This document is VF Corporation's 2003 annual report. It discusses the company's financial performance in 2003 and strategies for its brands. The report emphasizes VF Corporation's focus on understanding consumer lifestyles and styling life through their portfolio of brands. It highlights initiatives for major brands like Lee, Wrangler, and Vanity Fair to expand product lines and connect with target audiences. The annual report communicates VF Corporation's vision of continuing to strengthen their position as the world's largest apparel company by serving individual lifestyles through their brands globally.
2. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report
Styling Life
To sociologists, historians, political leaders
and many marketers, life is a mass experience.
But to us as everyday human beings, life is
exceedingly individual.
Many of us have a strong need to express
this individuality. To confirm our own self-image.
To communicate who we are, especially to
2003 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
others who share our interests and values.
2003 2002 2001
In thousands, except per share amounts
Summary of Operations
This individual self-expression is called style.
$ 5,220,417
Net sales $ 5,207,459 $ 5,083,523
454,427
Operating income 644,889 621,924
And when it defines both who we are and how
8.7%
Operating margin 12.4% 12.2%
$ 217,278
Income from continuing operations $ 397,933 $ 364,428
137,830
Net income (loss)* 397,933 (154,543)
we live, that’s Styling Life.
8.0%
Return on capital (continuing operations) 16.6% 16.9%
Financial Position
$ 1,217,587
Working capital $ 1,336,674 $ 1,199,696
2.5 to 1
Current ratio 2.5 to 1 2.4 to 1
$ 600,556
Cash flow from operations $ 543,704 $ 645,584
31.7%
Debt to capital ratio 33.7% 28.6%
$ 2,112,796
Common stockholders’ equity $ 1,951,307 $ 1,657,848
Per Common Share
$ 1.89
Income from continuing operations – diluted $ 3.61 $ 3.24
1.19
Net income (loss) – diluted* 3.61 (1.38)
.93
Dividends 1.01 .97
19.21
Book value 18.04 15.28
* Net income (loss) and related per share amounts include operating results of discontinued operations in 2002 and 2001 and the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting policy in 2002. See details in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
3. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 3
Lifestyle
Lifestyle describes the way people live based
on what they value. At VF, we cut through the
crowd to understand individuals by means of
their lifestyles.
We do not invent style. Rather, we discover
the style that exists in life and design our apparel
to express that spirit — personally and powerfully.
This understanding allows us to create products
whose appeal is both universal and true to
the individual.
This year’s annual report shows the latest
ways that we are styling life to energize our
consumers’ lifestyles.
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) TOMMY HILFIGER INTIMATES*, EARL JEAN, BULWARK, THE NORTH FACE, WRANGLER
*licensed brand
4. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 5
Inside: Personality brews along with strong coffee, cool chairs and super comfy sheets.
From the outside: Individuality, zero. Character? Zip. Zilch. Nada.
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) LILY OF FRANCE, LEE, CURVATION, NAUTICA HOME FURNISHINGS
5. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 7
The path to contentment is not in the sky. Or in the sea. Or even in your heart . . . It’s knowing that, at some point in your life, you looked really good with a tan.
(CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) NAUTICA BLUE, NAUTICA, JANSPORT
Lee Jeans
6. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 9
280 horsepower
5-speed
Beautiful leather and wood interior
Chrome rims
Candy Apple Red
A Porsche is a Porsche is a Porsche —
until it’s sitting in your garage
Then it’s a chick magnet.
(BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT) RED KAP, LEE ONE TRUE FIT, LEE DUNGAREES
7. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 11
When freedom is outlawed, only outlaws will be free.
No parents. No curfew. No qualms.
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) EARL JEAN, EASTPAK (EUROPE), LEE (EUROPE)
8. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 13
Hearts racing. Thirty thousand strong with a common goal. A year of training in the silent woods, her hopes and dreams crammed into her backpack.
(CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) JANSPORT, BESTFORM, THE NORTH FACE
9. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 15
The workweek is about fluorescent lights,
starched shirts and takeout.
Weekends are just for fishing, fetch and Fido.
WRANGLER HERO
10. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 17
A million travelers crisscross the highway in infinite directions every day. Some hit the road to get where they’re going. For others, the road is the destination.
(LEFT TO RIGHT) 20X, WRANGLER
11. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 19
Today: 2400 feet of dry, hissing powder. Blue skies. An abundance of rough terrain. Tomorrow: Delirium. Soreness. Pain. Thank goodness for the sauna.
(TOP TO BOTTOM) THE NORTH FACE, NAUTICA
12. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 21
65,755 fans
128 football players
90 hot dog vendors
73 ushers
28 janitors
12 line judges and referees
1 guy shaking in his jeans about to propose
on the Jumbotron.
(BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT) HORACE SMALL, LEE DUNGAREES, RIDERS
13. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 23
Thumbing through the latest best seller, finding the perfect lotion, keeping cool . . . Doing nothing requires the same dedication and discipline as staying in shape.
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) LEE, NAUTICA, LEE
14. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 25
There will come a day when I’ll be a responsible adult with 2.5 kids and a mortgage. But until then, searching for the perfect cappuccino with free biscotti is enough for me.
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) GEMMA, WRANGLER (EUROPE), LEE (EUROPE)
15. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 27
Styling Life works for us only because we serve
individual lifestyles so well. This is why VF’s
brands have such wide reach and global appeal.
