Kontoor Brands Sells Lee Business to Authentic Brands
Kontoor Brands announced it will sell its Lee business to Authentic Brands Group for up to $1 billion. This divestiture allows Kontoor to refocus its investments on its Wrangler and Helly Hansen brands, aiming to strengthen its balance sheet and support growth in higher-margin categories. Analysts view KTB stock as an Outperform, citing attractive valuation and a positive forward outlook.
US' Kontoor Brands to sell Lee business to Authentic for $1 bn
Kontoor Brands has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Lee business to Authentic Brands Group for up to $1 billion, comprising an initial $750 million and a potential $250 million earnout. This strategic move aims to sharpen Kontoor's portfolio focus on its Wrangler and Helly Hansen brands, thereby strengthening long-term growth and enhancing shareholder value. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Kontoor Brands Inc (KTB) Stock Up 6.6% and Still Undervalued -- GF Score: 82/100
Kontoor Brands Inc (KTB) shares rose 6.6% to $69.38 on May 21, 2026, and are considered undervalued with a GF Value™ estimate of $76.08, representing an 8.8% margin of safety. The company holds a strong GF Score™ of 82/100, driven by excellent Valuation, Profitability, and Momentum scores, despite a moderate Financial Strength rating. The absence of insider transactions in the last three months suggests stability in leadership sentiment.
Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB) divests Lee business in up to $1B deal
Kontoor Brands has agreed to sell its Lee business to an affiliate of Authentic Brands Group for up to $1 billion, including $750 million in cash at closing and a potential $250 million earnout. The divestiture aims to sharpen Kontoor's brand portfolio, allowing it to focus on Wrangler and Helly Hansen, and accelerate debt reduction while increasing share repurchases. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Authentic Brands Group Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Lee
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Lee, a global denim brand, from Kontoor Brands, Inc. Lee generates approximately $1.5 billion in annual retail-equivalent sales across 73 countries. Authentic plans to transition Lee to a licensing model, utilizing its network and marketing expertise to drive growth, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026.
Kontoor Brands (NYSE:KTB) Stock Price
This article provides an overview of Kontoor Brands (NYSE:KTB) stock performance, featuring its current price, fair value estimates from different analysts, and recent company news. It highlights the company's strategies to boost brand equity and mitigate cost pressures, alongside a discussion of potential risks and opportunities influencing its market position. Key updates include the planned divestiture of the Lee brand and a focus on Wrangler and Helly Hansen, impacting investor sentiment and future financial outlook.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Shows Signs of Slowing Demand
The consumer discretionary sector is experiencing a potential slowdown in demand, with its performance lagging behind the S&P 500 over the past six months. Companies like Kontoor Brands, Choice Hotels, and AMC Entertainment are cited as examples, showing underperformance in growth, revenue, and profitability. The report highlights shrinking returns on capital, low free cash flow, and unexciting sales trends for these companies, indicating a broader struggle within the sector.
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. Lowers Position in Kontoor Brands, Inc. $KTB
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. reduced its stake in Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) by 1.1% in the fourth quarter of the previous year, though it still holds over 6.7 million shares. Despite this trim, several analysts have maintained positive ratings and increased price targets for KTB, which currently holds a "Moderate Buy" consensus. Kontoor Brands recently reported disappointing Q1 earnings, missing both EPS and revenue estimates, but announced a quarterly dividend of $0.53.
Why Kontoor Brands Sees Huge White Space in the Outdoor Category?
Kontoor Brands (KTB) identifies significant growth potential in the outdoor wear market, particularly through its Helly Hansen brand in the underpenetrated U.S. market. The company plans strategic investments in product development, design, and geographic expansion to capitalize on rising demand for functional, performance-focused apparel. Despite a recent stock decline, KTB is viewed as undervalued, and the company expects strong future earnings growth.
Kontoor Brands, Inc.'s Equity Buyback announced on December 11, 2023, has expired.
Kontoor Brands, Inc.'s equity buyback program, which was originally announced on December 11, 2023, has now expired. The company confirmed that the plan expired on May 6, 2026. This announcement indicates the conclusion of the share repurchase initiative.
We Think Kontoor Brands' (NYSE:KTB) Healthy Earnings Might Be Conservative
This article suggests that Kontoor Brands' recent financial results might be conservatively reported, implying potential for even better performance than currently stated. It recommends further investigation into the company's financials to understand the full picture.
