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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________________

FORM 10-K
(Mark One)                
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
or
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended November 29, 202026, 2023
Commission file number: 001-06631
_____________________________

LEVI STRAUSS & CO.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware  94-0905160
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1155 Battery Street, San Francisco, California 94111
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(415) 501-6000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
_____________________________

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
Title of each classTrading symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per shareLEVINew York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
   Yes ¨ No  þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of "Large“large accelerated filer," "accelerated” “accelerated filer," "smaller” “smaller reporting company"company” and "emerging“emerging growth company"company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerþNon-accelerated filer¨Accelerated filer¨Smaller reporting company¨Emerging growth company¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  þ   
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s shares of Class A common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of May 22, 2020,26, 2023, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $779,779,145,$1,326,363,762 based on the closing price reported for such date on the New York Stock Exchange.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
As of January 21, 2021,19, 2024, the registrant had 77,329,197102,527,860 shares of Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share and 320,730,620295,453,345 shares of Class B common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.
Documents incorporated by reference:
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 20212024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10-14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO.
TABLE OF CONTENTS TO FORM 10-K
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 202026, 2023
 
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Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
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Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 9C.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Item 16.Form 10-K Summary




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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain matters discussed in this Annual Report, including (without limitation) statements in "Business" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contain forward-looking statements.statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although we believe that, in making any such statements, our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statement may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected.
These forward-looking statements include statements relating to our anticipated financial performance and business prospects, including with regard to:including:
our “where to play”business strategies, including our focus on elevating and “how to win” strategic choices, includingstrengthening our brand, the portion of our net revenues we aim to have represented by our direct-to-consumer business, our digital businesspresence and growth into under-penetrated parts of our business, lines other than men’s over time, our expectations regarding gross and Adjusted EBIT margins, and our plans and expectations for the benefits of investments in operational excellence and cost control measures;including steps to improve our speed-to-market;
our commitment to increasing total shareholder returns through our three capital allocation priorities;
our expectation that ability to achieve anticipated operating model optimization, simplified processes and cost savings from our global productivity initiative;
the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our business is temporary;business;
the completioneffects of global supply chain disruptions on our restructuring and timing of additional charges to earnings relating to such restructuring;business;
seasonality of our business;
the effect of inflation on our business;business, including any future pricing actions taken in an effort to mitigate the effects of inflation and potential impacts on our revenue, operating margins and net income;
foreign currency and exchange counterparty exposures;
the adequacy of our liquidity position;
future shareholder returns, including share repurchases and dividends;
the impact of pending legal proceedings; and
statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believe", "will", "will be", "will continue", "will likely result", "may", "predicts", "so we can", "when", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "expect", "project", "could", "plans", "seeks", "aim" and similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements will not be realized. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations may not prove to be correct, or we may not achieve the financial results, savings or other benefits anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our senior management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which may be beyond our control. For more information, see "Summary of Risks Affecting our Business" below and "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A on this Annual ReportReport. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed below and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements.
We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, business strategy and financial needs. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors described under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. These risks are not exhaustive. Other sections of this Annual Report include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. We cannot assure you that the results,
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events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this Annual Report, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.
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The forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report relate only to events as of the date on which such statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report or to conform such statements to actual results or revised expectations, except as required by law.
As used herein, "Levi Strauss", "Levi", "Levi’s”, "the company", "the Company", "we", "us", "our" and similar terms include Levi Strauss & Co. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

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SUMMARY OF RISKS AFFECTING OUR BUSINESS
Our business is subject to numerous risks. The following summary highlights some of the risks you should consider with respect to our business and prospects. This summary is not complete, and the risks summarized below are not the only risks we face. You should review and carefully consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described in more detail in thisthe “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K which includes a more complete discussion of the risks summarized below as well as a discussion of other risks related to our business and an investment in our Class A common stock.
The summary of risks affecting our business includes:
the COVID-19 pandemic hasglobal economic conditions have had, and will likely continue to have, an adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition;
Public health crises and a future outbreak of a highly infectious or contagious disease, pandemic or epidemic, including the global economy,COVID-19 pandemic, have had and could in the future have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations;
we are a global company with significant revenues and earnings generated internationally, which exposes us to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and political and economic risks, including changes in tariffs and taxes, inflationary pressures and regulatory restrictions and requirements;
we may be adversely affected by the financial health of our customers;
extreme weather conditions and natural disasters could negatively impact our operating results and financial condition;
our success depends on our ability to maintain the value and reputation of our brands;
failure to continue to obtain or maintain high-quality endorsers of our revenues are influencedproducts, or actions taken by economic conditions that impact consumer spending and consumer confidence and an extended period of global supply chain and economic disruptionour endorsers, could materially affectharm our business, results of operations, access to sources of liquidity and financial condition;
intense competition in the global apparel industry could lead to reduced sales and prices;business;
failure to forecast and respond timely to consumer demand and market conditions and offer on-trend and new and updated products at attractive price points could adversely affect our image and reputation and sales, margins and profitability;
an extended period of global supply chain and economic disruption could materially affect our business, results of operations, access to sources of liquidity and financial condition;
we depend on a group of key wholesale customers for a significant portion of our revenues, and a significant adverse change in a customer relationship or in a customer’s performance or financial position could harm our business and financial condition;
our efforts to expand our retail business may not be successful, which could impact our operating results;
if the implementation ofour technology-based systems do not function effectively, our operating results as well as our ability to grow our digital commerce business globally or to retain our customer digital, and omni-channel initiatives is not successful, if we are unable to effectively execute our e-commerce business, or we do not realize the return on our investments in these initiatives that we anticipate, our reputation and operating results wouldbase, could be materially adversely affected;
we may be unable to maintain or increase our sales through our third-party distribution channels, which can impact, and has adversely impacted in the past, our net revenues, margins and margins;
we are a global company with significant revenues and earnings generated internationally, which exposes usability to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, changes to trade policy (including tariff, sanctions and customs regulations) and other domestic and foreign laws and regulations (including tax reform legislation), as well as political and economic risks;operate efficiently;
if we encounter problems with our distribution, system, whether company-owned or third-party, our ability to meet customer and consumer expectations, manage inventory, complete sales, and achieve operating efficiencies could be adversely affected;
we face risks arising from restructuringunexpected obstacles in new and existing markets may limit our expansion opportunities and cause our business and growth to suffer;
future acquisitions of and investments in new businesses, including the Beyond Yoga® acquisition, could impact our operationsbusiness and uncertainty with respect tofinancial condition;
seasonality and other factors could result in fluctuations in our ability to achieve any anticipated cost savings associated with such restructuring;quarterly operating results;
any major disruptionfailure, inadequacy, compromise or failureinterruption of our information technology systems owned by us and data, or those of third parties upon which we rely, could lead to adverse consequences, including but not limited to regulatory investigations or actions, litigation, fines and penalties, harm to our failureability to successfully implement new technology effectively operate our business, claims that we breached our data privacy security obligations, harm to our reputation, and risks related to cybersecurity, privacy and data protectiona loss of customers or sales;
disruptions or delays at our third-party service providers could increase costs and adversely affect our business and operations;
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production sources that fail to meet our quality, cost, social and environmental compliance and risk mitigation, and other requirements, or failures by our contract manufacturers to perform, could harm our sales, service levels and reputation;
our suppliers may be impacted by economic conditions and cycles and changing laws and regulatory requirements which could impact their ability to do business with us or cause us to terminate our relationship with them and require us to find replacements, which we may have difficulty doing;them;
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if oneintense competition in the global apparel industry could lead to reduced sales and prices;
increases in the price or moreavailability of raw materials could increase our counterpartycost of goods and negatively impact our financial institutions default on their obligationsresults;
our business is subject to us, we may incur significant losses;risks associated with sourcing and manufacturing overseas, including transportation disruptions or a global trade war, and changes in laws or regulation, including in tax policy or trade regulations or imposition of new tariffs, could adversely impact our business and results of operations;
the loss of members of our executive management and other keyhigh-quality employees or the failure to attract, onboard and retain key personnel or maintain our workplace culture, could harm our business;
mostmany of the employees in our production and distribution facilities are covered by collective bargaining agreements, and any material job actions could negatively affect our results of operations;
we have substantial liabilities and cash requirements associated with our postretirement benefits, pension, and deferred compensation plans;
our success depends on the continued protection of our trademarks and other proprietary intellectual property rights;
we are subject to stringent and changing obligations related to data privacy and security and the actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could lead to: regulatory investigations or actions; litigation; fines and penalties; disruptions of our business operations; reputational harm and other adverse business consequences;
our licensees and franchisees may not comply with our product quality, manufacturing standards, social, environmental, marketing, and other requirements, which could negatively affect our reputation and business;
our success depends on the continued protection of our trademarks and other proprietary intellectual property rights;
we have substantial liabilities and cash requirements associated with our postretirement benefits, pension and deferred compensation plans;
natural disasters, public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, political crises, and other catastrophic events or other events outside of our control may damage our facilities or the facilities of third parties on which we depend, and could impact consumer spending;
our products may experience quality problems that could result in negative publicity, litigation, product recalls and warranty claims, which could result in decreased revenues and harm to our brands;
climate changeif one or more of our counterparty financial institutions default on their obligations to us, we may adversely impact our business;incur significant losses;
we have debt and interest payment requirements at a level that may restrict our future operations and restrictions in our notes, indentures and credit facility may limit our activities, including dividend payments, share repurchases and acquisitions;acquisitions.
the dual class structure of our common stock concentrates voting control with descendants of the family of Levi Strauss, who have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted for stockholder approval, which will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and may depress the trading price of our Class A common stock; and
increasesenvironmental, social and governance practices could result in the price or availability of raw materialsadditional costs, and could increase our cost of goods and negativelyadversely impact our financial results.reputation, consumer perception, employee retention, and willingness of third parties to do business with us.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our corporate website, press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.webcasts(including our Investor Relations page at http://investors.levistrauss.com). We also use the following social media channels as a means of disclosing information about our company, products, planned financial and other announcements, attendance at upcoming investor and industry conferences and other matters, as well as for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended:
our Investor Relations page (https://levistrauss.com/investors/financial-news);
our Twitter account (https://twitter.com/LeviStraussCo);
our company blog (https://www.levistrauss.com/unzipped-blog/);
our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/levistraussco/);
our LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/company/levi-strauss-&-co-);
our Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/levistraussco/); and
our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/levistraussvideo).
The information we post through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. This list may be updated from time to time. The information we post through these channels is not a part of this Annual Report.
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PART I 
Item 1.BUSINESS
Overview
From our California Gold Rush beginnings, we have grown into one of the world's largest brand-name apparel companies. A history of responsible business practices, rooted in our core values, has helped us build our brands and engender consumer trust around the world. Under our Levi's®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen® brands, we design, market and sell – directly or through third parties and licensees – products that include jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, shorts, skirts, dresses, jackets, footwear, and related accessories for men, women and children around the world. Our newest brand, Beyond Yoga®, acquired in 2021, is a body positive, premium athleisure apparel brand focused on quality, fit and comfort for all shapes and sizes.
COVID-19 Impact on our Business
The COVID-19 pandemic materially impacted ourOur Levi's Brands business, which includes the Levi's, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and results of operations in fiscal year 2020. Many of our company-operated stores and wholesale customer doors were temporarily closed for various periods of time during the year, with the majority of the impact occurring in the second quarter when the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit globally. Recently, during our fourth quarter, a resurgence in COVID-19 cases has resulted in the temporary re-closure and reduced operating hours of some of our stores, mainly in Europe.
Throughout the pandemic, our top priority has been to protect the health and safety of our employees and our consumers. In March 2020, we temporarily closed many of our corporate offices and other facilities, and implemented an interim work from home policy for many of our corporate employees that, in most cases, we are still continuing to follow. As company-operated retail stores were re-opened, we followed local health guidelines, as well as internally derived specific health-related criteria with an emphasis on comprehensive safety precautions, including frequent cleaningDenizen® brands, is presented in our storesfinancial statements under the caption of Levi's Brands and limitingis defined geographically in three reportable segments: Americas, Europe and Asia. The Dockers® and Beyond Yoga® businesses are presented in our financial statements under the numbercaption of shoppers to allow for social distancing.
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, we are focused on the areas that will drive value and enable us to emerge stronger on the other side, including elevating our brand, investing in digital tools and capabilities, and accelerating our efforts to diversify across geographies, product categories and distribution channels, including our direct-to-consumer and digital businesses.Other Brands.
Our Global Reach
Our products are sold in more than 110 countries, grouped into three geographic regions that comprise our three operating segments: the Americas, Europe and Asia (which includes the Middle East and Africa).countries. We service our customers through our global infrastructure, developing, sourcing and marketing our products around the world. Although our brands are recognized as authentically "American,"“American”, we derived over half of our net revenues from outside the United States in fiscal year 2020. A summary of financial information for each regional operating segment is found in Note 22 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report. As a global company with sales and operations in foreign countries, we are subject to risks of doing business in foreign countries. For more information, see "Item 1A – Risk Factors"."2023.
Our products are sold in approximately 50,000over 45,000 retail locations worldwide, including approximately 3,1003,200 brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops. In the United States, chain retailers and department stores have traditionally been the primary distribution channels for our Levi's® and Dockers® products. Outside the United States, department stores, specialty retailers, franchised or other brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops have traditionally been our primary distribution channels. Levi's® and Dockers® products are also sold through our brand-dedicated company-operated retail stores and through our global digital business, which includes our company-operated e-commerce sites as well as the online businesses of our wholesale customers, including those of traditional wholesalers as well as pure playpure-play (online-only) wholesalers. Beyond Yoga® products are sold in the United States primarily through specialty retailers, pure-play wholesalers, brand-dedicated company-operated retail stores and a company-operated brand dedicated e-commerce site. We distribute Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen® brand products primarily through mass channel retailers in the Americas, including the e-commerce sites operated by some of our key wholesale customers and other pure playpure-play customers.
We were founded in San Francisco, California in 1853 and were incorporated in Delaware in 1970. We conduct our operations outside the United States through foreign subsidiaries. We have headquarters in San Francisco, Brussels and Singapore. Our primary corporate office is located at Levi's Plaza, 1155 Battery Street, San Francisco, California 94111, and our main telephone number is (415) 501-6000.
Our website – www.levistrauss.com – contains additional and detailed information about our history, our products and our commitments. Financial news and reports and related information about our company can be found at levistrauss.com/investors/financial-newshttp://investors.levistrauss.com.
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We file or furnish electronically with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"“Exchange Act”). We make copies of these reports available free of charge through our investor relations website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file or furnish them with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding Levi Strauss and other issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Information contained on or accessible through our websites is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this Annual Report or any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.
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Our Business Strategies
Our growthWe aspire to be the world's best apparel company, famous for our brands and financial performance over the last several years resulted from the key growth strategies our management team adopted to guide the decisions and choices that we've made. The growth and evolution of our company now requires ourvalues. Our business strategies to evolve.
As we entered fiscal 2021, we shiftedare focused on our focus tofundamental advantages and prioritize the most important areas that we believe will drive our long-term success. We believe these strategies over the long term will set us up to deliver annual net revenue growth of approximately 6-8%, reaching approximately $9 billion to $10 billion in total company net revenue, and to grow Adjusted EBIT margins to approximately 15% over the long term, all while living our mission of delivering profits through principles.
The following three “where to play” choices will serve as our strategic framework for what we intend to achieve:
Brand Led: Our brands are authentic, original and loved by consumers the world over. We plan to continue to elevateelevating and strengthen themstrengthening all of our brands through integrating product, design, positioning, marketing and consumer in-store experience withto ensure they are the “Center of Culture”. We will drive growth in women's and tops through a global vision executed consistently across the markets where we operate. Through productsharpened focus on denim dressing and communications that drive impact and engage the hearts and minds of our consumers, we intend to maintaindenim lifestyle, building end-to-end capability in key lifestyle apparel categories beyond jeans. We believe these actions will strengthen loyalty with our existing consumersfans while also creating new life-long fans. Driven by conscious consumerism and denim and style leadership, our goal is to maintain market share leadership in Levi’s® men’s and grow market share in Levi’s® women’s and with youth. We believe that a critical part of this will be our continued thought leadership in areas where our values and brands go hand in hand — like equality, sustainability and civic engagement — to drive brand equity. Similarly, we will apply the same ambitions to Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.TM and Denizen®.lifelong ones.
DTC First: OurWe believe our direct-to-consumer ("DTC"(“DTC”) business has grown from 20% of our net revenues in 2011 to nearly 40% of our net revenues in fiscal year 2020, and our ambition is to drive this toward 60% of our annual net revenues over the next decade. Our DTC channels allow us to connect directlyshowcase the fullest expression of our brands and drive category diversification while also enhancing connections with our consumers and deliver the best experience for them because we control their brand experience.consumer. As a result, we plan to accelerate investingcontinue building a harmonized omni-channel marketplace where each channel reinforces the other, driving consumer engagement and increasing their satisfaction. This requires increased investments in our stores, and online platforms to elevate consumer experiences in store and online, and expandexpanding our brick-and-mortar retail footprint with a focus on mainline expansion, as a steptechnology to continue elevatingwin with the brand in key markets, to create the kind of memorable connections that make loyal fans for life, ultimately benefitingconsumer and our business across all channels. One ofpeople, and enhancing our “DTC First” strategic priorities isin-store, ecommerce and omni-channel capabilities to further develop an omni-channelelevate the shopping experience for our customers through the integration of our store and digital shopping channels. Our omni-channel initiatives include cross-channel logistics optimization and exploring additional waysexperience. In addition to develop an omni-channel shopping experience, including further digital integration and customer personalization. We believe growth of our DTC businessinitiatives, we will be accretivealso focus on our wholesale channel, partnering with customers that are focused on delivering high quality results and service to our company gross margins and improve the overall profitability of the company. Over time, we plan to operate more like a retailer and less like a wholesaler, and pivot everything we do to drive success inconsumers, while also elevating our stores and online.Levi’s® brand.
Further Diversify our Portfolio: We plan to further capitalizeaccelerate growth in international markets, with a focus on our substantial opportunity to amplify our reach and grow share across geographies, categories, genders and channels, increasing our flexibility and resilience.high-growth markets. We plan to continue to driveachieve growth expectations in our international business, with a specific focus on China.Over the next decade, we plan to achieve gender parity by driving outsized growth in women’s, as well as in our product categories beyond jeans—tops, accessories, outerwear, footwear, non-denim bottoms—which collectively we intend to comprise more than half our annual net revenues.In the wholesale channel, we plan to growunder-penetrated parts of our business with partners that are growing, allowing us to unlock the opportunity to elevate the Levi’s® brandsuch as well as increase the penetration oftops and women's, expanding our value brands. We expect continued growth of the online business of our pure-play and traditional wholesale customers, leading to a total global digital footprint—inclusive of our own ecommerce business—comprising more than a third of our annual net revenues over the next decade.Finally, we will also evaluate opportunities to diversify our portfolio of brands through accretive inorganic acquisitions that make strategic and financial sense, and that are consistent with our company culture. addressable market.
Our success will be driven not just by what we do, but how we do it. Our three strategic choices are supported by a foundation of the following three “how to win” choices:
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Digital Transformation: Our vision for enterprise-wide digital transformation is to create a superior consumer experience and drive profitability through digital technology, data and artificial intelligence ("AI"), and new ways of working. We have been investing, and plan to continue to build outinvest in key omnichannelomni-channel capabilities, on a global basis, upgrading and improving our digital shopping platforms globally. We also plan to adopt digital tools across the business to harness the competitive advantage our data provides — allowing us to make data and AI-informed decisions, respond more quickly to market trends and focus our time on the most strategic work. We also plan to upgradeupgrading our enterprise resource planning system, in the coming years, automating and digitizing processes, while linking our enterprise systems in a seamless manner, creatingall of which create a more simplified work environment. We believe all these efforts will contribute towards growing our digital footprint and achieving higher operating margins.
Operational Excellence: To stay one step ahead of the competition, we mustWe will continue to look for ways to embrace agility, reduce complexity and execute consistently, always striving to find more streamlinedfurther streamline our ways of working. For example, we have taken and will continue to takeThis includes taking steps to improve our speed to market calendar and agility with a focus on servicing consumer demand globally such asand creating fewer touch points as merchandise goes to marketmarket. We believe these actions will drive efficiencies, reduce lead times and leveraging our F.L.X. technology, which uses lasersallow us to digitize denim finish design, to improve operational agility and improved inventory management. We expect that by simplifying the way we work and driving more efficiency and agility in respondingrespond quickly to changes in consumer demand we will see improvedwhile also improving our inventory turns, reduced lead times and improvements in working capital and our cash conversion cycle.
Financial Discipline: We plan to continue to manage our costs aggressively so that we can invest in the areas that will drive growth and help us deliver Adjusted EBIT margins in excess of 12% upon net revenues recovering to pre-COVID levels.15% over the long term. As we grow net revenues and gross margins, we plan to drive leverage on our investments, improve our structural economics across channels, and deliver returnsReturns on invested capital inof greater than 23% over the mid-teens.long term.
Our ability to deliver our long term goals assumes no significant worsening of inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, foreign currency impacts and the impact of geopolitical conflict. If any of these impacts change significantly, the timing of when we achieve our long term goals will be affected.
We define Return on invested capital as the trailing four quarters of Adjusted net income before interest and after taxes divided by the average trailing five quarters of total invested capital. We define total invested capital as total debt plus shareholders' equity less cash and short-term investments. For more information on our calculation of Adjusted EBIT margin and Adjusted net income, see “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
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Our Brands and Products
We offer a broad range of products including jeans, casual and dress pants, activewear, tops, shorts, skirts, dresses, jackets, footwear and related accessories. Across all of our brands, pants – including jeans, casual pants, and dress pants and activewear – represented 65%68%, 65%67% and 68%67% of our total units sold in fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. Tops – including shirts, sweaters, jackets, dresses and jumpsuits – represented 26%, 26% and 25% of our total units sold in fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The remainder of our products are footwear and accessories. Men's products generated 64%, 67%65% and 69%65% of our net revenues in fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. Women's products generated 34%, 33% and 33% of our net revenues in fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The remainder of our products are non-gendered. Products other than denim bottoms – which include tops, footwear and accessories and pants excluding jeans – represented 39%, 38%, and 37% of our net revenues in fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Levi's® Brand
The Levi's® brand epitomizes classic, authentic American style and effortless cool. Levi's® is an authentic and original lifestyle brand and the #1 brand globally in jeanswear (measured by total retail sales). Since their inception in 1873, Levi's® jeans have become one of the most recognizable garments in the world – reflecting the aspirations and earning the loyalty of people for generations. Consumers around the world instantly recognize the distinctive traits of Levi's® jeans, including the Arcuate Stitching Design and the Red Tab Device. The Levi's® brand continues to evolve to meet the tastes of today's consumers, driven by its distinctive pioneering and innovative spirit. Our range of leading jeanswear, other apparel items and accessories for men, women and children is available in more than 110 countries, allowing individuals around the world to express their personal style.
The Levi's® brand encompasses a range of products. Levi's® Red Tab™ products are the foundation of the brand, consisting of a wide spectrum of jeans and jeanswear offered in a variety of fits, fabrics, finishes, styles and price points intended to appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers. The line includes the iconic 501® jean, the original and best-selling five-pocket jean of all time. In 2023, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the 501® jean. The line also incorporates a full range of jeanswear fits and styles designed specifically for women. Sales of Red Tab™ products represented the majority of our Levi's® brand net revenues in all three of our regionsglobally in fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018.2021. We also offer premium products around the world under the Levi's® brand, including a range of premium pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear, and related accessories.
Our Levi's® brand products accounted for 87%, 87% and 86% of our net revenues in each of the fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively, approximately half of which were generated in our Americas region.
Dockers® Brand
Foundedsegment in 1986, the Dockers® brand sparked a revolution in the way millions of men dressed around the world, shifting from the standard issue suit to a more casual look. 30 years later, the Dockers® brand continues to embody the spirit of khakis and define business casual. Since its introduction, the brand has focused on men's khakis and the essential clothing accessories to go with them.
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Our Dockers® brand products accounted for 5%, 6% and 7% of our net revenues in fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Although the substantial majorityeach of these net sales were in the Americas region, Dockers® brand products were sold in more than 50 countries.years.
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen® Brands
In addition to our Levi's® and Dockers® brands,brand, we offer the Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen® brands, which are focused on value-conscious consumers who seek quality craftsmanship and great fit and style at affordable prices. We offer denim jeans, casual pants, tops and jackets in a variety of fits, fabrics and finishes for men, women and children under the Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ brand through the mass retail channel primarily in the United States and Canada. The Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ was introduced in 2003. The Denizen® brand was introduced in the United States starting in 2011, and includes a variety of jeans to complement active lifestyles and to empower consumers to express their aspirations, individuality and attitudes. The Denizen® brand is sold through wholesale accounts inprimarily within the United States.
Our Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen® brand products collectively accounted for 8%5%, 7%6% and 7%8% of our net revenues in fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively.
Dockers® Brand
Founded in 1986, the Dockers® brand sparked a revolution in the way millions of men dressed around the world, shifting from the standard issue suit to a more casual look. Today, the Dockers® brand continues to be the authority on khaki and offers a wide range of apparel and accessories, for men and women, with no compromises in quality – always superior comfort and versatile style. While the brand remains focused on the classic khaki style and its founding principles, Dockers® has evolved its offerings to include more variety and appeal to a broader set of shoppers in both their professional and personal lives. There are approximately 100 company-operated retail stores – predominately in the south of Europe and Latin America. Of the 36 new stores opened in fiscal year 2023, two are in the U.S. and the remaining international.
Our Dockers® brand products accounted for 5% of our net revenues in each of the fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 and are sold in more than 50 countries.
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Beyond Yoga® Brand
Our Beyond Yoga® brand is a body positive, premium athleisure apparel brand focused on quality, fit and comfort for all shapes and sizes. Beyond Yoga® was founded in 2005 to promote body positivity, honoring and celebrating every body from XXS-4X. The brand produces clothing that fosters well-being in luxuriously soft, no-hassle care fabrics for styles that keep up with the toughest workouts and beyond. Beyond Yoga® is about more than just comfort and performance; the brand has created an inclusive community centered on body positivity, the celebration of diversity, and giving back to causes in which it believes. The company is female-founded, female-run and nearly 90% female-led. The brand has six total stores with a majority of openings happening within 2023, including its first door outside of California located in Chicago. We acquired the Beyond Yoga® brand in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Our Beyond Yoga® brand products accounted for 2% of our net revenues in both fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2022.
Licensing
The appeal of our brands across consumer groups and our global reach enable us to license our Levi's® and Dockers® trademarks for a variety of product categories in multiple markets in each of our regions,globally, including footwear, belts, wallets, and bags, outerwear, sweaters, dress shirts, kidswear, sleepwear and hosiery. Licensing accounted for 1%, 1% and 2% of our total net revenues in each of fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018.2021, respectively.
We enter into licensing agreements with our licensees covering royalty payments, product design and manufacturing standards, marketing and sale of licensed products, and protection of our trademarks. We require our licensees to follow our sustainability strategy, policies and guidelines, including being compliant with our code of conduct for contract manufacturing and engage independent monitors to perform regular on-site inspections and assessments of production facilities.
Sales, Distribution and Customers
We recognize wholesale revenue from sales of our products through third-party retailers such as department stores, specialty retailers, third-party e-commerce sites and franchise locations dedicated to our brands. We also sell our products directly to consumers through a variety of formats, including our own company-operated mainline and outlet stores, company-operated e- commercee-commerce sites and select shop-in-shops located in department stores and other third-party retail locations. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the third-party retailer locations and our company-operated stores were temporarily closed for various periods of time during the year.
We seek to make our products available where consumers shop, providing both in-store and online shopping experiences, as well as offering products that are appropriately tailored for our wholesale customers and their retail consumers. We take care to select wholesale customers and distributors that we believe will represent our brands in a manner consistent with our values and growth strategies. Sales to our top ten wholesale customers for fiscal year 2020, fiscal year 2019,totaled 28%, 31% and fiscal year 2018, totaled 29%, 26% and 27%32% of our net revenues in those fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. No single customer represented 10% or more of our net revenues in any of these years.
We also sell our products directly to consumers through shop-in-shops located in certain of our wholesale customers’ and other third-party retail locations. Typically, this format is conducted on a concession basis, whereby the inventory continues to be owned by us (not the retailer) until ultimate sale to the end consumer. The salespeople involved in these transactions are generally our employees and not those of the retailer. We recognize revenue in the amount of the sale to the end consumer, while paying our partners a commission. We operated approximately 500550 of these shop-in-shops as of November 29, 2020.26, 2023.
Dedicated Stores and E-commerce Sites
We believe retail stores dedicated to our brands are important for the growth, visibility, availability and commercial success of our brands, and they are an increasingly important part of our "DTC First"“DTC First” strategy. Our brand-dedicated stores are either operated by us or by independent third parties such as franchisees. In addition to the dedicated stores, we maintain brand-dedicated e-commerce sites that sell products directly to consumers.
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Company-operated brick-and-mortar retail stores.  Our company-operated retail stores, comprising both mainline and outlet stores, generated 25%29%, 27%26% and 26%25% of our net revenues in fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, we had 1,0421,172 company-operated stores predominantlylocated in 37 countries. The majority of the stores are dedicated to the Levi's® stores, located in 36 countries across our three regions. We had 359 of thesebrand, with 412 stores in the Americas, 356291 stores in Europe, and 327366 stores in Asia. We had 97 Dockers® brand-dedicated stores globally and we opened six Beyond Yoga® stores during the year. During 2020,2023, we added 175152 company-operated stores and closed 3869 stores.
Franchised and other stores.  Franchised, licensed, or other forms of brand-dedicated stores operated by independent third parties sell Levi's® and Dockers® products in markets outside the United States. There were approximately 1,3001,200 of these stores as of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, and they are a key element of our international distribution. In addition to these stores, we consider our network of brand-dedicated shop-in-shops, which are located within department stores and may be either operated directly by us or third parties, to be an important component of our retail distribution in international markets. Outside the United States, approximately 200120 of these shop-in-shops were operated by third parties as of November 29, 2020.26, 2023.
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E-commerce sites. We maintain brand-dedicated e-commerce sites, including www.levi.com, www.dockers.com and www.dockers.comwww.beyondyoga.com, that sell products directly to consumers across multiple markets around the world. These sites represented 8%9%, 5%7% and 4%8% of overalltotal net revenues in fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018;2021, respectively; and 21%20%, 14%19% and 13%21% of DTC channel net revenues in fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018.2021, respectively.
Information contained on or accessible through our websites is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this Annual Report or any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Seasonality of Sales
We typically achieve our largest quarterly revenues in the fourth quarter. In fiscal year 2020,2023, our net revenues in the first, second, third and fourth quarters represented 34%27%, 11%22%, 24% and 31%27%, respectively, of our total net revenues for the year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, net revenues were adversely impacted by temporary store closures and reduced traffic and consumer demand, with the majority of the impact occurring in the second quarter when most company-operated and wholesale customer doors were temporarily closed. In the fourth quarter, a resurgence in COVID-19 cases led to the temporary closure of some of our stores, predominantly in Europe. In fiscal year 2019,2022, our net revenues in the first, second, third and fourth quarters represented 25%26%, 23%24%, 25%24% and 27%26%, respectively, of our total net revenues for the year.
We typically achieve a significant amount of revenues from our DTC channel on the Friday following Thanksgiving Day, which is commonly referred to as Black Friday. Due to the timing of our fiscal year end, a particular fiscal year might include one, two or no Black Fridays, which could impact our net revenues for the fiscal year. Fiscal year 2018years 2023, 2022 and 2021 each included one Black Friday. Fiscal year 2019 did not have a Black Friday, while fiscal year 2020 had two Black Fridays.
We use a 52- or 53- week fiscal year, with each fiscal year ending on the Sunday that is closest to November 30 of that year. Certain of our foreign subsidiaries have fiscal years ending November 30. Each fiscal year generally consists of four 13-week quarters, with each quarter ending on the Sunday that is closest to the last day of the month of that quarter. Fiscal year 2020 was a 53-week year, ending on November 29, 2020,years 2023, 2022 and fiscal years 2019 and 20182021 were 52-week years, ending on November 24, 201926, 2023, November 27, 2022 and November 25, 2018,28, 2021, respectively. Each quarter of fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021 consisted of 13 weeks, with the exception of theweeks. The fourth quarter of 2020, which consisted2024 will consist of 14 weeks.weeks and end on December 1, 2024.
The level of our working capital reflects the seasonality of our business. We expect inventory, accounts payablebusiness and accrued expensesvaries throughout the year to be higher in the secondsupport our seasonal and third quarters in preparation for the fourth quarter selling season, but they could also be impacted by other events affecting retail sales, including adverse weather conditions or other macroeconomic events, including pandemics suchholiday revenue patterns as COVID-19.well as business trends.
Effects of Inflation
We believe inflation in the regions where most of our sales occur has not had a significant effect onInflationary pressures negatively impacted our net revenues, or profitability.
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labor, products, and beginning in July 2022, a slowdown in consumer demand for our products. We implemented price increases on many of our products in the latter half of 2022 to mitigate the effect of higher costs. If these inflationary pressures continue, our revenue, operating margins and net income will be impacted in 2024. For more information regarding risks we face with respect to inflation, see “Item 1A – Risk Factors”.
Marketing and Promotion
Our marketing is rooted in globally consistent brand messages that reflect the unique attributes of our brands, including the Levi's® brand as the authentic and original jeanswear brand and the Dockers® brand as the definitive khaki. We continually strengthen our portfolio of brands and our positioning at the center of popular culture with a diverse mix of marketing initiatives to drive consumer demand, such as through social media and digital and mobile outlets, sponsorships, product placement in leading fashion magazines and with celebrities, television and radio advertisements, personal sponsorships and endorsements, and selective collaborations with key influencers, integrating ourselves with significant cultural events, and on-the-ground efforts such as street-level events and similar targeted "viral"“viral” marketing activities. We also connect with sport and music fans across the world, including through the naming rights to the stadium for the San Francisco 49ers, which we secured in 2013.
We are focused on strengthening our brands globally. Through product and communications, our plan is to drive impact and engage the hearts and minds of our consumers while connecting directly and delivering the best experience possible through our DTC channel. In 2023, our Levi’s mobile app continued to achieve increased engagement with monthly active users up throughout the year and we deepened our direct, personalized relationships with our consumers through the expansion of our global loyalty programs. In 2023, we celebrated the 150In 2020, when all music festivals were cancelled or postponed dueth anniversary of the 501® jean anchored in a brand campaign called The Greatest Story Ever Worn. The campaign included a Levi’s® 501® Experience, an immersive pop-up in San Francisco, where fans could see everything from the oldest pair of Levi’s® jeans on display to denim worn by pop culture icons, including the Rolling Stones, Lauryn Hill, Leon Bridges, Steve Jobs and Harvey Milk. Throughout the year, we delivered product freshness and innovation to the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched501® family, from limited-edition product drops like the reimagined 1873 “XX Waist Overalls” (the Levi’s® brand’s first blue jeans) to mainline product newness with the Men’s 501® ‘54 and the Women’s 501® ‘81 to new innovations like our Plant-Based 501®, a month-long virtual music festival with our Instagram Live 5:01 concert series, which allowed us to connect with our fans duringhemp-cotton blend Selvedge 501® and a time when most were sheltering in place due to government and state imposed restrictions. Circular 501We rolled out curbside pickup, buy online pick up in store, and launched a “virtual concierge,” offering consumers the chance to have one-on-one interactions with a store associate in the comfort of their own home. In addition, we® were onejean.
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Table of the first brands to launch on TikTok’s new “Shop Now” program in the U.S., partnering with influencers to showcase our F.L.X. laser technology and Contentsgenerating exposure through selective collaborations with iconic partners, including LEGO, Nintendo's Super Mario Brothers and Peanuts, with a surprise Levi’s-by-Valentino collaboration unveiled on the runway in Milan.
Our marketing organization includes both global and regionalcommercial marketing teams. Our global marketing team is responsible for developing a toolkit of marketing assets and brand guidelines to be applied across all marketing activities, including media, engagement, brand environment and in-store activation. Our regionalcommercial marketing teams adapt global tools for local relevance and execute marketing strategies within the markets where we operate.
We also use our websites, including www.levi.com and, www.dockers.com, and www.beyondyoga.com in relevant markets to enhance consumer understanding of our brands and help consumers find and buy our products. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, these websites is not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report and references to our website addressed in this Annual Report are inactive textual references only.
Sourcing and Logistics
Organization.  Our global sourcing and logistics organizations are responsible for taking a product from the design concept stage through production to delivery to our customers. Our objective is to leverage our global scale to achieve product development and sourcing efficiencies and reduce total product and distribution costs while maintaining our focus on product quality, local service levels and working capital management. Our presence in more than 110 countries enables us to leverage our global scale for product development and sourcing while using our local expertise to tailor products and retail experiences to individual markets. Our integrated production development and distribution platform enables us to achieve operating efficiencies and deliver superior quality products.
Product procurement.  We source nearly all of our products through independent contract manufacturers. We may have minimum inventory purchase commitments, including fabric commitments, with suppliers that secure a portion of material needs for future seasons. The remainder is sourced from our company-operated manufacturing and finishing plants. See "Item 2 – Properties" for more information about these manufacturing facilities.
Sources and availability of raw materials.  The principal fibers used in the majority of our products include cotton, synthetics and man-made cellulosics that are used to produce fabrics of 100% composition or blends. The prices we pay our suppliers for our products are dependent in part on the market price for raw materials used to produce them, primarily cotton. The price and availability of cotton may fluctuate substantially, depending on a variety of factors. Thefactors, including the effects of inflation. Current price fluctuations impact the cost of our products in future seasons due to the lead time of our product development cycle. Fluctuations in product costs can cause a decrease in our profitability if product pricing actions taken in response are insufficient or if those actions cause our wholesale customers or retail consumers to reduce the volumes they purchase.profitability.
Sourcing locations.  We use numerous independent contract manufacturers located throughout the world for the production and finishing of our garments. We conduct assessments of political, social, environmental, economic, trade, labor and intellectual property protection conditions in the countries in which we source our products before placing production in those countries and on an ongoing basis. We also monitor ongoing global trade regulations to optimize our supply chain networks in response to changes in tariffs or other trade policies around the world.
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In fiscal year 2020,2023, we sourced productsproduct from independent contract manufacturers located in approximately 2432 countries around the world, includingwith no more than 30% sourced from any single country, in line with our updated sourcing strategy for the United States.post-COVID environment. We sourced products in North and South Asia, the Americas, including the United States, Europe and Africa. No single country accounted for more than 20% of our sourcing in fiscal year 2020.
Sourcing practices.  Our sourcing practices include these elements:
We require all third-party vendors, including licensees and their authorized subcontractors, who manufacture or finish products for us to contribute to our sustainability goals and to follow all established policies and guidelines. They must comply with our code of conduct relating to supplier working conditions as well as environmental, employment and sourcing practices.
Our supplier code of conduct covers employment practices such as wages and benefits, working hours, health and safety, working age and discriminatory practices, environmental matters such as wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal, and ethical and legal conduct. We regularly evaluate and refine our code of conduct processes.
We regularly assess manufacturing and finishing facilities against our supplier code of conduct through periodic on-site facility inspections and improvement activities, including use of independent monitors to supplement our internal staff. We integrate review and performance results into our sourcing decisions. We encourage collaboration among apparel companies in factory monitoring and improvement.
We regularly disclose the names and locations of our vendors to provide transparency into our supply chain. We regularly evaluate and refine our code of conduct processes.
Logistics.  We use company-operated and third-party distribution facilities to warehouse and ship products to our wholesale customers, retail stores and e-commerce customers. For more information, see "Item“Item 2 – Properties." Properties”.
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Distribution center activities include receiving finished goods from our contract manufacturers and plants, inspecting those products, preparing them for retail presentation, and shipping them to our customers, our e-commerce consumers, and to our own stores. Our distribution centers maintain a combination of replenishment and seasonal inventory. In certain locations around the globe, we have consolidated our distribution centers to service multiple countries.
Competition
The global apparel industry is highly competitive and fragmented. It is characterized by low barriers to entry, brands targeted at specific consumer segments, many regional and local competitors, and an increasing number of global competitors. Additionally, the company competes for consumers’ discretionary spend with businesses in other product and experiential categories such as technology, restaurants, travel and media content. Principal competitive factors include:
anticipating and responding to changing consumer preferences and buying trends in a timely manner, and ensuring product availability at wholesale and DTC channels;
developing high-quality, innovative products with relevant designs, fits, finishes, fabrics, style and performance features that meet consumer desires and trends;
maintaining favorable and strong brand name recognition, loyalty and appeal through strong and effective marketing support and consumer intelligence in diverse market segments;
identifying and securing desirable new retail locations and presenting products effectively at company-operated retail and franchised and other brand-dedicated stores;
ensuring high-profile product placement at retailers;
anticipating and responding to consumer expectations regarding e-commerce shopping and shipping;
optimizing supply chain cost efficiencies and product development cycle lead times;
withstanding prolonged periods of adverse economic conditions or business disruptions;
adapting to changes in technology, including the successful utilization of data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning;
sourcing sustainable and traceable raw materials at cost-effective prices;
recruiting and retaining employees to operate our retail stores, distribution centers and various corporate functions;
protecting our intellectual property;
providing attractive, reliable, secure and user-friendly digital commerce sites;
creating products at a range of price points that appeal to the consumers of both our wholesale customers and our dedicated retail stores and e-commerce sites situated in each of our geographic regions; and
generating competitive economics for wholesale customers, including retailers, franchisees, and licensees.
We believe we compete favorably with respect to these factors.
We face competition from a broad range of competitors at the global regional and local levels in diverse channels across a wide range of retail price points, and some of our competitors are larger and have more resources in the markets in which we operate. Our primary competitors include vertically integrated specialty stores, jeanswear brands, khakiwear brands, athletic wearand activewear companies, retailers' private or exclusive labels, and certain e-commerce sites.
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Government Regulations
Our business activities are global and are subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign laws, rules and regulations. For example, substantially all of our import operations are subject to complex trade and customs laws, regulations and tax requirements such as sanctions orders or tariffs set by governments through mutual agreements or unilateral actions. In addition, the countries in which our products are manufactured or imported may from time to time impose additional duties, tariffs or other restrictions on our imports or adversely modify existing restrictions. Changes in tax policy or trade regulations, the disallowance of tax deductions on imported merchandise, or the imposition of new tariffs on imported products, could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, we are subject to changing regulatory restrictions and requirements, including in the areas of data privacy, sustainability and responses to climate change. Compliance with these laws, rules and regulations has not had, and is not currently expected to have, a material effect on our capital expenditures, results of operations and competitive position as compared to prior periods, and we do not currently anticipate material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities.position. For more information on the potential impacts of government regulations affecting our business, see "Item“Item 1A - Risk Factors"Factors”.
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Intellectual Property
We have more than 5,4006,200 trademark registrations and pending applications in approximately 180 jurisdictions worldwide, and we acquire rights in new trademarks according to business needs. Substantially all of our global trademarks are owned by Levi Strauss & Co. or its wholly-owned affiliates. We regard our trademarks as one of our most valuable assets and believe they have substantial value in the marketing of our products. The Levi's®, Dockers®,Beyond Yoga® and 501® trademarks, the Arcuate Stitching Design, the Tab Device, the Two Horse® Design, the Housemark and the Wings and Anchor Design are among our core trademarks.
We protect these trademarks by registering them with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and with governmental agencies in other countries, particularly where our products are manufactured or sold. We work vigorously to enforce and protect our trademark rights by engaging in regular market reviews, helping local law enforcement authorities detect and prosecute counterfeiters, issuing cease-and-desist letters against third parties infringing or denigrating our trademarks, opposing registration of infringing trademarks, and initiating litigation as necessary. We are currently pursuing over 260nearly 350 infringement matters around the world. We also work with trade groups and industry participants seeking to strengthen laws relating to the protection of intellectual property rights in markets around the world.
As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, we had fourteen65 issued U.S. patents, 15 issued foreign patents and 4348 U.S. patent applications pending. Our patents expire between 2025 and 2039.2042. We also have 34had 29 international and foreign patent applications pending. We will continually assess the ability to patent new intellectual property as we develop technologies that we believe are innovative, such as our F.L.X. technology.
Human Capital Management
As of November 29, 2020, we employed approximately 14,800 people, approximately 6,100 of whom were located in the Americas, 4,600 were located in Europe, and 4,100 were located in Asia. As of such date, approximately 1,700 of our employees were associated with the manufacturing and procurement of our products, 7,900 worked in retail, including seasonal employees, 1,300 worked in distribution and 3,900 were other non-production employees. As of November 29, 2020, approximately 4,080 of our employees were represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have not experienced any work stoppages, and we consider our relations with our employees to be good.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging.We believe in living our values: originality, empathy, integrity and courage. This means we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered and welcomed to be their authentic selves.
Since 2018, our workforce diversity, inclusion and belonging efforts have been focused on empowering women, measuring and ensuring pay equity and recruiting diverse talent. Some of our key achievements include establishing a Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging function, launching employee resource groups and career development programs for underrepresented populations and fostering inclusion and allyship globally.
In 2020, we recognized the need to do more, and made a series of new commitments to hire, support, promote and elevate diversity at the company, with a goal to ensure our workforce is as diverse as the communities we serve. This includes our specific commitments to improve our representation in our corporate and leadership ranks, ensure an inclusive culture and advocate externally in support of racial justice. We published our U.S. demographic representation data for the first time ever, with a commitment to share annually. In fiscal year 2021, we hired a Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer and welcomed our first Black board of directors member, key additions that we believe will help guide and enable our global commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Pay Equity.In fiscal year 2020, we conducted a pay equity study for our U.S. non-union population. The study considered job level, performance, experience, and other factors such as promotion recency to examine our relative pay practices across gender and ethnicity in each population. We did not find any significant pay differences across gender and
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ethnicity. We have committed to conduct this study in the U.S. every other year and are working on a global approach that is appropriate for countries with smaller employee counts.
Total Rewards.Our benefits are designed to help employees and their families stay healthy, meet their financial goals, protect their income and help them balance their work and personal lives. These benefits include health and wellness, paid time off, employee assistance, competitive pay, career growth opportunities, paid volunteer time, product discounts, and a culture of recognition.
History and Corporate Citizenship
Our story began in San Francisco, California in 1853 as a wholesale dry goods business. We invented the blue jean 20 years later. In 1873, we received a U.S. patent for “waist overalls” with metal rivets at points of strain. The first product line designated by the lot number "501"“501” was created in 1890.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, our work pants were worn primarily by cowboys, miners and other working men in the western United States. Then, in 1934, we introduced our first jeans for women, and after World War II, our jeans began to appeal to a wider market. By the 1960s, they had become a symbol of American culture, representing a unique blend of history and youth. We opened our export and international businesses in the 1950s and 1960s, respectively. The Dockers® brand helped drive "Casual Friday"“Casual Friday” in the 1990s and has been a cornerstone of casual menswear for more than 30 years.
Today, descendants of the family of Levi Strauss continue to be actively involved in our company. Our Class B common stock is primarily owned by these descendants and their relatives and trusts established for their behalf. In order to facilitate a forum for frequent, open and constructive dialogue between us and these stockholders, the family members have organized a family council, which engages with us on topics of mutual interest, such as our industry, governance, ownership and philanthropy. Management shares information and interacts with the family members, including the family council, in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.
Throughout this long history, we have upheld our strong belief that we can help shape society through civic engagement and community involvement, responsible labor and workplace practices, philanthropy, ethical conduct, environmental stewardship and transparency. We engage in a "profits“profits through principles"principles” business approach and constantly strive to set higher standards for ourselves and the industry. Our milestone initiatives over the years includeinclude: integrating our factories prior to the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; developing a comprehensive supplier code of conduct that requires safe and healthy working conditions before such codes of conduct became commonplace among multinational apparel companies; and offering benefits to same-sex partners in the 1990s, long before most other companies.companies; offering up to eight weeks of paid family leave to help ease the strain on U.S.-based employees caring for an immediate family member with a serious medical condition in 2020; and in 2023, expanding pregnancy leave benefits to provide 12 weeks of paid leave to both U.S. and Canada-based employees.
Sustainability
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We continueEnvironmental, Social and Governance and Human Capital
Environmental, Social and Governance
To advance our progress on environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) initiatives and ensure we meet stakeholder expectations for ESG commitments and performance, we hold ourselves accountable to deliver industry-leadinga holistic sustainability approachesstrategy. The intent of our sustainability strategy is to be a leader in transparency and product innovations that support our vision of aimpact, to accelerate the circular economy an economic system aimed at eliminating wasteecosystem, and the continual use of resources,to increase collaboration in the apparel industry. industry by inspiring employees, communities and value chain partners to join our journey toward an inclusive and regenerative industry in which all people are treated with dignity and respect.
In 2020,2023, we achieved a numberreleased our 2022 sustainability goals and progress update report, which included updates and progress against our 16 people- and planet- first goals in areas that together demonstrate the scope and ambition of important milestonesour work in this space and received welcome recognition. Earlyillustrate our commitment to bettering the world we all share. The goals include targets tied to various areas across our sustainability strategy and collectively reflect our guiding philosophy of profits through principles. Our sustainability strategy centers on three main pillars — climate, consumption, and community. Our climate pillar encompasses environmental impacts, including climate action, water stewardship and biodiversity; our consumption pillar encompasses circular economy, resale and upcycling initiatives, use of sustainable fibers, safer chemicals and waste and plastic reduction; and our community pillar encompasses social and societal impacts, including diversity, equity and inclusion, employee support and development, supply chain transparency, investing in our communities through advocacy and volunteering. Our aim is to continue fortifying each pillar, to deliver meaningful progress while evolving our efforts to ensure our business becomes more sustainable.
Human Capital Management
As of November 26, 2023, we employed approximately 19,100 people, approximately 9,500 of whom were located in the Americas, 4,500 of whom were located in Europe, and 5,100 of whom were located in Asia. As of such date, approximately 1,600 of our employees were associated with the manufacturing and procurement of our products, 10,200 worked in retail, including seasonal employees, 2,100 worked in distribution and 5,200 were other non-production employees. As of November 26, 2023, approximately 5,300 of our employees were represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have not experienced any work stoppages, and we consider our relations with our employees to be good.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.We believe in living our values: originality, empathy, integrity and courage. This means we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered and welcomed to be their authentic selves. We are committed to building a workforce that better represents our consumers while ensuring that every employee feels a true sense of belonging and is as diverse as the communities we serve. This includes improving our representation in our corporate and leadership ranks, ensuring we are an inclusive culture and advocating externally in support of racial justice. In 2023, we launched our second annual diversity, equity and inclusion (“DE&I”) Impact Report. The report reflects our commitment to fully and transparently communicate our progress in making our company more diverse and inclusive. It includes details on our progress, including the hiring and retaining of talented professionals from underrepresented groups and our continued efforts to understand the identities, intersectionalities and experiences of our people across our corporate, retail, distribution centers and plants worldwide.
Pay Equity. To help fulfill our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, we conduct an independent pay equity audit every other year wefor our U.S. non-union population, with the most recent audit completed in 2022. We use the data to identify potential adjustments to be incorporated into our annual performance review process for different groups in the U.S. population, including corporate and retail employees as well as distribution center management. The study considered job level, performance, experience, and other factors such as promotions and location of jobs. Our audit confirmed that we had met the Zero Dischargedo not have any systemic pay differences across gender and ethnicity. We are expanding our pay equity audits to include new markets. We’re also focused on eliminating bias and increasing transparency in pay practices and salary ranges and ensuring objectivity around compensation rewards.
Total Rewards. Our benefits are designed to help employees and their families stay healthy, meet their financial goals, protect their income and help them balance their work and personal lives. These benefits include health and wellness, paid time off, parental leave, employee assistance, competitive pay, career growth opportunities, paid volunteer time, product discounts, and a culture of Hazardous Chemicals commitments we made in 2012, when we signed the Greenpeace Detox Solutions Commitment and the Joint Roadmap Toward Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals. Later in therecognition. Each year, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) awarded us an “A” scoring in its annual surveyCompensation and Human Capital Committee conducts a review of company climate disclosuresour compensation and actions.
In July 2020, building on our introduction of jeans made with cottonized hemp in 2019, we launchedbenefits programs to assess whether the Wellthread® line, our “most sustainable jeans ever,” a collaboration with the Swedish company re:newcell. Our Wellthread® garments use more recycled denim than we’ve ever used before, andprograms are fully recyclable. In October, we launched the SecondHand recommerce program, which helps us extend the life of denim products and tap into a growing resale market, a step in the direction of developing more circular products and practices.
While we take great pride in being a leader in these efforts, we know continued action is necessary to meet our future targets and drive the change we need to see in our industry. We’re proud to report that our owned-and-operated facilities now source approximately 70% of electricity from renewable sources, with the goal of 100% by 2025, in linealigned with our science-based targets on climate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This effort was buoyed bybusiness strategies, the installationcompetitive practices of a solar array at our distribution center in Henderson, Nevada, which will help offset approximately 20% of that facility's electricity usepeer companies and helped the facility later secure LEED Platinum certification.our shareholders’ interests.


