US' Kontoor Brands lifts FY25 outlook as Q2 revenue hits $658 mn

The company’s gross margin stood at 46.3 per cent, while adjusted gross margin improved by 120 basis points (bps) YoY to 46.4 per cent, including a 20-bps contribution from Helly Hansen. The adjusted operating income grew 25 per cent to $100 million, with organic adjusted operating income up 32 per cent to $105 million.

The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $1.21, a 23 per cent increase, or $1.33 excluding Helly Hansen’s integration, reflecting a 36 per cent rise.

“Our strong second quarter results were driven by better-than-expected organic revenue growth, gross margin expansion, operating efficiency and cash generation, as well as a stronger-than-expected contribution from Helly Hansen,” said Scott Baxter, president, CEO and chairman of the board. “We welcomed Helly Hansen to the Kontoor family in June and the integration is off to a great start.”

Brand-wise, Wrangler global revenue reached $461 million (up 7 per cent), with the US market seeing 9 per cent growth, while Lee global revenue declined 6 per cent to $166 million, though showed sequential improvement from Q1. Helly Hansen contributed $29 million in revenue for June, with the Musto sub-brand generating $3 million.

SG&A expenses were reported at $226 million, or 34.4 per cent of revenue, while adjusted SG&A expenses stood at $206 million (31.3 per cent of revenue). Organic SG&A expenses dropped 5 per cent YoY, driven by lower freight and discretionary spend, Kontoor said in a press release.

Kontoor raised its FY25 outlook, now expecting revenue in the range of $3.09 to $3.12 billion—representing 19–20 per cent growth YoY, including an 18 per cent benefit from Helly Hansen. Adjusted gross margin is projected at approximately 46.1 per cent, up 100 bps from the previous year, despite an estimated 50 bps impact from increased tariffs.

Adjusted operating income is expected to reach $443 million, up 16 per cent YoY, including a $30 million impact from tariffs and additional marketing investments. Full year adjusted EPS is now forecast at approximately $5.45, with Helly Hansen contributing around $0.20 and tariffs and added investments reducing EPS by $0.4.

“We are raising our full year outlook to reflect stronger first half results, greater visibility into our tariff mitigation initiatives, and the confidence we have in the outlook for our business for the balance of the year,” added Baxter. “Our ability to largely offset the impact from higher tariffs reflects the strength of our brands, the agility of our supply chain, and the benefits from Project Jeanius.”

The company anticipates third quarter (Q3) revenue of $855 million (up 28 per cent YoY) and adjusted EPS of $1.35. Helly Hansen is expected to break even in Q3, net of acquisition-related interest.

Kontoor expects cash flow from operations to exceed $375 million, up from the prior guidance of $350 million. Capital expenditures are pegged at $40 million. The company’s full-year tax rate is forecast at 21 per cent, with interest expense projected at $50 million.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)