Clothing and apparel manufacturer VF has made several large purchases in the past which may be paying off as their first quarter earnings for this year are up from the fourth quarter last year. Acquiring companies such as Eagle Creek, Majestic Athletic, Lee, Wrangler, Vans, and North Face have made the company a considerable profit. Selling their intimates line to Fruit of the Loom, the company which is famous for its T-Shirts and other apparel, may also pay off in the long run.With an expected revenue growth of 12% this year, many are considering investing in VF stock. While some investors are waiting a little longer to see if this was a happy accident, stocks prices continue to rise. VF has already beat out Liz Claiborne, a clothing company that sells that same types of apparel. And while their latest acquisitions and sales of divisions have earned them huge profits, it is too soon to tell which way the market will turn.
Retail companies like VF have continually lost profits last year for many reasons including currency exchange rate increases, which seem to have been leveraged by tax rate increases and higher number of available shares. Riding the stock market wave is one way that VF has been able to stay afloat after last years loses.
Clothing and apparel companies usually have some loses during the year due to shifts in economies, trends, weather, and stock market unrest. Being able to remain an active presence is the name of the game and investors are hoping VF will do just that.
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