Is VF Corp (VFC) Set to Underperform? Analyzing the Factors Limiting Growth

Understanding the Barriers to Outperformance for VF Corp (VFC)

Long-established in the Manufacturing - Apparel & Accessories industry, VF Corp (VFC, Financial) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. However, it has recently witnessed a daily loss of 1.04%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of -2.21%. Fresh insights from the GF Score hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of VF Corp.

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What Is the GF Score?

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned VF Corp the GF Score of 62 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

Understanding VF Corp's Business

VF Corp (VFC, Financial), with a market cap of $6.68 billion and sales of $11.39 billion, is a key player in the apparel and accessories sector. The company boasts an operating margin of 8.97% and has a diverse portfolio of brands including Vans, The North Face, Timberland, Supreme, and Dickies. VF Corp markets its products globally through various channels, including wholesale, e-commerce, and branded stores. The company's history of growth through acquisitions dates back to 1899, showcasing its long-standing presence in the industry.

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Financial Strength Breakdown

VF Corp's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The interest coverage ratio of 4.59 positions VF Corp worse than 54.34% of its industry peers, signaling potential difficulties in managing interest expenses. The Altman Z-Score of 1.51, below the distress threshold, further indicates possible financial distress in the near future.

The company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.06 and a high debt-to-equity ratio of 3.53, compared unfavorably with industry standards, suggest an over-reliance on borrowing. Moreover, the debt-to-Ebitda ratio of 7.97 exceeds the cautionary level set by Joel Tillinghast, indicating a red flag for the company's debt management.

Growth Prospects

VF Corp's growth trajectory appears to be stunted, as reflected by its Growth rank of 0/10. This lack of growth is a significant concern for investors looking for long-term value appreciation. Additionally, the company's predictability rank of one star out of five exacerbates the uncertainty surrounding VF Corp's revenue and earnings consistency, making it a less attractive option for those seeking stable investment opportunities.

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Next Steps

Considering VF Corp's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GF Score highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. Investors should be cautious and may want to explore other opportunities with stronger financial health and growth prospects. For those seeking to make informed decisions, GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the GF Score Screen.

Is VF Corp poised for a turnaround, or will the current challenges continue to hinder its performance? Value investors must weigh these factors carefully when considering their next move in the apparel and accessories market.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

Disclosures

I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.