is now expected between $3.41 and $3.46 billion including discontinued operations.
The Board authorized a new $750 million share repurchase program to replace the prior authorization, and the company returned $54 million to shareholders in the quarter through dividends and repurchases. Kontoor also recognized a $54 million net receivable related to IEEPA tariff refunds, reducing cost of goods sold by approximately $49 million on a reported basis in the quarter.
Positive
- Strong top- and bottom-line growth: Q1 2026 revenue from continuing operations rose 45 percent to $613 million, with adjusted EPS from continuing operations increasing to $1.06 and total net income more than doubling to $92 million versus the prior year period.
- Guidance raised for 2026: Full-year adjusted EPS outlook increased to $6.60–$6.70 from $6.40–$6.50, and revenue including discontinued operations nudged up to a $3.41–$3.46 billion range, reflecting better-than-expected Q1 performance and improved visibility.
- Large share repurchase authorization: The Board approved a new $750 million share repurchase program, replacing the prior authorization, alongside returning $54 million to shareholders in Q1 through dividends and $25 million of stock repurchases.
- Strategic portfolio shift and deleveraging plan: The planned divestiture of the Lee business (about $750 million of expected 2026 revenue) is intended to focus on higher-growth brands while funding capital deployment, including voluntary term loan repayments of $225 million and a targeted net leverage ratio below 1.5 times by year-end 2026.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Kontoor posted strong Q1 growth, raised 2026 guidance, and launched a large buyback alongside the planned Lee divestiture.
Kontoor Brands delivered revenue from continuing operations of $613 million, up 45% versus 2025, helped by the Helly Hansen acquisition and 4 percent global growth at Wrangler. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations reached $1.06, while total adjusted EPS including discontinued operations was $1.55.
Management raised full-year 2026 guidance, now targeting revenue including discontinued operations of $3.41–$3.46 billion and adjusted EPS of $6.60–$6.70. The outlook assumes adjusted operating income of $411–$418 million and adjusted gross margin of roughly 48.3–48.5%, aided by Project Jeanius and Helly Hansen mix.
Strategically, the company is advancing a divestiture of the Lee business, expected to contribute about $750 million of 2026 revenue in discontinued operations and approximately $0.90 of EPS (about $1.45 including reclassified overhead). A new $750 million share repurchase authorization and planned voluntary term loan repayments of $225 million signal continued capital returns while aiming for a net leverage ratio below 1.5 times by year-end 2026.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 8.01, 9.01
2 items
Item 8.01
Other Events
Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Q1 2026 revenue from continuing operations: $613.3M
Helly Hansen Q1 2026 revenue: $176.0M
Q1 2026 adjusted EPS from continuing operations: $1.06
+5 more
8 metrics
Q1 2026 revenue from continuing operations
$613.3M
Three months ended March 2026; 45% increase vs 2025
Helly Hansen Q1 2026 revenue
$176.0M
Global revenue contribution to continuing operations
Q1 2026 adjusted EPS from continuing operations
$1.06
Diluted, excludes specified restructuring, tariffs and integration costs
Full-year 2026 adjusted EPS outlook
$6.60–$6.70
Including discontinued operations; raised from $6.40–$6.50
Full-year 2026 revenue outlook
$3.41–$3.46B
Including discontinued operations; prior $3.40–$3.45B
Lee 2026 expected revenue
$0.75B
Reported in discontinued operations, subject to planned divestiture
New share repurchase authorization
$750M
Board-approved program replacing prior authorization
IEEPA tariff receivable
$54M
Net receivable recognized as of March 2026 after Supreme Court ruling
Key Terms
discontinued operations, adjusted EPS, share repurchase authorization, Project Jeanius, +2 more
6 terms
discontinued operations financial
"the Lee business as discontinued operations. The Company expects the divestiture of Lee"
Discontinued operations are parts of a company that it has decided to sell or shut down, and no longer plans to run in the future. This matters to investors because it helps them understand which parts of the business are ongoing and which are being phased out, providing a clearer picture of the company’s current performance and future prospects. Think of it like a store closing a department—it no longer contributes to sales or profits.
adjusted EPS financial
"Full year adjusted EPS outlook including the contribution from discontinued operations is now expected"
Adjusted earnings per share (adjusted eps) is a measure of a company's profit per share that has been modified to exclude certain one-time or unusual items, such as costs from restructuring or asset sales. It provides a clearer picture of the company’s core performance by removing events that may distort the usual earnings. Investors use adjusted eps to better understand a company's ongoing profitability and compare it more accurately over time.
Project Jeanius financial
"driven by the impact of Helly Hansen, the benefits of Project Jeanius and channel mix"
International Emergency Economic Powers Act regulatory
"decision that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) does not authorize tariffs"
A U.S. law that gives the president broad authority to control trade, financial transactions, and assets during a declared national emergency, such as by imposing sanctions, freezing property, or restricting exports and imports. For investors it matters because those powers can suddenly block deals, cut off access to markets or funds, and change the value of companies or securities much like an emergency brake that can stop or reroute economic activity overnight.
constant currency financial
"This release also refers to “constant currency” amounts, which exclude the translation impact"
Constant currency is a way of measuring financial results that removes the effects of changes in currency exchange rates. It allows for a clearer comparison of a company's performance over time by showing what the numbers would look like if exchange rates had stayed the same. This helps investors understand whether growth comes from actual business improvements or just currency fluctuations.
