Levi Strauss & Co | LEVI | Long at $15.75NYSE:LEVI Straus & Co. A very historically strong company with a loyal following. While you can say what you want about quality changes and a company that feels "stale", Levis jeans don't go out of style - they just ebb and flow within style trends. While the value isn't quite there for NYSE:LEVI with a P/E of 42x and price-to-cash flow of 22x, we are near Santa Claus rally season. From a technical analysis standpoint, it just touched the "bottom" of my historical simple moving average and may be poised for a bounce from here. However, there are still two price gaps on the daily chart between $13.70 and $14.50 that (likely) will eventually be closed - which I believe may occur with greater signs of slowing consumer spending (i.e. future recession). But, for now, NYSE:LEVI is at my personal buy zone at $15.75 for a buy-and-hold into 2025.
Target #1 = $18.00
Target #2 = $20.90
Target #3 = $22.75
Levistrauss
Levi Strauss (LEVI) Dips 11.59% on Weak Q3 2024 Earnings ReportLevi Strauss & Co. (NYSE: NYSE:LEVI ) witnessed a steep decline of 11.59% in Thursday’s premarket trading after missing earnings and revenue expectations for Q3 2024. The denim giant reported a third-quarter earnings per share (EPS) of $0.05, missing analyst estimates of $0.34, and revenues of $1.5 billion, which fell short of the expected $1.55 billion. This gap between expectations and results has put significant downward pressure on the stock, exacerbated by weak sales in key segments, and an ongoing reconsideration of its brand strategy, including the possible sale of its Dockers brand.
Earnings Overview
Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE: NYSE:LEVI ) faced a challenging quarter, with flat net revenues on a reported basis. While the Levi's® brand posted a 5% growth—the largest increase in two years—the company struggled to maintain momentum in its Dockers line, which saw a 15% decline. The company also revised its revenue growth expectations for the full year, lowering it to 1% from the previous 1-3% range.
Key Highlights
- Net Revenues: $1.5 billion, missing the expected $1.55 billion.
- EPS: $0.05, up from $0.02 in Q3 2022, but far below analyst expectations of $0.34.
- Gross Margin: Increased by 440 basis points to 60%, driven by lower product costs and a favorable brand mix, signaling that cost-cutting measures are paying off in terms of profitability.
- Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Sales: Up by 10% on a reported basis, with e-commerce seeing a 16% rise, showcasing Levi's successful pivot to direct sales.
- Operating Margin: Declined slightly to 2.0%, down from 2.3% in Q3 2022, largely due to an impairment charge of $111 million related to the acquisition of Beyond Yoga®.
While the company made strides in expanding its direct-to-consumer channel and increasing e-commerce sales, it wasn't enough to offset the overall flat revenue performance. Additionally, revenue in the Americas, Levi's largest segment, declined by 1%, dragged down by execution issues and the cybersecurity breach faced by one of its largest wholesale customers in Mexico.
Dockers, which was once a major contributor to the company's revenues, has now become a liability. Sales in the brand dropped significantly, leading Levi Strauss to consider selling the Dockers business to focus on core growth areas like the Levi’s and Beyond Yoga brands.
Despite these struggles, the company continues to push forward with high-profile partnerships, such as its collaboration with Beyoncé. This cultural alignment may help boost brand visibility in the long term, but short-term headwinds remain significant.
Technical Analysis
From a technical standpoint, the recent earnings miss has resulted in a dramatic drop in NYSE:LEVI ’s stock price, with the share price down 11.59% in Thursday's premarket trading. This gap-down pattern is indicative of a bearish sentiment, further compounded by several technical warning signals.
NYSE:LEVI is experiencing a sharp gap-down pattern, which is a strong indicator of bearish momentum. The stock previously had a gap down that wasn’t correctly filled, and the latest earnings miss exacerbates this bearish trend. The RSI remains neither overbought nor oversold, holding at a relatively neutral level. However, the continued price drop could push the RSI into oversold territory, signaling potential short-term buying opportunities for risk-tolerant investors.
The gap-down following the earnings miss suggests a significant reversal in sentiment. If the stock fails to recover and continues its downward trajectory, we could see further declines. The unfilled gap-down from earlier trading sessions adds more weight to the possibility of extended losses in the short term.
NYSE:LEVI is likely to find its first level of support around $16.50, which was a historical low. If breached, the next key support is at $11.50.