Why Kontoor Brands Is Betting Big on Wrangler and Helly Hansen?
Kontoor Brands (KTB) is focusing its strategy and capital on the Wrangler and Helly Hansen brands, initiating a sales process for its Lee business. This strategic shift aims to accelerate growth and profitability by concentrating investments in key areas like women's denim, digital capabilities for Wrangler, and geographical expansion for Helly Hansen, particularly in the U.S. Despite a recent decline in stock performance, the company expects this sharpened focus to strengthen brand positioning and unlock long-term value.
Wrangler jeans name jumps onto $20 sunglasses at Walmart
FGX International has partnered with Wrangler to launch a new line of eyewear, including sunglasses and reading glasses, inspired by rodeo fashion and the brand's pioneering roots. The collection features polarized, impact- and scratch-resistant lenses, and recycled plastic frames, with prices ranging from $20 to $35. These products are available at major retailers like Walmart, CVS, and Amazon, extending Wrangler's commitment to accessible, quality apparel into the eyewear category.
KTB Price Today: Kontoor Brands, Inc. Stock Price, Quote & Chart | MEXC
Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB) is trading at $61.78, down 2.58% from its previous close. The company, known for brands like Wrangler and Lee, has experienced a weak performance over the last year with a -15.82% price change. The article also provides key market data, a guide on how to buy KTB stock on MEXC, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding its financial performance and valuation.
Kontoor Brands, Inc. 1Q 2026: Revenue $613.32M, EPS $1.65— 10-Q Summary
Kontoor Brands, Inc. reported strong first-quarter 2026 results, with revenue reaching $613.32 million and diluted EPS at $1.65. This significant growth was primarily driven by the Helly Hansen acquisition and robust performance in international and direct channels. The company also saw substantial increases in net income and diluted EPS compared to the prior year.
Can Lee Reclaim Its Cool?
Kontoor Brands' decision to divest Lee Jeans has raised questions about the brand's identity and future. While Lee has projected $750 million in sales this year, industry consultants suggest an ideal buyer would reinforce its workwear heritage rather than solely monetizing it. Experts like Amy Leverton and Mohsin Sajid argue that Lee has struggled with a diluted personality and unclear market definition compared to competitors like Levi's and Wrangler, despite significant potential for revival with a focused strategy and product investment.
Helly Hansen Gets a Bigger Stage as Kontoor Brands Moves to Sell Lee
Kontoor Brands is divesting its Lee denim brand to focus on its higher-growth assets, Helly Hansen and Wrangler. Helly Hansen achieved 16% pro-forma revenue growth in Q1 2026 and is preparing for its first distribution through Dick's Sporting Goods' House of Sport, signaling a major U.S. expansion push. While analysts are mostly positive about Kontoor's strategic shift, some express caution regarding Helly Hansen's past growth performance.
Bearish: Analysts Just Cut Their Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) Revenue and EPS estimates
Analysts have significantly lowered their revenue and EPS estimates for Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) for 2026, indicating a substantial decline in sentiment towards the company. Revenue forecasts are down by 19% to US$2.7 billion, and EPS estimates have been cut to US$5.31. Despite these downgrades, the price target remains unchanged, which the article notes as puzzling given the expected headwinds and a substantial debt burden the company faces.
Helly Hansen Parent Kontoor Brands Reports Stronger 2026 First Quarter Results. Raises Full Year Outlook; Announces Planned Divestiture of Lee, $750 Million Share Repurchase Program
Kontoor Brands, Inc. reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter 2026 results, driven by growth in Wrangler and Helly Hansen, and subsequently raised its full-year outlook. The company also announced plans to divest its Lee business to sharpen its strategic focus on higher-growth assets and approved a new $750 million share repurchase authorization. This strategic move aims to enhance capital allocation and accelerate growth while maintaining a commitment to returning cash to shareholders.
JPMorgan affiliates hold 2.57M KTB shares (4.6%) — filing
JPMorgan Chase & Co. has filed an amendment (SCHEDULE 13G/A) disclosing beneficial ownership of 2,573,860 shares of Kontoor Brands (KTB) common stock, representing 4.6% of the class. The filing details the breakdown of voting and dispositive powers, with multiple JPMorgan entities identified as reporting subsidiaries. This indicates a passive investment below the 5% threshold, with no immediate intent to influence control or trade shares explicitly stated.