Earnings Snapshot
Revenue from continuing operations: $613.3M · Guidance included
Q1 2026
Revenue from continuing operations
$613.3M
+45% YoY
Global Wrangler revenue
$435.8M
+4% YoY
Adjusted EPS from continuing operations
$1.06
vs $0.62 prior year
Net income
$92.4M
+116% YoY
Guidance
For 2026, revenue including discontinued operations is guided to $3.41–$3.46B and adjusted EPS to $6.60–$6.70, with adjusted operating income expected at $411–$418M and adjusted gross margin of roughly 48.3–48.5%.
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): May 6, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
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(Address of principal executive offices)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On May 7, 2026, Kontoor Brands, Inc. issued a press release announcing financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 8.01. Other Events.
On May 6, 2026, the Board of Directors of Kontoor Brands, Inc. authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $750 million of the Company’s common stock. The new repurchase authorization replaces the existing share repurchase program announced on December 11, 2023. The timing and amount of repurchases will be determined by the Company based on its evaluation of market conditions, continued compliance with its debt covenants and other factors. The program does not have an expiration date but may be suspended, modified or terminated at any time without prior notice. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. | Description | ||||
99.1 | Press release issued by Kontoor Brands, Inc., dated May 7, 2026. | ||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File - The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | ||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| KONTOOR BRANDS, INC. | ||||||||
| Date: May 7, 2026 | By: | /s/ Joseph A. Alkire | ||||||
| Name: | Joseph A. Alkire | |||||||
| Title: | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Global Head of Operations | |||||||
Exhibit 99.1
` 
KONTOOR BRANDS REPORTS STRONGER 2026 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS AND RAISES FULL YEAR OUTLOOK;
ANNOUNCES PLANNED DIVESTITURE OF LEE AND $750 MILLION SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
During the first quarter, the Company initiated a competitive process to divest the Lee business. As a result, the Company’s first quarter results and updated 2026 outlook reflect the presentation of the Lee business as discontinued operations.
Key Highlights
•First quarter revenue including the contribution from discontinued operations was $808 million. Revenue from Lee of $195 million now reported in discontinued operations. First quarter revenue from continuing operations of $613 million exceeded expectations driven by 4 percent growth in Wrangler and 16 percent growth in Helly Hansen on a pro-forma basis
•First quarter reported EPS including the contribution from discontinued operations was $1.65. First quarter adjusted EPS including the contribution from discontinued operations was $1.55. First quarter adjusted EPS from continuing operations was $1.06
•Full year revenue outlook including the contribution from discontinued operations is now expected to be in the range of $3.41 to $3.46 billion ($3.40 to $3.45 billion prior). Expected revenue from Lee of approximately $750 million now reported in discontinued operations. Full year revenue outlook from continuing operations is now expected to be in the range of $2.66 to $2.71 billion driven by growth in Wrangler and Helly Hansen
•Full year adjusted EPS outlook including the contribution from discontinued operations is now expected to be in the range of $6.60 to $6.70 ($6.40 to $6.50 prior)
•The Company announced plans to divest the Lee business to sharpen strategic focus on its largest growth assets and enhance capital allocation optionality
•The Company’s Board of Directors approved a new $750 million share repurchase authorization
GREENSBORO, N.C. - May 7, 2026 - Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB) today reported financial results for its first quarter ended April 4, 2026.
“Our strong first quarter results reflect the power of our operating model combined with strong execution,” said Scott Baxter, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Wrangler drove another quarter of broad-based growth and market share gains, and Helly Hansen delivered better-than-expected revenue and profitability. Our decision to divest Lee enables sharper focus on the opportunities with greatest potential to maximize shareholder returns as we align the Kontoor brand portfolio to a higher growth profile.”
“Our updated outlook reflects better than expected first quarter results and improving visibility for Wrangler and Helly Hansen,” added Joe Alkire, Kontoor Brands’ Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Global Head of Operations. “Our planned divestiture of the Lee business is in an advanced state and has attracted interest from multiple parties. We are confident in our ability to successfully complete a transaction this year, resulting in significantly more capital
allocation optionality and accelerated growth as we drive enhanced shareholder returns into 2027 and beyond.”
Planned Divestiture of the Lee Business
During the first quarter of 2026, the Company initiated a competitive process to divest the Lee business. The process has attracted interest from multiple parties and the Company anticipates entering into a definitive agreement to divest the Lee business in 2026. As a result, the Company has reported the results of the Lee business in discontinued operations.
The Company expects the divestiture of Lee to be immaterial to earnings per share over a 12-to-18-month period. The earnings contribution of the Lee business will be offset through strong capital deployment and mitigation of overhead and other expenses through restructuring and other mitigating cost actions to offset the costs that were previously allocated to the Lee business.