Outlook and Conclusion
Levi Strauss & Co.'s Q3 2024 earnings miss has triggered a negative reaction in the market, with the stock plummeting by double digits. Despite some fundamental strengths, such as improved gross margins and DTC growth, the overall financial performance and revised guidance have raised concerns about the company’s future prospects. The technical indicators also point to further downside risk, with a gap-down pattern and bearish reversal in play.
Investors should keep a close eye on upcoming developments, especially the potential sale of the Dockers brand, which could alleviate some of the pressure on Levi Strauss’s revenue and margins. However, short-term sentiment remains bearish, and the stock may continue to face downward pressure unless Levi Strauss demonstrates stronger revenue growth and addresses operational challenges, particularly in its key regions like the Americas and China.
In summary, the short-term outlook for NYSE:LEVI appears to be bearish, with technical indicators suggesting further declines. Investors should remain cautious, especially given the company’s lowered revenue guidance and ongoing strategic challenges. Long-term investors may look for potential entry points as the stock approaches oversold conditions, but patience and risk management will be essential in navigating the near-term volatility.
LEVI Levi Strauss & Co Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought the dip on LEVI:
Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of LEVI Levi Strauss & Co prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 21usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2024-11-15,
for a premium of approximately $1.67.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
LEVI Levi Strauss Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought LEVI before the previous earnings:
Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of LEVI Levi Strauss prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 23usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2024-7-19,
for a premium of approximately $1.15.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
LEVI Strauss Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought the dip on LEVI:
Then analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of LEVI Strauss prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 21usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2024-10-18,
for a premium of approximately $1.72.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
Levi Strauss Surges 18% Reaching New HeightsLevi Strauss & Co. The iconic blue jeans maker has not only weathered the storms of economic uncertainty but has soared to new heights, defying market expectations and setting a course for sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.
The latest chapter in Levi's success story unfolded with the release of its fiscal first-quarter earnings, sending shockwaves through Wall Street as the company revealed plans to surpass profit forecasts for fiscal 2024. Shares surged an impressive 18%, reflecting investor confidence in Levi's strategic vision and operational prowess.
At the heart of Levi's remarkable performance lies a commitment to efficiency and innovation. Recognizing the shifting dynamics of consumer behavior, Levi's has undertaken bold initiatives to streamline operations and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Central to this effort is Project Fuel, a comprehensive strategy aimed at driving profitable growth while optimizing costs.
One of the key pillars of Project Fuel is a relentless focus on cost-cutting measures and operational efficiencies. By embracing a culture of agility and resourcefulness, Levi's has successfully navigated through challenging economic headwinds, ensuring sustained profitability even in the face of uncertainty. The decision to trim its global workforce by 12% and exit lower-margin businesses like Denizen underscores Levi's commitment to prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
Moreover, Levi's has strategically shifted its sales focus towards online channels and direct-to-consumer channels, a move that has paid dividends in an increasingly digital marketplace. By reducing its reliance on traditional brick-and-mortar retailers like Macy's and Kohl's, Levi's has not only improved profit margins but also enhanced its ability to connect directly with consumers, fostering deeper brand loyalty and engagement.
Crucially, Levi's success is not merely confined to financial metrics; it is also reflected in its unwavering dedication to environmental and social responsibility. As a pioneer in sustainable fashion practices, Levi's has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint and promoting ethical sourcing throughout its supply chain. By aligning profitability with purpose, Levi's exemplifies a new paradigm of corporate leadership—one that prioritizes the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit.
Looking ahead, Levi Strauss & Co. is poised to continue its upward trajectory, fueled by a potent combination of innovation, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. As consumer preferences evolve and market dynamics shift, Levi's stands as a beacon of stability and resilience—a testament to the enduring power of an iconic brand reinventing itself for the challenges of tomorrow.
Technical Outlook
Levi Stock ( NYSE:LEVI ) is trading above the 200-day Moving Average with a bullish Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 71.66 indicating an overbought position for the shares or a continuation of the current trend.
LEVI Implements Restructuring Plan Amidst Weaker Sales Forecast
In a strategic move to navigate challenges in an evolving retail landscape, Levi Strauss & Co. ( NYSE:LEVI ) has announced a significant restructuring plan that includes cutting at least 10% of its global corporate workforce. The apparel retailer revealed this decision as it reported its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and provided a cautious outlook for the upcoming fiscal year.