And it is why Styling Life will continue to
strengthen our position as the world’s largest
apparel company.
(RIGHT) HERO BY WRANGLER
16. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 29
North and South America Jeanswear
LEE TIMBER CREEK PRO GEAR BY WRANGLER UFO*
BY WRANGLER
WRANGLER CHIC BRITTANIA
WRANGLER
WRANGLER HERO RUGGED WEAR GITANO
RIDERS RIGGS WORKWEAR 20X
BY WRANGLER
RUSTLER
In 2003 we continued to strengthen our position MASS APPEAL
as the world’s leading jeans company. Our success No one knows the mass market apparel consumer
can be attributed to our strategy of managing a better than VF, and despite intensified competition
portfolio of brands carefully designed to meet the in 2003 that impacted overall sales, our Wrangler
Hero ® and Riders ® brands held their own — and
specific lifestyles of our target consumers.
then some. In fact, our Wrangler® Five Star Premium
Denim line continues to gain momentum and
EXTENDING THE BRAND
The Lee ® brand’s big success story in 2003 was increase sales. And our Riders® brand has increased
the launch of its Lee® One True Fit™ line for young, its share of the female market through new stretch,
contemporary women shopping in national chains mid-rise and casual products.
and department stores. The line combines a We’re particularly excited about the launch
of our new Wrangler Jeans Co.™ line, targeted to
specially designed contoured fit with a range of
fashionable styles at a great value. For men, our 18 to 32 year old men. The line includes jeans,
Lee ® Dungarees line continues to outperform the pants, shirts, daypacks, shoes and accessories
competition at retail. New fabrics and finishes, and features top NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt
Jr. as spokesman. Our Riders ® brand, too, is
including tints and hand-sanding, are giving male
consumers ages 17 to 24 a new reason to buy focusing more heavily on the needs of younger,
Lee ® Dungarees. fashion conscious women with its new Copper (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) WRANGLER HERO, 20X, WRANGLER RUGGED WEAR
Collection ™ line.
Knowing consumers is at the core of what
we do best. Following extensive research, we’ve
developed the new Buddy Lee Registered ™ line, DEFINING CONSUMER LIFESTYLES
The Wrangler ® brand continues to epitomize the
that will offer younger male consumers a range CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION
of denim and twill products differentiated in terms true Western lifestyle. In 2003 the PBR Jean was
of fits, fabrics, details and packaging. And each launched with the endorsement of the Professional
United States National Chains and Mass Market Specialty Stores
product will be “customized”, with a unique nine- Bull Riders Association, tapping into the sport’s Department Stores WRANGLER HERO WRANGLER
digit registration number as the back pocket patch. growing popularity. In a new twist, the brand recently LEE
RIDERS WRANGLER RUGGED WEAR
Another key initiative is developing our juniors teamed up with New York City designer Wendy
RUSTLER 20X
business, and our new Lee ® 1889 line is designed Mullin to launch a line for upscale boutiques that
TIMBER CREEK RIGGS WORKWEAR
to appeal to female teens seeking authenticity will emphasize the brand’s American heritage BY WRANGLER BY WRANGLER
and fashion. and authenticity. BRITTANIA PRO GEAR BY WRANGLER
Lee ® Authentics, a line offering sophisticated The Riggs Workwear by Wrangler ™ line was CHIC
vintage fits and finishes at high-end specialty successfully launched in 2003 and is hitting the GITANO
boutiques, was also launched in 2003 and is mark with hardworking men. Sold almost exclu-
slated for further growth in 2004. sively at Western and workwear specialty stores, National Chains and Mass Market Specialty Stores
Mexico
Department Stores
initial feedback has been very positive. Latin America RIDERS LEE
LEE
Our Lee ®, Wrangler ®, Wrangler Hero ®, Riders ® Canada RUSTLER WRANGLER
WRANGLER
and Gitano ® brands are also marketed throughout TIMBER CREEK UFO*
BY WRANGLER
Mexico, Latin America, and Canada.
*licensed brand
17. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 31
Global Intimate Apparel
VANITY FAIR TOMMY HILFIGER* BELCOR
LILY OF FRANCE LOU VARIANCE
VASSARETTE BOLERO MAJESTIC
BESTFORM GEMMA
CURVATION INTIMA CHERRY
Our Global Intimates coalition exemplifies VF’s brand products offering exceptional value.
portfolio approach: with our Vanity Fair ®, Lily of 2004 will mark the debut of the brand’s new
France ®, Vassarette ®, Bestform ®, Curvation ® and Flirty Curves ™ line, targeted to the fuller busted
licensed Tommy Hilfiger ® brands, we’re able to consumer looking for a sexy bra with a great
offer U.S. consumers the right styles and value fit and comfort features.
wherever they choose to shop. We take the same To complement its well-established bra
approach in Europe, with our Intima Cherry®, business, our Vanity Fair® brand has been focusing
Gemma ®, Belcor ®, Lou ® and Variance ® brands. on building its pants business. An innovative
packaging concept introduced in 2003 allows
consumers to make convenient, multiple
BRAND STRENGTH IN MASS STORES
2003 marked the successful launch of the purchases in their sizes.