First Quarter 2026 Income Statement from Continuing Operations Review
Revenue from continuing operations was $613 million and increased 45 percent compared to prior year, including the contribution from the acquisition of Helly Hansen completed in the second quarter of 2025.
Wrangler brand global revenue was $436 million and increased 4 percent compared to prior year. Wrangler U.S. revenue increased 1 percent, driven by a 6 percent increase in direct-to-consumer and a 1 percent increase in wholesale. Wrangler international revenue increased 20 percent compared to prior year, driven by a 38 percent increase in direct-to-consumer and a 17 percent increase in wholesale.
Helly Hansen global revenue was $176 million. Sport and Workwear revenue was $120 million and $45 million, respectively. Musto brand revenue was $11 million.
Gross margin from continuing operations on a reported basis increased 810 basis points to 53.7 percent. On an adjusted basis, gross margin from continuing operations increased 470 basis points to 50.6 percent compared to prior year, driven by the impact of Helly Hansen, the benefits of Project Jeanius and channel mix, partially offset by increased product costs, net of pricing actions. Adjusted gross margin includes $1 million of overhead and other expenses that were previously allocated to the Lee business.
Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses from continuing operations were $239 million, or 39.0 percent of revenue on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, SG&A expenses from continuing operations were $224 million, or 36.5 percent of revenue. The increase in SG&A expenses was driven by the impact of Helly Hansen, higher demand creation and direct-to-consumer investments and volume-based variable expenses, partially offset by the benefits from Project Jeanius. Adjusted SG&A expenses include $7 million of overhead and other expenses that were previously allocated to the Lee business.
Operating income from continuing operations was $90 million on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, operating income from continuing operations was $87 million and increased 60 percent compared to prior year. Operating income includes $8 million of overhead and other expenses that were previously allocated to the Lee business.
Earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations was $1.09 on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, EPS from continuing operations was $1.06, including a $0.26 contribution from Helly Hansen. Adjusted EPS includes $0.11 of overhead and other expenses that were previously allocated to the Lee business.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity from Continuing Operations Review
The Company ended the first quarter with $56 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $1.14 billion in long-term debt. At the end of the first quarter, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and $493 million available for borrowing against this facility.
Inventory at the end of the first quarter was $464 million, including the contribution of inventory from Helly Hansen.
As previously announced, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.53 per share, payable on June 18, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 8, 2026.
The Company returned $54 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the first quarter, including the repurchase of $25 million of common stock.
Share Repurchase Authorization
The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $750 million of the Company’s common stock. The new repurchase authorization replaces the existing share repurchase program announced on December 11, 2023.
“Our $750 million share repurchase program reflects the confidence we have in our business moving forward and the opportunities to generate significant value from our sharper brand portfolio,” said Scott Baxter, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Kontoor Brands. “We remain committed to returning cash to shareholders while maintaining an unrelenting focus on delivering superior total shareholder return over time.”
The timing and amount of repurchases will be determined by the Company based on its evaluation of market conditions, continued compliance with its debt covenants and other factors. The program does not have an expiration date but may be suspended, modified or terminated at any time without prior notice. The Company expects to fund repurchases through cash flow generated from operations and expected proceeds from the planned divestiture of the Lee brand.
Tariff Update
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) does not authorize tariffs, the U.S. Court of International Trade has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund IEEPA duties.
The Company believes it is probable that it will recover the IEEPA tariffs previously paid and therefore has recognized a net receivable of $54 million as of March 2026. As a result, during the first quarter of 2026, the Company reduced cost of goods sold by approximately $49 million on a reported basis, representing the reversal of expense for IEEPA tariffs on inventory previously sold. Of the $49 million reduction in cost of goods sold, $29 million was related to tariffs expensed in 2025. On an adjusted basis, the Company has excluded the impact of the reversal of expense for 2025-related IEEPA tariffs on first quarter results and in the updated 2026 outlook.
The Company’s outlook assumes a 15 percent reciprocal tariff rate on applicable inventory receipts for the remainder of 2026. For applicable inventory receipts effective February 24, 2026, a 10 percent reciprocal tariff rate applied, which remains in effect. Applicable inventory owned prior to February 24, 2026 is exempt from reciprocal tariffs. The Company’s updated outlook includes the impact from increases in tariffs on all countries from which the Company sources product, with the exception of Mexico. Based on currently available information, the Company’s imports from Mexico to the U.S. remain exempt under USMCA.
The Company is evaluating the impact of the United States and Bangladesh reciprocal trade framework. The Company utilizes U.S. grown cotton in more than 80 percent of products sourced from Bangladesh which may qualify for a duty exemption under the trade framework.
Updated Full Year 2026 Outlook from Continuing Operations
The Company’s updated full year 2026 outlook reflects the impact of the planned divestiture of the Lee business, which is now reported in discontinued operations.
•Revenue including the expected contribution from discontinued operations is now anticipated to be in the range of $3.41 to $3.46 billion. This compares to the prior outlook range of $3.40 to $3.45 billion. Lee revenue is expected to approximate $750 million and is now reported in discontinued operations. Revenue from continuing operations is expected to be in the range of $2.66 to $2.71 billion.
