Jan 26 (Reuters) - Levi Strauss & Co forecast
annual sales and profit above analysts' estimates after topping
quarterly results on Wednesday, bolstered by higher prices and
strong demand for its jeans and jackets, sending its shares up
8% after the bell.
People shopping for casual outdoor clothing as pandemic
restrictions eased and a resurgence in retro fashion styles such
as high-rise and loose-fitting jeans have buoyed demand for the
company's denims.
The Signature and Levi's 501 jeans maker said it expects
revenue between $6.4 billion and $6.5 billion in fiscal year
2022, compared with analysts' estimates of $6.37 billion,
according to Refinitiv IBES data.
The robust demand has, however, coincided with increased
production and shipping costs, forcing companies to raise prices
to offset the inflationary pressures.
Levi plans to raise prices further in 2022 and beyond, Chief
Executive Officer Chip Bergh said on a call with analysts,
adding that demand outstripped supply in the quarter due to
supply chain snarls.
Lower promotions, more full-price selling and the reopening
of its European and Asian markets also lifted the Denizen brand
owner's sales in the reported quarter.
Compared to pre-pandemic levels, Asia net revenue was flat
in the three months ended Nov. 28, recovering from a 23% slump
reported in the third quarter.
Net revenue rose 22% to $1.69 billion in the fourth quarter,
edging past analysts' estimate of $1.68 billion.
Excluding items, Levi earned 41 cents per share, a cent
above expectations.
Holiday season sales came in above its expectations, the
company said, in contrast to downbeat estimates from retailers
including Lululemon Athletica Inc and Abercrombie &
Fitch Co.
San Francisco-based Levi expects adjusted full-year profit
per share between $1.50 and $1.56, compared with estimates of
$1.52.
(Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Vinay
Dwivedi and Sriraj Kalluvila)