Kontoor Brands, Inc.

Kontoor Brands Completes the Sale of the Lee® Business to Authentic Brands Group

Kontoor Brands has completed the sale of its Lee business to Authentic Brands Group. CEO Scott Baxter said the company now has a more focused, growth-oriented portfolio positioned to deliver stronger shareholder returns, with Wrangler and Helly Hansen as its remaining core brands. Morgan Stanley served as Kontoor's exclusive financial advisor; the release discloses no transaction terms or proceeds.

•15h ago

Kontoor Brands Declares Quarterly Dividend, a 2 Percent Increase

Kontoor Brands' board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.54 per share, a 2% ($0.01) increase. The dividend is payable December 18, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business December 8, 2026. The modest raise signals continued confidence in cash generation across the Wrangler, Lee and Helly Hansen portfolio, but is routine capital-return news.

•12d ago

imogene + willie and Wrangler® Launch Landmark Collaboration Rooted in American Denim Heritage

Wrangler, a brand of Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB), launched a landmark collaboration with Nashville-based denim maker imogene + willie rooted in American denim heritage. The collection draws on Wrangler's archives, including the iconic 1964 vintage 10MWZ pattern and Cone Mills White Oak deadstock selvedge denim, and will be released in three drops from September 26 through November 7. Items are priced from $48 to $350 and will be sold on Wrangler.com and at imogeneandwillie.com. The collaboration is a brand-marketing event with no disclosed financial terms or revenue expectations.

•1mo ago

Kontoor Brands Board of Directors Elects Jamie Caulfield, Former PepsiCo, Inc. Chief Financial Officer and Michael Skipworth, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wingstop Inc. as New Directors

Kontoor Brands elected Jamie Caulfield, former PepsiCo CFO, and Wingstop CEO Michael Skipworth to its board of directors, effective immediately. The board expanded from seven to nine directors. Caulfield joins the Audit and Nominating & Governance Committees; Skipworth joins the Audit and Talent and Compensation Committees. Both additions bring deep consumer-sector finance and brand-scaling experience, which management says will inform portfolio and multi-brand platform strategy.

•1mo ago

Wrangler® Unveils the Blue Bell Collection: Its Most Premium Men's Line to Date

Wrangler, the flagship brand of Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB), debuted the Blue Bell Collection on September 16, its first standalone entry into the premium men's market, available on Wrangler.com. The limited-run Fall26 capsule features raw Japanese selvedge denim, full-grain suede, and hand-crafted leather across archival silhouettes, priced from $399.99 to $1,399.99. Wrangler plans to expand the collection's distribution into top-tier boutiques and premium retail environments globally, though the release discloses no sales targets or financial expectations for the line.

•1mo ago

Genesco Launches Wrangler Footwear Collection

Genesco launched its Wrangler footwear collection, the first milestone under its multiyear licensing agreement with Kontoor Brands, spanning men's, women's, and children's styles across Western, work, and casual lifestyle categories. The Fall 2026 line goes live September 15 on Wrangler.com, with select U.S. retailers rolling out later in the season at retail prices from $100 to $240; select work styles meet ASTM safety-toe and slip-resistance standards. Genesco Brands Group already sells licensed footwear under Dockers and Starter, and management frames Wrangler as a significant growth platform — though no revenue targets or financial expectations were disclosed.

•1mo ago

Kontoor Brands Unveils Helly Hansen Growth Strategy and 2030 Financial Targets

Kontoor Brands outlined a long-term growth strategy for its Helly Hansen segment, targeting 2030 revenue of more than $1.1 billion, which implies a roughly 10% compound annual growth rate from a $675 million pro-forma base in fiscal 2025. The plan targets gross margins in the mid- to high-50% range and operating margins in the mid-teens, alongside cumulative cash generation of over $500 million through 2030. Strategy pillars include expanding U.S. distribution, solidifying leadership in premium outdoor and wintersports, and scaling the European workwear business into North America.

•2mo ago

Kontoor Brands Appoints C.J. King as General Manager, Helly Hansen, North America, Sport

Kontoor Brands named C.J. King as General Manager of Helly Hansen, North America, Sport, effective August 31. King joins from Arc’teryx, where he most recently served as VP North American Wholesale and VP/GM North America, and will report to SVP Børre Hegbom. Management stated that King's experience will be instrumental in strengthening Helly Hansen’s position in the U.S., which it identified as the world's largest outdoor market.

•2mo ago

Lee® Celebrates Marilyn Monroe’s 100th Birthday with a Global Capsule Reimagining the Icon’s Most Famous Looks

Lee, a Kontoor Brands brand, launched the Lee x Marilyn Monroe collection, a limited-edition capsule honoring the icon's 100th birthday. The collection reimagines Monroe's famous looks, including the iconic Storm Rider jacket, with pricing ranging from $47.99 to $187.99. Available globally on Lee's site and at retailers like Nordstrom, Amazon, and Walmart, the line features premium fabrics and archival photography.