Curvation ® brand, created to address the needs Our licensed Tommy Hilfiger ® intimates
of real women with real curves. Award winning business is on the move, with strength in pants
musician, actress and author Queen Latifah is and a growing line of bra products. Our results in
our spokesperson for the line, participating in 2003 were fueled by two new bra introductions:
(CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) LOU, VANITY FAIR, VASSARETTE
promotions and advertising opportunities around Tommy’s Perfect T-Shirt Bra and Tommy Lace.
the country. We are extending the brand into new Growth in 2004 will come from new bra product
categories in 2004, including sports bras and introductions like Tommy Naturals and Tommy
CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION
strapless products, and are excited about the Shine, along with additional fabrications in pants.
brand’s future growth potential. VF also has a strong foothold internationally,
Our Vassarette ® brand, which has faced chal- particularly in France and Spain. In 2003, we United States National Chains and Mass Market
Department Stores
lenges during the past few years, was revitalized launched a prototype for a new boutique concept, VASSARETTE
VANITY FAIR
in 2003 with an updated product assortment St. Honore Espace (SHE), which will feature BESTFORM
LILY OF FRANCE
and fresh new packaging and advertising. We’re several of our European brands. CURVATION
TOMMY HILFIGER*
encouraged by the brand’s strong turnaround,
LOU
with more expected in 2004. Our Bestform ® INVESTING IN GROWTH
BOLERO
brand, a leader in sports bras with casual and We use state-of-the-art technology and research
GEMMA
cotton-based styling, will be building on its strong to support our brands and efficiently manage
position this year with new performance sports inventory in our supply chain and on the retail floor.
Boutiques and Mass Market
International
bras and innovative gel straps. A significant effort to upgrade our systems is
Department Stores VARIANCE
underway, which should result in reduced costs,
LOU
BESTFORM
lower inventory and faster speed to market.
MEETING CONSUMER NEEDS
BOLERO
VASSARETTE
Regardless of where they shop, consumers We’re also undertaking an intensive research
GEMMA
are united in their search for value. Our Lily of project in 2004 to ensure our brands remain
INTIMA CHERRY
France ® brand’s Value in Style ® collection was laser-focused on their specific consumer targets.
BELCOR
a big hit with consumers in 2003. Brightly
VANITY FAIR
colored signage and packaging made a bold
MAJESTIC
statement in stores, highlighting Lily of France ®
*licensed brand
18. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 33
International Jeanswear
LEE MAVERICK
WRANGLER OLD AXE
HERO BY WRANGLER
H.I.S
heritage, the Lee ® Unionalls line was successfully
Unstable market conditions across Europe made
for a challenging year in 2003. However, our launched in the fall of 2003 and will be expanded
brand positions remain strong, and we’re taking this year to include women’s products. Last year
also marked the opening of our first Lee ® store
aggressive action to shape the future of our
business and create a more powerful platform in London. We’re evaluating other similar retail
for long-term growth. Spanning Europe and Asia, opportunities in key European cities.
Our Wrangler ® brand is continuing to build
our brands transcend the barriers of language
and culture to deliver the most fashionable styles upon its strength in men’s jeans and during 2003
at the right price. achieved market leadership in this category for
the first time in Germany, Europe’s largest market.
An updated contemporary line was successfully
REINVENTING RETAIL PARTNERSHIPS
Our retail service capabilities have long been launched in 2003 built around five key fits —
a source of pride to us, but in 2003 we took these Alaska, Dayton, Kane, Dakota and Rockville —
all of which include the classic bold Wrangler ®
capabilities to a new level. In-store shops featuring
our Lee ®, Wrangler ® and H.I.S ® brands debuted in brand details. Spring 2004 marks the launch of
our premium Blue Bell ™ line. Capitalizing on the
2003 with one of our large customers in Germany,
generating double-digit sales gains within those brand’s rich history, the line will include key product
locations. We will expand this program significant- features dating back to the 1940s and ’50s.
ly in 2004, with rollouts slated for a number of
additional customers. NEW PRODUCTS FOR MASS SHOPPERS
Our Hero by Wrangler ® and Maverick ® brands
We’re delivering more product innovation
more frequently, and we’ve shortened our product are poised for growth in 2004. For example, the
development cycle time while increasing our invest- market for stretch denim continues to grow and
ment in design and merchandising. Having the we have capitalized on this trend with the suc-
cessful launch of our EasiFit ™ line, which provides
right technology to handle the growing complexity (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) LEE, HERO BY WRANGLER, WRANGLER
a great fit. The Hero by Wrangler ® brand is also
of managing multiple brands in retail stores is key.
We’re using a new retail support system, encom- the first brand to bring a line of stain resistant
passing all the critical components of an advanced casual pants to the mass channel through its
EasiClean ™ line, which features a liquid repellent,
retail competency, including assortment planning,
visual merchandising and retail sales analysis, with wrinkle resistant and breathable fabric.
three of the biggest retailers in Germany. We continue to extend our brands into new
markets. The Wrangler ® brand was launched in
China in 2003 and our Lee ®, Wrangler ® and H.I.S ®
BRANDS WITH STAYING POWER
CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION
The heritage and authenticity of our brands is brands are establishing a foothold in Russia.
what gives them staying power. Our Lee ® brand A network of licensees in countries including India,
Department Stores Mass Market Specialty Stores
in Europe continues to lead the way in fabric, fit Korea, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines
LEE HERO BY WRANGLER LEE
and finish through its successful Lee® 101 Premium further extends the reach of our brands.