Bearish: Analysts Just Cut Their Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) Revenue and EPS estimates
Analysts have significantly downgraded their revenue and EPS estimates for Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) for 2026, indicating a substantial souring of sentiment towards the company. Despite these cuts predicting a 19% reduction in sales and a 5.4% increase in EPS, the price target remains unchanged, which is noted as puzzling. The company is also expected to significantly underperform the industry, with a forecast 24% annual revenue decline while the wider industry is projected to grow by 5.4% per year.
Authentic Brands Group reportedly eyeing up Lee Jeans sale
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is reportedly in exclusive talks to acquire Lee Jeans from Kontoor Brands Inc. Kontoor Brands is seeking to divest Lee Jeans to focus on other high-growth opportunities and maximize shareholder returns. The deal, which is being overseen by Morgan Stanley, could be finalized in the coming months.
Authentic Brands Group Seen as Top Contender to Buy Lee Jeans
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is reportedly a top contender to acquire Lee Jeans, which Kontoor Brands Inc. is divesting. While exclusive talks have concluded or are expiring, ABG, led by Jamie Salter, is still actively pursuing the denim brand and is in the process of lining up partners to build out the business. The deal could be finalized within weeks or months, potentially valuing Lee at over $600 million, with proceeds for Kontoor going toward a stock buyback program.
Kontoor Brands and RE/MAX Shares Are Falling, What You Need To Know
Shares of Kontoor Brands (KTB) and RE/MAX (RMAX) experienced declines due to a surge in Brent crude prices and a record low in consumer sentiment, raising concerns about reduced non-essential spending. Goldman Sachs has also cut its 2026 discretionary cash flow growth forecast, impacting companies in the consumer discretionary sector. Despite the recent drop, Kontoor Brands had reported better-than-expected Q1 2026 revenue and raised its full-year guidance just four days prior.
Kontoor Brands Drops 6.8% Amid Sector-Wide Selling
Kontoor Brands (NYSE:KTB) saw its shares tumble by 6.8% to $68.67 on May 11, 2026, as the apparel maker experienced a broad sector-wide selloff that affected several peers. The decline was not company-specific, with other major apparel companies also posting losses, suggesting market participants are concerned about broader macro factors rather than Kontoor's fundamentals. Despite the drop, analyst sentiment for Kontoor remains constructive, with one target raise and no cuts in the past week.
KTB Maintains Overweight Rating -- Price Target Raised to $96.00 by Barclays
Barclays has maintained an Overweight rating for Kontoor Brands (KTB) and raised its price target from $93.00 to $96.00, signaling confidence in the company's growth. Kontoor Brands, with a market cap of $3.84 billion, is considered undervalued by GuruFocus with a GF Value™ of $75.36 against a current price of $69.55. The company also boasts a strong GF Score™ of 89/100, indicating solid profitability and growth potential, despite moderate financial strength.
UBS Group AG Buys 20,270 Shares of Kontoor Brands, Inc. $KTB
UBS Group AG increased its stake in Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) by 3.8% in the fourth quarter, purchasing an additional 20,270 shares to bring its total holding to 551,758 shares valued at $33.7 million. This move comes as Kontoor Brands exhibits mixed but encouraging financial results, including an adjusted earnings beat, a raised full-year guidance, and ongoing analyst optimism with a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating and a $91 average price target. The company also announced a planned divestiture of the Lee brand and a $750 million share buyback program.
Kontoor Brands (NYSE:KTB) Announces Earnings Results, Beats Estimates By $0.38 EPS
Kontoor Brands (NYSE:KTB) announced strong first-quarter results, reporting earnings per share of $1.55, significantly beating analyst estimates of $1.17. The company is divesting its Lee brand to focus on Wrangler and Helly Hansen, with the Helly Hansen brand showing strong growth and contributing to improved margins. Kontoor Brands also raised its full-year 2026 EPS guidance to $6.60-$6.70.
Lee jeans up for sale in surprise Kontoor move
Kontoor Brands has announced its intention to sell the iconic Lee denim brand, citing significant buyer interest and a strategic focus on its growth businesses: Wrangler and Helly Hansen. The divestment, which surprised some analysts given Lee's recent turnaround progress, will allow Kontoor to use the proceeds for share buybacks and debt reduction. While Kontoor aims to position Wrangler as a $5 billion brand and expand Helly Hansen, some analysts question the growth potential of Helly Hansen.