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Item 1A.RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider and carefully read carefully all of the risks and uncertainties described below, as well as other information included in this Annual Report and in our other public filings. The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. The occurrence of any of the following risks or additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In such case, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your original investment. This Annual Report also contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of specific factors, including the risks and uncertainties described below. 
Risks Relating to Macroeconomic Conditions and Our BusinessIndustry
Global economic conditions have had, and will likely continue to have, an adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Global economic conditions have impacted, and will likely continue to impact, businesses around the world, including ours.Inflation and other macroeconomic pressures in the U.S. and the global economy such as rising interest rates, energy prices and recession fears are creating a complex and challenging retail environment for us and our customers as consumers reduce discretionary spending.In particular, inflationary pressures negatively impacted our net revenues, operating margins and net income in fiscal year 2023. We implemented price increases on many of our products in 2022 in an effort to mitigate some of the effect of higher costs. In 2023, we decreased prices on a subset of these products to abate the impact on consumer demand. If these inflationary pressures continue or incremental price decreases are implemented, our revenue, operating margins and net income will be impacted in fiscal year 2024.
In addition, the following factors attributable to uncertain or deteriorating economic and financial market conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition:
Our sales are impacted by discretionary spending by consumers. Declines in consumer spending have and in the future may result in reduced demand for our products, increased inventories, reduced orders from retailers for our products, order cancellations, lower revenues, higher discounts, pricing pressure and lower gross margins.
We may be unable to access financing in the credit and capital markets at reasonable rates.
We conduct transactions in various currencies, which creates exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar. Volatility in the markets and exchange rates for foreign currencies and contracts in foreign currencies has had and may in the future have a significant impact on our reported operating results and financial condition. In particular, rapid strengthening of the U.S. Dollar relative to major foreign currencies, including the Euro and British Pound, unfavorably impacted our fiscal year 2023 results. Continued significant fluctuations of foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar may further negatively impact our financial results, revenue, operating margins and net income.
Continued volatility in the availability and prices for commodities and raw materials we use in our products and in our supply chain (such as cotton) could have a material adverse effect on our costs, gross margins and profitability.
If retailers of our products experience declining revenues or have trouble obtaining financing in the capital and credit markets to purchase our products, this could result in reduced orders for our products, order cancellations, late retailer payments, extended payment terms, higher accounts receivable, reduced cash flows, greater expense associated with collection efforts and increased bad debt expense.
If retailers of our products experience severe financial difficulty, some may become insolvent and cease business operations, which could negatively impact the sale of our products to consumers. If contract manufacturers of our products or other participants in our supply chain experience difficulty obtaining financing in the capital and credit markets to purchase raw materials or to finance capital equipment and other general working capital needs, it may result in delays or non-delivery of shipments of our products.
In uncertain economic environments, we cannot predict whether or when such circumstances may improve or worsen, or what impact, if any, such circumstances could have on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
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We are a global company with significant revenues and earnings generated internationally, which exposes us to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, as well as political and economic risks.
A significant portion of our revenues and earnings are generated internationally. In addition, a substantial amount of our products comes from sources outside the country of distribution. As a result, we are both directly and indirectly (through our suppliers) subject to the risks of doing business outside the United States, including:
currency fluctuations, which have impacted our results of operations significantly in recent years, including fiscal year 2022;
political, economic and social instability;
changes in tariffs and taxes;
inflationary pressures;
regulatory restrictions on our ability to operate in our preferred manner;
rapidly changing regulatory restrictions and requirements, including in the areas of data privacy, sustainability and responses to climate change, which could result in regulatory uncertainty as well as potential significant increases in compliance costs; and
less protective foreign laws relating to intellectual property.
For example, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused and continues to cause disruption, instability and volatility in global markets. We suspended our business initiatives and the majority of our commercial activity in Russia and Ukraine in the second quarter of 2022, and we deemed the carrying value of certain related long-lived assets to be not recoverable. As of the end of the first quarter of 2023, all of our company-operated stores have closed and substantially all commercial activity in Russia has ceased. The U.S. and foreign government bodies in jurisdictions in which we operate have announced and threatened additional targeted sanctions and export control measures, which have resulted in and could in the future result in, among other things, severe or complete restrictions on exports to and other commerce and business dealings involving Russia, certain regions of Ukraine or particular entities and individuals, including in Belarus. The ongoing impact of these government measures, as well as any further retaliatory actions taken by Russia, the U.S. and foreign government bodies, is uncertain and could adversely affect our business, results of operations, supply chain, intellectual property, partners, customers or employees and may expose us to adverse legal proceedings in Russia in the future. The conflict has caused and may continue to cause adverse global economic conditions resulting from escalating geopolitical tensions, the exclusion of Russian financial institutions from the global banking system, volatility and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, inflationary pressures, supply chain and logistics disruptions and heightened cybersecurity threats. Although our operations in Russia were not significant, the conflict has resulted in broader economic and security concerns, including in other geographies, which has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Although our operations in the region are not significant, the recent crisis related to the Israel-Hamas war is also a source of uncertainty. The conflict could grow and bring about disruption, instability and volatility in global markets, supply chains and logistics operations, such as recent shipping disruptions in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways, which could in turn adversely affect our business operations and financial performance.
The novel coronavirusfunctional currency for most of our foreign operations is the applicable local currency. As a result, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates affect the results of our operations and the value of our foreign assets and liabilities, including debt, which in turn may adversely affect results of operations and cash flows and the comparability of period-to-period results of operations. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates also affect the relative prices at which we and competitors sell products in the same market. Foreign governmental policies and actions regarding currency valuation could result in actions by the United States and other countries to offset the effects of such fluctuations. The unpredictability and volatility of foreign currency exchange rates has adversely impacted our businesses and financial results and ongoing or unusual volatility may continue to adversely impact us.
Furthermore, due to our global operations, we are subject to numerous domestic and foreign laws and regulations affecting our business, such as those related to labor, employment, worker health and safety, antitrust and competition, environmental protection, consumer protection, privacy, and anti-corruption, including but not limited to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and the U.K. Bribery Act. We have put into place policies and procedures for our employees, contractors, and agents aimed at ensuring legal and regulatory compliance. Violations of these regulations could subject us to criminal or civil enforcement actions, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business.
We may be adversely affected by the financial health of our customers.
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We extend credit to our customers based on an assessment of a customer’s financial condition, generally without requiring collateral. To assist in the scheduling of production and the shipping of our products, we offer certain customers the opportunity to place orders five to six months ahead of delivery under our futures ordering program. These advance orders have in the past and may in the future be canceled under certain conditions, and the risk of cancellation may increase when dealing with financially unstable retailers or retailers struggling with economic uncertainty. In the past, some customers have experienced financial difficulties up to and including bankruptcies, which have had an adverse effect on our sales, our ability to collect on receivables and our financial condition. When the retail economy weakens or as consumer behavior shifts, retailers may be more cautious with orders. A slowing or changing economy in our key markets could adversely affect the financial health of our customers, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, product sales are dependent in part on high quality merchandising and an appealing retail environment to attract consumers, which requires continuing investments by retailers. Retailers that experience financial difficulties may fail to make such investments or delay them, resulting in lower sales and orders for our products. The ongoing financial uncertainty, particularly for retailers, could also have an effect on our sales, our ability to collect on receivables and our financial condition.
Extreme weather conditions and natural disasters could negatively impact our operating results and financial condition.
Extreme weather conditions in the areas in which our retail stores, suppliers, manufacturers, customers, distribution centers, offices, headquarters, and vendors are located could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Moreover, natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires and tsunamis, whether occurring in the United States or abroad, and their related consequences and effects, including energy shortages and public health issues, have in the past temporarily disrupted, and could in the future disrupt, our operations, the shipping channels we use, the operations of and the shipping channels used by our vendors, manufacturers and other suppliers or have in the past resulted in, and in the future could result in, economic instability that may negatively impact our operating results and financial condition. In particular, if a natural disaster or severe weather event were to occur in an area in which we or our suppliers, manufacturers, customers, distribution centers or vendors are located, our continued success would depend, in part, on the safety and availability of the relevant personnel and facilities and proper functioning of our or third parties’ computer, network, telecommunication and other systems and operations. In addition, a natural disaster or severe weather event could negatively impact retail traffic to our stores or stores that carry our products and could have an adverse impact on consumer spending, any of which could in turn result in negative point-of-sale trends for our merchandise. Natural disasters or severe weather events in regions that produce key raw materials or other inputs for our products, may drive up the prices of those raw materials or constrain the availability of raw materials, adversely affecting our cost of goods. Further, climate change may increase both the frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions and natural disasters, which may affect our business operations, either in a particular region or globally, and the shipping channels we use, as well as the activities of and the shipping channels used by our third-party vendors and other suppliers, manufacturers, and customers. In addition, the physical changes prompted by climate change could result in changes in regulations, consumer preferences, production capabilities, availability of raw materials and costs, which could in turn affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We believe the diversity of locations in which we operate, our operational size, disaster recovery, business continuity planning and information technology systems and networks, including the Internet and third-party services position us well, but may not be sufficient for all or for concurrent eventualities. If we were to experience a local or regional disaster or other business continuity event or concurrent events, we could still experience operational challenges, depending upon how a local or regional event may affect our human capital across our operations or regarding particular aspects of our operations, such as key executive officers or personnel. For example, our global headquarters is located in California near major geologic faults that have experienced earthquakes in the past. Further, if we are unable to find alternative suppliers or shipping channels, replace capacity at key manufacturing or distribution locations or quickly repair damage to our information technology systems and networks, including the Internet and third-party services, or supply systems, we could be late in delivering, or be unable to deliver, products to our customers. These events could result in reputational damage, lost sales, cancellation charges or markdowns, all of which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Public health crises and a future outbreak of a highly infectious or contagious disease, (or COVID-19) pandemic is expected toor epidemic, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have had and could in the future have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.operations.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted consumer spending and global supply chains and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on our business and financial performance, including: the temporary closing of our corporate office and we expect this adverse impact to continue. The extentother facilities; the temporary closing a significant number of our stores globally, particularly in China; the temporary or permanent closing of the impactstores of many of our customers, including significant customers in our wholesale and franchise distribution channels, and a resulting decrease in revenues; a decrease in foot traffic to our and our customers’ stores; a decrease in consumer spending, consumer confidence and sales of our products; vessel, container and other transportation shortages; labor shortages; port congestion globally; and other supply chain and logistics disruptions. Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, the pandemic continues to evolve, with resurgences and outbreaks occurring in various parts of the world, including those resulting from variants of the virus, and it may continue to adversely impact and cause disruptions to our business in the future.
A future pandemic, including the emergence of new COVID-19 pandemic onvariants, poses a risk to our business and financial performance, including our ability to execute our near-term and long-term business strategies and initiatives in the expected time frame,frame. The extent of the impact of a pandemic or other health crisis on our business will depend on future developments,several factors, including the duration, severityspread and any resurgencesseverity of the pandemic or health crisis, which are uncertain and cannot be predicted.
As a resultpredicted, and on the requirements to take action to help limit the spread of the COVID-19illness and the availability, widespread distribution and acceptance of vaccines and treatments for the pandemic.
Other factors that could negatively affect our business, operations and financial performance in the future and prevent us, our employees, customers, vendors and manufacturers from conducting business activities for an indefinite period of time during a pandemic, epidemic, health crisis or any future outbreak of any highly infectious or contagious disease, include, but are not limited to:
government mandates, guidance or recommendations regarding future shutdowns or closure requirements;
other future operational restrictions and delays;
any recession or inflationary pressures, resulting directly or indirectly, from the pandemic;
delays in inventory orders and, in responseturn, delays in deliveries to government mandatesour wholesale customers and a decrease in availability in our company-operated stores and e-commerce sites;
a decrease in productivity or recommendations, as well as decisionsother disruptions in our business due to our hybrid work from home policy;
an increased reliance by those working offsite on residential communication networks and internet providers, which may be more susceptible to service interruptions and cyberattacks and, thus, could result in an increase in phishing and other scams, fraud, money laundering, theft and other criminal activity;
a disruption, including a worker shortage, in or the temporary or permanent closing of the factories that manufacture our products, the distribution centers where we have mademanage our inventory or the operations of our logistics and other service providers;
a decrease in available raw materials;
carrier constraints due to an increase in digital sales;
a future decision by management to restrict operations or close stores to protect the health and safety of our employees, consumers and communities, we temporarily closed a significant numbercommunities;
other threats to the health of our stores globally. While most of our stores have reopened, we may face newemployees;
an increase in health care costs, resulting directly or longer term store closure requirementsindirectly, from the pandemic; and other operational restrictions with respect to some or all of our physical locations for prolonged periods of time due to, among other factors, evolving and increasingly stringent governmental restrictions including public health directives, quarantine policies or social distancing measures. In particular, given the recent resurgence in the COVID-19 pandemic, we again have had to close stores and may need to again close a significant number of our stores in the future. In addition, many of our customers, including significant customers in our wholesale and franchise distribution channels, have closed many of their stores, either temporarily or permanently, which has adversely impacted our revenues from these customers and franchisees. As a result, we expect our financial results to be adversely impacted.
In addition, consumer fears about becoming ill with the disease may continue, which has and is likely to continue to adversely affect foot traffic to our and our customers' stores. Consumer spending generally may also be negatively impacted bynegative general macroeconomic conditions and consumer confidence, including the impacts of any recession, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Thisconditions.
These factors, among others, may negatively impact sales in our stores and our e-commerce channel and may cause our wholesale customers to purchase fewer products from us. Furthermore, if sales do not meet expectations because of unexpected effects on consumer demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting surplus inventory may cause excessive markdowns and, therefore, lower than planned gross margins. Any continued significant reduction in consumer visits to, or spending at, our and our customers'customers’ stores caused, directly or indirectly, by COVID-19 or any other pandemic, and any continued decreased spending at stores or online caused by decreased consumer confidence and spending, following the pandemic, would result in a loss of sales and profits and, as a result, adversely impact our financial results.
The COVID-19 pandemic also has the potentialRisks Relating to significantly impact our supply chain if the factories that manufacture our products, the distribution centers where we manage our inventory, or the operations of our logisticsOur Business and other service providers are disrupted, temporarily closed or experience worker shortages. We may also see disruptions or delays in shipments and negative impacts to pricing of certain components of our products.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including related governmental guidance or requirements, we also have recently closed many of our corporate office and other facilities, including our corporate headquarters in San Francisco, and have implemented a work from home policy for many of our corporate employees. This policy may negatively impact productivity and cause other disruptions to our business. Longer term, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may also threaten the health of our employees and adversely impact our health care costs.
The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business is highly uncertain and difficult to predict, as information is rapidly evolving with respect to the duration and severity of the pandemic. At this point, we cannot reasonably estimate the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, or its overall impact on our business.
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Operations
Our success depends on our ability to maintain the value and reputation of our brands.
Our success depends in large part on the value, overall health and reputation of our brands, which are integral to our business and the implementation of our "Brand Led"“Brand Led” strategy for expanding our business. Maintaining, promoting and positioning our brands will depend largely on the success of our marketing, design and merchandising efforts and our ability to
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provide consistent, high-quality products supported by engaging marketing campaigns. In addition, our success in maintaining, extending and expanding our brand image depends on our ability to adapt to a rapidly changing media environment, including our increasing reliance on social media and digital dissemination of advertising campaigns on our digital platforms and through our digital experiences. Our brands and reputation could be adversely affected if we fail to achieve these objectives, if we fail to deliver high- qualityhigh-quality products acceptable to our customers and consumers or if we face or mishandle a product recall.
Our brand value also depends on our ability to maintain a positive consumer perception of our brands, corporate integrity and culture. Negative claims or publicity involving us or our products, or the production methods or locations of any of our suppliers or contract manufacturers, consumer data or any of our key employees, endorsers or suppliers could seriously damage our reputation, sales and brand image, regardless of whether such claims or publicity are accurate. Social media, which accelerates and potentially amplifies the scope of negative claims or publicity, can increase the challenges of responding to negative claims or publicity. In addition, we, or our senior executives and the descendants of the family of our founder, Levi Strauss, may from time to time take positions or make statements on or charitable donations to social issues, including donations to the Levi Strauss Foundation (which is not one of our consolidated entities), that may be unpopular with some customersconsumers or potential customers, which may result in adverse publicity or impact our ability to attract or retain such customers.consumers or customers, and which could adversely impact our results in certain locations. Adverse publicity, regardless of its accuracy, could undermine consumer confidence in our brands and reduce long-term demand for our products, even ifproducts. In addition, actions taken or statements made by recipients of such publicity is unfounded.charitable donations could also seriously harm our brand image with consumers. Any harm to our brands and reputation could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The appeal of our brands may also depend on the success of our ESG initiatives, which require company-wide coordination and alignment. We are working to manage risks and costs to us, our licensees and our supply chain of any effects of climate change as well as diminishing fossil fuel and water resources. Risks related to our ESG initiatives include increased public focus, including by governmental and nongovernmental organizations, on these and other environmental sustainability matters, including packaging and waste, animal welfare and land use. Moreover, because of the increased focus from our stakeholders, including consumers, employees and investors, and more recently regulatory organizations, on corporate ESG practices, including corporate practices related to the causes and impacts of climate change and corporate statements, practices or products related to a variety of social issues, and the rapid evolution of stakeholder expectations and actions with respect to ESG practices and social issues, there is an increased risk of negative public reaction to and public backlash against our initiatives, products or practices related to ESG or other social issues that could have an adverse impact on our image, reputation, business operations and financial results. Risks also include increased pressure and regulatory requirements to expand our disclosures in these areas, make commitments, set targets or establish additional goals and take actions to meet them, which could expose us to legal, market, operational and execution costs or risks. The metrics we disclose, such as emissions and water usage, whether they be based on the standards we set for ourselves or those set by others, may influence our reputation and the value of our brand. In addition, as we work to align with the recommendations and requirements of various ratings and disclosure organizations and new and evolving regulations, we will likely expand our disclosures in these areas and, as a result, we may face increased scrutiny related to our ESG activities. Our failure to achieve progress on our metrics on a timely basis, or at all, could adversely affect our business, financial performance and growth. We could damage our reputation and the value of our brand if we fail to act responsibly in the areas in which we report. Any harm to our reputation resulting from setting these metrics, expanding our disclosure or our failure or perceived failure to meet such metrics or disclosures could adversely affect our business, financial performance and growth.
Failure to continue to obtain or maintain high-quality endorsers of our products, or actions taken by our endorsers, could harm our business.
We establish relationships with artists, designers, musicians, athletes and other public figures to develop, evaluate and promote our products. If we are unable to recruit endorsers with consumer appeal or endorsers were to stop using our products contrary to their endorsement agreements, our business could be adversely affected. In addition, actions taken or statements made by our endorsers, associated with our products or brand or otherwise, could also seriously harm our brand image with consumers and, as a result, could have an adverse effect on our business.
The success of our business depends upon our ability to forecast and respond timely to consumer demand and market conditions and offer on-trend and new and updated products at attractive price points.
The global apparel industry is characterized by ever-changing fashion trends and consumer preferences, including the increasing shift to digital brand engagement and social media communication, and by the rapid replication of new products by competitors. The apparel industry is also impacted by changing consumer preferences regarding spending categories generally, including shifts away from traditional consumer spending and towards "experiential" spending and sustainable products. As a result, our success depends in large part on our ability to develop, market and deliver innovative and stylish products at a pace, intensity and price competitive with other brands in the markets in which we sell our products. In addition, we must create products at a range of price points that appeal to the consumers of both our wholesale customers and our dedicated retail stores and e-commerce sites situated in each of our diverse geographic regions. Our development and production cycles take place
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prior to full visibility into all of these factors for the coming seasons. Failure on our part to forecast and respond timely to consumer demand and market conditions and to regularly and rapidly develop innovative and stylish products and update core products could limit sales growth, adversely affect retail and consumer acceptance of our products and negatively impact the consumer traffic in our dedicated retail stores. Moreover, our newer products may not produce as high a gross margin as our traditional products and thus may have an adverse effect on our overall margins and profitability.
In addition, if we fail to accurately forecast consumer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels, which may result in inventory write-downs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices. This could have an adverse effect on the image and reputation of our brands and could adversely affect our gross margins. For example, if sales do not meet expectations because of unexpected effects on inventory supply and consumer demand, too much inventory may cause excessive markdowns and, therefore, lower-than-planned margins. Conversely, if we underestimate consumer demand for our products, we may experience inventory shortages, which could delay shipments to customers, negatively impact retailer and consumer relationships and diminish brand loyalty.
Port congestion, inventory delays, labor shortages, storage and process capacity pressures, and aging technology within our U.S. distribution centers have impacted our ability to service consumer and wholesale customer demand during fiscal year 2023. We expect these disruptions to continue in the future due, in part, to a shortage of labor to work in our distribution centers, aging technology and a driver shortage in primarily the United States and Europe. Elevated inventory levels, combined with the uneven flow of receipts and shipments, could cause further capacity pressures within our U.S. distribution centers, resulting in higher costs and limiting our ability to fulfill our consumers’ and wholesale customers’ demand. In the event these supply chain disruptions continue, particularly if they are longer or are more severe than we anticipate, our business, operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected.
We depend on a group of key wholesale customers for a significant portion of our revenues. A significant adverse change in a customer relationship or in a customer'scustomer’s performance or financial position could harm our business and financial condition.
Sales to our top ten wholesale customers accounted for 29%28%, 26%31% and 27%32% of our total net revenues in fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. No single customer represented 10% or more of our net revenues in any of these years. While we have long-standing relationships with our wholesale customers, we do not have long-term contracts with them. As a result, purchases generally occur on an order-by-order basis, and the relationship, as well as particular orders, can generally be terminated by either party at any time. If any major wholesale customer decreases or ceases its purchases from us, cancels its orders, delays or defaults on its payment obligations to us, reduces the floor space, assortments, fixtures or advertising for our products or changes its manner of doing business with us for any reason, such as due to store closures, decreased foot traffic, inflationary pressures or recession, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such actions are expected to adversely affect our business and financial condition. In addition, competition between our wholesale customers may impact the prices at which they sell our products, thereby impacting the prices at which they are willing to buy products from us. Furthermore, certain of our major wholesale customers may seek to distribute our products globally in a manner or at prices that impact the positioning that we seek to promote in our other channels of distribution. In addition, a
A decline in the performance or financial condition of a major wholesale customer– customer—including bankruptcy or liquidation– liquidation—could result in athe adverse impact on revenues and cause us to limit or discontinue business with that customer, require us to assume more credit risk relating to our receivables from that customer or limit our ability to collect amounts related to previous purchases by that customer. For example, our wholesale customer, Sears Holdings Corporation, including Kmart, and our wholesale customer, J.C. Penney are currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. Permanent store closures and other developments in these proceedings have adversely affected our sales to these customers. We expect additional closures and other developments in these proceedings will likely adversely affect our sales to these customers in the future, even if they continue operations. In addition, store closures, decreased foot traffic, inflationary pressures and recession resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic will adversely affect the performance and will likely adversely affect the financial condition of many of these customers. The foregoing are expected tomay have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Our efforts to expand our retail business may not be successful, which could impact our operating results.
One of our key strategic priorities is our “DTC First” strategy, which includes our plan to become a leading world-class omni-channel retailer by expanding our consumer reach in brand-dedicated stores globally, including making selective investments in company-operated stores and e-commerce sites, franchisee and other brand-dedicated store models. In many locations, we face major, established retail competitors that may be able to better attract consumers and execute their retail strategies. In addition, a retail operating model involves substantial ongoing investments in equipment and property, information systems, inventory and personnel. Due to the high fixed-cost structure associated with these investments, a decline in sales or the closure of or poor performance of stores, including as a result of general declines in the closure of stores and decreased foot traffic resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic,macroeconomic environment, could result in significant costs and impacts to our margins.margins and impairment charges. Our ability to grow our retail channel also depends on the availability and cost of real estate that meets our criteria for foot traffic, square footage, demographics and other factors. Failure to identify and secure adequate new locations, or failure to effectively manage the profitability of the fleet of stores, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
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In addition, our investments in customer,consumer, digital, and omni-channel shopping initiatives may not deliver the results we anticipate. These initiatives involve significant investments in IT systems, data science and artificial intelligence initiatives, and significant operational changes. Our competitors are also investing in omni-channel initiatives, some of which may be more successful than our initiatives. If the implementation of our customer,consumer, digital and omni-channel initiatives is not successful, or
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we do not realize the return on our investments in these initiatives that we anticipate, our operating results would be adversely affected.
If we are unablethe technology-based systems that give our consumers the ability to shop or interact with us online do not function effectively, execute our e-commerce business, our reputation and operating results, mayas well as our ability to grow our digital commerce business globally or to retain our customer base, could be harmed.materially adversely affected.
While e-commerce still comprises a small portionMany of our net revenues, it has beenconsumers shop with us through our fastest growing business over the last several yearsdigital platforms or through third party digital marketplaces on which we operate. Consumer expectations and it is a key part of our “DTC First” strategy. The successrelated competitive pressures have increased and are expected to continue to increase relative to various aspects of our e-commerce business, depends, in part,including speed of product delivery, shipping charges, return privileges and other evolving expectations. Increasingly, consumers are using mobile-based devices and applications to shop online with us and with our competitors, and to do comparison shopping, as well as to engage with us and our competitors through digital services and experiences that are offered on third partiesmobile platforms. We are increasingly using social media and factors over which we have limited control, including changing consumer preferencesproprietary mobile applications to interact with our consumers and buying trends relatingas a means to e-commerce usage, both domestically and abroad, and promotional or other advertising initiatives employed by our wholesale customers or other third parties onenhance their e-commerce sites.shopping experience. Any failure on our part or on the part of our third-party digital partners, to provide attractive, effective, reliable, secure, user-friendly digital commerce platforms that offer a wide assortment of merchandise with rapid delivery options and user-friendly e-commerce platforms could negatively impact our consumers’ shopping experience, resulting in reduced website traffic, diminished loyaltythat continually meet the changing expectations of online shoppers or any failure to provide attractive digital experiences to our brandscustomers could place us at a competitive disadvantage, result in the loss of digital commerce and lost sales.other sales, harm our reputation with consumers, have an adverse impact on the growth of our digital commerce business globally and have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations. In addition, as use of our digital platforms continues to grow, we will need an increasing amount of technical infrastructure to continue to expandsatisfy our consumers’ needs. If we fail to continue to effectively scale and increase the global presenceadapt our digital platforms to accommodate increased consumer demand, our business may be subject to interruptions, delays or failures and consumer demand for our products and digital experiences could decline. Risks specific to our digital commerce business also include diversion of our e-commerce business, sales from our retailand our retailers’ brick and mortar stores, difficulty in recreating the in-store experience through direct channels and wholesale channels of distribution in areas where e-commerce sites are introduced may decline due to changes in consumer shopping habits and cannibalization.
We are also vulnerable to certain additional risks and uncertainties associated with our e-commerce sites, including:
changes in required technology interfaces;
website downtime and other technical failures;
costs and technical issues from website software upgrades;
data and system security;
computer viruses; and
changes in applicable federal and state regulations.
In addition, we must keep up to date with competitive technology trends, including the use of new or improved technology, creative user interfaces and other e-commerce marketing tools such as paid search and mobile applications, among others, which may increase our costs and which may not succeed in increasing sales or attracting consumers. For example, it is possible that consumers may not sign upliability for our loyalty program at anticipated rates if they do not find the features and benefits compelling, and that we may not realize the benefits that we anticipate from these programs.online content. Our failure to successfully respond to these risks and uncertainties mightcould adversely affect the sales in our e-commercedigital commerce business, as well as damage our reputation and brands.
Additionally, the success of our e-commerce business and the satisfaction of our consumers depend on their timely receipt of our products. The efficient flow of our products requires that our company-operated and third-party operated distribution facilities have adequate capacity to support the current level of e-commerce operations and any anticipated increased levels that may follow from the growth of our e-commerce business. If we encounter difficulties with our distribution facilities or in our relationships with the third parties who operate the facilities, or if any such facilities were to shut down or be limited in capacity for any reason, including as a result of fire, other natural disaster, labor disruption, or pandemic (including as a consequence of public health directives, quarantine policies or social distancing measures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic), we could face shortages of inventory, resulting in "out of stock" conditions in the e-commerce sites we operate and those operated by our wholesale customers or other third parties, and we could experience disruption or delay, or incur significantly higher costs and longer lead times associated with distributing our products to our consumers and experience dissatisfaction from our consumers. Any of these issues could have an adverse effect on our business and harm our reputation.
We may be unable to maintain or increase our sales through our third-party distribution channels.
In addition to our brand-dedicated company-operated retail stores and e-commerce sites, our third-party distribution channels include department stores, specialty retailers, mass channel retailers, franchised or other brand-dedicated stores, and shop-in-shops.
We may be unable to maintain or increase sales of our products through these distribution channels for several reasons, including the following:
the retailers in these channels maintain– maintain—and seek to grow– grow—substantial private-label and exclusive offerings as they strive to differentiate the brands and products they offer from those of their competitors;
the retailers change their apparel strategies in a way that shifts focus away from our typical consumer or that otherwise results in a reduction of sales of our products generally, such as a reduction of fixture spaces devoted to our products or a shift to other brands;
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other channels, including vertically-integrated specialty stores and e-commerce sites, account for a substantial portion of jeanswear and casual wear sales. In some of our mature markets, these stores and sites have placed competitive pressure on our primary distribution channels, and many of these stores and sites are now looking to our developing markets to grow their business; and
shrinking points of distribution, including fewer doors at our customer locations, store closures and decreased foot traffic due to, the COVID-19 pandemic,among other things, or bankruptcy or financial difficulties of a customer.
Further success by retailer private-labels, vertically-integrated specialty stores and e-commerce sites may continue to adversely affect the sales of our products across all channels, as well as the profitability of our brand-dedicated stores. Additionally, our ability to secure or maintain retail floor space, product display prominence, market share and sales in these channels depends on our ability to offer differentiated products, to increase retailer profitability on our products and the strength of our brands, and such efforts could have an adverse impact on our margins.
In addition, the retail industry in the United States has experienced substantial consolidation over the last decade, and further consolidation may occur. Consolidation in the retail industry has typically resulted in store closures, centralized purchasing decisions and increased emphasis by retailers on inventory management and productivity, which could result in
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fewer stores carrying our products or reduced demand by retailers for our products. In addition, we and other suppliers may experience increased customer leverage over us and greater exposure to credit risk as a result of industry consolidation. Furthermore, consolidation may be partly due to consumers continuing to transition away from traditional wholesale retailers to large online retailers, which in turn exposes our products to increased competition.competition and pricing pressure. Any of the foregoing results can impact, and have adversely impacted in the past, our net revenues, margins and ability to operate efficiently.
We are a global company with significant revenues and earnings generated internationally, which exposes us to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, as well as political and economic risks.
A significant portion of our revenues and earnings are generated internationally. In addition, a substantial amount of our products comes from sources outside the country of distribution. As a result, we are both directly and indirectly (through our suppliers) subject to the risks of doing business outside the United States, including:
currency fluctuations, which have impacted our results of operations significantly in recent years;
political, economic and social instability;
changes in tariffs and taxes;
regulatory restrictions on our ability to operate in our preferred manner;
rapidly changing regulatory restrictions and requirements, for example in the area of data privacy; and
less protective foreign laws relating to intellectual property.
The functional currency for most of our foreign operations is the applicable local currency. As a result, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates affect the results of our operations and the value of our foreign assets and liabilities, including debt, which in turn may adversely affect results of operations and cash flows and the comparability of period-to-period results of operations. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates may also affect the relative prices at which we and foreign competitors sell products in the same market. Foreign governmental policies and actions regarding currency valuation could result in actions by theUnited States and other countriestooffset the effects of such fluctuations. Given the unpredictability and volatility of foreign currency exchange rates, ongoing or unusual volatility may adversely impact our business and financial conditions.
Furthermore, due to our global operations, we are subject to numerous domestic and foreign laws and regulations affecting our business, such as those related to labor, employment, worker health and safety, antitrust and competition, environmental protection, consumer protection, privacy, and anti-corruption, including but not limited to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA") and the U.K. Bribery Act. Although we have put into place policies and procedures aimed at ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, our employees, subcontractors and agents could take actions that violate these requirements. Violations of these regulations could subject us to criminal or civil enforcement actions, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business.
We also are subject to the impacts of political, economic and social instability. For example, in January 2020, the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union. The consequences of the United Kingdom's withdrawal and related changes to trade and tax policy could adversely impact consumer and investor confidence, and the level of consumer purchases of discretionary items and retail products, including our products. Any of these effects, among others, could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Brexit has also contributed to volatility and uncertainty in global stock markets and currency exchange rates, and such volatility could continue to occur.
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Changes to trade policy, including tariff and customs regulations, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in U.S. or international social, political, regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing trade, manufacturing, development and investment in the countries where we currently sell our products or conduct our business, as well as any negative sentiment toward the United States as a result of such changes, could adversely affect our business. For example, the Trump Administration instituted and proposed changes in trade policies that include the negotiation or termination of trade agreements, the imposition of higher tariffs on U.S. imports, economic sanctions on individuals, corporations or countries, and other government regulations affecting trade between the United States and other countries where we conduct our business. It may be time-consuming and expensive for us to alter our business operations in order to adapt to or comply with any such changes.
As a result of recent policy changes and proposals, there may be greater restrictions and economic disincentives on international trade. New tariffs and other changes in U.S. trade policy could trigger retaliatory actions by affected countries. Like many other multinational corporations, we do a significant amount of business that could be impacted by changes to U.S. and international trade policies (including governmental action related to tariffs, sanctions and trade agreements). Such changes have the potential to adversely impact the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof, our industry and the global demand for our products and, as a result, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The enactment of tax reform legislation, including legislation implementing changes in taxation of international business activities, could adversely impact our financial position and results of operations.
Legislation or other changes in US and international tax laws could increase our liability and adversely affect our after-tax profitability. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") was enacted in the United States on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act had a significant impact on our effective tax rate, cash tax expenses and net deferred tax assets. The Tax Act reduced the U.S. corporate statutory tax rate, eliminated or limited the deduction of several expenses that were previously deductible, imposed a mandatory deemed repatriation tax on undistributed historic earnings of foreign subsidiaries, requires a minimum tax on earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries and permits a tax-free repatriation of foreign earnings through a dividends received deduction. We completed our evaluation of the overall impact of the Tax Act on our effective tax rate and balance sheet through the fiscal year 2018 and reflected the amounts in our financial statements. The Tax Act, as well as regulations and legal decisions interpreting and applying the Tax Act, may have significant impacts in future periods.
If we encounter problems with distribution, our ability to deliver our products to market could be adversely affected.
We rely on both company-owned and third-party distribution facilities to warehouse and ship products to our wholesale customers, retail stores and e-commerce consumers throughout the world. As part of the pursuit for improved organizational agility and marketplace responsiveness, we have consolidated the number of distribution facilities we rely upon and continue to look for opportunities for further consolidation in certain regions. Such consolidationThese actions may make our operations more vulnerable to interruptions in the event of work stoppages or disruption (including as a consequence of public health directives, quarantine policies or social distancing measures imposed by governments), labor disputes, worker shortages, pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical conflict, the impacts of climate change, earthquakes, floods, fires or other natural disasters affecting these distribution centers.centers or shipping channels. In addition, distribution capacity is dependent on the timely performance of services by third parties, including the transportation of products to and from their distribution facilities, which also may be adversely affected by work stoppages or disruption, labor disputes and pandemics. Moreover, oursimilar events. Our distribution system includes computer-controlled and automated equipment, which may be subject to a number of risks related to data and system security or computer viruses, the proper operation of software and hardware, power interruptions or other system failures. Moreover, some of our current distribution centers rely on aging technology. We have built and may continue to build new company-owned distribution and fulfillment facilities globally to meet our future demand, drive efficiencies and enhance our service capabilities. However, construction of new facilities may be delayed and once completed, the new sites may encounter lower than anticipated service levels or higher costs as we integrate them into our supply chain. If we encounter problems with our distribution system, whether company-owned or third-party, our ability to meet customer and consumer expectations, manage inventory, complete sales and achieve operating efficiencies could be adversely affected.
Unexpected obstacles in new markets and in our existing markets may limit our expansion opportunities and cause our business and growth to suffer.
Our future growth depends in part on our continued expansion efforts in existing markets and in new markets where we may have limited familiarity and experience with regulatory environments and market practices. In particular, one of our key strategies is to further diversify our portfolio and grow market share across geographies, categories, genders and channels. We may not be able to expand or successfully operate in those markets, categories and channels as a result of unfamiliarity or other unexpected barriers to expansion or entry. For example, in connection with our efforts, we may encounter obstacles, includingentry, such as new competitors, cultural and linguistic differences, differences in regulatory environments, labor practices and market practices, economic or governmental instability, difficulties in keeping abreast of market, business and technical developments and differences in consumer tastes and preferences. Our failure to develop our business in new markets or disappointing growth in existing markets that we may experience could harm our business and results of operations.
Future acquisitions of and investments in new businesses could harm our business and financial condition.
From time to time, we have acquired and may in the future acquire or invest in businesses or partnerships that we believe could complement our business or offer growth opportunities. For example, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we acquired Beyond Yoga®, a premium athletic and lifestyle apparel brand. The expected synergies between Levi Strauss & Co. and Beyond Yoga®, such as those related to our entry into the activewear category, complementing our growing women’s business and enabling the allocation of global resources and infrastructure to significantly expand Beyond Yoga®, building on its largely digital ecosystem, may not materialize. Our management team has limited experience in addressing the challenges of integrating management teams, strategies, cultures and organizations of two companies. These activities are complex, costly and time-consuming and delays or issues encountered in these activities could have an adverse effect on the financial condition of the company. Additionally, acquisitions may not be well received by the customers or employees of either company, and this could hurt our brand and result in the loss of key employees. The pursuit and integration of such acquisitions or investments may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various expenses, regardless of whether the acquisition or investment is ultimately completed. In addition, acquisitions and investments may not perform as expected or cause us to assume unrecognized or underestimated liabilities. Further, even if we are able to successfully identify and acquire additional businesses, we may not be able to successfully integrate the acquired personnel or operations, effectively manage the combined business following the acquisition, or the acquired business may have inadequate or ineffective controls and procedures, any of which could harm our business and financial condition.
In addition, we may, from time to time, evaluate and pursue other strategic investments or acquisitions. These involve various inherent risks and the benefits sought may not be realized. The acquisition of strategic investments or acquisitions may not create value and may harm our brand and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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We face risks arising from the ongoing restructuring of our operations and uncertainty with respect to our ability to achieve any anticipated cost savings associated with such restructuring.
We continuously assess opportunitiesare implementing a restructuring plan to streamline operationsprioritize and optimize our direct to consumer efforts, improve productivity and drive cost efficiencies and fuel long-term profitable growth. Future charges related to such actions may harm our profitability in the periods incurred.
In July 2020, we announced a plan to implementRestructuring program actions, which include a reduction in workforce, in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2020, we announced the next step of our restructuring initiative, which included realignment of our top level organization to support our new strategies, which became effective in 2021. The next phase of the reorganization, including the streamlining of operations, is expected to be completed in 2021. The initiative included the elimination of approximately 15% of our global non-retailoperating model redesign and non-manufacturing employee population.
We have incurred and expect to continue to incur charges related to this reduction in workforce during the next 12 months, whichcore processes redesign, may harm our profitability in the periods incurred.
Implementation of this reduction in workforce, or any similar future restructuring program actions, presentspresent a number of significant risks that could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, or business reputation, including:
incurrence of additional costs in the short-term, including workforce reduction costs, training of employees or third-party resources, accounting charges for inventory and technology-related write-offs and charges relating to consolidation of excess facilities;
failure to accurately assess market opportunities and the technology required to address such opportunities;
actual or perceived disruption of service or reduction in service levels to customers and consumers;
potential adverse effects on our internal control environment and inability to preserve adequate internal controls relating to our general and administrative functions in connection with the decision to outsource certain business service activities;functions;
actual or perceived disruption to customers, suppliers, distribution networks and other important operational relationships and the inability to resolve potential conflicts in a timely manner;
difficulty in obtaining timely delivery of products of acceptable quality from our contract manufacturers;
diversion of management attention from ongoing business activities and strategic objectives; and
failure to maintain employee morale and retain key employees.employees, damage to company culture and an increase in employment claims; and
damage to our reputation as an employer, which could make it more difficult for us to hire new employees in the future.
Because of these and other factors, some of which may not be entirely within our control, we cannot predict whether we willmay not fully realize the purpose and anticipated operational benefits, efficiencies or cost savings of any global productivity actions in the expected timelines, or at all, and, if we do not, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected. Additionally, there
Our business is affected by seasonality and other factors that result in fluctuations in our quarterly operating results
We experience moderate fluctuations in aggregate sales volume during the year. Historically, revenues in our fourth fiscal quarter has slightly exceeded those in our other three fiscal quarters. In addition, our customers and consumers may be a failure to achievecancel orders, change delivery schedules, or change the anticipated levelsmix of cost savings and efficiency asproducts ordered with minimal notice. As a result, of the reduction in workforce, which could adversely impactwe may not be able to accurately predict our business andquarterly sales. Accordingly, our results of operations. Furthermore, additional restructuringoperations are likely to fluctuate significantly from period to period. These factors, along with other factors that are beyond our control, such as social or reorganization activities may be requiredpolitical unrest, pandemics, general economic conditions, changes in consumer preferences, weather conditions, the future.
Any major disruption or failureeffects of our information technology systems, or our failure to successfully implement new technology effectively,climate change, the availability of import quotas, transportation disruptions and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, could adversely affect our business and operations.cause our quarterly results of operations to fluctuate.
We rely significantly on information technology and data to operate our business, including our supply chain and retail operations, and any failure, inadequacy, compromise or interruption of that technology or data, or those of third parties upon which we rely, could lead to adverse consequences, including but not limited to regulatory investigations or actions, litigation, fines and penalties, harm to our ability to effectively operate our business, claims that we breached our data privacy security obligations, harm to our reputation and a loss of customers or sales
In the ordinary course of our business, we may collect, store, use, transmit, disclose or otherwise process proprietary confidential and sensitive data, including personal information, intellectual property, and trade secrets, and we rely upon third parties (such as service providers) for data processing-related activities. As a result, we and the third parties upon which we rely face a variety of evolving threats, including but not limited to ransomware attacks, security breaches, cyber-attacks or other malicious activities by hackers, criminal groups, nation-states and nation-state-sponsored organizations and social-activist organizations, computer viruses or other malicious codes, unauthorized access, phishing attacks, or unauthorized uses, any of which may be irreversible and result in operational problems and security incidents. Given the nature of information collected and processed, the retail industry in particular has been the target of many cyber-attacks, and it is possible that an individual or group could defeat our security measures, or those of a third-party service provider. We have been and will continue to be a
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target of cyber-attacks because of the visibility of our brand, making the secure maintenance of proprietary, confidential and sensitive data critical to our business and reputation. In the future, we may see an increase in the number of such attacks as we have shifted to a hybrid working model under which some employees will continue working remotely and accessing our technology infrastructure remotely.
We are heavily dependent on information technology systems ownedand networks, including the Internet, third-party services and artificial intelligence, across our supply chain, including product design, production, forecasting, ordering, manufacturing, transportation, sales, and distribution, as well as for processing financial information for external and internal reporting purposes, retail operations and other business activities. These information technology systems are critical to many of our operating activities and our business processes and may be negatively impacted by us and third parties, to manage our operations. any security incident, service interruption or shutdown.
Over the last several years, we have been implementing and continue to implement modifications and upgrades to our systems, including making changes to legacy systems, replacing legacy systems with successor systems with new functionality and acquiring new systems with new functionality. For example, over the next several years, we plan to continue the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planningERP system across the company. Thesecompany with implementation in the United States completed in 2023 and Europe scheduled for fiscal year 2025. Additionally, we are building new distribution and fulfillment facilities which are highly automated and utilize industry leading technology and equipment. Our ability to effectively manage and maintain our inventory and to ship products to customers on a timely basis depends significantly on the reliability of these systems, and we cannot assure that implementing these modifications and upgrades will in the future prevent or protect against all technological problems and security issues or bring about the desired efficiencies and synergies to our operations. Furthermore, our efforts to address undesirable activity on our platforms may also increase the risk of retaliatory attack.
Our work to integrate, secure and enhance these systems and related processes in our global operations is ongoing and we will continue to invest in these efforts. We may expend significant resources or modify our business activities subjectto try to protect against security incidents. We facilitate training programs for employees to raise awareness about data privacy, phishing, malware and other cyber risks. We also perform simulations and drills at both a technical and leadership level periodically. Certain data privacy and security obligations may require us to inherent costsimplement and risks associated with replacingmaintain specific security measures or industry-standard or reasonable or appropriate security measures to protect our information technology systems and upgradingsensitive information. We cannot provide assurance, however, that the measures we take to secure and enhance these systems will be sufficient to prevent security incidents, cyber-attacks, system failures or data or information loss. Cyber-attacks, malicious internet-based activity and online and offline fraud are prevalent and continue to increase in frequency and magnitude. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized, improper or illegal access to our systems, our data or our customers’ data, to disable or degrade service or to sabotage systems are constantly evolving, have become increasingly complex and sophisticated, may be difficult to detect quickly and often are not recognized until launched against a target, even if we take all reasonable precautions, including to the extent required by law. In addition to traditional computer “hackers,” threat actors, personnel (such as through theft or misuse), sophisticated nation-states and nation-state supported actors and social-activist organizations now engage in attacks. We have and may continue to be subject to a variety of evolving threats, including but not limited to social engineering, such as phishing, malicious code (such as viruses and worms), malware (including as a result of advanced persistent threat intrusions), denial-of-service attacks (such as credential stuffing), personnel misconduct or error, supply-chain attacks, software bugs, server malfunctions and large-scale, complex automated attacks that can evade detection for long periods of time. Future or past business transactions (such as acquisitions or integrations) could expose us to additional cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities, as our systems could be negatively affected by vulnerabilities present in acquired or integrated entities’ systems and technologies. Ransomware attacks, including those perpetrated by organized criminal threat actors, nation-states and nation-state supported actors and social-activist organizations, are becoming increasingly prevalent and severe and can lead to significant interruptions in our operations, loss of data and income, reputational harm and diversion of funds. In addition, such incidents could result in unauthorized disclosure and misuse of material confidential information, including personal information. Extortion payments may alleviate the negative impact of a ransomware attack, but we may be unwilling or unable to make such payments due to, for example, applicable laws or regulations prohibiting such payments.
Any unauthorized access of our or our service providers’ information technology systems or networks may result in the loss of confidential business and financial data, misappropriation of our consumers’, users’ or employees’ personal information or a disruption of our business. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, including unwanted media attention, impairment of our abilityconsumer and customer relationships, damage to fulfill customer orders, potential disruptionour reputation, resulting in lost sales, fines, lawsuits (including class actions), government enforcement actions (for example, investigations, fines, penalties, audits and inspections) or significant legal and remediation expenses. We also may need to expend significant resources to protect against, respond to or redress problems caused by any unauthorized processing.
The failure of our internal control structure, substantial capital expenditures, additional administrationinformation technology systems and operating expenses, retentionnetworks to operate effectively, including as a result of sufficiently skilled personnelthe threats described above as well as a result of natural disasters, vendor business interruptions or other causes, failure to implement and operate the newproperly maintain, protect, repair or upgrade systems, demands on management time, and other risks and costs of delays or difficulties inproblems with transitioning to newupgraded or upgradedreplacement systems orcould cause
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delays in product fulfillment and reduced efficiency of our current systems. Our system implementationsoperations, could require significant capital investments to remediate the problem which may not result in productivity improvements at a level that outweighs the costs of implementation, or at all. In addition, the difficulties with implementing new or upgraded technology systemsbe sufficient to cover all eventualities, and may cause disruptions in our business operations and have an adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the increased use of employee-owned devices for communications, as well as work-from-home arrangements, present additional operational risks to our information technology systems, including, but not limited to, increased risks of cyber-attacks. Our software or information technology systems, or that of third parties upon whom we rely to operate our business, may have material vulnerabilities and, despite our efforts to identify and remediate these vulnerabilities, our efforts may not be successful or we may experience delays in developing and deploying remedial measures designed to address any such identified vulnerabilities. It may be expensive and time-consuming to remediate material vulnerabilities, and our operations, reputation, sales and financial performance may be adversely impacted if we are not anticipatedable to successfully and appropriately mitigated.promptly remediate such vulnerabilities. Further, like other companies in the retail industry, we have in the past experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, cyber-attacks, including phishing, and other attempts to breach, or gain unauthorized access to, our systems. For example, in 2023, several of our third-party service providers that relied on Pension Benefits Information LLC were impacted by the CL0P (a third party criminal group) cyber-attack on Progress Software’s MOVEit Transfer product (a file-transfer application). Though this incident did not directly impact our systems or controls, the cyber-attack resulted in delivery of data breach notifications to a significant number of our current and former employees. Upon discovery of the vulnerability, we worked with our third-party service providers to review their security controls in an effort to prevent future similar cyber-attacks in the future. However, despite these efforts, we cannot provide assurance that these and other attacks will not have an impact in the future. Actual or perceived vulnerabilities or data breaches may lead to claims sanctions against us, subject us to investigations or liability, may compromise our reputation, diminish the value of our brands and discourage use of our websites.
We also use information technology systems to process financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with regulatory financial reporting, legal and tax requirements. If these systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown and our incident response or business continuity plans, or those of our vendors, do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, we could experience delays in reporting our financial results, which could result in lost revenues and profits, as well as reputational damage. Furthermore, we depend on information technology systems and personal information collection for digital marketing, digital commerce, consumer engagement and the marketing and use of our digital products and services. We also rely on our ability to engage in electronic communications throughout the world between and among our employees as well as with other third parties, including customers, suppliers, vendors and consumers. Any interruption in information technology systems may impede our ability to engage in the digital space and result in lost revenues, damage to our reputation and loss of users.
Our contracts may not contain limitations of liability, and even where they do, there can be no assurance that limitations of liability in our contracts are sufficient to protect us from liabilities, damages or claims related to our data privacy and security obligations. We cannot be sure that our insurance coverage will be adequate or sufficient to protect us from or to mitigate liabilities arising out of our privacy and security practices, that such coverage will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all or that such coverage will pay future claims. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceeds available insurance coverage or the occurrence of changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.
As we outsource functions, we become more dependent on the entities performing those functions. Disruptions or delays at our third-party service providers could adversely impact our operations.operations
As part of our long-term profitable growth strategy, we are continually looking for opportunities to provide essential business services in a more cost-effective manner. In some cases, this requires the outsourcing of functions or parts of functions that can be performed more effectively by external service providers. For example, we currently outsource a significant portion of our information technology, finance, customer relations and customer service functions to Wipro Limited.a third party. Additionally, third-party service providers are also relied upon to design, program, maintain and service our ERP systems. While we believe we conduct appropriate diligence before entering into agreements with any outsourcing entity, the failure of one or more of such entities to meet our performance standards and expectations, including with respect to data security, compliance with data protection and privacy laws, providing services on a timely basis or providing services at the prices we expect, may have an
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adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. For example, our outsourcing entities and other third-party service providers may experience difficulties, disruptions, delays, or failures in their ability to deliver services to us as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We could face increased costs or disruption associated with finding replacement vendors or hiring new employees in order to return these services in-house, which may have a significant impact on our costs, as well as impact the cost and timing of receipt of inventory for future seasons. Any failures of these vendors to properly deliver their services could similarly have a material effect on our business. We may outsource other functions in the future, which would increase our reliance on third parties.
We face cybersecurity, privacy and data protection risks and may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize those risks.
We utilize systems that allow for the secure storage and transmission of proprietary or confidential information regarding our consumers, employees, and others, including credit card information and personal information. To protect our employees and consumers through the COVID-19 pandemic we may process and make decisions based on individuals’ personal health information, such as whether to close facilities, perform cleaning, or engage in contact tracing, even though the medical guidance on symptoms and disease prevention is not static. As evidenced by the numerous companies who have suffered serious data security breaches, we may be vulnerable to, and unable to anticipate or detect, data security breaches and data loss, including rapidly evolving and increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity attacks. In addition, data security breaches can also occur as a result of a failure by us or our employees, such as failing to follow policies, procedures or training, or by persons with whom we have commercial relationships that result in the unauthorized release of personal or confidential information. In addition to our own databases, we use third-party service providers to store, process and transmit confidential or personal information on our behalf. Although we contractually require these service providers to implement and use reasonable security measures and to comply with laws relating to privacy and data protection, we cannot control third parties and cannot guarantee that a data security breach will not occur in the future either at their location or within their systems.
A data security breach may expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, and could result in significant costs to us, which may include, among others, potential liabilities to payment card networks for reimbursement of credit card fraud and card reissuance costs, including fines and penalties, potential liabilities from governmental or third-party investigations, proceedings or litigation and diversion of management attention and also further inquiries and increased scrutiny from regulatory entities. We could also experience delays or interruptions in our ability to function in the normal course of business, including delays in the fulfillment or cancellation of customer orders or disruptions in the manufacture and shipment of products. In addition, actual or anticipated attacks may cause us to incur costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees, and engage third-party experts and consultants. Any compromise or breach of our security could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and financial exposure, a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and our reputation, and a loss of consumer trust.
The regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is increasingly demanding, with frequent imposition of new and changing requirements. In the United States, various laws and regulations apply to the collection, processing, disclosure and security of certain types of data, including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, the Gramm Leach Bliley Act and state laws relating to privacy and data security, including the California Consumer Privacy Act. Several foreign countries and governmental bodies, including the European Union, also have laws and regulations dealing with the handling and processing of personal information obtained from their residents, which in certain cases are more restrictive than those in the United States. Laws and regulations in these jurisdictions apply broadly to the collection, use, storage, disclosure and security of various types of data referred to as personal information. The definition of personal information, which includes data that identifies or may be used to identify an individual, directly or indirectly, such as names or email addresses and, in some jurisdictions, any unique identifier such as an internet protocol addresses, has been continually revised in a way that puts larger amounts of information within scope of the laws. Such laws and regulations may be modified or subject to new or different interpretations, and new laws and regulations may be enacted in the future. Within the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation, which became effective in May 2018 and replaced the 1995 European Union Data Protection Directive and superseded applicable European Union member state legislation, imposes significant new requirements on how companies collect, process and transfer personal data, as well as significant fines for noncompliance. The increased complexity in these laws and the inherent conflicts between jurisdictions may result in an inability for the company to comply with all applicable requirements in the jurisdictions where we do business despite our best efforts.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with laws, regulations, policies or regulatory guidance relating to privacy or data security may result in governmental investigations and enforcement actions, litigation, fines and penalties or adverse publicity, and could cause our customers and consumers to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our reputation and business. Our efforts to implement evolving global detailed legal requirements relating to protection of personal information creates uncertainty in our ability to anticipate the volume of consumer inquiries, to timely respond, and to predict
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consumer understanding of our business practices which may all unintentionally create confusion about our practices and cause loss of trust and damage to our reputation.
We currently rely on contract manufacturing of our products. Our inability to secure production sources meeting our quality, cost, social and environmental risk mitigation and other requirements, or failures by our contract manufacturers to perform, could harm our sales, service levels and reputation.reputation
In fiscal year 2020,2023, we sourced approximately 99% of our products from independent contract manufacturers that purchase fabric and make our products and may also provide us with design and development services. As a result, we must locate and secure production capacity. We depend on contract manufacturers to maintain adequate financial resources, including access to sufficient credit, to secure a sufficient supply of raw materials, and maintain sufficient development and manufacturing capacity in an environment characterized by continuing cost pressure and demands for product innovation and speed-to-market. In addition, we currently do not have any material long-term contracts with any of our contract manufacturers. Under our current arrangements with our contract manufacturers, these manufacturers generally may unilaterally terminate their relationship with us at any time. While we have historically worked with numerous manufacturers, in recent years we have begun consolidating the number of contract manufacturers from which we source our products. In addition, some of our contract manufacturers have merged. Reliance on a fewer number of contract manufacturers involves risk, and any difficulties or failures to perform by our contract manufacturers could cause delays in product shipments or otherwise negatively affect our results of operations. If our contract manufacturers, or any raw material vendors or suppliers on which our contract manufacturers rely, suffer prolonged manufacturing or transportation disruptions due to macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical conflict, public health conditions, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, or other unforeseen events, our ability to source product on a timely basis could be adversely impacted, which could adversely affect our results of operations. Also, we have certain minimum inventory purchase commitments, including fabric commitments, with suppliers that secure a portion of material needs for future seasons. If we do not satisfy the minimum purchase commitments, due to conditions such as decreased demand, we willmay be charged for estimated adverse purchase commitments.
A contract manufacturer'smanufacturer’s failure to ship products to us in a timely manner or to meet our quality standards, or interference with our ability to receive or process shipments due to factors such as port or transportation conditions, or security incidents or storage and process capacity pressures, could cause us to miss the delivery date requirements of our customers. Failing to make timely deliveries may cause our customers to cancel orders, refuse to accept deliveries, impose non-compliance charges, demand reduced prices or reduce future orders, any of which could harm our sales and margins. If we need to replace any contract manufacturer, we may be unable to locate additional contract manufacturers on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, or we may be unable to locate additional contract manufacturers with sufficient capacity to meet our requirements or to fill our orders in a timely manner.
We require contract manufacturers to make progress toward our sustainability goals and meet our standards and policies in terms of working conditions, environmental protection, raw materials, facility safety, security and other matters before we are willing to place business with them. As such, we may not be able to obtain the lowest-cost production. We also may need to move our production to the extent that we determine our contract manufacturers are not in compliance with our standards or applicable government standards, sanctions or other restrictions. We may also encounter delays in production and added costs as a result of the time it takes to train our contract manufacturers in our methods, products and quality control standards. In addition, the labor and business practices of apparel manufacturers and their suppliers, including raw material suppliers, have received increased attention from the media, non-governmental organizations, consumers and governmental agencies in recent years. Any failure by our contract manufacturers or their suppliers to adhere to our code of conduct, labor or other laws, appropriate labor or business practices, safety, structural or environmental standards, and the potential litigation, negative publicity and political pressure relating to any of these events, could harm our business and reputation.
Our suppliers may be impacted by economic conditions and cycles and changing laws and regulatory requirements which could impact their ability to do business with us or cause us to terminate our relationship with them and require us to find replacements, which we may have difficulty doing.
Our suppliers are subject to the fluctuations in general economic cycles, and global economic conditions may impact their ability to operate their businesses. They may also be impacted by the increasing costs or availability of raw materials, including related to inflationary pressures, labor and distribution, resulting in demands for less attractive contract terms or an inability for them to meet our requirements or conduct their own businesses. The performance and financial condition of a supplier may cause us to alter our business terms or to cease doing business with a particular supplier, or change our sourcing practices generally, which could in turn adversely affect our business and financial condition.
In addition, regulatory developments such as reporting requirements on the use of "conflict"“conflict” minerals mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries, or compliance with the recent sanctions and customs trade orders issued by the U.S. government related to raw materials, entities and individuals who are connected to the Xinjianga region of China, as well as retaliatory measures or restrictions of critical materials by certain governments, could affect the sourcing and availability of raw materials used by our suppliers in the manufacturing of certain of our products.products, or distribution of products to the United States. We have been and may continue to be subject to costs associated with regulations, including for the diligence pertaining to these
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matters and the cost of remediation and other changes to products, processes, or sources of supply as a consequence of
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such verification activities. The impact of such regulations may result in a limited pool of acceptable suppliers, and we cannot be assured that we will be able to obtain products in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, because our supply chain is complex, we may face regulatory challenges in complying with applicable sanctions and trade regulations and reputational challenges with our consumers and other stakeholders if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for the material used in the products we sell.
If oneThe global apparel industry is subject to intense competition and cost and pricing pressure
The apparel industry is characterized by low barriers to entry for both suppliers and marketers, global sourcing through suppliers located throughout the world, trade liberalization, continuing movement of product sourcing to lower cost countries, regular promotional activity, and the ongoing emergence of new competitors with widely varying strategies and resources. These factors have contributed, and we expect them to continue to contribute in the future, to intense pricing pressure and uncertainty throughout the supply chain. Macroeconomic pressures around the world such as inflation, rising interest rates, energy prices, including the dramatic increases in energy prices in Europe, and recession fears are creating a complex and challenging retail environment for us and our customers as consumers reduce discretionary spending. Pricing pressure has been further exacerbated by the variability and availability of raw materials, combined with labor and cost inflation and uncertainty throughout the supply chain. This pressure could have adverse effects on our business and financial condition, including:
reduced gross margins across our product lines and distribution channels;
increased retailer demands for allowances, incentives, and other forms of economic support;
unfavorable consumer reactions to price increases; and
increased pressure on us to reduce our production costs and operating expenses.
Increases in the price or moreavailability of raw materials could increase our cost of goods and negatively impact our financial results.
The majority of our counterparty financial institutions defaultproducts are made of cotton, where the remaining balance are primarily made of synthetics, cotton/synthetic blends and viscose. The prices we pay our suppliers for our products are dependent in part on their obligationsthe market price for raw materials used to us, weproduce them, primarily cotton. The price and availability of cotton may incur significant losses.
As partfluctuate substantially, depending on a variety of factors, including demand, acreage devoted to cotton crops and crop yields, weather, supply conditions, transportation costs, energy prices, work stoppages, government regulation, sanctions and policy, economic climates, market speculation, compliance with our working condition, environmental protection, other standards and other unpredictable factors. For example, compliance with the sanctions and trade orders issued by the United States, Europe and other governments related to raw materials, entities and individuals who are connected to a region of China, as well as retaliatory measures or restrictions of critical materials by certain governments, could affect the sourcing and availability of raw materials, including cotton, used by our suppliers in the manufacturing of certain of our hedging activities,products and the importation of products from China into the United States.Any and all of these factors may be exacerbated by global climate change. Cotton prices have fluctuated significantly in recent months, and we enter into transactions involving derivative financial instruments, which may include forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, option contracts, collarsexpect they will continue to experience unprecedented variability and swaps, with various financial institutions.uncertainty. We do not currently hedge the price of cotton. In the event of a significant disruption or unavailability in the supply of the fabrics or raw materials used by our vendors in the manufacture of our products, our vendors might not be able to locate alternative suppliers of materials of comparable quality at an acceptable price. In addition, weprices of purchased finished products also depend on wage rates and energy costs in the regions where our contract manufacturers are located, as well as freight costs from those regions that are in turn affected by crude oil prices. Increases in raw material costs, wage rates, energy costs and freight costs, unless sufficiently offset by our pricing actions, may cause a decrease in our profitability and negatively impact our sales volume. These factors may also have significant amountsan adverse impact on our cash and working capital needs as well as those of cash, cash equivalentsour suppliers.
Our business is subject to risks associated with sourcing and other investments on depositmanufacturing overseas, as well as risks associated with potential tariffs, transportation disruptions or a global trade war.
We import materials and finished garments into all of our operating regions. Our ability to import products in accounts with banksa timely and cost-effective manner may be affected by conditions at ports or other financial institutionsissues that otherwise affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as port and shipping capacity, energy costs, labor disputes and work stoppages, political unrest, security incidents, severe weather or security requirements in the United States and abroad. We alsoother countries. These issues could delay importation of products or require us to locate alternative ports or warehousing providers to avoid disruption to our customers. These alternatives may not be available on short notice or could result in higher transportation costs, which could have enteredan adverse impact on our business and financial condition, specifically our gross margin and overall profitability.
Substantially all of our import operations are subject to complex trade and customs laws, regulations and tax requirements such as sanctions orders or tariffs set by governments through mutual agreements or unilateral actions. In addition, the countries in which our products are manufactured or imported may from time to time impose additional duties, tariffs or other restrictions on our imports or adversely modify existing restrictions. For example, the U.S. government has imposed tariffs on goods
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imported from China in connection with China’s intellectual property practices and forced technology transfer. Currently, of the products that we sell in the United States, approximately 1% are manufactured in China. Adverse changes in import costs and restrictions, including tariffs, or the failure by us or our suppliers to comply with trade regulations or similar laws, could harm our business. In this regard, the increasingly protectionist trade policy in the United States has introduced greater uncertainty with respect to future tax and trade regulations. If additional tariffs or trade restrictions are implemented by the United States or other countries in connection with a global trade war, the cost of our products manufactured in China or other countries and imported into the Second AmendedUnited States or other countries could increase, which in turn could adversely affect the demand for these products and Restated Credit Agreement (as defined below) with several financial institutions that provides us with additional credit availability. As a result, we are exposed to the risk of default by or failure of counterparty financial institutions. This risk may be heightened during economic downturnshave an adverse effect on our business and periods of uncertainty in the financial markets, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If one of our counterparties were to become insolvent or file for bankruptcy, our ability to recover losses incurred as a result of default or our assets that are deposited or held in accounts with such counterparty may be limited by the counterparty’s liquidity or the applicable laws governing the insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings. In the event of default or failure of one or more of our counterparties, we could incur significant losses, which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.operations.
The loss of high-quality employees, including members of our executive management and other key employees, or the failure to attract and retain key personnel or maintain our workplace culture could harm our business.
Our future success depends, in part, on the continued service of our high-quality employees, including our executive management team and other key employees, and the loss of the services of any key individual, or any negative perception with respect to these individuals, or our workplace culture or values, could harm our business. Our future success also depends, in part, on our ability to recruit, retain and motivate our employees sufficiently, both to maintain our current business and to execute our strategic initiatives. Competition for experienced and well-qualified employees in our industry is particularly intense in many of the places where we do business, and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel. Changes to our current and future office environments, adoption of new work models and our business requirements or expectations about when or how often employees work either on-site or remotely may not meet the expectations of our employees. As certain jobs and employers increasingly operate remotely, traditional geographic competition for talent may change in ways that cannot be fully predicted at this time. If our employment proposition is not perceived as favorable compared to other companies’ policies, it could negatively impact our ability to attract, hire and retain our employees. Moreover, shifts in U.S. immigration policy could negatively impact our ability to attract, hire and retain highly skilled employees who are from outside the United States. We believe that our corporate culture has been a key driver of our success, and we have invested substantial time and resources in building, maintaining, and evolving our culture. Any failure to preserve and evolve our culture could negatively affect our future success, including our ability to retain and recruit employees.
MostOn January 29, 2024, Charles (“Chip”) V. Bergh, our current President, Chief Executive Officer and member of our board of directors, will step down as Chief Executive Officer. To support the transition, Mr. Bergh will continue to serve as an executive director of the Company until the Company’s 2024 annual meeting of shareholders, which is scheduled to be held on April 24, 2024, at which time Mr. Bergh shall resign as a member of the board and thereafter will serve as a strategic advisor until the end of the Company’s fiscal year. Michelle Gass, the President of the Company, will succeed Mr. Bergh, January 29, 2024. While we have confidence in Ms. Gass and the rest of our team, the uncertainty inherent in this ongoing leadership transition and restructuring may be difficult to manage and can disrupt our business. The failure to successfully transition and assimilate key employees generally could adversely affect our results of operations. To the extent we do not effectively hire, onboard, retain and motivate key employees, our business can be harmed.
Many of the employees in our production and distribution facilities are covered by collective bargaining agreements, and any material job actions could negatively affect our results of operations.
In North America, mostmany of our distribution employees are covered by various collective bargaining agreements. Outside North America, mostmany of our production and distribution employees are covered by either industry-sponsored and/or government-sponsored collective bargaining mechanisms. Any work stoppages or other job actions by these employees could harm our business and reputation.
Our licenseesAdditionally, employees in various jurisdictions and franchiseescountries in which we and our vendors operate are or may not comply with our product quality, manufacturing standards, social, environmental, marketing and other requirements,eventually become unionized, which could bring about increased payroll costs and reduced flexibility under labor regulations, which in turn may negatively affect our reputation and business.
We license our trademarks to third parties for manufacturing, marketing and distribution of various products. While we enter into comprehensive agreements with our licensees covering product design, product quality, sourcing, manufacturing, marketing and other requirements, our licensees may not comply fully with those agreements. Non-compliance could include marketing products under our brand names that do not meet our quality and other requirements or engaging in manufacturing practices that do not meet our sustainability standards and policies including our supplier code of conduct or applicable government restrictions and regulations. These activities could harm our brand equity, our reputation andimpact our business.
In addition, Furthermore, we enter into franchise agreements with unaffiliated franchisees to operate stores and, in certain circumstances, websites, in many countries around the world. Under these agreements, third parties operate, or will operate, stores and websites that sell apparel and related products under our brand names. While the agreements we have entered into and plan to enter into in the future provide us with certain termination rights, the valuecould be affected by conflicts between unions which claim representation of our brandsemployees that could be impaired to the extent that these third parties do not operate their businesses, including their stores or websites in a manner consistent with our requirements regarding our brand identitiesgenerate additional payroll costs and customer experience standards. Failure to protect the value of our brands, or any other harmful acts or omissions by a franchisee, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and our reputation.
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Our success depends on the continued protection of our trademarks and other proprietary intellectual property rights.
Our trademarks and other intellectual property rights are important to our success and competitive position, and the loss of or inability to enforce trademark and other proprietary intellectual property rights could harm our business. We devote substantial resources to the establishment and protection of our trademark and other proprietary intellectual property rights on a global basis. In addition to our trademarks and other intellectual property rights, as we develop technologies that we believe are innovative, such as our F.L.X. technology, we intend to continually assess the patentability and other protectability of new intellectual property. However, the patents that we own and those that may be issued in the future may not adequately protect our intellectual property, survive legal challenges or provide us with competitive advantages, and our patent applications may not be granted. Our efforts to establish and protect ourproprietary intellectual property rights may not be adequate to prevent imitation of our products by others or to prevent others from seeking to claim ownership or seeking to block sales of our products. Unauthorized copying of our products or unauthorized use of our trademarks, patented technologies or other proprietary rights may not only erode sales of our products but may also cause significant reputational harm to our brand names and our ability to effectively represent ourselves to our consumers, contractors, suppliers and/or licensees. Moreover, others may seek to assert rights in, or ownership of, our trademarks and other intellectual property, including through civil and/or criminal prosecution. We may not be able to successfully resolve those claims, which may result in financial liability and criminal penalties, and defending or pursuing such claims may create significant financial burdens. In addition, the laws and enforcement mechanisms of some foreign countries may not allow us to protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as we are able to in the United States and other countries.labor conflicts.
We have substantial liabilities and cash requirements associated with our postretirement benefits, pension, and deferred compensation plans.
Our postretirement benefits, pension and deferred compensation plans result in substantial liabilities on our balance sheet. These plans and activities have generated, and will generate, substantial cash requirements for us, and these requirements may increase beyond our expectations in future years based on changing market conditions. The difference between plan obligations and assets, or the funded status of the plans, is a significant factor in determining the net periodic benefit costs of our pension plans and the ongoing funding requirements of those plans. Many variables, such as changes in interest rates, mortality rates, health care costs, investment returns and/or the market value of plan assets, can affect the funded status of our defined benefit pension and other postretirement, and postemployment benefit plans and cause volatility in the net periodic benefit cost and future funding requirements of the plans. Plan liabilities may impair our liquidity, have an unfavorable impact on our ability to obtain financing and place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to some of our competitors who do not have such
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liabilities and cash requirements. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for more information regarding these obligations.
Natural disasters, public health crises,Our licensees and franchisees may not comply with our product quality, manufacturing standards, social, environmental, marketing and other requirements, which could negatively affect our reputation and business.
We license our trademarks to third parties for manufacturing, marketing and distribution of various products. While we enter into comprehensive agreements with our licensees covering product design, product quality, sourcing, manufacturing, marketing and other requirements, and while these agreements provide us with certain termination rights, our licensees may not comply fully with those agreements. Non-compliance could include marketing products under our brand names that do not meet our quality and other requirements or engaging in manufacturing practices that do not meet our sustainability standards and policies including our supplier code of conduct or applicable government restrictions and regulations. These activities could harm our brand equity, our reputation and our results of operations.
In addition, we enter into franchise agreements with unaffiliated franchisees to operate stores and, in certain circumstances, websites, in many countries around the world. Under these agreements, third parties operate, or will operate, stores and websites that sell apparel and related products under our brand names. While the agreements we have entered and plan to enter in the future provide us with certain termination rights, the value of our brands could be impaired to the extent that these third parties do not operate their businesses, including their stores or websites, in a manner consistent with our requirements regarding our brand identities and customer experience standards. Failure to protect the value of our brands, or any other harmful acts or omissions by a franchisee, could have an adverse effect on our brand equity, our reputation and our results of operations.
Our current and future products may experience quality problems from time to time that could result in negative publicity, litigation, product recalls and warranty claims, which could result in decreased revenues and harm to our brands.
There can be no assurance we will be able to detect, prevent or fix all defects that may affect our products. Inconsistency of legislation and regulations may also affect the costs of compliance with such laws and regulations. Such problems could hurt the image of our brands, which is critical to maintaining and expanding our business. Any negative publicity, product recalls or lawsuits filed against us related to the perceived quality or safety of our products could harm our brand, impact our results of operations and decrease demand for our products.
Risks Related to Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Issues and Changes
We are subject to a complex array of laws and regulations and litigation and other legal and regulatory proceedings, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
As a multinational corporation with operations and distribution channels throughout the world, we are subject to and must comply with extensive laws and regulations in the United States and other jurisdictions in which we have operations and distribution channels. If we or our employees, agents, suppliers and other partners fail or are alleged to have failed to comply with any of these laws or regulations, we could be subjected to regulatory investigations or enforcement, lawsuits (including class actions), fines, sanctions or other penalties that could negatively affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, laws, regulations and policies and the interpretation of such, can conflict among jurisdictions and compliance in one jurisdiction may result in legal or reputational risks in another jurisdiction. We are or may become involved in various types of claims, lawsuits (including class actions), regulatory proceedings and government investigations relating to our business, our products and the actions of our employees and representatives, including contractual and employment relationships, product liability, antitrust, privacy and data protection, trademark and other intellectual property rights and a variety of other matters. It is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of any such legal or regulatory proceedings or investigations, and we could in the future incur judgments, fines or penalties, or enter settlements of lawsuits and claims that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and negatively impact our reputation. The global nature of our business means legal and compliance risks, such as anti-bribery, anti-corruption, fraud, trade, environmental, competition, privacy, and other regulatory matters, will continue to exist and additional legal proceedings and other contingencies will arise from time to time, which could adversely affect us. In addition, the adoption of new laws or regulations, or changes in the interpretation of existing laws or regulations, may result in significant unanticipated legal and reputational risks. Any current or future legal or regulatory proceedings could divert management’s attention from our operations and result in substantial legal fees.
Changes to trade policy, including tariff and customs regulations, or failure to comply with such regulations may have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in U.S. or international social, political, regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing trade, manufacturing, development and investment in the countries where we currently sell our products or conduct our business, could adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. For example, we are required to observe certain laws relating to economic sanctions, including those implemented by the U.S. Department of the
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Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and other sanctions authorities. These requirements may prohibit or restrict activities relating to certain individuals, entities, countries or territories. Although we have implemented controls to promote compliance with economic sanctions, such requirements are subject to rapid change, and it may be time-consuming and expensive for us to alter our business operations to adapt to or comply with any changes in these or other laws. Should our controls prove to be, or have been, ineffective, we may be subject to regulatory or enforcement action that could adversely affect our reputation, financial condition, or business.
Changes or proposed changes in U.S. or other countries’ trade policies may result in restrictions and economic disincentives on international trade. Tariffs, economic sanctions and other changes in U.S. trade policy have in the past and could in the future trigger retaliatory actions by affected countries, and certain foreign governments have instituted or are considering imposing retaliatory measures on certain U.S. goods. Further, any emerging protectionist or nationalist trends (whether regulatory- or consumer-driven) either in the United States or in other countries could affect the trade environment. We, like many other multinational corporations, conduct a significant amount of business that would be impacted by changes to the trade policies of the United States and foreign countries (including governmental action related to tariffs, international trade agreements, or economic sanctions). Such changes have the potential to adversely impact the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof or the economy of another country in which we conduct operations, our industry and the global demand for our products, and as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights or adequately ensure that we are not infringing the intellectual property rights of others could adversely affect our business.
We may face significant expenses and liability in connection with the protection of our intellectual property rights, including outside the United States, and if we are unable to successfully protect our rights or resolve conflicts relating to infringement of intellectual property rights with others, our business or financial condition may be adversely affected.
Our competitive position largely depends upon our trademarks and other intellectual property rights, which we take steps to establish and protect both domestically and internationally. However, we may be unable to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights or determine the extent of any unauthorized use by third parties, particularly in foreign countries where the laws do not protect proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. We periodically discover counterfeit reproductions of our products or products that otherwise infringe our intellectual property rights. Given that we place significant value on our trademarks, trade dress and the overall appearance and image of our products, if we are unsuccessful in enforcing or protecting our intellectual property rights, continued sales of these infringing products could adversely affect our sales and our brand and could result in a shift of consumer preference away from our brand and products. The actions we take to establish and protect our intellectual property rights are expensive, time-consuming and may not be adequate to prevent imitation of our products or other unauthorized uses of our intellectual property by others.
We also cannot assure that our rights in, or ownership of, our trademarks or other intellectual property rights would be upheld if challenged. Further, we cannot ensure that licensees will not take any actions that hurt the value of our intellectual property.
We also may be unable to prevent others from seeking to block sales of our products as purported violations of their proprietary rights.
We may be subject to liability or be prevented from using our trademarks or other intellectual property rights, which could have an adverse effect on our financial conditions and operations, if third parties successfully claim we infringe their intellectual property rights. Defending infringement claims could be expensive and time consuming and might result in our entering into costly license agreements or other settlement agreements. We also may be subject to significant damages or injunctions against development, manufacturing, use, importation or sale of certain products.
Although we take various actions to prevent the unauthorized use or disclosure of our confidential information and intellectual property rights, our controls and efforts to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure thereof might not always be effective. For example, confidential information related to business strategy, innovations, new technologies, mergers and acquisitions, unpublished financial results or personal data could be prematurely, inadvertently or improperly used or disclosed, resulting in a loss of reputation, loss of intellectual property rights, a decline in our stock price or a negative impact on our market position, and could lead to damages, fines, penalties or injunctions.
The enactment of tax legislation, including legislation implementing changes in taxation of international business activities, could adversely impact our financial position and results of operations.
We earn a substantial portion of our income in foreign countries and, as such, we are subject to the tax laws in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Current economic and political conditions make tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation and application, in any jurisdiction subject to significant change.
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Recent tax legislation and regulations, including the COVID-19 pandemic, political crises,enactment of a new corporate minimum tax in the U.S. and the U.S. Treasury Department’s 2022 foreign tax credit regulations, make significant changes to the U.S. tax regime and could materially impact how our earnings are taxed.
In addition, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) reached agreement among various countries to implement a minimum 15% tax rate on certain multinational enterprises, commonly referred to as Pillar Two. Many countries continue to announce changes in their tax laws and regulations based on the Pillar Two proposals. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of these proposed and enacted legislative changes as new guidance becomes available. Some of these legislative changes could impact our effective tax rate and tax liabilities. Given the numerous proposed tax law changes and the uncertainty regarding such proposed legislative changes, the impact of Pillar Two cannot be determined at this time.
We utilize tax rulings and other catastrophic eventsagreements to obtain certainty in treatment of certain tax matters. These rulings and agreements expire from time to time and may be extended when certain conditions are met, or terminated if certain conditions are not met. We cannot guarantee that such rulings and agreements will be extended. Any changes in conditions may result in aloss of certainty in treatment, which may adversely impact our tax planning.
We are also subject to the examination of our tax returns by the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. Although we believe our tax provisions are adequate, the final determination of tax audits and any related disputes could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of audits or related disputes could have an adverse effect on our financial statements for the period or periods for which the applicable final determinations are made. For example, we and our subsidiaries are also engaged in a number of intercompany transactions across multiple tax jurisdictions. Although we believe we have clearly reflected the economics of these transactions and the proper local transfer pricing documentation is in place, tax authorities may propose and sustain adjustments that could result in changes that may impact our mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates.
We are subject to stringent and changing obligations related to data privacy and security. Our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could lead to regulatory investigations or actions, litigation, fines and penalties, disruptions of our business operations, reputational harm and other adverse business or financial consequences.
In addition to our own sensitive and proprietary business information, we handle transactional and personal information, including without limitation credit card information and personal information about our employees, customers, consumers and users of our digital experiences, which include online distribution channels and product engagement.
As a result of our data collection and processing activities, we must comply with increasingly complex and rigorous, and sometimes conflicting laws, regulatory standards, industry standards, external and internal privacy and security policies, contracts and other obligations that govern the processing of business and personal data, including personal health information of our employees. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (the “EU GDPR”), the United Kingdom’s GDPR (the “UK GDPR”), California’s Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 impose obligations on companies regarding the handling of personal data and provide certain individual privacy rights to persons whose data is stored or otherwise processed. Furthermore, other comprehensive privacy laws, such as China’s Personal Information Protection Law, Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act andIndia’s new Digital Personal Data Protection Act, as well as other states in the United States, such as Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah and others, have enacted data privacy laws that have come into effect or will come into effect in the coming months and years, which are likely to continue to influence other jurisdictions, U.S. states or even the U.S. Congress to pass comparable legislation. Additionally, laws in certain jurisdictions require data localization and impose restrictions on the transfer of personal information across borders. For example, the EU GDPR and the UK GDPR generally restrict the transfer of personal information, including employee and consumer information, to countries outside of the EEA and the United Kingdom (respectively) without appropriate safeguards or other events outsidemeasures. If we cannot implement a valid compliance mechanism for cross-border privacy and security transfers, we may face increased exposure to legal or regulatory actions, substantial fines and injunctions against processing or transferring personal information from Europe or elsewhere.
In addition, privacy advocates and industry groups have proposed, and may propose in the future, standards with which we are legally or contractually bound to comply. For example, we are also subject to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (“PCI DSS”). The PCI DSS requires companies to adopt certain measures to ensure the security of cardholder information, and noncompliance with PCI-DSS can result in penalties ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per month by credit card companies, litigation, damage to our reputation and revenue losses. Furthermore, we are bound bycontractual obligations related to privacy, data protection and data security, and our efforts to comply with such obligations may not be successful or may have other negative consequences.
We may publish privacy policies, marketing materials and other statements, such as compliance with certain certifications or self-regulatory principles, regarding data privacy and security. If these policies, materials or statements are found to be
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deficient, lacking in transparency, deceptive, unfair or misrepresentative of our controlpractices, we may damagebe subject to investigation, enforcement actions by regulators or other adverse consequences. In general, negative publicity we might receive regarding any actual or perceived violations of consumer privacy rights, including fines and enforcement actions against us or other similarly placed businesses, may also impair consumers’ trust in our facilitiesprivacy practices and make them reluctant to give their consent to share their data with us.
Obligations related to data privacy and security are quickly changing, becoming increasingly stringent and creating regulatory uncertainty. Additionally, these obligations may be subject to differing applications and interpretations, which may be inconsistent or conflict among jurisdictions. Compliance with existing and forthcoming data privacy and security laws and regulations can be costly and time consuming, and may require changes to our information technologies, systems and practices and to those of any third parties that process personal information on our behalf and cause us to divert resources from other initiatives and projects to address these evolving compliance and operational requirements. If we or the facilities of third parties on which we depend,rely fail, or are perceived to have failed, to address or comply with obligations related to data privacy and security, we could impact consumer spending.
Our global headquartersface significant consequences, including, but not limited to, proceedings against the company by governmental entities (for example, investigations, lawsuits (including class actions), fines, penalties, audits and the headquarters of our Americas region are both located in California near major geologic faults that have experienced earthquakes in the past. An earthquakeinspections) or other natural disasterentities or power shortagesindividuals, additional reporting requirements or outages could disrupt operations or impair critical systems. Any of these disruptions or other events outside of our control could affect our business negatively, harming our operating results. In addition, if any of our facilities, including our manufacturing, finishing or distribution facilities, our company-operated or franchised stores or the facilities of our suppliers, third-party service providers, or customers, is affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, power shortages or outages, floods or monsoons, public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics (including, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic), political crises, such as terrorism, war, political instability, social unrest, or other conflict; industrial accidents, such as structural integrity failure or fire; or other events outside of our control, our business and operating results could suffer. Disasters occurring at our or our vendors’ facilities also could impactoversight bans, damage to our reputation and our consumers’ perceptioncredibility or inability to process data or operate in certain jurisdictions, any of our brands. Moreover, these types of events could negatively impact consumer spending in the impacted regions or, depending upon the severity, globally, which could adversely impact our operating results. Any disruptions in our operations could negatively impact our business and operating results, and harm our reputation. In addition, we may not carry business insurance or may not carry sufficient business insurance to compensate for losses that may occur. Any such losses or damages could have a adverse effectnegative impact on our business, operating resultsoperations, reputation, revenues and financial condition.profits.
Failure to comply with anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences.
We are subject to the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act and other anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws in various jurisdictions around the world. The FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar applicable laws generally prohibit companies, as well as their officers, directors, employees and third-party intermediaries, business partners and agents from making improper payments or providing other improper things of value to government officials or other persons. We and our third-party intermediaries may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state
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owned or affiliated entities and other third parties where we may be held liable for corrupt or other illegal activities, even if we do not explicitly authorize them. While we have policies and procedures and internal controls to address compliance with such laws, we cannot provide assurance that all of our employees and third-party intermediaries, business partners and agents have not and will not take actions in violation of such policies and laws, for which we may be ultimately held responsible. To the extent that we learn that any of our employees or third-party intermediaries, business partners or agents do not adhere to our policies, procedures or internal controls, we are committed to taking appropriate remedial action. In the event that we believe or have reason to believe that our directors, officers, employees or third-party intermediaries, agents or business partners have or may have violated such laws, we may be required to investigate or to have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances. Detecting, investigating and resolving actual or alleged violations can be extensivecostly and require a significant diversion of time, resources and attention from senior management. Any violationViolations of the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act or other applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws couldoften result in whistleblower complaints, adverse media coverage, investigations, loss of export privileges and criminal or civil sanctions, penalties and fines, any of which may could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Our currentRisks Relating to Securities, Investment and future products may experience quality problems from time to time that could result in negative publicity, litigation, product recalls and warranty claims, which could result in decreased revenues and harm to our brands.Liquidity
There can be no assurance we will be able to detect, preventIf one or fix all defects that may affect our products. Inconsistency of legislation and regulations may also affect the costs of compliance with such laws and regulations. Such problems could hurt the imagemore of our brands, which is criticalcounterparty financial institutions default on their obligations to maintaining and expandingus, we may incur significant losses or our business. Any negative publicity or lawsuits filed against us related to the perceived qualityfinancial liquidity could be adversely impacted.
As part of our products could harm our brandhedging activities, we enter into transactions involving derivative financial instruments, which may include forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, option contracts, collars and decrease demand for our products.
Climate change may adversely impact our business.
Rising global average temperatures due to increased concentrationsswaps, with various financial institutions. In addition, we have significant amounts of carbon dioxidecash, cash equivalents and other greenhouse gasesinvestments on deposit or in accounts with banks or other financial institutions in the atmosphereUnited States and abroad. We are causing significant changes in weather patterns aroundalso a party to a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended to date, the globe and an increase in the frequency and severity“Credit Agreement”) with several financial institutions that provides us with a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) under which we had $942.8 million of natural disasters. Changes in weather patterns and the increased frequency, intensity and durationborrowing capacity as of extreme weather events (e.g., floods, droughts and severe storms) could, among other things, adversely impact the cultivation of cotton, which is a key resource in the production ofNovember 26, 2023. We may rely on that borrowing capacity to fund our products, disrupt the operation of our supply chain and the productivity of our contract manufacturers, disrupt retail operations and foot traffic in consumer markets, increase our product costs and impact the types of apparel products that consumers purchase. As a result, the effects of climate change could have short- and long-term impacts on our business and operations.
Future acquisitions of and investments in new businesses could impact our business and financial condition.
From time to time, we may acquire or invest in businesses or partnerships that we believe could complement our business or offer growth opportunities. The pursuit of such acquisitions or investments may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various expenses, regardless of whether the acquisition or investment is ultimately completed. In addition, acquisitions and investments may not perform as expected or cause us to assume unrecognized or underestimated liabilities. Further, if we are able to successfully identify and acquire additional businesses, we may not be able to successfully integrate the acquired personnel or operations, or effectively manage the combined business following the acquisition, any of which could harm our business and financial condition.
Our business is affected by seasonality, which could result in fluctuations in our operating results.
We experience moderate fluctuations in aggregate sales volume during the year. Historically, revenues in our third and fourth fiscal quarters have slightly exceeded those in our first and second fiscal quarters. In addition, our customers and consumers may cancel orders, change delivery schedules or change the mix of products ordered with minimal notice. As a result, we are exposed to the risk of default by, or failure of, counterparty financial institutions. This risk may not be ableheightened during economic downturns and periods of uncertainty in the financial markets, including as a result of macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions. If one of our counterparties were to accurately predictbecome insolvent or file for bankruptcy, our quarterly sales. Accordingly,ability to borrow funds or recover losses incurred as a result of a default or our assets that are deposited or held in accounts with such counterparty may be limited by the counterparty’s liquidity or the applicable laws governing the insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings. In the event of default or failure of one or more of our counterparties, we could incur significant losses or our financial liquidity could be adversely impacted, which could negatively impact our results of operations are likely to fluctuate significantly from period to period. This seasonality, along with other factors that are beyond our control, including the COVID-19 pandemic, general economic conditions, changes in consumer preferences, weather conditions, including the effects of climate change, the availability of import quotas, transportation disruptions and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, could adversely affect our business and cause our results of operations to fluctuate.
We are subject to periodic claims and litigation that could result in unexpected expenses and could ultimately be resolved against us.
From time to time, we may be involved in litigation and other proceedings, including matters related to commercial disputes, product liability, intellectual property, trade, customs laws and regulations, employment, regulatory compliance and other claims related to our business. Any such proceeding or audit could result in significant settlement amounts, damages, fines or other penalties, divert financial and management resources and result in significant legal fees. An unfavorable outcome of any particular proceeding could exceed the limits of our insurance policies, or our insurance carriers may decline to fund such final settlements or judgments, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any such proceeding could negatively impact our brand equity and our reputation.condition.
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Risks Relating to Our Debt
We have debt and interest payment requirements at a level that may restrict our future operations.
As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, we had $1.6$1.0 billion of debt, all of which was unsecured anddebt. Additionally, we had $713.5$942.8 million of additional borrowing capacity under our credit facility.the Credit Facility. The credit facilityCredit Facility is secured by domestic and Canadian inventories, accounts receivable, and other assets, such as the Levi’s®Levi’s® trademarks in the U.S. Our debt requires us to dedicate a substantial portion of any cash flow from operations to the payment of interest and principal due under our debt, which reduces funds available for other business purposes and results in us having lower net income (or greater net loss) than we otherwise would have had. This dedicated use of cash could impact our ability to successfully compete by, for example:
increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including any adverse economic and industry conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as store closures, decreased foot traffic and recession;recession or inflationary pressures;
limiting our flexibility in planning for or reacting to changes in our business and industry;
placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to some of our competitors that have less debt; and
limiting our ability to obtain additional financing in the future, if required to fund working capital and capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes.
A substantial portion of our debt is Euro-denominated senior notes. In addition, borrowings under our credit facilityCredit Facility bear interest at variable rates and a portion of those borrowings may be in Canadian Dollars. As a result, increases in market interest rates and changes in foreign exchange rates could require a greater portion of our cash flow to be used to pay interest, which could further hinder our operations. Increases in market interest rates may also affect the trading price of our debt securities that bear interest at a fixed rate. Our ability to satisfy our obligations and to reduce our total debt depends on our future operating performance and on economic, financial, competitive and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
In addition, certain loans made by usOur ability to pay dividends, repurchase stock and financing extended to us are made at variable rates that use LIBOR asmake acquisitions is dependent on a benchmark for establishing the interest rate, and may be hedged with LIBOR-based interest rate derivatives. Regulators and law-enforcement agencies in a numbervariety of different jurisdictions have conducted and continue to conduct civil and criminal investigations into potential manipulation or attempted manipulation of LIBOR submissions by panel banks. LIBOR is currently calculated and published for various currencies and periods by the benchmark’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (“IBA”), which is regulated for such purposes by the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”). The FCA has statutory powers to compel panel banks to provide rate quotations for the purpose of calculating LIBOR. On July 27, 2017, Andrew Bailey, the chief executive of the FCA gave a speech in which he questioned the sustainability of LIBOR and announced that the FCA would no longer require banks to submit quotations on which LIBOR rates are based after the end of 2021. However, on November 30, 2020, the IBA announced that it would consult in early December 2020 on its intention to cease the publication of the one-week and two-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on December 31, 2021, and the remaining U.S. dollar LIBOR settings (overnight and one, three, six and 12 months) immediately following the LIBOR publication on June 30, 2023. IBA published this consultation on December 4, 2020 and expects to close the consultation for feedback on January 25, 2021. Concurrent with IBA’s announcement on November 30, 2020, the FCA announced that it welcomed and supported the prospective continuation of most settings of LIBOR beyond the end of 2021, as proposed by the IBA.
Accordingly, many market participants anticipate that in the near future LIBOR will cease being a widely used benchmark interest rate and may cease being published altogether. The current and any future reforms and other pressures may cause LIBOR to be replaced with a new benchmark or to perform differently than in the past,factors, including during any transition period. The Credit Agreement Amendment (defined below) contemplates a procedure for transitioning from LIBOR upon the occurrence of specified events. Nevertheless, the consequences of these market developments cannot be entirely predicted and a transition from LIBOR, even if administered consistent with the credit facility’s provisions, could increase the cost of our variable rate indebtedness.
Both New York State and federal legislation in the U.S. is under consideration that if enacted could result, upon the unavailability of LIBOR, in the replacement of certain fallback provisions in LIBOR-based financing agreements. Under the proposed legislation, some of these existing fallback provisions would be replaced by a provision specifying that the replacement rate and related adjustments recommended by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”), the committee in the United States convened to ensure a successful transition from LIBOR, would be used to establish the interest-rate on the financing. The legislation would also require the use of the benchmark replacement rate and related adjustments recommended by the AARC in the event that there are no fallback provisions in a financing. The legislation would not impact credit agreements that already include fallbacks to the changes recommended by the ARRC. Any such legislation adopted in
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New York State would have applicability only to agreements governed by New York law. There can be no assurance as to the final form of any such New York or federal legislation or as to whether any such legislation will be adopted.
In the event that one or more LIBOR-based interest rate derivatives are entered into to hedge variable rate indebtedness, the LIBOR rate specified therein will be determined from time to time by reference to a publication page specified in the relevant definitions of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”). However, if such rate does not appear on the relevant page, and the above-referenced legislation is not adopted that would address the replacement of LIBOR under such derivatives, LIBOR will be determined in accordance with dealer polls conducted by the calculation agent under the agreement governing the derivative. This dealer polling mechanism may not be successful in arriving at a replacement interest rate for LIBOR. Even if the dealer polling mechanism successfully arrives at a replacement interest rate for derivatives, that rate could differ significantly from the interest rates used for our variable-rate indebtedness.
The Tax Act also places limitations on businesses' abilities to deduct interest expenses. If our adjusted taxable income were to change, we may not be able to fully deduct our interest expenses.
Restrictionsrestrictions in our notes, indentures and credit facilityCredit Facility that may limit our activities.
We need liquidity sufficient to fund payments of dividends, repurchases of stock and to make acquisitions. Future activities will depend upon our earnings, economic conditions, liquidity and capital requirements and other factors, including dividend payments, shareour debt leverage. Even if we have sufficient resources to pay dividends and to repurchase shares of our common stock, our board of directors may determine to use such resources to fund other company initiatives. Accordingly, we cannot make any assurance that future dividends will be paid, or future repurchases will be made, at levels comparable to our historical practices, if at all.
Additionally, our Credit Facility and acquisitions.
Our credit facility andcertain of the indentures governing our senior unsecured notes contain restrictions, including covenants limiting our ability to incur additional debt, grant liens, make acquisitions and other investments, prepay specified debt, consolidate, merge or acquire other businesses or engage in other fundamental changes, sell assets, pay dividends and other distributions, repurchase our stock, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into capital leases or certain leases not in the ordinary course of business, enter into certain derivatives, grant negative pledges on our assets, make loans or other investments, guarantee third-party obligations, engage in sale leasebacks and make changes in our corporate structure. These restrictions, in combination with our leveraged condition, may make it more difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy, grow our business or compete with companies not similarly restricted.
If our foreign subsidiaries are unable to distribute cash to us when needed, we may be unable to satisfy our obligations under our debt securities, which could force us to sell assets or use cash that we were planning to use elsewhere in our business.
We conduct our international operations through foreign subsidiaries and we only receive the cash that remains after our foreign subsidiaries satisfy their obligations. We may depend upon funds from our foreign subsidiaries for a portion of the funds necessary to meet our debt service obligations. Any agreements our foreign subsidiaries enter into with other parties, as well as applicable laws and regulations limitingthat may subject repatriation payments to taxation or limit the right and ability of non-U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates to pay dividends and remit cash to affiliated companies, may restrict the ability of our foreign subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. If those subsidiaries are unable to transfer the amount of cash that we need, we may be unable to make payments on our debt obligations, which could force us to sell assets or use cash that we were planning on using elsewhere in our business, which could hinder our operations.
Changes in our credit ratings or macroeconomic conditions may affect our liquidity, increasing borrowing costs and limiting our financing options.
Our long-term debt is currently rated BB+ by S&P Global Ratings, Ba1 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc and BBBB+ by Fitch Ratings, Inc. If our credit ratings are lowered, borrowing costs for future long-term debt or short-term credit facilities may increase and our financing options, including our access to the unsecured credit market, could be limited. In addition,
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macroeconomic conditions such as increased volatility or disruption in the credit markets including the recent volatility due, in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic, could adversely affect our ability to obtain financing or refinance existing debt on terms that would be acceptable to us.

