VF (NYSE:VFC) may have had a tough fourth quarter in 2006, but its first quarter of 2007 was far from disappointing. Acquisitions helped the clothing-brand company drive results higher than analysts expected.
First-quarter net income from continuing operations came in 13% higher at $134.1 million, or $1.17 per share. Net income, including discontinued operations, was 7.9% higher at $138.3 million, or $1.20 per share. Revenue increased 15% to $1.67 billion.
VF's most recent acquisitions particularly seem to be paying off. Majestic Athletic contributed $27 million in revenues in the quarter, while Eagle Creek added another $6 million.
VF also upped its guidance for the year, predicting revenue growth of 12%, to $7 billion, in 2007, and earnings-per-share growth of 12%, as opposed to its previous guidance of 10%. (Last quarter, that old guidance lagged analysts' expectations.) VF expects that its two most recent acquisitions will add $180 million in revenues for the year.
Although VF's quarterly earnings did beat analysts' expectations, the company endured a few bumps along the way. Gross margin and profit margin were flat year over year. Foreign currency exchange rates contributed an extra $0.05 per share, but a higher tax rate and a greater number of average shares outstanding teamed up to cancel out that advantage.
Ultimately, though, the quarter seemed bright for VF -- brighter than expected, certainly. It's been busy bringing new brands into its large portfolio, already known for Lee, Wrangler, Vans, and the North Face, as well as the Vanity Fair intimates line it recently sold to Berkshire Hathaway's (NYSE:BRK-A) Fruit of the Loom. Its acquisitions require some digestion time, of course, but so far, it sounds like that strategy's going quite well for VF.
While VF's dividend payouts are a plus, and its forward P/E of 15 doesn't sound outlandish, the company isn't exactly a great bargain. Then again, it may seem more reasonable than fellow consumer-goods giant Liz Claiborne (NYSE:LIZ), which has neither anticipated nor delivered impressive double-digit earnings growth like VF's lately. Investors might want to watch for a lower price before investing in VF, but all the same, it's hard to deny the company's strengths.
All's fair in further Foolishness:
- Revisit VF's fourth-quarter results.
- VF recently acquired Eagle Creek.
- We reviewed VF's performance for 2006.
VF is a Motley Fool Income Investor recommendation. To find out what other dividend-paying companies made James Early's buy list, try our newsletter service free for 30 days.
Alyce Lomax does not own shares of any of the companies mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