•Adjusted EPS including the expected contribution from discontinued operations is now anticipated to be in the range of $6.60 to $6.70. This compares to the prior outlook range of $6.40 to $6.50. The expected EPS contribution from the Lee business now reported in discontinued operations is approximately $0.90, or approximately $1.45 including the impact of $0.55 of overhead and other expenses previously allocated to the Lee business that were reported in continuing operations.
Adjusted EPS from continuing operations is expected to be in the range of $5.15 to $5.25, including the impact of approximately $0.55 of unmitigated overhead and other expenses that were previously allocated to the Lee business.
The Company expects the divestiture of Lee to be immaterial to earnings per share over a 12-to-18-month period. The earnings contribution of the Lee business will be offset through strong capital deployment and mitigation of overhead and other expenses, through restructuring and other mitigating cost actions to offset the costs that were previously allocated to the Lee business.
Prior 2026 Outlook | Updated 2026 Outlook | |||||||
Revenue including discontinued operations | $3.40 to $3.45 billion | $3.41 to $3.46 billion | ||||||
Lee revenue reported in discontinued operations | $0.75 billion | $0.75 billion | ||||||
Revenue from continuing operations | $2.65 to $2.70 billion | $2.66 to $2.71 billion | ||||||
Adjusted EPS including discontinued operations | $6.40 to $6.50 | $6.60 to $6.70 | ||||||
Less: EPS of discontinued operations before reclass of allocated expenses | $0.90 | |||||||
Adjusted EPS from continuing operations before reclass of allocated expenses | $5.70 to $5.80 | |||||||
Less: EPS impact of reclass of allocated expenses | $0.55 | |||||||
Adjusted EPS from continuing operations | $5.15 to $5.25 | |||||||
The Company’s full year 2026 outlook from continuing operations also includes the following assumptions.
•Adjusted gross margin is expected to be in the range of 48.3 percent to 48.5 percent, representing an increase of 180 to 200 basis points compared to prior year. The benefits from Project Jeanius, channel and product mix, and the mix benefit from Helly Hansen are expected to more than offset the impact from increases in product costs, net of pricing actions.
•Adjusted SG&A expenses, including the unmitigated impact of expenses previously allocated to the Lee business, are expected to increase approximately 18 percent compared to prior year, including the annualization of Helly Hansen expenses and an increase in investment in demand creation and other strategic growth initiatives, offset by the benefits of Project Jeanius and the impact of the 53rd week in prior year.
•Adjusted operating income, including the unmitigated impact of expenses previously allocated to the Lee business, is expected to be in the range of $411 to $418 million, representing an increase of 15 percent to 17 percent compared to prior year.
•Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $40 million.
•The Company expects an effective tax rate of approximately 20 percent on adjusted earnings, including the benefit of synergies from Helly Hansen. For the first half of 2026, the Company expects an effective tax rate of approximately 25 percent.
•Interest expense is expected to be approximately $55 million. The outlook for interest expense does not include the impact of potential additional voluntary debt repayments with a portion of the expected proceeds from the planned divestiture of the Lee business.
•Other expense is expected to be approximately $15 million.
•Average shares outstanding are expected to be approximately 56 million. The outlook for average shares outstanding does not include the impact of potential additional share repurchases from the expected proceeds from the planned divestiture of the Lee business.
•The Company now expects cash from operations of approximately $450 million, including the expected contribution from the Lee business which is reported in discontinued operations.
•The Company expects to make voluntary term loan payments of $225 million, excluding the impact of potential additional voluntary debt repayments with a portion of the expected proceeds from the planned divestiture of the Lee business. The Company expects to achieve a net leverage ratio below 1.5 times on a continuing operations basis by year-end.
Webcast Information
Kontoor Brands will host its first quarter 2026 conference call beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time today, May 7, 2026. 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
This release refers to “adjusted”, “organic” and “constant currency” amounts from 2026 and 2025, which are further described in the sections below. All per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis. Amounts as presented herein may not recalculate due to the use of unrounded numbers.
Adjusted Amounts - This release refers to “adjusted” amounts. Adjustments during 2026 represent (i) business optimization activities associated with the continued execution of Project Jeanius, (ii) acquisition and integration-related costs associated with the Helly Hansen acquisition and, (iii) excluding the impact of the reversal of expense for 2025 IEEPA-related tariffs on first quarter of 2026 results. Adjustments during 2025 represent (i) restructuring and transformation costs related to business optimization activities associated with Project Jeanius, (ii) actions to streamline and transfer select production within our internal manufacturing network and, (iii) acquisition and integration-related costs associated with the Helly Hansen acquisition. Additional information regarding adjusted amounts is provided in notes to the supplemental financial information included with this release.
Organic Amounts - This release refers to “organic” amounts, which represent operating results excluding contributions from the Helly Hansen® and Musto® brands.