Risks Relating to Our Industry
Our revenues are influenced by economic conditions that impact consumer spending and consumer confidence.
Apparel is a cyclical industry that is dependent upon the overall level of consumer spending and consumer confidence. Consumer purchases of discretionary items, including our products, generally decline during periods when disposable income is adversely affected, there is economic uncertainty or volatility or during recessionary periods. Our wholesale customers anticipate and respond to adverse changes in economic conditions and uncertainty by closing doors, reducing inventories, canceling orders or increasing promotional activity. Our brand-dedicated stores are also affected by these conditions, which may lead to a decline in consumer traffic and spending in these stores. As a result, factors that diminish consumer spending and confidence in any of the markets in which we compete, particularly deterioration in general economic conditions, consumer credit availability, consumer debt levels, inflation, the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on tourism and tourist spending, volatility in investment returns, fear of unemployment, increases in energy costs or tax or interest rates, housing market
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downturns, fear about and impact of pandemic illness, (such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including reduced store traffic and widespread temporary store closures), and other factors such as acts of war, natural disasters or terrorist or political events that impact consumer confidence, could reduce our sales and adversely affect our business and financial condition through their impact on our wholesale customers as well as direct sales.
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance, including our ability to execute our business strategies and initiatives in the expected time frame, will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic, related restrictions on travel and the related impact on consumer confidence and spending, and the extent of any recession resulting from the pandemic, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. For example, as the number of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow, consumer fear about becoming ill with the disease and recommendations and/or mandates from federal, state and local authorities to avoid large gatherings of people or self-quarantine may continue to increase, which will adversely affect traffic to our and our customer's stores. Any significant reduction in customer visits to, and spending at, our and our customer's stores caused by COVID-19 would result in a loss of sales and profits and other adverse effects. An extended period of global supply chain and economic disruption could adversely affect our business, results of operations, access to sources of liquidity and financial condition.
Intense competition in the global apparel industry could lead to reduced sales and prices.
We face a variety of competitive challenges in the global apparel industry from a variety of companies, and competition has increased over the years due to factors such as:
the international expansion and increased presence of vertically integrated specialty stores;
expansion into e-commerce by existing and new competitors;
the proliferation of private labels and exclusive brands offered by department stores, chain stores and mass channel retailers;
the introduction of lines of jeans, athleisure and casual apparel by well-known and successful athletic wear companies; and
the transition of apparel companies who traditionally relied on wholesale distribution channels into their own retail distribution network.
In addition, some of these competitors have greater financial, supply, distribution and marketing resources and may be able to adapt to changes in consumer preferences or retail requirements more quickly or devote greater resources to the building and sustaining of their brand equity and the marketing and sale of their products both in stores and online. In addition, some of these competitors may be able to achieve lower product costs or adopt more aggressive pricing and discounting policies. As a result, we may not be able to compete as effectively with them and may not be able to maintain or grow the demand for our products. Failure to compete effectively due to these factors could reduce our sales and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The success of our business depends upon our ability to forecast and respond timely to consumer demand and market conditions and offer on-trend and new and updated products at attractive price points.
The global apparel industry is characterized by ever-changing fashion trends and consumer preferences, including the increasing shift to digital brand engagement and social media communication, and by the rapid replication of new products by competitors. The apparel industry is also impacted by changing consumer preferences regarding spending categories generally, including shifts away from traditional consumer spending and towards "experiential" spending and sustainable products. As a result, our success depends in large part on our ability to develop, market and deliver innovative and stylish products at a pace, intensity and price competitive with other brands in the markets in which we sell our products. In addition, we must create products at a range of price points that appeal to the consumers of both our wholesale customers and our dedicated retail stores and e-commerce sites situated in each of our diverse geographic regions. Our development and production cycles take place prior to full visibility into all of these factors for the coming seasons. Failure on our part to forecast and respond timely to consumer demand and market conditions and to regularly and rapidly develop innovative and stylish products and update core products could limit sales growth, adversely affect retail and consumer acceptance of our products and negatively impact the consumer traffic in our dedicated retail stores. In addition, if we fail to accurately forecast consumer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels, which may result in inventory write-downs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices. This could have an adverse effect on the image and reputation of our brands and could adversely affect our gross margins. For example, if sales do not meet expectations because of unexpected effects on inventory supply and consumer demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, too much inventory may cause excessive markdowns and, therefore, lower-than-planned margins. Conversely, if we underestimate consumer demand for our products, we may experience inventory shortages,
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which could delay shipments to customers, negatively impact retailer and consumer relationships and diminish brand loyalty. Moreover, our newer products may not produce as high a gross margin as our traditional products and thus may have an adverse effect on our overall margins and profitability.
The global apparel industry is subject to intense cost and pricing pressure.
The apparel industry is characterized by low barriers to entry for both suppliers and marketers, global sourcing through suppliers located throughout the world, trade liberalization, continuing movement of product sourcing to lower cost countries, regular promotional activity, and the ongoing emergence of new competitors with widely varying strategies and resources. These factors have contributed, and may continue to contribute in the future, to intense pricing pressure and uncertainty throughout the supply chain. Pricing pressure has been exacerbated by the variability of raw materials in recent years. This pressure could have adverse effects on our business and financial condition, including:
reduced gross margins across our product lines and distribution channels;
increased retailer demands for allowances, incentives and other forms of economic support; and
increased pressure on us to reduce our production costs and operating expenses.
Increases in the price or availability of raw materials could increase our cost of goods and negatively impact our financial results.
The principal fabrics used in our products include cotton, blends, synthetics and wools. The prices we pay our suppliers for our products are dependent in part on the market price for raw materials used to produce them, primarily cotton. The price and availability of cotton may fluctuate substantially, depending on a variety of factors, including demand, acreage devoted to cotton crops and crop yields, weather, supply conditions, transportation costs, energy prices, work stoppages, government regulation, sanctions and policy, economic climates, market speculation compliance with our working condition, environmental protection, and other standards, and other unpredictable factors. For example, compliance with the recent sanctions and trade orders issued by the U.S. government related to entities and individuals who are connected to the Xinjiang region of China could affect the sourcing and availability of raw materials, including cotton, used by our suppliers in the manufacturing of certain of our products. Any and all of these factors may be exacerbated by global climate change. Cotton prices suffered from unprecedented variability and uncertainty in prior years and may fluctuate significantly again in the future. In the event of a significant disruption or unavailability in the supply of the fabrics or raw materials used by our vendors in the manufacture of our products, our vendors might not be able to locate alternative suppliers of materials of comparable quality at an acceptable price. In addition, prices of purchased finished products also depend on wage rates in the regions where our contract manufacturers are located, as well as freight costs from those regions. Fluctuations in wage rates required by legal or industry standards could increase our costs. Increases in raw material costs or wage rates, unless sufficiently offset by our pricing actions, may cause a decrease in our profitability and negatively impact our sales volume. These factors may also have an adverse impact on our cash and working capital needs as well as those of our suppliers.
Our business is subject to risks associated with sourcing and manufacturing overseas, as well as risks associated with potential tariffs or a global trade war.
We import materials and finished garments into all of our operating regions. Our ability to import products in a timely and cost-effective manner may be affected by conditions at ports or issues that otherwise affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as port and shipping capacity, labor disputes and work stoppages, political unrest, security incidents, severe weather, or security requirements in the United States and other countries. These issues could delay importation of products or require us to locate alternative ports or warehousing providers to avoid disruption to our customers. These alternatives may not be available on short notice or could result in higher transportation costs, which could have an adverse impact on our business and financial condition, specifically our gross margin and overall profitability.
Substantially all of our import operations are subject to complex trade and customs laws, regulations and tax requirements such as sanctions orders or tariffs set by governments through mutual agreements or unilateral actions. In addition, the countries in which our products are manufactured or imported may from time to time impose additional duties, tariffs or other restrictions on our imports or adversely modify existing restrictions. Adverse changes in these import costs and restrictions, or the failure by us or our suppliers to comply with trade regulations or similar laws, could harm our business. In this regard, the increasingly protectionist trade policy in the United States and the Brexit process between the United Kingdom and the European Union have introduced greater uncertainty with respect to future tax and trade regulations.
Changes in tax policy or trade regulations, the disallowance of tax deductions on imported merchandise, or the imposition of new tariffs on imported products, could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In 2018, the Trump Administration announced tariffs on steel and aluminum imported into the United States, which has resulted in reciprocal tariffs from the European Union ongoods, including denim products, imported from the United States.
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Because we manufacture most of our products outside the United States, these reciprocal tariffs are not expected to have a material impact on our business. The Trump Administration also imposed tariffs on goods imported from China in connection with China’s intellectual property practices and forced technology transfer, and has launched an investigation into currency manipulation and timber trade practices that may results in increased tariffs on impacts to the United States from Vietnam. Currently, of the products that we sell in the United States, less than 2% are manufactured in China. If the Office of the US Trade Representative follows through on its proposed China or Vietnam tariffs, or if additional tariffs or trade restrictions are implemented by the United States or other countries in connection with a global trade war, the cost of our products manufactured in China or other countries and imported into the United States or other countries could increase, which in turn could adversely affect the demand for these products and have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Risks Relating to Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock
The market price of our Class A common stock may be volatile or may decline steeply or suddenly regardless of our operating performance and we may not be able to meet investor or analyst expectations. You may lose all or part of your investment.
The market price of our Class A common stock may fluctuate or decline significantly in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our revenues or other operating results;
variations between our actual operating results and the expectations of securities analysts, investors and the financial community;
any forward-looking financial or operating information we may provide to the public or securities analysts, any changes in this information or our failure to meet expectations based on this information;
actions of securities analysts who initiate or maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by any securities analysts who follow our company or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;
whether investors or securities analysts view our stock structure unfavorably, particularly our dual-class structure;
additional shares of Class A common stock being sold into the market by us or our existing stockholders, or the anticipation of such sales;
announcements by us or our competitors of significant products or features, innovations, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, capital commitments, divestitures or other dispositions;
changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of companies in our industry, including our vendors and competitors;
price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market, including as a result of general economic trends;trends, including inflationary pressures;
lawsuits threatened or filed against us, or events that negatively impact our reputation;
developments in new legislation and pending lawsuits or regulatory actions, including interim or final rulings by judicial or regulatory bodies; and
other events or factors, including those resulting from the macroeconomic environment, geopolitical activities, war, incidents of terrorism, natural disasters, industrial accidents, pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), or responses to these events.
In addition, extreme price and volume fluctuations in the stock markets have affected and continue to affect many retail companies’ stock prices. Often, their stock prices have fluctuated in ways unrelated or disproportionate to the respective companies’ operating performance. In the past, stockholders have filed securities class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were to become involved in securities litigation, it could subject us to substantial costs, divert resources and the attention of management from our business and seriously harm our business.
Moreover, because of these fluctuations, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful. You should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance. This variability and unpredictability could also result in our failing to meet the expectations of industry or financial analysts or investors for any period. If our revenues or operating results fall below the expectations of analysts or investors or below any forecasts we may provide to the market, or if the forecasts we provide to the market are below the expectations of analysts or investors, the price of our Class A common stock could decline substantially. Such a decline could occur even when we have met any previously publicly stated revenues or earnings forecasts that we may provide.
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An active trading market for our Class A common stock may not be sustained.
Our Class A common stock is currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"(“NYSE”) under the symbol "LEVI."“LEVI.” However, we cannot assure you that an active trading market for our Class A common stock will be sustained. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of the likelihood that an active trading market for our Class A common stock will be maintained, the liquidity of any trading market, your ability to sell your shares of Class A common stock when desired or the prices that you may obtain for your shares.
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Future sales of our Class A common stock by existing stockholders could cause our stock price to decline.
If our existing stockholders, including employees, who obtain equity, sell or indicate an intention to sell, substantial amounts of our Class A common stock in the public market, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline. As of January 21, 202119, 2024, we had outstanding a total of 77,329,197102,527,860 shares of Class A common stock and 320,730,620295,453,345 shares of Class B common stock. Of these shares, only the shares of Class A common stock are currently freely tradable without restrictions or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), except for any shares held by persons who are not our “affiliates” as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and who have compliedwhich may be sold in compliance with the holding period requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
Sales of a substantial number of such shares, or the perception that such sales may occur, could cause our stock price to decline or make it more difficult for the holders of our Class A common stock to sell at a time and price that they deem appropriate.
Holders of more than 90%80% of our Class B common stock have contractual rights, subject to certain conditions, to require us to file registration statements for the public resale of the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of their Class B common stock, or to include such shares in registration statements that we may file.
The dual class structure of our common stock concentrates voting control with descendantsdescendants of the family of Levi Strauss, who have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted for stockholder approval, which will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and may depress the trading price of our Class A common stock.stock.
Our Class B common stock, which is entitled to ten votes per share, is primarily owned by descendants of the family of our founder, Levi Strauss, and their relatives and trusts established for their behalf. Collectively, these persons have the ability to control the outcome of stockholder votes, including the election of our board of directors and the approval or rejection of a merger, change of control or other significant corporate transaction. In addition, so long as any shares of Class B common stock remain outstanding, the approval of the holders of a majority of our then-outstanding Class B common stock (or, in certain cases, a majority of our then-outstanding Class A common stock and Class B common stock, voting together as a single class) will be required in order for us to take certain actions.
This control may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock. In addition, certain index providers have announced restrictions on including companies with multiple-class share structures in certain of their indexes. S&P Dow Jones and FTSE Russell have recently announced changes to their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certain indices, including the S&P 500. These changes exclude companies with multiple classes of shares of common stock from being added to such indices. In addition, several stockholder advisory firms have announced their opposition to the use of multiple class structures. As a result, the dual class structure of our common stock may prevent the inclusion of our Class A common stock in such indices and may cause stockholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about our corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure. Any such exclusion from indices could result in a less active trading market for our Class A common stock. Any actions or publications by stockholder advisory firms critical of our corporate governance practices or capital structure could also adversely affect the value of our Class A common stock.
We believe having a long-term-focused, committed and engaged stockholder base provides us with an important strategic advantage, particularly in our business, where our more than 165-year history contributes to the iconic reputations of our brands. However, the interests of these stockholders may not always be aligned with each other or with the interests of our other stockholders. By exercising their control, these stockholders could cause our company to take actions that are at odds with the investment goals or interests of institutional, short-term or other non-controlling investors, or that have a negative effect on our stock price. Further, because these stockholders control the majority of our Class B common stock, we might be a less attractive takeover target, which could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.
If securities or industry analysts either do not publish research about us or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, our business or our market, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock, the trading price or trading volume of our Class A common stock could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common stock is influenced in part by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts may publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If one or more of the analysts initiate
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research with an unfavorable rating or downgrade our Class A common stock, provide a more favorable recommendation about our competitors or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our Class A common stock price would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover us were to cease coverage of us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the trading price or trading volume of our Class A common stock to decline.
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Future securities issuances could result in significant dilution to our stockholders and impair the market price of our Class A common stock.
Future issuances of our Class A common stock or the conversion of a substantial number of shares of our Class B common stock, or the perception that these issuances or conversions may occur, could depress the market price of our Class A common stock and result in dilution to existing holders of our Class A common stock. Also, to the extent stock-based awards are issued or become vested, there will be further dilution. The amount of dilution could be substantial depending upon the size of the issuances or exercises. Furthermore, we may issue additional equity securities that could have rights senior to those of our Class A common stock. As a result, purchasers of Class A common stock bear the risk that future issuances of debt or equity securities may reduce the value of such shares and further dilute their ownership interest.
As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, there were 6,587,3638,760,936 shares of Class A common stock and 10,953,2721,345,277 shares of Class B common stock issuable pursuant to restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance restricted stock units ("PRSUs") and stock appreciation rights ("SARs") that may be settled in shares of our Class A or Class B common stock. All of the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise or settlement of such awards, or upon the conversion of shares of Class B common stock issuable upon exercise or settlement of such awards, are registered for public resale under the Securities Act. Accordingly, these shares will be able to be freely sold in the public market upon issuance as permitted by any applicable vesting requirements, and subject to compliance with applicable securities laws.
Holders of more than 90% of our Class B common stock have contractual rights, subject to certain conditions, to require us to file registration statements for the public resale of the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of their Class B common stock, or to include such shares in registration statements that we may file.
The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, result in more litigation and divert management’s attention.
Although we have made filings with the SEC for many years, asAs a public company we are subject to the additional reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the listing requirements of the NYSE and other applicable securities rules and regulations. For example, we are required to file proxy statements under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. Complying with these rules and regulations has increased and will increase ourinvolves significant legal and financial compliance costs, makemakes some activities more difficult, time consuming or costly and increaseputs significant demand on our systems and resources. As a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could adversely affect our business and operating results. We may also need to hire additional employees or engage outside consultants to comply with these requirements, which will increase our costs and expenses.
In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies, due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be adversely affected.
These new rules and regulations may make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and, in the future, we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors, particularly to serve on our audit committeeits Audit Committee and compensation committee,Compensation and Human Capital Committee, and qualified executive officers.
By disclosing information in the various filings required of a public company, our business and financial condition will become more visible, which may result in threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties. If those claims are successful, our business could be seriously harmed. Even if the claims do not result in litigation or are resolved
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in our favor, the time and resources needed to resolve them could divert our management’s resources and seriously harm our business.
Delaware law and provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make a merger, tender offer or proxy contest difficult, thereby depressing the trading price of our Class A common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that could depress the trading price of our Class A common stock by acting to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our management that our stockholders may deem advantageous. In particular, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws:
establish a classified board of directors so that not all members are elected at one time;
permit our board of directors to establish the number of directors and fill any vacancies and newly-created directorships;
authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that our board of directors could use to implement a stockholder rights plan;
provide that our board of directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal our bylaws;
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restrict the forum for certain litigation against us to Delaware or to Federal court;
reflect the dual class structure of our common stock; and
establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders.
Any provision of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of Class A common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our Class A common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws together designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the federal district courts of the United States as the exclusive forums for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law:
any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf;
any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty;
any action asserting a claim against us arising under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws; and
any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal-affairs doctrine.
This provision would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the U.S. federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
In addition, our amended and restated bylaws provide that the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act.
These choice of forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees. While the Delaware courts have determined that such choice of forum provisions are facially valid, a stockholder may nevertheless seek to bring a claim in a venue other than those designated in the exclusive forum provisions. In such instance, we would expect to vigorously assert the validity and enforceability of the exclusive forum provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws. This may require significant additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions and there can be no assurance that the provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions.

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Item 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
Item 2.PROPERTIES
We conduct manufacturing, distribution and administrative activities in owned and leased facilities. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, we operated two manufacturing-related facilities abroad and nine13 distribution centers around the world. We have renewal rights for most of our property leases. We anticipate that we will be able to extend these leases on terms satisfactory to us or, if necessary, locate substitute facilities on acceptable terms. We believe our facilities and equipment are in good condition and are suitable and adequate to meet our current requirements. Information about our keyprincipal operating properties in use as of November 29, 202026, 2023 is summarized in the following table:
LocationPrimary UseLeased/Owned
Americas
San Francisco, CADesign and Product DevelopmentLeased
Erlanger, KYDistributionLeased
Hebron, KYDistributionOwned
Canton, MSDistributionOwned
Henderson, NVDistributionOwned
Etobicoke, CanadaDistributionOwned
Cuautitlan, MexicoItapevi, BrazilDistributionLeased
Cuautitlan, MexicoDistributionLeased
Villa El Salvador, PeruDistributionLeased
Pudahuel, ChileDistributionLeased
Dorsten, Germany
EuropeDistributionLeased
Plock, PolandManufacturing and Finishing
Leased(1)
Northhampton, U.K.DistributionLeased
Asia
Adelaide, AustraliaDistributionLeased
Cape Town, South AfricaManufacturing, Finishing and DistributionLeased
______________
(1)    Building and improvements are owned but subject to a ground lease.
Our global headquarters and the headquarters of our Americas region are bothis located in leased premises in San Francisco, California. Our EuropeCalifornia, and Asiawe have additional commercial support offices in Diegem, Belgium and Singapore. The headquarters of Dockers® and Beyond Yoga® are located in leased premises in Diegem, BelgiumSan Francisco, California and Singapore,Culver City, California, respectively.
In addition to the above, we operate finance shared service centers in Eugene, Oregon and Bangalore, India. We also operate two data centers located in Carrollton and Westlake, Texas. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, we leased 7161 administrative and sales offices in 3734 countries, as well as leased 1311 warehouses in eightfour countries.
In addition, asAs of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, we had 1,0421,069 company-operated Levi's retail and outlet stores in leased premises in 3637 countries: 359412 stores in the Americas, 356291 stores in Europe and 327366 stores in Asia. Additionally, we had 97 Dockers® retail and outlet stores in leased premises, and six Beyond Yoga® retail stores.
Item 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of business, we have various claims, complaints and pending cases, including contractual matters, facility and employee-related matters, distribution matters, product liability matters, intellectual property matters, bankruptcy preference matters, and tax and administrative matters. We do not believe any of these pending claims, complaints and legal proceedings will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
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Not applicable. 
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PART II
Item 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our Class A common stock has traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “LEVI” since March 21, 2019. Prior to that date, there was no public trading market for our Class A common stock. Our Class B common stock is neither listed nor publicly traded.
Holders of Record
As of January 21, 2021,19, 2024, there were 6158 holders of record of our Class A common stock and 263249 holders of record of our Class B common stock. The number of Class A beneficial stockholders is substantially greater than the number of holders of record because a large portion of our Class A common stock is held in “street name” by banks and brokerage firms.firms through participant accounts in the Depository Trust Company, which holds shares through a single account at its nominee CEDE & Co.
Dividend Policy
We do not have an established annual dividend policy, but we aim to grow our annual cash dividends along with our earnings growth. We will continue to review our ability to pay cash dividends on an ongoing basis and dividends may be declared at the discretion of the Boardour board of directors depending upon, among other factors, our financial condition and compliance with the terms of our debt agreements. Our debt arrangements limit our ability to pay dividends. For more detailed information about these limitations, see Note 79 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Incentive Plans
See Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” for information regarding securities authorized for issuance.

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Cumulative Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total return to stockholders on our Class A common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the S&P 500, and the S&P 500 Apparel, Accessories and Luxury Goods. An investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all dividends) is assumed to have been made in our Class A common stock and in each index on March 21, 2019, the date our Class A common stock began trading on the NYSE, and its relative performance is tracked through November 29, 2020.26, 2023. The comparisons are based on historical data and are not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, the future performance of our Class A common stock.

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lvis-20201129_g1.jpgfy2023-graphic.jpg
The following table assumes an investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all dividends) to have been made in our Class A common stock and in each index on March 21, 2019, the date our Class A common stock began trading on the NYSE, and indicates the cumulative total return to stockholders on our Class A common stock and the cumulative total return of each index at our fiscal year ends of November 24, 2019, November 29, 2020, November 28, 2021, November 27, 2022 and November 29, 2020:26, 2023:
(in dollars)(in dollars)March 21, 2019November 24, 2019November 29, 2020(in dollars)March 21, 2019November 24, 2019November 29, 2020November 28, 2021November 27, 2022November 26, 2023
Levi Strauss & Co.Levi Strauss & Co.$100.00 $76.40 $87.06 Levi Strauss & Co.$100.00 $76.40 $87.06 $124.82 $75.73 $74.66 
S&P 500S&P 500$100.00 $114.49 $134.47 S&P 500$100.00 $114.49 $134.47 $172.02 $156.18 $177.79 
S&P 500 Apparel, Accessories and Luxury GoodsS&P 500 Apparel, Accessories and Luxury Goods$100.00 $94.24 $89.99 S&P 500 Apparel, Accessories and Luxury Goods$100.00 $94.24 $89.99 $99.37 $60.55 $47.36 
The information under “Cumulative Stock Performance Graph” is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of Levi Strauss & Co. under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date of this Annual Report and irrespective of any general incorporation language in those filings.
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Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Not applicable.
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Use of Proceeds from Initial Public Offering of Class A Common Stock
The Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-229630) for our initial public offering ("IPO") of our Class A common stock was declared effective by the SEC on March 20, 2019. There has been no material change in the planned use of the IPO proceeds as described in our final prospectus filed with the SEC on March 21, 2019 pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) of the Securities Act. The proceeds from our IPO have been used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, operating expenses and capital expenditures. We have broad discretion over the uses of the net proceeds and may use a portion for acquisitions or other strategic investments, although we do not currently have any plans to do so.None.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Not applicable.
Period
Total number of shares purchased(1)
Average price paid per share(2)
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programsApproximate maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
August 28, 2023 - October 1, 2023— $— — $680,434,314 
October 2, 2023 - October 29, 2023— $— — $680,434,314 
October 30, 2023 - November 26, 2023— — — $680,434,314 
Total— $— — 
_________
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(1)We maintain a share repurchase program authorized by the Board. Under this program, we may repurchase shares from time to time. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including price, general business and market conditions and alternate uses of capital. The share repurchase program may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans, open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, each in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have an expiration date.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, there were no shares repurchased. Share repurchase authority was $680.4 million as of January 19, 2024.

Table(2)The average price paid per share excludes any broker commissions.
Shares withheld related to the vesting or exercise of Contentsstock-based compensation awards are excluded from the disclosure.
Item 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATARESERVED
The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated financial data which are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016. The financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified by reference to, "Item 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," our audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018 and the related notes to those audited consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this report.
Year Ended
November 29, 2020(1)
Year Ended
November 24, 2019
Year Ended
November 25, 2018
Year Ended
November 26, 2017
Year Ended
November 27, 2016
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Statements of Operations Data:
Net revenues$4,452,609 $5,763,087 $5,575,440 $4,904,030 $4,552,739 
Cost of goods sold2,099,685 2,661,714 2,577,465 2,341,301 2,223,727 
Gross profit2,352,924 3,101,373 2,997,975 2,562,729 2,329,012 
Selling, general and administrative
expenses(2)
2,347,628 2,534,698 2,457,564 2,082,662 1,853,489 
Restructuring, net90,415 — — — 312 
Operating (loss) income(85,119)566,675 540,411 480,067 475,211 
Interest expense(82,190)(66,248)(55,296)(68,603)(73,170)
Underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders— (24,860)— — — 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt— — — (22,793)— 
Other (expense) income, net(3)
(22,474)2,017 14,907 (39,890)5,219 
(Loss) income before taxes(189,783)477,584 500,022 348,781 407,260 
Income tax (benefit) expense(62,642)82,604 214,778 64,225 116,051 
Net (loss) income(127,141)394,980 285,244 284,556 291,209 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest— (368)(2,102)(3,153)(157)
Net (loss) income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$(127,141)$394,612 $283,142 $281,403 $291,052 
(Loss) earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic$(0.32)$1.01 $0.75 $0.75 $0.78 
Diluted$(0.32)$0.97 $0.73 $0.73 $0.76 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic397,315,117 389,082,277 377,139,847 376,177,350 375,141,560 
Diluted397,315,117 408,365,902 388,607,361 384,338,330 382,852,950 
Statements of Cash Flow Data:
Net cash flow provided by (used for):
Operating activities$469,586 $412,188 $420,371 $525,941 $306,550 
Investing activities(188,559)(243,343)(179,387)(124,391)(68,348)
Financing activities285,995 55,018 (148,633)(151,733)(173,549)
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents$1,497,155 $934,237 $713,120 $633,622 $375,563 
Working capital(4)(5)
1,577,359 1,702,982 1,235,860 1,118,157 942,019 
Total assets(6)
5,641,241 4,232,418 3,542,660 3,357,838 2,995,470 
Total debt, excluding capital leases1,564,331 1,014,366 1,052,154 1,077,311 1,045,178 
Temporary equity— — 299,140 127,035 79,346 
Total Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders' equity1,299,475 1,563,531 660,113 696,910 509,555 
Other Financial Data:
Depreciation and amortization$141,795 $123,942 $120,205 $117,387 $103,878 
Capital expenditures130,383 175,356 159,413 118,618 102,950 
Cash dividends paid63,639 113,914 90,000 70,000 60,000 
______________
(1)Net revenues were adversely impacted by temporary store closures and reduced traffic and consumer demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of the impact occurring in the second quarter when most company-operated and wholesale customer doors were temporarily closed. See Note 1 for more information.
(2)Fiscal year 2017 includes an out-of-period adjustment that increased selling, general and administrative expenses by $8.3 million and decreased net income by $5.1 million. This adjustment, which originated in prior years, relates to the correction of the periods used for the recognition of stock-based compensation expense associated with employees eligible to vest in awards after retirement. We have evaluated the effects of this out-of-period adjustment, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and concluded that the correction of this amount was not material to the current period or the periods in which they originated, including quarterly reporting.
(3)Includes $14.7 million in pension settlement losses in 2020 related to the voluntary lump-sum, cash-out program offered to vested deferred U.S. pension plan participants. See Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report for further information.
(4)Included in fiscal year 2020 working capital is the impact from the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as a net incremental $237.1 million of short-term operating lease liabilities were recognized. Refer to Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report for additional information.
(5)The increase in working capital in fiscal year 2019 is partially attributable to our IPO in March 2019, as net proceeds of $234.6 million were received, and as a result of cash-settled stock-based compensation being replaced with stock-settled awards, $45.8 million of related liabilities were reclassified from accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits to additional paid in capital. Refer to Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report for additional information.
(6)The increase in assets in fiscal year 2020 reflects the impact from the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as $988.8 million of operating lease right-of-use assets were recognized. Refer to Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report for additional information.
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Item 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” for a discussion of forward-looking statements and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements. We use a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, with each fiscal year ending on the Sunday that is closest to November 30 of that year. See “—Financial Information Presentation—Fiscal Year.”
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results.
To supplement our consolidated financial statements prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"(“GAAP”), we use certain non-GAAP financial measures throughout this Annual Report, as described further below, to provide investors with additional useful information about our financial performance, to enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and to allow for greater transparency with respect to important metrics used by our management for financial and operational decision-making. We are presenting these non-GAAP financial measures to assist investors in seeing our financial performance from management’s view and because we believe they provide an additional tool for investors to use in comparing our core financial performance over multiple periods with other companies in our industry.
However, non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed as supplementing, and not as an alternative or substitute for, our consolidated financial statements prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.
Overview
We are an iconic American company with a rich history of profitable growth, quality, innovation and corporate citizenship. Our story began in San Francisco, California, in 1853 as a wholesale dry goods business. We inventedcreated the first riveted blue jean 20 years later. Today we design, market and sell products that include jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, shorts, skirts, dresses, jackets, footwear and related accessories for men, women and children around the world under our Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. and Denizen® brands.
Our business is operated through three geographic regions: Americas, Europe and Asia (which includes the Middle East and Africa). We service our consumers through our global infrastructure developing, sourcingwhich develops, sources and marketingmarkets our products around the world. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we acquired Beyond Yoga®, which is a premium athletic and lifestyle apparel brand.
We operate our business according to three reportable segments: Americas, Europe, and Asia, collectively comprising our Levi's Brands business, which includes the Levi's, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen® brands. The Dockers® and Beyond Yoga® businesses do not meet the quantitative thresholds for reportable segments and therefore are presented in our financial statements under the caption of Other Brands.
Our iconic, enduring brands are brought to life every day around the world by our talented and creative employees and partners. The Levi’s® brand epitomizes classic, authentic American style and effortless cool. We have cultivated Levi’s® as a lifestyle brand that is inclusive and democratic in the eyes of consumers while offering products that feel exclusive, personalized and original. This approach has enabled the Levi’s® brand to evolve with the times and continually reach a new, younger audience, while our rich heritage continues to drive relevance and appeal across demographics. The Dockers® brand helped drive "Casual Friday"“Casual Friday” in the 1990s and has been a cornerstone of casual menswear for more than 30 years. Seen as the khaki leader, Dockers® has returned to its California roots and is bringing a full range of casual, versatile styles for men and women to show up with cool confidence every day. The Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. and Denizen® brands, which we developed for value-conscious consumers, offer quality craftsmanship and great fit and style at affordable prices. The Beyond Yoga® brand is a body positive, premium athleisure apparel brand focused on quality, fit and comfort.
We recognize wholesale revenue from sales of our products through third-party retailers such as department stores, specialty retailers, leading third-party e-commerce sites and franchise locations dedicated to our brands. We also sell our products directly to consumers (direct-to-consumer "DTC") through a variety of formats, including our own company-operated mainline and outlet stores, company-operatedcompany-
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operated e-commerce sites and select shop-in-shops that we operate within department stores and other third-party retail locations. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, our products were sold in approximately 50,000over 45,000 retail locations in more than 110 countries, including approximately 3,1003,200 brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, we had 1,042 company-operated stores located in 3637 countries and approximately 500550 company-operated shop-in-shops. The remainder of our brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops were operated by franchisees and other partners. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many
Across all of our company-operated storesbrands, pants – including jeans, casual pants, dress pants, shorts, skirts, and wholesale customer doors were temporarily closed at different points throughout the year, with the majority of the impact occurring in the second quarter, when mostactivewear – represented 68% and 67% of our ownedtotal units sold in fiscal years 2023 and operated retail stores2022, respectively. Tops – including shirts, sweaters, jackets, dresses and wholesale customer doors were closed. During the fourth quarter, a resurgence in COVID-19
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cases led to the temporary closure of somejumpsuits – represented 26% of our stores, predominantlytotal units sold in Europe. See “Impactboth fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2022. The remainder of COVID-19 on our Business” below for more information.products are footwear and accessories. Men's products generated 64% and 65% of our net revenues in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. Women's products generated 34% and 33% of our net revenues in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. The remainder of our products are non-gendered. Products other than denim bottoms – which include tops, footwear and accessories and pants excluding jeans – represented 39% and 38% of our net revenues in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Our Europe and Asia businesses, collectively, contributed 47%43% of our net revenues and 36%46% of our regionalsegment operating income in fiscal year 2020,2023, as compared to 47%41% of our net revenues and 45%41% of our regionalsegment operating income in fiscal year 2019.2022. Revenues from our international business, which includes our Europe and Asia segments, as well as Canada and Latin America from our Americas segment, represented 56% of our net revenues in fiscal year 2023, as compared to 53% in fiscal year 2022. Sales of Levi’s® brand products represented approximately 87% of our net revenues in both fiscal year 20202023 and fiscal year 2019. Pants represented 65% of our total units sold in both fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2019, and men's products generated 64% of our net revenues in fiscal year 2020 as compared to 67% in fiscal year 2019.2022.
Our wholesale channel generated 61%57% and 64%62% of our net revenues in fiscal years 20202023 and 2019,2022, respectively. Our DTC channel generated 39%43% and 36%38% of our net revenues in fiscal years 20202023 and 2019,2022, respectively, with our company operated e-commerce business representing 21%20% and 14%19% of DTC channel net revenues and 8%9% and 5%7% of total net revenues in fiscal years 20202023 and 2019,2022, respectively.
Our Objectivesglobal digital business, which includes our e-commerce sites as well as the online business of our wholesale customers, including that of traditional wholesalers as well as pure-play (online-only) wholesalers represent approximately 21% and 22% of our total net revenues in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Our key long-term objectives are to strengthen our brands globally in order to deliver sustainable profitable growth and generate industry-leading shareholder returns. Critical strategies to achieve these objectives include being a brand-led business, putting DTC first, and further diversifying across geographies, categories, genders and channels. We intend to achieve these strategies through operational excellence, financial discipline, and the digital transformation of our business processes and ways of working, including leveraging datacontinuing to invest in key omni-channel capabilities, digital tools across the business and machine learningupdating our ERP system.
Supply Chain and U.S. Distribution Center Capacity Constraints
During fiscal 2023, inventory levels in our decision making.U.S. distribution centers sequentially improved from the elevated levels experienced during the latter half of the prior year. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, inventory decreased 7% on a unit basis and 9% on a dollar basis. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2023, we modified terms with the majority of our suppliers to take ownership of our inventory near the point of shipment rather than destination, which contributed approximately $110 million, or 8% of growth on a dollar basis, to the decrease in inventory versus the prior year period.
Additionally, inflationary pressures, competition for, and price volatility of, resources throughout the supply chain have increased, resulting in higher labor and raw material costs. Trends such as these have and may continue to result in higher product costs and increased pressure to reduce costs and raise product prices, which could have a negative impact on demand. We continue to pursue mitigation strategies and create new efficiencies in our global supply chain.
Effects of Inflation
Inflationary pressures have negatively impacted our revenue, operating margins and net income in fiscal years 2022 and 2023, including increased costs of labor, products and freight, and beginning in July 2022, a slowdown in consumer demand for our products. We implemented price increases on many of our products in the latter half of 2022 in an effort to mitigate the effect of higher costs. If these inflationary pressures continue, our revenue, gross and operating margins and net income will be impacted in 2024.
Impact of Russia-Ukraine Crisis on our Business
As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we suspended our business initiatives and the majority of our commercial activity in Russia and Ukraine in the second quarter of 2022. This included the closure of the majority of our company-operated stores in Russia, as well as the suspension of shipments to our wholesale and licensing customers in Russia and Ukraine. In
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response to this crisis, the United States and other countries have implemented economic and other sanctions. These sanctions currently, and any additional sanctions may in the future, impact our ability to conduct business in Russia.
Given the high level of uncertainty surrounding the future operations of our business in Russia, including the ability to generate future cash flows, the carrying value of our long-lived assets specific to our commercial business in Russia were deemed to be not recoverable. As a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, during the second quarter of 2022, we recorded total charges of $60.4 million. The charges reflect the full impairment of long-lived assets, including $35.4 million related to certain store right-of-use assets, $11.6 million related to goodwill and $4.1 million related to property, plant and equipment, as well as $9.3 million of other incremental charges. During the second half of 2022, we recognized a $15.8 million gain related to the early termination of certain store lease agreements related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. All charges are included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. As of the end of the first quarter of 2023, all of our company-operated stores were closed and substantially all commercial activity in Russia had ceased.
For the year ended November 26, 2023, the results of operations for our businesses in Russia and Ukraine were not material to our consolidated financial statements. However, the impact to our Europe segment was an approximate $54 million decrease in net revenues on a constant currency basis as compared to the prior year, of which $9 million was related to wholesale and $45 million was related to DTC. In comparison to the prior year quarter, the impact to our Europe segment was an approximate $14 million decrease in net revenues on a constant currency basis, of which $8 million was related to wholesale and $6 million was related to DTC. Net revenues from Russia represented approximately 2% of our total net revenues for fiscal year 2021. There is still uncertainty regarding the extent to which the war and its broader macroeconomic implications will impact our Europe segment and overall business, financial condition and results of operations.
Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business
The COVID-19 pandemic has materially impacted our business and results of operations inDuring fiscal year 2020. During the year ended November 29, 2020, a net $250.0 million in charges were recognized, consisting of $90.4 million of restructuring charges, COVID-19 related inventory costs of $68.5 million, and charges for customer receivables, asset impairments and other related charges of $91.1 million. For more information on the restructuring charges and COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges, refer to Note 12 and Note 1, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
As a result of the widespread impact of COVID-19, substantially all of2023, our company-operated stores and wholesale customer doors were temporarily closed for varying periods of time throughout the year, primarily within the second quarter, with the majority reopened by mid-July, in many cases, with reduced hours and occupancy levels. During the fourth quarter, a resurgence in COVID-19 cases led to the temporary closure of some of our stores, mainly in Europe. As of the end ofopen. In fiscal year 2020, approximately 87% of our company-operated stores were open for either in-store or curbside service. Our wholesale customers, including third-party retailers2022, strict lockdowns and franchise partners, also experienced significant business disruptions this year, including store closures, lower traffic and consumer demand, resultingzero-tolerance policy shutdowns in decreased shipments to these customers.
As consumer spending shifted towards online shopping experiences as a result of the global pandemic, our company-operated e-commerce net revenues grew approximately 29% during the fiscal year 2020. Our global digital business, which includes our e-commerce site as well as the online businesses of our wholesale customers, including that of traditional wholesalers as well as pure play (online-only wholesalers) grew to represent approximately 22% of our total net revenues in fiscal year 2020, versus approximately 13% of our total net revenues in fiscal year 2019.
Throughout the pandemic, our top priority has been to protect the health and safety of our employees and our consumers. During fiscal year 2020, we closed many of our corporate offices and other facilities, and implemented a work from home policy for many of our corporate employees that, in most cases, we are still continuing to follow. During the year, as our company-operated retail stores were re-opened, we followed internally derived specific health-related criteria with an emphasis on comprehensive safety precautions, including frequent cleaning in our stores and limiting the number of shoppers to allow for social distancing.
While many retail stores have reopened and government restrictions have been removed or lightened globally, a resurgence of the pandemic hasChina resulted in temporary store closures beginning with Europe inand reduced traffic throughout the fourth quarter,country. Across the rest of our markets, most of our company-operated stores and becoming more widespread in earlywholesale customer doors were open throughout fiscal year 2021. The future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains highly uncertain, and our business and results of operations, including our net revenues, earnings and cash flows, could continue to be adversely impacted including as a result of:
Risk of future additional temporary closures of our owned and operated retail stores globally as well as the doors owned by our wholesale customers, including third-party retailers and franchise partners;2022.
Decreased foot traffic in retail stores;
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Decreased consumer confidence and consumer spending habits, including spending for the merchandise that we sell and negative trends in consumer purchasing patterns due to changes in consumers’ disposable income, credit availability and debt levels;
Decreased wholesale channel sales and increased likelihood of wholesale customer failure;
Increased inventory, inventory write-downs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices;
Disruption to the supply chain caused by distribution and other logistical issues;
Decreased productivity due to travel bans, work-from-home policies or shelter-in-place orders; and
A slowdown in the U.S. or global economy and uncertain global economic outlook or a credit crisis.
2020 RestructuringGlobal Productivity Initiative
In April 2020,first quarter of 2024, our Board of Directors (the "Board") endorsed a restructuringmulti-year global productivity initiative, “Project Fuel” designed to accelerate the execution of our Brand Led and DTC First strategies while fueling long-term profitable growth. This will be a two-year initiative beginning in 2024, with a focus on optimizing our operating model and structure, redesigning business processes and identifying opportunities to reduce costs streamline operations and support agility.simplify processes across our organization. In July 2020, we announced and began to implement the restructuring initiative, whichfiscal year 2024, we expect to substantially complete by the middlethat this initiative will generate net cost savings of fiscal year 2021. approximately $100 million.
The adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business necessitated cost reduction actions in advance of our plans to streamline operations. In October 2020, we announced the next step of our restructuring initiative, which included realignment of our top level organization to support our new strategies, which became effective in fiscal year 2021. The nextfirst phase of the reorganization, including the streamlining of operations,global productivity initiative is expected to be completedoccur in fiscal year 2021.
The initiative included the eliminationfirst half of approximately 15% of our global non-retail and non-manufacturing positions2024 and is expected to include a 10 - 15% reduction in positions within our global corporate workforce. As a result, in approximately $100 million in annual cost savings.
For the year ended November 29, 2020,first quarter of 2024, we recognizedexpect to record estimated pre-tax restructuring charges of $90.4$110 million to $120 million. We may incur additional significant restructuring charges as we progress our global productivity initiative, which were recorded oncould be material in a separate line item in our consolidated statements of operations. Within the consolidated balance sheet as of November 29, 2020, we had $54.7 million and $6.3 million in restructuring liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, and an immaterial amount of pension and postretirement curtailment losses were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. The charges primarily relate to severance benefits, based on separation benefits provided by company policyfuture fiscal quarter or statutory benefit plans. During the year ended November 29, 2020, $24.7 million in payments were made and cash payments for charges recognized to date are expected to continue through 2021. We estimate that we will incur future additional charges related to this restructuring initiative.year.
Other Factors Affecting Our Business
We believe the other key business and marketplace factors independent of the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, that are impacting our business include the following:
AInflation and other macroeconomic pressures in the U.S. and the global economy such as rising interest rates, energy prices and recession fears are creating a complex and challenging retail environment for us and our customers characterized by unpredictable traffic patterns and a general promotional environment. In developed economies, mixed real wage growth and shiftingas consumers reduce discretionary spending. A decline in consumer spending alsohas had and may continue to pressure global discretionary spending. Consumershave an adverse effect on our revenues, operating margins and net income. Challenges forecasting consumer demand has and may continue to focus on value pricinglead to elevated inventory levels both with us and convenienceour customers, resulting in fewer full-priced sales and a more promotional environment. Additionally, elevated inventory levels, combined with the uneven flow of receipts and shipments is causing further capacity pressures within our U.S. distribution centers, resulting in higher costs and limiting our ability to fulfill our customer’s demand. These trends have impacted and may continue to impact our financial results, affecting inventory, revenue, operating margins and net income.
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Consumer expectations and related competitive pressures have increased and are expected to continue to increase relative to various aspects of our e-commerce business, including speed of product delivery, shipping charges, return privileges, and other evolving expectations. We continue to invest in our online platforms, information systems, digital, data and AI capabilities, as well as in personnel to support the creation of a fully integrated omni-channel shopping experience. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully meet these expectations for real-time delivery.which may impact our financial results.
The diversification of our business model across regions,geographies, channels, brands, and categories affects our gross margin. For example, if our sales in higher gross margin business regions,geographies, channels, brands and categories grow at a faster rate than in our lower gross margin business regions,geographies, channels, brands and categories, we would expect a favorable impact to aggregate gross margin over time. Gross margin in our Europe segment is generally higher than in our other two regional operatingAmericas and Asia segments. Sales directly to consumers generally have higher gross margins than sales through third parties, although these sales typically have higher selling expenses. Value brands, which are focused on the value-conscious consumer, generally generate lower gross margin. DTC sales generally have higher gross margins than sales through third parties, although DTC sales also typically have higher selling expenses. As we continue to execute on our strategic framework to be DTC first, we expect to see greater impact on our gross margins. Enhancements to our existing product offerings, or our expansion into new brands and products categories, may also impact our future gross margin.
More competitorsForeign currencies continue to be volatile. Significant fluctuations of the U.S. Dollar against various foreign currencies, including the Euro, Mexican Peso, and British Pound, may negatively impact our financial results, revenue, operating margins and net income.
The current domestic and international political environment, including volatile trade relations, the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war, and civil unrest taking place in certain parts of the world have resulted in uncertainty surrounding the future state of the global economy. There is greater uncertainty with respect to potential changes in trade regulations, sanctions and export controls which also increase volatility in the global economy. Such changes may require us to modify our current sourcing practices, which may impact our product costs, and, if not mitigated, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The OECD reached agreement among various countries to implement a minimum 15% tax rate on certain multinational enterprises, commonly referred to as Pillar Two. Many countries continue to announce changes in their tax laws and regulations based on the Pillar Two proposals. We are seeking growth globally, thereby increasing competition across regions.continuing to evaluate the impact of these proposed and enacted legislative changes as new guidance becomes available. Some of these competitors are entering markets wherelegislative changes could impact our effective tax rate and tax liabilities. Given the numerous proposed tax law changes and the uncertainty regarding such proposed legislative changes, the impact of Pillar Two cannot be determined at this time.
As climate change evolves, we already have a mature businessexpect an increase in both the frequency and severity of seasonal and severe weather events, which may affect our consumer traffic and demand, as well as the activities of our suppliers, manufacturers, and customers. Weather events, such as droughts, heatwaves, floods, wildfires and winter storms could impact store traffic and conversion as the United States, Mexico, Western Europetiming for seasonal products may be unpredictable. Additionally, weather events could impact the cost or availability of raw materials integral to our products such as cotton.
There has been increased focus from our stakeholders, including consumers, employees and Japan,investors, and more recently regulatory organizations on corporate environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) practices, including corporate practices related to the causes and impacts of climate change and corporate statements, practices or products related to a variety of social issues. We expect that stakeholder expectations and actions with respect to ESG practices and social issues will continue to evolve rapidly, which may provide consumers discretionary purchase alternatives or lower-priced apparel offerings.negatively impact our financial results, and which may necessitate additional resources to monitor, report on, and adjust our operations.
Wholesaler/retailer dynamics and wholesale channels remain challenged by mixed growth prospects due to increased competition from e-commerce shopping, pricing transparency enabled by the proliferation of online technologies, and vertically-integrated specialty stores. Retailers, including our top customers, have in the past and
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may in the future decide to consolidate, undergo restructurings or rationalize their stores, which could result in a reduction in the number of stores that carry our products.
Many apparel companies that have traditionally relied on wholesale distribution channels have invested in expanding their own retail store and e-commerce distribution and consumer-facing technologies, which has increased competition in the retail market.
Competition for, and price volatility of, resources throughout the supply chain have increased, causing us and other apparel manufacturers to continue to seek alternative sourcing channels and create new efficiencies in our global supply chain. Trends affecting the supply chain include the proliferation of lower-cost sourcing alternatives, resulting in reduced barriers to entry for new competitors, and the impact of fluctuating prices of labor and raw materials as well as the consolidation of suppliers. Trends such as these can bring additional pressure on us and other wholesalers and retailers to shorten lead-times, reduce costs and raise product prices.
Foreign currencies continue to be volatile. Significant fluctuations of the U.S. Dollar against various foreign currencies, including the Euro, British Pound and Mexican Peso will impact our financial results, affecting translation, and revenue, operating margins and net income.
The current environment has introduced greater uncertainty with respect to potential tax and trade regulations. The current domestic and international political environment, including changes to other U.S. policies related to global trade and tariffs, have resulted in uncertainty surrounding the future state of the global economy. Such changes may require us to modify our current sourcing practices, which may impact our product costs and, if not mitigated, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
These factors contribute to a global market environment of intense competition, constant product innovation and continuing cost pressure, and combine with the continuing global economic conditions to create a challenging commercial and economic environment. We evaluate these factors as we develop and execute our strategies. For more information on the risk factors affecting our business, see "Item 1A - Risk Factors".
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Seasonality of Sales
We typically achieve our largest quarterly revenues in the fourth quarter. In fiscal year 2020,2023, our net revenues in the first, second, third and fourth quarters represented 34%27%, 11%22%, 24% and 31%27%, respectively, of our total net revenues for the year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, net revenues were adversely impacted by temporary store closures and reduced traffic and consumer demand, with the majority of the impact occurring in the second quarter when most company-operated and wholesale customer doors were temporarily closed. In the fourth quarter, a resurgence in COVID-19 cases led to the temporary closure of stores, predominantly in Europe. In fiscal year 2019,2022, our net revenues in the first, second, third and fourth quarters represented 25%26%, 23%24%, 25%24% and 27%26%, respectively, of our total net revenues for the year.
We typically achieve a significant amount of revenues from our DTC channel on the Friday following Thanksgiving Day, which is commonly referred to as Black Friday. Due to the timing of our fiscal year-end,year end, a particular fiscal year might include one, two or no Black Fridays, which could impact our net revenues for the fiscal year. Fiscal year 2018years 2023 and 2022 included one Black Friday, fiscal year 2019 did not have a Black Friday, while fiscal year 2020 had two Black Fridays. Fiscal year 2020 benefited from a 53rd week.Friday.
The level of our working capital reflects the seasonality of our business. We expect inventory, accounts payablebusiness and accrued expensesvaries throughout the year to be higher in the secondsupport our seasonal and third quarters in preparation for the fourth quarter selling season but they could also be impacted by other events affecting retail sales, including adverse weather conditions or other macroeconomic events, including pandemics suchholiday revenue patterns as COVID-19.well as business trends.
Effects
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We believe inflation in the regions where most of our sales occur has not had a significant effect on our net revenues or profitability.
Our Results for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 20202023
 