WRANGLER MAVERICK WRANGLER
line. In support of the Lee ® brand’s workwear
H.I.S OLD AXE H.I.S
19. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 35
Outdoor
JANSPORT
EASTPAK
THE NORTH FACE
TRANS
the third generation of our popular Airlift ® series.
Our Outdoor coalition continues to show great
momentum. With The North Face ®, JanSport ®, New sling bags and messenger bags, as well as
and Eastpak ® brands, we’ve built a powerful totes and accessories aimed at teen girls, have
platform with the promise of further growth in established the brand as a fashion leader.
the years to come.
TAPPING NEW MARKETS
Our JanSport ® brand will introduce a new line of
THE NORTH FACE: NEVER STOP EXPLORING ™
Boasting sales growth of more than 25% in 2003, hydration packs this year that will allow consumers
The North Face ® brand is setting the pace for the to carry water easily and efficiently. We’ve partnered
competition. Continuous technical innovation is with Nalgene Nunc International Corporation,
a pioneer in portable hydration with its Nalgene ®
the key to driving growth in all product categories.
A highlight in 2003 was the introduction of A5 ™ brand, to incorporate unique features that will
form the core of our new Water Tower ™ and
series outdoor lifestyle apparel, which complements
Hydro Dynamic ™ packs. And our new All Terra ™
our technical products and which was one of the
most successful launches in the brand’s history. line of packs is aimed at adventure seeking world
Footwear is our fastest growing product category, travelers. Come fall 2004, we’re looking forward
to the launch of a new line of JanSport ® brand
with new high performance running shoes and
hiking and winter boot offerings leading the way. outerwear and fleece products that leverage the
On the retail front, in 2003 we opened a new product development, design and sourcing capa-
bilities of The North Face ® brand. We’ll also be
flagship store in New York City, bringing the total
(CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) THE NORTH FACE, JANSPORT, EASTPAK
entering the mass market with Trans™ from JanSport,
number of company-owned stores to seven.
In partnership with key retailers, we also opened a new line of high value, high style packs.
The Eastpak® brand continues to be the undis-
stores in London and Heavenly Valley, California.
We now have a total of nine such stores in presti- puted market leader in Europe. Using the more
gious locations in North America and Europe. edgy and contemporary look of its European coun-
We plan to open a store in Boston and add five terpart, we’re repositioning the brand in the U.S. to
locations in Europe this year. capitalize on growth in the skate and surf markets.
The brand also saw big sales gains in interna-
CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION
tional markets, primarily in Europe.
United States National Chains and Mass Market Specialty Stores
PACKING IT RIGHT Department Stores TRANS JANSPORT
Our JanSport ® brand maintains the number one JANSPORT
THE NORTH FACE
market share position in daypacks and an 80%- THE NORTH FACE
EASTPAK
plus brand awareness with teenage consumers in
the U.S. The JanSport ® brand continues to deliver
Department Stores Specialty Stores
International
innovation — a good example is its Live Wire® pack
EASTPAK EASTPAK
featuring built in headphones. This year will mark
JANSPORT JANSPORT
the introduction of our premium Airlift Exos ™ Pack,
THE NORTH FACE THE NORTH FACE
20. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 37
Imagewear
LEE SPORT BULWARK VF SOLUTIONS E. MAGRATH
CHASE AUTHENTICS* PENN STATE TEXTILE LEE BYRON NELSON*
CSA NFL RED* WRANGLER HERO
RED KAP NFL WHITE* JANSPORT
GITANO HORACE SMALL EASTPAK
VF Imagewear, the industry leader in licensed apparel brand, had a strong year due to great
sports and image apparel, delivered a solid per- products that meet new regulations, expanded
formance in 2003 with record profitability. Our brand awareness and much improved service levels.
Tapping into The North Face ® brand’s expertise
Imagewear coalition’s strategy is to provide a “one
stop shop” for its customers, using an unmatched in performance outerwear, a new line, The Force,
was introduced under our Horace Small ® brand,
portfolio of brands, products, services and tech-
nologies to deliver customized apparel solutions. the leader in public safety uniforms. Having access
to VF’s great portfolio of brands is a big competi-
tive advantage. We are now offering customized
MAKING IT HAPPEN
image apparel using our Lee®, Wrangler®, JanSport®,
With sales up 16% over last year, our Licensed
Eastpak® and Gitano® brands to all our customers.
Sports Apparel unit, which provides a range of
casual apparel for sports fans shopping in mass A new addition to Imagewear’s portfolio are the
E. Magrath ® and Byron Nelson ® lines of fine golf
and national chain stores, has become a key
growth vehicle in our Imagewear coalition. We’ve apparel, which were part of our Nautica acquisition.
