Limited synergies between brands lead to strategic portfolio review

  • VF Corp sells Supreme skating brand to EssilorLuxottica for $1.5 billion in cash
  • Supreme was acquired by VF Corp in 2021 for $2.1 billion
  • Deal expected to close by year-end
  • Supreme was the most profitable brand in VF Corp’s portfolio with EBIT margins over 30%
  • VF Corp’s stock rose 13.5% after announcement

VF Corporation, the parent company of Vans, has agreed to sell its Supreme skating brand to French-Italian eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica for $1.5 billion in cash. The sale is expected to close by year-end and will provide balance sheet flexibility for VF Corp. Supreme was acquired by VF Corp in 2021 for $2.1 billion, resulting in a loss on the sale. Despite being the most profitable brand in the portfolio with EBIT margins over 30%, its synergies with the rest of the company were limited. VF Corp’s stock rose 13.5% following the announcement.

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about VF Corp.’s stock rise after agreeing to sell its Supreme skating brand to EssilorLuxottica for $1.5 billion in cash. It includes quotes from CEOs of both companies and mentions the brand’s history, financial details, and analysts’ opinions on the deal.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about VF Corp.’s decision to sell its Supreme skating brand to EssilorLuxottica for $1.5 billion in cash and the potential impact on the company’s financial situation. However, it contains some repetitive information and could benefit from more analysis or context on the implications of this sale for both companies and the industry.
Public Companies: VF Corp. (VFC), EssilorLuxottica (EL), Eli Lilly (unknown), TWFG Insurance (unknown)
Key People: Francesco Miller (CEO of EssilorLuxottica), Paul du Saillant (Deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica), Bracken Darrell (CEO of VF Corp.), Tom Nikic (Analyst at Wedbush), Matt Quigley (Analyst at Wedbush)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The deal impacts VF Corp.’s stock and balance sheet, as well as potentially affecting the financial performance of EssilorLuxottica.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a significant business transaction between VF Corp. and EssilorLuxottica, involving the sale of Supreme skating brand for $1.5 billion in cash. It also mentions the impact on VF Corp.’s stock price, balance sheet, and financial performance.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article. It discusses a business transaction where VF Corp. sells its Supreme skating brand to EssilorLuxottica for $1.5 billion.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com