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 portfolio of three of the world’s most iconic lifestyle, outdoor and workwear brands: Wrangler®, Lee® and Helly Hansen®. 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 inconsistent consumer demand despite recent declines in interest rates, fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates, moderating inflation and global supply chain issues, as well as the ongoing impact of tariffs and uncertainty regarding the outcome of trade negotiations, import/export regulations and tariff policies, 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 integrating Helly Hansen and/or in achieving the expected growth, cost savings and/or synergies from the acquisition; potential risks and uncertainties in completing the sale of the Lee
business, if at all, and potential risks in segregating and disposing of the Lee business and the Company’s ability to mitigate any stranded costs from the potential disposition; 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; 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, including as a result of tariffs and reciprocal tariffs; 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.
Contacts
Investors:
Michael Karapetian, (336) 332-4263
Vice President, Global Brand & Operations Finance and Corporate Investor Relations
Michael.Karapetian@kontoorbrands.com
or
Media:
Julia Burge, (336) 332-5122
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
Julia.Burge@kontoorbrands.com
###
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2026 | 2025 | Change | |||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 613,322 | $ | 423,001 | 45% | |||||||||||||||
| Costs and operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 283,948 | 230,267 | 23% | |||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 239,269 | 161,365 | 48% | |||||||||||||||||
| Total costs and operating expenses | 523,217 | 391,632 | 34% | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 90,105 | 31,369 | 187% | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (16,084) | (9,808) | 64% | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 2,184 | 3,319 | (34)% | |||||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | (2,602) | (10,293) | (75)% | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes | 73,603 | 14,587 | 405% | |||||||||||||||||
| Income taxes | (17,964) | (4,338) | 314% | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from equity method investment | 5,399 | — | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | 61,038 | 10,249 | 496% | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | 31,401 | 32,633 | (4)% | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 92,439 | $ | 42,882 | 116% | |||||||||||||||
| Earnings per common share - basic | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | $ | 1.10 | $ | 0.18 | ||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations | $ | 0.57 | $ | 0.59 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total earnings per common share - basic | $ | 1.67 | $ | 0.77 | ||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per common share - diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | $ | 1.09 | $ | 0.18 | ||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations | $ | 0.56 | $ | 0.58 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total earnings per common share - diluted | $ | 1.65 | $ | 0.76 | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 55,222 | 55,355 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 55,996 | 56,059 | ||||||||||||||||||
* Calculation not meaningful.
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 March 2026 and March 2025 correspond to the 13-week fiscal periods ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively. References to March 2026, December 2025 and March 2025 relate to the balance sheets as of April 4, 2026, January 3, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively. Amounts herein may not recalculate due to the use of unrounded numbers.
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
| (In thousands) | March 2026 | December 2025 | March 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 56,411 | $ | 77,215 | $ | 320,790 | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 244,996 | 209,419 | 131,958 | |||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | 463,501 | 435,945 | 298,810 | |||||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 99,156 | 102,056 | 57,371 | |||||||||||||||||
| Current assets of discontinued operations | 259,335 | 256,481 | 278,849 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 1,123,399 | 1,081,116 | 1,087,778 | |||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 112,657 | 113,285 | 82,955 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease assets | 124,193 | 110,330 | 18,931 | |||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 450,206 | 445,584 | 6,791 | |||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 459,211 | 451,006 | 129,034 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 215,292 | 212,294 | 176,045 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other assets of discontinued operations | 165,117 | 169,057 | 174,145 | |||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 2,650,075 | $ | 2,582,672 | $ | 1,675,679 | ||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | $ | 13,125 | $ | 8,750 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | 240,111 | 195,560 | $ | 161,240 | ||||||||||||||||
| Accrued and other current liabilities | 192,209 | 237,864 | 112,481 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | 29,763 | 22,418 | 10,328 | |||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities of discontinued operations | 125,808 | 129,035 | 107,091 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 601,016 | 593,627 | 391,140 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent | 101,865 | 95,422 | 10,464 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | 168,091 | 164,431 | 77,484 | |||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 1,130,622 | 1,134,579 | 735,640 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities of discontinued operations | 29,612 | 29,746 | 34,279 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 2,031,206 | 2,017,805 | 1,249,007 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity | 618,869 | 564,867 | 426,672 | |||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $ | 2,650,075 | $ | 2,582,672 | $ | 1,675,679 | ||||||||||||||
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 92,439 | $ | 42,882 | ||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 15,338 | 9,637 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 6,571 | 14,462 | ||||||||||||
| Other, including working capital changes | (68,087) | 10,644 | ||||||||||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | 46,261 | 77,625 | ||||||||||||
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment expenditures | (5,963) | (2,732) | ||||||||||||
| Capitalized computer software | (2,383) | (1,530) | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of assets | 7,242 | — | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from deferred purchase price settlements | 5,601 | — | ||||||||||||
| Other | (592) | (527) | ||||||||||||
| Cash provided (used) by investing activities | 3,905 | (4,762) | ||||||||||||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
| Borrowings under revolving credit facility | 22,500 | — | ||||||||||||
| Repayments under revolving credit facility | (22,500) | — | ||||||||||||
| Repayments of term loan | — | (5,000) | ||||||||||||
| Repurchases of Common Stock | (25,000) | — | ||||||||||||
| Dividends paid | (29,339) | (28,824) | ||||||||||||
| Shares withheld for taxes, net of proceeds from issuance of Common Stock | (15,154) | (4,052) | ||||||||||||
| Cash used by financing activities | (69,493) | (37,876) | ||||||||||||
| Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (2,009) | (12,343) | ||||||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | (21,336) | 22,644 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period | 108,442 | 334,066 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents – end of period | $ | 87,106 | $ | 356,710 | ||||||||||
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Financial Information
Business Segment Information
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March | % Change | % Change Constant Currency (a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wrangler | $ | 435,839 | $ | 420,246 | 4% | 2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Helly Hansen | 165,480 | — | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total reportable segment revenues | 601,319 | 420,246 | 43% | 37% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues (b) | 12,003 | 2,755 | 336% | 289% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | $ | 613,322 | $ | 423,001 | 45% | 39% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wrangler | $ | 121,769 | $ | 86,848 | 40% | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Helly Hansen | 19,653 | — | * | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation to income before income taxes: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other expenses | (53,704) | (65,555) | (18)% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (16,084) | (9,808) | 64% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 2,184 | 3,319 | (34)% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss related to other revenues (b) | (215) | (217) | * | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes | $ | 73,603 | $ | 14,587 | 405% | |||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Refer to constant currency definition on the following pages.