built partnerships with all the major sports leagues Over the years, we’ve built a stable of blue-chip
including the National Football League (NFL), accounts, with customers that include FedEx,
Major League Baseball (MLB), National Collegiate BellSouth, Compass and the Fire Department of
Athletic Association (NCAA,) National Basketball New York. In addition, we are the largest non-
(LEFT TO RIGHT) BULWARK, NFL RED*
Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL) defense uniform supplier to the Federal Government,
and NASCAR. Growth is being fueled by new supplying not only the Transportation Security
licenses that offer greater exclusivity, such as Administration, but also U.S. Customs and the
those with the NFL and MLB, as well as from our Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
latest licensed brand from the Harley-Davidson
Motor Company. Innovative, eye-catching designs, KICKING IT UP A NOTCH
combined with value-driven products and rapid Improved technology capabilities, including over
service capabilities are the keys to our success. 30 new customer web sites that will transact over
CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION
We’ll continue to leverage our powerful business $40 million of business, and the implementation
model in 2004, with a focus on providing more of a new order management system, are notching
Image RED KAP WRANGLER HERO
fashion-right women’s, young men’s and children’s up our service levels. The expansion of our sourcing
BULWARK JANSPORT
products while continuing to search for new capabilities — both owned and contracted — has
PENN STATE TEXTILE GITANO
licensed opportunities that complement our increased productivity to new highs. With a more
VF SOLUTIONS HORACE SMALL
extensive capabilities. flexible and global sourcing strategy, we’ve lowered
LEE EASTPAK
our cost structure and increased our speed to market.
Looking ahead, we are geared up for an even
DELIVERING CUSTOMER SERVICE
LEE SPORT NFL WHITE*
Retail
Unemployment levels remain high, impacting our better 2004. We’ve got the right mix of people
CHASE AUTHENTICS* E. MAGRATH
workwear business. However, overall macroeconomic and capabilities to ensure we’re ready for growth.
CSA BYRON NELSON*
trends for uniforms, particularly in the service sector,
NFL RED*
remain positive. Bulwark ®, a premier protective
*licensed brand
21. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 39
Sportswear
NAUTICA
EARL JEAN
The acquisition of Nautica Enterprises, Inc. in research to better understand the department
2003 is a major milestone for VF. In addition to store consumer’s expectations of the sportswear
category, the Nautica ® brand within that category,
providing us with a strong lifestyle brand, the
and the potential to build the Nautica ® brand in
acquisition also marks our entry into the sportswear
category, extends our reach to new consumer new categories including women’s apparel.
segments and boosts our presence in department
and specialty stores. It also extends our reach GROWING WITH STYLE
directly to consumers through Nautica ® and Earl Founded in 1996, the Earl Jean ® brand’s high
Jean ® retail stores. The Nautica ® and Earl Jean ® style, low rise jeans placed it on the map as a
brands now form the foundation of our new fast growing fashion leader. The brand has since
Sportswear Coalition, and both provide tremen- expanded into new styles, washes and fabrica-
dous opportunities for future growth. tions, including leather and corduroy, and woven
shirts, skirts, t-shirts and outerwear. A men’s
collection was added in 2002, featuring special
CHARTING A NEW COURSE
The Nautica ® brand resonates strongly with details and unique fabrics. Today, Earl Jean ®
consumers across many product categories. brand products can be found in leading specialty
Its powerful presence in such categories as sports- and department stores in the U.S., Europe and
wear, jeanswear and children’s apparel attests Japan, as well as in the Company’s retail locations
to the brand’s strong connection with consumers. in the U.S, Japan and London. A new global
The key to our future lies in strengthening our advertising campaign launches in 2004 to spur
current product offering and consumer marketing, greater consumer demand.
while unlocking the growth potential of the brand
in new categories and markets. CAPTURING THE OPPORTUNITY
We have an experienced and energized We have a full plate in 2004. We’ll be focused
management team that is focused on growing on improving our sportswear products, continuing
our owned businesses. We’re also working with the momentum in our men’s jeans business,
a broad array of licensed partners, including men’s exploring a women’s sportswear opportunity,
tailored clothing, dress shirts, accessories, women’s developing new licensing partnerships, expanding
(CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) EARL JEAN, NAUTICA BLUE, NAUTICA
swimwear, fragrances, eyewear, watches and our network of retail stores and building a
home furnishings, to meet the Nautica ® brand stronger global presence for both the Nautica ®
and Earl Jean ® brands to achieve growth in the
consumer’s lifestyle needs.
years ahead.
UNDERSTANDING OUR CONSUMERS
Developing a deep understanding of consumers CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION
is critical to building brand equity, developing
trend-right products and delivering great value. Department Stores Specialty Stores
We will lay the foundation for our future growth NAUTICA EARL JEAN
plans by conducting comprehensive consumer NAUTICA
22. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 41
What are you seeing internationally?
it’s a new jeans cut for women by the Lee® brand,
To Our Stockholders
technical features in The North Face® brand footwear
Our Outdoor businesses are doing very well
or a new line of bras under our Curvation ™ brand.
internationally, particularly The North Face ® brand,
A Conversation with Mackey J. McDonald We have state-of-the-art systems for managing
where sales rose 50% in 2003 driven by new
inventories that enable us to keep inventories tightly
product launches and expanded distribution.
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer controlled, even in volatile times like these. And
Other highlights internationally included the launch
we’ve kept costs under control while maintaining
of the Wrangler® brand into China, a new push
a healthy investment in our brands.
into Russia with our Lee ®, Wrangler ® and H.I.S ®
brands and the opening of a new intimate apparel
Sales growth has been a challenge — boutique concept in Spain and Italy. Our international
How would you characterize 2003?
how are you addressing this? jeans sales were up in 2003, but the increase
It was a very good year for VF, as we reported came entirely from the favorable impact of foreign
We’re taking a new approach to growth. Several
record earnings per share, made a major acquisi- currency translation. Our jeans market share
months ago we launched an initiative within VF
tion — Nautica — and increased our dividend. We positions remain healthy, but sales were impacted
to surface substantial new growth opportunities
saw terrific growth in our Outdoor coalition, driven by a brutally hot summer across much of Europe
within our coalitions, across coalitions and into
by a sales increase of more than 25% in The North in 2003 and soft overall economic trends in most
new categories. We are developing specific plans
Face ® brand. So we feel very good about how our European markets. On the positive side, we did
to unlock the potential of our current brands,
acquisition strategy is contributing to our growth. see higher sales in Canada and Latin America.
focus more heavily in certain geographic areas,
In addition, our Imagewear coalition continued its
find new ways to partner with our customers and
turnaround, with a substantial increase in profitability.