Kontoor Brands CEO Scott Baxter says Lee sale will better position company for growth
Kontoor Brands CEO Scott Baxter announced the company's decision to sell its Lee brand, aiming to strategically pivot towards functional brands over lifestyle brands. This move, made after a thorough portfolio review, is intended to better position Kontoor Brands for future growth, though the impact on local employees has not yet been clarified.
Kontoor Brands' Posts Higher Q1 Earnings, Plans Lee Divestiture
Kontoor Brands (KTB) reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter 2026 results, with significant increases in revenues and adjusted earnings from continuing operations. The company also announced its intention to divest the Lee business, a move anticipated to be immaterial to EPS over the next 12-18 months. KTB updated its full-year outlook, raised its revenue forecast, and approved a new $750 million share repurchase authorization.
EXEC: Kontoor Brands Sees Lee Divestiture as Path to Accelerate Helly Hansen’s Growth
Kontoor Brands plans to divest its Lee denim business to focus on accelerating the growth of its Wrangler and Helly Hansen brands. The company believes this divestiture will free up resources and management focus, particularly for Helly Hansen, which has significant untapped potential in the U.S. and other markets, and aims for double-digit growth and increased operating margins. This strategic move follows better-than-expected first-quarter results and an hiked earnings outlook for the year.
Helly Hansen Parent KTB Tops Q1 Expectations; Plans to Divest Lee Brand
Kontoor Brands, parent company of Helly Hansen and Wrangler, exceeded Q1 expectations, driven by strong growth in both brands. The company announced plans to divest its Lee denim brand to sharpen its strategic focus, enhance capital allocation, and improve shareholder returns. Kontoor Brands also raised its full-year earnings and sales outlook and approved a new $750 million share repurchase authorization.
Vanguard Group Inc. Sells 32,911 Shares of Kontoor Brands, Inc. $KTB
Vanguard Group Inc. reduced its stake in Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) by 0.5% in the fourth quarter, selling 32,911 shares, but still owning 11.03% of the company valued at $374.7 million. Kontoor Brands exceeded quarterly earnings estimates and provided strong FY2026 guidance, alongside declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.53. Wall Street analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating with a consensus price target of $91.00 for the company.
Kontoor Brands boosts outlook amid Lee divestiture plans
Kontoor Brands (KTB) reported strong Q1 2026 results, with revenue up 45% to $613 million, and subsequently raised its full-year outlook. The company plans to divest its Lee business and initiated a $750 million share repurchase program, signaling a sharpened strategic focus and commitment to shareholder returns. An analyst rated KTB stock as a Buy with a $100 price target, while TipRanks' AI Analyst Spark views it as Neutral due to balance sheet leverage despite positive technical momentum and earnings outlook.
Kontoor Brands moves to divest Lee jeans as company pivots to higher growth assets
Kontoor Brands, the Greensboro-based apparel giant, is planning to divest its Lee Jeans brand to focus on higher-growth assets, specifically Wrangler. The company expects to finalize the deal this year, with management anticipating that the divestiture will have an immaterial impact on earnings per share. This move aligns with Kontoor Brands' strategy to pivot towards its core growth areas.
Kontoor Brands beats estimates, raises outlook on Wrangler growth
Kontoor Brands Inc. reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.55, exceeding analyst estimates, and revenue of $808 million, a 30% increase year-over-year. The company raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $6.60-$6.70 and announced plans to divest its Lee brand, while also authorizing a new $750 million share repurchase program, driven by strong growth in its Wrangler brand.
Kontoor Brands Releases Q1 2026 Financial Results
Kontoor Brands (KTB) announced mixed Q1 2026 financial results, with adjusted EPS of $1.55 significantly beating analyst estimates of $1.14, a 36.0% beat. However, revenue of $613.3M fell short of the $784.6M consensus, missing by 21.8%. Despite the revenue miss against analyst projections, the company reported strong year-over-year revenue growth of 45.0% and provided fiscal year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance between $6.60 and $6.70.
Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB) lifts 2026 outlook, plans Lee sale and $750M buyback
Kontoor Brands reported strong Q1 2026 results, with revenue from continuing operations up 45% and adjusted EPS at $1.06. The company raised its full-year 2026 outlook, announcing plans to divest its Lee business and authorizing a new $750 million share repurchase program, signaling a strategic focus on higher-growth brands and enhanced capital allocation.