(b) We report an “Other” category to reconcile segment revenues to total net revenues and segment profit to income before income taxes, but the Other category does not meet the criteria to be considered a reportable segment. Other includes sales and licensing of the Musto® and Chic® brands, as well as other company-owned brands and private label apparel, and the associated costs.
* Calculation not meaningful.
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Financial Information
Business Segment Information – Continuing Operations - Constant Currency Basis (Non-GAAP)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As Reported | Adjust for Foreign | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | under GAAP | Currency Exchange | Constant Currency | |||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Wrangler | $ | 435,839 | $ | (5,443) | $ | 430,396 | ||||||||||||||
| Helly Hansen | 165,480 | (20,417) | 145,063 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total reportable segment revenues | 601,319 | (25,860) | 575,459 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other revenues | 12,003 | (1,278) | 10,725 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | $ | 613,322 | $ | (27,138) | $ | 586,184 | ||||||||||||||
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.
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Financial Information
Reconciliation of Adjusted Financial Measures - Quarter-to-Date (Non-GAAP)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||
| Net revenues - as reported under GAAP | $ | 613,322 | $ | 423,001 | |||||||
Contribution from Helly Hansen (a) | 176,010 | — | |||||||||
Organic net revenues | $ | 437,312 | $ | 423,001 | |||||||
| Cost of goods sold - as reported under GAAP | $ | 283,948 | $ | 230,267 | |||||||
Restructuring and transformation costs (b) | (2,828) | (1,348) | |||||||||
U.S. Customs 2025 tariffs (c) | 21,696 | — | |||||||||
| Adjusted cost of goods sold | 302,816 | 228,919 | |||||||||
Contribution from Helly Hansen (a) | 77,951 | — | |||||||||
Adjusted organic cost of goods sold | $ | 224,865 | $ | 228,919 | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses - as reported under GAAP | $ | 239,269 | $ | 161,365 | |||||||
Restructuring and transformation costs (b) | (2,858) | (11,156) | |||||||||
Acquisition and integration-related costs (d) | (12,708) | (10,326) | |||||||||
| Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses | 223,703 | 139,883 | |||||||||
Contribution from Helly Hansen (a) | 79,033 | — | |||||||||
Adjusted organic selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 144,670 | $ | 139,883 | |||||||
| Other expense, net - as reported under GAAP | $ | (2,602) | $ | (10,293) | |||||||
Acquisition and integration-related costs (d) | 60 | 8,865 | |||||||||
| Adjusted other expense, net | $ | (2,542) | $ | (1,428) | |||||||
| Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations - as reported under GAAP | $ | 1.09 | $ | 0.18 | |||||||
Restructuring and transformation costs (b) | 0.05 | 0.18 | |||||||||
U.S. Customs 2025 tariffs (c) | (0.20) | — | |||||||||
Acquisition and integration-related costs (d) | 0.12 | 0.26 | |||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | $ | 1.06 | $ | 0.62 | |||||||
Contribution from Helly Hansen (a) | 0.26 | — | |||||||||
| Adjusted organic diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | $ | 0.80 | $ | 0.62 | |||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | $ | 1.06 | $ | 0.62 | |||||||
| Adjusted contribution from discontinued operations | 0.49 | 0.58 | |||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.55 | $ | 1.20 | |||||||
| Net income from continuing operations - as reported under GAAP | $ | 61,038 | $ | 10,249 | |||||||
| Income taxes | 17,964 | 4,338 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 16,084 | 9,808 | |||||||||
| Interest income | (2,184) | (3,319) | |||||||||
| EBIT from continuing operations | $ | 92,902 | $ | 21,076 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 13,752 | 7,349 | |||||||||
| EBITDA from continuing operations | $ | 106,654 | $ | 28,425 | |||||||
Restructuring and transformation costs (b) | 5,686 | 12,504 | |||||||||
U.S. Customs 2025 tariffs (c) | (21,696) | — | |||||||||
Acquisition and integration-related costs (d) | 12,768 | 19,191 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations | $ | 103,412 | $ | 60,120 | |||||||
| As a percentage of total net revenues | 16.9 | % | 14.2 | % | |||||||
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Financial Information
Reconciliation of Adjusted Financial Measures - Quarter-to-Date (Non-GAAP)
(Unaudited)
Non-GAAP Financial Information: The financial information above has been presented on a GAAP basis, on an adjusted basis and on an adjusted organic basis, which excludes the operating results from the Helly Hansen acquisition. EBIT, EBITDA and adjusted presentations are non-GAAP measures. See “Notes to Supplemental Financial Information - Reconciliation of Adjusted and Adjusted Organic Financial Measures” at the end of this document. Amounts herein may not recalculate due to the use of unrounded numbers.