VF has a variety of different brands
step up the pace of acquisitions to strengthen
And, our mass jeans business performed better
in each category — how do you
our portfolio. We’ll have a lot more to say about
than expected, despite the entry by a major com-
differentiate them?
our plans in these areas as the year progresses.
petitor into the mass market. Our businesses enjoy
healthy profitability and generate strong cash flow. Each brand is targeted to a specific consumer
How is Nautica doing, and what are
From a balance sheet and liquidity perspective, segment. For example, in the mass market channel
your plans for the brand in 2004? we sell the Wrangler Hero®, Riders®, Rustler®, Timber
we ended the year in great shape, with over a half
Creek by Wrangler® brands as well as several smaller
billion dollars in cash. Cash flow from operations
We’re making great progress with Nautica, which
ones. The Wrangler Hero® brand is mostly targeted
topped $540 million in 2003, also better than
added $.16 per share to our earnings in 2003 —
anticipated. VF’s shares provided a total return to male consumers who are looking for great quality,
a terrific contribution and much better than we
to stockholders of 22.7% in 2003. value and the latest fits, finishes and styles. The
had anticipated. Our first priority for Nautica is to
Riders® brand is primarily a female brand, with styles
stabilize the men’s sportswear business, and that
that fit and look terrific. Our Rustler® brand offers
How would you describe current begins with improved products. With its casual
a durable, hardworking jean at a great value, while
industry conditions? styling and spirited colors, our fall line represents a
our Chic ®, Gitano ® and Brittania ® brands give us
leap forward for the brand, and the initial response
Industry conditions remain challenging, with niche brands that can be tailored to specific retailers’
by customers has been positive. We’ve invested
generally weak retail sales of apparel. Consumers needs. We take the same approach in intimate
more heavily in design and new product features
have been cautious and selective in their spending. apparel, where we have multiple brands in both
that have improved the quality of the products
They are looking either for great value and bargains department and mass market stores. This approach
while providing a distinctive point of view. Nautica’s
or for distinctive brands that offer truly unique also allows us to successfully identify and fill gaps in
other core businesses are doing well, and we
and innovative products. In response, retailers have our portfolio. One good example is the 2003 launch
expect continued growth in our men’s jeans and
of our new Curvation ® brand, which we developed
been managing inventories very tightly. Pricing
furnishings businesses in 2004. Our licensed
continues to be under pressure. Fortunately, we’re specifically to fill the needs of curvaceous women
business remains strong and we’re entering several
adept at managing in times like these. We rely on shopping in mass market stores. Another is the
new categories. And to support these initiatives,
launch of the Riggs Workwear by Wrangler™ line of
our comprehensive understanding of consumers’
we plan to increase our media spending by over
apparel needs to deliver the right products at the jeans and shirts that incorporates special features
50% this year, in addition to increases in public
right value. We give consumers a reason to buy, for men working in construction and other jobs
relations and consumer research.
through emphasizing innovation in all we do, whether that require products with exceptional durability.
23. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 43
What will the removal of quotas on What are your financial targets? Financial Review
apparel from China mean for consumers,
We target 6% sales growth, with much of that
apparel manufacturers — and VF?
coming from acquisitions. Our other financial
In 2003 we reported higher sales and record
The change in quotas will almost certainly increase targets include a 14% operating margin, a debt
China’s share of the apparel market and create to capital ratio below 40%, return on capital
earnings per share. Our balance sheet, cash flow
growth in their exports, which could prove a of 17% and a dividend payout ratio of 30%.
detriment to other garment producing countries
and liquidity are strong. We ended the year with
and economies. While apparel prices have been
What’s your outlook for 2004?
declining for some time now, this event could
over $500 million in cash. Our return on capital
bring them even lower — a boost for consumers. We’re looking forward to another record year in
For manufacturers, the question is how to take 2004 and are currently projecting a 5% increase
was 16.6% and cash flow from operations reached
advantage of evolving market dynamics while in both sales and earnings. Sales growth will be
minimizing the risks associated with changes in driven primarily from the acquisition of Nautica,
$544 million. We’re looking forward to another
sourcing strategies. VF has long taken a balanced which is expected to contribute approximately
approach to manufacturing and sourcing. We $550 million to full year sales and at least $0.16
very good year in 2004.
have extensive capabilities in place, not only in to earnings per share in 2004. Our Outdoor busi-
China but in other markets including Mexico, the nesses are also expecting another strong year
Caribbean and South Asia. Our Global Sourcing of double-digit growth. Total jeanswear sales are
Office, headquartered in Hong Kong, manages all expected to be about flat with prior year levels,
the Far East sourcing requirements for our brands with low single-digit sales increases in both Global
and complements our owned manufacturing in Intimates and Imagewear. We also expect sales
Mexico and Central America. As we look forward, will reflect the exit of our Playwear business, which
we will continue to manage our supply chain contributed $141 million to sales in 2003.
from a global perspective and adjust as needed
to changes in the quota environment.