Job Cuts and Restructuring:
The job cuts, anticipated to affect up to 15% of corporate employees, are slated to take place in the first half of the year. Levi's aims to streamline its operations and enhance efficiency, leading to an expected $110 to $120 million in restructuring charges in the first quarter.
The company, which boasted more than 19,000 employees as of November, has not specified the distribution of these cuts among its various offices. The restructuring aligns with a broader trend in the retail industry, where companies like Macy's and Wayfair have also recently announced layoffs in an effort to revitalize sales and optimize profits.
Financial Performance and Outlook:
Levi's reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings that narrowly beat Wall Street expectations, with adjusted earnings per share at 44 cents compared to the anticipated 43 cents. However, revenue fell slightly short at $1.64 billion versus the expected $1.66 billion.
The company's conservative fiscal year outlook predicts a 1% to 3% rise in revenue, below the 4.7% anticipated by Wall Street. Levi's projects earnings per share for the year to be in the range of $1.15 to $1.25, trailing analyst expectations of $1.33 per share.
Investor Response and Stock Performance:
Despite the challenging forecast, Levi's shares experienced a 4% uptick in trading following the earnings report. Technical analysis reveals a rising trend channel , signaling positive development and increased investor interest.
Notable Developments in Segments:
Levi's diverse brand portfolio showed mixed results during the quarter. Beyond Yoga, the athleisure-focused brand, experienced a robust 14% increase in revenue. The appointment of former Athleta CEO Nancy Green as the new chief executive of Beyond Yoga underscores Levi's commitment to gaining market share in the athleisure segment.
Conversely, the company's other brands segment saw net revenue fall by 11%, highlighting challenges in certain areas of its portfolio.
Conclusion:
As Levi Strauss & Co. ( NYSE:LEVI ) undergoes this restructuring phase, investors are closely monitoring how the company will adapt to the evolving retail landscape. The positive market response to the stock suggests confidence in Levi's ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities, particularly in the athleisure market. The coming months will reveal the effectiveness of the restructuring plan and the company's resilience in a competitive industry.
LEVI Levi Strauss & Co Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought LEVI here:https://www.tradingview.com/chart/LEVI/xgphBAvA-LEVI-Levi-Strauss-Options-Ahead-of-Earnings/
Then analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of LEVI Levi Strauss & Co prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 12usd strike price in the money Calls with
an expiration date of 2024-1-19,
for a premium of approximately $2.15.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
Looking forward to read your opinion about it.
LEVI Levi Strauss Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought LEVI here:
Then you should know that analyzing the options chain of LEVI Levi Strauss prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 14usd strike price at the money Calls with
an expiration date of 2023-7-21,
for a premium of approximately $0.90.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
Looking forward to read your opinion about it.
LEVI retrace could endLEVI stock retraced since the publication of the EPS beat and now looks set for another leg up.
The Company beat EPS and Rev estimates and improved its expectations for 2023
The stock price could improve another 25-30% from here. Watch for a stop around -17%
#notfinancialadvices #mynotes #adjustyoursize
LEVI SHORT-TERM LONGMarket finished 1-5 Elliot wave, flat ABC correction and full 1-5 Elliot wave with XWY combination downwards, we were expecting it to bounce off of a demand zone, but it reversed earlier, R/R for this trade is way to low unless market retraces to our entry zone.
Entry: 16:76
Invalidation: 15.30
Target: 23 (50% fib zone)
Levi Strauss & Co (NYSE: $LEVI) Surges On Q1 Earning Beat! 👖Levi Strauss & Co. operates as an apparel company. It designs, markets, and sells jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear, and related accessories for men, women, and children in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company sells its products under the Levi's, Dockers, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co., and Denizen brands; and also licenses its Levi's and Dockers trademarks for various product categories, including footwear, belts, wallets and bags, outerwear, sweaters, dress shirts, kids wear, sleepwear, and hosiery. The company sells its products through third-party retailers, such as department stores, specialty retailers, third-party e-commerce sites, and franchisees who operate brand-dedicated stores; and directly to consumers through various formats, including company-operated mainline and outlet stores, company-operated e-commerce sites, and select shop-in-shops located in department stores and other third-party retail locations. It operates approximately 3,100 brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops. The company was founded in 1853 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.