Net revenues.  Compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019,2022, consolidated net revenues decreased 11.6%increased 3.4% on a reported basis and 12.3%1.8% on a constant-currency basis. Excluding the effects of currency, revenue growth was driven by DTC, which grew across our regions and brands. The decreasegrowth was due tooffset with a decline in wholesale, as growth in the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including temporary store closures, primarily in Europe, as well as overall reduced foot trafficU.S. and consumer demand globally, partiallyAsia was offset by the benefit of a 53rd week and Black Fridaydecline in fiscal year 2020.Europe.
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Operating income.  We recognized consolidated operating income of $92.0 million, comparedCompared to operating income of $131.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal2022, consolidated operating income increased 10.4% to $151.2 million from $137.0 million. The increase was due to higher gross margin in the current year 2019.partially offset by an increase in SG&A expenses.
Net income. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, consolidated net income of $126.8 million decreased from $150.6 million. The decrease was primarily due to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the recognition of $22.0 million of net restructuring charges.
Net income. We recognized nethigher SG&A expenses and income of $56.7 million, compared to net income of $95.3 milliontax expense, partially offset by higher gross margin in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.current year.
Adjusted EBIT. Adjusted EBIT was $113.4 million, comparedCompared to Adjusted EBIT of $146.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019.2022, Adjusted EBIT of $200.1 million increased from $142.3 million. The decreaseincrease was due to higher Adjusted gross margin in the current year.
Adjusted net income. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, Adjusted net income of $178.6 million increased from $136.6 million. The increase was primarily due to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.higher Adjusted EBIT described above.
Diluted earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share were $0.14 comparedCompared to the fourth quarter of 2022, diluted earnings per share of $0.23$0.32 decreased from $0.38 due to lower net income described above, partially offset by a decrease in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019.weighted-average common shares outstanding.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.20 comparedof $0.44 increased from $0.34 mainly due to adjustedthe increase in Adjusted net income described above.
Inventory. Compared to the end of the fourth quarter of 2022, inventory as of the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 has decreased 9% primarily due to planned inventory reduction. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2023, we modified terms with the majority of our suppliers to take ownership of our inventory near the point of shipment rather than destination, which contributed approximately $110 million, or 8% of growth on a dollar basis, to the decrease in inventory versus the prior year period.
Our Fiscal Year 2023 Results
Net revenues.  Compared to fiscal year 2022, consolidated net revenues increased 0.2% on a both a reported basis and constant-currency basis. The increase was driven by growth in DTC and in Asia as a result of higher traffic and demand in the current year, offset by declines in wholesale, primarily in the U.S.
Operating income.  Compared to fiscal year 2022, consolidated operating income decreased to $353.3 million from $646.5 million primarily due to higher SG&A expenses, and goodwill and other intangible impairment charges in the current year.
Net income. Compared to fiscal year 2022, consolidated net income decreased to $249.6 million from $569.1 million. The decrease was due to lower operating income described above partially offset by lower income tax expense in the current year.
Adjusted EBIT. Compared to fiscal year 2022, Adjusted EBIT of $554.8 million decreased from $713.0 million primarily due to higher Adjusted SG&A expenses, driven by selling expenses in support of our DTC business.
Adjusted EBIT margin was 9.0%, 260 basis points lower than the prior year on a reported basis and 270 basis points lower on a constant-currency basis.
Adjusted net income. Compared to fiscal year 2022, Adjusted net income decreased to $440.7 million from $603.9 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower Adjusted EBIT described above.
Diluted earnings per share. Compared to fiscal year 2022, diluted earnings per share of $0.26$0.62 decreased from $1.41 mainly due to the lower net income described above partially offset by a decrease in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019.weighted-average common shares.
Cash from operations.Adjusted diluted earnings per share. Cash from operations increasedCompared to $228.7 million, as compared to $206.7 million in fiscal year 2019, reflecting our continuing focus on financial discipline, cost controls, cash and working capital.2022, Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.10 decreased from $1.50 due to the lower Adjusted net income described above offset by a decrease in weighted-average common shares outstanding. Currency translation favorably affected Adjusted diluted earnings per share by $0.05.
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For more information on Adjusted gross margin, Adjusted SG&A, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted net income and adjustedAdjusted diluted earnings per share, measures not prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, and reconciliations of such measures to net income (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per share, see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.Measures.”
Our Fiscal Year 2020 Results
Net revenues.  Compared to fiscal year 2019, consolidated net revenues decreased 22.7% on a reported basis and 22.0% on a constant-currency basis. The decrease was due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including as the result of widespread temporary store closures, reduced traffic and consumer demand, partially offset by higher net revenues prior to the pandemic and the benefit of a 53rd week and two Black Fridays in fiscal year 2020.
Operating loss.  We recognized a consolidated operating loss of $85.1 million, compared to operating income of $566.7 million in fiscal year 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the recognition of $90.4 million of net restructuring charges and $159.6 million of net COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges.
Net loss. We recognized a consolidated net loss of $127.1 million, compared to net income of $395.0 million in fiscal year 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the recognition of $250.0 million in net restructuring and COVID-19 related charges in 2020 as compared to fiscal year 2019.
Adjusted EBIT. Adjusted EBIT was $181.1 million compared to Adjusted EBIT of $610.6 million in fiscal year 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by higher net revenues and gross margin expansion in the portion of fiscal year 2020 prior to the pandemic as compared to fiscal year 2019.
Diluted loss per share. Diluted loss per share was $0.32 compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.97 in fiscal year 2019.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.21 compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.12 in fiscal year 2019.
Cash from operations. Cash from operations increased to $469.6 million, as compared to $412.2 million in fiscal year 2019, despite incurring a net loss of $127.1 million in fiscal year 2020 reflecting our continuing focus on financial discipline, cost controls, cash and working capital.
For more information on Adjusted EBIT and adjusted diluted earnings per share, measures not prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, and reconciliations of such measures to net income (loss) and diluted earnings (loss) per share, see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
41

Financial Information Presentation
Fiscal year.  We use a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, with each fiscal year ending on the Sunday that is closest to November 30 of that year. Certain of our foreign subsidiaries have fiscal years ending November 30. Each fiscal year generally consists of four 13-week quarters, with each quarter ending on the Sunday that is closest to the last day of the last month of that quarter. Fiscal years 20192023 and 20182022 were 52-week years, ending on November 24, 201926, 2023 and November 25, 2018, respectively. Fiscal year 2020 was a 53-week year ending on November 29, 2020. Each27, 2022, respectively, and each quarter of fiscal years 2020, 20192023 and 20182022 consisted of 13 weeks. The fourth quarter of 2020 consisted of 14 weeks.
Segments.  We manage ourOur Levi's Brands business, according towhich includes Levi's®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen® brands, is defined by geographical regions into three operating segments: Americas, Europe and Asia. Our Dockers® and Beyond Yoga® businesses are managed separately and do not meet the quantitative thresholds of a reportable operating segment and are reported in our financial statements under the caption of Other Brands.
Classification.  Our classification of certain significant revenues and expenses reflects the following:
Net revenues comprise net sales and licensing revenues. Net sales include sales of products to wholesale customers, including franchised stores, and direct sales to consumers at our company-operated stores and shop-in-shops located within department stores and other third partythird-party locations, as well as company-operated e-commerce sites. Net revenues include discounts, allowances for estimated returns and incentives. Licensing revenues, which include revenues from the use of our trademarks in connection with the manufacturing, advertising and distribution of trademarked products by third-party licensees, are earned and recognized as products are sold by licensees based on royalty rates as set forth in the applicable licensing agreements.
Cost of goods sold primarily comprises product costs, labor and related overhead, sourcing costs, inbound freight, internal transfers and the cost of operating our remaining manufacturing facilities, including the related depreciation expense. On both a reported and constant-currency basis, cost of goods sold reflects the transactional currency impact resulting from the purchase of products in a currency other than the functional currency.
Selling expenses include, among other things, all occupancy costs and depreciation associated with our company-operated stores and commissions associated with our company-operated shop-in-shops, as well as costs associated with our e-commerce operations.
We reflect substantially all distribution costs in selling, general and administrative expenses, including costs related to receiving and inspection at distribution centers, warehousing, shipping to our customers, handling, and certain other activities associated with our distribution network.

4249

Results of Operations
Fiscal Year 2020A discussion regarding our results of operations for fiscal year 2023 compared to Fiscal Year 2019fiscal year 2022 is presented below. A discussion regarding our results of operations for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 can be found under Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 27, 2022, filed with the SEC on January 25, 2023.
The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, our consolidated statements of operations,income, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of net revenues:
Year Ended Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
%
Increase
(Decrease)
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
%
Increase
(Decrease)
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Net revenuesNet revenues$4,452.6 $5,763.1 (22.7)%100.0 %100.0 %Net revenues$6,179.0 $6,168.6 0.2 %100.0 %100.0 %
Cost of goods soldCost of goods sold2,099.7 2,661.7 (21.1)%47.2 %46.2 %Cost of goods sold2,663.3 2,619.8 1.7 %43.1 %42.5 %
Gross profitGross profit2,352.9 3,101.4 (24.1)%52.8 %53.8 %Gross profit3,515.7 3,548.8 (0.9)%56.9 %57.5 %
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses2,347.6 2,534.7 (7.4)%52.7 %44.0 %Selling, general and administrative expenses3,072.2 2,890.7 6.3 %49.7 %46.9 %
Restructuring charges, net90.4 — *2.0 %— %
Operating (loss) income(85.1)566.7 (115.0)%(1.9)%9.8 %
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment chargesGoodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges90.2 11.6 *1.5 %0.2 %
Operating incomeOperating income353.3 646.5 (45.4)%5.7 %10.5 %
Interest expenseInterest expense(82.2)(66.2)24.2 %(1.8)%(1.1)%Interest expense(45.9)(25.7)(78.6)%(0.7)%(0.4)%
Underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders— (24.9)*— %(0.4)%
Other (expense) income, netOther (expense) income, net(22.4)2.0 *(0.5)%— %Other (expense) income, net(42.2)28.8 *(0.7)%0.5 %
(Loss) income before income taxes(189.7)477.6 (139.7)%(4.3)%8.3 %
Income tax (benefit) expense(62.6)82.6 (175.8)%(1.4)%1.4 %
Net (loss) income(127.1)395.0 (132.2)%(2.9)%6.9 %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest— (0.4)*— %— %
Net (loss) income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$(127.1)$394.6 (132.2)%(2.9)%6.8 %
(Loss) earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders:
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes265.2 649.6 (59.2)%4.3 %10.5 %
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense15.6 80.5 (80.6)%0.3 %1.3 %
Net incomeNet income$249.6 $569.1 (56.1)%4.0 %9.2 %
Earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders:Earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders:
BasicBasic$(0.32)$1.01 (131.7)%**Basic$0.63 $1.43 (55.9)%**
DilutedDiluted$(0.32)$0.97 (133.0)%**Diluted$0.62 $1.41 (56.0)%**
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in millions):Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in millions):
BasicBasic397.3 389.1 2.1 %**Basic397.2 397.3 — %**
DilutedDiluted397.3 408.4 (2.7)%**Diluted401.7 403.8 (0.5)%**
_____________
* Not meaningful
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Net revenues
The following table presents net revenues by regional operating segment for the periods indicated, and the changes in net revenues by operating segment on both reported and constant-currency bases from period to period:
Year Ended Year Ended
  % Increase (Decrease)   % Increase (Decrease)
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
As
Reported
Constant
Currency
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
As
Reported
Constant
Currency
(Dollars in millions) (Dollars in millions)
Net revenues:Net revenues:Net revenues:
Levi's Brands:Levi's Brands:
AmericasAmericas$2,345.4 $3,057.0 (23.3)%(22.2)%Americas$3,086.9 $3,187.4 (3.2)%(4.2)%
EuropeEurope1,435.6 1,768.1 (18.8)%(18.7)%Europe1,579.5 1,597.2 (1.1)%(2.1)%
AsiaAsia671.7 938.0 (28.4)%(27.5)%Asia1,059.7 952.1 11.3 %18.3 %
Total Levi's Brands net revenues:Total Levi's Brands net revenues:5,726.1 5,736.7 (0.2)%(0.1)%
Other BrandsOther Brands452.9 431.9 4.9 %3.5 %
Total net revenuesTotal net revenues$4,452.7 $5,763.1 (22.7)%(22.0)%Total net revenues$6,179.0 $6,168.6 0.2 %0.2 %
As compared to the same period in the prior year, currency translation did not have a significant impact on total net revenues were affected unfavorably by approximately $56 million in foreign currency exchange rates.revenues.
Americas.  On both a reported basis and constant-currency basis, netNet revenues in our Americas regionsegment decreased for fiscal year 2020. Currency translation had an unfavorable impact on both reported and constant-currency bases, with currency affecting net revenues favorably by approximately $34 million. Constant-currency net revenues decreased as a result of approximately $43 million forlower revenue in our wholesale channel, partially offset by higher revenue in our DTC channels.
Wholesale channel revenue decreased, primarily due to decreases in the year.United States driven by lower demand of our Levi's brand products due to a more cautious wholesale environment, leading to a decrease in units sold. The decrease in net revenuesthe United States was due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both our wholesale and DTC channels throughout the year.
The decrease in wholesale revenues was primarily due to the temporary closures of third-party retail locations, most of which were closed for the duration of the second quarter, as well as decreased demand throughout the remainder of the year as locations reopened. These declines were partially offset by increases in Levi's® and Signature products sold to traditional and digital wholesale customers deemed essential, allowing them to remain open throughout the year, either through their retail locations, or e-commerce sites.international market.
The decreaseincrease in DTC channel revenue was due to the temporary closures ofdriven by both strong performance within our company-operated stores as the majority of ourwell as store network was closed during the second and part-way through the third quarter as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As stores reopened, they were impacted by decreasedexpansion, leading to higher traffic throughout the remainder of the year, many operating under reduced hours and occupancy levels. This was partially offset by incremental revenues from our newly acquired South American distributor, first quarter revenue growth in our DTC channel and the inclusion of non-comparable net revenues from two Black Fridays and a 53rd week in fiscal year 2020 when compared to fiscal year 2019. As of November 29, 2020, approximately 94% of our company-operated stores in the regioncurrent year and an increase in units sold. There were open and our store network had 7731 more stores in operation as of November 26, 2023, as compared to November 24, 2019.27, 2022. E-commerce revenue also had strong growth during the year due to increased traffic andprimarily from higher conversion, as consumer spending continued to shift towards online shopping, as well as from the benefit of two Black Fridays and a 53rd week in fiscal year 2020 when compared to fiscal year 2019.average selling prices.
Europe.  Net revenues in Europe decreased on both a reported basis and on a constant-currency bases. Currencybasis, with currency translation did not have a significant impact onaffecting net revenues infavorably by approximately $16 million. Excluding the regioneffects of currency, the Russia-Ukraine crisis adversely impacted net revenues by approximately $54 million or 3% for the fiscal year 2020.2023.
Constant-currency net revenues decreased in 2023 driven by lower wholesale revenue, which was primarily due to a decline in units sold as wholesale customers continued to rebalance inventory levels and experience softened consumer demand. The decrease in net revenueswholesale was driven by the adverse impact COVID-19 had across both our wholesale and DTC channels throughout the year.
Wholesale revenue declined due to the temporary closure of our wholesale customers' retail locations, most of which were closed for the duration of the second quarter and some again in the fourth quarter due to a resurgence of COVID-19, as well as decreased demand when locations were open after the pandemic began. These declines were partially offset by growth in our digital wholesale customer revenues as well as first quarter growth from our traditional wholesale customers.
higher DTC channel revenue. The decreaseincrease in DTC channel revenue was due to the temporary closures ofdriven by strong performance in our company-operated stores as the majority of our store network was closed during the second quarter, with some stores closed again in the fourth quarter due to a resurgence of COVID-19. When storesstores. There were able to open after the first wave of the pandemic, they were impacted by lower traffic, many operating under reduced hours and store occupancy levels. This decline was partially offset with first quarter growth within our company operated retail network and the inclusion of non-comparable net revenues from two Black Fridays and a 53rd week in fiscal year 2020 as compared to fiscal year 2019. As of November 29, 2020, approximately 67% of our company-operated stores in the region were open and our store network had 32 more stores in operation as of November 26, 2023, as compared to November 24, 2019.27, 2022. E-commerce revenue grew during the year as a result of increased traffic, as consumer spending continuedprimarily due to shift towardsincreased online shopping, as well as from the benefit of two Black Fridays and a 53rd week in fiscal year 2020 when compared to fiscal year 2019.
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traffic.
Asia.  Net revenues in Asia decreasedincreased on both reported and constant-currency bases, with currency translation affecting net revenues unfavorably by approximately $12$56 million. The decrease inExcluding the effects of currency, net revenues was driven by the adverse impact COVID-19 hadfor 2023 grew across both our wholesale and DTC channels throughout the year.channels.
WholesaleThe increase in wholesale channel revenue declinedwas primarily due to temporary store closures impacting wholesale customer retail locationsgrowth across the region, startingmost markets, particularly India, as a result of higher demand and order replenishments in the second quarter and at various times throughoutcurrent year as compared to the remainder of the year, offsetting first quarter growth.
prior year. The increase in DTC channel revenue decreasedwas primarily due to strong performance in our company-operated stores, as higher traffic in the temporary store closures that startedcurrent year led to an increase in China and neighboring countries midway through the first quarter, and then spread throughout various parts of the region for varying periods of time during the year as sporadic COVID-19 outbreaks and partial and full lockdowns impacted the region. As stores reopened, sales were impacted by lower foot traffic and restrictions on operating hours and store occupancy levels. The decline in DTC revenue was partially offset by growth in e-commerce revenue in fiscal year 2020units sold, as compared to fiscal year 2019. As of November 29, 2020, approximately 99% of our company-operated stores in the regionprior year. Additionally, store expansion attributed to the revenue growth, as there were open and our store network had 28ten more stores in operation as of November 26, 2023, as compared to November 24, 2019.27, 2022. E-commerce revenue grew primarily due to increased online traffic as compared to the prior year.
Other Brands.Net revenues in Other Brands increased on both reported and constant-currency bases, with currency translation affecting net revenues favorably by approximately $6 million. The increase in net revenues is driven by increases in revenue primarily from Beyond Yoga® related to increase in e-commerce traffic and store expansion, with four more Beyond Yoga® stores. There were 36 more Docker’s stores in operation as of November 26, 2023, as compared to November 27, 2022.
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Gross profit
The following table shows consolidated gross profit and gross margin for the periods indicated and the changes in these items from period to period: 
Year Ended Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
%
Increase
(Decrease)
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
%
Increase
(Decrease)
(Dollars in millions) (Dollars in millions)
Net revenuesNet revenues$4,452.6 $5,763.1 (22.7)%Net revenues$6,179.0 $6,168.6 0.2 %
Cost of goods soldCost of goods sold2,099.7 2,661.7 (21.1)%Cost of goods sold2,663.3 2,619.8 1.7 %
Gross profitGross profit$2,352.9 $3,101.4 (24.1)%Gross profit$3,515.7 $3,548.8 (0.9)%
Gross marginGross margin52.8 %53.8 %Gross margin56.9 %57.5 %
CurrencyAs compared to the same period in the prior year, currency translation unfavorably impacted gross profit by approximately $23$6 million. The decrease in gross margin was mainlyprimarily due to COVID-19 related charges, which primarily included the recognition of incremental inventory reserves of $42.3 millionincreased product costs and adverse fabric purchase commitments of $26.2 million which decreasedlower full priced sales, partially offset by favorable channel mix. Additionally currency, including both transaction and translation impacts, favorably impacted gross margin by 1.6 percentageapproximately 20 basis points. These adverse impacts were partially offset by price increases implemented in the second half of the prior year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
The following table shows selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for the periods indicated, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of net revenues:
 Year Ended
 November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
%
Increase
(Decrease)
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
 (Dollars in millions)
Selling$1,040.4 $1,116.8 (6.8)%23.4 %19.4 %
Advertising and promotion331.4 399.3 (17.0)%7.4 %6.9 %
Administration343.2 426.0 (19.4)%7.7 %7.4 %
Other542.3 592.6 (8.5)%12.2 %10.3 %
COVID-19 related charges90.3 — 100.0 %2.0 %— %
Total SG&A expenses$2,347.6 $2,534.7 (7.4)%52.7 %44.0 %
Currency translation affected SG&A expenses favorably by approximately $15 million as compared to the prior year.
Selling.  Currency translation impacted selling expenses favorably by approximately $9 million for the year ended November 29, 2020. Lower selling expenses primarily reflected decreased costs due to the temporary closure of our company operated retail stores as well as cost-savings actions initiated during the second quarter. Selling expenses as a percentage of net
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revenues increased due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on net revenues, offset in part by cost-savings actions implemented during the year.
Advertising and promotion.  Currency translation impacted advertising and promotion expense favorably by approximately $3 million for the year ended November 29, 2020. The decrease in advertising and promotion expenses is due to our decision to reduce spending in response to COVID-19 in the channels most affected by the economic shutdown.
Administration.  Administration expenses include functional administrative and organization costs. Currency translation did not have a significant impact on administration expenses for fiscal year 2020. The decrease in administration expenses is largely due to lower employee and incentive costs, which included the impact of cost-savings actions implemented in response to COVID-19.
Other.  Other costs include distribution, information resources, and marketing organization costs. Currency translation impacted other SG&A expenses favorably by approximately $2 million for fiscal year 2020. The decrease in other costs was primarily due to lower distribution expenses attributable to reduced sales volume as well as cost-savings actions implemented in response to COVID-19.
COVID-19 related charges.   During the year ended November 29, 2020, we recognized $44.3 million in impairment of certain operating lease right-of-use assets and $21.7 million in impairment of property and equipment related to certain retail locations and other corporate assets, resulting from lower revenue and future cash flow projections from the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional charges of $17.7 million relate to customer receivables, including provisions and other allowances as a result of changes in their financial condition of $5.2 million and actual and anticipated bankruptcies and other associated claims of $12.5 million. The remainder relates to other incremental costs incurred in response to the global pandemic.
Restructuring charges, net
During the year ended November 29, 2020, we recognized restructuring charges of $90.4 million, consisting primarily of severance and other post-employment benefits. See “- Overview - 2020 Restructuring” above for more information.
Operating income (loss)
The following table shows operating income (loss) by regional operating segment and corporate expenses for the periods indicated, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of corresponding region net revenues or consolidated net revenues:
 Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
%
Increase
(Decrease)
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
 % of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
 (Dollars in millions)
Operating income (loss):
Americas$332.2 $545.1 (39.1)%14.2 %17.8 %
Europe206.4 353.1 (41.5)%14.4 %20.0 %
Asia(21.8)85.8 (125.4)%(3.2)%9.1 %
Total regional operating income516.8 984.0 (47.5)%11.6 %*17.1 %*
Corporate:
Restructuring charges, net90.4 — — %2.0 %*— %*
Other corporate staff costs and expenses511.5 417.3 22.6 %11.5 %*7.2 %*
Total corporate expenses601.9 417.3 44.2 %13.5 %*7.2 %*
Total operating income (loss)$(85.1)$566.7 (115.0)%(1.9)%*9.8 %*
Operating margin(1.9)%9.8 %
______________
* Percentage of consolidated net revenues
Currency translation affected total operating income in fiscal year 2020 unfavorably by approximately $8 million as compared to the prior year.
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Regional operating income.    
Americas.  Currency translation unfavorably affected operating income in the region by approximately $8 million as compared to the prior year. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to the adverse impacts of COVID-19, including lower net revenues, partially offset by lower SG&A expenses as discretionary and variable expenses were reduced or eliminated in response to COVID-19.
Europe.  Currency translation did not have a significant impact on operating income in the region for fiscal year 2020. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to the adverse impacts of COVID-19, including lower net revenues, partially offset by lower SG&A expenses as discretionary and variable expenses were reduced or eliminated in response to COVID-19, net of higher selling costs to support store expansion.
Asia.  Currency translation did not have a significant impact on operating income in the region for fiscal year 2020. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to the adverse impacts of COVID-19, including lower net revenues, partially offset by lower SG&A expenses as discretionary and variable expenses were reduced or eliminated in response to COVID-19.
Corporate.  Corporate expenses represent costs that management does not attribute to any of our regional operating segments. Included in corporate expenses are restructuring charges, COVID-19 related charges and other corporate staff costs. Corporate expenses also include costs associated with our global inventory sourcing organization and COVID-19 related inventory costs which are reported as a component of consolidated gross margin.
The increase in corporate expenses for the year ended November 29, 2020 was primarily due to net restructuring charges, COVID-19 related net inventory costs and other charges, and impairment of certain store right-of-use and other store assets, initially recognized during the second quarter and updated based on changes in facts and circumstances throughout the remainder of the year.
Interest expense
Interest expense was $82.2 million for the year ended November 29, 2020, as compared to $66.2 million in the prior year. The increase in interest expense was primarily related to additional borrowings from senior notes.
Our weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding for fiscal year 2020 was 4.75%, as compared to 5.31% for fiscal year 2019.
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net, primarily consists of foreign exchange management activities and transactions. For the years ended November 29, 2020 and November 24, 2019, we recorded net other expense of $22.4 million and other income of $2.0 million, respectively. The expense in fiscal year 2020 primarily consists of $14.7 million in pension settlement losses as well as foreign currency transaction losses, partially offset by the interest income generated from money market funds and short-term investments. The income in fiscal year 2019 primarily reflected net gains on our foreign exchange derivatives and investment interest generated from money market funds, partially offset by net losses on our foreign currency denominated balances.
Income tax expense
Income tax (benefit) expense was $(62.6) million for the year ended November 29, 2020, compared to $82.6 million for the prior year. Our effective income tax rate was 33.0% for the year ended November 29, 2020, compared to 17.3% for the prior year. The increase in the effective tax rate in fiscal year 2020 as compared to fiscal year 2019 was driven by a significant decrease in income before income taxes and tax rate reconciling items as a percentage to income before income taxes. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to a $26.1 million benefit from stock-based compensation exercises, which includes state income taxes, and a $4.6 million benefit resulting from the carryback of U.S. net operating losses to tax years with a higher federal income tax rate as allowed under the CARES Act, offset with a $18.3 million tax charge for valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.
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Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018
The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, our consolidated statements of operations, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of net revenues:
 Year Ended
 November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
%
Increase
(Decrease)
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Net revenues$5,763.1 $5,575.4 3.4 %100.0 %100.0 %
Cost of goods sold2,661.7 2,577.4 3.3 %46.2 %46.2 %
Gross profit3,101.4 2,998.0 3.4 %53.8 %53.8 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses2,534.7 2,457.6 3.1 %44.0 %44.1 %
Operating income566.7 540.4 4.9 %9.8 %9.7 %
Interest expense(66.2)(55.3)19.7 %(1.1)%(1.0)%
Underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders(24.9)— *(0.4)%— %
Other income, net2.0 14.9 (86.6)%— %0.3 %
Income before income taxes477.6 500.0 (4.5)%8.3 %9.0 %
Income tax expense82.6 214.8 (61.5)%1.4 %3.9 %
Net income395.0 285.2 38.5 %6.9 %5.1 %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(0.4)(2.1)(81.0)%— %— %
Net income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$394.6 $283.1 39.4 %6.8 %5.1 %
Earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic$1.01 $0.75 34.7 %**
Diluted$0.97 $0.73 32.9 %**
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic389.1 377.1 3.2 %**
Diluted408.4 388.6 5.1 %**
_____________
* Not meaningful
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Net revenues
The following table presents net revenues by regional operating segment for the periods indicated and the changes in net revenues by operating segment on both reported and constant-currency bases from period to period:
 Year Ended
   % Increase (Decrease)
 November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
As
Reported
Constant
Currency
 (Dollars in millions)
Net revenues:
Americas$3,057.0 $3,042.7 0.5 %0.8 %
Europe1,768.1 1,646.2 7.4 %13.3 %
Asia938.0 886.5 5.8 %9.5 %
Total net revenues$5,763.1 $5,575.4 3.4 %5.8 %
As compared to the same period in the prior year, total net revenues were affected unfavorably by approximately $126 million in foreign currency exchange rates.
Americas.   On both a reported basis and constant-currency basis, net revenues in our Americas region increased slightly for fiscal year 2019. Currency translation had an unfavorable impact on net revenues of approximately $10 million for the year.
Constant-currency net revenues increased as a result of higher DTC revenues, in the U.S. and international markets, specifically Mexico, despite lacking Black Friday sales due to the timing of our 2019 fiscal year-end. The increase in sales was due to the expansion of our company-operated retail network, as we had 14 more stores in operation as of November 24, 2019 as compared to November 25, 2018 and increased traffic to our e-commerce business. Total wholesale revenues were down, driven from a decline in U.S. wholesale revenues, as a result of the softening in the overall wholesale environment, including the impact of financially troubled retailers and increased door closures since a year ago. The decline was also due to the 2018 relaunch of our Docker's Signature Khaki, as we stocked our customers' floors with the new product, driving increased sales in the prior year.
Europe.  Net revenues in Europe increased on both reported and constant-currency bases, with currency translation affecting net revenues unfavorably by approximately $86 million.
Constant-currency net revenues increased for fiscal year 2019 as a result of strong performance across both DTC and wholesale channels. The growth in DTC is mainly driven from strong performance within our company-operated retail network, particularly outlets, as well as expansion, as we had 24 more stores in operation as of November 24, 2019 as compared to November 25, 2018, despite lacking Black Friday sales due to the timing of our 2019 fiscal year-end. The growth in our wholesale channel is broad based, across all markets and product categories.
Asia.  Net revenues in Asia increased on both reported and constant-currency bases, with currency translation affecting net revenues unfavorably by approximately $30 million.
On a constant-currency basis, the increase in net revenues was due to growth across both wholesale and DTC channels. The growth in wholesale, which includes franchised stores was across multiple markets, in particular India. The growth in DTC was primarily due to store expansion, as there were 43 more stores as of November 24, 2019 as compared to November 25, 2018 as well as growth within our e-commerce business.
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Gross profit
The following table shows consolidated gross profit and gross margin for the periods indicated and the changes in these items from period to period:
 Year Ended
 November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
%
Increase
 (Dollars in millions)
Net revenues$5,763.1 $5,575.4 3.4 %
Cost of goods sold2,661.7 2,577.4 3.3 %
Gross profit$3,101.4 $2,998.0 3.4 %
Gross margin53.8 %53.8 %
Currency translation unfavorably impacted gross profit by approximately $72 million in fiscal year 2019 as compared to prior year. Excluding the impact of currency translation, gross margin increased slightly due to sales in higher gross margin businesses offset primarily by transactional currency impact.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
The following table shows our SG&A expenses for the periods indicated, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of net revenues:
Year Ended Year Ended
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
%
Increase
(Decrease)
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
%
Increase
(Decrease)
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
(Dollars in millions) (Dollars in millions)
SellingSelling$1,116.8 $1,043.1 7.1 %19.4 %18.7 %Selling$1,370.4 $1,220.2 12.3 %22.2 %19.8 %
Advertising and promotionAdvertising and promotion399.3 400.3 (0.2)%6.9 %7.2 %Advertising and promotion432.9 463.7 (6.6)%7.0 %7.5 %
AdministrationAdministration426.0 484.5 (12.1)%7.4 %8.7 %Administration490.1 469.5 4.4 %7.9 %7.6 %
OtherOther592.6 529.7 11.9 %10.3 %9.5 %Other758.5 728.2 4.2 %12.3 %11.8 %
Restructuring charges, netRestructuring charges, net20.3 9.1 123.1 %0.3 %0.1 %
Total SG&A expensesTotal SG&A expenses$2,534.7 $2,457.6 3.1 %44.0 %44.1 %Total SG&A expenses$3,072.2 $2,890.7 6.3 %49.7 %46.9 %
Currency translation affected SG&A expenses favorably by approximately $50$14 million as compared to the prior year.
Selling.  Currency translation impacted selling expenses favorably by approximately $29$6 million for the year ended November 24, 2019. Higher26, 2023. The increase in selling expenses is primarily reflecteddue to higher DTC sales volume in the current year as compared to the prior year as well as increased labor and store costs associated with the expansionas a result of an increased number of stores and performance of our DTC business, including increased investment in new and existing company-operated stores. We had 81 more company-operated stores as of November 24, 2019 than as of November 25, 2018.inflation.
Advertising and promotion.  Currency translation impacteddid not have a significant impact on advertising and promotion expense favorably by approximately $8 million for the year ended November 24, 2019. Advertising26, 2023. The decrease in advertising and promotion expenses as a percent of net revenues decreasedwas primarily due to planned reductions in advertising spend.decreased media, digital investment and marketing spending.
Administration.  Administration expenses include functional administrative and organization costs. Currency translation impacted administration expenses favorably by approximately $6$10 million for the fiscal year 2019. Administration expenses decreasedended November 26, 2023. The increase in administration costs was primarily due to lower annual incentive compensation costs as well as lower stock-based compensation costs, which reflect the cancel of cash-settled awards and concurrent replacement with similar equity-settled awards$49.3 million in relationcharges related to the IPO,impairment of capitalized internal-use software. This is in comparison to the year ended November 27, 2022 which included the recognition of $28.9 million in charges related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, mostly impairment charges, including $33.3 million related to certain store right-of-use assets and $4.1 million related to other property, plant and equipment, net of a $15.8 million gain on the early termination of store leases. Additionally, the increase is attributed to higher compensation related to executives, partially offset by lower incentive accruals with $73.7 million charged to expense as well as lower overall stock price volatility for fiscal year 2019.compared to $104.2 million in the prior year.
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Other.  Other SG&A expensescosts include distribution, information resources, and marketing organization costs. Currency translation impacteddid not have a significant impact on other SG&A expenses favorably by approximately $7 million for fiscal year 2019.2023. The increase in other SG&A costs was primarily due to higher distribution expenses attributable to increased freight costs and the impact of inflation, as well as higher spend on information technology expenses.
Restructuring charges, net.  During the year ended November 26, 2023, we recognized restructuring charges of $20.3 million as compared to $9.1 million in the prior year. The charges consist primarily of severance and other post-employment benefits related to a restructuring initiative that commenced in the prior year.
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges
During the year ended November 26, 2023, we recognized impairment charges of $90.2 million related to the Beyond Yoga® acquisition. The impairment charge is composed of a $75.4 million impairment of goodwill and a $14.8 million impairment of the trademark intangible asset. The impairment is due to incremental investments in the brand and team, and disciplined expansion in response to the current macroeconomic conditions as well as an increase in information technology expenses, which reflect critical investments towards expanding our omni-channel capabilities as well as initial investments towards a new enterprise resource planning system. Distribution costs also increaseddiscount rates. During the year ended November 27, 2022, we recognized impairment charges of $11.6 million related to support increased volume, mainly within Europe and Asia.goodwill assigned to the Russia business.

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Operating income
The following table shows operating income by regional operating segment and corporate expenses for the periods indicated, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of corresponding regionsegment net revenues or consolidated net revenues:
Year Ended Year Ended
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
%
Increase
(Decrease)
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
%
Increase
(Decrease)
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
% of Net
Revenues
(Dollars in millions) (Dollars in millions)
Operating income:Operating income:Operating income:
Levi's Brands:Levi's Brands:
AmericasAmericas$545.1 $551.4 (1.1)%17.8 %18.1 %Americas$535.3 $654.4 (18.2)%17.3 %20.5 %
EuropeEurope353.1 292.9 20.6 %20.0 %17.8 %Europe305.0 349.9 (12.8)%19.3 %21.9 %
AsiaAsia85.8 86.6 (0.9)%9.1 %9.8 %Asia147.2 111.2 32.4 %13.9 %11.7 %
Total regional operating income984.0 930.9 5.7 %17.1 %*16.7 %*
Total Levi's Brands operating incomeTotal Levi's Brands operating income987.5 1,115.5 (11.5)%17.2 %19.4 %
Other BrandsOther Brands(0.1)17.1 (100.6)%— %4.0 %
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment chargesGoodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges(90.2)(11.6)*(1.5)%v(0.2)%v
Corporate expensesCorporate expenses417.3 390.4 6.9 %7.2 %*7.0 %*Corporate expenses(543.9)(474.5)(14.6)%(8.8)%v
(7.7)%v
Total operating incomeTotal operating income$566.7 $540.5 4.8 %9.8 %*9.7 %*Total operating income$353.3 $646.5 (45.4)%5.7 %v
10.5 %v
Operating marginOperating margin9.8 %9.7 %Operating margin5.7 %10.5 %
______________
______________
*v Percentage of consolidated net revenues
* Not meaningful

Currency translation affected total operating income unfavorably by approximately $22 million in fiscal year 20192023 favorably by approximately $8 million as compared to the prior year.
RegionalLevi's Brands operating income.    
Americas.  Currency translation favorably affected operating income in the segment by approximately $10 million as compared to the prior year. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to lower net revenues and a lower gross margin, as compared to the prior year, as well as higher SG&A expenses as a percent of revenue.
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Europe.  Currency translation did not have a significant impact on operating income in the regionsegment for fiscal year 2019. The2023. Excluding the effects of currency, the decrease in operating income was primarily due to an increase in net revenues anda lower gross margin offset byand higher SG&A selling expense, mainlyexpenses as a percent of revenue as compared to support growth across our DTC channel.the prior year.
Europe.Asia.  Currency translation unfavorably affected operating income in the regionsegment by approximately $17$10 million in fiscal year 2019 as compared to the prior year. Excluding the effects of currency, the increase in operating income was primarily due to higher net revenues across all channels and increased gross margin, partially offset by higherin the current year as compared to the prior year as well as lower SG&A selling, distribution, and advertising and promotion costs to support revenue growth.expenses as a percentage of revenue.
Asia.Other Brands.  Currency translation unfavorably affected operating income in the region by approximately $5 million in the region for fiscal year 2019. Excluding the effects of currency, the increase indid not have a significant impact on operating income for fiscal year 20192023. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to a lower gross margin and higher net revenues across all channels,SG&A expenses as a percent of revenue as compared to the prior year, partially offset by higher SG&A selling expensenet revenues.
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges.Currency translation did not have a significant impact on operating income for fiscal year 2023. During the year ended November 26, 2023, we recognized impairment charges of $90.2 million related to support growth across our retail channel.the Beyond Yoga® acquisition. The impairment charge is composed of a $75.4 million impairment in goodwill and a $14.8 million impairment in the trademark intangible asset. The impairment is due to incremental investments in the brand and team, and disciplined expansion in response to the current macroeconomic conditions as well as an increase in discount rates.
Corporate expenses.  Currency translation favorably affected corporate expenses by approximately $9 million as compared to the prior year. Corporate expenses represent costs that management does not attribute to any of our regional operating segments. Included in corporate expenses are certain impairment charges, acquisition related charges and other corporate staff costs andcosts. Corporate expenses also include costs associated with our global inventory sourcing organization which are reported as a component of consolidated gross margin.
The increase in corporate expenses for 2019 wasthe year ended November 26, 2023 primarily includes $49.3 million in charges related to the impairment of capitalized internal-use software, net of a $3.9 million gain on the early termination of store leases related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis as compared to $28.9 million in charges related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, primarily related to impairment and other related charges, net of a $15.8 million gain on the early termination of certain store leases.
Operating margin. Currency translation favorably affected total operating margin by approximately 10 basis points as compared to the prior year. Compared to fiscal year 2022, consolidated operating income decreased 45.4% to $353.3 million from $646.5 million due to an increaselower revenue, gross margin and higher SG&A expenses in foreign currency transaction losses related to our global sourcing organizations procurement of inventory on behalf of our foreign subsidiaries.the current year.
Interest expense
Interest expense was $66.2$45.9 million for the year ended November 24, 2019,26, 2023, as compared to $55.3$25.7 million in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to the revolver borrowings during fiscal year 2023, resulting in additional $5.0 million in interest expense was primarilyexpense. In addition, the increase is related to higher interest onthe inclusion of $14.1 million of gains related to the change in the value of the deferred compensation plan in the prior year. Effective as a resultof the beginning of the current fiscal year, the impact of changes in market conditions, and higher interest incurred on lease financing obligations for build to suit locations.the value of the deferred compensation plans have been classified as Other (expense) income, net.
Our weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding for fiscal year 20192023 was 5.31%4.20%, as compared to 5.01%3.96% for fiscal year 2018.
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2022.
Other (expense) income, (expense), net
Other (expense) income, (expense), net, primarily consists of foreign exchange management activities and transactions. For the yearyears ended November 24, 201926, 2023 and November 25, 2018,27, 2022, we recorded net other expenses of $42.2 million and net other income of $2.0 million and $14.9$28.8 million, respectively. The incomenet expense recognized in fiscal year 20192023 was primarily reflected investment interest generated from money market funds and short-term investments,due to the recognition of $19.0 million pension settlement loss, as well as $47.8 million of foreign currency transaction losses, partially offset by net periodic pension cost and net losses on our foreign currency denominated balances. The income in fiscal year 2018 primarily reflected netthe $24.7 million gains on ourforward foreign exchange derivatives and investment interest generatedcontracts. The prior year included the recognition of a $12.5 million COVID-19 related subsidy gain received from money market funds, partially offset by net losses on our foreign currency denominated balances.
Underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders
For the year ended November 24, 2019, we recorded an expense of $24.9 millionGerman government as reimbursement for underwriting discounts and commissions paid by us on behalf of the selling stockholders in connection with our IPO.COVID-19 losses.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense was $82.6$15.6 million for the year ended November 24, 2019,26, 2023, compared to $214.8$80.5 million for the prior year. Our effective income tax rate was 17.3%5.9% for the year ended November 24, 2019,26, 2023, compared to 45.0%12.4% for the prior year. The decrease in the effective tax rate in fiscal year 20192023 as compared to fiscal year 20182022 was primarily driven by a $143.4 million one-time tax chargehigher benefit from the foreign derived intangible income deduction on advance royalty and prepaid service income, and no intellectual property transactions in fiscal year 2018 related to the enactment of the Tax Act. This charge was comprised of $95.6 million re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and $37.5 million one-time U.S. transition tax on undistributed foreign earnings and $10.3 million charge related to foreign and state tax costs associated with the future remittance of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.
We historically provided for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries unless they were considered indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. We have reevaluated this historic indefinite reinvestment assertion as a result of the enactment of the Tax Act and determined that any historical undistributed earnings through November 25, 2018 of foreign subsidiaries are no longer considered to be indefinitely reinvested as well as most of the additional undistributed earnings generated through November 24, 2019. The deferred tax liability related to foreign and state tax costs associated with the future remittance of these undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries was $9.7 million. For the year ended November 24, 2019, management asserted indefinite reinvestment on a small portion of foreign earnings generated in fiscal year 2019. If such earnings were to repatriate back to the U.S., the related foreign withholding and state tax costs could be approximately $1 million.