What are you most excited about,
going forward?
What are your priorities for cash flow?
I’m most excited about the opportunities we’re
Acquisitions. We believe our industry will continue working on for future growth. I believe the VF
to consolidate and we intend to participate actively of five years from now will be very different from
in this process. We have the balance sheet and cash what it is today. We’ll have more growth engines,
flow to make additional acquisitions in 2004, and more lifestyle brands that are truly global in reach
the operating platforms within our coalitions to effi- and more synergies across our different coalitions.
ciently integrate them. More specifically, we are I’m excited about the opportunities we’ll generate for
44 Operating Committee 69 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
looking to fill gaps in our Jeanswear, Global Intimates our associates around the world. We’ll be success-
and Outdoor coalitions. We’re seeking lifestyle brands ful because we have an extraordinarily experienced
45 Management’s Discussion and Analysis 70 Consolidated Statements of Common
with strong growth potential that give us access to and talented group of leaders committed to making
Stockholders’ Equity
new consumer groups, new channels of distribution growth happen in VF. And I’m excited about the
65 Management’s Responsibility for
and new geographic markets. Plus, Nautica gives potential we have to continue to increase value
Financial Statements 71 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
us a strong platform in sportswear, which we plan for our stockholders.
to leverage by adding new sportswear brands.
65 Report of Independent Auditors 97 Quarterly Results of Operations
66 Consolidated Balance Sheets 98 Financial Summary
67 Consolidated Statements of Income 100 Corporate Directory
Mackey J. McDonald
68 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 102 Investor Information
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
24. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 45
OPERATING COMMITTEE
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
VF owns a diversified portfolio of brands
OVERVIEW
with strong market positions. We operate in four
VF Corporation is a leading marketer of apparel principal consumer product categories and market
products in the United States and in several occupational apparel to distributors and major
international markets. VF’s vision is to grow by employers. Our principal product categories and
building lifestyle brands that excite consumers major brands are summarized as follows:
around the world.
Product Category VF-owned Brands
Lee®, Wrangler®, Riders®, Rustler®, Timber Creek by Wrangler®
Jeanswear
Vanity Fair®, Lily of France®, Vassarette®, Bestform®
Intimate apparel
Nautica®, Earl Jean®
Sportswear
The North Face®, JanSport®, Eastpak®
Outdoor products
Red Kap®, Bulwark®
Occupational apparel
VF has a broad customer base, with products In our search for acquisitions, we focus on
distributed through leading department, chain, branded apparel businesses that fit our strategic
specialty and discount stores. Our ten largest goals. We evaluate numerous acquisition candidates
customers represented 41% of total 2003 sales. each year and insist that a potential acquisition
We have established several long-term financial satisfy our strategic and financial goals. More
targets that guide us in our long-term decisions. specifically, we are interested in lifestyle brands
Attainment of these targets should drive increases or businesses that might add to our current
in shareholder value. These targets are summa- jeanswear, sportswear, intimate apparel or outdoor
middle top to bottom right top to bottom rized below: product categories, but we are receptive to
left top to bottom
Frank C. Pickard III George N. Derhofer
Mackey J. McDonald other opportunities.
Vice President — Treasurer Vice President and Chairman —
Chairman, President and • Sales growth of 6% per year — The overall apparel
Imagewear Coalition
Chief Executive Officer industry in recent years has been relatively flat • Operating income of 14% — In recent years, we
Robert K. Shearer in terms of unit volume, with generally flat to have made progress toward this goal, as demon-
Vice President — Finance & Global Susan Larson Williams
Candace S. Cummings slightly declining prices. This has also been the strated by attaining an operating margin of
Processes and Chief Financial Officer Vice President — Human Resources
Vice President — Administration, case within VF. Looking to 2004, we expect a 12.4% in 2003.
General Counsel and Secretary 5% growth in sales, driven by the full year effect Some of our businesses currently exceed that
Eric C. Wiseman John Schamberger of Nautica Enterprises, Inc. (Nautica), a leading 14% benchmark. While most of the remaining
Vice President and Chairman — Vice President and Chairman —
Terry L. Lay sportswear company acquired in August 2003, businesses enjoy double digit margins, we recognize
Sportswear & Global North & South America
Vice President and Chairman — and continued growth in our Outdoor business- that competitive pressures may keep some
Intimates Coalitions Jeanswear Coalition
Outdoor & International es. On a longer-term basis, achieving our growth from achieving that goal. We continually evaluate
Jeanswear Coalitions target will require a combination of internal our existing businesses. In 2002, we exited the
growth and acquisitions. swimwear and the private label knitwear businesses
25. VF Corporation 2003 Annual Report 47
and currently have a plan to exit the Healthtex® • Debt to capital of less than 40% — To maintain is expected to result in a 2004 earnings per share
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
and Nike® childrenswear business. Each of these a conservative financial position, we have estab- contribution that is comparable with 2003. We do
OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
had been a profitable business for VF, but they no lished a goal of keeping our total debt to less expect further earnings growth in succeeding years.
