# Levi Strauss & Co. financial performance and outlook

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/levi-strauss-co-financial-performance-and-outlook
> Updated: 2026-10-07T20:57:59.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Levi Strauss & Co. has demonstrated fluctuating financial performance and updated its market outlook across recent reporting periods.

Initially, the company saw shares reach a record high following better-than-expected earnings and an optimistic sales forecast. This growth was supported by strong demand signals and an increased quarterly dividend, despite previous revenue declines caused by pandemic-related retail closures.

In fiscal third-quarter 2026, the company reported a 4% increase in net revenue to $1.61 billion, with net income reaching $169 million. While profitability was bolstered by tariff refunds, the company lowered its annual revenue growth forecast to the lower end of its previous guidance, at 7%. 

Performance varied by channel: wholesale revenue rose 6%, supported by strength in Europe and Asia, while the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) segment saw slower growth of 2% and U.S. sales declined by 1%. CEO Michelle Gass attributed DTC challenges to a back-to-school marketing campaign that failed to drive expected traffic and a mismatch in product trends, specifically noting that a focus on baggy silhouettes missed rising demand for low-rise fits. 

To address these issues, the company is leveraging Google Cloud data infrastructure to pivot inventory toward high-demand styles. To support shareholders, the company announced a $100 million share buyback plan and raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share guidance to a range of $1.54 to $1.56. Additionally, the company is undergoing a leadership transition with the appointment of John Vandemore as the new CFO, effective November 1.

## Claims

- Direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue grew by 2% during the third quarter. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Third-quarter net revenue reached $1.61 billion, a 4% increase from the previous year. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The company raised its full-year adjusted diluted earnings guidance to a range of $1.54 to $1.56 per share. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The company announced plans for a $100 million share buyback program. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Tariff refunds provided a significant boost to profitability, contributing 16 cents per share. (single source)
- CEO Michelle Gass attributed weak U.S. demand to a back-to-school marketing campaign that failed to meet expectations. (single source)
- John Vandemore will join the company as CFO on November 1, succeeding Harmit Singh. (single source)
- Revenue in the United States declined by 1% during the quarter. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Levi Strauss & Co. raises profit guidance despite DTC sales slump

Levi Strauss & Co. raised its annual profit guidance following strong third-quarter earnings, despite facing slower direct-to-consumer growth and declining U.S. sales.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levi-strauss-co-raises-profit-outlook-despite-weak-dtc-growth

### 2026-09-26: Levi Strauss & Co. shares surge on strong earnings and raised sales outlook

Levi Strauss & Co. shares hit record highs following strong earnings and an improved sales forecast driven by economic recovery optimism.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levi-strauss-co-shares-surge-on-strong-earnings-and-raised-sales-outlook

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Cite as: Levi Strauss & Co. financial performance and outlook. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/levi-strauss-co-financial-performance-and-outlook