VF Announces Record Q3 EPS and Revenues, Raises Guidance and Increases Dividend

Press Release:

- 3Q EPS increases 14% to record $2.22

- 3Q revenues up 7% to record $2.2 billion

- 3Q gross margins reach record 46.5%

- Raising 2010 EPS guidance from $6.10 to $6.25-6.30 on continued strong organic revenue growth

- 4Q incremental marketing investments expected to reach $45 million

- Raising quarterly dividend to $.63 per share, marking 38th consecutive year of higher dividend payments to shareholders

GREENSBORO, N.C., Oct 21, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, today announced record results for the third quarter of 2010. All per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis.

Third quarter revenues rose 7% to $2,232.4 million from $2,093.8 million in the third quarter of 2009. On a constant currency basis, revenues increased 8%. Net income rose 11% to $242.8 million, while earnings per share increased 14% to $2.22. Foreign currency translation rates negatively impacted earnings per share by $.06 in the quarter.

For the first nine months of 2010, revenues increased 5% to $5,576.4 million from $5,304.9 million in the 2009 period. Net income rose 31% to $517.1 million, while earnings per share increased 32% to $4.68.

"This quarter's strong organic revenue growth and record gross margins are a testament to VF's diverse business model and powerful brands," said Eric Wiseman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The investments we're making this year to drive growth in our strongest and most profitable businesses are clearly paying off."

Third Quarter Business Review

Outdoor & Action Sports: The momentum continues in our Outdoor & Action Sports businesses, which again achieved record revenues, operating income and operating margins in the current quarter. The strength of The North Face(R) and Vans(R) businesses was clearly evidenced by another quarter of double-digit growth for each, with global revenues of these brands rising by 17% and 19%, respectively.

Total global revenues in our Outdoor & Action Sports businesses rose 14% in the third quarter with strong increases in both our Americas and international businesses. On a constant currency basis, total Outdoor & Action Sports revenues grew 17%. Revenue growth in Asia was particularly strong, rising 38% in the quarter. Our international Kipling(R) and Napapijri(R) businesses also achieved healthy revenue growth in constant dollars in the quarter, and lucy(R) brand revenues grew 20%. Total direct-to-consumer revenues for our Outdoor & Action Sports businesses rose 18% in the quarter, reflecting exceptional growth in The North Face(R), Vans(R) and lucy(R) brands.

On page 2: Q3 jeanswear, imagewear, sportswear results