(a) Contribution from Helly Hansen represents the adjusted operating results from the Helly Hansen® and Musto® brands.
(b) See Note 1 of “Notes to Supplemental Financial Information - Reconciliation of Adjusted and Adjusted Organic Financial Measures” at the end of this document.
(c) See Note 2 of “Notes to Supplemental Financial Information - Reconciliation of Adjusted and Adjusted Organic Financial Measures” at the end of this document.
(d) See Note 3 of “Notes to Supplemental Financial Information - Reconciliation of Adjusted and Adjusted Organic Financial Measures” at the end of this document.
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Financial Information
Summary of Select GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | GAAP | Adjusted | Adjusted Organic | GAAP | Adjusted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 613,322 | $ | 613,322 | $ | 437,312 | $ | 423,001 | $ | 423,001 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | $ | 329,374 | $ | 310,506 | $ | 212,447 | $ | 192,734 | $ | 194,082 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a percentage of total net revenues | 53.7 | % | 50.6 | % | 48.6 | % | 45.6 | % | 45.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 239,269 | $ | 223,703 | $ | 144,670 | $ | 161,365 | $ | 139,883 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a percentage of total net revenues | 39.0 | % | 36.5 | % | 33.1 | % | 38.1 | % | 33.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income from continuing operations | $ | 90,105 | $ | 86,803 | $ | 67,777 | $ | 31,369 | $ | 54,199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a percentage of total net revenues | 14.7 | % | 14.2 | % | 15.5 | % | 7.4 | % | 12.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | $ | 1.09 | $ | 1.06 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.62 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP Financial Information: The financial information above has been presented on a GAAP basis, on an adjusted basis and on an adjusted organic basis, which excludes the operating results from the Helly Hansen acquisition. These adjusted and adjusted organic presentations are non-GAAP measures. See “Notes to Supplemental Financial Information - Reconciliation of Adjusted and Adjusted Organic Financial Measures” at the end of this document.
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Financial Information
Disaggregation of Revenue - Continuing Operations
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues - As Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Wrangler | Helly Hansen | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Channel revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Wholesale | $ | 339,098 | $ | 16,840 | $ | 1,605 | $ | 357,543 | ||||||||||||||||||
| International Wholesale | 52,843 | 100,972 | 8,265 | 162,080 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct-to-Consumer | 43,898 | 47,668 | 2,133 | 93,699 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 435,839 | $ | 165,480 | $ | 12,003 | $ | 613,322 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. | $ | 373,749 | $ | 36,154 | $ | 1,876 | $ | 411,779 | ||||||||||||||||||
| International | 62,090 | 129,326 | 10,127 | 201,543 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 435,839 | $ | 165,480 | $ | 12,003 | $ | 613,322 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues - As Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Wrangler | Helly Hansen | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Channel revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Wholesale | $ | 335,504 | $ | — | $ | 2,609 | $ | 338,113 | ||||||||||||||||||
| International Wholesale | 45,225 | — | — | 45,225 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Direct-to-Consumer | 39,517 | — | 146 | 39,663 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 420,246 | $ | — | $ | 2,755 | $ | 423,001 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. | $ | 368,302 | $ | — | $ | 2,755 | $ | 371,057 | ||||||||||||||||||
| International | 51,944 | — | — | 51,944 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 420,246 | $ | — | $ | 2,755 | $ | 423,001 | ||||||||||||||||||
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Financial Information
Summary of Select Revenue Information - Continuing Operations
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 to 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | As Reported under GAAP | % Change Reported | % Change Constant Currency | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wrangler U.S. | $ | 373,749 | $ | 368,302 | 1% | 1% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Helly Hansen U.S. | 36,154 | — | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other U.S. | 1,876 | 2,755 | (32)% | (32)% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total U.S. revenues | $ | 411,779 | $ | 371,057 | 11% | 11% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Wrangler International | $ | 62,090 | $ | 51,944 | 20% | 9% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Helly Hansen International | 129,326 | — | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other International | 10,127 | — | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total International revenues | $ | 201,543 | $ | 51,944 | 288% | 236% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Global Wrangler | $ | 435,839 | $ | 420,246 | 4% | 2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Global Helly Hansen | 165,480 | — | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Global Other | 12,003 | 2,755 | 336% | 289% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 613,322 | $ | 423,001 | 45% | 39% | ||||||||||||||||||||
* Calculation not meaningful.