longer met our strategic and financial objectives. than 40% of our total capitalization, with capital- Acquisition of Nautica See Note B to the consolidated financial
We have taken numerous actions in recent ization defined as our combined short and A major event for VF in 2003 was the acquisition statements for more information on the acquisition
years to increase our operating margin by reducing long-term debt plus common stockholders’ equity. of Nautica and related rights in August for a total of Nautica.
our cost structure. Many of these actions have We would, however, be willing to exceed this purchase price of $683.9 million. Nautica consists
primarily of the Nautica ® men’s wholesale sports-
centered on lowering our product cost by changing target ratio, on a short-term basis, for the right Restructuring Charges and
wear business, along with significant Nautica® retail
our sourcing mix. Several years ago, production acquisition. Despite the 2003 acquisition of Discontinued Operations
was sourced from mostly VF-owned domestic Nautica and its related financing, this ratio was and licensing businesses. In addition, it includes During the fourth quarter of 2001, we initiated
the smaller businesses of Earl Jean ® jeans and
production capacity; today, approximately 95% reduced to 33.7% at the end of 2003 and we a Strategic Repositioning Program. This consisted
sportswear, E. Magrath ® golf sportswear and
of the products we sell in the U.S. markets are ended the year with over $500 million in cash and of a series of actions to exit underperforming
John Varvatos ® designer apparel (which is held
obtained from lower cost VF-owned offshore equivalents, demonstrating VF’s ability to generate businesses and to aggressively reduce our overall
capacity and production contracted from indepen- strong cash flow from operations. for disposition). This acquisition provides a growth cost structure. (As discussed in the following
dent third parties. platform for VF in sportswear, which is a new paragraph, the business exits are accounted for
Looking to acquisitions, we believe that our • Dividend payout ratio of 30% — Our target is to product category for VF. The men’s sportswear as discontinued operations.) Cost reduction initia-
recently acquired Nautica sportswear business return 30% of our earnings to our stockholders category has been weak in department stores for tives related specifically to closure of manufacturing
can achieve this 14% goal, and we are taking through a consistent dividend policy. We have the last several years. We believe that new manage- plants, consolidation of distribution centers and
steps toward that end. maintained this payout ratio on a long-term basis. ment led by Mr. David Chu, the founder of the reduction of administrative functions. These actions
Nautica® brand, can return the brand to its heritage
As our earnings have grown over the years, our were designed to help VF achieve its long-term
• Return on invested capital of 17% — We believe Board of Directors has been able to increase our so that it can resume its growth. And we believe targets of 14% operating income and 17% return
that the Nautica® brand is an important lifestyle
that a high return on capital is closely correlated dividends paid per share each year for the past on capital.
with enhancing shareholder value. We calculate 31 years. Our payout rate was 28% for 2003, and brand that can be extended across additional As part of the Strategic Repositioning Program,
return on invested capital as income before net we most recently increased our quarterly dividend product categories for both men and women and we decided to exit the Private Label knitwear and
interest expense, after income taxes, divided in the fourth quarter of 2003 to an indicated annual extended to new geographic regions. the Jantzen swimwear businesses having combined
by the sum of average short and long-term debt payout of $1.04 per share for 2004. The combined Nautica businesses contributed sales of approximately $300 million. The Private
and common stockholders’ equity. VF earned $252.2 million to VF’s 2003 sales, and they are Label knitwear business was liquidated during 2002.
a 16.6% return on capital in 2003. Further, expected to contribute approximately $550 million Trademarks and certain operating assets of the
we expect acquisition targets to have the ability to full year sales in 2004. This full year amount Jantzen swimwear business were sold and the
to achieve returns that allow VF to maintain is significantly less than the $693.7 million reported remaining assets were liquidated during 2002.
a 17% return on capital on a long-term basis. by Nautica in its fiscal year ended March 1, 2003, Because VF has exited those businesses, the
its last full year as a separate public company. operating results, assets, liabilities and cash flows
Approximately $75 million of that sales decline is of the businesses are separately presented as
due to product lines that have been exited by prior discontinued operations for all periods in the con-
management or current VF management. The solidated financial statements. During 2003, these
remainder of the decline is in the men’s sportswear discontinued businesses had no effect on VF’s
category, offset by sales growth at the Nautica ® operating results. During 2002, they contributed
retail stores and in Nautica ® men’s jeans and net income of $8.3 million ($0.07 per share),
underwear and men’s and women’s sleepwear. including $9.3 million of pretax gains on disposi-
Nautica contributed an incremental $0.16 to VF’s tion of real estate and a $1.4 million gain on the
2003 earnings per share (with all per share amounts sale of the Jantzen business. Operating results
presented on a diluted basis). Considering the during 2002 for the two discontinued businesses
SALES GROSS MARGIN DEBT TO CAPITAL RATIO
August 27 acquisition date and the seasonal nature were better than expected due to favorable
Dollars in millions Percent to sales Percent
consumer response to the 2002 Jantzen® swimwear
of Nautica’s earnings, VF received the benefit of
Nautica’s historically stronger earnings period in line and expense control during the liquidation
5,220 37.4
36.0 33.7
5,207 32.9 31.7
5,084 28.6 2003. While we expect Nautica’s operating income period. During 2001, these businesses generated
to grow in 2004, a full year of interest expense a net loss of $79.4 million ($0.69 per share), which
on the borrowings used to fund that acquisition included a pretax charge of $111.4 million ($0.70
2002 2003
2001 2001 2002 2001 2002
2003 2003