2023.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity outlook
We believe we will have adequate liquidity over the next 12 months and in the longer term to operate our business and to meet our cash requirements. As of November 29, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $1.5 billion, short-term investments of $96.5 million and unused availability under our credit facility of $713.5 million, resulting in a total liquidity position of approximately $2.3 billion.
We are actively managingOver the impacts of COVID-19 on our operations and liquidity. For the year ended November 29, 2020, cash from operations increased to $469.6 million as compared to $412.2 million in the prior year, despite incurring a net loss of $127.1 million in fiscal year 2020. We have taken and will continue to take action to reduce costs, enhance our liquidity and maintain our financial flexibility. Such actions include, but are not limited to reducing discretionary spending, reducing capital expenditures, suspending our share buyback program and not declaring dividends until further notice, and implementing our restructuring plan that we expect will lead to approximately $100 million in annualized savings. In April 2020, in an effort to further increase liquidity and strengthen our balance sheet, we issued an additional $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior notes due 2025. The proceeds are being used for working capital, general corporate or other purposes.
While the impact and duration of COVID-19 on our business remains uncertain, the situation is expected to be temporary. In the longerlong term, we remain committedplan to increasing total shareholder returns throughdeploy capital across all four of our three capital allocation priorities: (1) to investreinvest 3.5-4% of our revenue in capital, including high growth investment opportunities and initiatives, to grow our business organically, (2) to return capital to our stockholders in the form of cash dividends, as well as stock repurchases to offset dilution that would otherwise be introduced from stock-based incentive compensation grants, andwith a dividend payout ratio target of 25-35% of net income; (3) to pursue high return on investment acquisitions, both organic and inorganic, that support our current strategies. strategies; and (4) to repurchase shares with the goal of offsetting dilution or opportunistic buybacks or both, while maintaining an adequate public float of our shares. Our aim is to return 55-65% of our Adjusted free cash flow to stockholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. We continue to concentrate our capital investments in new stores, distribution capacity and technology to accelerate the profitable growth of our business. For more information on our calculation of Adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measures, see “- Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Future determinations regarding the declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on then-existing conditions, including our results of operations, payout ratio, capital requirements, financial condition, prospects, contractual arrangements, any limitations on payment of dividends present in our current and future debt agreements and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
Cash sources
We have historically relied primarily on cash flows from operations, borrowings under credit facilities, issuances of notes and other forms of debt financing. We regularly explore financing and debt reduction alternatives, including new credit agreements, unsecured and secured note issuances, equity financing, equipment and real estate financing, securitizations and asset sales.
We are party to the Second Amended and RestatedOur Credit Agreement that provides for aan asset-based, senior secured revolving credit facility. The facility is an asset-based facility,(“Credit Facility”), in which the borrowing availability is primarily based on the value of our U.S. Levi’s® trademarks and the levels of accounts receivable and inventory in the United States and Canada. The maximum availability under the facility is $850.0 million,$1.0 billion, of which $800.0$950.0 million is available to us for revolving loans in U.S. Dollars and $50.0 million is available to us for revolving loans either in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars.
As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, we did not have any borrowings under the credit facility, unusedCredit Facility. Unused availability under the facility was $713.5$942.8 million, and our total availability of $743.8$960.4 million based(based on collateral levels as defined by the agreement less outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility) was reduced by $30.3$17.6 million offrom other credit-related instruments.
As of November 29, 2020, we We also had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $1.5 billion and short-term investments of $96.5$398.8 million resulting in a total liquidity position (unused availability and cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments)equivalents) of approximately $2.3$1.3 billion. Of our $398.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, approximately $260.1 million was held by foreign subsidiaries.
Cash uses
Our principal cash requirements include working capital, capital expenditures, payments of principal and interest on our debt, payments of taxes, contributions to our pension plans and payments for postretirement health benefit plans, payment of taxes resulting from net settlement of shares issued under our 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended to date ("2016 Plan"), and our 2019 Equity Incentive Plan as amended to date (“2019 Plan”), and, if market conditions warrant, occasional investments in, or acquisitions of, business ventures in our line of business. In addition, we regularly evaluate our ability to pay dividends or repurchase stock, all consistent with the terms of our debt agreements. Upon completion
On May 31, 2022, our board of our IPO in March 2019, our 2016 Plan was replaced with our 2019 Equity Incentive Plan ("2019 Plan"). Under the 2016 Plan, holders of shares could require us to repurchase such shares at the then-current market value pursuant todirectors approved a contractual put right. Under the 2019 Plan and as a result of the IPO, this contractual put right was terminated. However, upon vesting or exercise of an award, we will continue to net settle shares in order to pay withholding taxes on behalf of our employees.
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In December 2019, we completed an acquisition for all operating assets related to Levi’s® and Dockers® brands from The Jeans Company ("TJC"), our distributor in Chile, Peru and Bolivia, for $52.2 million, plus transaction costs. This includes 78 Levi’s® and Dockers® retail stores and one e-commerce site, distribution with the region’s leading multi-brand retailers, and the logistical operations in these markets.
In January 2020, our Board approved anew share repurchase program that authorizes the repurchase of up to $100$750 million of the Company'sour Class A common stock. The previously approved $200 million share repurchase program was completed as of the end of the second quarter of 2022. During the six months ended May 24, 2020, 3fiscal 2023, 0.5 million shares were repurchased for $56.2$8.1 million, plus broker's commissions, in the open market. This equates to an average repurchase price of approximately $18.73 per share. As ofDuring fiscal 2022, 8.7 million shares were repurchased for $172.9 million, plus broker's commissions, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020, we suspended our share buyback program. Given the continued uncertainty of the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we plan to keep our share buyback program on hold until further notice.open market.
In January 2021, the Board2024, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.04$0.12 per share to holders of record of its Class A and Class B common stock at the close of business on February 10, 2021,7, 2024, for a total quarterly dividend of approximately $16$48 million. In the absence of a dividend policy, we will continue to declare dividends on a quarterly basis and the expectation is that they will grow in line with net income. At this time, we expect dividends to be at $0.12 per share.
Cash requirements for fiscal 2024 are expected to consist primarily of capital expenditures for investments in new stores, distribution capacity and technology. Total dividendscapital expenditures for fiscal 2024 are expected to be approximately $64 million for fiscal year 2021 and to be paid out quarterly. We will consider increases in dividend payments for future quarters if the business continues to improve.$290 million.
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The following table provides information about our significantsummarizes current and long-term material cash contractual obligations and commitmentsrequirements as of November 29, 2020:26, 2023:
Payments due or projected by fiscal periodMaterial Cash Requirements
Total20212022202320242025ThereafterTotal20242025202620272028Thereafter
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Contractual and Long-term Liabilities:
Short-term and long-term debt obligationsShort-term and long-term debt obligations$1,579 $18 $— $— $— $995 $566 Short-term and long-term debt obligations$1,030 $12 $— $— $518 $— $500 
Interest(1)
Interest(1)
352 80 74 69 69 32 28 
Interest(1)
197 47 37 35 22 18 38 
Future minimum payments(2)
Future minimum payments(2)
1,153 261 225 181 143 110 233 
Future minimum payments(2)
1,344 279 228 186 148 114 389 
Inventory purchase commitments(3)
Inventory purchase commitments(3)
491 491 — — — — — 
Inventory purchase commitments(3)
720 714 — — — — 
Purchase obligations(4)
Purchase obligations(4)
296 64 44 32 28 19 109 
Purchase obligations(4)
415 116 75 67 40 28 89 
Postretirement obligations(5)
Postretirement obligations(5)
57 21 
Postretirement obligations(5)
42 16 
Pension obligations(6)
Pension obligations(6)
157 15 15 15 16 16 80 
Pension obligations(6)
133 17 13 13 13 13 64 
Long-term employee related benefits(7)
Long-term employee related benefits(7)
110 15 74 
Long-term employee related benefits(7)
117 14 84 
TotalTotal$4,195 $952 $372 $311 $267 $1,182 $1,111 Total$3,998 $1,205 $371 $311 $750 $181 $1,180 
______________
(1)Interest obligations are computed using constant interest rates until maturity.
(2)Amounts reflect contractual obligations relating to our existing leased facilities as of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, and therefore do not reflect our planned future openings of company-operated retail stores. For more information, see "Item“Item 2 – Properties."
(3)Inventory purchase commitments represent agreements to purchase fixed or minimum quantities of goods, including fabric commitments, at determinable prices.
(4)Amounts reflect estimated commitments of $163$131 million for sponsorship, naming rights and related benefits with respect to the Levi's®Levi's® Stadium, and $133$269 million for human resources, advertising, information technology and other professional services. In January 2024, the Company entered into an agreement to extend the sponsorship deal for Levi's® Stadium for an additional 10 years. This extension will add estimated commitments of $175 million after 2028 to the amounts presented in the table above.
(5)The amounts presented in the table represent an estimate for the next ten years of our projected payments, based on information provided by our plans' actuaries, and have not been reduced by estimated Medicare subsidy receipts, the amounts of which are not material. Our policy is to fund postretirement benefits as claims and premiums are paid. For more information, see Note 910 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report.
(6)The amounts presented in the table represent an estimate of our projected contributions to the plans for the next ten years based on information provided by our plans' actuaries. For U.S. qualified plans, these estimates can exceed the projected annual minimum required contributions in an effort to level out potential future funding requirements and provide annual funding flexibility. The 20212024 contribution amounts will be recalculated at the end of the plans' fiscal years, which for our U.S. pension plan is at the beginning of our third fiscal quarter. Accordingly, actual contributions may differ materially from those presented here, based on factors such as changes in discount rates and the valuation of pension assets. For more information, see Note 910 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report.
(7)Long-term employee-related benefits primarily relate to the current and non-current portion of deferred compensation arrangements and workers' compensation. We estimated these payments based on prior experience and forecasted activity for these items. For more information, see Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report.
The above table does not include amounts related to our uncertain tax positions of $32.3$42.3 million. We do not anticipate a material effect on our liquidity as a result of payments in future periods of liabilities for uncertain tax positions. Based on the fair value of the Company'sour capital stock and the number of shares outstanding as of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, future payments related to shares surrendered for employee tax withholding on the exercise or vesting of outstanding equity awards could range up to approximately $80$30 million, which could become payable in 2021.2024.
Information in the above table reflects our estimates of future cash payments. These estimates and projections are based upon assumptions that are inherently subject to significant economic, competitive, legislative and other uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our actual expenditures and liabilities may be materially higher or lower than the estimates and projections reflected in the above table. The inclusion of these projections and estimates should not be regarded as a representation by us that the estimates will prove to be correct.
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Cash flows
The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, selected items in our consolidated statements of cash flows:
 Year Ended
 November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
 (Dollars in millions)
Cash provided by operating activities$469.6 $412.2 $420.4 
Cash used for investing activities(188.6)(243.3)(179.4)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities286.0 55.0 (148.6)
Cash and cash equivalents as of fiscal year end1,497.2 934.2 713.1 
Fiscal Year 2020 as compared to Fiscal Year 2019
 Year Ended
 November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
 (Dollars in millions)
Cash provided by operating activities$435.5 $228.1 
Cash used for investing activities(240.7)(235.7)
Cash used for financing activities(214.1)(365.4)
Cash and cash equivalents as of fiscal year end398.8 429.6 
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $469.6$435.5 million for fiscal year 2020,2023, as compared to $412.2$228.1 million for fiscal year 2019.2022. The increase in cash provided by operating activities in fiscal year 2023 is primarily due todriven by lower spending on inventory and employee incentives, and variable and discretionary expenditures, partially offset by less cash receivedhigher spending on customer receivables, due in part toSG&A expenses, and lower sales. Our cash flows from operations were significantly impacted by the widespread temporary store closures and other business disruptions, particularly in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.collections on trade receivables.
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash used for investing activities was $188.6$240.7 million for fiscal year 2020,2023, as compared to $243.3$235.7 million for fiscal year 2019. The decrease in cash used for investing activities is due to lower net payments to acquire short-term investments, partially offset by payments incurred for business acquisition during fiscal year 2020.
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash provided by financing activities was $286.0 million for fiscal year 2020, as compared to $55.0 million for fiscal year 2019. Cash provided in fiscal year 2020 primarily reflects proceeds from senior notes of $502.5 million, partially offset by payments of $56.2 million for common stock repurchases, $90.6 million for withholding tax on cashless equity award exercises, payment of a $63.6 million cash dividend. Cash provided in fiscal year 2019 primarily reflects proceeds from our IPO of $254.3 million, partially offset by the payments of $113.9 million for cash dividends, $44.0 million for equity award exercises.
Fiscal Year 2019 as compared to Fiscal Year 2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $412.2 million for fiscal year 2019, as compared to $420.4 million for fiscal year 2018. The decrease primarily reflects higher payments for SG&A expenses and inventory to support our growth, higher payments for employee stock-based incentive compensation, and a payment made for underwriting commissions on behalf of selling stockholders in connection with our IPO in March 2019, partially offset by an increase in cash received from customers as well as less contributions to our pension plans.
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash used for investing activities was $243.3 million for fiscal year 2019, as compared to $179.4 million for fiscal year 2018.2022. The increase in cash used for investing activities is due to an increase inhigher payments incurred for capital expenditures and higher net payments to acquire short-term investments,during fiscal year 2023, partially offset by higher proceeds from settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts during fiscal year 2019.short-term investments.
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash used for financing activities was $55.0$214.1 million for fiscal year 2019,2023, as compared to $148.6$365.4 million for fiscal year 2018.2022. Cash providedused in fiscal year 20192023 primarily reflects proceeds from our IPO of $254.3 million, partially offset by thedividend payments of $113.9 million for cash dividends, $44.0 million for equity award exercises, $23.3 million for net repayments of short-term credit facility and borrowings, and payments of $19.7 million for underwriting commissions and other direct and incremental offering costs.$190.5 million. Cash used in fiscal year 20182022 primarily reflects the paymentdividend payments of $90.0$174.3 million for cash dividends and $56.0 million for equity award exercises.
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$175.7 million.
Indebtedness
The borrower of substantially all of our debt is Levi Strauss & Co., the parent and U.S. operating company. Of our total debt of $1.6$1.0 billion as of November 29, 2020, 99.5%26, 2023, 100% was fixed-rate debt, net of capitalized debt issuance costs, and 0.5% was variable-rate debt.costs. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, our required aggregate debt principal payments of $1.6$1.0 billion begin in 2025.2027. Short-term borrowings of $17.6$12.5 million at various foreign subsidiaries were expected to be either paid over the next 12 months or refinanced at the end of their applicable terms.
Our long-term debt agreements contain customary covenants restricting our activities as well as those of our subsidiaries. We were in compliance with all of these covenants as of November 29, 2020.26, 2023.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted SG&A, Adjusted SG&A Margin, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted EBIT Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income Margin, and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share
We define Adjusted gross profit,the following non-GAAP measures as gross profit excluding COVID-19 related inventory costs. We define Adjusted gross margin, as Adjusted gross profit as a percentage of net revenues. We define Adjusted SG&A as SG&A excluding changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation, COVID-19 related charges, and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net. We define Adjusted EBIT as net income (loss) excluding income tax (benefit) expense, interest expense, other (income) expense, net, underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders, impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation, COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges, and restructuring and related charges, severance and other, net. We define Adjusted EBIT margin as Adjusted EBIT as a percentage of net revenues. We define Adjusted EBITDA as Adjusted EBIT excluding depreciation and amortization expense. We define Adjusted net income as net income (loss) excluding underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders, charges related to the impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation, COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges, and restructuring and related charges, severance and other, net, pension settlement losses, and re-measurement of our deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the lower rates as a result of the Tax Act, adjusted to give effect to the income tax impact of such adjustments. To calculate the income tax impact of such adjustments on a year-to-date basis, we utilize an effective tax rate equal to our income tax expense excluding material discrete costs and benefits, with any impacts of changes in effective tax rate being recognized in the current period. In fiscal year 2018 we excluded from income tax expense the effect of the $95.6 million re-measurement described above. We define Adjusted net income margin as Adjusted net income as a percentage of net revenues. We define Adjusted diluted earnings per share as Adjusted net income per weighted-average number of diluted common shares outstanding. follows:
Most comparable GAAP measureNon-GAAP measureNon-GAAP measure definition
Gross profitAdjusted gross profitGross profit excluding COVID-19 and acquisition related inventory costs
Gross marginAdjusted gross marginAdjusted gross profit as a percentage of net revenues
Selling, general and administration (“SG&A”) expensesAdjusted SG&ASG&A expenses excluding changes in fair value on COVID-19 related charges, acquisition and integration related charges, impairment charges and early termination gains, net and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net.
SG&A marginAdjusted SG&A marginAdjusted SG&A as a percentage of net revenues
Net incomeAdjusted EBITNet income excluding income tax expense, interest expense, other (income) expense, net, loss on early extinguishment of debt, impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation, COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges, acquisition and integration related charges, and restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net.
Net income marginAdjusted EBIT marginAdjusted EBIT as a percentage of net revenues.
Net incomeAdjusted net incomeNet income excluding loss on early extinguishment of debt, COVID-19 government subsidy gains, unrealized gains on marketable securities originating in prior years, charges related to the impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation, COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges, acquisition and integration related charges, and restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net, and re-measurement of our deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the lower rates as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”), adjusted to give effect to the income tax impact of such adjustments.
Net incomeAdjusted EBITDAAdjusted EBIT excluding depreciation and amortization expense
Net income marginAdjusted net income marginAdjusted net income as a percentage of net revenues
Diluted earnings per shareAdjusted diluted earnings per shareAdjusted net income per weighted-average number of diluted common shares outstanding
We believe Adjusted gross profit, Adjusted gross margin, Adjusted SG&A, Adjusted SG&A margin, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted EBIT margin, Adjusted EBITDA,net income, Adjusted net income,EBITDA, Adjusted net income margin and Adjusted diluted earnings per share are useful to investors because they help identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be masked by certain expenses that we include in calculating net income (loss) but that can vary from company to company depending on its financing, capital structure and the method by which its assets were acquired, and can also vary significantly from period to period. Our management also uses Adjusted EBIT in conjunction with other GAAP financial measures for planning purposes, including as a measure of our core operating results and the effectiveness of our business strategy, and in evaluating our financial performance.
Adjusted gross profit, Adjusted gross margin, Adjusted SG&A, Adjusted SG&A margin, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted EBIT margin, Adjusted EBITDA,net income, Adjusted net income,EBITDA, Adjusted net income margin and Adjusted diluted earnings per share have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for an analysis of our results prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. Some of these limitations include:
Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted EBIT margin and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect income tax payments that reduce cash available to us;
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Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted EBIT margin and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness, which reduces cash available to us;
Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted EBIT margin and Adjusted EBITDA exclude other (income) expense net,income, which includes pension settlement losses as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses on our forward foreign exchange contracts and transaction gains and losses on our foreign exchange balances, although these items affect the amount and timing of cash available to us when these gains and losses are realized;
Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income margin and Adjusted diluted earnings per share exclude pension settlement losses;
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all of these non-GAAP financial measures exclude underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders in connection with our IPO that reduces cash available to us;debt;
all of these non-GAAP financial measures exclude other costs associated with our IPO;
all of these non-GAAP financial measures exclude the expense resulting from the impact of changes in fair value on our cash-settled stock-based compensation awards, even though, prior to March 2019, such awards were required to be settled in cash;
all of these non-GAAP financial measures exclude COVID-19 related inventory costsacquisition and otherintegration charges, and restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net which can affect our current and future cash requirements;
all of these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain other SG&A expense items, which include severance, transaction and deal related costs, including acquisition and integration costs which can affect our current and future cash requirements;
all of these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain other SG&A expense items, which include non-cash property and equipment and right-of-use asset impairment charges. The store-related assets being impaired may still be in use, resulting in lower recurring expenses of depreciation of property and equipment and right-of-use asset amortization. Although property and equipment impairment charges are non-cash expenses, the assets being impaired may need to be replaced in the future which can affect our current and future cash requirements;
the expenses and other items that we exclude in our calculations of all of these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the expenses and other items, if any, that other companies may exclude from all of these non-GAAP financial measures or similarly titled measures;
Adjusted EBITDA excludes the recurring, non-cash expenses of depreciation of property and equipment and, although these are non-cash expenses, the assets being depreciated may need to be replaced in the future; and
Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income margin and Adjusted diluted earnings per share do not include all of the effects of income taxes and changes in income taxes reflected in net income (loss).income.
Because of these limitations, all of these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered along with net income (loss) and other operating and financial performance measures prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.
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Adjusted Gross Profit:
The following table presents a reconciliation of gross profit, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted gross profit for each of the periods presented.
Year EndedYear Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Most comparable GAAP measure:Most comparable GAAP measure:Most comparable GAAP measure:
Gross profitGross profit$2,352.9 $3,101.4 $2,998.0 Gross profit$3,515.7 $3,548.8 
Non-GAAP measure:Non-GAAP measure:Non-GAAP measure:
Gross profitGross profit2,352.9 3,101.4 2,998.0 Gross profit3,515.7 3,548.8 
COVID-19 related inventory costs(1)
COVID-19 related inventory costs(1)
69.3 — — 
COVID-19 related inventory costs(1)
— 1.4 
Acquisition related charges (1)
Acquisition related charges (1)
— 2.0 
Adjusted gross profitAdjusted gross profit$2,422.2 $3,101.4 $2,998.0 Adjusted gross profit$3,515.7 $3,552.2 
Gross marginGross margin56.9 %57.5 %
Adjusted gross marginAdjusted gross margin54.4 %53.8 %53.8 %Adjusted gross margin56.9 %57.6 %
_____________
(1)    Represents costs incurred in connectionAcquisition related charges include the inventory markup above historical carrying value associated with COVID-19, including $42.3 million of incremental inventory reserves and the recognition of adverse fabric purchase commitments of $26.2 million.Beyond Yoga® acquisition.
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Adjusted SG&A:
The following table presents a reconciliation of SG&A, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted SG&A for each of the periods presented.
Year EndedYear Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Most comparable GAAP measure:Most comparable GAAP measure:Most comparable GAAP measure:
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses$2,347.6 $2,534.7 $2,457.6 Selling, general and administrative expenses$3,072.2 $2,890.7 
Non-GAAP measure:Non-GAAP measure:Non-GAAP measure:
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses2,347.6 2,534.7 2,457.6 Selling, general and administrative expenses3,072.2 2,890.7 
Impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation(1)
(7.1)(34.1)(44.0)
COVID-19 related charges(2)
(90.3)— — 
Restructuring related charges, severance and other, net(3)
(9.1)(9.8)(5.2)
Impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensationImpact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation— (0.6)
COVID-19 related chargesCOVID-19 related charges— (3.9)
Acquisition and integration related charges(1)
Acquisition and integration related charges(1)
(5.0)(6.0)
Property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net(2)
Property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net(2)
(63.4)(21.6)
Restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net(3)
Restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net(3)
(42.9)(19.4)
Adjusted SG&AAdjusted SG&A$2,241.1 $2,490.8 $2,408.4 Adjusted SG&A$2,960.9 $2,839.2 
SG&A marginSG&A margin49.7 %46.9 %
Adjusted SG&A marginAdjusted SG&A margin47.9 %46.0 %
_____________
(1)Includes the impact of the changes in fair value of Class B common stock following the grant date on awards that were granted as cash-settledAcquisition and subsequently replaced with stock-settled awards concurrentintegration related charges includes SG&A expenses associated with the IPO.Beyond Yoga® acquisition, including acquisition-related compensation subject to the continued employment of certain Beyond Yoga® employees.
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(2)The charges incurred in connection with COVID-19 duringFor the year ended November 29, 202026, 2023, property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net primarily consistincludes charges of $44.3$49.3 million inrelated to the impairment of capitalized internal-use software as a result of the decision to discontinue certain operating lease right-of-use assets and $21.7technology projects, $14.3 million inof impairment of property and equipment related to certain retail locationsstore assets, primarily in the U.S. and other corporate assets, $17.7as the result of poor store performance, a $3.9 million gain on the early termination of store leases in Russia, and $3.7 million of chargesimpairment related to customer receivablesother discontinued projects. For the year ended November 27, 2022, property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and other incremental costs incurred in connection with COVID-19.early lease terminations, net primarily includes impairment of $4.1 million related to property, plant and equipment and $33.3 million related to certain store right-of-use assets offset by a $15.8 million gain on the early termination of store leases, all related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
(3)RestructuringFor the year ended November 26, 2023, restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net include transactionprimarily relates to net restructuring charges of $20.3 million, other executive severance and dealseparation charges of $9.5 million, consulting costs associated with our restructuring initiative of $5.0 million, costs associated with the wind-down of the Russia business, including severance of $3.8 million. For the year ended November 27, 2022, restructuring and restructuring related costs, including IPO-related, initial acquisitioncharges, severance and integration costsother, net primarily includes net restructuring charges of $9.1 million and amortization$7.3 million of acquired intangible assets.charges related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

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Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA:
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income, (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA for each of the periods presented.
Year EndedYear Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Most comparable GAAP measure:Most comparable GAAP measure:Most comparable GAAP measure:
Net income (loss)$(127.1)$395.0 $285.2 
Net incomeNet income$249.6 $569.1 
Non-GAAP measure:Non-GAAP measure:Non-GAAP measure:
Net income (loss)(127.1)395.0 285.2 
Income tax (benefit) expense(62.6)82.6 214.8 
Net incomeNet income249.6 569.1 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense15.6 80.5 
Interest expenseInterest expense82.2 66.2 55.3 Interest expense45.9 25.7 
Other (income) expense, net(1)
22.4 (2.0)(14.9)
Underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders— 24.9 — 
Other expense (income), netOther expense (income), net42.2 (28.8)
Impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation(2)
Impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation(2)
7.1 34.1 44.0 
Impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation(2)
— 0.6 
COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges(3)(1)
COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges(3)(1)
159.6 — — 
COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges(3)(1)
— 5.3 
Restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net(4)
99.5 9.8 5.2 
Acquisition and integration related charges(2)
Acquisition and integration related charges(2)
5.0 8.0 
Property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net(3)
Property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net(3)
63.4 21.6 
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges(4)
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges(4)
90.2 11.6 
Restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net(5)
Restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net(5)
42.9 19.4 
Adjusted EBITAdjusted EBIT$181.1 $610.6 $589.6 Adjusted EBIT$554.8 $713.0 
Depreciation and amortization(5)
136.6 123.9 120.2 
Depreciation and amortization(6)
Depreciation and amortization(6)
160.8 154.5 
Adjusted EBITDAAdjusted EBITDA$317.7 $734.5 $709.8 Adjusted EBITDA$715.6 $867.5 
Net income marginNet income margin4.0 %9.2 %
Adjusted EBIT marginAdjusted EBIT margin4.1 %10.6 %10.6 %Adjusted EBIT margin9.0 %11.6 %
_____________
(1)Includes $14.7 million in pension settlement losses related to the voluntary lump-sum, cash-out program offered to vested deferred U.S. pension plan participants duringFor the year ended November 29, 2020. See Note 9 for further information.
(2)Includes the impact of the changes in fair value of Class B common stock following the grant date on awards that were granted as cash-settled and subsequently replaced with stock-settled awards concurrent with the IPO.
(3)The27, 2022, COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges recognized duringincludes $1.4 million in inventory related charges and $3.9 million in SG&A related charges.
(2)Acquisition and integration related charges includes the inventory markup above historical carrying value as well as SG&A expenses associated with the Beyond Yoga® acquisition, including acquisition-related compensation subject to the continued employment of certain Beyond Yoga® employees.
(3)For the year ended November 29, 202026, 2023, property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net primarily consistincludes charges of $42.3$49.3 million related to the impairment of capitalized internal-use software as a result of the decision to discontinue certain technology projects, $14.3 million of incremental inventory reserves, $26.2 million of adverse fabric purchase commitments, $44.3 million and $21.7 million in impairment of operating lease right-of-use assets and property and equipment related to certain retail locationsstore assets, primarily in the U.S. and other corporate assets, respectively,as the result of poor store performance, a $3.9 million gain on the early termination of store leases in Russia, and $17.7$3.7 million of chargesimpairment related to customer receivables. The remainder relatesother discontinued projects. For the year ended November 27, 2022, property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net primarily includes impairment of $4.1 million related to other incremental costs incurred in responseproperty, plant and equipment and $33.3 million related to certain store right-of-use assets offset by a $15.8 million gain on the early termination of store leases, all related to the global pandemic.Russia-Ukraine crisis.
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(4)OtherFor the year ended November 26, 2023, goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges included inincludes impairment charges of $75.4 million related to Beyond Yoga® reporting unit goodwill and $14.8 million related to the Beyond Yoga® trademark. During the year ended November 27, 2022, we recognized impairment charges of $11.6 million related to goodwill assigned to the Russia business.
(5)For the year ended November 26, 2023, restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net include transactionprimarily relates to net restructuring charges of $20.3 million, other executive severance and dealseparation charges of $9.5 million, consulting costs associated with our restructuring initiative of $5.0 million, costs associated with the wind-down of the Russia business, including severance of $3.8 million. For the year ended November 27, 2022, restructuring and restructuring related costs, including IPO-related, initial acquisitioncharges, severance and integration costsother, net primarily includes net restructuring charges of $9.1 million and amortization$7.3 million of acquired intangible assets.charges related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
(5)(6)Depreciation and amortization amountfor the years ended November 26, 2023 and November 27, 2022 is net of amortization$0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of acquired intangible assetsamortization included in Restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net.

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Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:Income:
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income, (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted net income for each of the periods presented and the calculation of Adjusted diluted earnings per share for each of the periods presented.
Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Most comparable GAAP measure:
Net income (loss)$(127.1)$395.0 $285.2 
Non-GAAP measure:
Net income (loss)(127.1)395.0 285.2 
Underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders— 24.9 — 
Impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation(1)
7.1 34.1 44.0 
COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges(2)
159.6 — — 
Restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net(3)
99.5 9.8 5.2 
Remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities— — 95.6 
Pension settlement losses(4)
14.7 — — 
Tax impact of adjustments(5)
(70.2)(7.6)(11.7)
Adjusted net income$83.6 $456.2 $418.3 
Adjusted net income margin1.9 %7.9 %7.5 %
Adjusted diluted earnings per share$0.21 $1.12 $1.08 
Year Ended
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Most comparable GAAP measure:
Net income$249.6 $569.1 
Non-GAAP measure:
Net income249.6 569.1 
Impact of changes in fair value on cash-settled stock-based compensation— 0.6 
COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges(1)
— (7.2)
Acquisition and integration related charges(2)
5.0 8.0 
Property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net(3)
63.4 21.6 
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges(4)
90.2 11.6 
Restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net(5)
42.9 19.4 
U.S. Pension settlement loss(6)
19.0 — 
Unrealized gain on equity securities(7)
— (19.9)
Tax impact of adjustments(8)
(29.4)0.7 
Adjusted net income$440.7 $603.9 
Net income margin4.0 %9.2 %
Adjusted net income margin7.1 %9.8 %
_____________
(1)Includes the impact of the changes in fair value of Class B common stock following the grant date on awards that were granted as cash-settled and subsequently replaced with stock-settled awards concurrent with the IPO.
(2)The inventory costs and other charges recognized duringFor the year ended November 29, 202027, 2022, the net reduction in costs incurred in connection with COVID-19 includes a $12.5 million gain reflecting a payment received from the German government as reimbursement for COVID-19 losses incurred in prior years, $1.4 million in inventory related charges and $3.9 million in SG&A related charges.
(2)Acquisition and integration related charges includes the inventory markup above historical carrying value as well as SG&A expenses associated with the Beyond Yoga® acquisition, including acquisition-related compensation subject to the continued employment of certain Beyond Yoga® employees.
(3)For the year ended November 26, 2023, property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net primarily consistincludes charges of $42.3$49.3 million related to the impairment of capitalized internal-use software as a result of the decision to discontinue certain technology projects, $14.3 million of incremental inventory reserves, $26.2 million of adverse fabric purchase commitments, $44.3 million and $21.7 million in impairment of operating lease right-of-use assets and property and equipment related to certain retail locationsstore assets, primarily in the U.S. and as the result of poor store performance, a $3.9 million gain on the early termination of store leases in Russia, and $3.7 million of impairment related to other discontinued projects. For the year ended November 27, 2022, property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net primarily includes impairment of $4.1 million related to property, plant and equipment and $33.3 million related to certain store right-of-use assets offset by a $15.8 million gain on the early termination of store leases, all related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
(4)For the year ended November 26, 2023, goodwill and other corporate assets, respectively, and $17.7intangible asset impairment charges includes impairment charges of $75.4 million of charges related to customer receivables. The remainder relates to other incremental costs incurred in responseBeyond Yoga® reporting unit goodwill and $14.8 million related to the global pandemic.Beyond Yoga® trademark. During the year ended November 27, 2022, we recognized impairment charges of $11.6 million related to goodwill assigned to the Russia business.
(3)(5)Other charges included inFor the year ended November 26, 2023, restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net include transactionprimarily relates to net restructuring charges of $20.3 million, other executive severance and dealseparation charges of $9.5 million, consulting costs associated with our restructuring initiative of $5.0 million, costs associated with the wind-down of the Russia business, including severance of $3.8 million. For the year ended November 27, 2022, restructuring and restructuring related costs, including IPO-related, initial acquisitioncharges, severance and integration costsother, net primarily includes net restructuring charges of $9.1 million and amortization$7.3 million of acquired intangible assets.charges related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
(4)(6)PensionFor the year ended November 26, 2023, the pension settlement losses relaterelates to the voluntary lump-sum, cash-out program offeredCompany purchasing nonparticipating annuity contracts in order to vested deferred U.S. pension plan participants. See Note 9 for further information.transfer certain retiree liabilities to an insurer, resulting in a one-time settlement charge of $19.0 million.
(5)(7)The unrealized gains on marketable equity securities is related to an out-of-period adjustment recognized in the fourth quarter of 2022. Refer to Note 1 for details.
(8)Tax impact calculated using the annual effective tax rate, excluding discrete costs and benefits. Please referFor the year ended November 26, 2023 , the tax impact of the Beyond Yoga® impairment charges were calculated using the U.S. specific tax rate of 24%. Excluding the impact of the Beyond Yoga® impairment charges, the effective tax rate for year ended November 26, 2023 is approximately 10%. For the year ended November 27, 2022, $4.0 million of incremental tax expense associated with the out-of-period adjustment recognized in the fourth quarter of 2022 have been excluded. Charges associated with the Russia-Ukraine crisis are non-deductible and therefore have not been tax effected. Refer to Note 1918 for more information on the effective tax rate.
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Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:
The following table presents a reconciliation of diluted earnings per share, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted diluted earnings per share for each of the periods presented.
Year Ended
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Most comparable GAAP measure:
Diluted earnings per share$0.62 $1.41 
Non-GAAP measure:
Diluted earnings per share$0.62 $1.41 
COVID-19 related inventory costs and other charges(1)
— (0.02)
Acquisition and integration related charges(2)
0.01 0.02 
Property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net(3)
0.16 0.06 
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges(4)
0.22 0.03 
Restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net(5)
0.11 0.05 
U.S. Pension settlement loss(6)
0.05 — 
Unrealized gain on equity securities(7)
— (0.05)
Tax impact of adjustments(8)
(0.07)— 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share$1.10 $1.50 
_____________
(1)For the year ended November 27, 2022, the net reduction in costs incurred in connection with COVID-19 includes a $12.5 million gain reflecting a payment received from the German government as reimbursement for COVID-19 losses incurred in prior years, $1.4 million in inventory related charges and $3.9 million in SG&A related charges.
(2)Acquisition and integration related charges includes the inventory markup above historical carrying value as well as SG&A expenses associated with the Beyond Yoga® acquisition, including acquisition-related compensation subject to the continued employment of certain Beyond Yoga® employees.
(3)For the year ended November 26, 2023, property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net primarily includes charges of $49.3 million related to the impairment of capitalized internal-use software as a result of the decision to discontinue certain technology projects, $14.3 million of impairment related to certain store assets, primarily in the U.S. and as the result of poor store performance, a $3.9 million gain on the early termination of store leases in Russia, and $3.7 million of impairment related to other discontinued projects. For the year ended November 27, 2022, property, plant, equipment, right-of-use asset impairment, and early lease terminations, net primarily includes impairment of $4.1 million related to property, plant and equipment and $33.3 million related to certain store right-of-use assets offset by a $15.8 million gain on the early termination of store leases, all related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
(4)For the year ended November 26, 2023, goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges includes impairment charges of $75.4 million related to Beyond Yoga® reporting unit goodwill and $14.8 million related to the Beyond Yoga® trademark. During the year ended November 27, 2022, we recognized impairment charges of $11.6 million related to goodwill assigned to the Russia business.
(5)For the year ended November 26, 2023, restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net primarily relates to net restructuring charges of $20.3 million, other executive severance and separation charges of $9.5 million, consulting costs associated with our restructuring initiative of $5.0 million, costs associated with the wind-down of the Russia business, including severance of $3.8 million. For the year ended November 27, 2022, restructuring and restructuring related charges, severance and other, net primarily includes net restructuring charges of $9.1 million and $7.3 million of charges related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
(6)For the year ended November 26, 2023, the pension settlement relates to the Company purchasing nonparticipating annuity contracts in order to transfer certain retiree liabilities to an insurer, resulting in a one-time settlement charge of $19.0 million.
(7)The unrealized gains on marketable equity securities is related to an out-of-period adjustment recognized in the fourth quarter of 2022. Refer to Note 1 for details.
(8)Tax impact calculated using the annual effective tax rate, excluding discrete costs and benefits. For the year ended November 26, 2023 , the tax impact of the Beyond Yoga® impairment charges were calculated using the U.S. specific tax rate of 24%. Excluding the impact of the Beyond Yoga® impairment charges, the effective tax rate for year ended November 26, 2023 is approximately 10%. For the year ended November 27, 2022, $4.0 million of incremental tax expense associated with the out-of-period adjustment recognized in the fourth quarter of 2022 have been excluded. Charges associated with the Russia-Ukraine crisis are non-deductible and therefore have not been tax effected. Refer to Note 18 for more information on the effective tax rate.
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Net Debt and Leverage Ratio:
We define net debt, as total debt, excluding capitalfinance leases, less cash and cash equivalents.equivalents and short-term investments in marketable securities. We define leverage ratio, as the ratio of total debt to the last 12 months Adjusted EBITDA. Our management believes that net debt and leverage ratio are important measures to monitor our financial flexibility and evaluate the strength of our balance sheet. Net debt and leverage ratio have limitations as analytical tools and may vary from similarly titled measures used by other companies. Net debt and leverage ratio should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for an analysis of our results prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.
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The following table presents a reconciliation of total debt, excluding capital leases, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, to net debt for each of the periods presented.
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Most comparable GAAP measure:Most comparable GAAP measure:Most comparable GAAP measure:
Total debt, excluding capital leases$1,564.3 $1,014.4 
Total debt, excluding finance leasesTotal debt, excluding finance leases$1,021.9 $996.2 
Non-GAAP measure:Non-GAAP measure:Non-GAAP measure:
Total debt, excluding capital leases$1,564.3 $1,014.4 
Total debt, excluding finance leasesTotal debt, excluding finance leases$1,021.9 $996.2 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents(1,497.2)(934.2)Cash and cash equivalents(398.8)(429.6)
Short-term investments in marketable securitiesShort-term investments in marketable securities(96.5)(80.7)Short-term investments in marketable securities— (70.6)
Net debtNet debt$(29.4)$(0.5)Net debt$623.1 $496.0 
The following table presents a reconciliation of total debt, excluding capital leases, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, to leverage ratio for each of the periods presented.
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
(Dollars in millions)
Total debt, excluding capital leases$1,564.3 $1,014.4 
Last Twelve Months Adjusted EBITDA$317.7 $734.5 
Leverage ratio4.9 1.4 
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in millions)
Total debt, excluding finance leases$1,021.9 $996.2 
Last twelve months Adjusted EBITDA$715.6 $867.5 
Leverage ratio1.4 1.1 
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Adjusted Free Cash Flow:
We defineIn fiscal 2022, the definition of Adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, was revised to include net cash flow from operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment. Previously, we defined Adjusted free cash flow as net cash flow from operating activities plus underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders, less purchases of property, plant and equipment, plus proceeds (less payments) on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting, less payment of debt extinguishment costs, less repurchases of common stock, including shares surrendered for tax withholdingwithholdings on equity award exercises, and cash dividends to stockholders. We believe this revised definition is a more representative measure of our free cash flow, assists in the comparability of results, and is consistent with how management reviews performance. The table below includes the recast of prior period results. Additionally, we will provide updated non-GAAP reconciliations under this revised definition in future reports for the relevant prior year periods.
We believe Adjusted free cash flow is an important liquidity measure of the cash that is available after capital expenditures for operational expenses and investment in our business. We believe adjustedAdjusted free cash flow is useful to investors because it measures our ability to generate or use cash. Once our business needs and obligations are met, cash can be used to maintain a strong balance sheet, and invest in future growth.growth and return capital to stockholders.
Our use of adjustedAdjusted free cash flow has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for an analysis of our results under GAAP. First, Adjusted free cash flow is not a substitute for net cash flow from operating activities. Second, other companies may calculate Adjusted free cash flow or similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of Adjusted free cash flow as a tool for comparison. Additionally, the utility of Adjusted free cash flow is further limited as it does not reflect our future contractual commitments and does not represent the total increase or decrease in our cash balance for a given period. Because of these and other limitations, Adjusted free cash flow should be considered along with net cash flow from operating activities and other comparable financial measures prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.
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The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash flow from operating activities, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted free cash flow for each of the periods presented.
Year EndedYear Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Most comparable GAAP measure:Most comparable GAAP measure:Most comparable GAAP measure:
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities$469.6 $412.2 $420.4 Net cash provided by operating activities$435.5 $228.1 
Net cash used for investing activitiesNet cash used for investing activities(188.6)(243.3)(179.4)Net cash used for investing activities(240.7)(235.7)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities286.0 55.0 (148.6)
Net cash used for financing activitiesNet cash used for financing activities(214.1)(365.4)
Non-GAAP measure:Non-GAAP measure:Non-GAAP measure:
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities$469.6 $412.2 $420.4 Net cash provided by operating activities$435.5 $228.1 
Underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders— 24.9 — 
Purchases of property, plant and equipmentPurchases of property, plant and equipment(130.4)(175.4)(159.4)Purchases of property, plant and equipment(315.5)(268.3)
Proceeds (Payments) on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting12.5 12.2 (20.0)
Repurchase of common stock(56.2)(3.1)(27.0)
Shares surrendered for tax withholdings on equity award exercises(90.6)(40.9)(29.0)
Dividend to stockholders(63.6)(113.9)(90.0)
Adjusted free cash flowAdjusted free cash flow$141.3 $116.0 $95.0 Adjusted free cash flow$120.0 $(40.2)


Constant-Currency:
We report our operating results in accordance with GAAP, as well as on a constant-currency basis in order to facilitate period-to-period comparisons of our results without regard to the impact of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. The term foreign currency exchange rates refers to the exchange rates we use to translate our operating results for all countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar into U.S. Dollars. Because we are a global company, foreign currency exchange rates used for translation may have a significant effect on our reported results. In general, our reported financial results are affected positively by a weaker U.S. Dollar and are affected negatively by a stronger U.S. Dollar as compared to the foreign currencies in which we conduct our business. References to our operating results on a constant-currency basis mean our operating results without the impact of foreign currency translation fluctuations.
We believe disclosure of constant-currency results is helpful to investors because it facilitates period-to-period comparisons of our results by increasing the transparency of our underlying performance by excluding the impact of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. However, constant-currency results are non-GAAP financial measures and are not meant to be
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considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Constant-currency results have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP, are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Constant-currency results have limitations in their usefulness to investors and may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
We calculate constant-currency amounts by translating local currency amounts in the prior-year period at actual foreign exchange rates for the current period. Our constant-currency results do not eliminate the transaction currency impact, which primarily include the realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized from the measurement and remeasurement of purchases and sales of products in a currency other than the functional currency and of forward foreign exchange contracts. Additionally, gross margin and Adjusted gross margin are impacted by gains and losses related to the procurement of inventory, primarily products sourced in EUR and USD, by our global sourcing organization on behalf of our foreign subsidiaries.
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Constant-Currency Net Revenues:
The table below sets forth the calculation of net revenues for each of our regional operating segments on a constant-currency basis for each of the periods presented.
Year EndedYear Ended
November 29,
2020
% Decrease
(Over Prior
Year)
November 24,
2019
% Increase (Over Prior Year)November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
% Increase
(Decrease)
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Total revenuesTotal revenuesTotal revenues
As reportedAs reported$4,452.6 (22.7)%$5,763.1 3.4 %$5,575.4 As reported$6,179.0 $6,168.6 0.2 %
Impact of foreign currency exchange ratesImpact of foreign currency exchange rates— *(55.9)*(126.2)Impact of foreign currency exchange rates— (0.7)*
Constant-currency net revenuesConstant-currency net revenues$4,452.6 (22.0)%$5,707.2 5.8 %$5,449.2 Constant-currency net revenues$6,179.0 $6,167.9 0.2 %
AmericasAmericasAmericas
As reportedAs reported$2,345.4 (23.3)%$3,057.0 0.5 %$3,042.7 As reported$3,086.9 $3,187.4 (3.2)%
Impact of foreign currency exchange ratesImpact of foreign currency exchange rates— *(43.1)*(10.4)Impact of foreign currency exchange rates— 33.5 *
Constant-currency net revenues - AmericasConstant-currency net revenues - Americas$2,345.4 (22.2)%$3,013.9 0.8 %$3,032.3 Constant-currency net revenues - Americas$3,086.9 $3,220.9 (4.2)%
EuropeEuropeEurope
As reportedAs reported$1,435.6 (18.8)%$1,768.1 7.4 %$1,646.2 As reported$1,579.5 $1,597.2 (1.1)%
Impact of foreign currency exchange ratesImpact of foreign currency exchange rates— *(1.3)*(85.9)Impact of foreign currency exchange rates— 16.5 *
Constant-currency net revenues - EuropeConstant-currency net revenues - Europe$1,435.6 (18.7)%$1,766.8 13.3 %$1,560.3 Constant-currency net revenues - Europe$1,579.5 $1,613.7 (2.1)%
AsiaAsiaAsia
As reportedAs reported$671.7 (28.4)%$938.0 5.8 %$886.5 As reported$1,059.7 $952.1 11.3 %
Impact of foreign currency exchange ratesImpact of foreign currency exchange rates— *(11.5)*(29.9)Impact of foreign currency exchange rates— (56.6)*
Constant-currency net revenues - AsiaConstant-currency net revenues - Asia$671.7 (27.5)%$926.5 9.5 %$856.6 Constant-currency net revenues - Asia$1,059.7 $895.5 18.3 %
Other BrandsOther Brands
As reportedAs reported$452.9 $431.9 4.9 %
Impact of foreign currency exchange ratesImpact of foreign currency exchange rates— 5.8 *
Constant-currency net revenues - Other BrandsConstant-currency net revenues - Other Brands$452.9 $437.7 3.5 %
_____________
* Not meaningful

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Constant-Currency Adjusted EBIT:EBIT and Constant-Currency Adjusted EBIT Margin:
The table below sets forth the calculation of Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT margin on a constant-currency basis for each of the periods presented.
Year EndedYear Ended
November 29,
2020
% Decrease
(Over Prior
Year)
November 24,
2019
% Increase (Over Prior Year)November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
% Increase
(Decrease)
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Adjusted EBIT(1)
Adjusted EBIT(1)
$181.1 (70.3)%$610.6 3.6 %$589.6 
Adjusted EBIT(1)
$554.8 $713.0 (22.2)%
Impact of foreign currency exchange ratesImpact of foreign currency exchange rates— *(8.1)*(21.5)Impact of foreign currency exchange rates— 5.7 *
Constant-currency Adjusted EBITConstant-currency Adjusted EBIT$181.1 (69.9)%$602.5 7.5 %$568.1 Constant-currency Adjusted EBIT$554.8 $718.7 (22.8)%
Adjusted EBIT marginAdjusted EBIT margin9.0 %11.6 %(22.4)%
Impact of foreign currency exchange ratesImpact of foreign currency exchange rates— 0.1 %*
Constant-currency Adjusted EBIT margin(2)
Constant-currency Adjusted EBIT margin(2)
4.1 %10.6 %10.4 %
Constant-currency Adjusted EBIT margin(2)
9.0 %11.7 %(23.1)%
_____________
(1)Adjusted EBIT is reconciled from net income (loss) which is the most comparable GAAP measure. Refer to Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA table for more information.
(2)We define constant-currency Adjusted EBIT margin as constant-currency Adjusted EBIT as a percentage of constant-currency net revenues.
* Not meaningful
Constant-Currency Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:
The table below sets forth the calculation of Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share on a constant-currency basis for each of the periods presented.
Year EndedYear Ended
November 29,
2020
 
% Decrease
(Over Prior
Year)
November 24,
2019
% Increase (Over Prior Year)November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
% Increase
(Decrease)
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Adjusted net income(1)
Adjusted net income(1)
$83.6 (81.7)%$456.2 9.1 %$418.3 
Adjusted net income(1)
$440.7 $603.9 (27.0)%
Impact of foreign currency exchange ratesImpact of foreign currency exchange rates— *(5.9)*(18.0)Impact of foreign currency exchange rates— 20.1 *
Constant-currency Adjusted net incomeConstant-currency Adjusted net income$83.6 (81.4)%$450.3 14.0 %$400.3 Constant-currency Adjusted net income$440.7 $624.0 (29.4)%
Constant-currency Adjusted net income margin(2)
Constant-currency Adjusted net income margin(2)
1.9 %7.9 %7.3 %
Constant-currency Adjusted net income margin(2)
7.1 %10.1 %
Adjusted diluted earnings per shareAdjusted diluted earnings per share$0.21 (81.3)%$1.12 3.7 %$1.08 Adjusted diluted earnings per share$1.10 $1.50 (26.7)%
Impact of foreign currency exchange ratesImpact of foreign currency exchange rates— *(0.02)*(0.05)Impact of foreign currency exchange rates— 0.05 *
Constant-currency adjusted diluted earnings per shareConstant-currency adjusted diluted earnings per share$0.21 (80.9)%$1.10 8.7 %$1.03 Constant-currency adjusted diluted earnings per share$1.10 $1.55 (29.0)%
_____________
(1)Adjusted net income is reconciled from net income (loss) which is the most comparable GAAP measure. Refer to Adjusted net income table for more information.
(2)We define constant-currency Adjusted net income margin as constant-currency Adjusted net income as a percentage of constant-currency net revenues.
* Not meaningful
Effects of Inflation
We believe that inflation in the regions where most of our sales occur has not had a significant effect on our net revenues or profitability.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Contingent Obligations
Off-balance sheet arrangements and other. We have minimum inventory purchase commitments, including fabric commitments, with suppliers that secure a portion of material needs for future seasons. For more information, see Note 13 to the consolidated audited financial statements included in this Annual Report. We participate in a multiemployer pension plan;
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however, our exposure to risks arising from participation in the plan and the extent to which we can be liable to the plan for other participating employers' obligations are not material. We have no other material non-cancelable guarantees or commitments, and no material special-purpose entities or other off-balance sheet debt obligations.
Indemnification agreements.  In the ordinary course of our business, we enter into agreements containing indemnification provisions under which we agree to indemnify the other party for specified claims and losses. For example, our trademark license agreements, real estate leases, consulting agreements, logistics outsourcing agreements, securities purchase agreements and credit agreements typically contain such provisions. This type of indemnification provision obligates us to pay certain amounts associated with claims brought against the other party as the result of trademark infringement, negligence or willful misconduct of our employees, breach of contract by us including inaccuracy of representations and warranties, specified lawsuits in which we and the other party are co-defendants, product claims and other matters. These amounts generally are not readily quantifiable; the maximum possible liability or amount of potential payments that could arise out of an indemnification claim depends entirely on the specific facts and circumstances associated with the claim. We have insurance coverage that minimizes the potential exposure to certain of such claims. We also believe that the likelihood of material payment obligations under these agreements to third parties is remote.
Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires a critical accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made. Critical accounting estimates refers to those assumptions and approximations that may have a material impact on the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes due to the level of subjectivity involved in developing the estimate.
We believe that the following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies,estimates, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management's most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Changes in such estimates, based on newly available information, or different assumptions or conditions, may affect amounts reported in future periods.
We summarize our critical accounting policiesestimates and assumptions below.
Revenue recognitionSales returns and allowances.  Revenue transactions generally comprise of a single performance obligation which consists of the sale of products to customers either through wholesale or direct-to-consumer channels. Net revenues are recognized when the Company's performance obligations are satisfied upon transfer of control of promised goods. A customer is deemed to have control once they are able to direct the use and receive substantially all of the benefits of the product. This includes a present obligation to payment, the transfer of legal title, physical possession, the risks and rewards of ownership, and customer acceptance.  Revenue is recorded net of an allowance for estimated returns, discounts and retailer promotions and other similar incentives.
We recognize allowances for estimated returns in the period in which the related sale is recorded. These estimates are calculated based on a history of actual returns, estimated future returns and information regarding retailer inventory levels. In addition, allowances for estimated returns may be established for significant future known or anticipated events. The types of known or anticipated events that are considered, and will continue to be considered, include the financial condition of our customers, store closings by retailers, changes in the retail environment and our decision to continue to support new and existing products. We recognize allowances for estimated discounts, retailer promotions and other similar incentives at the later of the period in which the related sale is recorded or the period in which the sales incentive is offered to the customer. We estimate non-volume based allowancesThese estimates are calculated using the most likely amount method. Under this method, certain forms of variable consideration are based on expected sell-through results, which requires subjective estimates. These estimates are supported by historical ratesresults as well as specific customer and product-specific circumstances.facts and circumstances related to the current period. The determination of sales allowances is considered a critical accounting estimate.estimate because significant judgement is required to estimate sales volume and demand. Actual allowances may differ from estimates due to changes in sales volume based on retailerwholesale customer or consumer demand and changes in customer and product-specific circumstances.
Inventory valuation.  We value inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventory cost is generally determined using the first-in first-out method. We include product costs, labor and related overhead, sourcing costs, inbound freight, internal transfers, and the cost of operating our manufacturing facilities, including the related depreciation expense, in the cost of inventories. We estimate quantities of slow-moving and obsolete inventory by reviewing on-hand quantities, outstanding purchase obligations and forecasted sales. The determination of inventory reserves is considered a critical accounting estimate. In determining inventory net realizable value, substantial consideration is given to the expected product selling price. We estimate expected selling prices based on our historical recovery rates for sale of slow-moving and obsolete inventory and other factors, such as market conditions, expected channel of disposition, and current consumer preferences. We record an adjustment to inventory when future estimated selling price is less than cost. The determination of inventory net realizable value is considered a critical accounting estimate because significant judgment is required to evaluate whether there will be future demand for inventories held as well as the prices at which our wholesale customers and retail consumers are willing to pay for these inventories. Estimates may differ from actual results due to changes in resale or market value, avenues of disposition, consumer and retailer preferences and economic conditions.
Impairment. Upon acquisition, we estimate and record the fair value of purchased intangible assets, which primarily consist of trademarks and customer relationships. Goodwill and certain other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives, including trademark intangible assets, are not amortized, but are assessed for impairment at least annually. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and, along with other long-lived assets, are evaluated for impairment periodically whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their related carrying values may not be fully recoverable.
We review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances which indicate that the carrying amount
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may not be recoverable. We mayAnnual testing is performed in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year for all indefinite-lived assets and reporting units except for the Beyond Yoga® indefinite-lived assets and reporting unit, which is performed in the third quarter.
When testing goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, we have the option of first assessperforming a qualitative factorsassessment to determine whether it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit or the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If, based on the results of the qualitative assessment or based on the passage of time since the performance of the previous quantitative test,amount as a basis for determining whether it is concluded that it is not more likely than not thatnecessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. For goodwill, if necessary, we perform a single step quantitative goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived asset exceedswith its carrying amount and record an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, if necessary, we perform a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of the asset with the asset's carrying amount and record an impairment charge for the difference between the fair value and carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. For fiscal 2023, we elected to perform a qualitative assessment for the goodwill in certain of our reporting units and
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certain indefinite-lived intangible assets. This qualitative assessment included the review of certain macroeconomic factors and entity-specific qualitative factors, as of the test date, to determine if it was more-likely-than-not that the fair values of our reporting units were below carrying value.
For our other reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including Beyond Yoga®, a quantitative assessment was performed. Determination of the fair value of a reporting unit and indefinite-lived intangible asset is based on management’s assessment, using industry accepted valuation models. Third-party valuation specialists are engaged when necessary. This determination is judgmental in nature and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which may include revenue growth rates, profit margins, operating expenses, capital expenditures, terminal value, a quantitative testroyalty rate and a discount rate. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether or not an impairment charge is performed. Underrecognized and the quantitative test, we compareamount of any such charge. Furthermore, estimating the fair value requires us to make assumptions and estimates regarding not only our future plans, but industry and other market conditions outside of our control. Given the uncertainty of global economic conditions, those estimates could be significantly different than future performance.
The Beyond Yoga® reporting unit assets and liabilities, including the intangible assets, were established in the fourth quarter of 2021 at the fair value on the acquisition date. Based on the annual assessment in 2023, the carrying valuevalues of the reporting unit or indefinite-livedand the trademark intangible asset exceeded its estimated fair value, resulting in impairment charges being taken for the carrying values of the reporting unit and trademark intangible asset to itsapproximate their respective approximate fair value, which we estimate using a discounted cash flow analysisvalues. As our long-term strategies change, planned business performance expectations are not met over time, or by comparison to the market valuesspecific valuation factors outside of similar assets. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment charge equal to the excess of the carrying value over the related fair value. The assumptions used in such valuationsour control, such as projected future cash flows, discount rates, growth rates, and determination of appropriate market comparables and recent transactions, are subject to volatility and may differ from actual results. As of November 29, 2020, we performed our annual goodwill impairment assessment over material reporting units. Thechange significantly, then the estimated fair values of the reporting units were estimated usingunit, the income approachintangible assets, or a weighted average of the incomeboth might continue to decline and market approaches. The annual assessment concluded that the fair values of the reporting units were in excess of their respective carrying values. We do not anticipate any materiallead to additional impairment charges in the near-term.
The market approach is based on earnings multiples of selected guideline public companies, whilefuture. Several factors could impact the income approach is based on estimated discounted future cash flows. The approaches, which are determined using Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy, incorporated a number of significant assumptions and judgments including, but not limitedBeyond Yoga® brand's ability to estimatedachieve expected future cash flows, multiplesincluding the success of earningsretail store and international expansion, store and e-commerce productivity, the impact of similar public companies, discount rates, income tax ratespromotional activity, continued economic volatility and terminal growth rates.
Aspotential operational challenges related to the macroeconomic factors and other strategic initiatives to drive increased profitability. Given that carrying value approximates fair value, if profitability trends decline over time from those that are expected, it is possible that an interim test, or our annual impairment test, could result in additional impairment of November 29, 2020, we performed a quantitative impairment assessment over material indefinite-livedthe related assets. Our other reporting units and intangible assets, primarily related to the U.S. Levi’s® trade name. To estimate1985 acquisition of the Company by Levi Strauss Associates Inc., had substantial fair value in excess of carrying value.
For further discussion of the trade name, wemethods used the relief from royalty method under the income approach. The assessment concluded that the fair valueand factors considered in our estimates as part of the trade name exceeded its carrying value. We do not anticipate any materialimpairment testing for goodwill and intangible assets, see Note 1: Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Intangible Assets. For further discussion of the impairment charges taken in the near-term.
We review other long-lived assets, including ROU assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset or an asset group may not be recoverable. In evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, we estimate the future cash flows at the individual store level that are expected to result from the use of each store's assets. Impairment losses are measured2023, see Note 5: Goodwill and recorded for the excess of an asset's carrying value over its fair value.
To determine the fair value of long-lived assets, included ROU assets, we utilize the valuation technique or techniques deemed most appropriate based on the nature of the asset or asset group, which may include the use of quoted market prices, prices for similar assets or other valuation techniques such as discounted future cash flows or earnings.
The determination of fair value is considered a critical accounting estimate because the valuation techniques mentioned use significant estimates and assumptions, including projected future cash flows, discount rates and growth rates.Other Intangible Assets.
Income tax.  Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwideglobal income tax provision. Theprovision, therefore, the determination of our income tax provision is considered a critical accounting estimate. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Some of these uncertainties arise from examinations in various jurisdictions and assumptions and estimates used in evaluating the need for a valuation allowance.
We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. We compute our provision for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. Significant judgments are required in order to determine the realizability of these deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we evaluate all significant available positive and negative evidence, including historical operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the existence of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Changes in the expectations regarding the realization of deferred tax assets could materially impact income tax expense in future periods.
We continuously review issues raised in connection with all ongoing examinations and open tax years to evaluate the adequacy of our tax liabilities. We evaluate uncertain tax positions under a two-step approach. The first step is to evaluate the uncertain tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on its technical merits. The second step is, for those positions that meet the recognition criteria, to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than fifty percent likely of being realized. We believe our recorded tax liabilities are adequate to cover all open tax years based on our assessment. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and involves significant judgments about future events. To the extent that our view as to the outcome of these matters changes, we will adjust income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made. We classify interest and penalties related to income taxes as income tax expense.
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Pension and postretirement benefits.  We have several non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans covering eligible employees. We also provide certain health care benefits for U.S. employees who meet age, participation and length of service requirements at retirement. In addition, we sponsor other retirement or post-employment plans for our foreign employees in accordance with local government programs and requirements. We retain the right to amend, curtail or discontinue any aspect of the plans, subject to local regulations. Any of these actions, either individually or in combination, could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and on our future financial performance.
We recognize either an asset or liability for any plan's funded status in our consolidated balance sheets. We measure changes in funded status using actuarial models which utilize an attribution approach that generally spreads individual events either over the estimated service lives of the remaining employees in the plan, or, for plans where participants will not earn additional benefits by rendering future service, over the plan participants' estimated remaining lives. The attribution approach assumes that employees render service over their service lives on a relatively smooth basis and as such, presumes that the statement of operations effects of pension or postretirement benefit plans should follow the same pattern. Our policy is to fund our pension plans based upon actuarial recommendations and in accordance with applicable laws, income tax regulations and credit agreements.
Net pension and postretirement benefit income or expense is generally determined using assumptions which include expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, compensation rate increases and medical trend and mortality rates. We use a mix of actual historical rates, expected rates and external data to determine the assumptions used in the actuarial models. For example, we utilized a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high-quality corporate bonds with various maturities to determine the appropriate discount rate to use for our U.S. benefit plans. Under this model, each year's expected future benefit payments are discounted to their present value at the appropriate yield curve rate, thereby generating the overall discount rate. We utilized country-specific third-party bond indices to determine appropriate discount rates to use for benefit plans of our foreign subsidiaries.
The actuarial assumptions selected for determining the projected pension benefit liabilities and annual pension expense is considered a critical accounting estimate. Changes in actuarial assumptions and estimates, either individually or in combination, could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and on our future financial performance. For example, as of November 29, 2020, a 25 basis point change in the discount rate would yield an approximately three percent change in the projected benefit obligation and an approximately three percent change in the annual service cost of our pension plans. A 25 basis point change in the discount rate would not have a significant impact on the postretirement benefit plan.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report for recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and expected impact to our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
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Item 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Investment and Credit Availability Risk
We manage cash and cash equivalents in various institutions at levels beyond FDIC coverage limits, and we purchase investments not guaranteed by the FDIC. Accordingly, there may be a risk that we will not recover the full principal of our investments or that their liquidity may be diminished. To mitigate this risk, our investment policy emphasizes preservation of principal and liquidity.
Multiple financial institutions are committed to provide loans and other credit instruments under our credit facility.Credit Facility. There may be a risk that some of these institutions cannot deliver against these obligations in a timely manner, or at all.
Foreign Exchange Risk
The global scope of our business operations exposes us to the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency markets. This exposure is the result of certain product sourcing activities, some intercompany sales, foreign subsidiaries' royalty payments, interest payments, earnings repatriations, net investment in foreign operations and funding activities. Our foreign currency management objective is to minimize the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on our nonfunctional currency cash flows and selected assets or liabilities without exposing ourselves to additional risk associated with transactions that could be regarded as speculative.
We use a centralized currency management operation to take advantage of potential opportunities to naturally offset exposures against each other. For any residual exposures under management, we may enter into various financial instruments, including forward exchange contracts, to hedge certain forecasted transactions, as well as certain firm commitments, including third-party and intercompany transactions. We have also designated a portion of our Euro-denominated debt as a net investment hedge of our investment in certain European subsidiaries.
Our foreign exchange risk management activities are governed by a foreign exchange risk management policy approved by our Treasury committee. Members of our Treasury committee, comprisedcomprising of a group of our senior financial executives, review our foreign exchange /activities in support of monitoring our compliance with policy. The operating policies and guidelines outlined in the foreign exchange risk management policy provide a framework that allows for a managed approach to the management of currency exposures while ensuring the activities are conducted within established parameters. Our policy includes guidelines for the organizational structure of our treasury risk management function and for internal controls over foreign exchange risk management activities, including various measurements for monitoring compliance. We monitor foreign exchange risk and related derivatives using different techniques, including a review of market value, sensitivity analysis and a value-at-risk model. We use the market approach to estimate the fair value of our foreign exchange derivative contracts.
We use derivative instruments to manage certain but not all exposures to foreign currencies. Our approach to managing foreign currency exposures is consistent with that applied in previous years. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, we had forward foreign exchange contracts, of which $868.6$946.3 million were contracts to buy and $335.5$741.1 million were contracts to sell various foreign currencies. These contracts are at various exchange rates and expire at various dates through February 2022.2025.
As of November 24, 2019,27, 2022, we had forward foreign exchange contracts to buy $1.1 billion$649.7 million and to sell $135.6$505.7 million against various foreign currencies. These contracts were at various exchange rates and expire at various dates through February 2021.2024.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We are exposed to market risk primarily related to foreign currencies. We manage foreign currency risks with the objective to minimize the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on our nonfunctional currency cash flows and selected assets or liabilities without exposing ourselves to additional risk associated with transactions that could be regarded as speculative.
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the over-the-counter forward foreign exchange contracts. However, we believe that our exposures are appropriately diversified across counterparties and that these counterparties are creditworthy financial institutions. We monitor the creditworthiness of our counterparties in accordance with our foreign exchange and investment policies. In addition, we have International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. ("ISDA"(“ISDA”) master agreements in place with our counterparties to mitigate the credit risk related to the outstanding derivatives. These agreements provide the legal basis for over-the-counter transactions in many of the world's commodity and financial markets.
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The following table presents the currency, average forward exchange rate, notional amount and fair values for our outstanding forward contracts as of November 29, 202026, 2023 and November 24, 2019.27, 2022. The average forward exchange rate is the weighted average of the forward rates of the contracts for the indicated currency. The notional amount represents the U.S. Dollar equivalent amount of the foreign currency at the inception of the contracts, and is the net sum of all buy and sell transactions for the indicated currency. A net positive notional amount represents a position to buy the U.S. Dollar versus the exposure currency, while a net negative notional amount represents a position to sell the U.S. Dollar versus the exposure currency. All transactions will mature before the end of February 2022.2025.
As of November 29, 2020As of November 24, 2019As of November 26, 2023As of November 27, 2022
Average Forward
Exchange Rate
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
Average Forward
Exchange Rate
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
Average Forward
Exchange Rate
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
Average Forward
Exchange Rate
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
CurrencyCurrencyCurrency
Australian DollarAustralian Dollar0.7 $12,384 $(717)0.7 $29,447 $541 Australian Dollar0.67 $4.2 $0.7 0.69 $(2.8)$0.4 
Brazilian RealBrazilian Real5.27 6,542 111 3.98 8,726 504 Brazilian Real5.21 5.1 (0.2)5.12 6.8 0.4 
Canadian DollarCanadian Dollar1.32 85,726 (1,195)1.32 103,938 809 Canadian Dollar1.34 7.2 0.2 1.30 95.9 2.1 
Swiss FrancSwiss Franc0.91 (9,578)28 0.99 (10,559)36 Swiss Franc0.88 (19.1)0.1 0.93 (7.2)— 
Chilean PesoChilean Peso758.50 30,715 551 — — — Chilean Peso916.55 12.0 (0.4)924.50 11.3 0.3 
Czech KorunaCzech Koruna22.37 602 (12)23.12 (1,459)Czech Koruna22.64 (1.0)— 23.54 (1.3)— 
Danish KroneDanish Krone6.28 (923)6.73 (1,114)Danish Krone6.85 (1.6)— 7.10 (1.4)— 
EuroEuro1.13 29,657 (2,503)1.14 406,350 6,321 Euro1.10 62.5 5.5 1.08 (104.8)9.9 
British Pound SterlingBritish Pound Sterling1.34 134,641 876 1.25 167,793 (3,629)British Pound Sterling1.22 135.7 (2.0)1.20 95.1 0.7 
Hong Kong DollarHong Kong Dollar7.75 1,935 (1)7.83 (5,005)— Hong Kong Dollar7.80 2.8 — 7.82 6.8 — 
Hungarian ForintHungarian Forint302.45 (3,369)(7)301.73 (3,502)25 Hungarian Forint351.37 (4.8)— 403.53 (3.4)— 
Japanese YenJapanese Yen104.31 92,315 (229)105.76 85,154 990 Japanese Yen133.60 34.0 1.7 126.47 31.7 1.4 
South Korean WonSouth Korean Won1,137.31 25,806 (598)1,151.87 28,654 221 South Korean Won1,299.63 — — 1,269.54 23.2 0.8 
Mexican PesoMexican Peso20.34 118,689 (1,670)20.15 131,910 (947)Mexican Peso18.14 (20.3)(1.0)20.92 (17.2)(3.2)
Norwegian KroneNorwegian Krone(4,416)55 9.14 (3,690)Norwegian Krone10.93 (1.4)— 9.96 (1.0)— 
New Zealand DollarNew Zealand Dollar0.68 (4,587)98 0.63 (2,562)32 New Zealand Dollar0.60 (5.4)0.1 0.62 (5.6)0.1 
Polish ZlotyPolish Zloty3.8 (7,237)112 3.88 (1,993)Polish Zloty4.03 (0.9)— 4.61 1.6 — 
Swedish KronaSwedish Krona8.77 24,230 (736)9.28 25,642 644 Swedish Krona10.36 (3.9)— 10.04 16.3 0.5 
Singapore Dollar— — — 1.36 (5,703)(22)
Turkish Lira— — — 5.73 1,009 
TotalTotal$533,132 $(5,831)$953,036 $5,549 Total$205.1 $4.7 $144.0 $13.4 

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Interest rate risk
The following table provides information about our financial instruments that may be sensitive to changes in interest rates. The table presents principal (face amount) outstanding balances of our debt instruments and the related weighted-average interest rates for the years indicated based on expected maturity dates. All amounts are stated in U.S. Dollar equivalents.
As of November 29, 2020
As of
November 24, 2019
Total
As of November 26, 2023
As of
November 27, 2022
Total
Expected Maturity DateExpected Maturity Date
20212022202320242025ThereafterTotal20242025202620272028ThereafterTotal
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Debt InstrumentsDebt InstrumentsDebt Instruments
Fixed Rate (US$)Fixed Rate (US$)$— $— $— $— $1,000,000 $— $1,000,000 $500,000 Fixed Rate (US$)$— $— $— $— $— $500.0 $500.0 $500.0 
Average Interest RateAverage Interest Rate— — — — 5.00 %— %5.00 %5.00 %Average Interest Rate— — — — — 3.50 %3.50 %3.50 %
Fixed Rate (Euro 475 million)Fixed Rate (Euro 475 million)— — — — — 565,820 565,820 525,255 Fixed Rate (Euro 475 million)— — — 517.8 — — 517.8 494.5 
Average Interest RateAverage Interest Rate— — — — — 3.375 %3.375 %3.375 %Average Interest Rate— — — 3.375 %— — 3.375 %3.375 %
Variable Rate (US$)Variable Rate (US$)— — — — — — — — Variable Rate (US$)— — — — — — — — 
Average Interest RateAverage Interest Rate— — — — — — — — Average Interest Rate— — — — — — — — 
Total Principal (face amount) of our debt instruments(1)
Total Principal (face amount) of our debt instruments(1)
$— $— $— $— $1,000,000 $565,820 $1,565,820 $1,025,255 
Total Principal (face amount) of our debt instruments(1)
$— $— $— $517.8 $— $500.0 $1,017.8 $994.5 
______________
(1)Excluded from this table are other short-term borrowings of $17.6$12.5 million as of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, consisting of term loans and revolving credit facilities at various foreign subsidiaries which we expect to either pay over the next twelve12 months or refinance at the end of their applicable terms. OfAll of the $17.6 million, $9.8$12.5 million was fixed-rate debt and $7.9 million was variable-rate debt.


