VF (VFC)

Risks

• VF’s revenues and profits depend on the level of consumer spending for apparel and footwear, which is sensitive to global economic conditions and other factors. A decline in consumer spending could have a material adverse effect on VF.
• The apparel and footwear industries are highly competitive, and VF’s success depends on its ability to gauge consumer preferences and product trends, and to respond to constantly changing markets.
• The retail industry has experienced financial difficulty that could adversely affect VF's business.
• VF’s profitability may decline as a result of increasing pressure on margins.
• VF’s business and the success of its products could be harmed if VF is unable to maintain the images of its brands.
• VF’s revenues and cash requirements are affected by the seasonal nature of its business.
• We may be adversely affected by weather conditions.
• VF may not succeed in its business strategy.
• VF relies significantly on information technology. Any inadequacy, interruption, integration failure or security failure of this technology could harm VF’s ability to effectively operate its business.
• VF is subject to data and information security and privacy risks that could negatively affect its business operations, results of operations or reputation.
• There are risks associated with VF’s acquisitions and portfolio management.
• VF uses third-party suppliers and manufacturing facilities worldwide for its raw materials and finished products, which poses risks to VF’s business operations.
• A significant portion of VF’s revenues and gross profit is derived from a small number of large customers. The loss of any of these customers or the inability of any of these customers to pay VF could substantially reduce VF’s revenues and profits.
• Talent management, employee retention and experience are important factors in VF’s success.
• VF’s direct-to-consumer business includes risks that could have an adverse effect on its results of operations.
• VF’s net sales depend on the volume of traffic to its stores and the availability of suitable lease space.
• VF may be unable to protect its trademarks and other intellectual property rights.
• If VF encounters problems with its distribution system, VF’s ability to deliver its products to the market could be adversely affected.
• VF’s business and operations could be materially and adversely affected if it fails to create systems of monitoring, prevention, response, crisis management, continuity and recovery to mitigate natural or man-made economic, political or environmental disruptions.
• VF’s operations and earnings may be affected by legal, regulatory, political and economic uncertainty and risks.
• Changes to U.S. or international trade policy, tariff and import/export regulations or our failure to comply with such regulations may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
• Changes in tax laws could increase our worldwide tax rate and tax liabilities and materially affect our financial position and results of operations.
• We may have additional tax liabilities from new or evolving government or judicial interpretation of existing tax laws.
• Our business is subject to national, state and local laws and regulations for environmental, consumer protection, corporate governance, competition, employment, privacy, safety and other matters. The costs of compliance with, or the violation of, such laws and regulations by VF or by independent suppliers who manufacture products for VF could have an adverse effect on our operations and cash flows, as well as on our reputation.
• Fluctuations in wage rates and the price, availability and quality of raw materials and finished goods could increase costs.
• VF’s business is exposed to the risks of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. VF’s hedging strategies may not be effective in mitigating those risks.
• Our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms, if needed, could be adversely affected by geopolitical risk and volatility in the capital markets.
• VF’s indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations and prevent VF from fulfilling its financial obligations, and VF may not be able to maintain its current credit ratings, may not continue to pay dividends or repurchase its common stock and may not remain in compliance with existing debt covenants.
• VF is subject to the risk that its licensees may not generate expected sales or maintain the value of VF’s brands.
• Volatility in securities markets, interest rates and other economic factors could substantially increase VF’s defined benefit pension costs.
• The spin-off of Kontoor Brands, Inc. could result in substantial tax liability to us and our shareholders.