Kontoor: Q1 Earnings Snapshot
Kontoor Brands Inc. reported robust financial results for its first quarter, with a net income of $92.4 million, or $1.65 per share. Adjusted earnings stood at $1.06 per share, and the company, known for its Wrangler and Lee apparel, achieved revenues of $613.3 million. This information is based on data from Zacks Investment Research.
Kontoor Brands earnings loom: Can Helly Hansen fuel growth?
Kontoor Brands Inc. is set to report its first-quarter earnings, with analysts anticipating adjusted earnings of $1.36 per share on revenues of $799 million. Investors will be closely watching if the momentum from the Helly Hansen acquisition can counteract seasonal weaknesses and rising tariff challenges. The company's prior quarter performance showed significant growth, driven by Helly Hansen's contribution and strong execution from the Wrangler brand.
Director Ashley Goldsmith granted shares in Kontoor Brands (KTB)
Kontoor Brands director Ashley Goldsmith received a grant of 2,236 shares of Common Stock on May 1, 2026, increasing her direct holdings to 14,869.672 shares. She also holds 3,083.3199 phantom stock units, which will be settled in cash upon retirement. This transaction was reported in a Form 4 filing, indicating a stock-based compensation grant rather than a market purchase.
Kontoor Brands Announces Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings and Conference Call Date
Kontoor Brands Inc. announced its Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings and Conference Call Date. The article also provides recent analyst ratings for KTB, insider transaction details showing directors being granted shares, and links to recent SEC filings and press releases from the company.
Kontoor Brands Declares Quarterly Dividend
Kontoor Brands Inc. has declared a quarterly dividend. This announcement was delivered via Quantisnow, a platform that provides real-time market data to retail investors by aggregating various financial news and filings. The article also highlights recent insider transactions and analyst ratings concerning Kontoor Brands.
Director at Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB) granted 2,236 stock shares
Maryelizabeth R. Campbell, a director at Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB), was granted 2,236 shares of common stock on May 1, 2026, as a stock award with no cash cost. This transaction, reported via a Form 4 filing, is considered routine equity-based compensation and not an open-market purchase. Following this grant, Campbell directly holds 7,700.212 shares, which includes restricted stock units and dividend equivalents.
Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB) director gets 2,236-share stock award
Kontoor Brands director Stewart Shelley Jr. was granted 2,236 shares of common stock as compensation, increasing his direct holdings to 26,440.02 shares. This transaction, detailed in a Form 4 SEC filing, was an equity award rather than an open-market purchase. The total holdings include 81.951 shares received as dividend equivalents on restricted stock units.
Director at Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB) receives 2,586-share award
Kontoor Brands director Robert K. Shearer received an award of 2,586 shares of Common Stock as compensation. This grant increased his directly owned Common Stock position to 54,437.992 shares, which includes restricted stock units and dividend equivalents. Shearer also holds 40,889.7619 phantom stock units, which are settled in cash upon retirement and accrue dividend equivalents.
VF Corp and Kontoor Brands Stocks Trade Down, What You Need To Know
VF Corp and Kontoor Brands' stocks declined due to renewed U.S.-Iran tensions escalating oil prices, which impacts consumer discretionary spending and supply chain costs for apparel companies. This situation threatens gross margins and sales as retailers struggle to raise prices. Despite recent improvements in inventory, these factors create pressure, though past market overreactions suggest potential buying opportunities for high-quality stocks.
Responsive Playbooks and the KTB Inflection
This article analyzes Kontoor Brands Inc. (NYSE: KTB), indicating a neutral sentiment across all time horizons with a mid-channel oscillation pattern. It highlights an exceptional 51.6:1 risk-reward setup targeting a 14.8% gain against 0.3% risk. The article provides AI-generated trading strategies including position trading, momentum breakout, and risk hedging, along with multi-timeframe signal analysis.
Kontoor Brands (NYSE:KTB) Stock Forecast & Analyst Predictions
Kontoor Brands (NYSE:KTB) is projected to see significant earnings and revenue growth, with analysts forecasting a 16.1% annual increase in earnings and 5.1% in revenue. Recent analyst updates show increased price targets, attributing the positive outlook to resilient margins, cost savings, brand momentum, and the strategic acquisition of Helly Hansen. The company has also announced an increased quarterly dividend.