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Item 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Levi Strauss & Co.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Levi Strauss & Co. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of November 29, 202026, 2023 and November 24, 2019,27, 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations,income, of comprehensive (loss) income, of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 29, 2020,26, 2023, including the related notes and schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts for each of the three years in the period ended November 29, 202026, 2023 appearing under Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of November 29, 202026, 2023 and November 24, 2019,27, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 29, 202026, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Changes in Accounting Principles

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases and certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of November 25, 2019 and the manner in which it accounts for revenue from contracts with customers as of November 26, 2018.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Reportannual report on Internal Controlinternal control over Financial Reportingfinancial reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
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accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
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Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Realizability of Deferred Tax AssetsAnnual Goodwill and Trademark Impairment Assessments - Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards

Beyond Yoga
As described in Notes 1 and 195 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has deferred tax assets from foreign tax credit carryforwardsCompany’s consolidated balances of $232.2goodwill and trademarks were $303.7 million and $243.9 million, respectively, as of November 29, 2020. Significant judgments are required26, 2023, of which $48.2 million and $201.1 million, respectively, relate to Beyond Yoga. Management tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in ordercircumstances which indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Annual testing is performed in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year for all reporting units and indefinite-lived assets except Beyond Yoga, which is performed in the third quarter. During the third quarter of 2023, as part of the annual impairment assessment, management performed a single step quantitative impairment test for Beyond Yoga by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit and trademark with their carrying amount and recorded an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying amount exceeded the fair value. As part of the annual impairment assessment, management concluded the carrying values of the Beyond Yoga reporting unit and trademark exceeded their respective estimated fair values by $75.4 million and $14.8 million, which were recorded as noncash impairment charges to determine the realizability of these deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company's management evaluates all significant available positive and negative evidence, including historical operating results, estimates of future taxable incomegoodwill and the existencetrademark, respectively. Management assessed the fair value of prudentthe Beyond Yoga reporting unit using the discounted cash flow method under the income approach, and feasible tax planning strategies.

the significant assumptions used in the assessment of the reporting unit include revenue growth rates, profit margins, operating expenses, capital expenditures, terminal value, and a discount rate. The estimated fair value of the Beyond Yoga trademark was determined using the relief-from-royalty method, and the significant assumptions used in the assessment of the trademark include revenue growth rates, a discount rate, and a royalty rate.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the realizability of deferred tax assets from foreign tax credit carryforwardsannual goodwill and trademark impairment assessments for Beyond Yoga is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when assessingdeveloping the realizability of deferred tax assets, including a high degree of estimation uncertainty relative to thefair value estimates of future taxable incomethe reporting unit and feasibility of tax planning strategies,trademark; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidencemanagement’s significant assumptions related to revenue growth rates and discount rate for the estimates of future taxable incomereporting unit, and revenue growth rates, discount rate, and royalty rate for the feasibility of tax planning strategies related to the realizability of deferred tax assets,trademark; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the realizability of foreign tax credit carryforwards.management’s goodwill and trademark impairment assessments for Beyond Yoga. These procedures also included, among others (i) testing management’s process for assessingdeveloping the realizabilityfair value estimates of deferred tax assets from foreign tax credit carryforwards. This included (i)the reporting unit and trademark; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the calculation used, (ii)discounted cash flow and relief-from-royalty methods; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy and relevance of the underlying data used in the calculation,methods; and (iii)(iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used in the calculationby management related to revenue growth rates and discount rate for the future taxable incomereporting unit, and revenue growth rates, discount rate, and royalty rate for the feasibility of tax planning strategies.trademark. Evaluating themanagement’s assumptions related to future taxable incomerevenue growth rates involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of affiliates,the Beyond Yoga brand; (ii) the consistency with external market and industry data,data; and (iii) whether thesethe assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Evaluating the feasibility of tax planning strategies involved in evaluating whether the assumptions used were reasonable considering the relevant jurisdictional tax laws. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating (i) the evaluationappropriateness of the Company’s assumptionsdiscounted cash flow and calculation for assessingrelief-from-royalty methods and (ii) the realizabilityreasonableness of deferred tax assets from foreign tax credit carryforwards, including the mechanicsdiscount rate and application of tax law to the projected foreign tax credit calculation, which incorporated the impact of tax planning strategies.royalty rate assumptions.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Francisco, California

January 27, 2021

25, 2024
We have served as the Company'sCompany’s auditor since 2007.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in millions)
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
Current Assets:Current Assets:Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,497,155 $934,237 Cash and cash equivalents$398.8 $429.6 
Short-term investments in marketable securitiesShort-term investments in marketable securities96,531 80,741 Short-term investments in marketable securities— 70.6 
Trade receivables, netTrade receivables, net540,227 782,846 Trade receivables, net752.7 697.0 
InventoriesInventories817,692 884,192 Inventories1,290.1 1,416.8 
Other current assetsOther current assets174,636 188,170 Other current assets196.0 213.9 
Total current assetsTotal current assets3,126,241 2,870,186 Total current assets2,637.6 2,827.9 
Property, plant and equipment, netProperty, plant and equipment, net454,532 529,558 Property, plant and equipment, net680.7 622.8 
GoodwillGoodwill264,768 235,788 Goodwill303.7 365.7 
Other intangible assets, netOther intangible assets, net47,426 42,782 Other intangible assets, net267.6 286.7 
Deferred tax assets, netDeferred tax assets, net497,556 407,905 Deferred tax assets, net729.5 625.0 
Operating lease right-of-use assets, netOperating lease right-of-use assets, net988,801 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net1,033.9 970.0 
Other non-current assetsOther non-current assets261,917 146,199 Other non-current assets400.6 339.7 
Total assetsTotal assets$5,641,241 $4,232,418 Total assets$6,053.6 $6,037.8 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:Current Liabilities:Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt$17,631 $7,621 
Accounts payableAccounts payable375,450 360,324 Accounts payable567.9 657.2 
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefitsAccrued salaries, wages and employee benefits179,081 223,374 Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits214.9 246.7 
Restructuring liabilities54,723 
Accrued income taxes21,986 24,050 
Accrued sales returns and allowancesAccrued sales returns and allowances185,868 171,113 Accrued sales returns and allowances189.8 180.0 
Short-term operating lease liabilitiesShort-term operating lease liabilities237,142 0 Short-term operating lease liabilities245.5 235.7 
Other accrued liabilitiesOther accrued liabilities477,001 380,722 Other accrued liabilities569.4 662.0 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities1,548,882 1,167,204 Total current liabilities1,787.5 1,981.6 
Long-term debtLong-term debt1,546,700 1,006,745 Long-term debt1,009.4 984.5 
Postretirement medical benefitsPostretirement medical benefits60,249 64,006 Postretirement medical benefits33.6 36.3 
Pension liabilitiesPension liabilities168,721 193,214 Pension liabilities111.1 113.1 
Long-term employee related benefitsLong-term employee related benefits94,654 84,957 Long-term employee related benefits102.2 104.9 
Long-term operating lease liabilitiesLong-term operating lease liabilities858,293 Long-term operating lease liabilities913.1 859.1 
Other long-term liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities64,267 144,735 Other long-term liabilities50.3 54.6 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities4,341,766 2,660,861 Total liabilities4,007.2 4,134.1 
Commitments and contingenciesCommitments and contingencies00Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity:Stockholders’ Equity:Stockholders’ Equity:
Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ equity
Common stock — $0.001 par value; 1,200,000,000 Class A shares authorized; 74,352,481 shares and 53,079,235 shares issued and outstanding as of November 29, 2020 and November 24, 2019, respectively; and 422,000,000 Class B shares authorized, 323,547,674 shares and 340,674,741 shares issued and outstanding, as of November 29, 2020 and November 24, 2019, respectively398 394 
Common stock — $0.001 par value; 1,200,000,000 Class A shares authorized; 102,104,670 shares and 96,028,351 shares issued and outstanding as of November 26, 2023 and November 27, 2022, respectively; and 422,000,000 Class B shares authorized, 295,243,353 shares and 297,703,442 shares issued and outstanding, as of November 26, 2023 and November 27, 2022, respectivelyCommon stock — $0.001 par value; 1,200,000,000 Class A shares authorized; 102,104,670 shares and 96,028,351 shares issued and outstanding as of November 26, 2023 and November 27, 2022, respectively; and 422,000,000 Class B shares authorized, 295,243,353 shares and 297,703,442 shares issued and outstanding, as of November 26, 2023 and November 27, 2022, respectively0.4 0.4 
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital626,243 657,659 Additional paid-in capital686.7 625.6 
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(441,446)(404,986)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(390.9)(421.7)
Retained earningsRetained earnings1,114,280 1,310,464 Retained earnings1,750.2 1,699.4 
Total Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ equity1,299,475 1,563,531 
Noncontrolling interest8,026 
Total stockholders’ equityTotal stockholders’ equity1,299,475 1,571,557 Total stockholders’ equity2,046.4 1,903.7 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equityTotal liabilities and stockholders’ equity$5,641,241 $4,232,418 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$6,053.6 $6,037.8 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSINCOME
Year Ended Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Net revenuesNet revenues$4,452,609 $5,763,087 $5,575,440 Net revenues$6,179.0 $6,168.6 $5,763.9 
Cost of goods soldCost of goods sold2,099,685 2,661,714 2,577,465 Cost of goods sold2,663.3 2,619.8 2,417.2 
Gross profitGross profit2,352,924 3,101,373 2,997,975 Gross profit3,515.7 3,548.8 3,346.7 
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses2,347,628 2,534,698 2,457,564 Selling, general and administrative expenses3,072.2 2,890.7 2,660.5 
Restructuring charges, net90,415 
Operating (loss) income(85,119)566,675 540,411 
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment chargesGoodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges90.2 11.6 — 
Operating incomeOperating income353.3 646.5 686.2 
Interest expenseInterest expense(82,190)(66,248)(55,296)Interest expense(45.9)(25.7)(72.9)
Underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders(24,860)
Loss on early extinguishment of debtLoss on early extinguishment of debt— — (36.5)
Other (expense) income, netOther (expense) income, net(22,474)2,017 14,907 Other (expense) income, net(42.2)28.8 3.4 
(Loss) income before income taxes(189,783)477,584 500,022 
Income tax (benefit) expense(62,642)82,604 214,778 
Net (loss) income(127,141)394,980 285,244 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(368)(2,102)
Net (loss) income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$(127,141)$394,612 $283,142 
(Loss) earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders:
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes265.2 649.6 580.2 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense15.6 80.5 26.7 
Net incomeNet income$249.6 $569.1 $553.5 
Earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders:Earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders:
BasicBasic$(0.32)$1.01 $0.75 Basic$0.63 $1.43 $1.38 
DilutedDiluted$(0.32)$0.97 $0.73 Diluted$0.62 $1.41 $1.35 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:Weighted-average common shares outstanding:Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
BasicBasic397,315,117 389,082,277 377,139,847 Basic397,208,535 397,341,137 401,634,760 
DilutedDiluted397,315,117 408,365,902 388,607,361 Diluted401,723,167 403,844,782 409,778,169 





















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Year Ended Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Net (loss) income$(127,141)$394,980 $285,244 
Net incomeNet income$249.6 $569.1 $553.5 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before related income taxes:Other comprehensive income (loss), before related income taxes:Other comprehensive income (loss), before related income taxes:
Pension and postretirement benefitsPension and postretirement benefits60,915 10,248 4,336 Pension and postretirement benefits34.6 22.1 35.1 
Derivative instrumentsDerivative instruments(55,242)19,026 21,280 Derivative instruments(61.0)36.1 69.7 
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)Foreign currency translation gains (losses)10,493 (7,250)(43,713)Foreign currency translation gains (losses)66.2 (65.0)(51.0)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securitiesUnrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities9,758 4,362 (1,488)Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities0.8 (0.7)5.7 
Available-for-sale security adjustmentsAvailable-for-sale security adjustments— (19.9)— 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before related income taxesTotal other comprehensive income (loss), before related income taxes25,924 26,386 (19,585)Total other comprehensive income (loss), before related income taxes40.6 (27.4)59.5 
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)(7,940)(6,476)(852)
Comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes(109,157)414,890 264,807 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest(680)(1,868)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$(109,157)$414,210 $262,939 
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)(9.8)3.0 (12.4)
Comprehensive income, net of income taxesComprehensive income, net of income taxes$280.4 $544.7 $600.6 

































The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Levi Strauss & Co. Stockholders
Class A
& Class B
Common Stock
Additional
Paid-In Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
Stockholders' Equity
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at November 26, 2017$375 $$1,100,916 $(404,381)$5,478 $702,388 
Net income— — 283,142 — 2,102 285,244 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax— — — (20,203)(234)(20,437)
Stock-based compensation and dividends, net18,471 (67)— — 18,407 
Reclassification to temporary equity— 11,232 (183,336)— — (172,104)
Repurchase of common stock(2)(750)(26,334)— — (27,086)
Shares surrendered for tax withholdings on equity awards— (28,953)— — — (28,953)
Cash dividends paid ($0.24 per share)— — (90,000)— — (90,000)
Balance at November 25, 2018376 1,084,321 (424,584)7,346 667,459 
Net income— — 394,612 — 368 394,980 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — 19,598 312 19,910 
Stock-based compensation and dividends, net55,278 (93)— — 55,189 
Employee stock purchase plan— 2,062 — — — 2,062 
Reclassification to temporary equity— (506)(23,339)— — (23,845)
Repurchase of common stock— (165)(2,923)— — (3,088)
Shares surrendered for tax withholdings on equity awards— (40,894)— — — (40,894)
Reclassification from temporary equity in connection with initial public offering— 351,185 (28,200)— — 322,985 
Issuance of Class A common stock in connection with initial public offering14 234,569 — — — 234,583 
Cancel liability-settled awards and replace with equity-settled awards in connection with initial public offering— 56,130 — — — 56,130 
Cash dividends paid ($0.30 per share)— — (113,914)— — (113,914)
Balance at November 24, 2019394 657,659 1,310,464 (404,986)8,026 1,571,557 
Net loss— — (127,141)— — (127,141)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — 17,984 — 17,984 
Stock-based compensation and dividends, net51,162 (222)— — 50,947 
Employee stock purchase plan— 8,050 — — — 8,050 
Repurchase of common stock(3)— (56,240)— — (56,243)
Shares surrendered for tax withholdings on equity awards— (90,628)— — — (90,628)
Changes in ownership of noncontrolling interest— — (8,809)— (8,026)(16,835)
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standards— — 59,867 (54,444)— 5,423 
Cash dividends paid ($0.16 per share)— — (63,639)— — (63,639)
Balance at November 29, 2020$398 $626,243 $1,114,280 $(441,446)$$1,299,475 
Class A
& Class B
Common Stock
Additional
Paid-In Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
Total
Stockholders' Equity
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at November 29, 2020$0.4 $626.2 $1,114.3 $(441.4)$1,299.5 
Net Income— — 553.5 — 553.5 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — 47.0 47.0 
Stock-based compensation and dividends, net— 60.1 (0.1)— 60.0 
Employee stock purchase plan— 7.7 — — 7.7 
Repurchase of common stock— — (88.4)— (88.4)
Tax withholdings on equity awards— (109.2)— — (109.2)
Cash dividends paid ($0.26 per share)— — (104.4)— (104.4)
Balance at November 28, 20210.4 584.8 1,474.9 (394.4)1,665.7 
Net income— — 569.1 — 569.1 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax— — — (24.4)(24.4)
Stock-based compensation and dividends, net— 60.8 (0.1)— 60.7 
Employee stock purchase plan— 9.0 — — 9.0 
Repurchase of common stock— — (173.1)— (173.1)
Tax withholdings on equity awards— (29.0)— — (29.0)
Adjustment of accumulated other comprehensive gain to retained earnings for available-for-sale securities— — 2.9 (2.9)— 
Cash dividends paid ($0.44 per share)— — (174.3)— (174.3)
Balance at November 27, 20220.4 625.6 1,699.4 (421.7)1,903.7 
Net income— — 249.6 — 249.6 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — 30.8 30.8 
Stock-based compensation and dividends, net— 74.6 (0.2)— 74.4 
Employee stock purchase plan— 9.0 — — 9.0 
Repurchase of common stock— — (8.1)— (8.1)
Tax withholdings on equity awards— (22.5)— — (22.5)
Cash dividends paid ($0.48 per share)— — (190.5)— (190.5)
Balance at November 26, 2023$0.4 $686.7 $1,750.2 $(390.9)$2,046.4 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
Year Ended Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:Cash Flows from Operating Activities:Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income$(127,141)$394,980 $285,244 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Property, plant, equipment, and right-of-use asset impairments66,987 2,388 1,552 
Net incomeNet income$249.6 $569.1 $553.5 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization141,795 123,942 120,205 Depreciation and amortization165.3 158.9 143.2 
Employee benefit plan settlement losses14,700 
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairmentGoodwill and other intangible asset impairment90.2 11.6 — 
Property, plant, equipment and right-of-use asset impairment, and gain/loss on early lease terminations, netProperty, plant, equipment and right-of-use asset impairment, and gain/loss on early lease terminations, net66.4 26.2 21.9 
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation50,947 55,188 18,407 Stock-based compensation74.4 60.8 60.1 
(Benefit from) provision for deferred income taxes(95,244)(14,963)134,258 
Benefit from deferred income taxesBenefit from deferred income taxes(104.3)(59.8)(87.9)
Loss on early extinguishment of debtLoss on early extinguishment of debt— — 36.4 
Other, netOther, net34,892 14,449 (651)Other, net2.4 11.6 33.9 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables234,217 (82,344)(60,474)
Inventories93,096 (22,434)(147,389)
Accounts payable12,507 8,887 151,133 
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits and long-term employee related benefits(71,137)(55,363)(44,887)
Other current and non-current assets(78,235)(43,764)(34,059)
Other current and long-term liabilities192,202 31,222 (2,968)
Net change in operating assets and liabilitiesNet change in operating assets and liabilities(108.5)(550.3)(23.8)
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities469,586 412,188 420,371 Net cash provided by operating activities435.5 228.1 737.3 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:Cash Flows from Investing Activities:Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipmentPurchases of property, plant and equipment(130,383)(175,356)(159,413)Purchases of property, plant and equipment(315.5)(268.3)(166.9)
Payments for business acquisitionPayments for business acquisition(54,570)Payments for business acquisition(12.1)— (390.9)
Proceeds (payments) on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accountingProceeds (payments) on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting12,531 12,166 (19,974)Proceeds (payments) on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting16.1 12.4 (17.9)
Payments to acquire short-term investmentsPayments to acquire short-term investments(109,663)(114,247)Payments to acquire short-term investments— (72.8)(123.0)
Proceeds from sale, maturity and collection of short-term investmentsProceeds from sale, maturity and collection of short-term investments93,526 34,094 Proceeds from sale, maturity and collection of short-term investments70.8 93.0 126.9 
Net cash used for investing activitiesNet cash used for investing activities(188,559)(243,343)(179,387)Net cash used for investing activities(240.7)(235.7)(571.8)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:Cash Flows from Financing Activities:Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt502,500 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costsProceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs— — 489.3 
Repayments of long-term debt including extinguishment costsRepayments of long-term debt including extinguishment costs— — (1,023.3)
Proceeds from senior revolving credit facilityProceeds from senior revolving credit facility300,000 Proceeds from senior revolving credit facility200.0 404.0 — 
Repayments of senior revolving credit facilityRepayments of senior revolving credit facility(300,000)Repayments of senior revolving credit facility(200.0)(404.0)— 
Payment of debt issuance costs(6,459)
Short-term credit facilities and borrowings, net10,045 (23,268)(1,278)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and employee stock purchase8,050 256,391 
Payments for underwriter commission and other offering costs(19,746)
Repurchase of common stockRepurchase of common stock(56,243)(3,088)(27,086)Repurchase of common stock(8.1)(175.7)(85.9)
Shares surrendered for tax withholdings on equity awards(90,628)(40,894)(28,953)
Tax withholdings on equity awardsTax withholdings on equity awards(22.5)(29.0)(109.3)
Dividend to stockholdersDividend to stockholders(63,639)(113,914)(90,000)Dividend to stockholders(190.5)(174.3)(104.4)
Other financing, netOther financing, net(17,631)(463)(1,316)Other financing, net7.0 13.6 (7.3)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities285,995 55,018 (148,633)
Net cash used for financing activitiesNet cash used for financing activities(214.1)(365.4)(840.9)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cashEffect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash(4,127)(2,808)(13,344)Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash(11.6)(7.6)(11.6)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash562,895 221,055 79,007 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cashNet decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash(30.9)(380.6)(687.0)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cashBeginning cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash934,753 713,698 634,691 Beginning cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash430.0 810.6 1,497.6 
Ending cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cashEnding cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash1,497,648 934,753 713,698 Ending cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash399.1 430.0 810.6 
Less: Ending restricted cashLess: Ending restricted cash(493)(516)(578)Less: Ending restricted cash(0.3)(0.4)(0.3)
Ending cash and cash equivalentsEnding cash and cash equivalents$1,497,155 $934,237 $713,120 Ending cash and cash equivalents$398.8 $429.6 $810.3 
Noncash Investing Activity:Noncash Investing Activity:Noncash Investing Activity:
Property, plant and equipment acquired and not yet paid at end of periodProperty, plant and equipment acquired and not yet paid at end of period$35,994 $30,512 $23,099 Property, plant and equipment acquired and not yet paid at end of period$59.6 $93.3 $72.3 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest during the periodCash paid for interest during the period$73,667 $54,000 $51,200 Cash paid for interest during the period$42.8 $37.5 $54.4 
Cash paid for income taxes during the period, net of refundsCash paid for income taxes during the period, net of refunds50,068 96,540 96,277 Cash paid for income taxes during the period, net of refunds89.3 129.3 109.6 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 1: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
Levi Strauss & Co. (the "Company"“Company”) is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies. The Company designs, markets and sells – directly or through third parties and licensees – products that include jeans, casual and dress pants, activewear, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear and related accessories, for men, women and children around the world under the Levi’s®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, Denizen®, Dockers® and Beyond Yoga® brands.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company acquired Beyond Yoga®, which has been consolidated since the date of acquisition. Beyond Yoga® generates revenue from the sale of activewear in the United States. Please refer to Note 4 for more information.
The Company operates its business according to three reportable segments: Americas, Europe, and Asia, collectively comprising the Company's Levi's Brands business, which includes the Levi's, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen®brands. The Company operates its business through 3 geographic regions: Americas, EuropeDockers® and Asia.Beyond Yoga® businesses do not meet the quantitative thresholds for reportable segments and therefore are presented under the caption of Other Brands.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned foreign and domestic subsidiaries are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday that is closest to November 30 of November in eachthat year, although the fiscal years of certain foreign subsidiaries end on November 30. Fiscal year 2020 was a 53-week year, ending on November 29, 2020,years 2023, 2022 and fiscal years 2019 and 20182021 were 52-week years, ending on November 24, 201926, 2023, November 27, 2022 and November 25, 2018,28, 2021, respectively. Each quarter of fiscal years 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021 consisted of 13 weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020, which consisted of 14 weeks. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.
COVID-19 Update
In fiscal year 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and government authorities around the world imposed lockdowns and restrictions. The COVID-19 pandemic has materially impactedcontinued to affect the Company's business and results of operations during 2021 and 2022, although to a lesser extent than in fiscal year 2020. During the year ended November 29, 2020, a net $250.0 million in charges2021, company-operated stores and third-party retail locations throughout various markets were recognized consisting of $90.4 million of restructuring charges, COVID-19 related inventory costs of $68.5 million,impacted by temporary closures, reduced hours and charges for customer receivables, asset impairmentsreduced occupancy levels. During 2022, temporary store closures and other related charges of $91.1 million. For more information on asset impairments, restructuring charges, inventory and other related charges, refer to Notes 3, 14, 15 and 16, respectively. For more information on charges for customer receivables and COVID-19 related inventory costs, see "Accounts Receivable, Net" and "Inventory Valuation" sections below.
Asreduced traffic were mainly limited within China as a result of the widespread impact of COVID-19, substantially alltheir zero-tolerance policy shutdowns while most of the Company's company-operated stores were temporarily closed for varying periods of timeand wholesale customer doors across other markets remained open throughout the year, primarily within the second quarter, with the majority reopened by mid-July, in many cases, with reduced hours and occupancy levels.year. During the fourth quarter, a resurgence in COVID-19 cases led to the temporary re-closure of some of the Company's stores, mainly in Europe. As of the end of fiscal year 2020, approximately 87% of2023, company-operated stores and wholesale customer doors were open for either in-store or curb-side service. Wholesale customers, including third-party retailers and franchise partners, also experienced significant business disruptions during the year, including store closures, lower traffic and consumer demand, resulting in decreased shipments to these customers.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") was signed into law in the United States. The CARES Act provides relief to U.S. corporations through financial assistance programs and modifications to certain income tax provisions. The Company is applying certain beneficial provisions of the CARES Act, including the net operating loss carry back provision. Refer to Note 19 for more information. 
The Company also assessed the impacts of the pandemic on the estimates and assumptions used in preparing these consolidated financial statements. The estimates and assumptions used in these assessments were based on management’s judgment and may be subject to change as new events occur and additional information is obtained. In particular, significant uncertainty remains about the duration and extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting impact on global economic conditions. If economic conditions caused by the pandemic do not recover as currently estimated by management, the Company’s financial condition, cash flows and results of operations may be further materially impacted.
The Jeans Company Acquisition
In December 2019, the Company completed an acquisition of all operating assets related to Levi’s® and Dockers® brands from The Jeans Company ("TJC"), the Company's distributor in Chile, Peru and Bolivia, for $52.2 million in cash, plusopen.
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transaction costs. This includes 78 Levi’s® and Dockers® retail stores and one e-commerce site, distribution withOut-of-Period Adjustment
For the region’s leading multi-brand retailers, andyear ended November 27, 2022, the logistical operations within these markets.
The total fair value of assets acquired was $52.2Company's results include an out-of-period adjustment, which increased other (expense) income, net by $19.9 million and included goodwill, inventory, intangibleincome tax expense by $4.0 million. Basic and fixed assets. The goodwilldiluted earnings per share both increased by $0.04 per share. This item, which originated in prior years, relates to the correction of the treatment of unrealized gains and intangibles recognizedlosses on marketable equity securities, previously recorded as available-for-sale equity securities and reflected as a resultcomponent of the acquisition were $22.8 million and $9.2 million, respectively. In addition, based on materiality, pro forma results are not presented.
Initial Public Offering
In March 2019, the Company completed its initial public offering,comprehensive income, held in which it issued and sold 14,960,557 shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price of $17.00 per share (the "IPO"). The Company received net proceeds of $234.6 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $13.6 million and other direct and incremental offering expenses of $6.1 million. The Company agreed to pay all underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the sales of shares of Class A common stock by the selling stockholders. This amount, $24.9 million, was paid at completion of the IPOan irrevocable grantor’s rabbi trust in March 2019 and was recorded as non-operating expense in the second quarter of 2019. Additionally, the Company incurred $3.5 million of other costs associated with the IPO that were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A").
In connection with the IPO, on March 19, 2019 the Company's Board of Directors approved the cancellation of the majority of the outstanding unvested cash-settled restricted stock units ("RSUs") and their concurrent replacement with similar equity-settled RSUs ("Replacement Awards"), pursuant to the Company's 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2016 Plan"). RSUs for certain foreign affiliates continue to be cash-settled. Other than the form of settlement, all other terms of the awards (including their vesting schedules) are the same. Prior to this modification, the cash-settled awards were classified as liabilities and stock-baseddeferred compensation expense was measured using the fair value at the end of each reporting period. After the modification, the stock-based compensation expense for these awards was measured using the modification date fair value. As a result of the modification, accrued stock-based compensation expense of $45.8 million and $10.3 million were reclassified on the Company's consolidated balance sheets from accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits and other long-term liabilities, respectively, to additional paid in capital. Refer to Note 11 for more information.
Prior to the IPO, the holders of shares issued under the 2016 Plan could require the Company to repurchase such shares at the then-current market value pursuant to a contractual put right. Equity-classified stock-based awards that may be settled in cash at the option of the holder were presented on the Company's consolidated balance sheets outside of permanent equity. Accordingly, temporary equity on the Company's consolidated balance sheets included the redemption value of these awards generally related to the elapsed service period since the grant date reflecting patterns of compensation cost recognition, as well as the fair value of the Company's common stock issued pursuant to the 2016 Plan. Upon the completion of the IPO, this contractual put right was terminated and these awards are no longer presented as temporary equity. As a result, the balance in temporary equity as of immediately prior to the IPO of $351.2plan. Additionally, $2.9 million was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to additional paidretained earnings in capital. Referthe statement of stockholders’ equity to Note 11 for more information.
On February 12, 2019, the Company’s stockholders also approvedreflect the adoption of an amendedaccounting standard. The Company has evaluated the effects of this out-of-period adjustment, both qualitatively and restated certificatequantitatively, and concluded that the correction of incorporation (the "IPO Certificate") and amended and restated bylaws, which took effect upon the closing of the IPO. The IPO Certificate provides for 2 classes of common stock: Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share. All common stock outstanding at the time of the closing of the IPO converted automatically into Class B common stock, each having 10 votes per share. Shares of Class A common stock, each having 1 vote per share, were sold in the IPO. Shares of Class B common stock sold by selling stockholders in the IPO automatically converted into shares of Class A common stock in connection with such sale. Holders of Class B common stock can voluntarily convert their shares into Class A common stock if and when they wish to do so in order to sell their sharesthis amount was not material to the public.
On February 12, 2019,year ended November 27, 2022 or the Company’s stockholders approved the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2019 Plan") and the Company's 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2019 ESPP"), each ofperiods in which became effective on March 20, 2019, the effective date of the IPO registration statement. The maximum number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that may be issued under the 2019 Plan is 40,000,000. The 2019 ESPP authorizes the issuance of 12,000,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock and is subject to automatic annual increases.
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they originated, including quarterly reporting.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Estimates are based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of the Company’s management. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been considered within these estimates. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in its evaluations. Changes in such estimates, based on more accurate future information, or different assumptions or conditions, may affect amounts reported in future periods. As a result of uncertainty and frequently changing information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on global economic conditions, estimates may change frequently and in the near term.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at fair value.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value, which are included in "Other“Other current assets"assets”, "Other“Other non-current assets"assets”, "Other“Other accrued liabilities"liabilities” or "Other“Other long-term liabilities"liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The portion of the fair value that represents cash flow occurring within one year areis classified as current and the portion related to cash flows occurring beyond one year areis classified as non-current. The cash flows from the designated derivative instruments used as hedges are classified in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows in the same section as the cash flows of the hedged item.
Designated Cash Flow Hedges
The Company actively manages the risk of changes in functional currency equivalent cash flows resulting from anticipated non-functional currency denominated purchases and sales. The Company’s global sourcing organization uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency and is primarily exposed to changes in functional currency equivalent cash flows from anticipated inventory purchases, as it procures inventory on behalf of subsidiaries with the Euro, Australian Dollar and Japanese Yen functional currencies. The Company's Mexico subsidiary uses the Mexican Peso as its functional currency and is exposed as it procures inventory in the U.S. Dollar. Additionally, a European subsidiary uses Euros as its functional currency and is exposed to anticipated non-functional currency denominated sales. The Company manages these risks by using currency forward contracts formally designated and effective as cash flow hedges. Hedge effectiveness is generally determined by evaluating the ability of a hedging instrument's cumulative change in fair value to offset the cumulative change in the present value of expected cash flows on the underlying exposures. For forward contracts, forward points are excluded from the determination of hedge effectiveness and are included in Costcost of goods sold for hedges of anticipated inventory purchases and in Netnet revenues for hedges of anticipated sales on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract. In each accounting period, differences between the change in fair value of the forward points and the amount recognized on a straight-line basis is recognized in other“Other comprehensive income (loss). income.”
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Net Investment Hedges
The Company designates certain non-derivative instruments as net investment hedges to hedge the Company's net investment position in certain of its foreign subsidiaries. For these instruments, the Company documents the hedge designation by identifying the hedging instrument, the nature of the risk being hedged and the approach for measuring hedge effectiveness. The ineffective portions of these hedges are recorded in "Other expense, net" in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The effective portions of these hedges are recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and are not reclassified to earnings until the related net investment position has been liquidated.
Non-designated Cash Flow Hedges
The Company enters into derivative instruments not designated as hedges. These derivative instruments are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s exposure to certain product sourcing activities, some intercompany sales, foreign subsidiaries' royalty payments, interest payments, earnings repatriations, net investment in foreign operations and funding activities but the Company has not elected to apply hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not
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designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in "Other“Other (expense) income, (expense), net"net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.income.
Accounts Receivable, Net
The Company extends credit to its customers that satisfy pre-defined credit criteria. Accounts receivable are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.credit losses. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses based uponon an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable, at the dateassessment of the consolidated financial statements, assessments of collectability, based on historic trends including any known or anticipated bankruptcies, customer-specific circumstances and an evaluation of current economic conditions. Actual write-off of receivables may differ from estimates due to changes in customer and economic circumstances. During fiscal year 2020, $17.72021, a net reduction of $12.5 million in total COVID-19 related charges were recordedallowances related to accounts receivable, including an incremental allowance for doubtful accounts of $5.2 million, and other allowancescustomer receivables was recorded as a result of changesa change in customers' financial condition, actual and anticipated bankruptcies and other associated claims.
The allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses was $14.7$5.7 million and $6.2$7.5 million as of November 29, 202026, 2023 and November 24, 2019,27, 2022, respectively.
Inventory Valuation
The Company values inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventory cost is determined using the first-in first-out method. The Company includes product costs, labor and related overhead, inbound freight, internal transfers, and the cost of operating its remaining manufacturing facilities, including the related depreciation expense, in the cost of inventories. The Company estimates quantities of slow-moving and obsolete inventory, by reviewing on-hand quantities, outstanding purchase obligations and forecasted sales. The Company determines inventory net realizable value by estimating expected selling prices based on the Company's historical recovery rates for slow-moving and obsolete inventory and other factors, such as market conditions, expected channel of distribution and current consumer preferences.
Net realizable value is determined by estimating expected selling prices based on anticipated recovery rates for slow-moving and obsolete inventory and other factors, such as market conditions, expected channel of distribution and current consumer demand and preferences. During fiscal year 2020, the Company recognized $42.3 million in net incremental inventory reserves directly related to the expected impact of COVID-19 on forecasted sales and expected selling prices, recorded within cost of goods sold.
Income Tax
Significant judgment is required in determining the Company's worldwideglobal income tax provision. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Some of these uncertainties arise from examinations in various jurisdictions and assumptions and estimates used in evaluating the need for valuation allowances.
The Company is subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. The Company computes its provision for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. All deferred income taxes are classified as non-current on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. Significant judgments are required in order to determine the realizability of these deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company's management evaluates all significant available positive and negative evidence, including historical operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the existence of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies.
The Company continuously reviews issues raised in connection with all ongoing examinations and open tax years to evaluate the adequacy of its tax liabilities. The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions under a two-step approach. The first
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step is to evaluate the uncertain tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on its technical merits. The second step, for those positions that meet the recognition criteria, is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than fifty percent likely to be realized. The Company believes that its recorded tax liabilities are adequate to cover all open tax years
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based on its assessment. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and involves significant judgments about future events. To the extent that the Company's view as to the outcome of these matters change,changes, the Company will adjust income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made. The Company classifies interest and penalties related to income taxes as income tax expense.
Cloud Computing Arrangements
The Company incurs costs to implement cloud computing arrangements that are hosted by third party vendors. Implementation costs associated with cloud computing arrangements are capitalized when incurred during the application development phase. Amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the cloud computing arrangement on a straight-line basis.basis, typically a three to seven year period. Capitalized amounts related to such arrangements are recorded within other current assets and other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheetssheets.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings are depreciated over a 20 to 40 year period. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the associated lease term. Machinery and equipment, including furniture and fixtures, automobiles and trucks, and networking communication equipment, is depreciated over a three to 20 year period.
Software development costs, which are direct costs associated with developing software for internal use, including certain payroll and payroll-related costs are capitalized when incurred during the application development phase and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life, typically over a three to seven year period.
The Company reviews property plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset or an asset group may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are measured and recorded for the excess of carrying value over its fair value, estimated based on expected future cash flows and other quantitative and qualitative factors.
Goodwill and Indefinite-LivedOther Intangible Assets
Goodwill resulted primarily from the acquisition of Beyond Yoga® in 2021, a 1985 acquisition of the Company by Levi Strauss Associates Inc., a former parent company that was subsequently merged into the Company in 1996, and the Company's 2009as well as other third-party acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized. Intangible assets are comprised ofcomprise customer relationships and owned trademarks with definite and indefinite useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized.
The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances which indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. TheAnnual testing is performed in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year for all reporting units and indefinite-lived assets except Beyond Yoga®, which is performed in the third quarter.
When testing goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the Company mayhas the option of first assessperforming a qualitative factorsassessment to determine whether it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount.
If, based on the results of the qualitative assessment,amount as a basis for determining whether it is concluded that it is not more likely than not thatnecessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. If necessary, the Company can perform a single step quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset exceedswith its carrying amount and record an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill allocated to a quantitative test is performed. reporting unit or the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset.
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Under the quantitative test, the Company compares the carrying value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset to its fair value. Ifvalue, which it estimates using an income approach. Under the carrying value exceeds itsincome approach, the Company determines the fair value using a discounted cash flow method, projecting future cash flows of the reporting unit, as well as a terminal value, and applying a discount rate that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows. To determine the estimated fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company recordsuses an impairment charge equalincome approach, specifically the relief-from-royalty method. This method assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third-party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to obtain the excessrights to use a comparable asset. Under a qualitative assessment, the Company assesses various factors including industry and market conditions, macroeconomic conditions and performance of the carrying value over the related fair value.businesses.
Restructuring Liabilities
Upon approval of a restructuring plan, the Company records restructuring liabilities for employee severance and related termination benefits when they become probable and estimable for recurring arrangements. The Company records other costs associated with exit activities as they are incurred. The short-term portion and long-term portion of restructuring liabilities isare included in “Other long-termaccrued liabilities” and “Other long term liabilities”, respectively, in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. See Note 12 for more information.
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Operating Leases
Beginning in fiscal year 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Prior period amounts have not been restated and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company's historical accounting policies.
The Company primarily leases retail store space, certain distribution and warehouse facilities, office space and equipment. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception and begins recording lease activity at the commencement date, which is generally the date in which the Company takes possession of or controls the physical use of the asset. Right-of-use (ROU)(“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term with lease expense recognized on a straight-line basis. Incremental borrowing rates are used to determine the present value of future lease payments unless the implicit rate is readily determinable. Incremental borrowing rate reflectsrates reflect the rate the lessee would pay to borrow on a secured basis an amount equal to the lease payments and incorporates the term and economic environment of the lease. ROU assets include amounts for scheduled rent increases and are reduced by the amount of lease incentives. The lease term includes the non-cancelable period of the lease and options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise those options. Certain lease agreements include variable lease payments, which are based on a percent of retail sales over specified levels or adjust periodically for inflation as a result of changes in a published index, primarily the Consumer Price Index.
The Company has elected to account for lease and non-lease components together as a single lease component in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities. Variable lease payments are not included in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities.
For leases with a lease term of 12 months or less, fixed lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over such term and are not recognized on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 1413 for further discussion of the Company's leases.
Debt Issuance Costs
The Company capitalizes debt issuance costs on its senior revolving credit facility, which are included in "Other“Other non-current assets"assets” on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized debt issuance costs on the Company's unsecured long-term debt are presented as a reduction to the debt outstanding on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The unsecured long-term debt issuance costs are generally amortized utilizing the effective interest method whereas the senior revolving credit facility issuance costs are amortized utilizing the straight-line method. Amortization of debt issuance costs is included in "Interest expense"“Interest expense” in the consolidated statements of operations.income.
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Company's financial instruments reflect the amounts that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The fair value estimates presented in these financial statements are based on information available to the Company as of November 29, 202026, 2023 and November 24, 2019.27, 2022.
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and short-term borrowings approximate fair value since they are short term in nature. The Company has estimated the fair value of its other financial instruments using the market and income approaches. Rabbi trust assets and forward foreign exchange contracts are carried at their fair values. The Company's debt instruments are carried at historical cost and adjusted for amortization of premiums, discounts, or deferred financing costs, foreign currency fluctuations and principal payments.
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Pension and Postretirement Benefits  
The Company has several non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans covering eligible employees and non-qualified deferred compensation plans that covers certain eligible employees. The Company also provides certain health care benefits for U.S. employees who meet age, participation and length of service requirements at retirement. In addition, the Company sponsors other retirement or post-employment plans for its foreign employees in accordance with local government programs and requirements. The Company retains the right to amend, curtail or discontinue any aspect of the plans, subject to local regulations.
The Company recognizes either an asset or a liability for any plan's funded status in its consolidated balance sheets. The Company measures changes in funded status using actuarial models which utilize an attribution approach that generally spreads individual events over the estimated service lives of the remaining employees in the plan. For plans where participants will not earn additional benefits by rendering future service, which includes the Company's U.S. plans, individual events are spread over the plan participants' estimated remaining lives. The Company's policy is to fund its retirement plans based upon actuarial recommendations and in accordance with applicable laws, income tax regulations and credit agreements. Net pension and postretirement benefit income or expense is generally determined using assumptions which include expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, compensation rate increases and medical and mortality trend rates. The Company considers several factors including historical rates, expected rates and external data to determine the assumptions used in the actuarial models.
Employee Incentive Compensation
The Company maintains short-term and long-term employee incentive compensation plans. Provisions for employee incentive compensation are recorded in "Accrued“Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits"benefits” and "Long-term“Long-term employee related benefits"benefits” on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company accrues the related compensation expense over the period of the plan and changes in the liabilities for these incentive plans generally correlate with the Company's financial results and projected future financial performance.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has stock-based incentive plans that allow for the issuance of cash or equity-settled awards to certain employees and non-employee directors. The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based awards that are classified as equity based on the grant date fair value of the awards over the requisite service period, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The cash-settled awards are classified as liabilities and compensation expense is measured using fair value at the end of each reporting period until settlement.
The grant date fair value of the Company's stock appreciation right awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The grant date fair value of the Company's service based restricted stock units ("RSUs"(“RSUs”) and non-market based performance RSUs is determined based on the fair value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, adjusted to reflect the absence of dividend equivalents during vesting. The grant date fair value of the Company's market based performance RSUs is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model.
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Compensation expense for all performance based RSUs is recognized over the requisite service period when attainment of the performance goal is deemed probable, net of estimated forfeitures. Compensation expense for market based RSUs, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the requisite service period regardless of whether, and the extent to which, the market condition is ultimately satisfied. For RSU awards with cliff vesting terms, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis. For awards granted to retirement-eligible employees, or employees who will become retirement-eligible prior to the end of the awards' respective stated vesting periods, the related stock-based compensation expense is recognized on an accelerated basis over a term commensurate with the period that the employee is required to provide service in order to vest in the award.
Due to the job function of the award recipients, the Company has included stock-based compensation expense in "Selling,“Selling, general and administrative expenses"expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations.
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income.
Self-Insurance
Up to certain limits, the Company self-insures various loss exposures primarily relating to workers' compensation risk and employee and eligible retiree medical health benefits. The Company carries insurance policies covering claim exposures which exceed predefined amounts, per occurrence and/or in the aggregate. Accruals for losses are made based on the Company's claims experience and actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry, including provisions for incurred but not reported losses.
Foreign Currency
The functional currency for most of the Company's foreign operations is the applicable local currency. For those operations, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. Dollars using period-end exchange rates; income and expenses are translated at average monthly exchange rates; and equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Net changes resulting from such translations are recorded as a component of translation adjustments in "Accumulated“Accumulated other comprehensive loss"loss” on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Foreign currency transactions are transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency. At each balance sheet date, each entity remeasures the recorded balances related to foreign-currency transactions using the period-end exchange rate. Unrealized gains or losses arising from the remeasurement of these balances are recorded in "Other“Other (expense) income, (expense), net"net” in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.income. In addition, at the settlement date of foreign currency transactions, the realized foreign currency gains or losses are recorded in "Other“Other (expense) income, (expense), net"net” in the Company's consolidated statements of operationsincome to reflect the difference between the rate effective at the settlement date and the historical rate at which the transaction was originally recorded.
Share Repurchases
In January 2020,On May 31, 2022, the Company's Boardboard of Directors (the "Board")directors of the Company approved a new share repurchase program that authorizes the repurchase of up to $100$750 million of the Company's Class A common stock. The previously approved $200 million share repurchase program was completed as of the end of the second quarter of 2022. During the six months ended May 24, 2020, 3fiscal 2023, 0.5 million shares were repurchased for $56.2$8.1 million, plus broker's commissions, in the open market. This equates to an average repurchase price of approximately $18.73$17.97 per share. AsDuring fiscal 2022, 8.7 million shares were repurchased for $172.9 million, plus broker's commissions, in the open market. This equates to an average repurchase price of the second quarter of fiscal year 2020, the Company has suspended its share buyback program until further notice.approximately $19.89 per share.
The Company accounts for share repurchases by charging the excess of repurchase price over the repurchased Class A common stock's par value entirely to retained earnings. All repurchased shares are retired and become authorized but unissued shares. The Company accrues for the shares purchased under the share repurchase plan based on the trade date. The Company may terminate or limit the share repurchase program at any time.
Noncontrolling Interest
On January 9, 2020, the Company completed its all cash tender offer for the acquisition of the remaining 16.4% minority interest shares of Levi Strauss Japan common stock at a purchase price of ¥1,570 per share for a total purchase price of $13.6 million US dollars, plus transaction costs. As a result, Levi Strauss Japan has become a wholly owned subsidiary. Prior to this transaction, the noncontrolling interest included a 16.4% minority interest of third parties in Levi Strauss Japan K.K., the Company's Japanese subsidiary.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
Revenue Recognition
In the first quarter of 2019, the Company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective approach and determined there was no impact to retained earnings upon adoption. Results for 2020 and 2019 are presented under ASC 606, while results for 2018 have not been adjusted and continue to be presented under the accounting standards in effect for that period.
Net sales includes sales within the wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. Wholesale channel revenues includes sales to third-party retailers such as department stores, specialty retailers, third-party e-commerce sites and franchise locations dedicated to the Company's brands. The Company also sells products directly to consumers, which are reflected in the direct-to-consumer ("DTC"(“DTC”) channel, through a variety of 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.
Revenue transactions generally comprise of a single performance obligation, which consists of the sale of products to customers either through wholesale or direct-to-consumer channels. The Company satisfies the performance obligation and records revenues when transfer of control has passed to the customer, based on the terms of sale. Transfer of control passes to wholesale customers upon shipment or upon receipt depending on the agreement with the customer. Within the Company's DTC channel, control generally transfers to the customer at the time of sale within company-operated retail stores and upon delivery to the customer with respect to e-commerce transactions.
Licensing revenues are included in the Company's wholesale channel and represent approximately 2%1% of total revenues which are recognized over time based on the contractual term with variable amounts recognized only when royalties exceed contractual minimum royalty guarantees.
Payment terms for wholesale transactions depend on the country of sale or agreement with the customer, and payment is generally required after shipment or receipt by the wholesale customer. Payment is due at the time of sale for retail store and e-commerce transactions.
Net sales to the Company's ten largest customers for fiscal year 2020,2023, fiscal year 2019,2022, and fiscal year 2018,2021, totaled 29%28%, 26%31% and 27%32% of net revenues for those fiscal years, respectively. No customer represented 10% or more of net revenues in any of these years.
The Company treats all shipping to the Company's customers, handling and certain other distribution activities as a fulfillment cost and recognizes these costs as SG&A.&A expenses. Sales and value-added taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis in the consolidated statements of operations.income.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold includes the expenses incurred to acquire and produce inventory for sale, including product costs, labor and related overhead, inbound freight, internal transfers, and the cost of operating the Company's remaining manufacturing facilities, including the related depreciation expense.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses ("SG&A") areconsist primarily comprised of costs relating to advertising, marketing, selling, distribution, information technology and other corporate functions. Selling costs include, among other things, all occupancy costs associated with company-operated stores and with the Company's company-operated shop-in-shops located within department stores. The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. For 2020, 2019fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2018,2021, total advertising expense was $331.4$432.9 million, $399.3$463.7 million and $400.3$434.5 million, respectively. Distribution costs include costs related to receiving and inspection at distribution centers, warehousing, shipping to the Company's customers, handling and certain other activities associated with the Company's distribution network. These expenses totaled $198.3$330.9 million, $227.4$304.7 million and $208.8$244.6 million for 2020, 2019fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively.
Reclassification
Certain insignificant amounts on the consolidated balance sheetsincome statements and consolidated statements of cash flow have been conformed to the November 29, 202026, 2023 presentation.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
Changes in Accounting Principles
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires the identification of arrangements that should be accounted for as leases by lessees. In general, for operating or financing lease arrangements exceeding a 12-month term, a right-of-use asset and a lease obligation will be recognized on the balance sheet of the lessee while the statement of operations will reflect lease expense for operating leases and amortization and interest expense for financing leases. The Company has identified leases for real estate, personal property and other arrangements. The new standard is required to be applied using a modified retrospective approach with two adoption methods permissible. The Company elected the transition method that applies the new lease standard at the adoption date instead of the earliest period presented. The Company elected the practical expedient to not separate lease components from non-lease components for all leases. Additionally, the Company made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial 12-month term or less off of the balance sheet and recognize these lease payments within the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Company elected the package of transition practical expedients which allowed the Company to carry forward prior conclusions related to: (i) whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases, (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and (iii) initial direct costs for existing leases. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.Upon adoption, the Company recognized $1.1 billion of total operating lease liabilities and $1.0 billion of operating lease ROU assets, as well as removed $61 million of existing deferred rent liabilities, which was recorded as an offset against the ROU assets. In addition, the Company removed $43 million and $53 million of existing assets and liabilities related to build-to-suit lease arrangements, respectively. The difference of $10 million was recognize in retained earnings as of the date of initial application. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows. Refer to Note 14 for more information on the Company's lease arrangements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). ASU 2018-02 addresses certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) resulting from the Tax Act enacted on December 22, 2017. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. As a result of the adoption, a $54.4 million adjustment was included in retained earnings with an offsetting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Effective February 24, 2020, the Company early adopted ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment issued by the FASB in January 2017, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under this guidance, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The impact of the new standard will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of future individual goodwill impairments, if any.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The following recently issued accounting standards, all of which are FASB Accounting Standards Updates ("ASU"), have been grouped by their required effective dates for the Company:

First Quarter of 2021
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. The FASB has subsequently issued updates to the standard to provide additional clarification on specific topics. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The following recently issued accounting standards, all of which are a Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), have been grouped by their required effective dates for the Company:
First Quarter 2024
In August 2018,September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15,No. 2022-04, IntangiblesLiabilities - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use SoftwareSupplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 350-40)405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred inThis new guidance is designed to enhance transparency around supplier finance programs by requiring new disclosures that would allow a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The guidance provides criteria for determining which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contract and which costs to expense. The capitalized implementation costs are required to be expensed over the termuser of the hosting arrangement. The guidance also clarifies the presentation requirements for reporting such costs in the entity’s financial statements. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements to understand the program’s nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period, and related disclosures.

Fourth Quarter of 2021
In August 2018, the FASB issuedpotential magnitude. ASU 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20). ASU 2018-14 modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its related disclosures.

First Quarter 2022
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The ASU is intended to enhance and simplify aspects of the income tax accounting guidance in ASC 740 as part of the FASB's simplification initiative. This guidance2022-04 is effective for fiscal years andbeginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the amendment on rollforward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 with early adoption permitted.2023. The Company is currently evaluatinghas supplier financing agreements and will adopt the impact this guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

new disclosures, other than the rollforward disclosure, as required at the beginning of fiscal year 2024. The rollforward disclosures will be adopted as required at the beginning of fiscal year 2025.
First Quarter 20232025
In March 2020 and January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The and ASU is intended to2021-01, Reference Rate Reform: Scope, respectively. Together, the ASUs provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the U.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. This guidance isbecame effective beginning on March 12, 2020, and the Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022.2024. The Company is currently evaluatingdoes not expect that the adoption will have a material impact this guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Fourth Quarter 2025
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This new guidance is designed to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
First Quarter 2026
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This new guidance is designed to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments of this update are related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid, requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 2: INVENTORIES
The following table presents the Company's inventory balances: 
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in millions)
Raw materialsRaw materials$3,882 $4,929 Raw materials$14.9 $12.3 
Work-in-progressWork-in-progress4,725 3,319 Work-in-progress4.2 4.7 
Finished goodsFinished goods809,085 875,944 Finished goods1,271.0 1,399.8 
Total inventoriesTotal inventories$817,692 $884,192 Total inventories$1,290.1 $1,416.8 
NOTE 3: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The components of property, plant and equipment ("PP&E") were as follows:
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
LandLand$8,564 $8,254 Land$8.4 $8.2 
Buildings and leasehold improvementsBuildings and leasehold improvements477,521 516,239 Buildings and leasehold improvements551.9 498.0 
Machinery and equipmentMachinery and equipment486,931 489,746 Machinery and equipment551.8 490.0 
Capitalized internal-use softwareCapitalized internal-use software560,539 511,927 Capitalized internal-use software683.3 682.2 
Construction in progressConstruction in progress24,148 57,659 Construction in progress168.0 165.9 
SubtotalSubtotal1,557,703 1,583,825 Subtotal1,963.4 1,844.3 
Accumulated depreciationAccumulated depreciation(1,103,171)(1,054,267)Accumulated depreciation(1,282.7)(1,221.5)
PP&E, net$454,532 $529,558 
Property, plant & equipment, netProperty, plant & equipment, net$680.7 $622.8 
Depreciation expense for the years ended November 29, 2020,26, 2023, November 24, 2019,27, 2022, and November 25, 2018,28, 2021, was $136.6$160.9 million, $123.9$154.6 million and $120.2$142.1 million, respectively.
During the fiscal year 2020,2023 the Company recorded $14.4 million in charges related to the impairment of certain store assets, primarily buildings and leasehold improvements and $7.3$49.3 million in charges related to the impairment of other property and equipment, primarily within capitalized internal-use software.software as a result of the decision to discontinue certain technology projects in connection with the overall restructuring initiative. Additionally, $20.5 million of charges were recognized, related to the impairment of buildings and leasehold improvements and machinery and equipment, of which $14.3 million was due to the impairment of certain store assets primarily driven by lower than average store performance for certain concept stores in the U.S. During fiscal year 2022 the Company recorded $6.4 million in charges primarily related to the impairment of certain long-lived assets as a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. During fiscal year 2021, the Company recorded $11.0 million in charges primarily related to the impairment of leasehold improvements and other property and equipment. The impairment charges are included in selling, general and administrativeSG&A expenses ("SG&A") in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. income.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 4: ACQUISITIONS
Beyond Yoga® Acquisition
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Beyond Yoga®, a body positive, premium athleisure apparel brand focused on quality, fit and comfort for all shapes and sizes. The acquisition was for 100% ownership of the entity and funded entirely by cash on hand. The results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Beyond Yoga® have been included in the Company's financial statements from the date of acquisition.
The Company accounted for the acquisition following FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, and the related assets acquired, and liabilities assumed were recorded at fair value on the acquisition date. The aggregate purchase price was allocated to the major categories of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values at the acquisition date and the difference between the purchase price and fair value recorded was recorded as goodwill.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the Beyond Yoga® assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
September 21,
2021
(Dollars in millions)
Cash$1.5 
Accounts receivable5.0 
Inventory(1)
18.7 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets0.5 
Property, plant and equipment0.7 
Operating lease right-of-use assets5.9 
Goodwill123.7 
Intangible assets245.5 
Other non-current assets0.5 
Total assets acquired402.0 
Accounts payable4.3 
Other accrued liabilities2.2 
Operating lease liabilities5.9 
Total liabilities assumed12.4 
Net assets acquired$389.6 
_____________
(1)Includes $5.9 million of inventory markup above historical carrying value.
The goodwill is attributable to the Company's ability to expand the Beyond Yoga® brand to more consumers through direct-to-consumer expansion, including brick-and-mortar retail, gender and category growth, and further development of the wholesale footprint with premium partners. All of the goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
The Company assigned a fair value to and estimated useful lives for intangible assets acquired as part of the Beyond Yoga® acquisition. The fair value of the separately identifiable intangible assets, and their estimated useful lives as of the acquisition date were as follows:
Estimated
Fair Value
Weighted Average Estimated
Useful Life
(years)
(Dollars in millions)
Intangible Assets:
Trademark$216.0 Indefinite
Customer Relationships29.5 8.2 years
Total$245.5 
The Beyond Yoga® trademark, which is estimated to have an indefinite life, was valued as of the acquisition date at $216.0 million using the relief-from-royalty method. The relief-from-royalty method requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including projected future revenues, a hypothetical royalty rate, the expected economic life of the asset, tax rates and a discount rate that reflects the level of risk associated with the future earnings attributable to the asset.
The Company has not disclosed pro forma information of the combined business as the transaction is not material to revenue or net income.
In connection with the acquisition, the Company recognized certain acquisition-related expenses which are expensed as incurred. These expenses are recognized within SG&A expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of income and include the following amounts:
transaction and integration costs, including fees for advisory and professional services incurred as part of the acquisition and integration costs subsequent to the acquisition; and
acquisition-related compensation, including amounts due to sellers that are contingent upon continuing employment.
The following table summarizes the acquisition-related expenses recognized during fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021:
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in millions)
Acquisition-related expenses:
Transaction and integration costs$— $0.8 $2.8 
Acquisition-related compensation5.0 5.0 1.0 
Total$5.0 $5.8 $3.8 
In connection with the acquisition, $15.0 million of consideration was deferred up to three years from the acquisition date, subject to the continued employment of certain continuing Beyond Yoga® employees through various vesting dates. The acquisition-related compensation is expensed over the vesting periods as service is provided, and consists of cash payments, which are included within “accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits” within the Company's consolidated balance sheets until payments are made.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
NOTE 4:5: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by business segment for the years ended November 29, 202026, 2023 and November 24, 2019,27, 2022, were as follows:
AmericasEuropeAsiaTotal
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance, November 25, 2018$207,731 $27,264 $1,251 $236,246 
Additions321 321 
Foreign currency fluctuation18 (729)(68)(779)
Balance, November 24, 2019207,749 26,535 1,504 235,788 
Additions(1)
22,445 207 1,710 24,362 
Foreign currency fluctuation2,782 1,928 (92)4,618 
Balance, November 29, 2020$232,976 $28,670 $3,122 $264,768 
AmericasEuropeAsia
Other Brands(1)
Total
(Dollars in millions)
Balance, November 28, 2021$231.4 $28.8 $3.0 $123.7 $386.9 
Goodwill231.4 28.8 3.0 123.7 386.9 
Accumulated impairment losses— — — — — 
$231.4 $28.8 $3.0 $123.7 $386.9 
Impairment losses— (11.6)— — (11.6)
Adjustments— — — (0.1)(0.1)
Foreign currency fluctuation(1.9)(7.5)(0.1)— (9.5)
Balance, November 27, 2022
Goodwill229.5 21.3 2.9 123.6 377.3 
Accumulated impairment losses— (11.6)— — (11.6)
$229.5 $9.7 $2.9 $123.6 $365.7 
Impairment losses— — — (75.4)(75.4)
Goodwill acquired during the year1.1 10.8 — — 11.9 
Foreign currency fluctuation1.1 0.5 (0.1)— 1.5 
Balance, November 26, 2023
Goodwill231.7 32.6 2.8 123.6 390.7 
Accumulated impairment losses— (11.6)— (75.4)(87.0)
Balance, November 26, 2023$231.7 $21.0 $2.8 $48.2 $303.7 
_____________
(1)Additions toComprised of the Beyond Yoga® reporting unit goodwill in fiscal year 2020 relate to business acquisitions, primarily the South American distributor TJC. Refer to Note 1 for more information.

only.
Other intangible assets, net, were as follows:
November 29, 2020November 24, 2019November 26, 2023November 27, 2022
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
TotalGross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
TotalGross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
TotalGross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Total
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Non-amortized intangible assets:Non-amortized intangible assets:Non-amortized intangible assets:
Trademarks(1)Trademarks(1)$42,743 $$42,743 $42,743 $$42,743 Trademarks(1)$243.9 $— $243.9 $258.7 $— $258.7 
Amortized intangible assets:Amortized intangible assets:Amortized intangible assets:
Customer relationships and otherCustomer relationships and other9,786 (5,103)4,683 448 (409)39 Customer relationships and other38.3 (14.6)23.7 37.9 (9.9)28.0 
TotalTotal$52,529 $(5,103)$47,426 $43,191 $(409)$42,782 Total$282.2 $(14.6)$267.6 $296.6 $(9.9)$286.7 
_____________
The amortization(1)Includes the carrying value of thesethe Beyond Yoga® trademark of $201.1 million, the Level 3 fair value as of the test date, which reflects the cumulative $14.8 million noncash impairment charge, all of which was taken in the third quarter of 2023.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
2023 Impairment Testing
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment for the goodwill in certain of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. This qualitative assessment included the review of certain macroeconomic factors and entity-specific qualitative factors to determine if it was more-likely-than-not that the fair values of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets were below carrying value. The assessments did not determine that it was more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets were below their respective carrying values.
During the third quarter of 2023, as part of the Company’s annual review of the Beyond Yoga® reporting unit, the Company elected to perform a single step quantitative impairment test on the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assigned to the Beyond Yoga® reporting unit. The Company engaged third-party valuation specialists and used industry accepted valuation models and criteria that were reviewed and approved by various levels of management. The Company assessed the fair value of the Beyond Yoga® reporting unit as of the test date, May 29, 2023, using the discounted cash flow method under the income approach, utilizing estimated cash flows and a terminal value, discounted at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows. The significant assumptions used in the assessment of the reporting unit include revenue growth rates, profit margins, operating expenses, capital expenditures, terminal value and a discount rate. As a result of this assessment, we concluded that the carrying value of the Beyond Yoga® reporting unit exceeded the estimated fair value by $75.4 million, which was recorded as a noncash impairment charge to goodwill.
Prior to the assessment of the reporting unit, we concluded that the carrying value of the trademark intangible asset exceeded its estimated fair value, which was determined using the relief-from-royalty method. The significant assumptions used in the assessment of the trademark intangible asset include revenue growth rates, a discount rate and a royalty rate. Based on this assessment, we recorded a $14.8 million noncash impairment charge related to the Beyond Yoga® trademark.
Total impairment charges for the year ended November 29, 202026, 2023 were $90.2 million and were recorded within Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The impairment is $5.2 million.due to incremental investments in the brand and team, and disciplined expansion in response to the current macroeconomic conditions, resulting in an adverse impact on expected cash flows, as well as an increase in discount rates.
2022 Impairment Testing
In the second quarter of 2022, as a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Company reviewed the goodwill assigned to its Russia business for impairment and recorded $11.6 million of non-cash impairment charges within Goodwill and other intangible impairment charges on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
For fiscal 2022, the Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment for the goodwill in certain of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. This qualitative assessment included the review of certain macroeconomic factors and entity-specific qualitative factors to determine if it was more-likely-than-not that the fair values of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets were below carrying value. For certain of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including Beyond Yoga®, a quantitative assessment was performed during the third and fourth quarter of 2022. The Company engaged third-party valuation specialists and used industry accepted valuation models and criteria that were reviewed and approved by various levels of management. The assessments did not determine that it was more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets were below their respective carrying values.
Amortization Expense
Customer relationships and other are amortized over five to eleven years. Amortization expense for the years ended November 24, 201926, 2023, November 27, 2022 and November 25, 2018 is immaterial. 28, 2021 was $4.4 million, $4.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
Estimated amortization expense is $0.7 million in 2021 and immaterial thereafter.
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment assessment over material reporting units. The fair valuesfor each of the reporting units were estimated using the income approach or a weighted average of the income and market approaches. The annual assessment concluded that the fair values of the reporting units were in excess of their respective carrying values. The Company does not anticipate any material impairment charges in the near-term. As of November 29, 2020, there was no impairment to the carrying value of the Company's goodwill.next five years is as follows:
November 26,
2023
(Dollars in millions)
2024$4.4 
20254.4 
20264.0 
20272.3 
20282.3 
Thereafter6.3 
Total$23.7 
The Company performed a quantitative impairment assessment over material indefinite-lived intangible assets, primarily the U.S. Levi’s® trade name. To estimate the fair value of the trade name, the relief from royalty method under the income approach was used. The assessment concluded that the fair value of the trade name exceeded its carrying value. The Company does not anticipate any material impairment charges in the near-term. As of November 29, 2020, there was no impairment to the carrying value of the Company's non-amortized intangible assets.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 5:6: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value:
November 29, 2020November 24, 2019 November 26, 2023November 27, 2022
 Fair Value 
Estimated Using
 Fair Value 
Estimated Using
 Fair Value 
Estimated Using
 Fair Value 
Estimated Using
Fair Value
Level 1 Inputs(1)
Level 2 Inputs(2)
Fair Value
Level 1 Inputs(1)
Level 2 Inputs(2)
Fair Value
Level 1 Inputs(1)
Level 2 Inputs(2)
Fair Value
Level 1 Inputs(1)
Level 2 Inputs(2)
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in millions)
Financial assets carried at fair valueFinancial assets carried at fair valueFinancial assets carried at fair value
Rabbi trust assetsRabbi trust assets$71,184 $71,184 $$49,207 $49,207 $Rabbi trust assets$78.7 $78.7 $— $71.5 $71.5 $— 
Short-term investments in marketable securitiesShort-term investments in marketable securities96,531 96,531 80,741 80,741 Short-term investments in marketable securities— — — 70.6 — 70.6 
Derivative instruments(3)
Derivative instruments(3)
4,904 4,904 16,323 16,323 
Derivative instruments(3)
13.8 — 13.8 21.5 — 21.5 
TotalTotal$172,619 $71,184 $101,435 $146,271 $49,207 $97,064 Total$92.5 $78.7 $13.8 $163.6 $71.5 $92.1 
Financial liabilities carried at fair valueFinancial liabilities carried at fair valueFinancial liabilities carried at fair value
Derivative instruments(3)
Derivative instruments(3)
10,735 10,735 8,123 8,123 
Derivative instruments(3)
9.1 — 9.1 8.1 — 8.1 
TotalTotal$10,735 $$10,735 $8,123 $$8,123 Total$9.1 $— $9.1 $8.1 $— $8.1 
_____________
(1)Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs are inputs which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Rabbi trust assets consist of a diversified portfolio ofmarketable equity fixed income and other securities. See Note 10 for more information on rabbiRabbi trust assets.
(2)Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active or inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. For forward foreign exchange contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange and interest rates and, where applicable, credit default swap prices.
(3)The Company’s cash flow hedges are subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. master agreements. These agreements permit the net settlement of these contracts on a per-institution basis. Refer to Note 67 for more information.
The following table presents the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair values of the Company’s available for sale investments:
November 26, 2023November 27, 2022
Amortized CostUnrealized GainsUnrealized LossesFair ValueAmortized CostUnrealized GainsUnrealized LossesFair Value
(Dollars in millions)
Short-term investments in marketable securities$— $— $— $— $71.1 $0.3 $(0.8)$70.6 
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
The following table presents the carrying value, including related accrued interest, and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at adjusted historical cost:
November 29, 2020November 24, 2019 November 26, 2023November 27, 2022
Carrying
Value
Estimated Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair Value
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair Value
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in millions)
Financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical costFinancial liabilities carried at adjusted historical costFinancial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost
5.00% senior notes due 2025(1)
$990,280 $1,016,169 $489,299 $505,757 
3.375% senior notes due 2027(1)
3.375% senior notes due 2027(1)
564,312 583,227 522,524 556,266 
3.375% senior notes due 2027(1)
$518.3 $500.2 $493.9 $461.4 
3.50% senior notes due 2031(1)
3.50% senior notes due 2031(1)
498.7 407.2 498.1 404.3 
Short-term borrowingsShort-term borrowings17,648 17,648 7,621 7,621 Short-term borrowings12.6 12.6 11.7 11.7 
TotalTotal$1,572,240 $1,617,044 $1,019,444 $1,069,644 Total$1,029.6 $920.0 $1,003.7 $877.4 
_____________
(1)Fair values are estimated using Level 12 inputs and incorporate mid-market price quotes. Level 12 inputs are inputs which consist ofother than quoted prices, that are observable for the liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar liabilities in markets that are active markets for identical liabilitiesor inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.are observable.