•2mo ago

Kontoor Brands Reports 2026 Second Quarter Results and Raises Full Year Outlook; Expects to Enter Into a $400 Million Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement

Kontoor Brands reported Q2 revenue of $584 million, up 19% year-over-year, driven by a stronger-than-expected contribution from Helly Hansen and 2% growth in Wrangler. Adjusted EPS increased 13% to $1.06, bolstered by a 710 basis point expansion in adjusted gross margin to 53.8%. The company raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $5.25-$5.35, up from the prior range of $5.15-$5.25, citing robust year-to-date performance. Management also signaled increased investment in brand-building initiatives to fuel long-term growth. Upon the expected Q4 closing of the Lee divestiture, Kontoor plans to deploy proceeds into a $400 million accelerated share repurchase agreement. Total capital return for 2026 is expected to exceed $900 million through buybacks, dividends, and debt payments.

•2mo ago

Joseph A. Alkire Appointed President and Chief Financial Officer to Accelerate Next Phase of Growth

Joseph Alkire has been appointed President and Chief Financial Officer of Kontoor Brands, effective immediately, expanding his oversight to include the Wrangler brand while maintaining global responsibility for Helly Hansen. Alkire retains his CFO role and continues to report to CEO Scott Baxter, consolidating operational and financial leadership within the existing executive team. The company stated the move aligns its portfolio under a single leader to accelerate value creation and support the next phase of growth.

•2mo ago

Wrangler® and LoveShackFancy Announce New Limited-Edition Collaboration Blending Heritage Denim with Vintage Romance

Wrangler, a subsidiary of Kontoor Brands (KTB), partnered with LoveShackFancy to launch a 19-piece limited-edition women's denim collection available August 5. The capsule, which includes jeans, bustiers, jackets, and dresses, blends western heritage with romantic aesthetics and is priced between $79 and $239. Management highlighted that the collaboration aims to grow the women's business by targeting Gen Z consumers through nostalgic, fashion-forward designs.

•3mo ago

Introducing Lee LQD, Liquid Soft Denim Designed for the Way Women Move 

Kontoor Brands' Lee label launched the Lee LQD Denim collection, a women's line featuring "liquid soft" fabric designed for fluid comfort and modern silhouettes. The collection includes wide leg jeans, skirts, and jumpsuits available in sizes 24-36 and XS-XL, with prices ranging from $69 to $128. Items will be sold on Lee's channels and at major retailers including Free People and Nordstrom in the US, and Zalando in Europe.

•3mo ago

Wrangler® Introduces Toughlite™: Next Gen Denim Engineered to Be Lighter, Built to Last

Wrangler launched Toughlite, a next-generation performance denim designed to be lighter and more flexible while retaining the brand's signature durability. The new fabric is up to 20% lighter than traditional 14.75 oz heavyweight denim and is constructed from a 99% cotton and 1% elastane blend for enhanced airflow and comfort. Priced at $69.99, the collection debuts in the brand's iconic 13MWZ and 936 Cowboy Cut fits across four classic washes starting July 9th.

•3mo ago

Wrangler® Celebrates Its Deep Roots in Country Music With Major Festival Activations Across the U.S. This Summer

Wrangler, a brand owned by Kontoor Brands, is launching a nationwide summer tour of festival activations to celebrate its 75-year legacy in country music. The campaign features major sponsorships and consumer experiences at CMA Fest, Braves Country Fest, Under The Big Sky, and the seven-stop Bulls, Bands, and Barrels tour. Executives emphasized the deep connection between the denim brand and the genre, aiming to drive consumer engagement through immersive on-site experiences like the Wrangler Ranch.

•4mo ago

Kontoor Brands Enters Into Definitive Agreement to Sell Lee® Business to Authentic Brands Group

Kontoor Brands signed a definitive agreement to sell its Lee business to Authentic Brands Group for up to $1 billion, comprising a $750 million initial payment and a $250 million earnout. The divestiture allows Kontoor to sharpen its focus on its remaining two brands, Wrangler and Helly Hansen, which management views as having significant global growth potential and higher margins. Proceeds from the sale are expected to be deployed for increased share repurchases under the existing $750 million authorization and voluntary term loan payments, strengthening the balance sheet.

•5mo ago

FGX International Announces Licensing Agreement with Iconic American Brand Wrangler®

Kontoor Brands (KTB) announced a licensing partnership with FGX International to launch Wrangler-branded eyewear, including sunglasses and reading glasses. The collection draws on Wrangler’s Western heritage, featuring polarized lenses and recycled plastic frames, with styles priced between $20 and $35. Select styles are already available in North America and Latin America, with distribution expanding across major retailers like Walmart, CVS, and Amazon throughout 2026.

•5mo ago

Western Roots, Wild Soles: Chaco and Wrangler Pair up for Adventurous Apparel and Footwear Collection

Wrangler, owned by Kontoor Brands, has partnered with Wolverine Worldwide's Chaco brand to launch an eight-piece unisex collection fusing Western heritage with outdoor performance. The collection includes four footwear styles and four apparel items, such as the Mega Z Classic Sandal and denim shirts, priced between $39.99 and $150. Targeting Gen Z and Millennial consumers, the items will be sold exclusively on the brands' respective websites, emphasizing durability and shared brand values.

•6mo ago