Non-GAAP Financial Information: The financial information above has been presented on a GAAP basis and on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Business Segment Information – Constant Currency Basis (Non-GAAP)” for additional information on constant currency financial calculations.
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Financial Information
Revenue from Continuing and Discontinued Operations
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Revenue - continuing operations | $ | 613,322 | $ | 423,001 | |||||||
| Revenue - discontinued operations | 194,288 | 199,900 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 807,610 | $ | 622,901 | |||||||
KONTOOR BRANDS, INC.
Supplemental Financial Information
Reconciliation of Adjusted and Adjusted Organic Financial Measures - Notes (Non-GAAP)
(Unaudited)
Notes to Supplemental Financial Information - Reconciliation of Adjusted and Adjusted Organic Financial Measures
Management uses non-GAAP financial measures internally in its budgeting and review process and, in some cases, as a factor in determining compensation. In addition, adjusted EBITDA is a key financial measure for the Company's shareholders and financial leaders, as the Company's debt financing agreements require the measurement of adjusted EBITDA, along with other measures, in connection with the Company's compliance with debt covenants. While management believes that these non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating the business, this information should be considered supplemental in nature and should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternate for, reported results under GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP measures may be different from similarly titled measures used by other companies.
(1) During the three months ended March 2026, restructuring and transformation costs included $2.8 million related to the closure of a portion of our manufacturing facilities which was recorded to "cost of goods sold", and $2.9 million related to business optimization activities associated with Project Jeanius recorded to "selling, general and administrative expenses." Total restructuring and transformation costs resulted in a corresponding tax impact of $1.3 million for the three months ended March 2026.
During the three months ended March 2025, restructuring and transformation costs included $11.6 million related to business optimization activities and $0.9 million related to streamlining and transferring select production within our internal manufacturing network. Total restructuring and transformation costs resulted in a corresponding tax impact of $2.9 million for the three months ended March 2025.
(2) In February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ("IEEPA") on goods imported into the United States were unauthorized, effectively invalidating IEEPA-based tariffs that had been in effect since the second quarter of 2025. We concluded it is probable that we will recover the IEEPA tariffs previously paid and therefore have recognized a net receivable of $53.7 million as of March 2026. As a result, during the three months ended March 2026, we reduced cost of goods sold by approximately $49.0 million, representing the expense for IEEPA tariffs on inventory previously sold to customers since the time the tariffs were enacted in the second quarter of 2025. Additionally, we reduced inventory by $4.7 million for tariffs that were remaining in inventory costs. The expected refund amount of $21.7 million associated with IEEPA tariffs previously expensed in 2025 has been adjusted from the three months ended March 2026 results, and resulted in a corresponding tax impact of $5.1 million.
(3) During the three months ended March 2026, integration-related costs associated with Helly Hansen included $12.8 million of professional and other fees. Integration-related costs resulted in a corresponding tax impact of $3.0 million for the three months ended March 2026.
FAQ
How did Kontoor Brands (KTB) perform in Q1 2026 from continuing operations?
Kontoor generated $613 million in revenue from continuing operations, up 45 percent year over year. Wrangler contributed $436 million with 4 percent global growth, while Helly Hansen added $176 million. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations reached $1.06, reflecting higher margins and operating leverage.
What is Kontoor Brands’ updated full-year 2026 revenue and EPS outlook?
The company now expects 2026 revenue, including discontinued operations, between $3.41 and $3.46 billion and adjusted EPS between $6.60 and $6.70. Revenue from continuing operations is projected at $2.66–$2.71 billion, with adjusted EPS from continuing operations guided to $5.15–$5.25.
What are Kontoor Brands’ plans for the Lee business?
Kontoor initiated a competitive process in 2026 to divest the Lee business and has moved Lee’s results to discontinued operations. Lee is expected to generate about $750 million of 2026 revenue and approximately $0.90 of EPS, with the divestiture targeted to be immaterial to EPS over 12–18 months.
What impact did tariffs and the IEEPA ruling have on Kontoor Brands’ results?
Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA tariffs, Kontoor recorded a $54 million net receivable as of March 2026. It reduced cost of goods sold by about $49 million in Q1 2026 on a reported basis, reversing tariffs on previously sold inventory, while excluding 2025-related portions from adjusted metrics.
What are Kontoor Brands’ key 2026 margin and cash flow expectations?
The company expects adjusted gross margin of roughly 48.3–48.5 percent in 2026, adjusted operating income of $411–$418 million, and capital expenditures around $40 million. It targets approximately $450 million of cash from operations and plans voluntary term loan repayments of $225 million during the year.
How is Helly Hansen contributing to Kontoor Brands’ financial performance?
Helly Hansen delivered $176 million of global revenue in Q1 2026 and contributed $0.26 to adjusted EPS from continuing operations. The brand also supported higher gross margins through mix and is expected to provide ongoing benefits, including tax synergies reflected in an anticipated 20 percent adjusted effective tax rate.