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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 6:7: DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, the Company had forward foreign exchange contracts derivatives that were not designated as hedges in qualifying hedging relationships, of which $868.6 million were contracts to buy and $335.5$946.3 million were contractsand to sell $741.1 million in various foreign currencies. These contracts are at various exchange rates and expire at various dates through February 2022.2025.
The table below provides data about the carrying values of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments: 
November 29, 2020November 24, 2019 November 26, 2023November 27, 2022
Assets(Liabilities)Derivative
Net Carrying
Value
Assets(Liabilities)Derivative
Net Carrying
Value
Assets(Liabilities)Derivative
Net Carrying
Value
Assets(Liabilities)Derivative
Net Carrying
Value
Carrying
Value
Carrying
Value
Carrying
Value
Carrying
Value
Carrying
Value
Carrying
Value
Carrying
Value
Carrying
Value
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instrumentsDerivatives designated as hedging instrumentsDerivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange risk cash flow hedges(1)
Foreign exchange risk cash flow hedges(1)
$1,489 $$1,489 $6,149 $$6,149 
Foreign exchange risk cash flow hedges(1)
$6.0 $— $6.0 $15.6 $— $15.6 
Foreign exchange risk cash flow hedges(2)
Foreign exchange risk cash flow hedges(2)
(5,036)(5,036)(3,809)(3,809)
Foreign exchange risk cash flow hedges(2)
— (7.1)(7.1)— (7.2)(7.2)
TotalTotal$1,489 $(5,036)$6,149 $(3,809)Total$6.0 $(7.1)$15.6 $(7.2)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrumentsDerivatives not designated as hedging instrumentsDerivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Forward foreign exchange contracts(1)
Forward foreign exchange contracts(1)
$4,902 $(1,487)$3,415 $16,323 $(6,149)$10,174 
Forward foreign exchange contracts(1)
$13.8 $(6.0)$7.8 $21.5 $(15.6)$5.9 
Forward foreign exchange contracts(2)
Forward foreign exchange contracts(2)
5,035 (10,734)(5,699)3,813 (8,127)(4,314)
Forward foreign exchange contracts(2)
7.1 (9.1)(2.0)7.2 (8.1)(0.9)
TotalTotal$9,937 $(12,221)$20,136 $(14,276)Total$20.9 $(15.1)$28.7 $(23.7)
Non-derivatives designated as hedging instrumentsNon-derivatives designated as hedging instrumentsNon-derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Euro senior notesEuro senior notes$$(565,820)$$(525,255)Euro senior notes$— $(517.8)$— $(494.5)
_____________
(1)Included in "Other“Other current assets"assets” or "Other“Other non-current assets"assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Included in "Other“Other accrued liabilities"liabilities” or "Other“Other long-term liabilities"liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
The Company's over-the-counter forward foreign exchange contracts are subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. master agreements. These agreements permit the net-settlement of these contracts on a per-institution basis; however, the Company records the fair value on a gross basis on its consolidated balance sheets based on maturity dates, including those subject to master netting arrangements.
The table below presents the gross and net amounts of these contracts recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets by type of financial instrument:
November 29, 2020November 24, 2019
Gross Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities) Presented in the Balance SheetGross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance SheetNet Amounts
of Assets / (Liabilities)
Gross Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities) Presented in the Balance SheetGross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance SheetNet Amounts
of Assets / (Liabilities)
November 26, 2023November 27, 2022
Gross Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities)
Presented in the Balance Sheet
Gross Amounts
Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
Net Amounts
of Assets / (Liabilities)
Gross Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities)
Presented in the Balance Sheet
Gross Amounts
Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
Net Amounts
of Assets / (Liabilities)
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Foreign exchange risk contracts and forward foreign exchange contractsForeign exchange risk contracts and forward foreign exchange contractsForeign exchange risk contracts and forward foreign exchange contracts
Financial assetsFinancial assets$11,426 $(6,578)$4,848 $21,839 $(10,142)$11,697 Financial assets$26.9 $(13.1)$13.8 $44.3 $(14.6)$29.7 
Financial liabilitiesFinancial liabilities(17,257)6,578 (10,679)(16,290)10,142 (6,148)Financial liabilities(22.2)13.1 (9.1)(30.9)14.6 (16.3)
TotalTotal$(5,831)$5,549 Total$4.7 $13.4 
Embedded derivative contracts
Financial assets$$$$4,446 $$4,446 
Financial liabilities(1,795)(1,795)
Total$$2,651 
The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments designated as cash flow and net investment hedges included in "Accumulated“Accumulated other comprehensive loss" ("AOCI"loss” (“AOCL”) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and in "Other“Other (expense) income, (expense), net"net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations:income:
Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
(Effective Portion)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified
from AOCI into Net Income (Loss)(1)
Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in AOCL
(Effective Portion)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified
from AOCL into Net Income(1)
As of
November 29,
2020
As of
November 24,
2019
Year Ended
As of
November 26,
2023
As of
November 27,
2022
Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in millions)
Foreign exchange risk contractsForeign exchange risk contracts$(11,896)$2,781 $13,182 $3,418 $Foreign exchange risk contracts$(15.0)$22.6 $21.1 $20.8 $(19.3)
Realized forward foreign exchange swaps(2)
Realized forward foreign exchange swaps(2)
4,637 4,637 
Realized forward foreign exchange swaps(2)
4.6 4.6 — — — 
Yen-denominated EurobondsYen-denominated Eurobonds(19,811)(19,811)Yen-denominated Eurobonds(19.8)(19.8)— — — 
Euro-denominated senior notesEuro-denominated senior notes(78,736)(38,171)Euro-denominated senior notes(30.8)(7.4)— — — 
Cumulative income taxesCumulative income taxes31,350 25,606 Cumulative income taxes19.0 7.2 — — — 
TotalTotal$(74,456)$(24,958)Total$(42.0)$7.2 
_____________
(1)Amounts reclassified from AOCIAOCL were classified as net revenues or costs of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations.income.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
(2)Prior to and during 2005, the Company used foreign exchange currency swaps to hedge the net investment in its foreign operations. For hedges that qualified for hedge accounting, the net gains were included in AOCIAOCL and are not reclassified to earnings until the related net investment position has been liquidated.
There was no hedge ineffectiveness for the year ended November 29, 2020.26, 2023. Within the next 12 months, a $11.3$16.0 million lossof losses from cash flow hedges are expected to be reclassified from AOCIAOCL into net income (loss).income.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
The table below presents the effects of the Company's cash flow hedges of foreign exchange risk contracts on the Consolidatedconsolidated statements of operations for the year ended November 29, 2020:income:
Year endedYear ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Amount of Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Activity:
Amount of gain (loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Activity:Amount of gain (loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Activity:
Net revenuesNet revenues$1,814 $(3,908)$Net revenues$1.0 $(1.3)$(4.3)
Cost of goods soldCost of goods sold11,368 7,326 Cost of goods sold20.1 22.1 (15.0)
The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to derivative instruments included in "Other“Other (expense) income, (expense), net"net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations:income:
Year Ended Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in millions)
Forward foreign exchange contracts:Forward foreign exchange contracts:Forward foreign exchange contracts:
Realized gain (loss)(1)
Realized gain (loss)(1)
$8,049 $8,164 $(19,974)
Realized gain (loss)(1)
$23.1 $(18.9)$(9.7)
Unrealized (loss) gain (2)
(5,750)(8,038)31,141 
Unrealized gain (loss)Unrealized gain (loss)1.6 11.3 (5.1)
TotalTotal$2,299 $126 $11,167 Total$24.7 $(7.6)$(14.8)
_____________
(1)The realized gain in fiscal year 20202023 is primarily driven by gains onthe settlement of contracts to buy various currencies, mainlyor sell the Euro as a result ofwhere the U.S. Dollar weakening throughoutweakened against the year against original contract rates. The realized gainloss in fiscal year 20192022 is primarily driven by gainsthe settlement of contracts on contracts to sell various currencies, mainly the Euro, as a result of the U.S. Dollar strengthening throughout the year against lower original contract rates.
(2)The unrealizedrealized loss in fiscal year 20202021 is primarily driven by lossesthe settlement of contracts on contracts to sell various foreign currencies, mainly the Euro, as a result of the U.S. Dollar weakening against the original contract rates at year end. The unrealized loss in fiscal year 2019 is driven by losses on contracts to sell various foreign currencies, mainly the Euro,well as a result of the U.S. Dollar weakening against the original contract rates at year end. The gain in fiscal year 2018 is primarily driven by gains on contracts to sell the Euro, the Mexican Peso and the British Pound, Canadian Dollar and Mexican Peso, as a result of the U.S. Dollar strengthening atthroughout the year end.against original contract rates. The realized gain (loss) is included in “Other, net” under cash flows from operating activities on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 7:8: OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES  
The following table presents the Company's other accrued liabilities: 
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in millions)
Other accrued liabilitiesOther accrued liabilitiesOther accrued liabilities
Accrued non-trade payablesAccrued non-trade payables$177.7 $268.4 
Taxes other than income taxes payableTaxes other than income taxes payable63.3 53.2 
Accrued property, plant and equipmentAccrued property, plant and equipment59.6 93.3 
Accrued advertising and promotionAccrued advertising and promotion$80,272 $62,352 Accrued advertising and promotion44.7 57.1 
Accrued capital expenditures10,378 14,965 
Accrued income taxesAccrued income taxes41.8 13.1 
Restructuring liabilitiesRestructuring liabilities16.6 9.8 
Short-term debtShort-term debt12.5 11.7 
Accrued rentAccrued rent9.9 9.1 
Fair value derivativesFair value derivatives9.1 7.5 
Accrued interest payableAccrued interest payable8,235 5,350 Accrued interest payable8.2 8.0 
Accrued rent22,045 8,232 
Fabric liabilities25,493 
Fair value derivatives10,390 6,449 
Taxes other than income taxes payable34,555 38,592 
OtherOther285,633 244,782 Other126.0 130.8 
Total other accrued liabilitiesTotal other accrued liabilities$477,001 $380,722 Total other accrued liabilities$569.4 $662.0 
NOTE 8:9: DEBT 
The following table presents the Company's debt: 
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in millions)
Long-term debtLong-term debtLong-term debt
5.00% senior notes due 2025$986,252 $487,632 
3.375% senior notes due 20273.375% senior notes due 2027560,448 519,113 3.375% senior notes due 2027$514.9 $490.6 
3.50% senior notes due 20313.50% senior notes due 2031494.5 493.9 
Total long-term debtTotal long-term debt$1,546,700 $1,006,745 Total long-term debt$1,009.4 $984.5 
Short-term debtShort-term debtShort-term debt
Short-term borrowingsShort-term borrowings17,631 7,621 Short-term borrowings12.5 11.7 
Total debtTotal debt$1,564,331 $1,014,366 Total debt$1,021.9 $996.2 
Senior Revolving Credit Facility
The Company is a party to a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended prior to the November 2022 amendment described below, the “2021 Credit Agreement” and, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 23, 2018 (as so amended, the “Second Amended and Restated CreditNovember 2022 amendment, the “Credit Agreement”), that provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility.facility (the “Credit Facility”). The credit facilityCredit Facility is an asset-based facility, in which the borrowing availability is primarily based on the value of the U.S. Levi's®Levi's® trademarks and the levels of certain eligible cash, accounts receivable and inventory in the United States and Canada.
In November 2022, the Company amended the Credit Facility under a new agreement, Amendment No. 5 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 22, 2022 (the “Credit Agreement Amendment”). The Credit Agreement Amendment leaves the material terms of the 2021 Credit Agreement substantially unchanged, with the exception of (i) documenting the exercise of the accordion option of the Credit Facility to increase the maximum availability from $850.0 million to $1.0 billion; and (ii) the interest rate for borrowings under the credit facility replaced LIBOR with Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The guarantees and security interest grants, covenants, events of default of the 2021
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
Credit Agreement, have not been materially changed as a result of the Credit Agreement Amendment. Costs of $0.8 million associated with Credit Agreement Amendment, representing underwriting fees and other expenses, were capitalized and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the agreement.
Availability, interest and maturity.  The maximum availability under the credit facilityCredit Facility is $850.0 million,$1.0 billion, of which $800.0$950.0 million is available to the Company for revolving loans in U.S. Dollars and $50.0 million is available to the Company for revolving loans in either U.S. or Canadian Dollars. Subject to the availability under the borrowing base, the Company may make and repay borrowings from time to time until the maturity of the credit facility.Credit Facility. The Company may make voluntary prepayments of borrowings at any time and must make mandatory prepayments if certain events occur. Of the maximum availability of $850.0 million,$1.0 billion, the U.S. Levi’s® trademarks are deemed to add the lesser of (i) $350.0 million and (ii) 65% of the net orderly liquidation value of such trademarks to the borrowing base.base until removed from the Credit Facility collateral pursuant to the terms thereof. Upon the maturity date of May 23, 2022,January 5, 2026, all of the obligations outstanding under the credit facilityCredit Facility become due. The interest rate for borrowings under the credit facilityCredit Facility is LIBORan adjusted SOFR (SOFR plus 10 basis points) plus 125-175 basis points, depending on borrowing base availability, and the rate for undrawn availability is 20 basis points.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
The Company’s unused availability under its amended and restated senior secured revolving credit facilityCredit Facility was $713.5$942.8 million at November 29, 2020,26, 2023, as the Company’s total availability of $743.8$960.4 million, based on the collateral levels discussed above, was reduced by $27.8$14.9 million of stand-by letters of credit and by $2.5$2.7 million of other credit-related instruments. The Company has stand-by letters of credit with various international banks under the Company's credit facilityCredit Facility serving as guarantees to cover U.S. workers' compensation claims and working capital requirements for certain subsidiaries, primarily in India.
The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also provides that the Company may increaseincur additional secured indebtedness on assets other than the availability undercollateral of the Company's credit facilityCredit Facility up to the greater of (i) $1.6 billion in the aggregate and (ii) an amount that would not cause the Company's secured leverage ratio (as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) to exceed 3.25 to 1.00, in each case if certain conditions are met.
Guarantees and security.  The Company's obligations under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by itscertain domestic subsidiaries. The obligations under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are secured by specified domestic assets, including certain U.S. trademarks associated with the Levi's® brand and accounts receivable, goods and inventory in the United States. Additionally, the obligations of Levi Strauss & Co. (Canada) Inc. under the credit agreementCredit Agreement are secured by Canadian accounts receivable, goods, inventory and other Canadian assets. The lien on the U.S. Levi's® trademarks and related intellectual property may be released at the Company's discretion subject to certain conditions, and such release would reduce the borrowing base.
Covenants.  The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary covenants restricting the Company's activities, as well as those of the Company's subsidiaries, including limitations on the ability to sell assets, engage in mergers, or other fundamental changes, enter into capital leases or certain leases not in the ordinary course of business, enter into transactions involving related parties or derivatives, incur or prepay indebtedness, grant liens or negative pledges on the Company's assets, make loans or other investments, pay dividends or repurchase stock or other securities, guarantee third-party obligations, engage in sale leasebacks and make changes in the Company's corporate structure. There are exceptions to these covenants, and some are only applicable when unused availability falls below specified thresholds. In addition, the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes, as a financial covenant, a springing fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0, which arises when availability falls below a specified threshold. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
Events of default.  The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including payment failures, breaches of representations and warranties, failure to comply with covenants, failure to satisfy other obligations under the credit agreementsCredit Agreement or related documents, defaults in respect of other indebtedness, bankruptcy, insolvency and inability to pay debts when due, material judgments, pension plan terminations or specified underfunding, substantial stock ownership changes, failure of certain provisions of any guarantee or security document supporting the Company's credit facilityCredit Facility to be in full force and effect, change of control and specified changes in the composition of the Board.board of directors. The cross-default provisions in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement apply if a default occurs on other indebtedness of the Company or the guarantors in excess of $50.0 million and the applicable grace period in respect of the indebtedness has expired, such that the lenders of or trustee for the defaulted indebtedness have the right to accelerate. If an event of default occurs under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, subject to any applicable grace period, the lenders may terminate their commitments, declare immediately payable all borrowings under the credit facilityCredit Facility and foreclose on the collateral.
On January 5, 2021, subsequent to the Company's fiscal 2020 year end, the senior secured revolving credit facility was amended. The Amendment No. 2 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 5, 2021 (the "Credit Agreement Amendment"), leaves the material terms of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement substantially unchanged, with the exception that (i) the letter of credit limit was reduced from $350 million to $150 million, and (ii) the maturity date was extended to January 5, 2026. The guarantees and security interest grants, covenants, events of default of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, have not been materially changed as a result of the Credit Agreement Amendment. Costs of approximately $4.0 million associated with Credit Agreement Amendment, represent underwriting fees and other expenses, will be capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the term of the agreement.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
Senior Notes due 2025
Principal, interest, and maturity. On April 27, 2015, theThe Company issued $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior notes due 2025 (the "Senior“Senior Notes due 2025"2025”) to qualified institutional buyers in April 2015 and an additional $500.0 million in April 2020. In March 2021, the Company used $800.0 million of cash on hand to redeem a portion of the Senior Notes due 2025 and recorded a net loss of $30.1 million on the early extinguishment of debt, which included $20.0 million of call premium. In September 2021, the Company used $200.0 million of cash on hand to redeem the remaining Senior Notes due 2025 and recorded a net loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $6.2 million, which included $3.3 million of call premium on the retired debt.
Senior Notes due 2027
Principal, interest and maturity. In February 2017, the Company issued €475.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.375% senior notes due 2027 (the “Senior Notes due 2027”) to qualified institutional buyers and to purchasers outside the United States, which were later exchanged for new notes in the same principal amount with substantially identical terms, except that the new notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). On April 17, 2020, the Company issued an additional $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior notes pursuant to the indenture dated April 27, 2015. The Senior Notes due 2025 are treated as a single series (collectively, the "Senior Notes due 2025") and are unsecured obligations that rank equally with all of the Company’s other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The additional notes were issued through an institutional private placement, which were later exchanged for new notes with the same principal amount and with substantially identical terms, except that the new notes were registered under the Securities Act. The additional notes were sold at an offering price equal to 100.50% of their principal amount. The net proceeds after initial purchaser discounts and commissions and offering expenses were approximately $496.0 million and are being used for general corporate purposes. The Senior Notes due 2025 will mature on May 1, 2025. Interest on the Senior Notes due 2025 is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1.
Ranking. The Senior Notes due 2025 are not guaranteed by any of the Company's subsidiaries and are unsecured obligations. Accordingly, they:
rank equal in right of payment with all of the Company's other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt;
rank senior in right of payment to the Company's future debt and other obligations that are, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes due 2025;
are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of the Company's existing and future senior secured debt and other obligations (including the credit facility) to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt; and
are structurally subordinated to all obligations of each of the Company's subsidiaries.
Optional redemption. On or after May 1, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes due 2025, at once or over time, at redemption prices specified in the indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2025, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. The Company recorded a discount of $13.9 million in conjunction with the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2025, related to tender and redemption premiums paid to certain holders of the Senior Notes due 2020 who participated in the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2025, which will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes.
Mandatory redemption, Offer to Purchase and Open Market Purchases. The Company is not required to make any sinking fund payments with respect to the Senior Notes due 2025. However, under certain circumstances in the event of an asset sale or as described under "Change of Control" below, the Company may be required to offer to purchase the Senior Notes due 2025. The Company may from time to time purchase the Senior Notes due 2025 in the open market or otherwise.
Covenants. The 2025 indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional debt, make certain restricted payments, consummate specified asset sales, enter into transactions with affiliates, and incur liens, and that, impose restrictions on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends or make payments to the Company and its restricted subsidiaries, merge or consolidate with another person, and dispose of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or its restricted subsidiaries' assets. The 2025 indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment of principal, premium or interest, breach of covenants in the 2025 indenture, payment defaults or acceleration of certain other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the trustee under the 2025 indenture or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Notes due 2025 may declare all the Senior Notes due 2025 to be due and payable immediately. As of November 29, 2020, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
Change of control. Upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the 2025 indenture), each holder of the Senior Notes due 2025 may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the Senior Notes due 2025 in cash at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes due 2025 to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
Senior Notes due 2027
Principal, interest and maturity. On February 28, 2017, the Company issued €475.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.375% senior notes due 2027 (the "Senior Notes due 2027") to qualified institutional buyers and to purchasers outside the United States, which were later exchanged for new notes in the same principal amount with substantially identical terms, except that the new notes were registered under the Securities Act.amended. The Senior Notes due 2027 will mature on March 15, 2027. Interest on the Senior Notes due 2027 is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15.
Ranking. The Senior Notes due 2027 are not guaranteed by any of the Company's subsidiaries and are unsecured obligations. Accordingly, they:
rank equal in right of payment with all of the Company's other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt;
rank senior in right of payment to the Company's future debt and other obligations that are, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes due 2027;
are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of the Company's existing and future senior secured debt and other obligations (including the credit facility)Credit Facility) to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt; and
are structurally subordinated to all obligations of each of the Company's subsidiaries.
Optional redemption. The Company may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes due 2027 prior to March 15, 2022, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, and a "make-whole" premium. On or after March 15, 2022, the Company may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes due 2027, at once or over time, at redemption prices specified in the indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2027, or the 2027 indenture, and together with the 2025 indenture, the indentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
Mandatory redemption, offer to purchase and open market purchases. The Company is not required to make any sinking fund payments with respect to the Senior Notes due 2027. However, under certain circumstances in the event of an asset sale or as described under "Change“Change of Control"Control” below, the Company may be required to offer to purchase the Senior Notes due 2027. The Company may from time to time purchase the Senior Notes due 2027 in the open market or otherwise.
Covenants. The 2027 indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, consummate specified asset sales, enter into transactions with affiliates and incur liens, and that impose restrictions on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends or make payments to the Company and its restricted subsidiaries, merge or consolidate with another person, and sell, assign, transfer, lease convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or the assets of its restricted subsidiaries. The 2027 indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment of principal, premium or interest, breach of covenants, in the 2027 indenture, payment defaults or acceleration of certain other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the trustee under the 2027 indenture or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Notes due 2027 may declare all the Senior Notes due 2027 to be due and payable immediately. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
Change of control. Upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the 2027 indenture), each holder of the Senior Notes due 2027 may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the Senior Notes due 2027 in cash at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes due 2027 to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
Senior Notes due 2031
Principal, interest, and maturity. In February 2021, the Company issued $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.50% senior notes due 2031 (the “Senior Notes due 2031”) to qualified institutional buyers and to purchasers outside the United States. The Senior Notes due 2031 are unsecured obligations that rank equally with all of the Company’s other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt and will mature on March 1, 2031. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1, commencing on September 1, 2021. Costs associated with the issuance of the notes, representing underwriting fees and other expenses, were capitalized and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes.
Ranking. The Senior Notes due 2031 are not guaranteed by any of the Company's subsidiaries and are unsecured obligations. Accordingly, they:
rank equal in right of payment with all of the Company's other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt;
rank senior in right of payment to the Company's future debt and other obligations that are, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes due 2031;
are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of the Company's existing and future senior secured debt and other obligations (including the Credit Facility) to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt; and
are structurally subordinated to all obligations of each of the Company's subsidiaries.
Optional redemption. The Company may redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes due 2031 prior to March 1, 2026, at a price equal to 103.5% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, and a “make-whole” premium. On or after March 1, 2026, the Company may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes due 2031, at once or over time, at redemption prices specified in the indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2031, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
Mandatory redemption, Offer to Purchase and Open Market Purchases. The Company is not required to make any sinking fund payments with respect to the Senior Notes due 2031. However, under certain circumstances in the event of an asset sale or as described under “Change of Control” below, the Company may be required to offer to purchase the Senior Notes due 2031. The Company may from time to time purchase the Senior Notes due 2031 in the open market or otherwise.
Covenants. The indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries’ ability to incur liens, other than permitted liens, the Company's subsidiaries ability to incur additional debt, and the Company's ability to merge or consolidate with another person, and sell, assign, transfer, lease convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or the assets or its subsidiaries. The indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include payment failures, failure to comply with covenants, failure to satisfy other obligations under the agreement or related documents, defaults in respect of other indebtedness, bankruptcy, insolvency and ability to pay debts when due, material judgments, pension plan terminations or specified underfunding, and substantial stock ownership changes. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the trustee under the indenture or holders of the Senior Notes due 2031 may declare all the Senior Notes due 2031 to be due and payable immediately. As of November 26, 2023, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
Change of control. Upon the occurrence of a change in control triggering event (as defined in the 2031 indenture), unless the Company has exercised its right, if any, to redeem the Notes in full, each holder of the Senior Notes due 2031 may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the Senior Notes due 2031 in cash at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes due 2031 to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
Short-term Borrowings
Short-term borrowings consist of term loans and revolving credit facilities at various foreign subsidiaries that the Company expects to either pay over the next 12 months or refinance at the end of their applicable terms. Certain of these borrowings are guaranteed by stand-by letters of credit issued under the Company's amended and restated senior secured revolving credit facility.Credit Facility. Short-term borrowings are included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
Principal Payments on Debt
The table below sets forth, as of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, the Company's required aggregate short-term and long-term debt principal payments (inclusive of premium and discount):payments:
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
2021$17,631 
2022
2023
202420242024$12.5 
20252025995,362 2025— 
20262026— 
20272027517.8 
20282028— 
ThereafterThereafter565,820 Thereafter500.0 
Total future debt principal paymentsTotal future debt principal payments$1,578,813 Total future debt principal payments$1,030.3 
Interest Rates on Borrowings
The Company’s weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding during 2020, 2019fiscal year 2023, 2022 and 20182021 was 4.75%4.20%, 5.31%3.96% and 5.01%4.32%, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding includes the amortization of capitalized issuance costs, including underwriting fees and other expenses, and excludes interest on obligations to participants under deferred compensation plans.
Dividends and Restrictions
The terms of the indentures relating to the Company's unsecured notes and its amended and restated senior secured revolving credit facility agreementCredit Facility contain covenants that restrict the Company's ability to pay dividends to its stockholders. For information about the Company's dividend payments, see Note 15.14. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, and at the time dividends were paid, the Company met the requirements of its debt instruments.
Subsidiaries of the Company that are not wholly-owned subsidiaries and that are "restricted subsidiaries"“restricted subsidiaries” under the Company’s indentures are permitted under the indentures to pay dividends to all stockholders either on a pro rata basis or on a basis that results in the receipt by the Company or a restricted subsidiary that is the parent of the restricted subsidiary of dividends or distributions of greater value than it would receive on a pro rata basis.
The terms of the indentures relating to the Company's unsecured notes and its amended and restated senior secured revolving credit facility agreementCredit Facility contain covenants that restrict (in each case subject to certain exceptions) the Company or any restricted subsidiary from entering into any arrangements that would restrict the payment of dividends or of any obligation owed by the restricted subsidiary to the Company or any other restricted subsidiary, the making of any loans or advances to the Company or any other restricted subsidiary, or transferring any of its property to the Company or any other restricted subsidiary.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
NOTE 9: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS10: BENEFITS
Employee Savings and Investment Plan
The Company's Employee Savings and Investment Plan (“ESIP”) is a qualified plan that covers eligible U.S. payroll employees. The Company matches 125% of ESIP participant's contributions to all funds maintained under the qualified plan up to the first 6.0% of eligible compensation. Total amounts charged to expense for the Company's employee investment plans for the years ended November 26, 2023, November 27, 2022 and November 28, 2021, were $20.6 million, $18.8 million and $16.9 million, respectively.
Annual Incentive Plan
The Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”) provides a cash bonus that is earned based upon the Company's business unit and consolidated financial results as measured against pre-established internal targets and upon the performance and job level of the individual. Total amounts charged to expense for this plan for the years ended November 26, 2023, November 27, 2022, and November 28, 2021 were $73.7 million, $104.2 million and $140.9 million, respectively. Total amounts accrued for this plan as of November 26, 2023, and November 27, 2022 were $65.8 million and $106.0 million, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
Pension Plans
PensionDeferred compensation plans. The Company has non-qualified deferred compensation plans for executives and outside directors. These plans, which the Company considers unfunded pension plans, allows for participants to defer a portion of their compensation and, at the Company’s sole discretion, to receive matching contributions for a portion of the deferred amounts. The deferred compensation plan obligations are payable in cash upon retirement, termination of employment and/or limited other times in a lump-sum distribution or in installments, as elected by the participant in accordance with the plan. The plan obligations are measured at an estimate of the benefits to which the employee is entitled if the employee separates immediately. Participants earn a return, or may incur losses, on their deferred compensation based on their selection of a hypothetical portfolio of publicly traded investments. The Company held marketable securities, which are general assets of the Company and are included in “Other non-current assets” on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, of $78.7 million and $71.5 million in an irrevocable grantor's Rabbi trust as of November 26, 2023 and November 27, 2022, respectively, related to the plans. Unrealized gains and losses on these marketable equity securities are reported as a component of Other (expense) income, net in the Company's consolidated statement of income.
For the year ended November 26, 2023, hypothetical returns earned by the participants in deferred compensation plans resulted in the Company recognizing expense as a result of the change in value of the deferred compensation plans in the amount of $9.2 million. During the years ended November 27, 2022 and November 28, 2021, changes in the value of the deferred compensation plans resulted in the Company recognizing gains in the amount of $14.1 million and expense in the amount of $15.5 million, respectively. Effective as of the beginning of the current fiscal year, the impact of changes in the value of the deferred compensation plans, which were incorrectly classified as Interest expense, have been classified as Other (expense) income, net. The Company evaluated the impact of the classification and concluded that the change in classification was not material to the prior year periods.
Deferred compensation plan liabilities were recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as follows:
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in millions)
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits$9.1 $5.6 $7.2 
Long-term employee related benefits$94.8 $94.0 $99.5 

Defined benefit pension plans.  The Company has several non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans covering eligible employees. Plan assets are invested in a diversified portfolio of securities including stocks, bonds, cash equivalents and other alternative investments including real estate investment trust funds. Benefits payable under the plans are based on years of service, final average compensation, or both. The Company retains the right to amend, curtail or discontinue any aspect of the plans, subject to local regulations.
Postretirement plans.  The Company maintains plans that provide postretirement benefits to eligible employees, principally health care to substantially all U.S. retirees and their qualified dependents. These plans were established with the intention that they would continue indefinitely. However, the Company retains the right to amend, curtail or discontinue any aspect of the plans at any time. The plans are contributory and contain certain cost-sharing features, such as deductibles and coinsurance. The Company's policy is to fund postretirement benefits as claims and premiums are paid.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
The following tables summarize activity of the Company's defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans:
Pension BenefitsPostretirement BenefitsPension BenefitsPostretirement Benefits
20202019202020192023202220232022
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Change in benefit obligation:Change in benefit obligation:Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of yearBenefit obligation at beginning of year$1,261,763 $1,136,720 $72,135 $82,907 Benefit obligation at beginning of year$882.6 $1,192.1 $41.9 $57.8 
Service costService cost4,026 3,377 48 65 Service cost2.8 3.9 — — 
Interest costInterest cost30,643 41,341 1,665 3,042 Interest cost39.9 22.5 2.0 0.9 
Plan participants' contributionPlan participants' contribution689 665 4,282 4,256 Plan participants' contribution0.6 0.5 3.5 3.6 
Actuarial loss (gain)(1)
87,443 146,562 1,531 (2,903)
Net curtailment loss(1,009)64 
Actuarial gain(1)
Actuarial gain(1)
(38.2)(251.5)1.0 (10.2)
Impact of foreign currency changesImpact of foreign currency changes10,899 (2,210)Impact of foreign currency changes4.5 (16.1)— — 
Plan settlements(2)
Plan settlements(2)
(64,525)(436)
Plan settlements(2)
(59.1)(1.1)— — 
Net benefits paidNet benefits paid(65,300)(64,320)(12,300)(15,232)Net benefits paid(63.7)(67.7)(9.2)(10.2)
Benefit obligation at end of yearBenefit obligation at end of year$1,264,629 $1,261,763 $67,361 $72,135 Benefit obligation at end of year$769.4 $882.6 $39.2 $41.9 
Change in plan assets:Change in plan assets:Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of yearFair value of plan assets at beginning of year1,091,162 958,576 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year838.5 1,129.2 — — 
Actual return on plan assetsActual return on plan assets161,856 182,309 Actual return on plan assets7.3 (216.5)— — 
Employer contributionEmployer contribution20,865 15,062 8,018 10,976 Employer contribution12.2 10.7 5.7 6.6 
Plan participants' contributionsPlan participants' contributions689 665 4,282 4,256 Plan participants' contributions0.6 0.5 3.5 3.6 
Plan settlements(2)
Plan settlements(2)
(64,525)(436)
Plan settlements(2)
(59.1)(1.1)— — 
Impact of foreign currency changesImpact of foreign currency changes8,544 (694)Impact of foreign currency changes3.6 (16.6)— — 
Net benefits paidNet benefits paid(65,300)(64,320)(12,300)(15,232)Net benefits paid(63.7)(67.7)(9.2)(10.2)
Fair value of plan assets at end of yearFair value of plan assets at end of year1,153,291 1,091,162 Fair value of plan assets at end of year739.4 838.5 — — 
Unfunded status at end of yearUnfunded status at end of year$(111,338)$(170,601)$(67,361)$(72,135)Unfunded status at end of year$(30.0)$(44.1)$(39.2)$(41.9)
_____________
(1)FiscalThe decrease in fiscal year 2020 and 20192023 actuarial lossesgains compared to 2022 actuarial gains in the Company's pension benefit plans resultedis primarily from changes in discount rate assumptions. Changesassumptions made in financial markets during 2019 including a decrease in corporate bond yield indices, resulted in an increase in benefit obligations.2022.
(2)The increase inIn 2023, the Company used pension plan settlementsassets to purchase nonparticipating annuity contracts in fiscal year 2020 was primarily dueorder to a voluntary lump-sum, cash-out program offered to vested, terminatedtransfer certain liabilities associated with its U.S. pension plan participantsto an insurance company. As a result, the Company remeasured the U.S. pension plan, which resulted in a noncash pension settlement charge of $19.0 million recognized within Other (expense) income, net in the last halfCompany’s consolidated statement of the fiscal year 2020. The extent of the funding from the cash-out program exceeded the settlement accounting threshold,income and as such in fiscal year 2020, these activities have been categorized as settlements. Pension plan assets were utilized to settle pension obligations for deferred participants that elected to participateOther, net in the program.Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows. Approximately $21 million of unrealized losses was reclassified from AOCL on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of November 29, 202026, 2023 and November 24, 2019,27, 2022, consist of the following:
Pension BenefitsPostretirement BenefitsPension BenefitsPostretirement Benefits
20202019202020192023202220232022
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Unfunded status recognized on the balance sheet:Unfunded status recognized on the balance sheet:Unfunded status recognized on the balance sheet:
Prepaid benefit cost(1)Prepaid benefit cost(1)$62,161 $27,704 $$Prepaid benefit cost(1)$87.6 $75.2 $— $— 
Accrued benefit liability – current portion(2)Accrued benefit liability – current portion(2)(9,663)(9,480)(7,112)(8,129)Accrued benefit liability – current portion(2)(10.3)(9.7)(5.6)(5.7)
Accrued benefit liability – long-term portion(2)Accrued benefit liability – long-term portion(2)(163,836)(188,825)(60,249)(64,006)Accrued benefit liability – long-term portion(2)(107.3)(109.6)(33.6)(36.2)
$(111,338)$(170,601)$(67,361)$(72,135)$(30.0)$(44.1)$(39.2)$(41.9)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:Accumulated other comprehensive loss:Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Net actuarial lossNet actuarial loss$(296,330)$(358,484)$(12,491)$(11,284)Net actuarial loss$(217.5)$(253.1)$0.6 $1.6 
Net prior service benefitNet prior service benefit259 291 Net prior service benefit0.1 0.1 — — 
$(296,071)$(358,193)$(12,491)$(11,284)$(217.4)$(253.0)$0.6 $1.6 
_____________
(1)Included in “Other non-current assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Included in “Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits” or “Other long-term liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit plans was both $1.3$0.8 billion and $1.2$0.9 billion at November 29, 202026, 2023 and November 24, 2019.27, 2022, respectively. Information for the Company's defined benefit plans with an accumulated or projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is as follows:
Pension BenefitsPension Benefits
2020201920232022
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:Accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:Accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligationAggregate accumulated benefit obligation$168,390 $1,093,503 Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation$115.2 $117.3 
Aggregate fair value of plan assets903,556 
Projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:Projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:Projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Aggregate projected benefit obligationAggregate projected benefit obligation$222,055 $1,142,114 Aggregate projected benefit obligation$118.6 $119.3 
Aggregate fair value of plan assetsAggregate fair value of plan assets48,578 943,810 Aggregate fair value of plan assets0.9 — 
Amounts in the table above decreased in fiscal year 2020 primarily due to the exclusion of the Company’s U.S. pension plans as compared to 2019, as the fair value of these pension plan assets in fiscal year 2020 increased resulting in those plans’ plan assets exceeding the benefit obligations.

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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
The components of the Company's net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
 Pension BenefitsPostretirement Benefits
 202020192018202020192018
 (Dollars in thousands)
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost$4,026 $3,377 $3,602 $48 $65 $113 
Interest cost30,643 41,341 36,070 1,665 3,042 2,718 
Expected return on plan assets(41,189)(42,098)(48,830)
Amortization of prior service benefit(62)(61)(65)
Amortization of actuarial loss13,407 13,306 12,650 324 465 872 
Curtailment loss(650)13 38 
Net settlement (gain) loss14,699 (56)(102)
Net periodic benefit cost20,874 15,822 3,363 2,037 3,572 3,703 
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial loss (gain)(34,821)6,309 15,373 1,531 (2,903)(6,354)
Amortization of prior service benefit62 61 65 
Amortization of actuarial loss(13,407)(13,306)(12,650)(324)(465)(872)
Curtailment gain742 — — — — — 
Net settlement gain (loss)(14,699)56 102 
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss(62,123)(6,880)2,890 1,207 (3,368)(7,226)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss$(41,249)$8,942 $6,253 $3,244 $204 $(3,523)
The amounts that will be amortized from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" into net periodic benefit cost in 2021 for the Company's defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $10.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
 Pension BenefitsPostretirement Benefits
 202320222021202320222021
 (Dollars in millions)
Net periodic benefit cost (income):
Service cost$2.8 $3.9 $4.5 $— $— $— 
Interest cost39.9 22.5 19.3 2.0 0.9 0.8 
Expected return on plan assets(37.7)(31.8)(36.6)— — — 
Amortization of prior service benefit(0.1)— (0.1)— — — 
Amortization of actuarial loss8.9 8.5 10.4 — 0.3 0.5 
Net settlement loss (gain)18.9 (0.2)— — — — 
Net periodic benefit (income) cost32.7 2.9 (2.5)2.0 1.2 1.3 
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial (gain) loss(7.9)(3.3)(21.2)1.0 (10.2)(3.0)
Amortization of prior service benefit0.1 — 0.1 — — — 
Amortization of actuarial loss(8.9)(8.5)(10.4)— (0.3)(0.5)
Net settlement (loss) gain(18.9)0.2 — — — — 
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss(35.6)(11.6)(31.5)1.0 (10.5)(3.5)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss$(2.9)$(8.7)$(34.0)$3.0 $(9.3)$(2.2)
Assumptions used in accounting for the Company's benefit plans were as follows:
Pension BenefitsPostretirement BenefitsPension BenefitsPostretirement Benefits
202020192018202020192018202320222021202320222021
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rateDiscount rate2.8%4.1%3.4%2.8%4.2%3.4%Discount rate5.0%2.4%2.1%5.1%2.4%2.0%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assetsExpected long-term rate of return on plan assets3.8%4.6%5.4%Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets4.8%2.9%3.3%
Rate of compensation increaseRate of compensation increase3.3%3.4%3.4%Rate of compensation increase3.6%3.5%3.3%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount rateDiscount rate2.1%2.8%4.1%2.0%2.8%4.2%Discount rate5.5%5.0%2.4%5.6%5.1%2.4%
Rate of compensation increaseRate of compensation increase3.3%3.3%3.4%Rate of compensation increase3.5%3.6%3.5%
Assumed health care cost trend rates were as follows:Assumed health care cost trend rates were as follows:Assumed health care cost trend rates were as follows:
Health care trend rate assumed for next yearHealth care trend rate assumed for next year5.4%5.7%5.9%Health care trend rate assumed for next year7.0%6.1%5.9%
Rate trend to which the cost trend is assumed to declineRate trend to which the cost trend is assumed to decline4.4%4.4%4.4%Rate trend to which the cost trend is assumed to decline3.9%4.0%3.9%
Year that rate reaches the ultimate trend rateYear that rate reaches the ultimate trend rate203720372037Year that rate reaches the ultimate trend rate204820462044
For the Company's benefit plans, the discount rate used to determine the present value of the future pension and postretirement plan obligations was based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high quality corporate bonds with various maturities. Each year's expected future benefit payments are discounted to their present value at the appropriate yield
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
curve rate, thereby generating the overall discount rate. The Company utilized a variety of country-specific third-party bond indices to determine the appropriate discount rates to use for the benefit plans of its foreign subsidiaries.
The Company bases the overall expected long-term rate of return on assets on anticipated long-term returns of individual asset classes and each pension plans' target asset allocation strategy based on current economic conditions. For the U.S. pension plan, the expected long-term returns for each asset class are determined through a mean-variance model to estimate 20-year returns for the plan. 
Health care cost trend rate assumptions are not a significant input in the calculation of the amounts reported for the Company's postretirement benefits plans. A one percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have no significant effect on the total service and interest cost components or on the postretirement benefit obligation.
Consolidated pension plan assets relate primarily to the U.S. pension plan. The Company utilizes the services of independent third-party investment managers to oversee the management of U.S. pension plan assets.
 The Company's investment strategy is to invest plan assets in a diversified portfolio of domestic and international equity securities, fixed income securities and real estate and other alternative investments with the objective to provide a regular and reliable source of assets to meet the benefit obligation of the pension plans. Prohibited investments for the U.S. pension plan include certain privately placed or other non-marketable debt instruments, letter stock, commodities or commodity contracts and derivatives of mortgage-backed securities, such as interest-only, principal-only or inverse floaters. The current target allocation percentages for the Company's U.S. pension plan assets are 25%15% for equity securities and real estate with an allowable deviation of plus or minus 4% and 75%85% for fixed income securities with an allowable deviation of plus or minus 4%.
The fair value of the Company's pension plan assets by asset class are as follows:
Year Ended November 26, 2023
Asset ClassTotalQuoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$16.9 $16.9 $— $— 
Equity securities(1)
U.S. large cap42.3 — 42.3 — 
U.S. small cap5.3 — 5.3 — 
International62.8 — 62.8 — 
Fixed income securities(2)
594.0 — 594.0 — 
Other alternative investments
Real estate(3)
14.0 — 14.0 — 
Other(5)
4.1 — 4.1 — 
Total investments at fair value$739.4 $16.9 $722.5 $— 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
The fair value of the Company's pension plan assets by asset class are as follows:
Year Ended November 29, 2020
Asset ClassTotalQuoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents$2,337 $2,337 $$
Equity securities(1)
U.S. large cap74,850 74,850 
U.S. small cap14,343 14,343 
International143,408 143,408 
Fixed income securities(2)
859,323 859,323 
Other alternative investments
Real estate(3)
41,699 41,699 
Private equity(4)
228 228 
Hedge fund(5)
11,692 11,692 
Other(6)
5,411 5,411 
Total investments at fair value$1,153,291 $2,337 $1,150,726 $228 

Year Ended November 24, 2019Year Ended November 27, 2022
Asset ClassAsset ClassTotalQuoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Asset ClassTotalQuoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$4,427 $4,427 $$Cash and cash equivalents$5.7 $5.7 $— $— 
Equity securities(1)
Equity securities(1)
Equity securities(1)
U.S. large capU.S. large cap93,019 93,019 U.S. large cap42.8 — 42.8 — 
U.S. small capU.S. small cap13,307 13,307 U.S. small cap6.6 — 6.6 — 
InternationalInternational115,607 115,607 International69.8 — 69.8 — 
Fixed income securities(2)
Fixed income securities(2)
808,546 808,546 
Fixed income securities(2)
687.7 — 687.7 — 
Other alternative investmentsOther alternative investmentsOther alternative investments
Real estate(3)
Real estate(3)
38,076 38,076 
Real estate(3)
14.5 — 14.5 — 
Private equity(4)
289 289 
Hedge fund(5)(4)
Hedge fund(5)(4)
13,328 13,328 
Hedge fund(5)(4)
7.4 — 7.4 — 
Other(6)(5)
Other(6)(5)
4,564 4,564 
Other(6)(5)
4.0 — 4.0 — 
Total investments at fair valueTotal investments at fair value$1,091,163 $4,427 $1,086,447 $289 Total investments at fair value$838.5 $5.7 $832.8 $— 
_____________
(1)Primarily comprisedconsist of equity index funds that track various market indices.
(2)Predominantly includes bond index funds that invest in long-term U.S. government and investment grade corporate bonds.
(3)Primarily comprisedconsist of investments in U.S. Real Estate Investment Trusts.
(4)Represents holdings in a diversified portfolio of private equity funds and direct investments in companies located primarily in North America. Fair values are determined by investment fund managers using primarily unobservable market data.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
(5)Primarily invested in a diversified portfolio of equities, bonds, alternatives and cash with a low tolerance for capital loss.
(6)(5)Primarily relates to accounts held and managed by a third-party insurance company for employee-participants in Belgium. Fair values are based on accumulated plan contributions plus a contractually-guaranteed return plus a share of any incremental investment fund profits.
The fair value of plan assets are composed of U.S. plan assets of $940.4$592.2 million and non-U.S. plan assets of $212.8$147.2 million. The fair values of the substantial majority of the equity, fixed income and real estate investments are based on the net asset value of commingled trust funds that passively track various market indices.
The Company's estimated future benefit payments to participants, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate are anticipated to be paid as follows:
Pension
Benefits
Postretirement
Benefits
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
2021$73,162 $8,040 $81,202 
202270,481 7,510 77,991 
202369,181 7,020 76,201 
202469,406 6,528 75,934 
202569,690 5,994 75,684 
2025-2028340,445 22,464 362,909 
Pension
Benefits
Postretirement
Benefits
Deferred
Compensation
Total
(Dollars in millions)
2024$70.5 $6.1 $9.1 $85.7 
202565.7 5.6 5.1 76.4 
202664.0 5.1 5.1 74.2 
202764.4 4.6 3.6 72.6 
202862.8 4.2 3.7 70.7 
2029-2033295.8 15.7 77.3 388.8 
At November 29, 2020,26, 2023, the Company's contributions to its pension plans for fiscal year 20212024 are estimated to be $13.4$15.6 million.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 10: EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND LONG-TERM BENEFIT PLANS
Employee Savings and Investment Plan
The Company's Employee Savings and Investment Plan ("ESIP") is a qualified plan that covers eligible U.S. payroll employees. The Company matches 125% of ESIP participant's contributions to all funds maintained under the qualified plan up to the first 6.0% of eligible compensation. Total amounts charged to expense for the Company's employee investment plans for the years ended November 29, 2020, November 24, 2019 and November 25, 2018, were $17.3 million, $16.3 million and $14.9 million, respectively.
Annual Incentive Plan
The Annual Incentive Plan ("AIP") provides a cash bonus that is earned based upon the Company's business unit and consolidated financial results as measured against pre-established internal targets and upon the performance and job level of the individual. Total amounts charged to expense for this plan for the years ended November 29, 2020, November 24, 2019, and November 25, 2018 were $51.8 million, $86.6 million and $114.3 million, respectively. Total amounts accrued for this plan as of November 29, 2020, and November 24, 2019 were $49.0 million and $87.7 million, respectively.
Long-term Employee Related Benefits
Long-term employee-related benefit liabilities primarily consist of the Company's liabilities for its deferred compensation plans.
Deferred compensation plan for executives and outside directors, establishedJanuary 1, 2003. The Company has a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for executives and outside directors that was established on January 1, 2003 and amended thereafter. The deferred compensation plan obligations are payable in cash upon retirement, termination of employment and/or certain other times in a lump-sum distribution or in installments, as elected by the participant in accordance with the plan. As of November 29, 2020 and November 24, 2019, these plan liabilities totaled $67.9 million and $52.8 million. The Company held funds of $71.2 million and $49.2 million in an irrevocable grantor's rabbi trust as of November 29, 2020 and November 24, 2019, respectively, related to this plan. Rabbi trust assets are classified as available-for-sale marketable securities and are included in "Other current assets" or "Other non-current assets" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on these marketable securities are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity and included in AOCI on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Deferred compensation plan for executives, prior to January 1, 2003. The Company also maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for certain management employees relating to compensation deferrals for the period prior to January 1, 2003. The rabbi trust is not a feature of this plan. As of November 29, 2020 and November 24, 2019, liabilities for this plan totaled $30.8 million and $29.0 million, respectively.
Interest earned by the participants in deferred compensation plans was $13.8 million, $9.4 million and $0.7 million for the years ended November 29, 2020, November 24, 2019 and November 25, 2018, respectively. The charges were included in "interest expense" in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
NOTE 11: STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $51.3$72.7 million, $79.0$63.6 million and $89.8$64.9 million, and related income tax benefits of $12.6$17.3 million, $19.5$15.3 million and $22.3$15.4 million, respectively, for the years ended November 29, 2020,26, 2023, November 24, 201927, 2022 and November 25, 2018,28, 2021, respectively. As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, there was $55.5$84.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested equity and liability awards, which cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.142.2 years. NaNNo stock-based compensation cost has been capitalized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
2016 Equity Incentive Plan
Prior to the IPO in March 2019, the Company granted awards under the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2016 Plan"“2016 Plan”), which provided for the granting of a variety of stock awards, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"(“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights ("SARs"(“SARs”) and cash or equity settled awards to certain employees and non-employee directors. The maximum number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2016 Plan was 80.0 million shares. Upon completion of the IPO, shares that remained available for future grants under the 2016 Plan ceased to be available and the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”) became effective. Awards granted before the IPO remain outstanding according to the plan’s terms. Outstanding awards under the 2016 Plan are issuable as Class B common stock and can be voluntarily converted to Class A common stock and sold to the public.
2019 Equity Incentive Plan
In March 2019, in connection with the IPO, the Company’s stockholders adopted the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”) which provides for the grant of a variety of stock awards, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights,RSUs, SARs, and cash or equity settled awards to certain employees and non-employee directors. The maximum number of shares of Class A common stock authorized for issuance under the 2019 Plan is 40.0 million shares. At November 29, 2020, the number26, 2023, there were 20.8 million shares of sharesClass A common stock available for future grants under the 2019 Plan were 35.1 million shares.Plan.
2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In March 2019, in connection with the IPO, the Company’s stockholders adopted the Company’s 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2019 ESPP”), which permits participants to purchase a total of 12.0 million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock through payroll deductions of up to 10% of their earnings, subject to automatic annual increases. Unless otherwise determined by the administrator, the purchase price of the shares will be 85% of the fair market value of the Class A common stock on the date of purchase. At November 29, 2020, the number26, 2023, there were 9.9 million shares of sharesClass A common stock available for issuance under the 2019 ESPP were 11.3 million shares.ESPP. The ESPP did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements in fiscal year 2020.2023.
Shares of common stock associated with the above plans will be issued from the Company's authorized but unissued shares and are subject to the Stockholders' Agreement that governs all shares.
Under the 2016 Plan and 2019 Plan, stock awards have a maximum contractual term of ten years, and if applicable, must have an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the grant date. Awards generally vest according to terms determined at the time of grant, or as otherwise determined by the Boardboard of directors in its discretion.
Upon the exercise of a stock-settled SAR, the participant will receive shares of common stock. The number of shares of common stock issued per SAR unit exercised is equal to (i) the excess of (i) the per-share fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of exercise, over (ii) the exercise price of the SAR, divided by (ii) the per-share fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of exercise.SAR.
Stock-settled RSUs which include service or performance conditions are issued to certain employees. Each stock-settled RSU is converted to a share of common stock upon vesting and dodoes not have pre-vesting "dividend“dividend equivalent rights"rights”.
Non-employee members of the Boardboard of directors receive RSUs annually. The RSUs additionally have "dividend“dividend equivalent rights"rights” of which dividends paid by the Company on its common stock are credited by the equivalent addition of RSUs.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021

Equity Awards
SARs. The Company grants SARs, which include service or performance conditions, to a small group of the Company's senior executives and to select levels of the Company's management. SARs with service conditions ("(“Service SARs"SARs”) vest from three-and-a-half to four years, and have maximum contractual lives of ten years. SARs with performance conditions ("Performance SARs") were granted prior to fiscal 2017 and were fully vested prior to fiscal year 2020.Service SARs activity during the year ended November 29, 202026, 2023 was as follows:
Service SARsPerformance SARs
UnitsWeighted-Average Exercise PriceWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)Aggregate Intrinsic ValueUnitsWeighted-Average Exercise PriceWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(Units and dollars in thousands, except weighted-average exercise price)
Outstanding at November 24, 201914,072 $7.51 3.37,634 $6.49 2.5
Granted903 19.42 
Exercised(3,648)6.60 (2,514)6.21 
Forfeited(75)13.75 
Outstanding at November 29, 202011,252 $8.72 3.35,120 $6.62 1.8
Vested and expected to vest at November 24, 202011,235 $8.71 3.3$118,081 5,120 $6.62 1.8$64,189 
Exercisable at November 29, 20208,483 $7.14 2.3$102,000 5,120 $6.62 1.8$64,189 
Service SARs
UnitsWeighted-Average Exercise PriceWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(Units in thousands and dollars in millions, except weighted-average exercise price)
Outstanding at November 27, 20225,865 $13.12 4.4
Granted2,465 16.47 
Exercised(717)6.51 
Forfeited(54)18.49 
Outstanding at November 26, 20237,559 $14.80 5.5
Vested and expected to vest at November 26, 20237,548 $14.80 5.5$17.6 
Exercisable at November 26, 20234,133 $12.39 2.9$17.4 

SARs with performance conditions (“Performance SARs”) were granted prior to fiscal 2017. As of November 27, 2022 there were 2.5 million Performance SAR units outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of $6.10 and a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 0.2 years. During fiscal year 2023, 2.5 million units were exercised and there were no Performance SAR units outstanding as of November 26, 2023.
The aggregate intrinsic values are calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying SARs and the fair value of the Company's common stock that were in-the-money at that date.
November 29, 2020November 24, 2019November 25, 2018November 26, 2023November 27, 2022November 28, 2021
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Aggregate intrinsic value of Service SARs exercised during the yearAggregate intrinsic value of Service SARs exercised during the year$44,119 $54,045 $53,398 Aggregate intrinsic value of Service SARs exercised during the year$6.9 $6.4 $119.5 
Aggregate intrinsic value of Performance SARs exercised during the yearAggregate intrinsic value of Performance SARs exercised during the year$30,953 $27,776 $6,777 Aggregate intrinsic value of Performance SARs exercised during the year$28.9 $2.9 $45.4 
Unrecognized future compensation costs as of November 29, 202026, 2023 of $3.6$9.4 million for Service SARs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average periodsperiod of 2.352.3 years.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
The weighted-average grant date fair value of SARs was estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The weighted-average grant date fair values and corresponding weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model were as follows:
Service SARs GrantedService SARs Granted
202020192018202320222021
Weighted-average grant date fair valueWeighted-average grant date fair value$6.44 $4.49 $2.61 Weighted-average grant date fair value$6.58 $8.49 $9.88 
Weighted-average assumptions:Weighted-average assumptions:Weighted-average assumptions:
Expected life (in years)Expected life (in years)7.05.04.9Expected life (in years)7.07.17.1
Expected volatilityExpected volatility36.6 %37.5 %35.7 %Expected volatility48.0 %46.7 %49.3 %
Risk-free interest rateRisk-free interest rate1.4 %2.5 %2.5 %Risk-free interest rate3.8 %1.7 %0.8 %
Expected dividendExpected dividend1.6 %2.0 %2.5 %Expected dividend2.9 %1.9 %0.8 %
RSUs. The Company grants RSUs, which include service or performance conditions, to a small group of the Company's senior executives and to select levels of the Company's management. RSUs with service conditions ("(“Service RSUs"RSUs”) granted vest in four annual equal installments of 25% beginning on the first anniversary of the date granted subject to continued employment. RSUs with performance conditions ("(“Performance RSUs"RSUs”) vest at varying unit amounts, up to 200% of those awarded, based on the attainment of certain three-year cumulative performance goals over a three-year performance period subject to continued employment. Service and Performance RSU activity during the year ended November 29, 202026, 2023 was as follows:
Service RSUsPerformance RSUsService RSUsPerformance RSUs
UnitsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair ValueWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)UnitsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair ValueWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)UnitsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair ValueWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)UnitsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair ValueWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
(Units in thousands)(Units in thousands)
Outstanding at November 25, 20197,779 $15.56 1.64,311 $16.24 1.0
Outstanding at November 27, 2022Outstanding at November 27, 20224,434 $19.62 2.52,343 $24.81 1.5
GrantedGranted1,771 18.75 847 22.44 Granted3,658 16.02 1,478 19.53 
VestedVested(4,666)15.48 (2,419)15.56 Vested(1,943)18.68 (586)26.64 
Performance adjustmentPerformance adjustment623 15.56 Performance adjustment— — (124)26.75 
ForfeitedForfeited(538)17.47 (199)19.09 Forfeited(518)18.60 (163)21.63 
Outstanding at November 29, 20204,346 $16.71 2.23,163 $18.11 1.0
Outstanding at November 26, 2023Outstanding at November 26, 20235,631 $17.69 2.32,948 $21.83 1.6
The total fair value of Service RSU awards vested during 20202023, 2022 and 20192021 was $88.6$33.0 million, $38.0 million and $1.6$35.5 million, respectively. The total fair value of Performance RSU awards vested during 20202023, 2022 and 2021 was $49.0 million.$9.9 million, $29.1 million, $28.4 million, respectively. Unrecognized future compensation cost as of November 29, 202026, 2023 of $36.8$54.9 million for Service RSUs and $11.3$20.0 million for Performance RSUs is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.27 years2.3 and 1.611.6 years, respectively.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
The grant date fair value of Service and Performance RSUs was based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the time of grant, unless the awards were subject to market conditions, in which case the Monte Carlo simulation model was utilized. During 2020, 2019,2023, 2022 and 2018,2021, the weighted-average grant date fair valuevalues for Service and Performance RSUs granted without a market condition were $18.80, $15.56$16.02, $19.35 and $9.16,$21.78, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value and corresponding weighted-average assumptions used in the Monte Carlo valuation models were as follows:
Performance RSUs Granted
2020
2019(1)
2018
Weighted-average grant date fair value$25.87 $17.95 $10.45 
Weighted-average assumptions:
Expected life (in years)2.82.83.0
Expected volatility37.6 %37.5 %37.2 %
Risk-free interest rate1.4 %2.3 %2.3 %
Expected dividend1.5 %1.9 %2.5 %
____________
(1)The weighted-average information is presented for awards granted during 2019 without including replacement awards granted in connection with the IPO in March 2019, where the Company’s Board of Directors approved the cancellation of the majority of the outstanding unvested cash-settled RSUs and their concurrent replacement with similar stock-settled RSUs. Refer to Note 1 for more information. The weighted-average grant date fair value for the Performance RSUs granted as replacement awards is $28.78 and the weighted-average assumptions include an expected life of 1.5 years, an expected volatility of 36.3%, a risk-free interest rate of 2.5% and an expected dividend of 1.7%.
Performance RSUs Granted
202320222021
Weighted-average grant date fair value$19.83 $21.38 $27.33 
Weighted-average assumptions:
Expected life (in years)2.82.82.8
Expected volatility49.6 %51.4 %54.3 %
Risk-free interest rate3.9 %1.2 %0.2 %
Expected dividend2.7 %1.9 %0.8 %
RSUs to the Board of Directors. The Company grants RSUs to certain members of its board of directors (“Board ("Board RSUs"RSUs”). The total fair value of Board RSUs granted during the year ended November 29, 202026, 2023 of $2.0$1.8 million was estimated using the fair value of the Company's common stock. The total fair value of RSUs outstanding, vested and expected to vest was $9.9$5.9 million and $10.2$7.4 million as of November 29, 202026, 2023 and November 24, 2019,27, 2022, respectively.
Board RSUs vest in a series of three equal installments at 13 months, 24 months and 36 months following the date of grant subject to continued service. However, if the recipient's continuous service terminates for a reason other than cause after the first vesting installment, but prior to full vesting, then the remaining unvested portion of the award becomes fully vested as of the date of such termination.
Liability Awards
In connection with the IPO, on March 19, 2019 the Company's Board of Directors approved the cancellation of the majority of the outstanding unvested cash-settled restricted stock units ("RSU's") and their concurrent replacement with similar stock-settled RSUs ("Replacement Awards"), pursuant to the Company's 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2016 Plan"). RSUs for certain foreign affiliates will continue to be cash-settled. Prior to the IPO, the Company granted cash settled phantom restricted stock units ("Phantom RSUs"), which included service or performance conditions, to select levels of the Company’s management. The Phantom RSUs are recorded as liabilities and their changes in fair value are recognized over the vesting period. Upon vesting of a phantom restricted stock unit, the participant will receive a cash payout in an amount equal to the vested units multiplied by the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the end of the service or performance period.
Phantom restricted stock units with service conditions ("Phantom Service RSUs") granted vest in four annual equal installments of 25% beginning on the first anniversary of the date granted subject to continued employment. Phantom restricted stock units with performance conditions ("Phantom Performance RSUs") vest at varying unit amounts, up to 200% of those awarded, based on attainment of certain three-year cumulative performance goals and subject to continued employment.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
The total fair value of Phantom Service RSUs and Phantom Performance RSUs granted during the year ended November 29, 2020 was $2.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, at the grant date. The total fair value of Phantom Service RSUs vested during 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $6.3 million, $52.9 million and $17.0 million, respectively. The total fair value of Phantom Performance RSUs vested during 2020 was $0.3 million. The weighted-average fair value of Phantom Service RSUs at the grant date was estimated based on the fair value of the Company's common stock. The Company accrued $3.1 million for Phantom Service RSUs and Phantom Performance RSUs as of November 29, 2020.
Unrecognized future compensation cost as of November 29, 2020 of $3.3 million for Phantom Service RSUs and $0.4 million for Phantom Performance RSUs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.33 years and 1.45 years, respectively.
NOTE 12: RESTRUCTURING
In April 2020, the Board endorsed a restructuring initiative designed to reduce costs, streamline operations and support agility. On July 7, 2020, the Company announced and began to implement the restructuring initiative, which it expects to substantially complete by the middle of fiscal year 2021. The adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business necessitated cost reduction actions in advance of plans to streamline operations. In October 2020, the Company announced the next step of the restructuring initiative, which included realignment of its top level organization to support the new strategies, which became effective in 2021. The next phase of the reorganization, including the streamlining of operations, will be completed in 2021.
The initiative included the elimination of approximately 15% of the Company's global non-retail and non-manufacturing positions and is expected to result in approximately $100 million in annual cost savings.
For the year ended November 29, 2020, the Company recognized restructuring charges of $90.4 million, which were recorded on a separate line item in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The charges primarily relate to severance benefits, based on separation benefits provided by Company policy or statutory benefit plans. The Company estimates that it will incur future additional charges related to this restructuring initiative.
The following table summarizes the activities associated with restructuring liabilities for the year ended November 29, 2020. In the table below, "Charges" represents the initial charge related to the restructuring activity, "Payments" consists of cash payments for severance and employee-related benefits and other, and "Foreign Currency Fluctuations and Other Adjustments" includes foreign currency fluctuations as well as revisions of estimates related to severance and employee-related benefits and other. As of November 29, 2020, $54.7 million and $6.3 million were classified as restructuring liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, within the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

 Year Ended November 29, 2020
 LiabilitiesChargesPaymentsForeign Currency Fluctuations
and Other Adjustments
Liabilities(1)
November 24,
2019
November 29,
2020
 (Dollars in thousands)
Severance and employee-related benefits$$85,002 $(24,394)$(4)$60,604 
Other1,781 (313)(1,051)417 
     Total$$86,783 $(24,707)$(1,055)$61,021 
_____________
(1)    Excludes $3.7 million of pension and postretirement curtailment losses recorded in AOCI as of November 29, 2020.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 13:12: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
The Company uses over-the-counter derivative instruments to manage its exposure to foreign currencies. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the forward foreign exchange contracts. However, the Company believes that its exposures are appropriately diversified across counterparties and that these counterparties are creditworthy financial institutions. See Note 67 for additional information.
Guarantees
Indemnification agreements.  In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into agreements containing indemnification provisions under which the Company agrees to indemnify the other party for specified claims and losses. For example, the Company's trademark license agreements, real estate leases, consulting agreements, logistics outsourcing agreements, securities purchase agreements and credit agreements typically contain such provisions. This type of indemnification provision obligates the Company to pay certain amounts associated with claims brought against the other party as the result of trademark infringement, negligence or willful misconduct of Company employees, breach of contract by the Company including inaccuracy of representations and warranties, specified lawsuits in which the Company and the other party are co-defendants, product claims and other matters. These amounts generally are not readily quantifiable; the maximum possible liability or amount of potential payments that could arise out of an indemnification claim depends entirely on the specific facts and circumstances associated with the claim. The Company has insurance coverage that minimizes the potential exposure to certain of such claims. The Company also believes that the likelihood of material payment obligations under these agreements to third parties is low.
Other Contingencies
Litigation. In the ordinary course of business, the Company has various claims, complaints and pending cases, including contractual matters, facility and employee-related matters, distribution matters, product liability matters, intellectual property matters, bankruptcy preference matters, and tax and administrative matters. The Company establishes loss provisions for these ordinary course claims as well as other matters in which losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. As of November 29, 2020, the Company has recorded certain reserves for these matters which are not material. The Company does not believe any of these pending claims, complaints and legal proceedings will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Customs Duty Audits. The Company imports both raw materials and finished garments into all of its operatinggeographic regions, and as such, is subject to numerous countries' complex customs laws and regulations with respect to its import and export activity. The Company has various pending audit assessments in connection with these activities. WhileAs of November 26, 2023, the Company is vigorously defending its position andhas recorded certain reserves for these matters which are not material. The Company does not believe any of the claims for customs duty and related charges will have merit, the ultimate resolutiona material impact on its financial condition, results of these assessments and legal proceedings are subject to risk and uncertainty.operations or cash flows.
Inventory Purchase Commitments. The Company also has minimum inventory purchase commitments, including fabric commitments, with suppliers that secure a portion of material needs for future seasons. In lightseasons, which have a remaining term of less than one year.
NOTE 13: LEASES
Lease expense is primarily recognized in SG&A expenses within the Company's consolidated statements of income, based on the underlying nature of the COVID-19 pandemicleased asset. For the years ended November 26, 2023 and in responseNovember 27, 2022, lease expense primarily consisted of operating lease costs of $378.0 million and $354.7 million, respectively, including $96.3 million and $83.1 million primarily related to decreased demand, somevariable lease costs and $7.6 million and $9.4 million of the Company's orders were canceledshort-term lease costs. As of and a charge for estimated adverse purchase commitments was recorded. For the year ended November 29, 2020, the net charge26, 2023, finance leases were not a material component of $26.2 million was reflected in cost of goods sold in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. As of November 29, 2020, adverse purchase commitments of $25.5 million, which primarily relate to fabric liabilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, were included in "Other accrued liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.lease portfolio.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 14: LEASES
In the second quarter of 2021, the Company entered into an agreement for the construction and lease of a distribution facility in Germany. The facility was handed over and lease commenced in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. The Company primarily leases retail store space, certain distributionrecognized a right-of-use ("ROU") asset of $80.8 million and warehouse facilities, office space, equipment and other non-real estate assets.corresponding lease liability of $91.6 million. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception and begins recording lease activity at the commencement date, which is generally the date on which the Company takes possession of or controls the physical use of the asset. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term with lease expense recognized on a straight-line basis. The Company's incremental borrowing rates, which are based on the information available at commencement date, are usedhas capitalized approximately $57.4 million for Company-owned equipment to determine the present value of future lease payments unless the implicit rate is readily determinable. Lease agreements may contain rent escalation clauses, renewal or termination options, rent holidays or certain landlord incentives, including tenant improvement allowances. Right-of-use assets are reduced by the amount of any lease incentives. The lease term includes the non-cancelable period of the lease and may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise the option. Certain lease agreements include variable lease payments, which are based on a percent of retail sales over specified levels or adjust periodically for inflation.
Lease expense is recognizedbe installed in SG&A within the Company's consolidated statements of operations, based on the underlying nature of the leased asset. For the year ended November 29, 2020, lease expense primarily consisted of operating lease costs of $317.4 million, including $47.3 million primarily related to variable lease costs and $4.2 million of short-term lease costs. As of and for the year ended November 29, 2020, finance leases were not a material component of the Company's lease portfolio.facility.
The Company reviews its right-of-useROU assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may be impaired. Impairment losses are measured and recorded for the excess of carrying value over its fair value, estimated based on expected future cash flows and other quantitative and qualitative factors. DueDuring the year ended November 27, 2022, as a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Company reviewed the ROU assets assigned to its Russia business for impairment and recorded $33.3 million of non-cash impairment charges. During the year ended November 28, 2021, due to the anticipated COVID-19 related impact on foot traffic and consumer spending trends, expected future cash flows decreased. As a result, during the fiscal year 2020,decreased, the Company recorded $44.3$11.3 million related to the impairment of certain store ROU assets. The impairment charges are included in SG&A expenses in the Company's accompanying consolidated statements of operations. income.
Amounts of future undiscounted cash flows related to operating lease payments over the lease term are as follows and are reconciled to the present value of the operating lease liabilities as recorded onin the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
November 29, 2020November 26, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
2021$260,842 
2022225,130 
2023181,301 
20242024143,155 2024$278.7 
20252025109,682 2025228.3 
20262026186.5 
20272027148.1 
20282028114.3 
ThereafterThereafter233,471 Thereafter388.8 
Total undiscounted future cash flows related to lease paymentsTotal undiscounted future cash flows related to lease payments1,153,581 Total undiscounted future cash flows related to lease payments1,344.7 
Less: InterestLess: Interest58,146 Less: Interest186.1 
Present value of lease liabilitiesPresent value of lease liabilities$1,095,435 Present value of lease liabilities$1,158.6 

The following table includes the weighted average remaining lease terms, in years, and the weighted average discount rate used to calculate the present value of operating lease liabilities:
November 29,
2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)5.8
Weighted-average discount rate2.16 %
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)7.26.3
Weighted-average discount rate3.81 %2.88 %

The table below includes supplemental cash and non-cash information related to operating leases:
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflows from operating leases$272.9 $260.3 
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities$334.4 $213.9 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
The table below includes supplemental cash and non-cash information related to operating leases:
November 29,
2020
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflows from operating leases$237,265 
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1)
$151,345 
_____________
(1)     Excludes the amount initially capitalized in conjunction with the adoption of Topic 842.

Amounts of minimum future annual commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and lease financing obligations in accordance with Topic 840 were as follows:
November 24,
2019
(Dollars in thousands)
2020$234,092 
2021203,483 
2022174,536 
2023140,278 
2024111,176 
Thereafter284,114 
Total undiscounted future cash flows related to lease payments$1,147,679 
NOTE 15:14: DIVIDEND
Dividends are declared at the discretion of the Board.board of directors. In January, April, July and April 2020,October 2023, the Company declared quarterly cash dividends, of $0.08each $0.12 per share, to holders of record of its Class A and Class B common stock. In January, April, July and October 2022, the Company declared cash dividends of $0.10, $0.10, $0.12 and $0.12 per share, respectively. A total of $63.6$190.5 million and $174.3 million in dividends were paid during the year. The Company determined not to declare dividends in the thirdyears ended November 26, 2023 and fourth fiscal quarters of 2020.
In 2019, the Company paid 2 cash dividends totaling $113.9 million, the first dividend was $55.0 million paid in the first quarter and the second dividend was $58.9 million paid in the fourth quarter. In 2018, 2 cash dividends totaling $90.0 million were paid of $45.0 million each in the first and fourth quarters of the year.November 27, 2022, respectively.
The Company does not have an established dividend policy. The Boardboard of directors reviews the Company's ability to pay dividends on an ongoing basis and establishes the dividend amount based on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, current and projected cash flows and other factors, and any restrictions related to the terms of the Company’s debt agreements.
Subsequent to the Company's fiscal 20202023 year end, the Boardboard of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.04$0.12 per share to holders of record of its Class A and Class B common stock at the close of business on February 10, 2021,7, 2024, for a total quarterly dividend of approximately $16$48 million. Total dividends are expected to be approximately $64 million for fiscal year 2021 and to be paid out quarterly.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 16:15: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
AccumulatedThe following is a summary of the components of "Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)loss", net of related income is summarized below:taxes:
Levi Strauss & Co.
Noncontrolling
Interest(1)
Pension and
Postretirement
Benefits
Translation AdjustmentsUnrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Marketable
Securities
Net
Investment
Hedges
Foreign
Currency
Translation
TotalForeign
Currency
Translation
Totals
(Dollars in thousands)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at November 26, 2017$(232,181)$(55,618)$(120,630)$4,048 $(404,381)$9,538 $(394,843)
Gross changes4,336 21,280 (43,479)(1,488)(19,351)(234)(19,585)
Tax(1,178)(5,549)5,487 388 (852)(852)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax3,158 15,731 (37,992)(1,100)(20,203)(234)(20,437)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at November 25, 2018(229,023)(39,887)(158,622)2,948 (424,584)9,304 (415,280)
Gross changes10,248 19,026 (7,562)4,362 26,074 312 26,386 
Tax(2,084)(4,097)727 (1,022)(6,476)(6,476)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax8,164 14,929 (6,835)3,340 19,598 312 19,910 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at November 24, 2019(220,859)(24,958)(165,457)6,288 (404,986)9,616 (395,370)
Gross changes60,915 (55,242)10,493 9,758 25,924 (9,616)16,308 
Tax(15,088)13,747 (3,677)(2,922)(7,940)(7,940)
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standards (2)
(47,313)(8,003)872 (54,444)(54,444)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(1,486)(49,498)6,816 7,708 (36,460)(9,616)(46,076)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at November 29, 2020$(222,345)$(74,456)$(158,641)$13,996 $(441,446)$$(441,446)
_____________
Pension and
Postretirement
Benefits
Translation AdjustmentsUnrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Marketable
Securities
Derivative InstrumentsForeign
Currency
Translation
Total
(Dollars in millions)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at November 29, 2020$(222.4)$(74.4)$(158.6)$14.0 $(441.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications16.0 34.2 (38.2)4.8 16.8 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss10.9 19.3 — — 30.2 
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income (loss)26.9 53.5 (38.2)4.8 47.0 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at November 28, 2021(195.5)(20.9)(196.8)18.8 (394.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications7.5 48.9 (51.9)(16.6)(12.1)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss8.5 (20.8)— — (12.3)
Adjustment of accumulated other comprehensive gain to retained earnings— — — (2.9)(2.9)
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income (loss)16.0 28.1 (51.9)(19.5)(27.3)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at November 27, 2022(179.5)7.2 (248.7)(0.7)(421.7)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(1.4)(28.1)53.0 0.1 23.6 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss27.7 (21.1)— 0.6 7.2 
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income (loss)26.3 (49.2)53.0 0.7 30.8 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at November 26, 2023$(153.2)$(42.0)$(195.7)$— $(390.9)
(1)On January 9, 2020, Company completed an all cash tender offer for the acquisition of the remaining minority interest shares of Levi Strauss Japan K.K. Refer to Note 1 for additional information.
(2)Impact relates to the adoption of ASU 2018-02 Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). See Note 1 for more information.
No material amounts were reclassified out of "Accumulated“Accumulated other comprehensive loss"loss” into net income (loss) other than those that pertain to the Company's derivative instruments and pension and post retirement benefit plans. For additional information, see Note 67 and Note 9,10, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 17:16: NET REVENUES
Disaggregated Revenue
The table below provides the Company's revenues disaggregated by segment and channel.
Year Ended November 29, 2020(1)
AmericasEuropeAsiaTotal
(Dollars in thousands)
Net revenues by channel:
Wholesale$1,635,084 $794,142 $294,079 $2,723,305 
Direct-to-consumer710,294 641,434 377,576 1,729,304 
Total net revenues$2,345,378 $1,435,576 $671,655 $4,452,609 
_____________
Year Ended November 26, 2023
Levi's Brands
AmericasEuropeAsiaOther BrandsTotal
(Dollars in millions)
Net revenues by channel:
Wholesale$1,981.4 $804.7 $485.0 $279.8 $3,550.9 
Direct-to-consumer1,105.5 774.8 574.7 173.1 2,628.1 
Total net revenues$3,086.9 $1,579.5 $1,059.7 $452.9 $6,179.0 
(1)
Year Ended November 27 2022
Levi's Brands
AmericasEuropeAsiaOther BrandsTotal
(Dollars in millions)
Net revenues by channel:
Wholesale$2,193.7 $879.8 $458.3 $297.9 $3,829.7 
Direct-to-consumer993.7 717.4 493.8 134.0 2,338.9 
Total net revenues$3,187.4 $1,597.2 $952.1 $431.9 $6,168.6 
For the year ended November 29, 2020, net revenues from both channels were adversely impacted by temporary store closures and reduced traffic and consumer demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of the impact occurring in the second quarter when most company-operated and wholesale customer doors were temporarily closed. See Note 1 for more information.
Year Ended November 28, 2021
Levi's Brands
AmericasEuropeAsiaOther BrandsTotal
(Dollars in millions)
Net revenues by channel:
Wholesale$2,061.3 $1,003.8 $389.4 $206.9 $3,661.4 
Direct-to-consumer873.5 700.2 445.3 83.5 2,102.5 
Total net revenues$2,934.8 $1,704.0 $834.7 $290.4 $5,763.9 

Year Ended November 24, 2019
AmericasEuropeAsiaTotal
(Dollars in thousands)
Net revenues by channel:
Wholesale$2,181,168 $981,308 $498,043 $3,660,519 
Direct-to-consumer875,856 786,748 439,964 2,102,568 
Total net revenues$3,057,024 $1,768,056 $938,007 $5,763,087 


Year Ended November 25, 2018
AmericasEuropeAsiaTotal
(Dollars in thousands)
Net revenues by channel:
Wholesale$2,209,897 $925,317 $464,953 $3,600,167 
Direct-to-consumer832,767 720,919 421,587 1,975,273 
Total net revenues$3,042,664 $1,646,236 $886,540 $5,575,440 
At November 29, 2020,26, 2023, the Company did not have any material contract assets and or contract liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 18:17: OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, (EXPENSE), NET
The following table summarizes significant components of "Other“Other (expense) income, (expense), net"net”:
 Year Ended
 November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
 (Dollars in thousands)
Foreign exchange management gains (losses)(1)
$2,299 $126 $11,167 
Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains(2)
(18,057)(6,231)(7,498)
Interest income8,390 17,190 9,400 
Investment income1,243 1,509 734 
Pension settlement losses(3)
(14,737)
Other(1,612)(10,577)1,104 
Total other income (expense), net$(22,474)$2,017 $14,907 
 Year Ended
 November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
 (Dollars in millions)
Foreign exchange management gains (losses) (1)
$24.7 $(7.6)$(14.8)
Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains (2)
(47.8)1.8 5.8 
Marketable securities gains(3)
3.4 6.9 — 
COVID-19 government subsidy gain(4)
— 12.5 — 
U.S. pension settlement loss(5)
(19.0)— — 
Other, net(3.5)15.2 12.4 
Total other (expense) income, net$(42.2)$28.8 $3.4 
_____________
(1)Gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts primarily result from currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates. Gains in fiscal year 20182023 were primarily due to favorable currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates on positions to sell the Euro and the British Pound.Mexican Peso. Losses in fiscal year 2022 were primarily due to unfavorable positions to sell the Euro, offset by favorable positions to sell the Mexican Peso and Canadian Dollar. Losses in fiscal year 2021 were primarily due to unfavorable positions to sells the Euro and Canadian Dollar.
(2)Foreign currency transaction gains and losses reflect the impact of foreign currency fluctuation on the Company's foreign currency denominated balances. Losses in fiscal year 20202023 were primarily due to thelower outstanding Euro-denominated payables subjected to a U.S. dollar strengthening against historical rates, as well as U.S. dollar weakening against most currencies during the year.Mexican Peso.
(3)Pension settlementMarketable securities gains includes unrealized gains and losses relatefrom marketable equity securities held in an irrevocable grantor’s Rabbi trust in connection with the Company's deferred compensation plan.
(4)COVID-19 government subsidy gain reflects a payment received from the German government as reimbursement for COVID-19 losses incurred in prior years.
(5)On May 30, 2023, the Company used pension plan assets to the voluntary lump-sum, cash-out program offeredpurchase nonparticipating annuity contracts in order to vested deferredtransfer certain liabilities associated with its U.S. pension plan participants. See Note 9 for further information.to an insurance company. As a result, the Company remeasured the U.S. pension plan, which resulted in a noncash pension settlement charge of $19.0 million recognized within Other (expense) income, net in the Company’s consolidated statement of income and Other, net in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
NOTE 19:18: INCOME TAXES
The Company's income tax (benefit) expense was $(62.6)$15.6 million, $82.6$80.5 million and $214.8$26.7 million and the Company's effective income tax rate was 33.0%5.9%, 17.3%12.4% and 43.0%4.6% for the years ended November 29, 2020,26, 2023, November 24, 201927, 2022 and November 25, 2018,28, 2021, respectively.
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into lawThe decrease in the United States. The CARES Act provides relief to U.S. Corporations through financial assistance programs and modifications to certain income tax provisions including temporary five-year net operating loss carryback provisions and a modification of interest deduction limitations.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"), which significantly changed U.S. tax law. The Tax Act lowered the Company’s U.S. statutory federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective on November 26, 2018. Beginning the first quarter of 2019, the Company's effective tax rate reflected a provision to tax Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") of foreign subsidiaries and a tax benefit for Foreign Derived Intangible Income ("FDII"). Inin fiscal year 2020,2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022 was primarily driven by higher benefit from the foreign-derived intangible income deduction on advance royalty and prepaid service income, and no GILTI tax cost and FDII tax benefit reflectedintellectual property transactions in the income tax benefit due to COVID 19 and losses incurred in many jurisdictions. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company made an accounting policy election to account for the GILTI provision in the period in which it is incurred.fiscal year 2023.
The increase in the effective tax rate in fiscal year 20202022 as compared to fiscal year 20192021 was primarily driven by a significant decrease inlower tax benefit from the foreign-derived intangible income beforededuction on actual and deemed royalty income taxes and tax rate reconciling items as a percentage to income before income taxes. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to a $26.1 millionlower benefit from stock-based compensation exercises which includes statein fiscal year 2022, partially offset by a higher benefit from an international intellectual property transaction.
The Company's income taxes, and a $4.6 million benefit resultingtax expense (benefit) differed from the carryback ofamount computed by applying the U.S. net operating losses to tax years with a higher federal statutory income tax rate to income before income taxes as allowed underfollows:
Year Ended
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in millions)
Income tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate$55.7 21.0 %$136.4 21.0 %$121.9 21.0 %
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal impact1.3 0.5 %14.5 2.2 %9.0 1.6 %
Change in valuation allowance(2.0)(0.8)%(0.5)(0.1)%2.6 0.4 %
Impact of foreign operations, net(1)
14.3 5.4 %29.6 4.6 %11.5 2.0 %
Foreign-derived intangible income benefit ("FDII")(55.9)(21.1)%(29.8)(4.6)%(66.0)(11.4)%
Reassessment of tax liabilities(0.6)(0.2)%(7.5)(1.2)%(0.8)(0.1)%
International intellectual property transaction— — %(55.1)(8.5)%(15.1)(2.6)%
Stock-based compensation6.6 2.5 %(5.0)(0.8)%(36.9)(6.4)%
Other, including non-deductible expenses(3.8)(1.4)%(2.1)(0.2)%0.5 0.1 %
Total$15.6 5.9 %$80.5 12.4 %$26.7 4.6 %
___________
(1)Included in Impact of foreign operations, net are foreign rate differential, Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") and the CARES Act, offset with a $18.3 million tax charge for valuation allowance against deferredimpact of actual and deemed repatriations of foreign earnings net of foreign tax assets.
The decrease incredits. This also includes an immaterial amount of non-deductible charges related to the effective tax rateRussia-Ukraine crisis in fiscal year 20192022.

Impact of foreign operations. The tax expense in fiscal year 2023 decreased as compared to fiscal year 2018 was driven by2022 primarily due to a $143.4 million one-timemix of lower foreign earnings, partially offset with ahigher U.S. tax chargecost from actual and deemed distributions.
Foreign-derived intangible income benefit.A higher benefit in 2018 relatedfiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022 is due to the enactment of the Tax Act. Included in the charge was $95.6 million related to re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities, $37.5 millionbenefit from a one-time U.S. transition tax on undistributed foreign earnings,larger amount of royalty and $10.3 million related to foreign and state tax costs associated with future remittances of undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries.service income eligible for FDII deduction.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
The Company'sU.S. and foreign components of income tax (benefit) expense differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income(loss) before income taxes were as follows:
Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
(Dollars in thousands)
Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate$(39,855)21.0 %$100,293 21.0 %$111,755 22.4 %
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal impact(5,246)2.8 %4,496 1.0 %11,102 2.2 %
Change in valuation allowance18,271 (9.6)%(81)%(9,239)(1.9)%
Impact of foreign operations(1)
(8,868)4.7 %7,132 1.5 %(17,149)(3.4)%
Foreign-derived intangible income benefit ("FDII")%(11,918)(2.5)%%
Reassessment of tax liabilities(1,531)0.7 %(6,480)(1.4)%(12,552)(2.5)%
Stock-based compensation(22,332)11.8 %(15,730)(3.3)%(10,715)(2.1)%
Other, including non-deductible expenses1,547 (0.8)%4,892 1.0 %(1,783)(0.4)%
Change in tax law(4,628)2.4 %%143,359 28.7 %
Total$(62,642)33.0 %$82,604 17.3 %$214,778 43.0 %
Year Ended
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in millions)
Domestic$(164.7)$171.1 $197.4 
Foreign429.9 478.5 382.8 
Total income before income taxes$265.2 $649.6 $580.2 
___________
(1)Included in the Impact of foreign operations are foreign rates differential, GILTI andIncome tax impact on actual and deemed repatriation of foreign earnings.
Impact of foreign operations. The tax benefit in fiscal year 2020 is primarily due to a decrease in foreign earnings as compared to fiscal year 2019 which reduced the U.S. tax cost from GILTI and branch operations. The tax rate benefit in fiscal year 2019 decreased as compared to fiscal year 2018 is primarily due to additional tax charges from foreign jurisdictions, Tax Act impacts (e.g. GILTI) and a lesser amount of excess tax benefit on actual and deemed repatriation of foreign earnings.
Change in valuation allowance. The $18.3 million tax charge in fiscal year 2020 is primarily due to net operating losses generated in the current year for which management concluded that it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. The $9.2 million tax benefit in fiscal year 2018 is primarily due to the release of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets of certain foreign subsidiaries, primarily in Japan where management concluded that it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized.
Reassessment of tax liabilities. The $6.5 million tax benefit in fiscal year 2019 is primarily attributable to finalization of state tax refund claims. The $12.6 million tax benefit in fiscal year 2018 is primarily attributable to finalization of a foreign audit.
Change in tax law. The $4.6 million tax benefit is comprised of a $38.5 million benefit for carrying back current year U.S. losses to prior years at a higher tax rate, partially offset by a $27.6 million write off of previously used foreign tax credits that will expire unutilized becauseexpense (benefit) consisted of the aforementioned carryback. In addition, $6.3 million of foreign tax credits expired in 2020 due to the current year U.S. loss. The $143.4 million tax charge in 2018, from the enactment of the Tax Act, was comprised of a $95.6 million remeasurement of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the lower rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, a $37.5 million one-time U.S. transition tax on undistributed foreign earnings, and a $10.3 million charge related to foreign and state tax costs associated with the future remittance of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.following:
Year Ended
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in millions)
U.S. Federal
Current$14.4 $15.3 $12.9 
Deferred(91.5)46.1 (25.5)
$(77.1)$61.4 $(12.6)
U.S. State
Current$11.3 $14.6 $7.8 
Deferred(9.7)(6.3)1.2 
$1.6 $8.3 $9.0 
Foreign
Current$94.2 $110.4 $93.9 
Deferred(3.0)(99.6)(63.6)
$91.2 $10.8 $30.3 
Consolidated
Current$119.9 $140.3 $114.6 
Deferred(104.3)(59.8)(87.9)
Total income tax expense$15.6 $80.5 $26.7 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The U.S.Company's deferred tax assets and foreign components of income before income taxesdeferred tax liabilities were as follows:
Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
(Dollars in thousands)
Domestic$(197,718)$120,692 $151,229 
Foreign7,935 356,892 348,793 
Total income before income taxes$(189,783)$477,584 $500,022 
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
(Dollars in millions)
Deferred tax assets
Foreign tax credit carryforwards$28.3 $104.2 
State net operating loss carryforwards10.7 14.9 
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards40.1 47.6 
Employee compensation and benefit plans79.4 97.2 
Advance royalties185.1 87.1 
Prepaid services57.9 — 
Accrued liabilities17.3 16.8 
Sales returns and allowances35.0 31.6 
Inventory31.2 36.9 
Intangibles199.1 172.5 
Lease liability297.6 276.7 
Other74.2 50.8 
Total gross deferred tax assets1,055.9 936.3 
Less: Valuation allowance(47.4)(49.7)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance1,008.5 886.6 
Deferred tax liabilities
U.S. Branches(25.9)(32.4)
Right of use asset(262.2)(244.0)
Total deferred tax liabilities(288.1)(276.4)
Total net deferred tax assets$720.4 $610.2 

IncomeForeign tax expense consistedcredit carryforwards. The foreign tax credit carryforwards at November 26, 2023, are subject to expiration through 2033 if not utilized.
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards. As of November 26, 2023, the following:
Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Federal
Current$8,396 $13,182 $12,468 
Deferred(79,676)(22,319)126,210 
$(71,280)$(9,137)$138,678 
U.S. State
Current$978 $(2,939)$6,447 
Deferred(6,435)1,002 4,655 
$(5,457)$(1,937)$11,102 
Foreign
Current$23,228 $87,324 $61,605 
Deferred(9,133)6,354 3,393 
$14,095 $93,678 $64,998 
Consolidated
Current$32,602 $97,567 $80,520 
Deferred(95,244)(14,963)134,258 
Total income tax expense$(62,642)$82,604 $214,778 
Company had a deferred tax asset of $40.0 million for foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $165.2 million. Of these operating losses, $71.6 million are subject to expiration through 2043. The remaining $93.7 million are available as indefinite carryforwards under applicable tax law.

Valuation Allowance.
The following table details the changes in valuation allowance during the year ended November 26, 2023:
Valuation
Allowance at
November 27,
2022
Changes in
Related Gross
Deferred Tax
Asset
Change /
(Release)
Valuation
Allowance at
November 26,
2023
(Dollars in millions)
Foreign tax credit and U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards$8.6 $7.2 $— $15.8 
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards and other foreign deferred tax assets41.0 (7.4)(2.0)31.6 
$49.6 $(0.2)$(2.0)$47.4 
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The Company's deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows:
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred tax assets
Foreign tax credit carryforwards$232,164 $157,379 
State net operating loss carryforwards16,054 10,070 
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards58,644 45,047 
Employee compensation and benefit plans102,846 141,489 
Advance royalties10,021 15,213 
Accrued liabilities32,304 24,648 
Sales returns and allowances30,740 22,494 
Inventory25,380 11,635 
Property, plant and equipment12,266 
Unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses18,665 5,527 
Lease liability251,285 
Other17,898 9,557 
Total gross deferred tax assets796,001 455,325 
Less: Valuation allowance(38,543)(19,611)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance757,458 435,714 
Deferred tax liabilities
U.S. Branches(25,330)(27,134)
Residual tax liability on unremitted foreign earnings(7,940)(5,672)
Property, plant and equipment(4,531)
Right of use asset(227,054)
Total deferred tax liabilities(264,855)(32,806)
Total net deferred tax assets$492,603 $402,908 
Foreign tax credit carryforwards. The foreign tax credit carryforwards at November 29, 2020, are subject to expiration through 2030 if not utilized.
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards. As of November 29, 2020, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $57.7 million for foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $227.8 million. Of these operating losses $103.8 million are subject to expiration through 2030. The remaining $124.0 million are available as indefinite carryforwards under applicable tax law.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
Valuation Allowance. The following table details the changes in valuation allowance during the year ended November 29, 2020:
Valuation Allowance at November 24, 2019Changes in Related Gross Deferred Tax AssetChange / (Release)Valuation Allowance at November 29, 2020
(Dollars in thousands)
Foreign tax credit and U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards$2,540 $5,508 $$8,048 
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards and other foreign deferred tax assets17,071 (4,847)18,271 30,495 
$19,611 $661 $18,271 $38,543 
At November 29, 2020, the Company's valuation allowance primarily related to its gross deferred tax assets for state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards which reduced such assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized.
Unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries. The Company historically provided for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries unless they were considered indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. The Company reevaluated its historichistorical indefinite reinvestment assertion as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act" enacted on December 22, 2017) and determined that any historical undistributed earnings through November 25, 2018 of foreign subsidiaries, as well as most of the additional undistributed earnings generated through November 2020,2023, are no longer considered to be indefinitely reinvested. The deferred tax liability related to foreign and state tax costs associated with the future remittance of these undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries was $8.2 million.$8.6 million (included in Other deferred tax assets and liabilities).
Uncertain Income Tax Positions
As of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, the Company’s total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $32.3$42.3 million, of which $28.8$40.2 million could impact the effective tax rate, if recognized, as compared to November 24, 2019,27, 2022, when the Company’s total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $36.6$38.1 million, of which $33.1$35.9 million could have impacted the effective tax rate, if recognized.
The following table reflects the changes to the Company's unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended November 29, 2020 and November 24, 2019:benefits:
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Unrecognized tax benefits beginning balanceUnrecognized tax benefits beginning balance$36,559 $26,594 Unrecognized tax benefits beginning balance$38.1 $30.7 $32.3 
Increases related to current year tax positionsIncreases related to current year tax positions1,575 2,432 Increases related to current year tax positions4.1 10.2 1.1 
Increases related to tax positions from prior yearsIncreases related to tax positions from prior years262 3,696 Increases related to tax positions from prior years1.9 0.1 — 
Decreases related to tax positions from prior yearsDecreases related to tax positions from prior years(889)(3,222)Decreases related to tax positions from prior years— (0.3)(1.7)
Settlement with tax authoritiesSettlement with tax authorities(4,322)7,119 Settlement with tax authorities(1.7)(1.5)(0.4)
Lapses of statutes of limitationLapses of statutes of limitation(446)(45)Lapses of statutes of limitation(0.2)(0.8)(0.4)
Other, including foreign currency translationOther, including foreign currency translation(453)(15)Other, including foreign currency translation0.1 (0.3)(0.2)
Unrecognized tax benefits ending balanceUnrecognized tax benefits ending balance$32,286 $36,559 Unrecognized tax benefits ending balance$42.3 $38.1 $30.7 
The Company evaluates all domestic and foreign audit issues and believes that it is reasonably possible that total gross unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by as much as $1.1 millionwill not significantly change within the next twelve12 months.
As of November 29, 202026, 2023 and November 24, 2019,27, 2022, accrued interest and penalties primarily relating to non-U.S. jurisdictions were $1.2$0.4 million and $1.7$1.4 million, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
The Company files income tax returns in the United States and in various foreign (including Belgium, Hong Kong, India, Mexico and Russia)Canada), state and local jurisdictions. With few exceptions, examinations have been completed by tax authorities or the statute of limitations has expired for United States federal, foreign, state and local income tax returns filed by the Company for years through 2008.2014.
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) into law. The IRA contains a number of revisions to the Internal Revenue Code, including a 15% corporate minimum income tax for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022. It also assesses a 1% excise tax on repurchases of corporate stock. While these tax law changes have no immediate effect and are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations going forward, we will continue to evaluate its impact as further information becomes available.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 26, 2023, NOVEMBER 27, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2021
NOTE 20: (LOSS)19: EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to common stockholders adjusts the basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to common stockholders and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the potentially dilutive impact of RSUs and stock appreciation rights using the treasury stock method. The following table sets forth the computation of the Company's basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:
Year Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Numerator:
Net (loss) income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$(127,141)$394,612 $283,142 
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic397,315,117 389,082,277 377,139,847 
Dilutive effect of stock awards19,283,625 11,467,514 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted397,315,117 408,365,902 388,607,361 
(Loss) earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic$(0.32)$1.01 $0.75 
Diluted$(0.32)$0.97 $0.73 
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders174,923 755,550 
Diluted net (loss) earnings per common share attributable to Levi Strauss & Co. for the year ended November 29, 2020 excluded all potentially dilutive securities because there was a net loss for the period and, as such, the inclusion of these securities would have been anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted (loss) earnings per common share were 23.2 million shares for the year ended November 29, 2020.
Year Ended
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$249.6 $569.1 $553.5 
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic397,208,535 397,341,137 401,634,760 
Dilutive effect of stock awards4,514,632 6,503,645 8,143,409 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted401,723,167 403,844,782 409,778,169 
Earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic$0.63 $1.43 $1.38 
Diluted$0.62 $1.41 $1.35 
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders5,408,781 2,153,183 12,973 
NOTE 21:20: RELATED PARTIES
Charles V. Bergh, President and Chief Executive Officer Peter E. Haas Jr.,is a directormember of the Company who retired in September 2019, and Marc Rosen, Executive Vice President and President, Americas, are board membersof directors of the Levi Strauss Foundation, which is not a consolidated entity of the Company. Seth R. Jaffe, ExecutiveDavid Jedrzejek, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, is Vice President of the Levi Strauss Foundation. Mr. Jedrzejek was elected Vice President of the Levi Strauss Foundation as of September 26, 2023. During fiscal years 2020, 2019,2023, 2022, and 2018, the Company donated $9.9 million, $9.7 million, and $7.5 million, respectively,2021, donations to the Levi Strauss Foundation.Foundation were $11.3 million, $12.8 million, and $3.6 million, respectively, and the Company recognized expenses related to their donation commitments of $2.2 million, $11.4 million and $13.7 million, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 22:21: BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company manages its business according to 3 regionalthree reportable segments: the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Asia, collectively comprising the Company's Levi's Brands business, which includes the Levi's, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen® brands. Other Brands, which includes Dockers® and Beyond Yoga® businesses do not meet the quantitative thresholds for reportable segments and therefore are presented under the caption of Other Brands. Corporate expenses are comprised of selling, general and administrative expenses that management does not attribute to any of our operating segments and these expenses primarily relate to corporate administration, information resources, finance and human resources functional and organizational costs.
The Company considers its chief executive officer to be the Company’sits chief operating decision maker. The Company’s chief operating decision maker manages business operations, evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the regional segments’ net revenues and operating income. The Company reports inventories by segment as that information is used by the chief operating decision maker in assessing segment performance. The Company does not report its other assets by segment as that information is not used by the chief operating decision maker in assessing segment performance.
Business segment information for the Company is as follows:
Year Ended Year Ended
November 29,
2020(1)
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in millions)
Net revenues:Net revenues:Net revenues:
AmericasAmericas$2,345,378 $3,057,024 $3,042,664 Americas$3,086.9 $3,187.4 $2,934.8 
EuropeEurope1,435,576 1,768,056 1,646,236 Europe1,579.5 1,597.2 1,704.0 
AsiaAsia671,655 938,007 886,540 Asia1,059.7 952.1 834.7 
Total segment net revenuesTotal segment net revenues5,726.1 5,736.7 5,473.5 
Other BrandsOther Brands452.9 431.9 290.4 
Total net revenuesTotal net revenues$4,452,609 $5,763,087 $5,575,440 Total net revenues$6,179.0 $6,168.6 $5,763.9 
Operating income:
Income before income taxes:Income before income taxes:
AmericasAmericas$332,213 $545,084 $551,380 Americas$535.3 $654.4 $660.2 
EuropeEurope206,360 353,082 292,903 Europe305.0 349.9 396.4 
AsiaAsia(21,813)85,824 86,573 Asia147.2 111.2 35.1 
Regional operating income516,760 983,990 930,856 
Corporate:
Restructuring charges, net90,415 
Other corporate staff costs and expenses(2)
511,464 417,315 390,445 
Corporate expenses601,879 417,315 390,445 
Total operating income(85,119)566,675 540,411 
Total segment operating incomeTotal segment operating income987.5 1,115.5 1,091.7 
Other BrandsOther Brands(0.1)17.1 10.4 
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges(1)
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges(1)
(90.2)(11.6)— 
Corporate expenses(2)
Corporate expenses(2)
(543.9)(474.5)(415.9)
Interest expenseInterest expense(82,190)(66,248)(55,296)Interest expense(45.9)(25.7)(72.9)
Underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling stockholders(24,860)
Loss on early extinguishment of debtLoss on early extinguishment of debt— — (36.5)
Other (expense) income, net(3)
Other (expense) income, net(3)
(22,474)2,017 14,907 
Other (expense) income, net(3)
(42.2)28.8 3.4 
(Loss) income before income taxes$(189,783)$477,584 $500,022 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes$265.2 $649.6 $580.2 
___________
(1)For the year ended November 29, 2020,26, 2023, goodwill and other intangible asset impairment includes impairment charges of $75.4 million related to Beyond Yoga® reporting unit goodwill and $14.8 million related to the Company's businessBeyond Yoga® trademark. For the year ended November 27, 2022, goodwill and results of operations were impacted by temporary store closures and reduced traffic and consumer demand as a result ofother intangible asset impairment includes $11.6 million related to goodwill assigned to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of the impact occurring in the second quarter as most company-operated and wholesale customer doors were temporarily closed. Refer to Note 1 for more information.Russia business.
(2)Corporate staff costs and expenses for the year ended November 29, 202027, 2022 includes incremental COVID-19$37.4 million in impairment charges related charges that management does not attribute to anycertain store right-of-use assets and property, plant and equipment, net of a $15.8 million gain on the regional segments in order to provide increased transparency and comparabilitytermination of regional performance. These charges include $42.3 million of incremental inventory reserves of which $26.3 million, $9.1 million and $6.9 million werestore leases related to the Americas,Russia-Ukraine crisis which are considered part of the Company's Europe and Asia regional segments, respectively, and charges for adverse fabric purchase commitments of $1.2 million related to the Asia regional segment. Net charges related to incremental allowance for doubtful accounts of $5.2 million were recognized, of which $5.0 million and $0.2 million were related to the Americas and Europe regional segments, respectively. Additionally, the Company recognized $58.7 million in impairment of long-lived assets related to certain retail locations, of which $50.0 million, $6.3 million and $2.4 million, were related to the Americas, Europe and Asia regional segments, respectively. Refer to Note 1 for additional information.
(3)Includes $14.7 million inFor the year ended November 26, 2023, Other (expense) income, net includes a noncash pension settlement losses in fiscal year 2020 relatedcharge recorded during the third quarter. For more information, refer to the voluntary lump-sum, cash-out program offered to vested deferred U.S. pension plan participants. See Note 9 for further information.10.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
Year EndedYear Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Depreciation and amortization expense:Depreciation and amortization expense:Depreciation and amortization expense:
AmericasAmericas$53,294 $45,884 $43,478 Americas$51.4 $39.7 $39.1 
EuropeEurope23,677 23,595 22,658 Europe19.3 19.0 23.3 
AsiaAsia12,932 12,110 10,750 Asia12.9 12.3 13.3 
Corporate51,892 42,353 43,319 
Total segment depreciation and amortization expenseTotal segment depreciation and amortization expense83.6 71.0 75.7 
Other Brands and unallocatedOther Brands and unallocated81.7 87.9 67.5 
Total depreciation and amortization expenseTotal depreciation and amortization expense$141,795 $123,942 $120,205 Total depreciation and amortization expense$165.3 $158.9 $143.2 

November 26, 2023
November 29, 2020
AmericasEuropeAsiaUnallocatedConsolidated TotalAmericasEuropeAsiaSegment Total
Unallocated(1)
Consolidated Total
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Assets:Assets:Assets:
InventoriesInventories$409,028 $174,737 $167,797 $66,130 $817,692 Inventories$673.1 $160.1 $181.0 $1,014.2 $275.9 $1,290.1 
All other assetsAll other assets4,823,549 4,823,549 All other assets— — — — 4,763.5 4,763.5 
Total assetsTotal assets$5,641,241 Total assets$6,053.6 
___________

(1)
Unallocated inventories include $195.1 million of Other Brands inventory.
November 27, 2022
November 24, 2019
AmericasEuropeAsiaUnallocatedConsolidated TotalAmericasEuropeAsiaSegment Total
Unallocated(1)
Consolidated Total
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Assets:Assets:Assets:
InventoriesInventories$456,611 $180,949 $157,892 $88,740 $884,192 Inventories$786.6 $207.8 $204.5 $1,198.9 $217.9 $1,416.8 
All other assetsAll other assets3,348,226 3,348,226 All other assets— — — — 4,621.0 4,621.0 
Total assetsTotal assets$4,232,418 Total assets$6,037.8 
___________
(1)Unallocated inventories include $125.4 million of Other Brands inventory.

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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
Geographic information for the Company was as follows:
Year EndedYear Ended
November 29,
2020
November 24,
2019
November 25,
2018
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in millions)
Net revenues:Net revenues:Net revenues:
United StatesUnited States$1,943,522 $2,525,325 $2,546,907 United States$2,691.9 $2,883.5 $2,594.5 
Foreign countriesForeign countries2,509,087 3,237,762 3,028,533 Foreign countries3,487.1 3,285.1 3,169.4 
Total net revenuesTotal net revenues$4,452,609 $5,763,087 $5,575,440 Total net revenues$6,179.0 $6,168.6 $5,763.9 
Net deferred tax assets:Net deferred tax assets:Net deferred tax assets:
United StatesUnited States$404,800 $327,980 $313,644 United States$463.8 $379.0 $422.0 
Foreign countriesForeign countries92,756 79,925 84,147 Foreign countries265.7 246.0 151.1 
Total net deferred tax assetsTotal net deferred tax assets$497,556 $407,905 $397,791 Total net deferred tax assets$729.5 $625.0 $573.1 
Long-lived assets:Long-lived assets:Long-lived assets:
United StatesUnited States$317,102 $376,883 $335,705 United States$461.8 $454.2 $358.5 
Foreign countriesForeign countries168,437 194,762 154,767 Foreign countries249.8 196.9 174.1 
Total long-lived assetsTotal long-lived assets$485,539 $571,645 $490,472 Total long-lived assets$711.6 $651.1 $532.6 

NOTE 22: SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Changes in operating assets and liabilities affecting cash were as follows:
Year Ended
November 26,
2023
November 27,
2022
November 28,
2021
(Dollars in millions)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables$(49.9)$(6.7)$(181.5)
Inventories142.9 (543.0)(84.7)
Accounts payable(95.7)134.6 150.5 
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits and long-term employee related benefits(42.7)(37.5)101.6 
Right-of use operating lease assets and current and non-current operating lease liabilities, net3.7 (5.0)(5.9)
Other current and non-current assets(22.2)(120.5)(28.3)
Other current and long-term liabilities(44.6)27.8 24.5 
Net change in operating assets and liabilities$(108.5)$(550.3)$(23.8)


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020,26, 2023, NOVEMBER 24, 201927, 2022 AND NOVEMBER 25, 201828, 2021
NOTE 23: QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Set forth below areIn first quarter of 2024, our Board of Directors (the "Board") endorsed a multi-year global productivity initiative, “Project Fuel”, designed to optimize our operating model and fuel long-term profitable growth. The first phase of the consolidated statements of operations forglobal productivity initiative is expected to occur in the first second, thirdhalf of 2024 and fourth quartersis expected to include the elimination of 2020 and 2019.
Year Ended November 29, 2020First
Quarter
Second
Quarter (2)
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net revenues(1)
$1,506,126 $497,542 $1,063,085 $1,385,856 
Cost of goods sold666,799 327,890 485,687 619,309 
Gross profit839,327 169,652 577,398 766,547 
Selling, general and administrative expenses660,545 550,525 484,002 652,556 
Restructuring charges, net67,371 1,071 21,973 
Operating income (loss)178,782 (448,244)92,325 92,018 
Interest expense(16,654)(11,246)(28,437)(25,853)
Other income (expense), net2,700 1,305 (12,274)(14,205)
Income before income taxes164,828 (458,185)51,614 51,960 
Income tax expense (benefit)12,139 (94,636)24,565 (4,710)
Net income (loss) attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$152,689 $(363,549)$27,049 $56,670 
Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to common stockholders(3):
Basic$0.39 $(0.91)$0.07 $0.14 
Diluted$0.37 $(0.91)$0.07 $0.14 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted
Basic396,216,057 397,484,849 397,711,322 398,383,193 
Diluted410,068,373 397,484,849 407,677,385 408,784,914 
Cash dividends declared per share$0.08 $0.08 $$
_____________
(1)For the year ended November 29, 2020, net revenues from both channels were adversely impacted by temporary store closures and reduced traffic and consumer demand asapproximately 10% - 15% of positions within our global corporate employee population. As a result, of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of the impact occurring in the secondfirst quarter when most company-operated and wholesale customer doors were temporarily closed. See Note 1 for more information.
(2)During the second quarter, $242.0 million in incremental charges were recognized in connection with the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business. The $242.0 million comprised of $67.4 million of2024, we expect to record estimated pre-tax restructuring charges COVID-19 related inventory costs of $86.6$110 million and otherto $120 million. As this initiative progresses, the Company may incur additional restructuring charges for customer receivables and asset impairments of $88.0 million. These estimates were subsequently updated based on changes in underlying facts and circumstances. For further information referwhich could be significant to Note 1.
(3)The sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal the full-year amount, as the computations of the weighted-average number of common basic and diluted shares outstanding for eacha future fiscal quarter and the full year are performed independently.

or year.
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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 29, 2020, NOVEMBER 24, 2019 AND NOVEMBER 25, 2018
Year Ended November 24, 2019First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net revenues$1,434,458 $1,312,940 $1,447,081 $1,568,608 
Cost of goods sold651,650 612,517 680,335 717,212 
Gross profit782,808 700,423 766,746 851,396 
Selling, general and administrative expenses581,896 637,525 595,528 719,749 
Operating income200,912 62,898 171,218 131,647 
Interest expense(17,544)(15,126)(15,292)(18,286)
Underwriter commission paid on behalf of selling0 (24,860)0 0 
Other (expense) income, net(1,646)3,166 (4,369)4,866 
Income before income taxes181,722 26,078 151,557 118,227 
Income tax expense (benefit)(1)
35,271 (2,429)27,340 22,422 
Net (loss) income146,451 28,507 124,217 95,805 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest126 (277)292 (509)
Net (loss) income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$146,577 $28,230 $124,509 $95,296 
Earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders(2):
Basic$0.39 $0.07 $0.32 $0.24 
Diluted$0.37 $0.07 $0.30 $0.23 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted
Basic377,077,111 389,518,461 394,169,688 394,670,867 
Diluted393,234,825 409,332,997 413,639,749 411,984,817 
Cash dividends declared per share$0.29 $$$0.01 
_____________
(1)The Income tax benefit in the second quarter is due to lower income taxes from less operating income and an excess tax benefit recognized related to the exercise of employee stock-based compensation.
(2)The sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal the full-year amount, as the computations of the weighted-average number of common basic and diluted shares outstanding for each quarter and the full year are performed independently.





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Item 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None. 
Item 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
We have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") as of November 29, 2020.26, 2023. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that as of November 29, 2020,26, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Management's annual report on internal control over financial reporting
Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of November 29, 202026, 2023 and concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of such date. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of November 29, 202026, 2023 as stated in their report included under Item 8.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
We maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that our
books and records accurately reflect our transactions and that our established policies and procedures are followed. There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
On JanuaryDuring the fourth quarter ended November 26, 2021, the Company’s Board2023, none of Directors approved the amendment and restatement of the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”), effective as of such date,our directors or officers (as defined in order to add the Delaware forum selection provision currently set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and add a new federal forum selection provision.
The Delaware forum selection provision provides that, unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, be the sole and exclusive forum for the following claims or causes of action under Delaware statutory or common law: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising under any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the certificate of incorporation, or the bylaws of the Company or as to which the Delaware General Corporation Law confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal-affairs doctrine.
The federal forum selection provision provides that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arisingRule 16a-1(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933,1934, as amended. There is, however, uncertaintyamended (the “Exchange Act”)) adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as to whether a court would enforce this provision.those terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.
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The Bylaws provide that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the above-described exclusive forum provisions.
Item 9C.DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
The foregoing summary of the Bylaws is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Bylaws, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Not applicable.

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PART III
Item 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information required by this item regarding directors and director nominees, executive officers, the board of directors and its committees, certain corporate governance matters, and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in the definitive proxy statement for our 20212024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2021“2024 Proxy Statement”).
Item 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information required by this item regarding executive compensation is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in our 20212024 Proxy Statement.
Item 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information required by this item regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in our 20212024 Proxy Statement.
Item 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information required by this item regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in our 20212024 Proxy Statement.
Item 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information required by this item regarding principal accounting fees and services is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in our 20212024 Proxy Statement.
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PART IV
Item 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 List the following documents filed as a part of the report:

1. Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant are included in Item 8:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB 238)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of OperationsIncome

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required or the information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.

Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit NumberDescription of DocumentFormSEC File No.ExhibitFiling DateFiled Herewith
3.18-K001-066313.13/25/2019
3.2X
4.1Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1 through 3.2
4.2S-1/A333-2296304.13/11/2019
4.3S-1333-2296304.22/13/2019
4.4S-1333-2296304.32/13/2019
4.5S-1333-2296304.42/13/2019
4.6S-1333-2296304.52/13/2019
4.7S-1/A333-2296304.63/6/2019
4.8X
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4.98-K001-066314.14/17/2020
4.108-K001-066314.24/17/2020
10.1*S-1333-22963010.32/13/2019
10.2*S-1333-22963010.42/13/2019
10.3*S-1333-22963010.52/13/2019
10.4*S-1333-22963010.62/13/2019
10.5*S-1333-22963010.72/13/2019
10.6*S-1/A333-22963010.83/11/2019
10.7*S-1/A333-22963010.93/11/2019
10.810-K001-0663110.81/30/2020
10.910-K001-0663110.91/30/2020
10.1010-K001-0663110.101/30/2020
10.1110-K001-0663110.111/30/2020
10.1210-K001-0663110.121/30/2020
10.1310-K001-0663110.131/30/2020
10.14*S-1333-22963010.102/13/2019
10.15*S-1333-22963010.112/13/2019
10.16*S-1333-22963010.122/13/2019
10.17*S-1333-22963010.132/13/2019
10.18*S-1333-22963010.142/13/2019
10.19**10-K001-0663110.191/30/2020
10.20*S-1333-22963010.152/13/2019
10.21*S-1333-22963010.162/13/2019
10.22*S-1333-22963010.172/13/2019
10.23*S-1333-22963010.182/13/2019
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10.24*S-1333-22963010.192/13/2019
10.25*S-1333-22963010.202/13/2019
10.26*S-1333-22963010.212/13/2019
10.27*S-1333-22963010.222/13/2019
10.28*S-1333-22963010.232/13/2019
10.29*S-1333-22963010.242/13/2019
10.30*S-1333-22963010.252/13/2019
10.31*S-1333-22963010.262/13/2019
10.32S-1333-22963010.272/13/2019
10.33S-1333-22963010.282/13/2019
10.34S-1333-22963010.292/13/2019
10.35S-1333-22963010.302/13/2019
10.36S-1333-22963010.312/13/2019
10.37*10-Q001-0663110.57/9/2019
10.38*10-Q001-0063110.110/8/2019
10.398-K001-0063110.11/7/2021
10.40*X
21.1X
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit NumberDescription of DocumentFormSEC File No.ExhibitFiling DateFiled Herewith
3.18-K001-066313.13/25/2019
3.28-K001-066313.14/21/2023
4.1Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1 through 3.2
4.2S-1/A333-2296304.13/11/2019
4.3S-1333-2296304.22/13/2019
4.4S-1333-2296304.32/13/2019
4.5S-1333-2296304.42/13/2019
4.6S-1333-2296304.52/13/2019
4.7S-1/A333-2296304.63/6/2019
4.8X
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23.1X
31.1X
31.2X
32.1†X
101.INSXBRL Instance DocumentX
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema DocumentX
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase DocumentX
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase DocumentX
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase DocumentX
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase DocumentX
4.98-K001-066314.14/17/2020
4.108-K001-066314.24/17/2020
4.118-K001-066314.12/19/2021
10.1*S-1333-22963010.32/13/2019
10.2*S-1333-22963010.42/13/2019
10.3*S-1333-22963010.52/13/2019
10.4*S-1333-22963010.62/13/2019
10.5*S-1333-22963010.72/13/2019
10.6*S-1/A333-22963010.83/11/2019
10.7*S-1/A333-22963010.93/11/2019
10.810-K001-0663110.81/30/2020
10.910-K001-0663110.91/30/2020
10.1010-K001-0663110.101/30/2020
10.1110-K001-0663110.111/30/2020
10.1210-K001-0663110.121/30/2020
10.1310-K001-0663110.131/30/2020
10.14*S-1333-22963010.102/13/2019
10.15*S-1333-22963010.112/13/2019
10.16*S-1333-22963010.122/13/2019
10.17*S-1333-22963010.132/13/2019
10.18*S-1333-22963010.142/13/2019
10.19**10-K001-0663110.191/30/2020
10.20*S-1333-22963010.152/13/2019
10.21*S-1333-22963010.162/13/2019
10.22*S-1333-22963010.172/13/2019
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10.23*S-1333-22963010.182/13/2019
10.24*S-1333-22963010.192/13/2019
10.25*S-1333-22963010.202/13/2019
10.26*S-1333-22963010.212/13/2019
10.28*S-1333-22963010.252/13/2019
10.29*S-1333-22963010.262/13/2019
10.30S-1333-22963010.272/13/2019
10.31S-1333-22963010.282/13/2019
10.32S-1333-22963010.292/13/2019
10.33S-1333-22963010.302/13/2019
10.34S-1333-22963010.312/13/2019
10.35*10-Q001-0663110.57/9/2019
10.36*10-Q001-0063110.110/8/2019
10.378-K001-0063110.11/7/2021
10.39*10-Q001-0063110.24/8/2021
10.40*10-Q001-0063110.110/6/2021
10.4110-Q001-0063110.210/6/2021
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10.4210-K001-0063110.421/26/2022
10.438-K001-0063110.111/25/2022
10.44*10-K001-0063110.4411/25/2023
10.4510-K001-0063110.4511/25/2023
10.4610-K001-0063110.4611/25/2023
10.47*X
21.1X
23.1X
31.1X
31.2X
32.1†X
97X
101.INSXBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL documentX
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema DocumentX
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase DocumentX
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase DocumentX
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase DocumentX
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase DocumentX
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained within Exhibit 101).X
*     Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**    Portions of this exhibit have been redacted and filed separately with the Commission, pursuant to a request for confidential treatment granted by the Commission.
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†     The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 accompany this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not deemed filed with the Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Levi Strauss & Co. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

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SCHEDULE II
LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Allowance for Doubtful AccountsBalance at
Beginning of
Period
Additions
Charged to
Expenses
Deductions(1)
Balance at
End of
Period
(Dollars in thousands)
November 29, 2020$6,172 7,858 (658)$14,688 
November 24, 2019$10,037 (978)2,887 $6,172 
November 25, 2018$11,726 2,284 3,973 $10,037 
Sales ReturnsBalance at
Beginning of
Period
Additions
Charged to
Net Sales
Deductions(1)
Balance at
End of
Period
(Dollars in thousands)
November 29, 2020$295,356 295,356 $
November 24, 2019$53,684 259,866 313,550 $
November 25, 2018$47,401 245,665 239,382 $53,684 
Sales Discounts and IncentivesBalance at
Beginning of
Period
Additions
Charged to
Net Sales
Deductions(1)
Balance at
End of
Period
(Dollars in thousands)
November 29, 2020$1,756 304,590 304,863 $1,483 
November 24, 2019$120,704 351,686 470,634 $1,756 
November 25, 2018$135,139 357,929 372,364 $120,704 
Valuation Allowance Against Deferred Tax AssetsBalance at
Beginning of
Period
Charges/
(Releases)
to Tax
Expense
(Additions)/
Deductions
Balance at
End of
Period
(Dollars in thousands)
November 29, 2020$19,611 18,271 (661)$38,543 
November 24, 2019$21,970 (81)2,278 $19,611 
November 25, 2018$38,692 (16,242)480 $21,970 
SCHEDULE II
LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Allowance for Credit LossesBalance at
Beginning of
Period
Additions
Charged to
Expenses
Deductions(1)
Balance at
End of
Period
(Dollars in millions)
November 26, 2023$7.5 0.5 2.3 $5.7 
November 27, 2022$11.6 (1.1)3.0 $7.5 
November 28, 2021$14.7 (0.2)2.9 $11.6 
Sales ReturnsBalance at
Beginning of
Period
Additions
Charged to
Net Sales
Deductions(1)
Balance at
End of
Period
(Dollars in millions)
November 26, 2023$54.4 432.8 427.0 $60.2 
November 27, 2022$57.4 327.0 330.0 $54.4 
November 28, 2021$51.4 312.8 306.8 $57.4 
Sales Discounts and IncentivesBalance at
Beginning of
Period
Additions
Charged to
Net Sales
Deductions(1)
Balance at
End of
Period
(Dollars in millions)
November 26, 2023$126.4 468.4 464.4 $130.4 
November 27, 2022$152.4 436.1 462.1 $126.4 
November 28, 2021$136.0 419.4 403.0 $152.4 
Valuation Allowance Against Deferred Tax AssetsBalance at
Beginning of
Period
Changes in Related Gross Deferred Tax AssetChange/(Release)Balance at
End of
Period
(Dollars in millions)
November 26, 2023$49.6 (0.2)(2.0)$47.4 
November 27, 2022$45.9 4.3 (0.6)$49.6 
November 28, 2021$38.5 4.9 2.5 $45.9 
_____________
(1)The charges to the accounts are for the purposes for which the allowances were created.


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Item 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY.
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 
Date:January 27, 202125, 2024LEVI STRAUSS & CO.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/    HARMIT SINGH
Harmit Singh
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial and Growth Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

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KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Charles V. Bergh, Harmit Singh and Seth R. Jaffe,David Jedrzejek, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution for him or her, and in his or her name in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and either of them, his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

SignatureTitle
/s/ SROBERT A. ECKERTTEPHEN C. NEAL
Chairperson of the BoardDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Stephen C. NealRobert A. Eckert
/s/ CHARLESCHARLES V. BBERGHERGH
Director, President andDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Charles V. BerghChief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ TTROY ALSTEADROY ALSTEAD
DirectorDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Troy Alstead
/s/ JJILL BERAUDILL BERAUD
DirectorDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Jill Beraud
/s/ RSPENCER C. FLEISCHEROBERT A. ECKERT
DirectorDate:January 27, 2021
Robert A. Eckert
/s/ SPENCER C. FLEISCHER
DirectorDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Spencer C. Fleischer
/s/ DAVID A. FRIEDMAN
DirectorDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
David A. Friedman
/s/ YAEL GARTENDirectorDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Yael Garten
/s/ CMICHELLE GASS
HRISTOPHERDirector and PresidentDate:January 25, 2024
Michelle Gass
/s/ CHRISTOPHER J. MMCCORMICKCCORMICKDirectorDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Christopher J. McCormick
/s/ JJENNY MINGENNY MING
DirectorDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Jenny Ming
/s/ PATRICIA SALAS PINEDA
DAVID MARBERGER
DirectorDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Patricia Salas PinedaDavid Marberger
/s/ JOSHUA E. PRIMEDirectorDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Joshua E. Prime
/s/ ELLIOTT RODGERSDirectorDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Elliott Rodgers
/s/ GAVIN BROCKETTLISA STIRLINGSenior Vice President and Global ControllerDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Gavin BrockettLisa Stirling(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ HARMIT SINGHExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial and Growth OfficerDate:January 27, 202125, 2024
Harmit Singh(Principal Financial Officer)

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